Falling, falling...Oh, hi there! Closed

Breaking A Fall With @Amber Caddel

Rayne walked absently across the grounds. It was late afternoon and the sun was beginning to slump down the sky. Vibrant hues of peach and rose patterned the sky, peacefully easing in the night. A slight breeze ruffled Rayne's green hair, occasional specks of rain dotting their glasses. A slight chill darted down their spine as they zipped up their coat, furrowing their hands deep into their pocket. Their was a hum of happy chatter coming from the castle, a warm light oozing through the windows. It was a picturesque sight.

It reminded Rayne of a fond memory. Walking along a suburban road, cottages on one side, woodland on the other. They were strolling, holding hands with both of the twins. It was a fairly mild night, they remembered, and their parents were about 30 feet behind. The three children were laughing at something, though Rayne was unsure what. They distinctly remembered peering through an open window and seeing a cackling fire, in a fireplace, and a dog warming besides it on a rug. Everything was peacefull.

Rayne lowered themselves by a tree, not too far from the castle with an excellent view of the great lake, and the setting sun. They became vaguely aware of the tree creaking slightly, but passed it off as the wind. It was only as a twig snapped off that they saw someone, perched high in the branches. Rayne adored climbing trees, and was tempted to call up. They decided against it, not wanting to startle the girl. She was tall, pretty, with hair not dislike a foxes fur. She was reaching, grasping for a branch that was slightly too high. Rayne could instantly tell she would never reach it, from all the trees they had navigated themselves.

The next thing they knew, the stranger was crashing back down, through branches, almost on top of Rayne. Instantly they jumped up. 'Gosh are you alright? That was quite a fall.' Rayne knew basics in muggle first aid. 'Do you need me to get you help?' A concerned expression creased Raynes kind features, as they peered anxiously at the girl, noticing a book clutched tight in her hand.

Amber looked up from the ground, her vision slightly blurry. "I think I'm fine. It's not the first time I've fallen from a tree." She sat up, trying to ignore her body aching everywhere and the slight pounding in her head. "I'm Amber Cadell. And you are?" Amber stared at them, still clutching the book tightly.
As she spoke, Amber looked down at her legs and arms. She wasn't wearing her uniform, she thought it was uncomfortable. But as she looked at herself she wished she had gotten her robes ruined instead of her new jeans and turtleneck. "Oh, this was my favorite outfit," she whispered, brushing the hair out of her face. "Oh!" Amber blushed, forgetting Rayne was with her. "I didn't hurt you, did I? I'm sorry if I did. I'm not used to people, I've already tripped some mudbloods. It was an accident. Sort of. I mean, they deserve to be tripped. Well, maybe. My mother says they do, but I think maybe they're alright. I'm Amber, did I say that already?" She spoke in a thick Irish accent, and when she spoke her last sentence she had slipped into Gaelic. Still, she continued talking. "Thanks for checking in on me. But I think I'm fine. What's your name?"
Why are you talking so much? Amber thought to herself. This is the most you've ever talked to someone. Don't scare them off! Not only that, but don't let them think you're weird! You are a perfect, capable person who is the most amazing person you know!

Emma had once more decided that homework could wait. Okay, really she had not been getting a concept and it was frustrating her so she needed to take a walk before she threw the whole book into the fireplace. It seemed the lesser of two evils. She made sure she had a warm, water-proof jacket on and a beanie on their heads as it had been warmer but there was still a distinct chill in the air.

Exiting the castle, Emma paused for a moment, trying to decide where to go. Closing her eyes, she let her arm move aimlessly before stopping it at random. Deciding to move in that direction, she began slowly meandering that way. It was beautiful, even as the sun was was setting. Knowing that would mean her wonderings would be cut short, Emma picked up the pace a bit, needing space from the homework and castle for a bit.

Looking around, Emma was in her head, not really paying much attention to her surroundings, or at least not until her brain registered a form under a tree, darker than the rest of it's surroundings. Deciding she needed a distraction, she walked closer, realizing as she did so that it was Rayne, who she had met over the Christmas holidays. Emma was just about to call out, when she saw Rayne look at something in the tree. Jumping and pausing in her stride, Emma was shocked to see another body fall almmost on top of Rayne. Moving quickly, but still at a fair distance, Emma made it just in time to hear the stranger reply. Taking a breath, as the stranger seemed at least coherent, Emma just stood there awkwardly, waiting for a proper moment to jump in. Though her eyes widened at the mudblood comment. Emma was a muggle-born so hadn't known the term, but someone had explained it to her when it came up in conversation. Emma also wasn't sure if Rayne knew the term, but hoped not. I mean it didn't seem like a great thing to say to someone if you didn't know their blood status. She wasn't a huge fan of the stranger's comments, and wasn't sure if she should just quietly fade away. Noticing the girl's Irish accent, she felt some annoyance that she had that in common but really, being Irish did not mean people couldn't be mean. Though she hadn't seen any hint of meanness yet, mainly it seemed that she just used a term that Emma didn't really like, even having added that they thought muggle-borns alright. Emma was just having a difficult time in coming to a decision.

Deciding she couldn't just stand there for ever, Emma cleared her throat, moving a little closer, her shoulders hunched and hands shoved deep in pockets. She quickly spoke directly to the stranger. "I hope you're alright, but I don't really think you should be using that term." Emma's voice faded to near silence at the end, not being a big fan of conflict, even a hint of it. But she also wanted to make the girl know it wasn't okay. She quietly added, "Hi Rayne. Are you okay? That looked a bit scary." Emma hoped she hadn't made things awkward or weird. Goodness knows that's all she needed. She looked down at the ground, trying to decide if it would be more rude to stay or leave. Or less embarrassing. Honestly she wasn't sure what to make of this whole thing.

Amber stood up, looking at Emma. "Hello. What term? Mudblood?" .
She looked confused for a moment, then understanding flashed in her eyes. "Oh my gosh, I am so sorry! My mother always used that term and never told me to not use it, and it's just how I grew up but I am so sorry, I won't use it around you again. Sorry."

She blushed a bright red and stared at the ground, never feeling more uncomfortable in her life. "I should have listened to my cousin." She then switched to Gaelic, muttering to herself. "Many time's a man's mouth broke his nose." . She glanced at Emma and Rayne, letting her hair fall into her face. "Could you possibly forgive me?"

They're not going to forgive you. You insulted them! Sure, it might have been an accident, but an insult is still an insult! You might as well go write to mother and ask her to be homeschooled. Or maybe Beuxbatons! That place sounded nice! Besides, you have cousins there. You'd know people and you wouldn't accidentally insult them!

Amber stood there, thinking to herself, and now planning how to escape from Hogwarts and her embarrassment.

Where's that fountain of fair fortune now? I could really use it. Better go find it before you insult the rest of the school, you idiot.

Conversation with @Emma Wynn and @Amber Caddel

Rayne was about to reply when they noticed Emma, moving towards them and momentarily forgot the situation, facing their friend and waving. Emma's hair looked quite incredible in the light of the sun. It was this distinct feature that encouraged Rayne to entrust her.

Rayne was silent as Emma came over, distracted entirely. It was their friend's soft voice that brought them back to focus, saying something about a term. Rayne was confused, not noticing any immediate issue in what the girl, Amber, had said. They listened, baffled, as the two conversed. Their mind was churning, clouded with confusion. Mudblood? Amber's face was red and she was apologising profusely. She had an accent, and Rayne thought her voice was nice, soothing.

Finally, dragging themselves out of their trance, Rayne replied. I'm Rayne, nice to meet you, possibly not the best circumstances though. I'm not hurt at all, except for slightly shocked.' They smiled warmly, masking their growing confusion. The trio stood in a momentary, awkward silence, before Rayne turned to Emma, with a friendly grin. 'It's so great to see you Emma, how have you been? Oh and, what's wrong with...' Rayne didn't want to say it. They had assumed it was rude, that was obvious, but they hadn't a clue why. 'With the term?' Rayne hoped that they didn't look too puzzled.

They didn't like the way the interaction had started, an uncomfortable knot was twisting in their stomach. They hated the feeling of not knowing things, and hoped Emma or Amber would answer soon.

Amber didn't say anything, instead shook her head, growing brighter red by the minute. She felt horrible and didn't want to explain that what she had said was incredibly offensive. That would mean she had to admit that she had grown up to say offensive things, and the thought mortified her.

Instead, she focused on Rayne. Their hair was an amazing color in her opinion and found herself staring at the mesmerizing green color. Amber thought Rayne looked quite attractive, which caused her to blush more.

Don't stare, Amber. It's rude. Amber's mother's voice rang through her ears as if she were next to her. Amber shivered and glanced over her shoulder, forgetting her mother would be in Ireland.

Despite getting chills from her mother's voice, Amber followed the advice and looked away, muttering another sorry under her breath. She focused on the cover of her book instead, taking in every detail she could. It was a very pretty cover, but was also old and faded from many years of being read and falling out of trees.

"It's nice to meet you, Rayne." Amber said suddenly, looking up into Rayne's jade eyes. She turned to Emma, putting on a smile. "And you. . . ." she trailed off, not knowing her name. "You know, I'm gonna need your name." She tried not to sound rude, but her eyes had a cold look in them, like a cellar, as she looked at Emma.

Sleeping high within a tree clutching to his book on Magical Drafts and Potions, Hunter was finally able to find a place to study well in peace. He recalls the time back at home in which he'd climb trees to read his father's journals. Clearly, this should have been his first spot to read rather than the courtyard. Even though he had an incident back at home in which he fell from a tree, he wasn't bound to create the same mistake in which he would fall again. What was even better about this spot, was he was away from most students. Thus no one should be capable of bothering him.

He recalled multiple instances in which students approached him and questioned what he was doing. Not all instances were negative, but some were just rather annoying. What was interesting in each case was each event occurred with a Hufflepuff. Always minding his business in the courtyard with all his books and writings, a curious Hufflepuff would always be the one to intrude on Hunter's studying. The only occasion the company was very well appreciated was with Aaron Jones, a third-year Hufflepuff. Still, Hunter wanted his seclusion and peace and he figured to go back to what he originally did back at home.

High within the trees, Hunter hadn't quite anticipated having been so tired. Eyes feeling droopy, and close to becoming shut, he was about to fall asleep beneath- *THUD*. In similarity to a hypnic jerk, Hunter's muscles immediately contracted and he shot up to straighten himself. Still, 1/2 lying on the branch, it seemed luck and muscle memory served well in preventing him from falling a rather high height. Something felt off.

Looking beneath him, he could see a congregation of badgers appearing out of nowhere. Had they always been there, or were they just randomly showing up to the tree Hunter was extremely high up in? Normally, Hunter would just ignore them and wait for them all to leave, but he took quick notice as to where was his book on Magical Drafts and Potions had gone. It was in his arms before the sandman had shot dust in his eyes, but he couldn't find it currently where he was. He became slightly nervous and looked down to see the book caught in another branch below him. With agile movements, he descended and did light jumps from one branch to another. He reached the branch his book was caught on, but as he reached for it, it fell out of his grasp and fell towards the head of one of the badgers. He had no choice, he was gonna have to stop it in its track before it lands.

Hunter immediately took out his wand and cast the levitating charm, with a quick wand movement and statement "Wingardium Leviosa!" the thick book stopped right in its tracks but was hovering directly above one of the badger's (Amber's) heads. A few centimeters from a possible crack in the skull Hunter thought, but now the book was in clear view for all to see.

Wand still out and holding concentration, Hunter began his quick descent to retrieve the book and apologize for the inconvenience. Perhaps to also request the other students to leave the tree he was located at.

Emma nodded mutely at Amber’s question, still feeling a little uncomfortable. She waited a moment to consider that wording but all the strength she had had been used to tell the stranger off. Stiffly, she smiled and said ”Thank you. I would appreciate that.” Bringing her arms up and wrapping them around herself, she continued to look at the stranger. Emma could have sworn she spoke in Gaelic but that was one lesson Emma hadn’t enjoyed or been particularly good at so it could be some other language. Emma relaxed slightly when they asked about forgiveness. Nodding, she shyly said ”Of course. We can forget about it really.”
Distracted by Rayne’s voice, Emma turned slightly in their direction. ”That’s good, I’m glad. I’m good, nothing new really. You?” Flashing a genuine smile at them, Emma was surprised that Rayne hadn’t heard the term. It wasn’t like it was thrown about but it was around. ”…ummmm…It means dirty-blood, kind of a mean name for muggle-born. It’s sort of a way to look down on muggle-born’s.” Emma cringed, thinking maybe she really had overreacted a bit.
Cringing as she turned back to the new person, Emma was not surprised by the cold look she was being given. She had been a bit rude. ”I’m Emma. I was serious about forgetting about it. I just kind of heard it and might have overreacted a bit. I could have been nicer about the whole thing.” Emma stuck her hand out bravely, giving them a small smile.
Emma stood there, bouncing from foot to foot before shoving her hands back in her pockets, unsure what to say to break the tension. But it was not long before a voice spoke, and Emma looked up in confusion only to see a book had come to a stop over Amber’s head. ”What the…?” Emma looked up to see someone descending from the trees. It seemed they were a popular location today. ”I’m starting to think I’m missing out on something.” Emma said nervously, and slightly surprised.

@Amber Caddel, @Rayne Chance,@Hunter Argentum

Amber shook Emma's hand. "Its nice to meet you. And again, I'm sorry for saying that word." She smiled warmly with her bright white teeth. "You have a very pretty name, Emma. And I like your name too, Rayne."

Amber saw the look on Emma's face and looked up, frowning deeply. "How did that book drop? I was alone in that tree, at least I think so, and that definitely doesn't look like my book. I only brought Beedle's tales."

"Oh well," Amber sighed, tossing tossing hair over her shoulder. "I should probably carry an umbrella around, in case it starts raining words again," she joked, a glint in her eye.

Amber looked around, chewing the inside of her lip. She was playing it cool, but her legs and arms felt incredibly sore, and the pounding in her head was getting worse by the minute. Oh well, she'd just start by the infirmary later that day.

She stared at the ground, deep in thought. Why was everyone coming to check in on her? She had just fallen, it wasn't like she'd hurt anyone or hurt herself or done anything wrong. Apparently falling out of a tree was a horrible thing to happen at Hogwarts.