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*Zoe* · #1 (**permalink**) 04-30-2017, 03:42 PM

A bit confused about the plot? Housemates talking about a mysterious something going bump in the night? Here's where YOU can post and catch up on happenings around the castle and in Hogsmeade -- out of character, of course.

This means that unless your student character heard this stuff from other students or witnessed the actual event, your student character doesn't know about it.

Also, this is a reminder to everyone to only post updates on the school plot here. Please do not post the happenings of your student character in here; that kind of chat goes in the school chat thread.

Have fun!

*Zoe* · 04-30-2017, 03:42 PM

Hogwarts Board of Governors
President - Corineus Vanderbilt (Steelsheen)
Vice President - Atticus Aldredge (AlwaysSnapesGirl)
Secretary - Carter Phillips (LilFox06)
Treasurer - Celandine Kettleburn (Tegz)
Gabriella Blaze (Bazinga)
Anna Greingoth-Newell (Anna Banana)
Daichi Katheros (DuckyLinJi)
Caelan McGowen (ChanceCoeur)
Vanessa Paton (RachieRu)
Marilyn Romalotti (Govoni)
Lark Whimley (Callie)
Eloise Whittebrook (emjay)

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Headmistress - Prof. Regina Hawthorne (Zoe)
Deputy Head - Prof. Paul Myers (kayquilz)

School Staff
Ancient Runes - Prof. Regina Hawthorne (Zoe)
Arithmancy - Prof. Bethany Holmes (NPC)
Astronomy - Prof. Keiyona Berkovich (MuggleDinosaur)
CoMC - Prof. Tristan Wayland (Suziella)
Charms - Prof. Gaston Marchand (MadMadamMalfoy)
DADA - Prof. Roderik Hirsch (hermionesclone)
Divination - Prof. Laurel Vance (Nordic Witch)
Flying - Mr. Haraldur Baldvinsson (potterobsessionist)
Herbology - Prof. Paul Myers (kayquilz)
History of Magic - Prof. Rosalyn Newton (WhittyBitty)
Muggle Studies - Prof. Kaysha Stewart (FearlessLeader19)
Potions - Prof. Ciara Canterbury (SarcasticStrawberry)
Transfiguration - Prof. Camilla Stewart (Kolyander)

Caretaker - Ms. Sylvia Grimblehawk (Sylvia Grimblehawk)
Groundskeeper - Mr. Haraldur Baldvinsson (potterobsessionist)
Healer - Mr. River Reed (Stefan)
Librarian - Mr. Kalen Kennedy (FwooperOnYourLeft)

School Poltergeist - Peeves
School Ghost - Moaning Myrtle
House Elves - Algamus, Argyle, Beezley, Nimma, Pips, Quirly, Schmoop, Tinka, Tippin, Toddles

Head Boy - Rooney Bronwyn (Shanners)
Head Girl - Rula Botros (AlwaysSnapesGirl)

Gryffindor
House Ghost - Nearly Headless Nick
Head of House - Prof. Gaston Marchand (MadMadamMalfoy)
House Prefects - Tenacius Salander (Steelsheen), Noelle Summers (ChanceCoeur)

Hufflepuff
House Ghost - Fat Friar
Head of House - Prof. Paul Myers (kayquilz)
House Prefects - Henry Whittebrook (emjay), Henrietta Kramer (Lady of Light)

Ravenclaw
House Ghost - Grey Lady
Head of House - Prof. Roderik Hirsch (hermionesclone)
House Prefects - Rooney Bronwyn (Shanners), Kitty Valentine (Goblinfrog)

Slytherin
House Ghost - Bloody Baron
Head of House - Prof. Laurel Vance (Nordic Witch)
House Prefects - Oliver Borzekowski-Thomas (littledhampir), Rula Botros (AlwaysSnapesGirl)

Gobstones Club - Prof. Kaysha Stewart (FearlessLeader19), Prof. Laurel Vance (Nordic Witch)
* Gobstones is currently under revamp. We hope to have the sport return next term. Thank you for your patience.

Hogsmeade Shopkeepers
Dervish and Banges - Saul Bunyons
Gladrags Wizardwear - Summer Longshadow
Hog's Head Pub - Samuel Huxley
Honeydukes - Maisie Windell
Madame Puddifoot's - Sapphira Puddifoot
Scrivenshaft's - Edina Fairbairn
Simply Stylish Salon - Monte Bossa
Three Broomsticks - Harold Lagerty
Zonko's Joke Shop - Emerald McDougal

potterobsessionist · 05-04-2017, 04:18 AM

The Headmistress has given her speech at the feast.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zoe

Ahh, and then the stragglers had arrived. Regina eyes followed those who had arrived after her. Not a hint of coolness could be found in them, however. They were actually rather warm, for everyone had arrived before the students started to flood into the room. Half of her focus was on them, watching as the returning students found their seats and the newcomers started to congregate around the Sorting Hat.

The other half of her attention was still on her colleagues, returning Haraldur, River, Kaysha, Kalen, Ciara (long time no see), and Tristan's individual form of greetings with a simple nod of her head. The Divination professor received a smile for complimenting her dress, as did the Defence professor. Gaston also received a quick nod, but she wasn't able to analyze his stiffened posture for his significant other was walking by. The woman managed to slip out a "I'm doing quite well" (in response to both Roderik and Rosalyn) before the History of Magic professor take her place a few chairs away from her and Paul, of course, snagged the opportunity to say something to her.

There was a deadpan silence between his question and her response. She wondered, while watching the tail end of the sorting take place, if this was his way of segwaying into trying to convince her to let the school partake in those wild ideas of his. So, hoping to prolong that topic of conversation, she decided to keep things short and sweet, answering both questions simultaneously. "Quite pleasant. I've kept myself busy, as I always do." The man could interpret that however he wanted. She knew that her summer visit to Egypt had been pleasant (though short), and that all the communication and planning going on once she had turned to Britain kept her on her toes.

Speaking of the communication and planning she had been doing lately, she was about to take the opportune moment to rise and take her spot at the podium. But the unwanted presence of a student made her train of thought freeze, which caused her to miss Camilla's greeting from down at the end of the table. The woman's eyebrow rose ... and then her eyes widened at the words that came out of Ms. Diggory's mouth. Even River got a look. He would love to discuss it later? The fact that the girl was at their table, before the speech had been given, was not appreciated, and her words were something she wished she had not heard.

Before the Slytherin skedaddled off to the table (because she wouldn't be getting away with that so easily), Regina, since River wasn't, stated, "Actually, Ms. Diggory, I find the subject matter of this revelation that you felt so compelled to share to be highly inappropriate. This is not the type of conversation you should be having with any adult. Furthermore, you are well aware that students should not be approaching the staff table until after I give my speech. Ten points will be taken from Slytherin."

Honestly. What was the matter with some of these kids? Did they not think about their words and actions before they were said or done? It certainly was a shame.

No longer looking at the girl, the headmistress took that as her cue to deliver her speech. Hopefully a certain announcement she was going to make and the arrival of food would keep everyone preoccupied and foolishness at bay. Loudly, the woman walked to the front of the dais and looked out at the throng of students before her.

"Good evening," her voice rang throughout the entire hall as a smile grew on her face. As usual, she waited before the chitter chatter to die down before continuing. "I have some important updates to share with you all before we dive into the first feast of the new school year.

"My first order of business is to inform you all of some staff changes that have been made. As you can see, some of the faces from last term are not here with us tonight and new faces have taken their place. Teaching Astronomy will be Professor Keiyona Berkovich; Care of Magical Creatures, Professor Tristan Wayland; Potions, Professor Ciara Canterbury; and I will be taking on Ancient Runes. In addition, Mr. Haraldur Balvinsson is our new groundskeeper and flying instructor, while Mr. Kalen Kennedy is our new librarian and Ms. Sylvia Grimblehawk is our new caretaker. Please join me in welcoming our new staff members."

Regina clapped her hands together and then waited for the applause to die down.

"Next, I would like to take a moment to mention that Gryffindor and Slytherin have new Heads of House. Professor Marchand will be taking the lions under his wing while Professor Vance will be taking the snakes under hers. Both Houses are in very capable hands, and I know that they will be welcomed with open arms."

Another moment of applause was had. Once the applause died down, the headmistress purposefully paused, looking at the crowd with that same smile on her face, for dramatic affect.

"My final announcement is that all extra-curricular sporting activities will not take place this year," Regina began, wanting to get that initial shock out of the way. Whatever the students' reactions were, the headmistress paid no attention to because she continued on, "This is due to Hogwarts playing host to a special event. It is with great pleasure that we will be welcoming my alma mater and former place of employment, Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, to our campus to participate in the International Magical Pupil Standoff, or IMPS. This is an inter-school competition designed over the summer by a number of staff from both schools with the purpose of strengthening the relationship between our sister schools and showcasing the knowledge and aptitude of our students.

"Due to the advanced nature and potential danger involved, it has been decided that two students, one male and one female, from each House aged fifteen and above have the odds of being selected to participate in the challenges designed for this competition. Further information about the IMPS and the selection of the representatives of each school will be revealed when our visitors from Ilvermorny arrive in October.

"Now, I know some of you could eat an entire hippogriff at this time, so I will leave you with your thoughts and anticipations. Eat up, sleep tight, and make this term a great one," Regina concluded with a single clap of her hands, causing food to appear on the plates and liquids to fill the goblets on the table, before she made her way back to her seat to enjoy the meal herself.

RandomRaven · 05-13-2017, 10:05 PM

Ahem

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Narrator

Several minutes after the headmistress's suggestion to keep your eyes and ears open, a low humming echoed from the mountains and travelled over the lake to where you are standing on the pathway. Can you hear it? What in Merlin's beard was making that noise?

Or ... perhaps you saw something just shimmer in the distance?

Shanners · 05-14-2017, 11:41 AM

The Ilvermorny students are HERE and boy oh boy is The Pathways thread POPPING.

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Narrator

The humming grew louder and louder. Soon a blob of red could be seen, getting bigger and bigger with each second. Was it a bird? Was it a plane? Or was it --

BEEP! BEEP!

A ruby red Volkswagen Beetle could clearly be seen flying over the Black Lake moments later. Its antennae moved briskly in the wind as its wings fluttered and made it swiftly move forward, the headlights of the vehicle opening and closing as if it were blinking. You catch yourself doing a double take.

Needless to say, the sight of the Beetle was an attention grabber. It wasn't every day a vehicle like this was seen. Within moments said mode of transportation flew over everyone's head and then landed on the grounds with a thud.

Only to reveal that no one was driving it.

However, before anyone had the time to solve that mystery, the Beetle's trunk suddenly opened...

OOC: If you have an Ilvermorny character posted in this thread, now is the time to post them!

And AY YI YI. Welcome back to former Hogwarts Headmistress and Muggle Studies Professor, Meredith Moxley.

Isn't she a FRESH OF BREATH AIR?!

Quote:

Originally Posted by TakemetotheBurrow

Hey Hogwarts!

SHE’S BAAAAAA-AAAAACK!

Yes, Meredith Moxley had arrived in all her cheerful exuberance and she shined like the sun-quite literally due to her dress-as she very ungracefully climbed out of the beetle and lead the way to the Hogwarts Headmistress and co. Yes, she was like a mother duck leading her heard of ducklings ~~to their possible doom~~ on a new and exciting adventure. ”Remember what I said about sticking with your buddy, everyone! You’ll thank me for that later!” Her sing-song voice carried over the crowd as her kitten heels click-clack-cracked over the path. ”Just breathe that fresh air in! It’s good for the lungs!” The student nearest her received a rather hard-but loving-pat on the shoulder and she fully expected some deep breathing to take place in that moment. AND THAT SCENERY. Merlin, she’d missed it! Oh wait, this was a good moment to-”Selfie!” The brunette’s selfie stick (still a fan of muggle technology, you see) seemed to appear out of nowhere as it hovered above the group, her magical camera attached and the familiar click-click of pictures being snapped could be heard as she posed, big old Moxley grin in place. There, that was better. ”We’re making memories, people!”

It was nice to see that Hogwarts had continued the tradition of having beautiful, strong women on staff. In charge, even! She’d feared the line might end with her! Hehehe. ”Headmistress Hawthorne, thank you so much for hosting us!” The Moxinator offered her hand, her smile lighting up her whole face. ”It’s great to be back here and we can’t wait to get started.” She gestured to the group with her and nodded eagerly.

It was good to be home and was that….PAUL! PAUL IN A PONCHO. GOOD OLD PONCHO PAUL. Meredith waved excitedly, like a kid on the first day of school after not seeing her friends all summer. HI PAUL, HI!

RandomRaven · 05-18-2017, 06:53 AM

And we have our champions selected!

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Narrator

Once the book was released, it glided up toward the ceiling until it hovered over everyone’s heads. It started its trek by making a lap around the hall, starting first the Slytherin table, then making its way to tables belonging to the Ravenclaws, Hufflepuffs, and lastly the Gryffindors before returning to the area between the House and staff tables. It was searching, deciding.

Suddenly the book began to shake and light started to seep through its closed pages. The energy the book was beginning to give off grew more and more intense until the front cover flew open and its pages began to flap from one to the next. Then, without warning, it stopped and a bright white light briefly filled the room as ancient runic letters leapt off the page and rearranged themselves mid-air. After contorting themselves, the letters then spelled out the first of the worthy.

“IRENE AVERY, ILVERMORNY, PUKWUDGIE.”

The name remained visible for a brief moment and then disappeared. Pages of the book once more began to turn. Another flash of light occurred and the letters shaped themselves into the next name.

“MASON WINSLOW, HOGWARTS, RAVENCLAW.”

Again, the name disappeared and the pages flapped away, followed by a white flash and rearranging of letters. The process continued until the rest of the names were revealed.

“JESUS RODRIGUEZ, ILVERMORNY, THUNDERBIRD.”

“DORA UMBRIDGE, HOGWARTS, GRYFFINDOR.”

“VALERIE GRAY, ILVERMORNY, WAMPUS.”

“CARL LEONARD, HOGWARTS, HUFFLEPUFF.”

“KYLE BAKER, ILVERMORNY, HORNED SERPENT.”

“TEJASHREE PEALE, HOGWARTS, SLYTHERIN.”

“LACHLAN WHEELER, ILVERMORNY, WAMPUS.”

“CASSANDRA MCNALLY, HOGWARTS, RAVENCLAW.”

“AURORA CHAE, ILVERMORNY, HORNED SERPENT.”

“LEVI KENNING, HOGWARTS, GRYFFINDOR.”

“AIDEN JONES, ILVERMORNY, PUKWUDGIE.”

“HENRIETTA KRAMER, HOGWARTS, HUFFLEPUFF.”

“LOUISE HAMILTON, ILVERMORNY, THUNDERBIRD.”

“BRENT WESTWOOD, HOGWARTS, SLYTHERIN.”

When the final selection was made and the letters disappeared, the book loudly slammed itself shut and made a slow decent into the hands of the Hogwarts headmistress.

*Zoe* · 05-21-2017, 04:38 PM

IMPS Challenge #1

When is it?
Saturday, November 8.
OCC: May 21st - May 31st.

Where is it?
IMPS Stadium.

Who can attend?
Anyone from Hogwarts and Ilvermorny.

What should you bring?
Banners, flags, etc. to support the competitors/your school.
Money for concessions. Your best behaviour.

What should you wear?
Comfortable everyday clothes.
Anything school/competitor-related is recommended.

Felixir · 05-28-2017, 12:06 PM

??????????????? SUSPICIOUS???????????????

definitely suspicious.

(from the Spare Office on the sixth floor)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Melanie Williams

She was almost never late, and if she was, something was terribly wrong. Unlike her brother, she had already grown used to the castle and knew almost all of its various walkways and ways of getting from place to another. She could used to living here, she thought, if she didn’t have very specific reasons for being in America. Those same reasons had ensured she come here, to Hogwarts.

“Brother,” she said softly as she slid through the doorway. She firmly shut the door behind her and locked it. It had been months since she could speak to him candidly, and she wanted to do so now. But even in a locked seemingly empty office, she couldn’t. Everything had to be guarded, coded. Speaking in subtlety was irritating, like an itch she could never fully scratch. She approached Duncan, though, and smiled. “Brother. We can speak almost like we can back home,” she whispered. “We did it. We’re here.” she gestured all around her.

She turned to eye up the decor of the room. There was nothing. Nowhere to sit, nowhere to even stand comfortably. The mirror showing their reflections made her smile ominously though. “Duncan, I've spoken to who we both miss.” Her switch to French was seamless. Thankfully, too, their French would be very different from any French speaking person from France or even Canada. Southern French was a dialect all its own and difficult to understand. “We will soon be able to pass the pixie dust along,” she turned to face him. Her hard, dark eyes met his. He would know what this meant. “And the one we spoke of...he graduates in a year’s time.”

Duncan should also know what that meant, too. Her eyes darted to the door out of paranoia. She drew her wand. “Muffliato.”

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duncan Williams

He heard her footsteps long before she entered the room and knew who they belonged to. How many times had he heard her footsteps running arounnd the house when they were growing up? How many times had he pretended to be asleep only to have his plans foiled the minute he peeked an eye open? It wasn't so much as a sibling thing, it was more of a twin thing.

His head turned to the door and he raised an eyebrow as she entered the room. "What, no Dunkin Donuts?" A Muggle donut company and coffeehouse that he wouldn't mind munching on right now. That was, in retrospect, another downside to this school and this country in general. Where were the Dunkin Donuts stores? "We made it, despite the struggles to get here." Whether it had really been a struggle to get Meredith to hire him was something else entirely. The woman, in her overenthusiastic self, seemed to relish in being given attention and who was he to deny her of that? Especially if it benefitted them.

It wasn't the switch between languages that peeked his interest, it was the words that were being said. His signature smirk settled on his face and he would, if he were the type, punch his fist in the air out of victory. "Excellent. We should waste no time in starting the minute the gift arrives." Time was of the essence and if they stalled any longer, the competition could be over before they knew it. "A year..." A year was plenty of time but was it enough time? "Does he seem interested in what you told him?" And, more importantly, could they trust him?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Melanie Williams

Melanie smirked. “No, no Dunkin Donuts. Unfortunately. God, I could use one right now.” Boston creme, right here. “You had more struggles than I did. You had to be hired on.” Which, thankfully, had been easy. Moxley was an easy target. She ran her fingers over the top of the fireplace. A thick layer of dust coated the top, and Melanie crinkled her nose in disgust. “So if the office is unused, they don’t clean it?” she asked. With a wave of her wand and a muttering of one of the many cleaning spells she knew, she took care of the dust problem.

Gift, he called it. Melanie rolled her eyes. “We need to keep an eye out for who is on the receiving end.” She already had ideas. Kaysha Stewart. Perhaps Duncan, though, had someone better in mind? She’d let him speak before she gave her own opinion. “I haven’t relayed all of it to him, yet. I’m testing the waters. But he could be good for us.” She had a far-off look in her eye, as if she were imagining it all already.

A wave of nostalgia of home washed over her. She missed everything about it. She missed the ease of the early days. Things were harder now, more secretive. She was held in high regard; she was responsible for making things happen.

It was then that she approached Duncan and hugged him. “I miss her.”

AlwaysSnapesGirl · 06-04-2017, 01:59 AM

The results of the first IMPS challenge are in!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zoe

Minutes passed by, adding up to a total of roughly twenty minutes. The conversation had been to say the least, very passionate. In the end, however, a consensus had been made, the decision final.

Walking about into the seating area of the stands, Regina walked with an expressionless look on her face. Instead of returning to her seat, she made her way toward the centre of the stands right in front of the screen. She took out her wand, holding it to her neck, and casted a silent Sonorus.

"After much deliberation, the judges and I have come to an agreement on which twelve of our sixteen competitors will be progressing onto the next challenge. Before revealing the results, I would personally like to say that all of our competitors demonstrated great skill in the forest today. We are all proud of you regardless of the outcome for today's challenge."

A was a brief moment of silence occurred while she retrieved a small piece of parchment from her inside robe pocket. Clearing her throat, the woman continued, "For the first challenge, each competitor could earn up to twenty-five points based on the skill they demonstrated. These points will carry over into the next challenge for the twelve competitors who were not eliminated. The four competitors with the lowest amount of points will, sadly, no longer be in the running for the IMPS scholarship.

"The competitors and their point earnings are as follows: Kyle Baker, Ilvermorny, 25 points. Valerie Gray, Ilvermorny, 24 points. Levi Kenning, Hogwarts, 24 points. Jesus Rodriguez, Ilvermorny, 24 points. Brent Westwood, Hogwarts, 24 points. Dora Umbridge, Hogwarts, 24 points. Louise Hamilton, Hogwarts, 23 points. Aiden Jones, Ilvermorny, 23 points. Aurora Chae, Ilvermorny, 23 points. Irene Avery, Ilvermorny, 21 points. Henreitta Kramer, Hogwarts 19 points. Tejashree Peale, Hogwarts, 19 points."

Then it was time for the eliminated: "Lachlan Wheeler, Ilvermorny, 18 points. Mason Winslow, Hogwarts, 18 points. Cassandra McNally, Hogwarts, 18 points. Carl Leonard, Hogwarts 16 points."

An applause was then had for the competitors, all of them, because they all deserved it. Regina waiting for the noise to die down before speaking her departing words.

"Congratulations to the competitors moving onward, and a sincere thank you to those eliminated for giving it your all." That's the way the cookie crumbles. "The second challenge of IMPS will be taking place in January. Before then, however, the Hogwarts Board of Governors will be hosting a social event before the holidays. More details will be posted about this social when December is here." Regina paused for a moment, making sure that she had everything covered. With nothing coming to her mind, she then concluded, "At this time, you all may now return to your designated lodgings for some much-needed relaxation after such an intense evening." No fighting, please!

Lislchen · 06-04-2017, 11:22 AM

Merlin's Pride just got a whole lot more interesting.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lachlan Wheeler

To reiterate, Lachlan was not a sore loser. He was...mostly relieved to be eliminated. However, there was a golden opportunity here, and who was he to deny himself the entertainment that would surely ensue? Who would suspect a thing with so many adults mulling about?

Nodding politely at a few party-goers as he made his way onto the ship, Lachlan dug his hands down deeply into his pants pockets, double checking to see if he had it with him. As he neared the table spread out with the various food times, he slowly removed the large potions phial. It was still sealed tightly, filled with a deceptively clear liquid.

Veritaserum.

Casually removing the wax seal, he grinned to himself. This wasn't for spite. He'd gotten to know a few of the Hogwarts natives and thought they were good people, but this was what he did for fun. A long standing prank, if you would. So, carefully reaching out a hand, as if to begin preparing himself a plate, Lachlan stealthily began sprinkling the contents into every bit of food within reach. In such a way that NO ONE saw what had been done. And he continued this as he traveled up and down the long table. Nothing edible had gone unaffected.

Practically impish, Lach snagged the eggnog he'd set aside for himself. Taking a sip, he grinned at his unsuspecting targets.

Go ahead, then. Eat, drink, and be very, very honest.

emjay · 06-09-2017, 12:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Narrator

What an odd place to deliver a package to. A midnight black owl swooped in, dropped a small package atop the woman's [Melanie Williams] head before giving a hoot and flying away.

Package: delivered.

A package for Professor Williams while she's enjoying herself on the Merlin's Pride? How mysterious...

nicole black · 06-13-2017, 09:51 PM

What exactly are the Williams siblings up to? I'm getting Magenta and Riff Raff vibes

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duncan Williams

The event taking place on Merlin's Pride had guaranteed one thing: the Beetle was empty. This seemed like the best place to have a small conversation that wasn't likely to be overheard by any nosy eavesdroppers. However, that didn't stop Duncan from checking each and every hallway he marched through. The labyrinthine hallways were proving to be useful, after all.

It wasn't until he was along the fourth hallway, round a corner and down another few conjoining hallways that he stopped and turned to Melanie. The spell Muffliato was nonverbally cast to shield them from any nosy students who happened to be nearby.

"So, it's arrived? The present?" The French slipped out almost automatically but this was a situation that called for it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Melanie Williams

Melanie followed her brother. Her heart raced with excitement, pumping against her ribcage with an erratic beat. Her hands trembled around the package. “It has. We can begin.” She smiled haughtily, showing her brother all her teeth while doing so. “But not tonight. We will wait for our chance. Keep up your work.” She looked around curiously. “I want to open it….to examine it. But...I fear now is not a good time.” Melanie tucked it back under her arm. “I think I’ll be keeping it with me.” She hoped her brother didn’t take that to heart, or with offense. She was used to being in charge; she was the more dominant twin and she always had been.

“We will come up with something foolproof. For now...let us go back to your room...and celebrate.” Perhaps with a well deserved message to home.

- from the Beetle's Hallway Maze-

griffin · 06-30-2017, 06:57 AM

More from the Beetle. What are these Ilvermorny professors up to?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duncan Williams

Now that he wasn't rushing to find safe place to hold this conversation, Duncan's eyes stared at the package. There was a flash of hunger behind his dark and usually judgemental eyes. They could begin. In a surprising twist of events, Duncan smiled genuinely for the first time that evening. They could begin. Three very simple words but three words that held a lot of weight to them.

They could begin.

Melanie had always taken charge from their childhood. It was why she had come out of the womb first, why she convinced him and why she was most entrusted with this. "Patience, Melanie." A trait the woman didn't have an ounce of in her body. "We'll open it soon, I promise. Anyone could see us here." Promises were futile but this was one he meant. She had to realize that. "I'll do what I can and keep you updated."

Celebrate. It was a simple word but it was one that made him smirk at this moment. "We have donuts to celebrate." Dunkin Donuts. "Come, before anyone sees us."

*Zoe* · 06-30-2017, 11:02 PM

Results from Challenge #2:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zoe

The second challenge of the IMPS competition had, needless to say, been an interesting one to view. It involved a lot of strategy and clever thinking to get through it. Her eyebrows rose on occasion at the actions of some of the competitors, impressed with some but bewildered by others. Nonetheless, they all seemed to be fairing well. The scores were most definitely going to be close.

After the final competitor made their appearance at the stands, Regina took that as her cue to rise from her seat, her notes folded in her hand, and meet with Moxely and the other two judges to determine the eight that would be moving on to the next challenge. Let the heated discussion begin...

Time ticked and tocked, adding up to a total of fifteen minutes before the woman made her reappearance at the stands. Surprisingly, coming to a conclusion about who would move on and who would not was fairly easy this time around. Most had done a stellar job with this challenge ... and then there were a few surprises. Not to mention the current standings after the points from the previous challenge were added to today's earnings. Brace yourselves, Hogwarts and Ilvermorny!

With a wave of her wand, the screen put on display the points from the previous challenge belonging to the competitors who had moved on:

Kyle Baker, Ilvermorny, 25 points.
Valerie Gray, Ilvermorny, 24 points.
Levi Kenning, Hogwarts, 24 points.
Jesus Rodriguez, Ilvermorny, 24 points.
Dora Umbridge, Hogwarts, 24 points.
Brent Westwood, Hogwarts, 24 points.
Aurora Chae, Ilvermorny, 23 points.
Louise Hamilton, Ilvermorny, 23 points.
Aiden Jones, Ilvermorny, 23 points.
Irene Avery, Ilvermorny, 21 points.
Henreitta Kramer, Hogwarts, 19 points.
Tejashree Peale, Hogwarts, 19 points.

Once the points were on display, her wand gently glided to her neck. She did not waste another moment and allowed her voice to echo throughout the stands. "Again our IMPS competitors were put to the test, though this time for a very different challenge, one that required using the mind -- strategy, sound thinking, and attentiveness -- to its fullest capacity in order to succeed. Our companions at the Department of Mysteries did a fantastic job of putting our competitors in a realistic daydream, allowing them to let their minds show us what they are capable of."

There was a short pause as Regina reached in her pocket for a small piece of parchment. Those who remembered seeing her do so month ago would know that it was time for the scores to be revealed. Throat cleared and eyes on her, she stated, "Like the first challenge, those that competed today were able to earn up to a maximum of twenty-five points. The points earned from the previous challenge and today's challenge will be totaled. The top eight competitors with the highest amount of points thus far in the competition will continue on, whereas the bottom four will not.

"The competitors and their point earnings for today's challenge are as follows: Kyle Baker, Ilvermorny, 25 points. Valerie Gray, Ilvermorny, 25 points. Jesus Rodriguez, Ilvermorny, 25 points. Dora Umbridge, Hogwarts, 25 points. Aurora Chae, Ilvermorny, 24 points. Levi Kenning, Hogwarts, 24 points. Brent Westwood, Hogwarts, 23 points. Irene Avery, Ilvermorny, 22 points. Louise Hamilton, Ilvermorny, 22 points. Henrietta Kramer, Hogwarts, 22 points. Tejashree Peale, Hogwarts, 21 points. Aiden Jones, Ilvermorny, 20 points."

Then, with a flick of her wand, the standings on the screen adjusted in accordance with the addition of the second challenge's markings:

Kyle Baker, Ilvermorny, 50 points.
Valerie Gray, Ilvermorny, 49 points.
Jesus Rodriguez, Ilvermorny, 49 points.
Dora Umbridge, Hogwarts, 49 points.
Levi Kenning, Hogwarts, 48 points.
Aurora Chae, Ilvermorny, 47 points.
Brent Westwood, Hogwarts, 47 points.
Louise Hamilton, Ilvermorny, 45 points.
Irene Avery, Ilvermorny, 43 points.
Aiden Jones, Ilvermorny, 43 points.
Henreitta Kramer, Hogwarts, 41 points.
Tejashree Peale, Hogwarts, 40 points.

"To the top eight competitors listed, you will be moving on to the third of the four challenges; congratulations. To the bottom four students, unfortunately you will not be continuing; however, we thank you for your effort and participation," the woman addressed the competitors before leading the crowd in applause.

Following the applause, Regina continued, "The third challenge of IMPS will be taking place on March 21st. Until the time comes, continue studying hard and building friendships with each other." That was, after all, part of why this competition was happening: to strengthen the relationship between the two schools. "You all may now return to your usual Saturday routines," she added before removing her wand from her neck and taking her leave.

*Zoe* · 06-30-2017, 11:03 PM

IMPS Challenge #3

When is it?
Saturday, March 21st.
OCC: July 1st - July 10th.

Where is it?
IMPS Stadium.

Who can attend?
Anyone from Hogwarts and Ilvermorny.

What should you bring?
Banners, flags, etc. to support the competitors/your school.
Money for concessions. Your best behaviour.

What should you wear?
Comfortable everyday clothes.
Anything school/competitor-related is recommended.

AlwaysSnapesGirl · 07-13-2017, 03:55 AM

The results of IMPS Challenge #3 have been announced!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zoe

Though the number of competitors was half of what they had started with for the first challenge, making a group decision on who would move on and who would not was not any easier. In fact, this challenge was one of the hardest ones to judge. There were many different approaches that had been taken and so many emotions had been brought to the surface because of this particular challenge. Each of the judges, needless to say, had very strong opinions toward certain competitors. At the end of the day only four would move on, and it took nearly twenty minutes to figure out who those four would be.

As the Hogwarts headmistress made her reappearance at the stands (after all of the student dramatics had happened -- there were other adults present that should have been more than capable of containing angsty children), the images on the screen disintegrated and the total scores from the previous challenge were put on display:

Kyle Baker, Ilvermorny, 50 points.
Valerie Gray, Ilvermorny, 49 points.
Jesus Rodriguez, Ilvermorny, 49 points.
Dora Umbridge, Hogwarts, 49 points.
Levi Kenning, Hogwarts, 48 points.
Aurora Chae, Ilvermorny, 47 points.
Brent Westwood, Hogwarts, 47 points.
Louise Hamilton, Ilvermorny, 45 points.

Points on display and now facing the crowd, Regina wasted no time to get started. They all had been waiting long enough for them to be revealed, and, in all honesty, she was ready to head back to the castle and get away from all the angst over a controlled magical competition.

"Unlike previous challenges, this time the competitors had someone they were connected with to fight for as they faced the harsh cold elements of an arctic environment. With only the wind as a hint at where to go and, really, very little instruction of what to do, our competitors had to be quick on their feet while still thinking critically in order to successfully complete the challenge," she , her wand gently pressed on her neck. "At this time, I would like to thank the Department of Environmental Regulation and Protection for providing us with the arctic setting and for the St. Mungo's healers that came out today to make sure our competitors and their person of importance were healthy and well post-challenge. A special thank you is also given to those who gave their consent to be part of this challenge."

That was all she was going to say about that. Them being locked in a cage was sure to be a touchy subject. If people wanted to be mad, then Regina was going to let them waste their time being mad. She knew of all the precautions that had been taken and the plan of action should anything go wrong. The risk was there intentionally for the sake of the challenge and for it to be taken seriously, but that didn't mean they were going to let anyone freeze to death. And if anyone thought that they hadn't thought through everything, then they were no brighter than Dorcus Twelvetrees.

"As with the previous challenges, each competitor could earn up to twenty-five points. Their totals earned were then totaled to their already existing scores. The top four competitors with the highest amount of points will be moving on," she stated before flicker her wand at the screen, allowing it to add on points and move names around.

Kyle Baker, Ilvermorny, 73 points.
Valerie Gray, Ilvermorny, 71 points.
Levi Kenning, Hogwarts, 70 points.
Brent Westwood, Hogwarts, 70 points.
Jesus Rodriguez, Ilvermorny, 69 points.
Dora Umbridge, Hogwarts, 68 points.
Aurora Chae, Ilvermorny, 67 points.
Louise Hamilton, Ilvermorny, 64 points.

"Those competing in the final challenge are Kyle Baker, Valerie Gray, Levi Kenning, and Brent Westwood. Congratulations." The woman clapped her hands together for them. She was proud of them, whether they knew it or not.

Once the applause died out, Regina spoke once more to bring everything to a close, "The fourth and final challenge of IMPS will be taking place on the 23rd of May. There will be a pep rally the day before the challenge, following the day's classes, to encourage school spirit and support our competitors. Until then, it is back to our normal routines. Supper in the Great Hall will be served in thirty minutes."

Her wand was then removed from her neck. She was done. It was time for everyone to leave. The headmistress, in spite of wanting to depart right away, lingered. If there were students that wanted to act up, then they were going to have to deal with her now. It wouldn't be a fun time either.

*Zoe* · 07-21-2017, 12:26 AM

IMPS Challenge #4

When is it?
Saturday, May 23rd.
OCC: July 21st - July 30th.

Where is it?
IMPS Stadium.

Who can attend?
Anyone from Hogwarts and Ilvermorny.

What should you bring?
Banners, flags, etc. to support the competitors/your school.
Money for concessions. Your best behaviour.

What should you wear?
Comfortable everyday clothes.
Anything school/competitor-related is recommended.

Govoni · 07-21-2017, 09:21 PM

I think the Williams siblings are trying to exterminate our Muggle Studies professor.

[Room of Requirement]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Melanie Williams

"Somewhere around there, yes," she replied in a whispered tone to the Muggle Studies professor. They were on the seventh floor, so the woman wasn't exactly wrong.

But great Circe, Duncan had theatrics on the mind today, didn't he? Melanie found herself rolling her eyes, and if she wasn't careful, they'd roll right out of her head, as her mother would say. She was all for letting Kaysha take her blindfold off and producing the fake "thing" she had wanted to show Kaysha, but of course Duncan had to commandeer the whole situation. She had to keep the scoff from her throat. Her brother was ridiculous. He was so extra sometimes.

"You can even touch it if you like," Melanie whispered. The powder was surely entering Kaysha's nostrils, right? She thought she could see it slithering in the air eerily as it penetrated her pores...her senses. Her nose and mouth. It smelled like death, and it made Melanie crinkle her nose. The decoy was in a pouch in her pocket, but she'd wait until the powder was all gone, completely in Kaysha's mind.

AlwaysSnapesGirl · 08-02-2017, 11:30 PM

And the results of the final challenge are in! Congratulations to the winner [read below to find out who it is, I'm not going to spoil it

]!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zoe

With the appearance of the fourth competitor at the stands, Regina took that as her cue to rise from her seat beside Hirsch and begin the decent down to were she and the other judges met. As she scooted her way past a few other adults and a heap of children, her charmed notepad dutifully followed after her. The quill was still ferociously writing away, putting the final touches on the thoughts that were running through her mind about the performance of each competitor. The challenge had been. The headmistress herself found herself impressed by each of the competitors to some degree. It wasn't every day one survived a runespoor attack and lived to tell the tale, granted the Ministry officials would have prevented that from happening.

When she made it to the bottom of the stands, the quill stopped writing and simply hovered beside the notepad. The woman continued moving forward, progressing to the location where the judges would be meeting for the final time. She was already assuming the words that would come out of their mouths, and she would bet her galleons that Mox --

There was a scream and murmuring that stopped her in her tracks. Her head whipped around, only to see that Valerie Gray had fainted and people were started to crowd around her. She instantly ran over to the group that was forming, pushing some of the students out of the way because the girl needed space. The quill jotted one last note down about a lack of proper hydration. Her wand was out, though River made quick work of attending to her. So she simply joined the Ilvermorny headmistress in doing crowd control.

And then the Wampus was back, wasting no time to act like her normal self. The moment the glare went her way was the moment Regina walked away toward her original destination. The girl was fine. River was taking care of her. She and Moxely had competitors to score now so a winner could be announced.

* * *The Hogwarts headmistress returned and headed her way toward the centre of the stands after a lengthy conversation about what had been observed in the final challenge. A long eighteen minutes had been spent going back and forth. The final results were, needless to say, close.

"Our final challenge turned up the heat for our competitors -- both figuratively and literally -- by placing them in an African setting and having them go face-to-face with a grown runespoor. This was no easy feat, so all of our competitors have shown great endurance today," she said, her wand pressed gently against her neck. "Thank you to our companions from the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures for being on standby throughout the challenge. And we owe a special thanks to Scamander Zoo for providing for us the four runespoor that were present in this challenge."

A pause then followed, her hand reaching inside for a piece of parchment that had the results of the challenge and the competition as a whole. Suspense filled the area as she silently unfolded the piece of paper and gazed up at the crowd. She purposefully hesitated and then suddenly spoke, "As with the previous challenges, the final four competitors had the potential of earning up to twenty-five points to add to their overall score. As today marks the final challenge in the International Magical Pupil Standoff, no one will be eliminated. Instead only won will be crowned the winner of the competition and will be the recipient of a full-ride scholarship to the university of their choice.

"In fourth place: Brent Westwood, 91 points." The woman paused for a moment to lead the crowd in an applause. Her eyes searched for him amongst the throng of students and then locked on him, giving him a smile. He had done so well.

"In third place: Valerie Gray, 92 points." Another applause was had. The woman's eyes moved from Brent to Valerie. A simple, though proud nonetheless, nod was given to the girl.

The two remaining were Levi Kenning and Kyle Baker. Regina found both of them, her eyes flicking between the two of them and the parchment in her hand. She knew the results, though was pausing for dramatic effect. "Our first and second place competitors over the course of the entire competition scored a 95 and 94 respectively. Please join me in applauding them for this great accomplishment." She led them in another applause, again purposefully dragging things on for the suspense factor.

And then there was total silence until, finally, the woman cleared her throat.

"Our winner of the of the IMPS competition, with a total of 95 points, is --" she said, flicking her wand at the screen behind her. For a moment, the screen went blank and then a name flashed and confetti appeared out of nowhere, falling on everyone in the stands. "Congratulations to Kyle Baker, winner of the International Magical Pupil Standoff!"

With that said, Regina removed her wand from her neck and made her way over to Kyle to shake his hand. "Well done, Kyle. Well done indeed."

And don't go too far, Mr. Kenning. The headmistress had yet to personally congratulate him.

Now, with IMPS being said an done, all that was left of the school year was final exams and the end-of-term feast. Then it would be time for the American school to fly over the Atlantic and the Hogwartians to hop on the train. What a relief. Surely everyone would be able to handle that after all of this excitement.

sweetpinkpixie · 08-08-2017, 01:57 PM

end of term speech

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zoe

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen," she began, her eyes moving from table to table, student to student. "The end of a term has come, and in the morning all of us will be starting the journey home." Some journeys being much longer than others for obvious reasons. "But, before we depart, I have one more speech to give."

"To start off, I would like to address tonight's decor." At this moment, the woman made a motion and the red and gold banners above them. "Gryffindor has successfully taken the House Cup from Slytherin's three-term grasp with an impressive three thousand, five hundred, and forty-seven points. The lions have shown great academic achievement and teamwork to make this happen. Congratulations." She clapped her hands together, starting a well-deserved applause.

Once the applause died out, Regina continued, "More congratulations are in order. This term both Hogwarts and Ilvermorny were brought together through the International Magical Pupil Standoff. All sixteen of our competitors have shown great skill and endurance in all of the challenges. For that, we applaud them." Cue another applause. "We also, of course, owe Kyle Baker an additional round of applause for winning the competition and earning a full-ride scholarship to whichever university he chooses to attend post-graduation." She led them all in another moment of applause.

"Speaking of graduation, we have a number of students who have completed their magical education at the secondary level. Please rise. Yes, you too Ilvermorny graduates." They had been her pupils too, before she made the move across the Atlantic. "No matter where you go, I wish you all the best in your future endeavors. Take what you learned over the last seven years and continue to grow. We look forward to hearing about your accomplishments. Good luck."

Hands clapped together once more. The woman made a motion for the graduates to return to their seats and the applause died down.

"Let us now enjoy our final feast of the term. Make sure to exchange addresses with each other before leaving and keep those friendships made over the term gain strong. I bid those taking the train home a comfortable journey and those from Ilvermorny a safe and fast flight home." Without another word, Regina made an elaborate movement with her hand and started making her way back to her seat once the food appeared. Dig in!

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