Post Conundrum open crocs closed

Banner was made by Kaito Asano

Date	:	April 29th, 2024
Color code	:	Written|Thought|Said

Sere is now sitting in the Gryffindor's long table, eating cornflakes, filling up her stomach before dealing with the last Monday in April. Uh, right... The official duel is soon ahead. I have to start programming my preparation. It's time to working on my skill, to be better than that first match. Her ambitious mind is working while she's having her solitude breakfast.

The girl sees the owls flying into the Great Hall, dropping letters and packages : typical Monday at Hogwarts. Sere, who comes from the muggle world, of course has to make several mindset adjustments in order to get used to the owlery systems since the muggle world doesn't use it anymore.

The next Monday's things are the various expressions of the students after received the letters and packages that were dropped to them. Most of them showed happiness, but others showed surprised, some even showed confusion, and a few of them showed sadness. Interesting indeed, but there is this one person that stands out in Sere's view today... because... Who is -in this world- gonna raised his wand right after see what's inside his package?

Wait, what?! Raised his wand?!

Sere immediately slides from her position to get closer to the ashen hair boy she had met in the common room several months ago, "You don't intended to break a rule in this early Monday morning, do you?" The girl whispered just as Theo lowered his wand. At that exact moment, Sere could clearly see the object in front of the boy. "Oh my God. How could that thing is even existed? Can't you at least choose a better pattern and color? That thing is absolutely hurting every crocs' pride." The straightforward girl immediately blurted out her thoughts when she saw that purple and black footwear with spider web motives. A very unpleasant pair of crocs.

Interacting with : @Theo Vendeberg

Theo’s transfixed stare was interrupted by the sound of a girl shuffling over to him on the bench. He was about to respond to her first question, when she noticed the crocs and launched into her severe judgement of the footwear. He peered pensively at her, trying to figure out where he knew her from as she had a familiar face. The meeting in the common room had slipped his mind and instead he recognised her as a fellow member of the Gryffindor duelling team.

The first thing out of his mouth was probably not what Sere expected and it was difficult to tell if he was serious or joking: “Don’t take the lord’s name in vain.” He said, wagging his finger as if mimicking someone much older than him.

He covered the crocs up with the packaging so no one else could see them. “They do not belong to me. These awful shoes were delivered to me by accident. At least I hope.” Theo said as he looked around helplessly, hoping someone would claim responsibility for the crocs or admit to pulling a prank on him. When no one came forward, he instead tried changing the subject to help get his mind off the gift. “I’m Theodore. A member of Regal Roar as of this spring. I heard what happened in your first duel, you being the only first year. Unlucky that.” He said, sounding sincere. Theo cleared his throat and continued speaking, subtly pushing the package of shoes further and further away from him. “There are five first years on the team right now. Which means at least two of us are in for a bad time when we get assigned to trio-three. None of the other house teams have nearly as many first years. We’re outmatched.” He murmured, sounding rather defeatist.

Banner was made by Kaito Asano

Date	:	April 29th, 2024
Color code	:	Written|Thought|Said

"Surely God wouldn't create something like that..." Sere muttered, incoherent with the topic, when she heard Theo was jokingly taught her about Lord's name. Her eyes couldn't leave the crocs which had been covered again and kept away by the 'recipient', or maybe not... because Theo had just explained that to her.

"Is there any possibility that the crocs was enchanted?" Sere shook her head quickly, "No, no. Enchanted objects are supposed to be beautiful and seductive. The crocs... just from the looks, it looked really cursed. No one will ever be fooled by that crocs if it's enchanted."

Sere has heard about her peers -one by one- becoming Gryffindor official duellists after the winter games, but the roster turnover in the house is indeed quiet concerning, that much so that Sere's not sure whether all the name she knows are still being the Regal Roar's rosters. It could possibly change in a blink. At least now she knows that the boy in front of her is still in the list. Thank God. "Umm... Yeah, I can't say that luck was on my side at that time," The girl cleared her throat, "But I learned a lot from that match. That's the good thing."

The girl exhaled, "You got the point. We're outmatched, in terms of skill and experience. I just don't know how to turn the table." Sere shrugged her shoulders, "I can't depend myself on miracle, so I have to keep on practicing... and also doing my best in the next match."

The girl asked her interlocutors, "How about you? Any preparation for the Spring Games?" Sere added a sneaky tip, "You can use Incendio to burn that hideous crocs while practicing. No one will bother to notice that."

Interacting with : @Theo Vendeberg

"Surely God wouldn't create something like that..."

Theo smiled at this remark, though the expression looked forced as though he struggled to find the humour in it. His rather conservative upbringing discouraged him from making any jokes about religion. He simply did not know how to react when confronted with someone who did. His mind quickly moved on to the potential danger the crocs could cause. He hadn’t considered that the shoes might be enchanted or cursed until Sere mentioned the possibility. Before he had just been annoyed, now he looked down at the package with deep concern.

"But I learned a lot from that match. That's the good thing."

“Perhaps you could share some of that knowledge?” Theo replied, interested in hearing what mistakes he had to avoid when it came to his first duel. As Sere continued on his expression turned from worry to boredom as his mind mulled over everything going on in his life. “I haven’t had time to practise. I’m more worried about end of year exams than duelling.” He sat in silence for a moment as he picked up a scone and shoved it into his mouth. In the excitement of receiving a mystery gift, he had forgotten to eat breakfast.

“You look like you’re top of your classes.” Theo said brazenly and with a hint of jealousy. There was little indication to give away why he might have thought this, but that was the impression she gave him after only a brief conversation. “Wand waving comes more naturally to some than others.” He commented, drawing his wand as he spoke and clearing his throat.

“Wingardium Leviosa.” He said, with a swish and flick of his wand.

WDC 9
[d20 : 6] + 10 WIS = 16

The crocs rose out of their packaging and hovered a couple of feet off the table. Theo kept them suspended in mid air, not breaking concentration. He slowly rotated the shoes to see if there was anything to indicate they were suspicious. “Perhaps I should just take them outside and blow them up.” He said, agreeing with Sere’s suggestion.

Justin was at the Ravenclaw table, unable to eat his food because of his current dilemma. He had just learned of the many creatures in the Black Lake, and Justin was curious what else could be down there. He planned on going fishing at the Black Lake. The thought of catching magical fish, a giant squid, and even some mermaids sounded so cool. He would brag to his zoologist mother. He had all the equipment and bait ready, but there was just one problem.

The only shoes he brought to Hogwarts were his collection of Jordan 1s. Justin didn't want to dirty his babies but he didn't want to fish barefoot either. Who knows what kinds of leeches or freaky little water vampires were lurking in the mud.

Jordan groaned. He didn't want to spend money. He was saving up for the new exclusive Jordan 1 color lines that were dropping next month. But what could he do? He checked his pouch of coins to budget some footwear for fishing. Then suddenly, as if he had taken a vial of Felix Felicis, Justin heard a boy from the Gryffindor table say:

“Perhaps I should just take them outside and blow them up.”

He turned around to see a boy using the levitation charm on a pair of crocs. Perfect! It sounded like the boy was about to burn just what Justin needed. There could not be a more convenient solution.

Justin casually jogged over to the Gryffindor table and picked the floating crocs up with his hands.

"You're a life saver. You were about to burn these right?" Justin asked while chuckling in excitement.

WC: 281

The boy continued staring at the abominable footwear with such loathing it looked like he had swallowed a lemon.

Theodore was about to speak when his crocs were suddenly taken out of the air by a curious Ravenclaw first year. The gryffindor lowered his wand and scowled. It wasn’t like him to give up his property easily, being a very proud individual. Even if moments before he had been desperate to dispose of them. “You were about to burn these right?" The Ravenclaw asked, chuckling. It had certainly rubbed Theo the wrong way how brazenly this boy had strode over and presumed his generosity. When the reply came back it was one laden with hostile feeling. “Mind your own business.” He dropped his arms to his side and gave Sere a quick look, his expression one of disapproval.

He paused for a moment, taking in a spoonful of weetabix and then shook his head, now looking towards Justin. “I wouldn’t be touching them like that. They look cursed to me.” Theo said, his expression now feigning one of concern. That’s when it suddenly dawned on him. Theo was an enterprising chap and he could tell this boy really wanted these hideous crocs. They had no value to him, but he would never turn down an opportunity. “I’ll trade you. What can you give me in return?” Theo asked, now with a slight smirk on his face. He put his elbows on the table and rested his chin on his hands, mimicking someone much older than him like a merchant.

Banner was made by Kaito Asano

Date	:	April 29th, 2024
Color code	:	Written|Thought|Said

"I learned at least three things. First," Sere straightened her back, showing the number one with her index, "Be present. One thing that I -and my other teammate- regretted so much about yesterday's match was the other member who was just doing nothing during the match. I don't know what was she thinking. I mean... It was an official duel." Sere raised her middle finger to join the index, "Second, be brave. This one shouldn't be that difficult since it's one of our -the Gryffindors- possession, right? Don't hesitate to cast every spell, and stand bravely until the end, even if you probably will end up in Hospital Wings." Sere shuddered, remembering how it was actually traumatic : the despair before knocked out.

The Gryffindor girl raised her ring finger to form a three, "Following to the last one..." She cleared her throat, "Just be ready to go to the Hospital Wings anytime. For this lesson, I got it directly from one of the second-year duellists, the one who ended up in the Hospital Wings for countless time." Sere exhaled, "Those are the three things that I can learn. There are probably more, but they just don't pop out immediately in my brain at the moment."

Sere opened her mouth, "Ah, you're right. I also have to prepare myself for the finals." The girl didn't even remember that the end-of-year exam is approaching. "You know, I'm still trying to be best at wand waving. I agree that it comes more naturally to some than others, but it does -certainly- not come naturally to me. I mean, I'm muggle-born. We muggles don't learn anything related to wand waving. One thing that keeps me up is my ambitious mindset, I think."

The British-Korean girl saw how Theo made the crocs float in the air, "You're quiet good in it," Sere took two scones from in front of them quickly, "Just make sure not to drop them on the foods or you'll be reprimaged in front of..." Sere sweeped her gaze through the Great Hall which is full of students this morning, "...everyone." Her risk-avoidant soul was praying so hard so that the boy wouldn't try blowing the crocs in the hall. At the exact time, another boy came from behind them. A Ravenclaw boy. Moreover, he took the floating crocs and asked for that looked-cursed thing!

Sere looked at the boy with 'you are my savior' look. At least the crocs wouldn't drop and it means no commotion in Monday morning. Hearing Theo's unpleasant reply made Sere's frowning. Wasn't he trying so hard to get rid of those thing just now? He should have just made it easier and gave it to the--- Ah, I see! He is bartering. Such a capitalism mindset. Love it.

The excited Sere put some distance between herself and Theo and patted the empty space, "Here, you can sit here. I'm Sere Nade by the way, first year of Gryffindor. And... You?" The Ravenclaw boy looked similar to her in ethnicity. Sere is wondering if the boy also has Korean blood, or maybe oriental ancestry. It's gonna be her first time interacting with an Eastern-Asian boy. "Just talk it between you two and I will be the witness of the handover."

Hey, witness is a very important role in this situation, right?

Interacting with : @Theo Vendeberg & @Justin Shin

Justin noticed the Gryffindor girl offering him a seat at the Gryffindor table. She introduced herself as Sere Nade.

"Justin. Justin Shin. And Ravenclaw," Justin smiled back.

He then turned back to the boy who just attempted to scam him. He subtly shook his head in disappointment.

The boy reminded Justin of his little brother, Jordan, one of the triplets. He was overly competitive and did not like losing... in anything. Ah. Probably didn't like me touching his things without asking. Justin thought to himself.

He then pondered the Gryffindor boy's proposal. Well... technically I already saw how much the crocs were worth to this kid. I just have to bring something of equal value

Justin non-chalantly walked back to the Ravenclaw table and came back with some parchment. They were past assignments that had been graded and returned. He tossed the pile of papers on the Gryffindor table.

"Well, I guess since you want to burn those and I want to burn these, that's a fair trade right?" Justin replied with zero expression in his face.

Justin then sighed. Ah. His pride's not going to like that very much if he's anything like Jordan. He then gave a gentle smile to the boy with ashen hair and softly put the crocs down near the Gryffindor first year.

"You're right. I should have minded my own business, I apologize," Justin sweetly answered. "My mom always said, you don't know how much something is precious to you until it's gone. Let me know if you actually want to give it away. They may look horrendous, but crocs have their uses. Wouldn't want to just punk you like that. All yours, big man."

He then turned to the girl named Sere who had offered him a seat earlier. "Is it really okay if I sit here?" he grinned. "Never sat at a table that's not Ravenclaw."

WC: 321

Theodore was completely silent during Sere’s explanation of the lessons she had learned duelling. His expression showing something akin to passive worry and then disappointment. It sounded like the Gryffindor house team was the worst in the whole school, if not the entire wizarding world. ‘Prepare to end up in the hospital wing’ should be the duelling team’s motto, he thought. The moment it looked as though the boy was finally going to say something, Sere brought up that she was muggle-born and Theo continued his judgemental silence. He was also muggle-born, but was not prepared to be open about it. One thing he had learned since September was that wizards were very particular about heritage. Whether being muggle-born was a good or a bad thing didn’t matter to Theo, he just felt it was smart not to talk about it and keep people guessing.

He continued to sit in silence, looking glum. He watched Justin and Sere introduce themselves to each other and contemplated telling the Ravenclaw his name also. Theo was on the cusp of speaking when Justin suddenly got up from his seat and ventured across the great hall to retrieve his parchment. When he returned and presented his offer, Theo looked furious. “Are you implying I should copy your work? I’m an O level student.” He said loudly and with a slight twitch in his eye. It had clearly hurt his pride, his face scrunching up as he placed a hand on Justin’s papers. “Or perhaps you wish to burn your work because it is terrible.” He said, in a meagre attempt at insulting the boy back.

He rolled up the Ravenclaw’s parchments and pressed them into his chest, nonverbally demanding he take them back. “Shoes are no longer for sale.” He said, patting his hands together as if trying to clean himself of having touched someone else’s school work. “Like I said they are probably cursed and I wouldn’t want to - ‘punk you like that, big man.’" He jeered, mocking Justin’s choice of words before continuing. “You may sit wherever you wish, but I am leaving. Good morning.” He finished and then stood up from the table preparing to leave with the crocs scrunched up in his hands.