A Meeting PV

I love cats.
@Alan Vanes | @Xailah Alptraum

Nico wasn't sure how she felt about this. Seeing the note that Alan had left in the Prefect Room (if it was even there where we found it) the redhead figured that it wouldn't hurt to hear everyone's stories. It happened rarely that Prefects came together in such an informal way. Or maybe the times they did, Nico preferred to stay more on the background of things.

Lately she had been feeling unseasy but also concerned. Nightsleep was still a struggle and trusting her peers was even harder. She ususally snooped out of the dorms before anyone was awake yet, to do her morning patrols. One of the few luxuries of being a Prefect, she supposed.

Dressed in the appropriate Slytherin uniform, hair brushed and make-up on fleek, the dhampir quietly walked in. Two Prefects were already present. A Gryffindor one and... Thomas Lestrange. Even though they were colleagues, it had happened multiple times by no one in particular that Nico didn't get a chance to decently get to know him. This time for sure, this time she might have more of an idea who this male Prefect was.

Nervous by the lack of any other distractions for the two semi-strangers, Nico straightened her back, trying to not look like she wanted to hide somewhere. Why was she so scared? These were supposed to be the ones she'd trust the most. Yet, why was it so hard to feel comfortable around them? Nico knew Xailah as the girl who once clawed at a Half-Giant, doing her part in the battle in one of the many destructive balls. Atleast with her, Nico knew that she could stand her ground and defend herself in her own way. The redhead quietly admired her strength.

Unsure of what to say, she chose to remain quiet and give a soft nod towards both Xailah and Thomas. As time in her head slowed down, the dhampir had to make a choice. Where should she sit? Away from both of them? But that what be too obvious.... Too obvious that she felt unsafe within their presence. What about infront of Xailah? Not a great idea either... If you sit infront of someone, facing them... Apparantly it makes both parties feel as if they need to defend themselves. To set up psychological walls... The thought of it made her feel lightheaded. Sitting by herself would be even more uncomfortable. She'd have no control of who would eventually sit down next to her. No. She had to take the chances she had right now. Take control to some extend.

The dhampir then sat down next to the one she felt most a connection with, even if they hadn't actually connected before. Thomas. She didn't look at him. Her eyes were set on the sweet infront of her. Alan was right to place this comfortfood in the center of the table. It soothed her nerves. It also gave her an excuse to not have to speak up, for her mouth was full. Talking with your mouth full is disgusting...

In silence, enjoying the tastes of something as basic as food, Nico would observe them and listen to their conversation while they waited for more to arrive.

@Xailah Alptraum | @Thomas Lestrange | @Alan Vanes

While Koko still mostly kept to herself, she'd found that the meeting wouldn't only be a chance to talk about the weird happenings at Hogwarts - it would also be a chance to get to know her colleagues better. She held her cat (who had gotten quite heavy, actually) as she headed up to the Small Hall from the Slytherin dorms. She spent most of her time there these days. While she knew it wasn't particularly safe (she'd been there when the spiders had attacked), she felt safer there than roaming the huge castle. She was familiar with the space.

Still, Hogwarts had become a second (or third or fourth) home to her, and she knew her way around. Koko tried to take up as little space as possible as she scrambled up the stairs, her cat stretching out his paws as if to say, 'Ha! You want to be small? Jax does not!'

Sometimes, she understood why her family were exasperated with her and her brothers before. If she and her brothers had such attitude, she would be tired of it, too.

(She still loved Jax, though. He was a great cat.)

Koko set Jax down right before she made it completely up the stairs, adjusting her robes and making sure her headband was on correctly before making it the rest of the way to the meeting area. "Jax, don't eat anything," she murmured. It had to be said even if her words wouldn't do anything, or so she thought.

She ducked into the room, offering a small wave, and she forced her features into a gentle smile. "Hi, everyone..."

Jax trailed behind her as she pulled out a chair, sitting and resting her hands on the table before her. Her gaze caught on the food and drinks provided - really, some tea would be nice. Still, Koko did not reach for anything just yet, opting instead to merely sit and watch.

@Alan Vanes | @Nico Shymane | @Thomas Lestrange | @Xailah Alptraum

Finally, a chance to get some more insight on the entire situations looming over Hogwarts had been offered. River couldn’t help but feel a slight helplessness in the shadow of everything that had been going on, considering she knew very little about any of it. Therefore her reason for joining the meeting scheduled this day was not to share information, because she really had none, though she hoped it would be a much needed opportunity to learn. Also of course it would be a good way to become more involved with more of her prefect colleagues.
Her walk down the corridors was fast-paced and determined. Her constant craving to silence her curiosity drove her in the correct direction of the small hall. She could only imagine how much this meeting would benefit them all if some had gained a lot more information than others due to personal experience or information gained other ways. The best outcome would be for them all to leave this meeting with enough knowledge to feel they could be of help and protection should anything related to their situation occur in the future.
The ravenclaw stepped through the entrance of the small hall, eyes immediately landing on the table clearly set up for hosting the prefects. Some had arrived before her, “Good day”, she said courtly and sat down on a seat, glancing over the different treats before her on the table, though not taking any.

@Alan Vanes | @Xaliah Alptraum
@Thomas Lestrange | @Nico Shymane
@Koko Riddle

@Alan Vanes @Xaliah Alptraum @Thomas Lestrange @Nico Shymane
@Koko Riddle @River Dewlight

Griseldis didn't expect to see a note when she entered the Prefect room. She wasn't sure if this happened before, but it was certainly her first time to participate in a meeting with other Prefects. However, this meeting wasn't something simple as it seemed because they were being summoned to discuss what occurred in Hogwarts lately that endangered the safety of other students. Griseldis got herself involved in those incidents before, so she knew how serious it could be. Sure it would be a very good opportunity to greet the Prefects from other Houses and get to know them more, but she had a feeling that this wouldn't be a light-hearted topic to talk about.

The location of the Prefect meeting was at the small hall, she used to enjoy reading books or have chats with other students while enjoying the warmth from the cozy fire place. Once Griseldis arrived there, only a few Prefects were already siting at the table and some of them had their cats with them. It would be nice to have her owl with her, but Crystal wouldn't like that and would prefer to be with her own kind in the Owlery.

"Hi, hope I didn't arrive at the wrong moment and interrupt anything.", Griseldis waved at them with a cheerful expression on her face, trying to appear friendly. Before deciding where to sit, she had a good look at each Prefect in front of her. Xaliah, she enjoyed her help with the errands before, and she really liked her unique personality. Koko, well, she still remembered their first encounter in the corridors during their first year, after that they only met during the Quiddtich games. Nico as well, she always seemed like a quiet girl, although Griseldis really liked her pretty hair. Thomas, hmm...she didn't recall that they ever had a proper introduction before. Then there was only one Ravenclaw Prefect arrived, River. Griseldis heard from the Quidditch captain and co-captain about her being a very talented seeker. She soon realized there were no Hufflepuff Prefects present yet.

Griseldis took a seat near her Housemate, and was delighted by the sight of the food. She beamed, "Oh my, these biscuits look really delicious and there's tea too." Without any hesitation, Griseldis picked the tea bag that was filled with green tea leaves. Slowly and carefully, she used the tea kettle that was right next to her and poured herself a cup of green tea. Still holding the tea kettle, she looked up at the other Prefects and asked them with an innocent smile, "Does anyone want some tea?"

@Alan Vanes @Xailah Alptraum @Thomas LeStrange @Nico Shymane @Koko Riddle @River Dewlight @Griseldis Edelhardt

What a crazy year its been...no what a crazy career it's been at Hogwarts so far. It's starting to approach what? Five years now since he first attended Hogwarts and so much has happened both at and out of school. Many good things and many bad. Unfortunately for Quinn at the moment the bad far outweighed the good and whatever was plaguing the young Half-Giant it had changed his personality some.

Course Quinn was more open about what was bothering him now, even Harlin had grown a bit more tame. Something Quinn was learning to trust, and for the time being with Harlin not constantly pestering him he felt a little bit of peace. Least as much as he could given what happened over the Christmas break and the fact that unbeknown to everyone even Nico. He was all but disowned by his father and kicked out of the house. Thankfully his sisters who now attend Hogwarts were there for him. As much as Quinn complained and was seemingly annoyed by there presence at times, it was also abundantly clear just how much he loved them.

Now when Quinn entered the prefect's room and read the note. He wasn't going to attend at first. It brought up many bad memories for him and to be honest he was just tired of it all. Whenever he tried to help he almost always got hurt or blamed. At the same time his heart ached because at the end of the day he still wanted to protect the students and also this was an opportunity to get to know all the other prefects. Many he at least had heard of but he really wanted to get to know all of them.

On the time of the appointed day, Quinn was dressed in his usual robes. Irene sat perched on one of his massive shoulders, tail swaying back and forth slowly as she peered down from her throne. A throne fit for a Quinn as regal and beautiful as she. After all who would dare remove her from such an illustrious throne. Quinn's wild mane of hair had grown even longer and he kept it tied tightly back into a top bun. Seems he had gotten better at shaving as there weren't nearly as many cuts and band aids on his face this time. The beard was a bit neater and only about 2 inches thick so just enough to completely cover the skin without being totally wild.

As Quinn entered the small hall with Irene on his shoulders. Emerald blue eyes scanned the room. Some he immediately recognized and others he didn't really know at all but had seen. He of course recognize the light in his heart, the beacon of good in his otherwise darkened world. He was of course referring to a young and beautifully shy Nico Shymane. The lad stood easily around 8 1/2 feet tall towering over everyone in the room by 2 feet at least. Looking more like a massive adult then a teenager. Still though, his eyes drifted back over to the table where he saw the kettle and teabags. A smile grew on his face.

Perhaps, thanks to his grandparents he was growing an addiction for tea. He drifted over to the mint tea bags dropping one in a teacup and carefully pouring a cup with his massive, seemingly clumsy hands. He took the cup after which seemed like a miniature cup in his hands. Irene meanwhile fixated on the other felines in the room straightening her back and staring down at them like a queen would to commoners who were unworthy of her presence. She did not need to feel hostile towards them because they were beneath her. (Irene is actually a big softy she just likes to think herself high and mighty.)

Careful not to crush or bump into anyone he made his way around to where Nico was. With a gently touch he placed a hand on her head ruffling her hair with a gentle and very warm smile. He looked incredibly exhausted despite his current demeanor and for those paying attention to his behavior lately, would know that something was up with the Half-Giant and that Quinn was very adept at hiding his emotions.

He took a careful seat at the table pushing his seat far back for his legs. Which must have been magically reinforced to comfortably support his immense wait. He removed his hand from Nico's head and placed Irene on his lap who protested a bit but, almost immediately stopped once she noticed who she was next to. The feline jumped into Nico's lap rubbing her head rather affectionately against the Dhamphir's stomach. He took a sip of his mint tea and reveled in the refreshing effects of it and the calmness it brought him. A frown he didn't know he had, now lessened and so did the tenseness in his body.

"Alright so whoever brooehght ment tea. You are a gahd amahngst 'umans." The Half-Giant broke the silence as it appeared no one else was talking once he entered. "Might as well ask dis too. 'ow is everyahne? Feels like its been fahrever sence we last ded sahmethin like dis? I feel like it shooehld be mahre lively?" He followed up eyes scanning over the entire room, before falling to Nico for a brief moment and then back to the others. Awaiting their answers with an innate curiosity he always held.

Hexcode= #507091

Were they supposed to wear their school uniforms to this meeting? Was anyone going to be taking notes? Should he bring his own quill, ink and parchment? How many of the prefects would make it to the rendezvous? What about the ones who didn't show up? Who would fill them in? How long was this going to take? Who had authored the letter anyways? The letter had said he could bring snacks to share, were chocolate frogs okay? Head swimming with questions, Sylvain made his way to the location in the instructions, prepared for answers.

That little bit of anxiety that came with a scheduled meeting and running right on time was exactly what propelled him forward now. Entering the room, he noted that none of the seating was assigned, and quietly sat down at the table out of the way of the others while he retrieved writing materials. At least he would take notes of whatever they discussed, ready to share and compare after the meeting had adjourned. Taking a bit of paper, he wrote his name down and folded the paper into a name tag so the others wouldn't have to ask, and so that he wouldn't have to answer. Sylvain Wyllt. Feel free to mention/interact with me!

Scanning the others, a deep course of curiosity taking control of his sight, Sylvain sought to understand which of them already knew one another. Surely, like himself, those in the same house were at least aware of their fellow prefects. Though perhaps they were also like himself in the fact that this was as far as their relationships had developed so far. Some most likely knew one another from Quidditch or duelling, maybe even the Hogwarts Headliner, that much he was presumptive of. A couple seemed to be on more intimate terms, as noted by the exhausted half-giant's ruffling of another prefect's hair. But where did he fit in, and what was Syl's role here tonight?

"I'll take some tea," he said sheepishly to Griseldis, gladly accepting her kind offer to pour a cup of tea. If not because of her generosity, then to hide the fact that his hands shook slightly with nervousness for having any attention paid to him at all. He found himself agreeing with Quinn's taste, mint was a decidedly exquisite selection for a meeting where the discussion was more than certain to take a darker turn at a later moment. For the time being however, everyone seemed content to make acquaintances whilst they sip tea and ask after one another."Specifically mint since we've got it." Mint had always helped to calm his jangled nerves.

He set the name tag in front of his seat at the table, a seat that was conveniently across from Griseldis Edelhardt and next to River Dewlight. The two of them weren't the only people here he recognized, but they were certainly the most familiar to him when compared to the others. Tossing some of the chocolate frogs in his satchel up on table, Syl spread them out for the prefects to lay their various claims on. Tag me for a free frog.Hopefully at least one of them contained a good pull. Marking the date in the top corner of the parchment, and titling the document "Meeting Notes," Sylvain set his quill in the inkwell while patiently waiting for Griseldis to pass the tea his way. The choice to be an observer, record keeper and story gatherer was made in earnest. He was here to listen.

It seemed important enough to him that someone should gather a list of attendance. Some sort of record that they had each been present during this meeting. Evidence that they had spoken, spilled tea, and broken bread together over a topic of great importance to them all. The days ahead of them were certainly dangerous, life for extraoridnary wizards rarely relented and each of them here deserved to be recognized in the future. Signing his name near the top of the parchment, Sylvain passed it clockwise and left to River. "Mind the ink release near the top of the nib please." It'd be a pain to have to start all the way over, especially if he was the only one who cared about keeping their records clean. Though in a room full of prefects, he was hopeful he wasn't the only one who knew that this was what life was all about. Keeping clean records.

Addressing Quinn's question, Sylvain spoke up. "Honestly, there's been a lot on my mind lately. Between S.C.A.R., Athanatos and the spiders there was a lot to think about. Let alone school, patrols and homework. "How about you, er..." not knowing his name, he skipped right over it, "Have you been sleeping much? I ask because you look exhausted." Sometimes, people asked questions like "How are you," because they wanted to be asked the same question in return.

@Everyone, if you want me to mention you then tell me so I can going forward

Mentioning everyone present so far.

When the Slytherin prefect Thomas Lestrange asked if dear old Schrödinger would be orchestrating their meeting, a mellow, moderately humored voice rang from the doorway. "Oh, I'm confident that he's qualified." Pericles Dralt drifted in, somnolent smile equipped, lidded eyes passively scanning those present. As it was a Friday, he wore his school robes with shiny black shoes, badge gleaming on his chest. The lad's languorous movements may have been the result of a tiring day, flocking from the tall tower to many classes. It may have a been a product of contentment. Clearer than the lazy way he walked was the apparent approval in his expression. This gathering was overdue. Prefects were students, same as anyone else, but they were entrusted with the responsibility of keeping the peace. Knowledge was like the cornerstones to a fortress: the stronger their understanding, the better they could brace for their school's many misfortunes, the safer they could keep their peers.

Pericles considered the seating arrangement with a charmed glimmer in his gaze, mind doing what it did best, rattling through facts and fancies. Four sides, four seats, four prefects per the four houses. Four points of the compass, four elements of the earth, four phases of the moon. A sacred number. It boded well, though some of the smile faded as a thought drifted across the front of his lobe- that this was an unlucky number in China. The Chinese word for four sounded similar to their word for death, though he would keep these many morsels of abstract information to himself. He could control the ooze of facts better these days. The eagle would join his flock, selecting the side with River and Sylvain. Nico had internally likened sitting across from someone as inspiring wariness, defensiveness, and in many cases this was true. But it boiled down to the type of company. Peri would sit across from Xailah, and rather than erecting a wall, this arrangement opened a drawbridge, the position allowing for easy flow of communication suitable for a meeting- sideways looks, implicative glances, and easy access to Schrödinger. Of course, Pericles had his own cat, but Athena did not often accompany him throughout the school day. He cast a wistful look between Koko Riddle's cat, as well as Quinn's, before murmuring to his Gryffindor friend "I didn't know we could bring a plus one." A small pout was feigned.

Athena's absence aside, he was pleased with present company. Those he knew he liked, those he did not know, he now had an opportunity to meet. Sylvain and River were reliefs, he drew passive solace from the presence of fellow Ravenclaws. Griseldis he knew with admiration, attending her errands when he was new to the school, and she had long since influenced his idea of an ideal Prefect. Peri thanked her when she made a general offer of tea, but politely refused, instead asking "Who is our host...? Our 'concerned colleague'?" At the last line he glanced towards Thomas, whose earlier question he suspected might reflect his own concerns. It certainly wasn't the cat leading things. But who? It may be his wariness was founded in paranoia brewing beneath that sleepy mien. He did not know who summoned them, who set this food here, who was bringing all the prefects into one place... a frightfully anxious thought for a twelve-year-old boy to harbor. But between being brought up by an auror with many enemies, more so the recent calamities, perhaps his concern was not unreasonable.

Sylvain made mention of his preoccupied thoughts, a feeling Pericles could relate to. The mere reminder of recent misfortunes marked his face with a sinking frown. Silvery stare considered the table, avoiding meeting anyone's eye for a moment, briefly stewing in the incredibly rotten fate they'd had of late. Quinn mentioned that the prefects gathering in one place was an occurrence worth celebrating, and young Peri couldn't help but be melancholy over how wary he had been. As a prefect he wanted to be focused, mature, responsible. But he was still a twelve-year-old boy. He wanted to have fun too, though wasn't sure where to start aside from reaching silently for the fattest cat, hoping he could lure Schrödinger away from his mistress with an inviting palm.