Norman had just come from outside and was on his way back to his office when the staircase moved and put him in the opposite direction. As he turned down the corridor, he felt something drop onto his head. “What the-?” he muttered under his breath. He touched his head where the object hit, and his hand came away dusty. Weird… where did that come from?

Quickly standing aside, he looked around the corridor. He half-expected the dust to be part of a prank by Peeves or a student, but there was no one to be seen. Instead he saw only a small pile of dust near where he was standing a moment ago and - How long had that crack in the wall been there? Either it had only recently appeared, or his observational skills were slipping!

His blue-green eyes followed the crack up the wall, searching for the exact point where it started and any flaws in the stone that might explain why it happened. But there was nothing glaringly obvious. It was probably nothing. It was a centuries-old building, after all. There were bound to be signs of wear and tear. Or maybe it was a prank after all, just a more elaborate one than he thought?

Kinsay adjusted the straps of her bag as she made her way down the corridor. If her magic wasn't so temperamental, she would've used an extension charm. It would have made her life so much easier. Instead, she had to stuff her bag with all sorts of colorful fabric and hope that it'd stay put and not cause problems. And. And it was very difficult to carry. Not because it was heavy (it was not), but because it's straps kept falling off her shoulder!

She was very annoyed to say the least.

But she soldiered through it (because she was stubborn) and only came to a stop when the bag slid down her arm. Again! Ugh. Without acknowledging Professor Carton (who was standing right in front of her), she got down on her knees and began sifting through her bag furiously. Irritated, she stood up with a huff, looked over at her Professor once again and paused. "You have dust on your head, did you know?" He should take care of that.

How embarrassing for him.

'The Hufflepuffs are plotting'

That was what the boy Aiden had met in Diagon Alley had said in class. It had been a strange thing to hear about because Aiden was a Hufflepuff, and then he had asked the girl next to him about what 'plotting' was and she had said it meant making secret plans.

Secret plans? Aiden sure didn't know about any secret plans or any NOT secret plans...And even though the lesson was really interesting what he thought about even most when it was over was what that boy had said. He didn't understand it or what it meant about Hufflepuffs.

Luckily, that boy was one of the few familiar faces at school. In talking to Aiden once, the other boy had opened the door for Aiden talking to him again, now that he was familiar.

And so soon after class, Milo would feel a tug at his robes and if he did turn around he would see a very small Hufflepuff looking up at him, just as he had once looked up at him in Diagon Alley.

Rosalie quite looked forward to the first Saturday of each month when the Wizard Card Collectors' Club met. Collecting the cards from chocolate frogs had been something she participated in on and off through the years, so it was fun having an opportunity to share that pasttime with the students and to see their collections as well. Or even just to see them enjoying each others company and sharing some chocolate frogs, sometimes learning about one of the more obscure or rare people found on some of the cards. It was a pretty relaxed, easygoing atmosphere, this club.

Today would hopefully add a little more excitement to it, or so Rosalie planned. She'd put the finishing touches on the locations just before coming here, ready to be revealed once the game began.

But for now, in preparation of the students' arrival, the room was set up in its usual setup - four chairs at each table, chocolate frogs set in the center. The table with the lone chair at the front of the room was where she sat, straightening a stack of small index cards as she waited for the students to arrive.

Jude would never miss a Wizard Card Collectors' Club meeting. To do so would be a crime. There was a small box tucked under his left arm as he strolled into the room. The box had been given to him by Reagan shortly after he had began collecting the cards say, about five years ago.

"Good day, professor," Jude chirped happily in his usual soft voice. He took a seat at one of the tables. The box was placed before him and he drummed his fingers on it. He hoped the others would hurry up so that this meeting could get started.

He was absolutely not part of the card collectors club, as fun of an idea as it seemed, but when the notice appeared in the Ravenclaw common room inviting all to attend and providing chocolate frogs, he couldn't help but find himself heading to the first floor corridor at the arranged time. He probably should have been studying, but considering he had not been hanging out with many people outside classes and extracurriculars, he'd gotten a LOT of studying done already.

So a break wouldn't be the end of the world.

Finally making his way to the location, Evan popped his head into the door before spotting Professor Applewood and Jude, and striding in further. Obviously, it was the correct place. He paused to give a small smile to the Muggle Studies Professor, offering a "Hello, Professor Applewood" before turning to make his way to one of the seats next to Jude. They had not been hanging out, nearly at all, since their previous discussions. Evan imagined the Hufflepuff was giving him space, just as he'd been trying to give that to him. But... he missed his friend. So he certainly hoped his presence here would not be an intrusion. "Hey. How are you?"

The appearance of a familiar head had him doing a double take. Jude was somewhat surprised to see Evan here. He sort of expected the Ravenclaw to be holed up somewhere studying. He averted his eyes, fully expecting Evan to find a vacant table. That’s why he was surprised when Evan found his way in the seat next to him. Jude looked up quickly, his drumming fingers stilling. For reference, Jude not need space, certainly not from Evan. The whole space thing came about because he wanted to give the other boy space to figure stuff out and because he didn’t want Evan to think that he was being clingy. And yes… Jude had missed Evan’s company terribly. That was why he thought that his heart would burst with happiness right now. It seemed that Ev hadn’t forgotten about him after all! He wanted to hug his friend from the sheer joy. “Chill, Anders,’’ he told himself. “Be calm.” Instead, he smiled warmly and casually. “Hey, Ev! Doing great.” Now that you chose to sit next to me after what seems like ages. “Are you…?” Jude wished he knew what was going on in Evan’s head. “Thinking of starting your own card collection?”

Violet was not much one for collecting things (unless it was potions recipes) and she had never before been to a meeting of the Wizard Card Collectors Club, but she felt in dire need of some chocolate, or distraction, or--dare she admit it--companionship--today. She had had an awful time at her classes lately--Potions class had ended abruptly and she had had to make her way through the corridors with a pumpkin head, which thankfully disappeared before she reached her next class, but even so, Violet felt she would never get over the mortification. Then she had fallen in a magical river in Transfiguration class--her rope conjuration had been excellent; it was just too bad her swinging skills were less good. At least Ashley had made it across safely. And then there had been the incident in the Owlery back on her birthday. All in all, not such a lucky fall semester.

So, taking the club up on their claim that anyone could come to this event, here she was, hoping for the best (or at least some chocolate frogs).

Milo did, in fact, feel a tug at his robes. And he did, in fact, turn to see a small Hufflepuff looking up at him. The Aiden, whom he'd first seen in Diagon Alley. Milo hadn't realised until he'd realised that he'd assumed, that day, that he had been talking to someone much younger than his own age. It had been a lesson in assumptions, one he'd not realised was necessary, but he'd factored it in and adjusted all the same.

So he was long used to the fact that the Aiden was eleven years old at least, but now comfort was further away than ever. Because of the Hufflepuffs. Because the Aiden was a Hufflepuff. Because Milo had reached yet another realisation as recently as the History of Magic lesson he'd just left. About Hufflepuffs. And what they were up to.

He didn't say anything to the Aiden, but waited to see what he wanted. Waited and watched carefully and balanced on one leg to itch at the back of his calf with his socked foot.

Ah, here were the students now. Rosalie smiled. "Hello there, Mister Anders!" An excellent member of the club, always prepared and ready to begin.

And then there was a new face to the club. "Hello and welcome, Mister Nam!" It was wonderful to have new faces join, even if it might just be for this meeting. There was always the possibility that someone would decide to begin their own collection after participating in one of the meetings, even if just to spend time with their friends.

And soon another new one arrived. "Hello, Miss Blackthorne, and welcome!" Rosalie was delighted she had decided to join them, whether she was here to check out the club or only here for the chocolate. Chocolate was always worthwhile after all. Just ask her daughter.

There was still time for more to join, but perhaps it was best to go ahead and begin. The game they would be playing wasn't a race, so everyone could begin and proceed at their own pace.

"Alright, let's get started then, shall we?" She tapped the stack of index cards on her table once more to straighten them then stood. "I have prepared a little game for you all today - a scavenger hunt! I have created a few clues, each one leading you to another until you reach the final one. Your prize will be one of the rare chocolate frog cards from my collection. There are several of them, so each one of you should receive one if you decipher all the clues." She was sure they would though; she hadn't tried to make them too difficult. It was more about having fun than making it an excessively tough challenge.

"So without further ado, here is your first clue." And that was the level of a rhyme they could expect with the rest of the clues. Rosalie went around and handed them each an index card with the clue written on it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by First Clue

This statue looks like he might have been hexed.
There you will find your next clue; but unlike him, it won’t leave you perplexed.

Indeed, a poet, she was not.

"You may begin whenever you wish, and you may work with friends or individually. And if you have any questions, feel free to ask. If you're stuck on a clue, I'll offer another hint in the right direction." She wouldn't simply tell them the answer though. That took all the fun out of it!

If there were no questions for now though, she was going to grab one of those chocolate frogs from an empty table.

OOC: Sorry about the wait, everyone! But here is the first clue for a little scavenger hunt! You may post your characters reacting and figuring out the clue and then going to the thread location they believe the clue is talking about. Feel free to work with another partner or in groups or individually! And of course, if your charrie prefers to just hang out here, that's okay too, though Rosalie and I hope they'll give it a go

I'll be putting up the clue in the next location in about 24 hours or so!

And of course, there's still plenty of time to join! Please feel free to jump in at any point

SooooOOOOOooOOOOooo. Was Scarlett a member of the Chocolate Frog card collector club - or whatever it was called? Uh... she didn't really know. Maybe? Maybe not.

What she DID know was that she had been there for EVERY MEETING so far BECAUSE, you guessed it, chocolate frogs. For FREE??? Yep, that was her thing.

YUMMAY!

She had taken a random seat with some of the people there - hai! - but was way more interested in grabbing and eating the chocolate gooooooods than socialising or looking at the cards per se. The others could have her cards, she didn't mind.

ANYHOO, a SCAVENGER HUNT?? Sounded somewhat nice but not as nice as, y'know, the chocolate. ALTHOUGH Scarlett was interested to know what the prize-- oh, just a card. No chocolate or any other sweet? EEHHHH, not interested.

Only, would there be more chocolate frogs around at each new clue? If so, she was IN!

"Glad to hear it." And he was, that Jude was doing well. The return of the question had him silent for a moment as he considered, before giving a small nod. He was a doing a little better, all in all. Even if important conversations had still yet to be had. He'd written a letter and gotten it all down at least. Unknown still if he was going to send said letter, but even if he didn't it'd be easier to have a conversation with his thoughts all put together. "I'm alright." And he hoped the return smile communicated the sincerity.

Which soon turned sheepish at the question of card collecting, which he had very little interest in. "I may or may not just be here for the chocolate." 100% was just here for the chocolate. The sweet tooth was not something the Ravenclaw ignored. He eyed those sitting on the table, before turning his attention around the room and spotting Violet enter as well and giving a nod of hello in her direction. Before much longer, Professor Applewood was starting the meeting and his attention turned to her, intent on being respectful.

A scavenger hunt was it? That certainly sounded like fun. Accepting the card from her with a small "thank you" he scanned over it. She'd been kind to them as well specifically stating it was at a statue, which there were a handful of around the castle but... at least it helped narrow the options. Before he got too in depth thinking about it, Evan turned back towards Jude. "Want to work together on this?"

And considering Professor Applewood was also grabbing a chocolate frog, he was taking that as permission now as he leaned to grab one off the table, and began opening it up while he ruminated further on the clue, trying to list of the statues he could think of in his head.

Jude remained silent, not wanting to rush Ev with an answer. He wanted his friend to answer honestly, and he knew he could trust Ev to do just that. That’s why he nodded when the response finally came. Jude fully believed that, and also knew that Ev was working hard to do better. In the meantime, Jude would remain here on the sidelines rooting for the other boy. He returned the smile, which quickly turned into a grin. “I should have known. You and your sweet obsession.” The Hufflepuff was here for the cards. Only the cards.

Having caught sight of Violet and Housemate Scarlett as he shot glances towards the door, he offered both a smile. Now it seemed they were getting started. A scavenger hunt! How exciting! Even more exciting? The RARE card! Ooh, Jude wanted to win this! Or come close enough to snag one of those rare babies.

He took the index card with a murmur of thanks to Applewood then immediately directed his attention to the clue. Statue? Hexed? Jude needed to put his thinking cap on! At least he’ll have Ev helping him out. His face lit up when Ev asked if they could work together. “Sure! I’d like that.” Could this day get any better?

The Hufflepuff swapped the index card for a frog of his own. “Hexed…’’ he said uncertainly to Ev. “Lachlan the Lanky?” The chocolate frog made a bid for its freedom but Jude grabbed it with his left hand then offered it to his friend; he was much more interested in the card. “Ah, another Gregory the Smarmy. Imagine being famous because you created a potion that tricks someone into believing you’re their bestie.” Gregory was famous for other things but it was the Potion’s creation that stuck out to Jude. “Okay, so back to this clue.” Jude added Gregory’s card to his card collection box. “The clue also mentions that this statue is perplexed… so uh…” He racked his brain until… “Boris the Bewildered! That has to be the next spot!” It made sense, right?

The returned smile was still sheepish in nature, but he figured the information really was of no surprise to anyone who knew him. Which Jude did. "It's the easiest way to get me to participate in extra curricular events. That's how Healer Poppy had always drawn me in." And despite the mess of bad that had been as well, he still dreamed about the melon bread at times. Nowhere near as good as Halmeoni's, but delicious none the less.

He'd been ready for the frog to pounce, so Evan had caught it easily and was nibbling at the sweet while he considered the clue, staring at the index card on the table now in front of him. He was otherwise occupied with the chocolate, which was why he hadn't been verbally offering anything at the time, but still his head nodded in agreement with each statue Jude listed. Lachlan the Lanky was a good one, but it didn't strike him as fitting the clue. Finishing one frog, he accepted the chocolate from Jude before also pushing the card from his first in his direction. Gregory the Smarmy caught his attention for a moment, but not because it was fitting, but because that potion was always a curiosity to him. Not because he wanted to use it, and even less interest after having been love potioned, but still curious none the less. "Do you ever wonder if the Unctuous Unction would have a distinctive scent like Amortentia does?"

But yes, back to the clue. Hearing him mention the next statue as Boris the Bewildered, Evan gave a firmer nod of his head. "I think that's the most likely answer. Nothing says perplexed quite like a man who looks perpetually Confunded." Which fit both parts of the clues. Picking up the trash on the table, Evan pushed back from his chair. "Should we make our way that direction? If we go early, then we'll have time to likely be able to reconfigure our thought process if it ends up being we're wrong." Which he did not think was an issue, but it was always good to be prepared for the likelihood.

Today was a good day.

She excitedly clapped her hands as Professor Applewood explained the scavenger hunt and prize. Oh. Lisa was always down to compete. Originally she had come to see her brother to ask him some questions about Maya but she stayed because the activity sounded FUN! She liked scavenger hunts. This was certainly up her wheelhouse of self proclaimed expertise.

A hum of appreciation escaped her lips as she noted the rhyme and grinned even more at it. Hehe. Clever. “Gregory.. Gregory the Smarmy looks positively always confused,” she added with a nod before listening to the other groups.

She then made her way over to Evan and Jude- well awkwardly in between- and cast them a smile each. “Got room for one more on Team Juvan? Or is it Evade?” she asked, wiggling her eyebrows at them.

Oh yes. Annoying little sister mode activated.

"Hi," Aiden waved up at the bigger boy. Milo had seemed very smart when they had first met. He had given Aiden a cool piece of parchment and told him what parchment was and Aiden didn't really know a lot about making friends but maybe that meant they were kind of like friends now.

"Er, excuse me, I heard what you said 'bout Hufflepuffs and plotting....." the boy said, staring up. "What's plotting?" he asked curiously. "A girl in our class said plotting is somethin' bout secret plans...." Aiden's face wrinkled in confusion. "I don't know 'bout secret plans...."

Being shorter wasn't the only thing that made Aiden feel small. Everybody seemed to know things he didn't. Nobody had told him about that 'plotting' thing...but maybe Milo knew.

Violet was surveying the crowd (and making sure where the exits were, just in case of, you know, some strange and dangerous thing happening) when she spotted Evan nodding at her. She nodded back, too surprised to stop and ponder it first. Well, she had been talking with him, lately--was he a friend? At least a friendly acquaintance, she decided to herself, and made her way to a seat (after getting some chocolate). Munching on a piece meditatively, she waited for the meeting to start, listening at the conversations going on around her.

A scavenger hunt! This was not what Violet had expected. She'd thought they'd just sit around and talk about their cards (and eat chocolate!) But no, nothing could ever be that easy. Now they had to solve clues (which Violet didn't mind) and walk around the castle (which Violet did mind).

Now Jude was smiling at her! Did she have friends and didn't notice it? Or at least...friendly fellow students. Violet smiled back and moved closer to the boys to see what would happen next. While edging toward them, in order to look part of the group instead of some lurker stalking around, she overheard Jude's guess. Boris the Bewildered, hmmm....that did sound right. The others had already left the room by the time Violet finished pondering this, but she wandered off after, off to the statue. It involved a lot of unnecessary exercise, but now she wanted to see if Jude's answer had been correct.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hey Ju

SooooOOOOOooOOOOooo. Was Scarlett a member of the Chocolate Frog card collector club - or whatever it was called? Uh... she didn't really know. Maybe? Maybe not.

What she DID know was that she had been there for EVERY MEETING so far BECAUSE, you guessed it, chocolate frogs. For FREE??? Yep, that was her thing.

YUMMAY!

She had taken a random seat with some of the people there - hai! - but was way more interested in grabbing and eating the chocolate gooooooods than socialising or looking at the cards per se. The others could have her cards, she didn't mind.

ANYHOO, a SCAVENGER HUNT?? Sounded somewhat nice but not as nice as, y'know, the chocolate. ALTHOUGH Scarlett was interested to know what the prize-- oh, just a card. No chocolate or any other sweet? EEHHHH, not interested.

Only, would there be more chocolate frogs around at each new clue? If so, she was IN!

How did Desiree not know about this club before?! Chocolate frogs? Yes, please! The only good kind of frog was a chocolate frog, though she still didn’t understand why they couldn’t be shaped like a less slimy creature, like a cat or a butterfly - Ooh! Or a unicorn. Chocolate unicorns would be the best idea ever!

Her face lit up as she saw the chocolate frogs on the tables. “Hi, everybody!” she’d greeted upon arrival, smiling sweetly. “Thanks for the chocolate, Professor! May we eat it now?” Seemed kind of silly to put chocolate out if they weren’t meant to eat it, but who knows? Maybe they’d need them for something later?

Ooh, a scavenger hunt! That sounded fun but kind of hard. And a rare chocolate frog card too! The cards were nice, but the chocolate was even nicer! Could they have some more of that after the scavenger hunt, please? Never mind. Pushing the thought of chocolate out of her mind, Desiree read the first clue. A statue… so probably on the fifth floor. Weren’t most of the statues there? But which one looked like it had been hexed? They all kind of did, if you asked her!

This was hard! Maybe she’d have an easier time with a partner. Where was her brother when she needed him? Adam was good at riddles like this! Her bright blue eyes scanned the corridor, and she spotted an older housemate (Scarlett). “Hi! Want to partner up?” she said. Cue the puppy dog eyes.

Yes, Milo was sure the Aiden had heard him, other than because he'd declared his theory very openly (which may have been ill-advised, but was already done). He was also sure he hadn't known what plotting was - it was possible to be or to do something without knowing the word for it, and Milo himself was often afflicted with a difficulty in not being able to grasp the words for what he was, or what he felt, or thought, or perceived, despite his not inconsiderable vocabulary. It didn't make sense, but one day it would.

As for the rest, Milo knew better. Still on one foot, he wrapped the other around the back of his ankle and just touched his toes to the floor, regarding the Hufflepuff with a slightly detached stare, his icy Upstead eyes shrewd but distant.

"That's what people say when they have secret plans."