22 Aug 2025, 08:02
It's Basically a Library!
created by brookline quinn!
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"Luckily, Hogwarts is much safer now that You-know-who is gone. One of the safest places in the wizarding world!" Pyce handed the book back to Hecate, who just set it atop one of the nearby shelves. They bit back the urge to scold their brother.
"We'll probably get lost somewhere in the castle though. Massive place, and I have questionable navigation skills." True. Pyce had never spent a night colder. How Stella managed to flawlessly find her way to their house in the middle of the night time and time again was a complete mystery.
"Not that we need to worry about anything! Other students, teachers, the paintings, they'd all be willing to help us out if we did get lost!" Pyce was somewhat tempted to include the ghosts in that list as well. But perhaps that was something to bring up later. Maybe even another day entirely. There had already been so much information exchanged, so much that Katelyn had never heard of before. Pyce would love to ramble on and on about so many different things, but this seemed to be Katelyn's first full dive into the world of magic. So ghosts could be a conversation for another day.
"No clue how long you two were here before I showed up to save Kate here, but do you have your books? I'm still missing a couple." Hecate pulled out his shopping list, which had pencil marks on the books he had collected. Smart, seeing as how the list itself wouldn't update until the items were actually purchased.
"Oh- well... Um... You see-"
"You found Fantastic Beasts and immediately got sidetracked, didn't you?" Pyce hung their head in shame.
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@Katelyn Magnolia
ReducioN/A
"The only thing stopping me from having a dragon living in my backyard is the law. Absolutely nothing else."
22 Aug 2025, 09:22
It's Basically a Library!
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"I'm sorry-you said castle? Our school...is a freaking castle?" She must've misheard, there's no way he said castle...right? Who would put a school in a whole freaking castle?? And she wasn't even going to behind to talk about whatever paintings Pyce was talking about, she was just gonna assume it was something related to magic she wasn't going to understand until she probably saw it first hand. As for getting lost in this castle they talked about, Katelyn had a decent sense of direction, so she most likely wouldn't get lost, much.
At the mention of books, Katelyn rubbed the back of her neck awkwardly as Hecate hit the nail on the head with his assessment. She watched Pyce hang their head in shame and felt compelled to at least take some of the blame. She was asking a lot of questions, and Pyce was just trying to inform her on, well, everything. "It's not Pyce's fault entirely. I was asking a ton of questions and they were only trying to help." She spoke up, trying to at least take some of the blame.
"We should grab the books we need and go, or else we'll be here all day." They've probably already burned a ton of time getting sidetracked with random topics that might've felt trivial to a wizard or witch but for Katelyn it was all entirely new and most likely it was all stuff she needed if she was going to get through school.
"When I think of destiny, I don't think of a predetermined fate you can't escape. But rather... some sort of final goal, something you work towards your entire life."
23 Aug 2025, 08:48
It's Basically a Library!
created by brookline quinn!
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spacing for the space of spacing apparently |
"Yep! It's this massive old castle. I haven't been yet, obviously, but there's pictures. It's quite the sight. It's even got these towers where certain classes are held!" Hecate slung an arm over Pyce's shoulders. "I've already got a few books, so I could tell you were most of them are. You both have Fantastic Beasts and I-" He grabbed a copy off a shelf and set it on his pile of books. "Now have it too." Hecate walked over to a nearby shelf, not very far at all from where the trio was just conversing, and plucked four books off of it, shoving two into Pyce's arms, and handing the other two to Katelyn like a normal and decent human being. Pyce wouldn't have believed it if they hadn't seen it with their own eyes. A quick glance at them showed the books were Hogwarts, A History and A History of Magic.
"The potion and spells books are a bit deeper into the store, if you would follow me." Hecate scooped up his pile of books and waited for Pyce and Katelyn before he started walking away. He was taking smaller steps than usual, but Pyce wasn't going to comment on it. It was nice to be able to keep pace with their brother, after all.
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@Katelyn Magnolia
ReducioPyce was so distracted by creatures that they didn't notice how close they were to the history books
"The only thing stopping me from having a dragon living in my backyard is the law. Absolutely nothing else."
24 Aug 2025, 01:08
It's Basically a Library!
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"Wow..." Was mostly all Katelyn could say. Assuming Hecate wasn't pulling her leg, she was really about to go to school in an old castle. Talk about a step up from the generic primary school she was attending before-speaking of primary school, how was she supposed to explain to her teachers and friends that she wasn't going there anymore? She couldn't exactly text them, given that every electronic device she touched short-circuited and once also went up in flames. It's been a struggle to adjust to a life without electronics; at least she wasn't like some kids who needed an iPad or phone shoved into their face just to not have a meltdown. But that did raise a question: how was she supposed to communicate with people over long distances?
Her thoughts were cut short when Hecate handed her two books, one of which read Hogwarts, A History and the other A History of Magic . Looking up from her books, she noticed Hecate start to walk deeper into the bookstore after that, making her scramble to catch up with him and Pyce. As they made their way deeper into the bookstore, Katelyn did her best to avoid knocking over any as she tried to ask a question. "So..how are we supposed to communicate with people over long distances? I've come to learn electronics don't like magic. So um, how do you keep in contact with people?"
"When I think of destiny, I don't think of a predetermined fate you can't escape. But rather... some sort of final goal, something you work towards your entire life."
25 Aug 2025, 08:00
It's Basically a Library!
created by brookline quinn!
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spacing for the space of spacing apparently |
"Yeah, it's a real shame that we can't use technology. I mean- technically you can. I've seen muggle movies, and owned a phone once." That phone was a smoldering brick somewhere, Pyce was sure. It had been nice, for all of three days. "But the second that tech touches magic... Yeah."
"We've got owls though!" Hecate chirped. "Oh, and you can get Book of Spells and Magical Drafts and Potions right here." Hecate gestured to the bookcase he stopped in front of.
"Right, owls! Your everyday kind. We've got a Barred Owl at home. His name is Horace. Owls are a very fast and effective mail system."
"And cute too!" Pyce nodded. "Owls are pretty cool. I'd get one, but Hogwarts allows half-crups, so I'm going to bring one of those once I adopt one!"
"Hogwarts has an owlery for school owls if you don't have one of your own, so you can still send letters." Pyce scanned the shelf and pulled out the two books Hecate had previously mentioned. Potions and spells. Pyce already knew a bit about both, Aunt Lea shared so much about potions, and Aunt June tried to make sure they understood that spells were just as important. Pyce had still latched onto all the rants about potions, but Hecate was more enamored with spells. "I think students' and teachers' owls are there too, but they could also just stay in their dorms. Other pets do."
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@Katelyn Magnolia
ReducioN/A
"The only thing stopping me from having a dragon living in my backyard is the law. Absolutely nothing else."
27 Aug 2025, 01:57
It's Basically a Library!
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"Owls? Really? Doesn't that seem...I don't know..kinda outdated?-oh thank you." Katelyn questioned, getting sidetracked for a second to grab another book, adding to the slowly growing stack of books she needed for her classes. She listened as Hecate and Pyce rambled off about the mail system they used. It was kind of hard to believe they were still such an outdated way of long-distance communication, but if she had to guess, there was probably some other means of talking to someone over long distances...hopefully.
She maneuvered through the slightly crowded bookstore, attempting to keep from bumping into people as she continued listening. You'd think with the age of technology, the wizarding world would've found a way to incorporate it into their lives, a version of it that doesn't implode on itself if magic gets near it. It was then she bumped shoulders with someone, a girl roughly their age, Katelny stumbled a bit before straighting herself out.
"Ugh! Watch where you're going!" The girl scolded, looking at Katelyn with a scowl, making her want to curl in on herself under the other girl's harsh gaze. "I'm sorry! Really, I-i didn't mean to..." Katelyn stumbled over her words to get an apology out, nearly looking like she was about to cry out of either embarrassment or anxiety; whichever came first.
"When I think of destiny, I don't think of a predetermined fate you can't escape. But rather... some sort of final goal, something you work towards your entire life."
27 Aug 2025, 05:05
It's Basically a Library!
created by brookline quinn!
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spacing for the space of spacing apparently |
Both twins tensed when Katelyn was knocked into. Pyce dashed over to help Katelyn, but was well aware that Hecate was not following them.
"Are you alright?" Physically, she looked fine, but Katelyn looked incredibly close to tears.
"Hey!" Pyce was pointedly not looking at Hecate or the girl he was shouting at. They had stood behind him often enough to know exactly what he was like when someone he cared about had been slighted. (Or even just something Hecate perceived as a slight.) "I think it best you watch where you're going!" There was a snarl in Hecate's voice that Pyce only knew as protective. Pyce wrapped an arm over Katelyn's shoulders.
"Don't worry about him. He's just a bit... Overprotective, I suppose." And Pyce knew exactly where it came from. They weren't the most confident or self-assured person, but they stood up for others where they could. The real issue was standing up for themself. Pyce had been pushed around by their peers very briefly when they were younger. Very briefly, because the moment someone dared to do something while Hecate, popular, loud, loveable Hecate, had been able to see, he put a stop to it that instant. It made Hecate far less liked among the other children in their circle, but it was something he did with no hesitation. It took Pyce a while to get used to it, but Hecate was always the one putting himself in front of Pyce. They wished he didn't at times, but he insisted every time.
"Honestly. Is it so hard to apologize and continue on your way?" Ohhh, he was still going...
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@Katelyn Magnolia
ReducioGuard dog Hecate. Such Gryffindor behavior, I love him for it
"The only thing stopping me from having a dragon living in my backyard is the law. Absolutely nothing else."
30 Aug 2025, 01:28
It's Basically a Library!
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The girl scoffed at Katelyn before looking at Hecate. "Oh yeah? And what are you gonna do about it, huh? Because it was that idiot who bumped into me first." The girl pointed at Katelyn, who lowered her head in shame as she tried to hide behind Hecate and Pyce. This would just make the girl laugh at Katelyn.
"Aw, what, you gonna cry? If you can't even handle me, you won't survive Hogwarts." The girl taunted, looking Katelyn up and down like she was more a pest than another human. "Stupid mudblood, you shouldn't even be here." Katelyn was confused. Was there another blood thing Pyce didn't tell her before? What was a mudblood? Was it a bad word?
"M-mudblood?..." Katelyn cautiously asked which just made the girl laugh at her. "Ha! So you must be one if you don't even know that. You're so cooked. I feel sorry for whatever house has to take you in. And I don't even see you're parents here, must suck to be a freak..."
That stung more than Katelyn wanted to admit; her father did call her and her mom freaks before walking out on them. Having that thrown back into her face by a stranger just felt like rubbing salt into a very infected wound.
"Let me give you a little lesson, freak, magic is only for those who deserve to use it, like me and other purebloods. Magic is in our nature, and naturally, only we deserve to use it. Little freaks like you are just a blight to our society, so why don't you run along back to your Muggle family where you belong? Because what I'm seeing right now...Hogwarts will eat you alive...maybe even literally."
"When I think of destiny, I don't think of a predetermined fate you can't escape. But rather... some sort of final goal, something you work towards your entire life."
4 Sep 2025, 08:03
It's Basically a Library!
created by brookline quinn!
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spacing for the space of spacing apparently |
Pyce had felt righteous anger before, not that they acted on it often. Stella was loud, what many considered weird, and just- different. She was an easy target for people. On surface level, of course. She could properly stand up for herself. But Stella was familiar with the world of magic. She knew what people were saying and what it meant. Stella was brave in her own right. She was confident in a way Pyce really hadn't seen before.
Katelyn was not. And Pyce was furious on her behalf. They almost marched over there to give that stuffy prat a piece of their mind. But-
Hecate set a brief hand on their shoulder before he stomped the short distance between himself and the girl.
Pyce knew exactly what was going to happen. They knew the second that girl decided to continue talking. Doubly so when she decided to call their new friend a slur. They knew it before Hecate got closer, before he drew back a fist. Pyce didn't feel guilty about not stopping their brother. But they still winced at the sound of a fist making contact with someone's face.
For the sake of ignoring Hecate for a moment, Pyce pulls Katelyn into a hug. Who out of them needed it more, Pyce couldn't exactly say.
"So- Don't repeat what she said." Pyce started off with, once they felt calmer. "You aren't one, by the definition of it. It's a slur for muggle-born."
"Would it really have been so hard to apologize?" Hecate snarled in the background. Pyce sighed.
"Just- Ignore her. She's wrong, in every sense."
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@Katelyn Magnolia
ReducioPyce's social interactions outside of Katelyn: Hecate, Mori, Stella... ... Danny? Technically? These people are also, coincidentally, their only frame of reference for kids their age.
"The only thing stopping me from having a dragon living in my backyard is the law. Absolutely nothing else."
4 Sep 2025, 09:57
It's Basically a Library!
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It truly seemed the more she learned about the wizarding world, the more she felt she didn't belong there. She thought that at least she could make up for not knowing a lot of technical stuff by just learning it in class; that is what class was for. But this, this was legit hate towards her, simply because of her family's situation? Seriously? She was truly beginning to question why she even bothered to come here; school hadn't even started, and she was already hitting roadblocks.
She couldn't help the stray tears that slipped from her eyes, even as she jumped slightly after hearing the impact of Hecate punching the girl. The girl got out a cry of pain as she stumbled back, holding her bruised face. She stared at the three with disgust and contempt. "How dare you hit me! Wait until my parents hear about this, you'll never be welcomed in Hogwarts!" The girl pointed at them before storming out of the shop, and other patrons watched the scene unfold before turning to whatever they were doing before. Just then, an elderly woman came out from a back room, presumably the owner of Flourish and Blotts. Having heard the commotion, she came to see what was going on. "Oh dear, I had hoped ideals such as that would have been lost to time by now. You children okay?" The elderly woman looked at the three remaining kids.
Katelyn gently pulled away from Pyce, rubbing her face to wipe away any tears that slipped out. "We're fine. Besides, she's wrong...I'm a halfblood, if that makes it any better.." The elderly lady put a gentle hand on Katelyn's shoulder. "Even so, what she said was both hurtful and wrong. It doesn't matter how 'pure' you're blood is; if you can perform magic, you will always be welcomed at Hogwarts." That should've put her at ease, but it was making the growing pit in her stomach worse; her hope of finding a place in Hogwarts was growing weaker by the second.
"Now let's get you kids sorted out. I see you already got some of your books. I'll help you with the rest, come along now!~" The elderly woman cheerily spoke as she shuffled to the desk where she normally sat out to ring up their books.
"When I think of destiny, I don't think of a predetermined fate you can't escape. But rather... some sort of final goal, something you work towards your entire life."