Notably Exhausted Witches, These PV Eun-ji Locked

Blue in English, Red in Korean

When it came to Eun-ji, this was not an unusual sight. Whenever she was not practicing ballet or improving her dueling skills, chances were, she was burrowed in plethora of books and papers either in the library or here. The only difference was that this time she was not alone. It was their fifth year and the OWLs were almost upon them so Lucia decided to join her. It was strange to have someone there but she would be lying if she said she hadn’t considered it before.

The Ravenclaw had two people in the same age group as her, whom she wanted to do well in the upcoming exams. Those two being Lucia and Hana of course. Neither of the seemed too fond of studying however and so she didn’t dare to suggest it…especially when it came to the later party. She didn’t pay much attention to the cheeky Slytherin until the fourth year came around but she could tell he had no desire to torture himself with cramming. Even in class, he’d much rather spend his time pestering her or some other unfortunate soul than pay attention properly. Strangely enough, Eun-ji could very clearly picture his expression as she suggested him joining her studying sessions and she didn’t like it. Better to leave him alone. Despite his aloof demeanour in classes, he was doing relatively well so she decided try not to worry too much.

Luckily, when it came to Lucia, she was much more reasonable. The Ravenclaw didn’t even have to ask. The pretty badger clearly understood the importance of the exams and decided to bury her head in the books on her own accord. Eun-ji was glad to see this but she could tell her friend’s learning habits were simply terrible. She wouldn’t be surprised if this was the first time she studied so intensively. The girl was messy and generally all over the place. Pausing mid writing, Eun-ji finally raised her head and looked at her study partner. “If you can’t focus then take a break. You won’t memorize anything in this state.” She remarked calmly. “Try making associations with the names, numbers or events. No matter how stupid they might be as long as they mean something to you... In fact, the more stupid they are the better.” She gave out a small advice. Of course, what worked for her didn’t necessarily have to work for Lucia but she had to try things in order to figure out what worked for her.

“I’m aiming for Charms, History of Magic, Muggle Studies, Potions, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Transfiguration and Herbology.” Eun-ji answered Lucia’s question pretty much automatically. That was what was ingrained into her brain after all so she didn't have to think about it for too long. “Well…perhaps not all of them but as many as possible.” She added as an afterthought. In all honesty, it was not that she knew what she wanted to do. These were simply all the NEWTs necessary for what her grandparents wanted her to do and she didn’t know whether she could afford to oppose them.

Yes, Eun-ji’s first dream was to become a professional ballerina but when her letter to Hogwarts arrived, she slowly started to make peace with the idea that she might never make it come true. While she practiced on her own and took proper classes during the summer, it was simply not enough. She honestly didn’t dare to hope of catching up with all the talented ballerinas that had taken classes thorough the school year as well. Not to mention her grandparents would be absolutely livid if that was the career she ended up choosing. The Ravenclaw didn’t even dare to imagine what they would do. “Actually...what career are you aiming for?” Eun-ji quickly asked a question of her own both out of genuine curiosity and a desire to stop her brain coming up with all kinds of disastrous scenarios her current line of thought provoked.

@Lucia Fox
Mentioning: @Hanako Tone

Lucia appreciated Eun-ji's advice to take a break, and pushed her herbology textbook as far away as she could. Still, a bitter tone crept into her voice as she responded, "Feels like I can't memorise anything in any state. It's empty up here." Lucia tapped her head. At Eun-ji's next suggestion, the Hufflepuff sighed. "Thanks. I'll try it, I really will." Maybe the Ravenclaw's idea would work for ancient runes? Then again, Lucia had pretty much given up hope that she would ever raise her abysmal grade in that particular subject. Not that that stopped her from feeling guilty every time she thought about it.

As Eun-ji listed off her NEWT prospects, Lucia's eyes widened. "Seven?! Merlin's beard, Eun-ji, seven?" The further clarification - some, not all - was definitely needed. "Yeah, you wouldn't have any free time at all if you were doing seven." Most people, Lucia knew, did three or four NEWTs. Some geniuses did five, but seven? Then again, if anybody could do it, Eun-ji could. She was definitely the smartest person Lucia knew, even with Briar as an option.

Lucia couldn't help the wince at Eun-ji's question. "I don't... I don't know." The world after Hogwarts just seemed so far away, and yet so horrifyingly close. There were simultaneously too many and too few options - and Lucia Fox hadn't made a decision like this in her life. The closest comparison for most of her schoolmates would have been OWLs; but it had been Lucia's mother who'd picked those out for her. You'll be carrying on all your subjects to OWL, of course. Lucia could hear Ebony's voice like the conversation had been yesterday. And I'll put you down for all the electives. Why are you looking like that, Lucy? Your education is important. You need all the qualifications you can get.

"Hah." Lucia muttered now. That really hadn't worked out as Ebony had wanted. "Good thing she's got Briar, huh?" Merlin, she hadn't meant so say that out loud. "Sorry. Just thinking about Ebony. Anyway." Lucia leaned back in her chair, longing for the comfy seating of the Hufflepuff common room. "It'll have to be something to do with Astronomy, it's the only thing I'm good at. Unless... I don't know, what even is there? Can't carry on with the Headliner forever, can I?"

@Eun-ji Lee Hunt

Blue in English, Red in Korean

The corner of her mouth lifted up a little upon hearing her friend’s complains. “Good. If it's empty up there then you have plenty of space for new knowledge.” She said offhandedly. It was not that Eun-ji didn’t care or found her suffering funny. She just genuinely believed Lucia greatly underestimated her own abilities. She was just feeling overwhelmed since she never put this much effort into studying that’s all. “Don’t worry. You’ll do just fine once you stop stressing so much. That should be your goal number one really.” The Ravenclaw was here to keep her friend company and offer advice when necessary, but the hardest work was always going to be done by the Hufflepuff herself. Only she could fight with her own head.

“Yes, seven would be a bit too much.” I don’t even know what I want to do… She thought helplessly. Although to be fair, Eun-ji was pretty sure Hunts would have had her take seven if it was up to them, they couldn’t reach her here and force her to do so. Even if she was too terrified to oppose them fully, she had to set some boundaries otherwise she’d work herself to death. That was not going to happen. Eun-ji would not be another Lee to perish at their hands. One day…one day she’d free herself from their prison and all the pain they inflicted on her and her family. At least she hoped she would. Losing that hope would be her undoing.

The Ravenclaw hummed in understanding when Lucia admitted she didn’t have any particular goal in mind. She felt sympathetic to her friend. They were clearly in the same boat. Still, she would be lying if she said it didn’t make her feel slightly better about herself. She may have not shown it but she was worried everybody else already knew what they wanted to do with their life. “That’s okay. We still have time…” the witch mused while taking some more notes albeit a bit absentmindedly. “But isn’t it funny how we are thinking about our families rather than ourselves when thinking about the future?” She asked, finally raising her head to look at the part-veela sitting opposite her.

Despite the comment, Eun-ji didn’t sound amused in the slightest. Her tone was calm as always but those, who knew her well might notice a slight hint of bitterness. “It just doesn’t feel right. How about we give it some more thought and try to figure it out for ourselves?” Eun-ji knew it wouldn’t be easy to do and even if they did figure it out, her chances of actually achieving it were almost nonexistent. Still…there was nothing wrong with trying. It would be too late to regret it after graduation. She already had plenty of regrets, she'd do anything to avoid adding more to the list.

@Lucia Fox