Oktoberfest Butterbeer Tasting Finished

Cel wanted sugar. It was as simple as that. The girl wanted sweets, and sweets she must have; otherwise, she might have neglected to come. October was a cold month-- she was accustomed to the never-changing weather of North California, despite her years in England, and there, the weather ranged from fifty to eighty degrees Fahrenheit, most autumn days ranging from seventy to eighty degrees warm. And so she took the initiative to trudge out of her dorm, step away from the Common Room, and journey on the trek down to the Ground Floor.

Having a Common Room in the West Tower was bad enough. The staircase spiraled down, down, down, and after that, several flights of stairs on regular floors followed-- not to mention how absolutely cold it was outside. The temperature in her dormitory was always turned up to seventy degrees or so; she was grateful for the adjustable magic heating-- someone who knew Muggle technology must have designed Ravenclaw dormitories.

Layers of fabric kept her warm: a coat over a sweatshirt, a pair of warm trousers that she insisted on calling pants, a hood that slid on neatly over her black hair but that gathered at her neck. They might have been deemed unnecessary, but the coat was thin and the mantle down-- and she was still freezing. Her steps across the grass outside did nothing to warm her. She might have turned back if not for the scent of Butterbeer wafting through the chilly air, beckoning her forth.

Butterbeer was a drink that she'd been given only twice, once by the Gray Manse and the other by Parker. Unfortunately, she'd consumed enough of it each time that they had all agreed to limit her access to it, lest the small amount of alcohol that came with the buttery sugar that she wanted after so much affect her. The limit here, provided by Hogwarts itself, would be enough for her.

Selecting the Mixing Tent to enter, the girl stepped inside timidly, sighing happily at the rush of warmth, albeit a small one, that washed over her. Cel raised her gaze to survey the interior of the tent. There was a Slytherin, a Hufflepuff, a Gryffindor--  wait, that was Aurelia. Instead of offering a salutation, however, she made a beeline for the ingredients, keeping her head down-- she'd come here for sugar and nothing more; if conversation was made, it would be difficult to extract from it.

Transfiguration had been quite a fun homework to complete, but she had just finished Charms before that, and before that, Potions, all of which were rather long today. In other words, she was spent. She'd never be able to concentrate on reading without falling asleep if she wasn't supplied with music and an abundant dose of sugar. Music she could get from the music-playing orbs in her dormitory, but sugar… Well, that was what she had come down here for, after all.

Alihotsy, rose oil, more… she scanned the row of ingredients, trying out different possibilities in her mind. Parker often commented on her sharply discerning tongue-- everything that was spiced too strongly would taste spicy to her, even if it was only black pepper, and she would often comment on the possible ingredients within food that others could not discriminate. That said, though her taste was sharp, she was not a culinary artist in any way.

Cinnamon and nutmeg caught her eye. The two tastes went well together, but both were quite strong-- nutmeg especially had the ability to snuff out odor receptors if it was smelled in large quantities and close proximity. The cinnamon coffee cookies she often ate with Parker, although she did not care for coffee and drank milk alongside his caffeine instead, were absolutely delicious. Perhaps, because of their strong flavoring, she should simply add one or the other? But no; both seemed to be the best, so she lifted a paper cup from the stack and sprinkled in the first ingredients: one spoon of cinnamon, a pinch of strong nutmeg.

Such was how she considered and decided on each ingredient. A pinch of aniseed and, because it was October, pumpkin soon followed, then a spoon of sticky toffee, chocolate for warmth, and vanilla. She considered rose oil or perhaps lemon or sugar shrub, but passed-- anise was more suitable for the mood she was in; she could try more floral scents later.

Thoughtfully she hovered over the rest of the ingredients. Something was missing-- everything she'd added was basically sweet, even if cinnamon and nutmeg weren't the most plain, and she needed something to add a little kick. Her roaming gaze landed on sea salt-- and brightened considerably. Salt was perfect!Sweet and salty was, in her opinion, one of the best combinations there were. Reaching over, she took a single pinch of the salt-- not too much; the main flavor was still sugar-- and watched it sprinkle down from her fingers, landing inside her paper cup.

Theyoung Ravenclaw grinned, then turned to approach an empty mixing station fairly far from the wide entrance to the tent. Butter and cinnamon wafted toward her, and she inhaled the scent deeply as she moved to empty out the contents of her cup into the cauldron, watching its stream cascade down into the bubbling amber liquid. A few stirs-- watching the spoon slice through the thick liquid was satisfying, somehow, especially as the seam melded closed behind its wake-- and then she filled her cup, took a deep breath in hope as well as scent, and sipped.

Moderator Effects and Roll results

Aurelia Bezuidenhout: Mixed in Cinnamon, Alihotsy, Anise, Coconut(Limit exceeded.)
Rolled for positive/negative effect 1d100 DC: [42]/Result: [21]. [Fail]
Rolled for intensity of effect: 1d12 Result: [9]/[major] effect
Description of effects: [The Alihotsy overcomes the entire drink. Heat spreads from the cinnamon, but it'd be hardly noticeable from the intense euphoria and dizziness overcoming poor Aurelia, unable to stop giggling/laughing.]

Professor Ayers: Mixed in [Marshmallow, Cinnamon, Sugar Shrub](Limit Exceeded)
Rolled for positive/negative effect 1d100 DC: [24]/Result: [72]. [Success]
Description of effects: [The melding of ingredients is nearly perfect. The Butterbeer accepts the balance of cinnamons flavor with the sweeter taste of the marshmallow. A truly pleasant mix.]

Stella Rose: Mixed in [Honey, Coconut, Vanilla, Mint](Limit Exceeded.)
Rolled for positive/negative effect 1d100 DC: [34]/Result: [15]. [Fail]
Rolled for intensity of effect: 1d12 Result: [10]/[major] effect
Description of effects: [Despite the small amount of mint, the concoction somehow amplifies its effects. While the drink would taste wonderful to begin, it would quickly turn to nausea and a burning sensation in Stella's chest. Eventually, her body would force her to vomit. Sadly, Stella has been poisoned by the mint. ]

Celynne Gray: Mixed in [nutmeg, sea salt, anise, pumpkin, cinnamon, toffee, vanilla, chocolate](Limit exceeded.)
Rolled for positive/negative effect 1d100 DC: [44]/Result: [8]. [Fail]
Rolled for intensity of effect: 1d12 Result: [11]/[major] effect
Description of effects: [While the taste isn't really present, the effects of the burning cinnamon are. First-degree burns would stay on her lips where contact was made, while the sugary sweetness would induce vomiting. Cel will remain nauseous for a while afterward.]

The Tasting Tent
Open To Interractions

Alexx stepped into the tasting tent, looking around. She was unsure if she should be here to begin with, as she usually didn't come out to school events like this. But here she was, a green and silver scarf draped loosely around her neck and her and her hair askew from the wind. She breathed in, walking over to look at the variety of flavors offered.

"Could I get a chocolate butterbeer please?" She asked in her soft accent. Her scarf was pushed up to her chin by now, and she allowed herself to get buried inside of it. She took the cold drink in her hands, preferring to drink her Butterbeer cold anyway.

As she looked around, she searched for familiar faces, but it was to no avail. Instead, she remained where she was, sipping her drink smoothly. Her face, which was slightly red from the small chill outside, stung a little bit, but the warmth that the populated ten provided soothed it. A comfortable feeling settled around her as she continued to sip the drink, smiling to herself as she watched other kids enjoy their beverages.

Only a small ping of regret surfaced in her when she had suddenly wished that she had brought a friend, only to remember that her interactions with her peers seemed few and far between these days. Though she had met many, she couldn't really brag about anyone sticking around for very long. Still, the comfort of knowing that she had not set herself up for disappointment made her smile again. And in any case, a small moment alone wouldn't kill her.

The noise of a soft hum vibrated over her lips and her eyes narrowed, suddenly happy that she had not gone to the mixing tent, as that surely would have been a disaster on her part. Alexx never was all that handy with mixing anything, certainly not making a concoction that was edible. The best decision she made today, she decided, was the one where she didn't poison herself. That certainly deserved an award. Besides, Alexx never was all that daring anyway.

She sighed, looking around again to see those present; if anything had changed. But the only people she seemed to be able to recognize were professors. She made a mental note to get out more, and perhaps even introduce herself to someone at some point. But until then, she elected to stay in her place for a while longer, not wanting to intrude on the conversations going on around her. There was a fair amount of people after all, and no one seemed to be demanding her attention for the time being (not that she ever thought that of anyone anyway).

Taking another sip, she pushed some hair behind her ear, and she straightened her scarf out a little bit more. Her hands were slightly cold now from holding the drink, but she couldn't bring herself to be upset, as she was just happy to finally be drinking a Butterbeer again after forever of not having one. It was true, while moving about so often, it was hard to enjoy things such as Butterbeer. For this, she was grateful, as it was one of her favorite things. She sighed again, taking another sip.

The tent really was incredible. At least it was to Scott, who on the other hand found quite many things to be incredible.. thankfully most would say this doesn't make his a lesser opinion.

The amazing smell he'd mentioned earlier was of course stronger inside, and the combinations of sweet and savory as well as the warm air calmly drove all of Scott's senses to the point of peaceful nostalgia. Whatever nostalgia it was a twelve-year-old could have.. Classes should all be taught in tents.

Scott caught a glimpse of several semi-familiar faces, and was just happily recognizing Elijah stood by the cups- when Ami spoke up.

Is it vegan? Mia insisted on giving me a vegan one, when she made me have some-
is there a difference?

Scott frowned, and bit the side of his lip at this. He did not know. But that was right, it would have to be vegan if he wanted Ami to try it. And he really did, so looking around this tent and fidgeting with his sleeves he shrugged honestly.

"I'm not sure. Sorry, I forgot about that. Or I didn't know, rather. Shouldn't it be? Oh but the butterscotch, mustn't there be butter in that? Butter.. is dairy.. right?" Scott peered with his eyes suspiciously at his ignorance, but then smiled at her, taking a few steps back to where they'd been coming from and leaned over to catch the attention of one or two professors who might be able to help.

"Hello again! Surely one of you should know wether these drinks are vegan? No animal products, I think that means.. right Ami?"

Scott looked back for confirmation, and then nodded conclusively.

"Would be a shame if my friend didn't get to try anything. She's only had once cup all her life! Surely you understand the tragedy in that. If we're in no luck, would visiting the tent next to this one help? I think I spotted quite excited students going about there."

Scott slapped his knees and nodded towards Ami, he was getting this done.

Destination: The Tasting Tent
Interaction: Amadea Campbell
Mention: Hjørdis Jensen
Open to Other Interactions

Drinking the butterbeer, she could taste the delicious butter flavor that was cascading down her throat. The cold had warmed her body as though tunneling from her mouth to her stomach. Smiling, she could not wait to try other flavors. Looking at the second-year Hufflepuff, who was also trying her strategy, she felt good that she helped someone come up with a plan on how to make the best of the butterbeer limits.

Shaking the girl's hand, she introduced herself. Bloom tried to hide her smile when she commented on her name. It was embarrassing but also very kind. Bloom was not someone who was able to handle a compliment. "Thank you. Yours, too!" she replied.

Looking back at the menu, she wondered what else to try. There were so many flavors to choose from. "What are you going to try next? Are you a spicy, sweet or salty fan?" she asked, getting to know this new friend of hers.

As Bloom was trying to socialize with the Hufflepuff, she noticed that a professor was eying her. For half a second, Bloom wondered what she was thinking about. Did she do something wrong? Instantly, she forgot about the professor and went straight to deciding what other drink she would like to have. Looking at the menu, Bloom decided to have the Sarsaparilla and it was not because of its weird name, but also because she remembered drinking root beer many years ago when her family had an outing in the muggle world and she found it delicious.

"I'd like the Sarsaparilla please!" she asked, hoping that it would be just as delicious as she could imagine about.

| Mixing Tent |

| Open to interactions |

With the classes for the day over, Devina decided to head for the Festival Grounds. With her hair in a bun, she wore a long-sleeve sweater, black skirt, leggings, and a pair of black boots. The weather was a bit chilly, so she needed to bundle up.  Today there was a Butterbeer event as part of Oktoberfest. Devina couldn't wait to have the taste of fresh, hot butterbeer in her mouth. It was one of her favorite drinks. Every year, her mother made it fresh for the holidays. Devina always drunk her brother's share, since he, surprisingly, didn't care for it.

Arriving at the festival grounds, she saw two tents. "Tasting Tent" and "Mixing Tent". Today Devina was feeling a bit creative, so she decided to head over to the Mixing Tent. Inside, the smell of bubbling butterbeer and other ingredients entered Devina's nose. Ah, just as she remembered it. She made her way through the tent, looking at all her options of ingredients to choose from. There were so many possibilities! Today, Devina had a craving for sweet. She took a little paper cup and scooped in two spoonfuls of chocolate. At another table, she spotted a jar of marshmallows and added a handful into the cup.

This was going to be amazing, but still, Devina though something was missing. She glanced around the tent, looking for the perfect ingredient. Aha! She spotted two things- Pumpkin and Cinnamon. She only added a pinch of cinnamon, but she went a little more with the pumpkin. She always loved the taste of anything pumpkin spice, so she added a whole handful of pumpkin to her cup. Finally ready, she went to the brewing stations at the end of the tables. She dumped the ingredients in the liquid and watched as they dissolved.

With all her ingredients mixed in, it was time to taste the mixture. Excitedly, she poured the mixture into a cup to taste. She raised it to her lips, blew it to cool it down, and took a sip.

Outfit: Here if you care to take a look. I try to be as decriptive as possible, but feel like I lack in some detailing. So i will just share my inspiration in a link. 

Location | Tasting Tent
Interactions | Bloom Silverton & Elijah Huang
Mentions | n/a
Open to other interactions.

The butterbeer was delicious. Amadea now wished they were allowed to have more than twelve cups. She was fairly certain she could drink the entirety of the butterbeer left for tasting. It was that good. It was so good, in fact, that Amadea almost missed Bloom's next question about which butterbeer Amadea was planning on trying next. 

"Oh goodness, I don't know," Amadea said, looking at all of the flavors. There were so many that sounded wonderful and Amadea was still appreciating the wonderful taste of the regular butterbeer. "I personally enjoy sweet things. What about you?" 

As Amadea was looking over the menu, she couldn't help but notice another student who had obviously seen her and Bloom. He ordered his butterbeer and stood to the side, drinking it alone. Amadea immediately felt for the poor boy standing all alone. Maybe he had friends, but they weren't here now. In Amadea's mind, no one should have to enjoy the festivities alone. Bloom was in the middle of ordering her second butterbeer, so Amadea motioned the boy to come over and talk to them. 

"Hi," Amadea said, smiling at him. "I'm Amadea Campbell. Second year Hufflepuff. What kind of butterbeer do you have?" She took a sip, finishing off the last of her first cup. Turning back to the menu, she read over the choices, trying to decide which one she should try next. Amadea decided to go with a sweet flavor and turned back toward the table. 

"Could I please have a cinnamon?" Amadea asked, hoping that it would taste just as delicious as the previous one she had tried. She turned back toward the two students, ready to continue the conversation.

Location→ The Tasting Tent
Interactions→ Amadea Campbell, Bloom Silverton
Mentions→ Scott Alexander, Ami Procoppio
Open to other interactions... if you dare

Much to his surprise and slight chagrin, Elijah watched Scott Alexander enter the tent, the extroverted Gryffindor accompanied by a pouty, stuck-up looking redhead with an affected American accent. What would Celestine call it? Ah, yes, the Valley Girl accent. Maybe not as severe as most would imagine it, but it still reeked of extreme privilege, making Elijah curl his lip in disgust. Oh, how he loathed those types of people, walking the earth like they owned it.

He kind of wanted to slap her in the face.

He watched them with a cold stare, listening to the girl with flaming hair whine about veganism, probably in an effort to remain stick-skinny. From the way Scott looked so adoringly at her, with those pale green eyes, and the way he treated her like the Queen of England herself... this must have to be the famous Amy Prokpio. With a slow, cat-like blink, he tore his gaze away from the pair to the pair of girls in the middle once more.

What was with everyone and pairs? Yes, people would find both strength and comfort in numbers, but it was honestly completely unnecessary. The Hufflepuff prefect, who also had flaming red hair, beckoned over to him, and he hid an exasperated sigh beneath a brilliant smile, appearing thrilled to have been acknowledged.

All of these people were just ruining his good mood. Good thoughts, happy thoughts! Think of Celestine, think of mother, think of father, think of home... Making sure his smile didn't even waver in the slightest, he loped over to the prefect, awaiting her words of wisdom to grace him.

"Amadea Campbell," he repeated, shifting his cup from hand to hand. "A pleasure to meet you, I'm sure. I'm Elijah Huang, first year Slytherin." Glancing down at his cup involuntarily as Amadea inquired after his butterbeer, he glanced back up, staring into the prefect's blue-ish green eyes before slowly saying, "Nutmeg. It's quite lovely- you should consider trying some."

He watched her politely, standing off to the side as she reached for another cup- cinnamon, this time. Starting, as if he had forgotten his manners (all an act, of course, but a well-executed one), he grinned at the Ravenclaw with whom Amadea had been previously conversing with. "And what is your name, if I may ask?"

Aurelia

Aoi took note of another child entering the mixing tent. She promptly started talking with the Hufflepuff boy who had promptly made what seemed to be a sugar coma inducing mix of butterbeer. After asking about the boy’s drink she started working on her own. The girl chose some of the Alihotsy. Bold decision. Aoi wondered if it would work out well for the girl. Either it would or the tent would be filled with giggles shortly.

Elena

The young girl from the house of snakes actually seemed to notice that the History Professor existed. She had a smile on her face, a social one though. Impressive, as it seemed the house of ambition fit the girl well. Despite her young age she knew how to put on the needed airs to get in with people. Aoi grinned back. Such simple tips wouldn’t put her off balance, her background ha,d made her efficient at reading people.

“Hello Puck. A nod to Shakespeare, huh? Quite the Muggle wasn’t he? Too bad about that prejudice against our kind during his life. I often wonder how he would’ve felt about us personally. And I’m glad to hear that you wanted to meet me. I hope my class will be enjoyable for you. As for your offer, thank you, but no thank you. I’m not a fan of either alcohol or sugar. Thank you though.” Aoi wouldn’t go on to elaborate that she’d never take anything offered to her from someone she didn’t know and trust. Which meant everyone except her husband, her mother, and Cypresse.

Professor Ayers

The frankly beautiful Professor of Runes had appeared, giving thanks for Aoi’s assistance. The History Professor beamed, it was always a joy to be useful.

“Hello Professor Ayers. It’s a pleasure to see you again as well! The tent is doing well so far, we’ll see how well it goes as more children arrive. I’m sure a number of them will get overzealous. But I’m overjoyed to be here. As for your combination, I couldn’t say. I’m hardly a potioneer myself. Perhaps Professor Nagal would have a better idea?”

Aoi wasn’t bad at Potions, just without other info, had no clue how it would go. She watched with interest as her colleague made the mix, noting the result seemed to come out well.

Stella

A dark haired Hufflepuff came in next. The girl was quick to move in on the sweets, adding joyously to her cup. The girl seemed carefree. Aoi wondered how long that would last.

Arthur

The boy was picking up speed now. Was the sugar from his drink fueling him? It appeared as such to Aoi. The boy followed the girl, Aurelia, as she made her drink, before talk to Aoi herself.

“Uh, yes. We spent all morning setting it up. And, uh, I don’t know what that is, so I couldn’t say. Butterbeer is a beverage with incredibly low amounts of alcohol, made mostly from butterscotch.” It seemed the boy had moved on before she had even finished speaking. Oh well, kids will be kids.

Professor Jensen and Professor Griffith

Aoi listened on in interest at the conversation between the two members of staff. She wanted to contribute, but decided against it. Not because she didn’t have an opinion, she did, and not because she was afraid to voice it, she wasn’t. No, it was because she needed to focus on a few children who looked quite ill or distressed. After all, she hadn’t been hired just for her knowledge of history. The school was taking a more proactive approach to protecting the student body.

“Excuse Professor Jensen, Professor Griffith. I have other matters to attend to. Oh, and, I should mention Professor Griffith, my title is Professor as well. I’m not quite used to it yet, so excuse me for omitting it in my introduction. Until we speak again.”

And with that she went to pay closer attention to the students around the tents.