Entrance Hall

[Magical Soul]

Welcome to Hogwarts! All guests and residents enter and leave the castle through Hogwarts' two great oak front doors. Once inside the Hall, you'll notice newly cleaned marble floors, a majestic central staircase, large, iridescent arched windows, and numerous doors and staircases leading off from the hall.

Take your time exploring this grand threshold.

[Felixir]

It was not often that Daxton even ventured anywhere near the Great Hall during meal times, finding that the room was far too busy, noisy, and full of food, the smell of which (and the accompanying sight of people eating) was enough to turn his stomach. Today, however, was different. He had overslept, because of reasons, and missed the early-morning opportunity to grab some dry toast before the horde of students and staff converged.

He stood in the Entrance Hall, arms folded across his chest, staring through the doors of the Hall to where the tables were laden with breakfast food. Before now, Daxton might have abandoned the idea and waited instead for lunch, but a recent intense and ongoing growth spurt meant that any recurrences of hunger were much more difficult to ignore. Nevertheless, now he was stood here, looking into the Great Hall, Daxton knew he would not be going inside when it was practically heaving with people.

There was always the option of the kitchens, but Daxton hated that room more than he hated the Great Hall. It always had the odours of different foods, mixing with each other and pervading one of his most delicate senses. That, and the house elves put him on edge.

Now, Daxton had stopped thinking about food, and had turned his attention to the top table, where the staff sat. Staff like Airey Flamsteed, and his stupid rock. Wherever he went, the rock 'followed' (or, more accurately, was dragged along on a bizarre 'leash'). Daxton scowled as a stab of jealousy went through him, followed by a surge of anger that he would be jealous of an insentient rock, of all things. He glared up at the staff table and fantasised about the most creative methods of rock 'murder' he could think of. Still, nothing beat the simplicity of smashing the thing with a hammer. Then it really would be pebbles.

A pile of them.

A pile of Pebbles.

[Davvy_Wavvy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Felixir

It was not often that Daxton even ventured anywhere near the Great Hall during meal times, finding that the room was far too busy, noisy, and full of food, the smell of which (and the accompanying sight of people eating) was enough to turn his stomach. Today, however, was different. He had overslept, because of reasons, and missed the early-morning opportunity to grab some dry toast before the horde of students and staff converged.

He stood in the Entrance Hall, arms folded across his chest, staring through the doors of the Hall to where the tables were laden with breakfast food. Before now, Daxton might have abandoned the idea and waited instead for lunch, but a recent intense and ongoing growth spurt meant that any recurrences of hunger were much more difficult to ignore. Nevertheless, now he was stood here, looking into the Great Hall, Daxton knew he would not be going inside when it was practically heaving with people.

There was always the option of the kitchens, but Daxton hated that room more than he hated the Great Hall. It always had the odours of different foods, mixing with each other and pervading one of his most delicate senses. That, and the house elves put him on edge.

Now, Daxton had stopped thinking about food, and had turned his attention to the top table, where the staff sat. Staff like Airey Flamsteed, and his stupid rock. Wherever he went, the rock 'followed' (or, more accurately, was dragged along on a bizarre 'leash'). Daxton scowled as a stab of jealousy went through him, followed by a surge of anger that he would be jealous of an insentient rock, of all things. He glared up at the staff table and fantasised about the most creative methods of rock 'murder' he could think of. Still, nothing beat the simplicity of smashing the thing with a hammer. Then it really would be pebbles.

A pile of them.

A pile of Pebbles.

Bentley sighed heavily as he made his way from the Great Hall to the entrance hall. He had every intention of taking a long slow stroll around the lake, camera in tow. The copious amount of food he had consumed had to be dealt with, one way or another. Exercise would help with that.

It wasn't hard to miss Daxton though who was staring intently towards.....Bentley turned and looked in the direction that his year mate was looking in...the staff table?

He stopped next to him and folded his arms. "Let me guess, you're thinking of ways to light them all on fire and then take over the school. You're probably even imagining some way of ridding it of all the students and ruling as lord commander of the empty halls, while house elves do your bidding...AAAND you're going to do all this without saying a word."He wouldn't say that he had the boy figured out any at all but Daxton did strike him as someone....odd.

Ugh...Flamsteed had that stupid rock with him.

"I'm so over Flamsteed and that rock." He muttered irritably. "How did we get stuck with him for our head of house?" The man had a pet rock! The third year had spent much of his first and second year wanting nothing more than snatching the rock and throwing it into the lake.

[Felixir]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Davvy_Wavvy

Bentley sighed heavily as he made his way from the Great Hall to the entrance hall. He had every intention of taking a long slow stroll around the lake, camera in tow. The copious amount of food he had consumed had to be dealt with, one way or another. Exercise would help with that.

It wasn't hard to miss Daxton though who was staring intently towards.....Bentley turned and looked in the direction that his year mate was looking in...the staff table?

He stopped next to him and folded his arms. "Let me guess, you're thinking of ways to light them all on fire and then take over the school. You're probably even imagining some way of ridding it of all the students and ruling as lord commander of the empty halls, while house elves do your bidding...AAAND you're going to do all this without saying a word."He wouldn't say that he had the boy figured out any at all but Daxton did strike him as someone....odd.

Ugh...Flamsteed had that stupid rock with him.

"I'm so over Flamsteed and that rock." He muttered irritably. "How did we get stuck with him for our head of house?" The man had a pet rock! The third year had spent much of his first and second year wanting nothing more than snatching the rock and throwing it into the lake.

Daxton had noticed the approach of Bentley - there was really no way to not see someone leave the Great Hall when you had spent the last twenty minutes peering inside. The Gryffindor boy only got a brief glance, though Daxton was willing to put money on the fact that he would see him and make some sort of comment.

Well, maybe he would not risk any money, but he was certain enough to wager a few hypothetical sickles on that fact. Lo and behold, that was precisely what happened. Daxton cast Bentley another glance as he piped up, effectively side-eyeing him, and returned his attention back to the high table.

... Actually, though Daxton was not sure whether or not Bentley's prediction was real or just a joke, that did sound like a very satisfying plan. Daxton could not deny that he had given each of those ideas a fair bit of thought, even if it was mostly during his moments of fantasising. He simply shrugged, the shadow of a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.

At the mention of Airey Flamsteed and his rock, Daxton blinked. For a moment, he did not look away from the high table, but stood and considered the matter. For almost the entirety last term he had been wanting to get his hands on that rock, to get it away from Airey Flamsteed, but after the stealing incident with the book in the man's office, and then watching him for an entire year to see if he ever parted with it, Daxton had resolved that it was not a task he would manage. Particularly on his own, and especially without magic. His strong sense independence had not allowed him to team up with someone else, but now it was more important than ever to Daxton Prince that he get his hands on the rock, even at the expense of his own pride.

He thought, and thought, and thought some more, and eventually looked away from the staff table and at Bentley instead, then back to Flamsteed and his rock, then back to Bentley. Back and forth Daxton looked between the two, the most subtle hint of a thoughtful and devious expression creeping its way onto his usually impassive features. Eventually, he pulled his notebook out of his pocket, pushed the pen out of its spiral binding, opened up to a fresh page and wrote one simple message:

'You hate the rock?'

[Davvy_Wavvy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Felixir

Daxton had noticed the approach of Bentley - there was really no way to not see someone leave the Great Hall when you had spent the last twenty minutes peering inside. The Gryffindor boy only got a brief glance, though Daxton was willing to put money on the fact that he would see him and make some sort of comment.

Well, maybe he would not risk any money, but he was certain enough to wager a few hypothetical sickles on that fact. Lo and behold, that was precisely what happened. Daxton cast Bentley another glance as he piped up, effectively side-eyeing him, and returned his attention back to the high table.

... Actually, though Daxton was not sure whether or not Bentley's prediction was real or just a joke, that did sound like a very satisfying plan. Daxton could not deny that he had given each of those ideas a fair bit of thought, even if it was mostly during his moments of fantasising. He simply shrugged, the shadow of a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.

At the mention of Airey Flamsteed and his rock, Daxton blinked. For a moment, he did not look away from the high table, but stood and considered the matter. For almost the entirety last term he had been wanting to get his hands on that rock, to get it away from Airey Flamsteed, but after the stealing incident with the book in the man's office, and then watching him for an entire year to see if he ever parted with it, Daxton had resolved that it was not a task he would manage. Particularly on his own, and especially without magic. His strong sense independence had not allowed him to team up with someone else, but now it was more important than ever to Daxton Prince that he get his hands on the rock, even at the expense of his own pride.

He thought, and thought, and thought some more, and eventually looked away from the staff table and at Bentley instead, then back to Flamsteed and his rock, then back to Bentley. Back and forth Daxton looked between the two, the most subtle hint of a thoughtful and devious expression creeping its way onto his usually impassive features. Eventually, he pulled his notebook out of his pocket, pushed the pen out of its spiral binding, opened up to a fresh page and wrote one simple message:

'You hate the rock?'

Did he hate the rock? What kind of question was the non speaking third year asking? Of course he hated the rock. He hated it the first time he laid eyes on it. It was an inanimate objects and Airey walked around with that thing like it was a living, feeling breathing creature. He didn't have words to explain just how much it irritated him, but it did.

He didn't enjoy having the 'nutty' head of house. Besides, his grandmother told him all about the professors....and Flamsteed.

"I think despise is a better word. It's just so......weird." He looked at the table again and shook his head.

"Why? Is that what you're standing here staring at?" If it was, that was also equally weird.

[Saz Hale]

Abby entered the entrance hall and stopped she was glad to be back at school but she was secretly worrying about how this term was going to go because of what happened to her during the summer

[Felixir]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Davvy_Wavvy

Did he hate the rock? What kind of question was the non speaking third year asking? Of course he hated the rock. He hated it the first time he laid eyes on it. It was an inanimate objects and Airey walked around with that thing like it was a living, feeling breathing creature. He didn't have words to explain just how much it irritated him, but it did.

He didn't enjoy having the 'nutty' head of house. Besides, his grandmother told him all about the professors....and Flamsteed.

"I think despise is a better word. It's just so......weird." He looked at the table again and shook his head.

"Why? Is that what you're standing here staring at?" If it was, that was also equally weird.

Despise... Bentley despised the rock? That was interesting. Daxton might have asked why, except that he did not care quite enough so as to expend the energy on doing so. Instead he redirected his gaze back through the doors and up to the staff table, thinking.

At first, Daxton only responded with another nod, quietly regarding the small grey shape that even from here was undeniable Pebbles the Rock. Pebbles. Airey Flamsteed had even gone and named the thing. The entire matter was behind Daxton's comprehension, and as it happened, he did not like when something was beyond his comprehension.

Turning to Bentley once more, Daxton wrote out a new message, directly under the first, already making a mental note to destroy this page later.

'I want to take the rock.'

He paused, thinking of a way to word the next part without sounding like he needed Bentley, or indeed anyone, to help him. Because he did not. Ever.

In the end, it seemed that it was best to leave it as it was, let the Gryffindor come to his own conclusion, get him to ask for Daxton's help so the reverse would not necessarily have to happen. This way it was simply a statement, that was all. A shared interest.

[Davvy_Wavvy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Felixir

Despise... Bentley despised the rock? That was interesting. Daxton might have asked why, except that he did not care quite enough so as to expend the energy on doing so. Instead he redirected his gaze back through the doors and up to the staff table, thinking.

At first, Daxton only responded with another nod, quietly regarding the small grey shape that even from here was undeniable Pebbles the Rock. Pebbles. Airey Flamsteed had even gone and named the thing. The entire matter was behind Daxton's comprehension, and as it happened, he did not like when something was beyond his comprehension.

Turning to Bentley once more, Daxton wrote out a new message, directly under the first, already making a mental note to destroy this page later.

'I want to take the rock.'

He paused, thinking of a way to word the next part without sounding like he needed Bentley, or indeed anyone, to help him. Because he did not. Ever.

In the end, it seemed that it was best to leave it as it was, let the Gryffindor come to his own conclusion, get him to ask for Daxton's help so the reverse would not necessarily have to happen. This way it was simply a statement, that was all. A shared interest.

He didn't know how long Daxton planned to keep of this not talking thing for but he certainly hoped that it wouldn't be long. Bentley had heard his mother talk about phase a lot growing up and he was just going to assume that Daxton was going through a phase. Belle went through her biting phase, Heath had his do everything Bentley does phase...wait..no he was still going through that....but the point was, the third year was hoping that, his fellow third year would be over, whatever it was, he was going through quickly.

He didn;t know sign language and found it incredibly odd communicating through paper with someone that was directly in front of you.

Nevertheless, Bentley took the paper from the mute and read it.

"Ah, well I've been thinking of ways to do that for a whole year now. Do you have any plans?"

[Felixir]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Davvy_Wavvy

He didn't know how long Daxton planned to keep of this not talking thing for but he certainly hoped that it wouldn't be long. Bentley had heard his mother talk about phase a lot growing up and he was just going to assume that Daxton was going through a phase. Belle went through her biting phase, Heath had his do everything Bentley does phase...wait..no he was still going through that....but the point was, the third year was hoping that, his fellow third year would be over, whatever it was, he was going through quickly.

He didn;t know sign language and found it incredibly odd communicating through paper with someone that was directly in front of you.

Nevertheless, Bentley took the paper from the mute and read it.

"Ah, well I've been thinking of ways to do that for a whole year now. Do you have any plans?"

Did Daxton have any plans? Did he ever. He had outright fantasised about separating Airey Flamsteed and the rock for a while now, but every single scenario he played out in his head were either doomed to fail or required using other people, and Daxton was not exactly much of a people person, and never asked for help. He had considered paying some first years for their services, but he had very little money to begin with and parting with it was not worth a victory with the rock. Besides that, one could never be sure whom they could trust to not be a total snitch. Until now, Daxton had resolved that he would wait until he was proficient enough with magic, and then hit the rock with a Vanishing Spell. Or, more satisfyingly, the Reductor Curse. But now... maybe there could be another way.

He took his notebook back and once again wrote out his answer, this time much longer, mentally remarking to himself how he needed to get a quill like Blaise had - or rather steal that one - now that he knew it understood and transcribed sign language.

Again, Daxton stopped writing, held up the notebook, and glanced into the Hall again, antsy.

'Stealing from the office would not work, and he never leaves it alone in there anyway. He drags it around on a kind of rope; someone could cut the rope and take it before he notices, but he would have to be kept distracted.'

Airey Flamsteed had an annoying habit of watching Daxton very closely during the times that Daxton wanted to go unnoticed - attention seeking sometimes had the tendency of backfiring in that way - so working alone would have required a more opportunistic approach. But Daxton preferred to plan things thoroughly. Was this his chance? It was wiser to know for sure before giving details of any solid plan.

[Davvy_Wavvy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Felixir

Did Daxton have any plans? Did he ever. He had outright fantasised about separating Airey Flamsteed and the rock for a while now, but every single scenario he played out in his head were either doomed to fail or required using other people, and Daxton was not exactly much of a people person, and never asked for help. He had considered paying some first years for their services, but he had very little money to begin with and parting with it was not worth a victory with the rock. Besides that, one could never be sure whom they could trust to not be a total snitch. Until now, Daxton had resolved that he would wait until he was proficient enough with magic, and then hit the rock with a Vanishing Spell. Or, more satisfyingly, the Reductor Curse. But now... maybe there could be another way.

He took his notebook back and once again wrote out his answer, this time much longer, mentally remarking to himself how he needed to get a quill like Blaise had - or rather steal that one - now that he knew it understood and transcribed sign language.

Again, Daxton stopped writing, held up the notebook, and glanced into the Hall again, antsy.

'Stealing from the office would not work, and he never leaves it alone in there anyway. He drags it around on a kind of rope; someone could cut the rope and take it before he notices, but he would have to be kept distracted.'

Airey Flamsteed had an annoying habit of watching Daxton very closely during the times that Daxton wanted to go unnoticed - attention seeking sometimes had the tendency of backfiring in that way - so working alone would have required a more opportunistic approach. But Daxton preferred to plan things thoroughly. Was this his chance? It was wiser to know for sure before giving details of any solid plan.

Was this really happening? He thought his annoyance at the head of house for dragging around that rock (which everyone seemed to think was completely normal) was unique to just him but look at this! Daxton bloody Prince (who was strange in his own right mind you), thought it was just as weird.

An ally.

A sly grin crept across his lips as he watched the boy scribble on his note pad once again....no really he needed to get his life and use actual words..it really would save them a whole lot of time.

Snatching it from the third, Bentley's eyes quickly danced over the sentences.

"Alright, if you want a diversion I can do that. I can also get the rock. What would you prefer doing?"

This was happening, this really was happening.

[Felixir]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Davvy_Wavvy

Was this really happening? He thought his annoyance at the head of house for dragging around that rock (which everyone seemed to think was completely normal) was unique to just him but look at this! Daxton bloody Prince (who was strange in his own right mind you), thought it was just as weird.

An ally.

A sly grin crept across his lips as he watched the boy scribble on his note pad once again....no really he needed to get his life and use actual words..it really would save them a whole lot of time.

Snatching it from the third, Bentley's eyes quickly danced over the sentences.

"Alright, if you want a diversion I can do that. I can also get the rock. What would you prefer doing?"

This was happening, this really was happening.

Eye-narrowing was happening, right in Bentley's direction. Snatching the notebook was never well-received by Daxton; not because he necessarily cared for its wellbeing, but because it was one of his only means of communication. Also, snatching was far too sudden of a movement for Daxton to be comfortable with. He thought about immediately pulling it back and giving the Gryffindor a hearty smack around the head with it, but even Daxton knew that such a move was unwise when they were in the middle of a deal.

He did snatch the notebook back, though, when he needed to write on it again. Quickly, but as neatly as ever, he printed out a new message, and held the book up for Bentley to read... while keeping a firm hold of it so that it would not be snatched away again.

'I will get the rock.'

Gryffindors were mainly good for creating distractions, any lesson at Hogwarts would prove that. But also, Airey Flamsteed was the Gryffindor Head of House, so if Bentley was planning on the more face-to-face type of distraction, the Astronomer would be likely to give him his full attention. Daxton, on the other hand, was having to find new ways to get Airey Flamsteed to give him any sort of attention at all.

With that thought, the urge to hit Bentley around the head with the notebook reared its head again, and again Daxton suppressed it. Instead, he wrote another message for Bentley to read.

'Can you be ready to do this by Wednesday?'

Though they could have done it right then and there, and though it was very tempting, Daxton had just had a brilliant idea for a decoy, just in case of getting caught. An idea he needed to make the most basic of preparations for, and an idea he would share with Bentley when they decided on a full strategy. For obvious reasons, that could not be done out in the open like this.

[Ameh]

He should have just gone back to his dorm. The not-quite-as-small Jaemin took a few uncertain steps into the entrance hall, hugging the lab coat that Professor Newton had lent to him around his wiry figure; if he went back to his dorm, he could take off the too-small clothing. Then his pants wouldn't be uncomfortably tight on his now rather bony hips, and the shirt would be off and not have to worry about the fact that it no longer covered his flat tummy. But he had other classes to go to for the day, which meant he might... have to ask someone if he could borrow some slightly larger clothing, at least for now. After all, the effects weren't supposed to wear off for a few hours, right?

Couldn't go to class in a lab coat. Surely if he could find an older student (well... he could probably do with a fourth or fifth year, honestly. He was still not very big at all), he could ask to borrow something. And it would be easier to grab someone out in the halls than it would be in the common room, because a lot of people weren't in there between the classes...

He didn't want to walk anymore though. He'd grown, and so had his feet. So his shoes were squeezing his poor toes now. He sat down on the floor, carefully clutching the coat around himself while trying to pull his shoes off one by one, one-handed.

[emjay]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ameh

He should have just gone back to his dorm. The not-quite-as-small Jaemin took a few uncertain steps into the entrance hall, hugging the lab coat that Professor Newton had lent to him around his wiry figure; if he went back to his dorm, he could take off the too-small clothing. Then his pants wouldn't be uncomfortably tight on his now rather bony hips, and the shirt would be off and not have to worry about the fact that it no longer covered his flat tummy. But he had other classes to go to for the day, which meant he might... have to ask someone if he could borrow some slightly larger clothing, at least for now. After all, the effects weren't supposed to wear off for a few hours, right?

Couldn't go to class in a lab coat. Surely if he could find an older student (well... he could probably do with a fourth or fifth year, honestly. He was still not very big at all), he could ask to borrow something. And it would be easier to grab someone out in the halls than it would be in the common room, because a lot of people weren't in there between the classes...

He didn't want to walk anymore though. He'd grown, and so had his feet. So his shoes were squeezing his poor toes now. He sat down on the floor, carefully clutching the coat around himself while trying to pull his shoes off one by one, one-handed.

Ansley had spent the better part of his planning period outside. Not planning classes as what that allotted time was meant for, but for sketching parts of the Hogwarts grounds. Of course he justified it by telling himself that he could be inspired for future lessons as he was outside putting his creative mind and hands to use. Besides, he needed to take advantage of the weather before it got much cooler.

He still had a little bit of time before his afternoon classes, so he thought he'd get something to eat. As he headed inside towards the Great Hall, he noticed someone huddled on the ground and he stepped a little closer, curious at the sight. He wasn't sure that he immediately recognized the young man, though he did quite resemble one of his students. "Uh... Jaemin?" It was Jaemin, right? The boy looked... odd, and somehow out of place, though with him seated it wasn't quite as obvious. "Everything alright?" And why was he pulling off his shoes?

[Ameh]

Quote:

Originally Posted by emjay

Ansley had spent the better part of his planning period outside. Not planning classes as what that allotted time was meant for, but for sketching parts of the Hogwarts grounds. Of course he justified it by telling himself that he could be inspired for future lessons as he was outside putting his creative mind and hands to use. Besides, he needed to take advantage of the weather before it got much cooler.

He still had a little bit of time before his afternoon classes, so he thought he'd get something to eat. As he headed inside towards the Great Hall, he noticed someone huddled on the ground and he stepped a little closer, curious at the sight. He wasn't sure that he immediately recognized the young man, though he did quite resemble one of his students. "Uh... Jaemin?" It was Jaemin, right? The boy looked... odd, and somehow out of place, though with him seated it wasn't quite as obvious. "Everything alright?" And why was he pulling off his shoes?

CAUGHT. HE WAS CAUGHT. The twelve-recently-gone-nineteen year old looked up at the professor, expression a bit guilty, and he stopped tugging at his right shoe. The left was already off, and the ankle socks he wore were now barely long enough to fit his feet; he immediately fumbled after the removed shoe and stood, wobbling a bit. It was still so strange to be this much taller... it threw everything off a bit, and he reached back the hand holding his shoe to touch the wall, just in case.

"I um... I can explain," he mumbled, his very recently thinned-out cheeks going red as he realised that no... he really couldn't. How did one explain to a professor that they were looking for another student to borrow clothing from after a sudden age spurt? That they were taking their shoes off in the entrance hall because their feet had very suddenly outgrown them? He held the collar of the white lab coat closed with his other hand, so Finch wouldn't see how the shirt underneath no longer had a prayer of buttoning around his neck. "...my shoes don't fit."

But yes. Other than that, everything was... mostly... alright.

[emjay]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ameh

CAUGHT. HE WAS CAUGHT. The twelve-recently-gone-nineteen year old looked up at the professor, expression a bit guilty, and he stopped tugging at his right shoe. The left was already off, and the ankle socks he wore were now barely long enough to fit his feet; he immediately fumbled after the removed shoe and stood, wobbling a bit. It was still so strange to be this much taller... it threw everything off a bit, and he reached back the hand holding his shoe to touch the wall, just in case.

"I um... I can explain," he mumbled, his very recently thinned-out cheeks going red as he realised that no... he really couldn't. How did one explain to a professor that they were looking for another student to borrow clothing from after a sudden age spurt? That they were taking their shoes off in the entrance hall because their feet had very suddenly outgrown them? He held the collar of the white lab coat closed with his other hand, so Finch wouldn't see how the shirt underneath no longer had a prayer of buttoning around his neck. "...my shoes don't fit."

But yes. Other than that, everything was... mostly... alright.

Narrowing his eyes a bit, Ansley watched as the boy finally managed to get to his feet. There was definitely something off about this whole situation, and he was even more sure about that as he leveled his gaze. Though not by any means tall, this Jaemin was quite a bit taller than the last time he had seen him, and the guilty look on the boy's face only made Ansley suspicious of what he might be up to.

Uh. Had Jaemin gone through the entire process of puberty in a day or two? Ansley blinked when he heard the boy speak, not expecting anything near that tone. "Alright..." he said slowly as the boy professed that he could explain, and he watched him curiously, trying to figure out for himself just what was going on or waiting for that forthcoming explanation. Perhaps it was some sort of growth potion, or surely something magic based? Ansley wasn't as adept with Potions as some of his other colleagues so he couldn't immediately identify the specific cause by the effects.

"Your shoes?" His eyes drifted downwards, first to the shoe in his hand, then to his socked feet, and he stared for a moment, eyebrow raised before looking back up at him again. "And why is that?" Certainly because his feet were now too big for them, but he was more or less hoping for a more detailed explanation now.

[Ameh]

Quote:

Originally Posted by emjay

Narrowing his eyes a bit, Ansley watched as the boy finally managed to get to his feet. There was definitely something off about this whole situation, and he was even more sure about that as he leveled his gaze. Though not by any means tall, this Jaemin was quite a bit taller than the last time he had seen him, and the guilty look on the boy's face only made Ansley suspicious of what he might be up to.

Uh. Had Jaemin gone through the entire process of puberty in a day or two? Ansley blinked when he heard the boy speak, not expecting anything near that tone. "Alright..." he said slowly as the boy professed that he could explain, and he watched him curiously, trying to figure out for himself just what was going on or waiting for that forthcoming explanation. Perhaps it was some sort of growth potion, or surely something magic based? Ansley wasn't as adept with Potions as some of his other colleagues so he couldn't immediately identify the specific cause by the effects.

"Your shoes?" His eyes drifted downwards, first to the shoe in his hand, then to his socked feet, and he stared for a moment, eyebrow raised before looking back up at him again. "And why is that?" Certainly because his feet were now too big for them, but he was more or less hoping for a more detailed explanation now.

Maybe Professor Finch wasn't going to get mad at him for taking his shoes off in the entrance hall. He certainly hoped not, because really... it was only a little his fault. He probably should have taken the antidote before he left, but he didn't think it would be that bad, since he wasn't super old... the wiry nineteen year old chewed on his bottom lip and looked at the professor uneasily.

"We learned an aging potion in class today, and I took some of it before we left... Professor Newton says it doesn't last too awful long, and he gave me this coat to cover up cause my clothes don't fit right now since I'm bigger, but..." he held up the shoe, looking a little defeated. "They're too small now, and my toes were all squished up in them. I had to take them off. I'm sorry..."

His body might have aged to nineteen, but he was still very much the tiny twelve year old he'd always been. The boy shuffled listlessly on the spot, his other foot half out of the shoe to keep his toes from being squashed; for the first time then, he noticed that his pants were well up his calves, and looked rather ridiculous. He sighed.

At least it wasn't as bad as being teeny tiny.

[Davvy_Wavvy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Felixir

Eye-narrowing was happening, right in Bentley's direction. Snatching the notebook was never well-received by Daxton; not because he necessarily cared for its wellbeing, but because it was one of his only means of communication. Also, snatching was far too sudden of a movement for Daxton to be comfortable with. He thought about immediately pulling it back and giving the Gryffindor a hearty smack around the head with it, but even Daxton knew that such a move was unwise when they were in the middle of a deal.

He did snatch the notebook back, though, when he needed to write on it again. Quickly, but as neatly as ever, he printed out a new message, and held the book up for Bentley to read... while keeping a firm hold of it so that it would not be snatched away again.

'I will get the rock.'

Gryffindors were mainly good for creating distractions, any lesson at Hogwarts would prove that. But also, Airey Flamsteed was the Gryffindor Head of House, so if Bentley was planning on the more face-to-face type of distraction, the Astronomer would be likely to give him his full attention. Daxton, on the other hand, was having to find new ways to get Airey Flamsteed to give him any sort of attention at all.

With that thought, the urge to hit Bentley around the head with the notebook reared its head again, and again Daxton suppressed it. Instead, he wrote another message for Bentley to read.

'Can you be ready to do this by Wednesday?'

Though they could have done it right then and there, and though it was very tempting, Daxton had just had a brilliant idea for a decoy, just in case of getting caught. An idea he needed to make the most basic of preparations for, and an idea he would share with Bentley when they decided on a full strategy. For obvious reasons, that could not be done out in the open like this.

Bentley caught the narrowed looks that were sent in his direction but he ignored them. Daxton was always going to be Daxton even when he managed to somewhat engage the boy on conversation. As far as the third year Lion was concerned they were having a grand old time here and the narrowed eyes were certainly uncalled for. His laid back personality also kept him from making anything of it.

After having the book unceremoniously snatched back from him, he read the new message that the odd RavenClaw wrote out for him.

"Very well, you get the rock and I'll plan the distraction." Keeping Flamsteed occupied couldn't be that hard right? If the man could have a rock for a pet and be entertained by it, then for sure he could keep him busy.

Daxton started writing again and Bentley used the few seconds to wonder what caused the boy to be like this...

"Yeah Wednesday is good." He checked his watch and looked at Daxton. "And I gotta run so I guess we'll meet before then to finalize the plan?"

[emjay]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ameh

Maybe Professor Finch wasn't going to get mad at him for taking his shoes off in the entrance hall. He certainly hoped not, because really... it was only a little his fault. He probably should have taken the antidote before he left, but he didn't think it would be that bad, since he wasn't super old... the wiry nineteen year old chewed on his bottom lip and looked at the professor uneasily.

"We learned an aging potion in class today, and I took some of it before we left... Professor Newton says it doesn't last too awful long, and he gave me this coat to cover up cause my clothes don't fit right now since I'm bigger, but..." he held up the shoe, looking a little defeated. "They're too small now, and my toes were all squished up in them. I had to take them off. I'm sorry..."

His body might have aged to nineteen, but he was still very much the tiny twelve year old he'd always been. The boy shuffled listlessly on the spot, his other foot half out of the shoe to keep his toes from being squashed; for the first time then, he noticed that his pants were well up his calves, and looked rather ridiculous. He sighed.

At least it wasn't as bad as being teeny tiny.

Ansley stayed looking at Jaemin curiously, still waiting for that explanation. Being a wizard and quite attuned to the magical world of course he was accustomed to strange things happening, but his curiosity mixed with the boy's guilty look and the fact that it seemed that he needed some assistance left him a little concerned.

Ah, an Aging Potion... well, that made sense. He'd admit that he wasn't as adept with potions as he was with other magical aspects, but it was a pretty basic one. "Oh, I see," he nodded, looking the boy over as he described the situation and the reason why his shoes had been removed. "I thought you were a little bigger than the last I saw you," he chuckled. And no he didn't mean a summer growth spurt.

"Well.." He tilted his head a bit, looking at the boy's shoes. "Do you know any enlarging charms?" Though it was a more basic charm, it could sometimes be tricky to get things just the right size without over-enlargening them. He remembered seeing some of his peers exploding things when he was a student, and the thought of it caused him to chuckle. "I could help you out there if you wanted." Unless the kid wanted to practice himself which he would whole-heartedly recommend.

[Ameh]

Quote:

Originally Posted by emjay

Ansley stayed looking at Jaemin curiously, still waiting for that explanation. Being a wizard and quite attuned to the magical world of course he was accustomed to strange things happening, but his curiosity mixed with the boy's guilty look and the fact that it seemed that he needed some assistance left him a little concerned.

Ah, an Aging Potion... well, that made sense. He'd admit that he wasn't as adept with potions as he was with other magical aspects, but it was a pretty basic one. "Oh, I see," he nodded, looking the boy over as he described the situation and the reason why his shoes had been removed. "I thought you were a little bigger than the last I saw you," he chuckled. And no he didn't mean a summer growth spurt.

"Well.." He tilted his head a bit, looking at the boy's shoes. "Do you know any enlarging charms?" Though it was a more basic charm, it could sometimes be tricky to get things just the right size without over-enlargening them. He remembered seeing some of his peers exploding things when he was a student, and the thought of it caused him to chuckle. "I could help you out there if you wanted." Unless the kid wanted to practice himself which he would whole-heartedly recommend.

He wasn't quite sure if Finch was joking about the whole... bigger... thing. Jaemin looked down at himself, then up at the professor, nose wrinkled. "Not nearly big enough, I think," he murmured, ears going red. He was still so small... probably smaller than most people who were the age he was currently. The Slytherin sighed and curled his toes inside of his shoe.

He knew enlarging charms... well, he knew Engorgio. But he wasn't sure if that was the correct way to go, and he didn't know how to properly enlarge his clothes without destroying them. So the boy nodded enthusiastically when Ansley offered his help, fingers loosening around the neck of the coat.

"D'you mind...?" it would be nice to have pants that fit properly. And a shirt. It would be nice to see what he would really look like at nineteen without having to see his tummy peeking out of everything. He could practice later, on things that didn't matter. The boy looked down at himself and loosened his grip a little more, letting his neck peek out of the coat a bit more. "'s all of it though, not just my shoes..."

Thank Merlin the man was understanding. It would have been awful had he crossed paths with a professor who wouldn't listen to him.

"I don't think I made the potion well enough. I look just the same."

[emjay]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ameh

He wasn't quite sure if Finch was joking about the whole... bigger... thing. Jaemin looked down at himself, then up at the professor, nose wrinkled. "Not nearly big enough, I think," he murmured, ears going red. He was still so small... probably smaller than most people who were the age he was currently. The Slytherin sighed and curled his toes inside of his shoe.

He knew enlarging charms... well, he knew Engorgio. But he wasn't sure if that was the correct way to go, and he didn't know how to properly enlarge his clothes without destroying them. So the boy nodded enthusiastically when Ansley offered his help, fingers loosening around the neck of the coat.

"D'you mind...?" it would be nice to have pants that fit properly. And a shirt. It would be nice to see what he would really look like at nineteen without having to see his tummy peeking out of everything. He could practice later, on things that didn't matter. The boy looked down at himself and loosened his grip a little more, letting his neck peek out of the coat a bit more. "'s all of it though, not just my shoes..."

Thank Merlin the man was understanding. It would have been awful had he crossed paths with a professor who wouldn't listen to him.

"I don't think I made the potion well enough. I look just the same."

Ansley gave Jaemin a thoughtful look at his words. Not big enough? Had he expected a more drastic result from the potion? Well, he was certainly different enough to have Finch notice. "Big enough to not fit inside your shoes though?" And likely his clothes too, which was likely the reason for the coat.

Tilting his head as the boy loosened the grip on his coat, Ansley assessed his appearance a little more, nodding as he spoke again. "Not a problem." He cast an enlargening charm on the shoes first, keeping his intent clear in his mind to keep the spell at an appropriate size. The shoes appeared to be about right, but without him trying them on, he couldn't be completely sure. "You'll have to open up the coat so I can cast on your shirt and pants too though." Hopefully, the shrinkage of what he was wearing wasn't too embarrassing, but he needed to cast the spell properly.

He shrugged at the boy's words. "You look a bit older too me." And taller, even if he wasn't nearly as tall as he was. "And you definitely sound older too."

[Ameh]

Quote:

Originally Posted by emjay

Ansley gave Jaemin a thoughtful look at his words. Not big enough? Had he expected a more drastic result from the potion? Well, he was certainly different enough to have Finch notice. "Big enough to not fit inside your shoes though?" And likely his clothes too, which was likely the reason for the coat.

Tilting his head as the boy loosened the grip on his coat, Ansley assessed his appearance a little more, nodding as he spoke again. "Not a problem." He cast an enlargening charm on the shoes first, keeping his intent clear in his mind to keep the spell at an appropriate size. The shoes appeared to be about right, but without him trying them on, he couldn't be completely sure. "You'll have to open up the coat so I can cast on your shirt and pants too though." Hopefully, the shrinkage of what he was wearing wasn't too embarrassing, but he needed to cast the spell properly.

He shrugged at the boy's words. "You look a bit older too me." And taller, even if he wasn't nearly as tall as he was. "And you definitely sound older too."

Big enough to not fit inside his shoes or clothes anymore, yes... but still not big enough for him to be happy. Everyone else got to be tall... he had been the smallest one in his Muggle school, even smaller than kids grades below him, and he was still among the smallest in the school here. He'd hoped that his glimpse into the future would be more... more. But he was still a skinny, nerdy little boy. Hopes of not being a midget in the future were rapidly dwindling.

He could feel the shoe getting bigger around the foot that was still half-inside of it. It was odd... very odd. He looked down at it, and when it seemed to stop, pushed his bigger foot inside. Definitely much better... he'd have to bother Finch to teach him this when he wasn't quite so distracted. It might turn out to be useful at some point in the future... who knew. Magic was weird like that. You ended up in situations you never really expected... it would be good to have a spell for it, just in case.

In the back of his head, he knew he'd have to open the coat so Finch could fix his clothes, but... well that didn't make it any less embarrassing. The young man's face was bright pink across his cheeks, and he very slowly peeled the coat open so the professor could see the extent of 'not fitting' beneath. His shirt was much too small, the button sorta straining at spots to hold it closed, and a nice bit of his flattened out tummy was visible because of how short it had gotten. The pants... were pressing into his hips, almost painful even though he had popped the button that normally held them closed in an attempt to give himself more room. They were well up his calves, pulled closer to his knees than was comfortable, and Jaemin felt the pink of his face slowly growing to a bright red. Growing a full foot in one shot really wasn't that great, actually.

"My voice doesn't sound like my voice anymore." He rubbed his throat, lightly kneading at the rise of an adams apple that was more prominent now. At least something had changed, because after looking in a mirror Jaemin still couldn't identify much in the way of difference around his face. Sure, he had less chubby cheeks... but he couldn't tell much else.

[Felixir]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Davvy_Wavvy

Bentley caught the narrowed looks that were sent in his direction but he ignored them. Daxton was always going to be Daxton even when he managed to somewhat engage the boy on conversation. As far as the third year Lion was concerned they were having a grand old time here and the narrowed eyes were certainly uncalled for. His laid back personality also kept him from making anything of it.

After having the book unceremoniously snatched back from him, he read the new message that the odd RavenClaw wrote out for him.

"Very well, you get the rock and I'll plan the distraction." Keeping Flamsteed occupied couldn't be that hard right? If the man could have a rock for a pet and be entertained by it, then for sure he could keep him busy.

Daxton started writing again and Bentley used the few seconds to wonder what caused the boy to be like this...

"Yeah Wednesday is good." He checked his watch and looked at Daxton. "And I gotta run so I guess we'll meet before then to finalize the plan?"

That was settled then. Daxton nodded, closing his notebook and sliding it back into his pocket. The time for words was over.

He glanced back at Bentley again and gave another nod... and that was that. Not having a watch himself, Daxton did not know exactly what time it was, but figured it might be a good idea to make himself scarce as well, before the hordes of students started pouring out of the Great Hall.

But for now, he took a moment or two to look back into the Hall, diverting all of his attention back onto the staff table once more, no longer paying Bentley any mind. Once the Gryffindor had vacated the area, Daxton would wait a minute or so, and then take his own leave.

[emjay]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ameh

Big enough to not fit inside his shoes or clothes anymore, yes... but still not big enough for him to be happy. Everyone else got to be tall... he had been the smallest one in his Muggle school, even smaller than kids grades below him, and he was still among the smallest in the school here. He'd hoped that his glimpse into the future would be more... more. But he was still a skinny, nerdy little boy. Hopes of not being a midget in the future were rapidly dwindling.

He could feel the shoe getting bigger around the foot that was still half-inside of it. It was odd... very odd. He looked down at it, and when it seemed to stop, pushed his bigger foot inside. Definitely much better... he'd have to bother Finch to teach him this when he wasn't quite so distracted. It might turn out to be useful at some point in the future... who knew. Magic was weird like that. You ended up in situations you never really expected... it would be good to have a spell for it, just in case.

In the back of his head, he knew he'd have to open the coat so Finch could fix his clothes, but... well that didn't make it any less embarrassing. The young man's face was bright pink across his cheeks, and he very slowly peeled the coat open so the professor could see the extent of 'not fitting' beneath. His shirt was much too small, the button sorta straining at spots to hold it closed, and a nice bit of his flattened out tummy was visible because of how short it had gotten. The pants... were pressing into his hips, almost painful even though he had popped the button that normally held them closed in an attempt to give himself more room. They were well up his calves, pulled closer to his knees than was comfortable, and Jaemin felt the pink of his face slowly growing to a bright red. Growing a full foot in one shot really wasn't that great, actually.

"My voice doesn't sound like my voice anymore." He rubbed his throat, lightly kneading at the rise of an adams apple that was more prominent now. At least something had changed, because after looking in a mirror Jaemin still couldn't identify much in the way of difference around his face. Sure, he had less chubby cheeks... but he couldn't tell much else.

Ansley looked at Jaemin's shoes once he finished the enlarging spell. They seemed about right now. "Do they fit alright?" The boy had pushed one of his feet back into one of the shoes, but he could tell him best if it fit or not. He could probably adjust it a bit if needed.

And now for the boy's clothes. Ansley looked over the boy carefully as he opened his coat. It could have been worse, he supposed. At least it still covered him, but he could see that he was embarrassed. "Alright, let's see here.." he mused aloud as he first pointed his wand at the boy's shirt. He cast the enlargening charm there first, visualizing a clear picture of the proper size before moving on to the trousers next. "Better?" Seemed to be a tad on the too big side now, possibly, but it was better to be roomy than snug, right?

"No," he chuckled. "You sound... older." His voice was definitely quite a bit deeper, and he half wondered if it would just stay that way though he figured that it would go back then go this way again in the near future. "At least you have a pretty good idea of what is to come in a few years.."

[Ameh]

Quote:

Originally Posted by emjay

Ansley looked at Jaemin's shoes once he finished the enlarging spell. They seemed about right now. "Do they fit alright?" The boy had pushed one of his feet back into one of the shoes, but he could tell him best if it fit or not. He could probably adjust it a bit if needed.

And now for the boy's clothes. Ansley looked over the boy carefully as he opened his coat. It could have been worse, he supposed. At least it still covered him, but he could see that he was embarrassed. "Alright, let's see here.." he mused aloud as he first pointed his wand at the boy's shirt. He cast the enlargening charm there first, visualizing a clear picture of the proper size before moving on to the trousers next. "Better?" Seemed to be a tad on the too big side now, possibly, but it was better to be roomy than snug, right?

"No," he chuckled. "You sound... older." His voice was definitely quite a bit deeper, and he half wondered if it would just stay that way though he figured that it would go back then go this way again in the near future. "At least you have a pretty good idea of what is to come in a few years.."

It was beyond a relief when Finch started fixing his clothing. Jaemin let out a quiet sigh as the shirt loosened around him, buttons no longer straining to hold it closed over his chest. The pants were an even bigger relief, no longer pressing into his hipbones or squeezing his thighs too tight. He did have to catch them with one hand though, when they grew looser, because being unbuttoned had them threatening to fall down. Hastily he re-did the button, and it seemed just enough to keep them up. Good.

"Thank you," he murmured, dropping the other shoe and pushing his foot into it. They fit even better than the rest of his clothing, and he gave Finch a light nod. "Much better..."

He hadn't really considered that he would look like this in a few years. That his voice would start doing this... this sooner rather than later. The boy blinked slowly, still rubbing his throat, and looked up at Finch.

"I dunno how far I went... I hope I get to grow more." The voice was fine, and he could live with his face looking perpetually extremely young... but he wanted to be taller. "There's potions and stuff to get taller, right?"

Maybe he'd have to look into them. He looked down at himself, moving to pull the coat off now that his clothing fit much better. It... was actually a lot easier to see the subtle differences now. HMMM.

[emjay]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ameh

It was beyond a relief when Finch started fixing his clothing. Jaemin let out a quiet sigh as the shirt loosened around him, buttons no longer straining to hold it closed over his chest. The pants were an even bigger relief, no longer pressing into his hipbones or squeezing his thighs too tight. He did have to catch them with one hand though, when they grew looser, because being unbuttoned had them threatening to fall down. Hastily he re-did the button, and it seemed just enough to keep them up. Good.

"Thank you," he murmured, dropping the other shoe and pushing his foot into it. They fit even better than the rest of his clothing, and he gave Finch a light nod. "Much better..."

He hadn't really considered that he would look like this in a few years. That his voice would start doing this... this sooner rather than later. The boy blinked slowly, still rubbing his throat, and looked up at Finch.

"I dunno how far I went... I hope I get to grow more." The voice was fine, and he could live with his face looking perpetually extremely young... but he wanted to be taller. "There's potions and stuff to get taller, right?"

Maybe he'd have to look into them. He looked down at himself, moving to pull the coat off now that his clothing fit much better. It... was actually a lot easier to see the subtle differences now. HMMM.

Ansley watched as Jaemin's clothing gradually enlarged, noting that they fit the somewhat bigger boy quite a bit better. "You are welcome," he nodded. "Good.." Everything appeared to be in order and he was glad when the boy confirmed as much. He had to be awfully uncomfortable with everything too tight and too small. "How long is the potion supposed to last?" He knew it wasn't that long, but also that it varied. And so would the spell, but likely that would last longer.

The boy looked a little confused as he seemed to still process the whole situation, and Ansley watched him a moment. "Oh, possibly. I really don't know how much you took or how strong the potion was. That can certainly affect things. You might not be exactly this size when you are done growing." Who knew, really. It was more a simulation than anything and he was hardly a potion expert.

"Well, there are, yes," he began. "But potions and spells are not just quick fixes. They don't last all that long or always work they way they are intended, so it's just best to grow into your true self naturally." Sometimes they had disastrous effects too. He really didn't encourage such use.