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MadMadamMalfoy · #1 (**permalink**) 09-04-2021, 06:43 PM

Image credit: hermionesclone

Tucked away in a niche on the far wall of the common room is a nondescript bookcase. At first glance, it appears that all the books on the shelf are arranged in alphabetical order, but upon closer inspection, you’ll notice one book out of place. The book in question is a particularly battered black volume with faded lettering along the spine. Anyone who attempts to pick it up to see where it belongs will soon find it isn’t a book at all!

Touching the black book causes the bookshelf to magically pivot, revealing a secret book nook within. The back wall is lined with shelves full of books on a wide variety of subjects. While the selection isn’t as vast as the school library, it should be enough to tide over even the most voracious bookworm. Several wooden study tables and chairs sit in the middle of the room for those needing a quiet place to do homework. If you’d prefer reading for pleasure instead of academics, there’s a cozy corner of the room stocked with pillows and blankets just for you! So find your favorite read, pull up a pillow or a chair, and get comfy!

*Holmesian Feline* · 01-08-2023, 04:58 AM

For the last six years Ravenclaw tower had been his home away from home when at Hogwarts. And after he had found the secret of the book nook, it had been one of Rajesh’s fav places. Outside the main library and certain outdoor locations. It had been here where he had curled up asleep after waking up from his first nightmare upon his return to school, having not realized it would still be bothering him. Thankfully they hadn’t lasted long with help.

Now it was more of a place to look for idea on what to study this term, his hand lightly gracing over the spines of the books on the shelves within the nook, his attention briefly on each of the titles. Raj knew certain topics took precedence of course, potions being one of them since it would be useful on either path he was leaning towards. And charms as well.

Chelliephone · 01-08-2023, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Holmesian Feline

For the last six years Ravenclaw tower had been his home away from home when at Hogwarts. And after he had found the secret of the book nook, it had been one of Rajesh’s fav places. Outside the main library and certain outdoor locations. It had been here where he had curled up asleep after waking up from his first nightmare upon his return to school, having not realized it would still be bothering him. Thankfully they hadn’t lasted long with help.

Now it was more of a place to look for idea on what to study this term, his hand lightly gracing over the spines of the books on the shelves within the nook, his attention briefly on each of the titles. Raj knew certain topics took precedence of course, potions being one of them since it would be useful on either path he was leaning towards. And charms as well.

The library had truly been something amazing to behold, one of the first places Mouse had chosen to venture to as she started to find free time around her new class schedule. But the more lessons and homework started to pile up, the more she tried to start keeping her explorations closer to home - or... dorm, as it was. Which is why today, she was only taking a brief break from a Transfiguration paper to take a stroll around the common room and the walls of books. How amazing was it was their common room was almost like it's own library of sorts!?

She'd been looking over the shelves, when an aged book caught her attention. Always a lover of the vintage, she'd eagerly reached for it only to yelp in surprise when the wall moved, revealing a secret space behind. Mouse didn't notice the occupant right off the bat, her formerly surprised noise of surprise turning into one of delight as she stepped into the little nook and glanced around at even more books. "Oh this is certainly exciting!" She had lamented to herself, doing a quick twirl before catching sight of one of the seventh years she'd met the first time. "Oh! Raj! Hello!"

*Holmesian Feline* · 01-09-2023, 12:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chelliephone

The library had truly been something amazing to behold, one of the first places Mouse had chosen to venture to as she started to find free time around her new class schedule. But the more lessons and homework started to pile up, the more she tried to start keeping her explorations closer to home - or... dorm, as it was. Which is why today, she was only taking a brief break from a Transfiguration paper to take a stroll around the common room and the walls of books. How amazing was it was their common room was almost like it's own library of sorts!?

She'd been looking over the shelves, when an aged book caught her attention. Always a lover of the vintage, she'd eagerly reached for it only to yelp in surprise when the wall moved, revealing a secret space behind. Mouse didn't notice the occupant right off the bat, her formerly surprised noise of surprise turning into one of delight as she stepped into the little nook and glanced around at even more books. "Oh this is certainly exciting!" She had lamented to herself, doing a quick twirl before catching sight of one of the seventh years she'd met the first time. "Oh! Raj! Hello!"

Raj had picked out a random tome and gone to sit down on one of the pillows when he heard the secret door being opened once more. Curious who it was, he found himself smiling as Mouse made her appearance. The seventh year stayed quiet to let her just absorb the room as it was clear from the look on her face and the sound that had escaped her that it was her first time within after having found the surprise. “Hello,” he finally remarked, echoing her greeting once she had noticed and acknowledged him.

“I see you have found out the secret…” he mused with a chuckle. It wasn’t a hard one, not like the riddles that sometimes guarded the Ravenclaw Tower, seeing as the book kinda did stand out if one was paying attention. But it wasn’t found by everyone who graced the common room. “Welcome to the quieter side of the common room.” Ravenclaws may be studious but they still generated noise, especially excitable first years of which there certainly seemed to be a lot this term.

Chelliephone · 01-09-2023, 01:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Holmesian Feline

Raj had picked out a random tome and gone to sit down on one of the pillows when he heard the secret door being opened once more. Curious who it was, he found himself smiling as Mouse made her appearance. The seventh year stayed quiet to let her just absorb the room as it was clear from the look on her face and the sound that had escaped her that it was her first time within after having found the surprise. “Hello,” he finally remarked, echoing her greeting once she had noticed and acknowledged him.

“I see you have found out the secret…” he mused with a chuckle. It wasn’t a hard one, not like the riddles that sometimes guarded the Ravenclaw Tower, seeing as the book kinda did stand out if one was paying attention. But it wasn’t found by everyone who graced the common room. “Welcome to the quieter side of the common room.” Ravenclaws may be studious but they still generated noise, especially excitable first years of which there certainly seemed to be a lot this term.

She offered Raj her own smile, before she moved around the small nook - her hand trailing over the spines of the books, pausing every few feet to admire a particular title. Was there anything more exciting than stumbling upon a secret? Even if it was a well known one, which she was assuming this area might be for those who had been students in the house for long.

Locating a book with roses etched along the side, Mouse pulled it off the shelf, turning it over in her hands as she admired the art work, before tucking it under her arm and moving closer towards Raj to fold herself onto a pillow nearby. "Entirely by mistake. I'm glad that book happened to catch my eye. What a charming little spot! And they certainly seem to keep it well stocked for comfort." She reached for another pillow nearby, placing this one on her lap so she could sit without worrying about her skirt and then setting the book atop it. "Thank you. Is this one of your preferred spots around the castle?" She didn't have the heart to tell him it might not be as quiet now that she'd located it. It was perhaps not just the first years that were easily excitable. She tended to let herself get caught up and exuberant over the simple pleasures in life.

emjay · 01-09-2023, 01:33 AM

The Book Nook in the Ravenclaw common room was pretty much Phoenix's favorite place in the castle, ever since he discovered it last term. He was fairly annoyed that he hadn't known about it till his second year at this school, but he got over it quickly and tried to enjoy it as much as he could. Usually when it wasn't too crowded.

Thankfully that wasn't normally the case and it also didn't seem to be the case when he had pulled the on secret book guarding the entrance. Today he surrounded himself with a few books he had been interested in as well as a couple journals, each for specific things, as he sat in one of the comfy corners of pillows.

*Holmesian Feline* · 01-09-2023, 02:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chelliephone

She offered Raj her own smile, before she moved around the small nook - her hand trailing over the spines of the books, pausing every few feet to admire a particular title. Was there anything more exciting than stumbling upon a secret? Even if it was a well known one, which she was assuming this area might be for those who had been students in the house for long.

Locating a book with roses etched along the side, Mouse pulled it off the shelf, turning it over in her hands as she admired the art work, before tucking it under her arm and moving closer towards Raj to fold herself onto a pillow nearby. "Entirely by mistake. I'm glad that book happened to catch my eye. What a charming little spot! And they certainly seem to keep it well stocked for comfort." She reached for another pillow nearby, placing this one on her lap so she could sit without worrying about her skirt and then setting the book atop it. "Thank you. Is this one of your preferred spots around the castle?" She didn't have the heart to tell him it might not be as quiet now that she'd located it. It was perhaps not just the first years that were easily excitable. She tended to let herself get caught up and exuberant over the simple pleasures in life.

“You’re welcome,” Raj remarked before nodding. “My siblings will say it’s no surprise I was sorted into Ravenclaw with the perchance to surround myself with books.” Even when one didn’t have to study for a really important exam or two. At least here it was a bit more comfortable than the tables and such of the main library that was more conducive for keeping one’s attention for studying. And she truly was welcome…he wouldn’t begrudge her the space as another one who knew of the place. As long as she wasn’t the type to hold noisy parties when others are trying to enjoy quiet.

“Though I do even it out with time out of doors and with the creatures.” The barns and pastures were certainly another one of this favorite spots on the grounds of Hogwarts. With or without it being his aunt’s domain. “What about you?” Granted the castle and environs were still new to her, but maybe she had at least a type of spot. Maybe something that reminded her of wherever she was before coming to Hogwarts.

Chelliephone · 01-09-2023, 05:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Holmesian Feline

“You’re welcome,” Raj remarked before nodding. “My siblings will say it’s no surprise I was sorted into Ravenclaw with the perchance to surround myself with books.” Even when one didn’t have to study for a really important exam or two. At least here it was a bit more comfortable than the tables and such of the main library that was more conducive for keeping one’s attention for studying. And she truly was welcome…he wouldn’t begrudge her the space as another one who knew of the place. As long as she wasn’t the type to hold noisy parties when others are trying to enjoy quiet.

“Though I do even it out with time out of doors and with the creatures.” The barns and pastures were certainly another one of this favorite spots on the grounds of Hogwarts. With or without it being his aunt’s domain. “What about you?” Granted the castle and environs were still new to her, but maybe she had at least a type of spot. Maybe something that reminded her of wherever she was before coming to Hogwarts.

Siblings. That reminded her she had heard two names called before her own during the sorting ceremony, with what she had believed now to be his last name based on class roll calls. "You have two younger sisters that started this year, don't you? What houses did they end up in?" She'd ask if there were others too later, but she didn't want to bombard with too many questions at one time. Mouse liked people, and knowing about people but she often found people found her too nosy at times. Pacing was ~~apparently~~ important. "I'm not sure what house I thought I would have been in. Probably Hufflepuff honestly, but our common room is so lovely and so are the dorm mates, I'm glad I'm here." Also, THIS now was a very compelling reason to feel gratitude towards the sorting hat. Did other common rooms have secret spots such as this?

Ahh, a kindred spirit then! Perhaps it was his Disney obsession that had initially caused her to strain for an affinity with animals, but thankfully for Mouse she'd found it was a natural talent. AND she loved it, spending time with critters both magic and mundane. It was nice to find someone like minded in that regard. "I haven't had a chance to explore the pastures and barns more, but I would certainly like to. Are you planning on pursuing something with CoMC after graduation?" As for other spots? "Well... Books are always a comfort to be around. It doesn't matter if they are here or at Beauxbatons, they have the same familiarity and comfort of an old friend." She'd found a lot of comfort there. "What I miss the most from my previous school is our Grand ballroom, though I heard from a new friend there's a room here that might help me recreate that at least." What had that been called? The Room of Requiem perhaps?

sweetpinkpixie · 01-09-2023, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by emjay

The Book Nook in the Ravenclaw common room was pretty much Phoenix's favorite place in the castle, ever since he discovered it last term. He was fairly annoyed that he hadn't known about it till his second year at this school, but he got over it quickly and tried to enjoy it as much as he could. Usually when it wasn't too crowded.

Thankfully that wasn't normally the case and it also didn't seem to be the case when he had pulled the on secret book guarding the entrance. Today he surrounded himself with a few books he had been interested in as well as a couple journals, each for specific things, as he sat in one of the comfy corners of pillows.

The Book Nook was not a place Mitsuki frequented all that often. There was usually a feather or a piece of lint that indicated her steps lead elsewhere, but today had not been one of those days. A rarity, which meant something unusual was meant to occur. The dregs of her tea had told her as much as well.

Her book bag slung over her shoulder, Mitsuki stepped through the secret pivoted entrance to greet that which had been preordained.

Having no expectations other than to accept whatever lay on the other side of the bookcase entrance, the fourth year tilted her head a bit to the side as she took in the sight of a younger student who she was vaguely familiar with and had observed at least a handful of times previously. And observe she did, again, as she stood just a step or two over the threshold and not wishing to interrupt whatever deep thought he may be having.

*Holmesian Feline* · 01-10-2023, 02:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chelliephone

Siblings. That reminded her she had heard two names called before her own during the sorting ceremony, with what she had believed now to be his last name based on class roll calls. "You have two younger sisters that started this year, don't you? What houses did they end up in?" She'd ask if there were others too later, but she didn't want to bombard with too many questions at one time. Mouse liked people, and knowing about people but she often found people found her too nosy at times. Pacing was ~~apparently~~ important. "I'm not sure what house I thought I would have been in. Probably Hufflepuff honestly, but our common room is so lovely and so are the dorm mates, I'm glad I'm here." Also, THIS now was a very compelling reason to feel gratitude towards the sorting hat. Did other common rooms have secret spots such as this?

Ahh, a kindred spirit then! Perhaps it was his Disney obsession that had initially caused her to strain for an affinity with animals, but thankfully for Mouse she'd found it was a natural talent. AND she loved it, spending time with critters both magic and mundane. It was nice to find someone like minded in that regard. "I haven't had a chance to explore the pastures and barns more, but I would certainly like to. Are you planning on pursuing something with CoMC after graduation?" As for other spots? "Well... Books are always a comfort to be around. It doesn't matter if they are here or at Beauxbatons, they have the same familiarity and comfort of an old friend." She'd found a lot of comfort there. "What I miss the most from my previous school is our Grand ballroom, though I heard from a new friend there's a room here that might help me recreate that at least." What had that been called? The Room of Requiem perhaps?

Rajesh tilted his head curiously at her question just a touch surprised she had connected him to his sisters seeing as they didn’t exactly look alike given their origins. And he didn’t remember giving his full name though he supposed she was just particularly observant. “Yes, I do,” he confirmed. “Dynah wound up in Hufflepuff and Nadia was sorted into Gryffindor.” As for Mouse being in Hufflepuff…he could definitely see that. And with a dad from Hufflepuff, he certainly wasn’t one to subscribe to the belief that they were the leftovers of the school.

Was he going into creatures? “Perhaps…I’m kinda torn between following Aunt Hads, I mean Professor Paton, as a creature healer and a human healer,” he admitted with a soft sigh. It was something he might need to work on deciding during the course of the term. Raj listened to her answer, nodding in understanding about books. No matter where you were, they were always there as familiar comfort. “The Room of Requirement,” he assisted. “I can certainly show you how to access it at some point.”

Chelliephone · 01-10-2023, 02:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Holmesian Feline

Rajesh tilted his head curiously at her question just a touch surprised she had connected him to his sisters seeing as they didn’t exactly look alike given their origins. And he didn’t remember giving his full name though he supposed she was just particularly observant. “Yes, I do,” he confirmed. “Dynah wound up in Hufflepuff and Nadia was sorted into Gryffindor.” As for Mouse being in Hufflepuff…he could definitely see that. And with a dad from Hufflepuff, he certainly wasn’t one to subscribe to the belief that they were the leftovers of the school.

Was he going into creatures? “Perhaps…I’m kinda torn between following Aunt Hads, I mean Professor Paton, as a creature healer and a human healer,” he admitted with a soft sigh. It was something he might need to work on deciding during the course of the term. Raj listened to her answer, nodding in understanding about books. No matter where you were, they were always there as familiar comfort. “The Room of Requirement,” he assisted. “I can certainly show you how to access it at some point.”

It was easy to remember a name such as theirs, primarily due to length, especially when she'd heard it twice before her own sorting and then noticed it later in class as well. When he confirmed the girls had been his younger siblings, she smiled softly and nodded her head. Two houses different from his own? "Are you pleased they weren't Ravenclaws or do you wish you'd all been in the same house?" She was personally glad she and Rosie had been sorted separately - but their situation given they were essentially strangers, was very different. "Do you have any other siblings?"

The 'Aunt' did not escape his notice, and an eyebrow raised slightly as her head tilted. "You're related to Professor Paton?" She was always curious if individuals related to staff were pleased their family was always around - or if it was a bit stifling. From what she could tell, Professor Paton seemed fairly easy going - as did Raj - so stifling seemed unlikely in this case. Though she didn't really know. "Either way, healer is a very noble career path." And good for him too for already having at least some semblance of a direction in which he wanted to go. Moving on to the Room of Requirement - which made far more sense than Requiem - her face lit up at the offer to show her how to use it as she nodded her head eagerly. "Oh that would be wonderful, if you wouldn't mind!" If he didn't have any time, she could always wait until Jude had time too.

emjay · 01-10-2023, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweetpinkpixie

The Book Nook was not a place Mitsuki frequented all that often. There was usually a feather or a piece of lint that indicated her steps lead elsewhere, but today had not been one of those days. A rarity, which meant something unusual was meant to occur. The dregs of her tea had told her as much as well.

Her book bag slung over her shoulder, Mitsuki stepped through the secret pivoted entrance to greet that which had been preordained.

Having no expectations other than to accept whatever lay on the other side of the bookcase entrance, the fourth year tilted her head a bit to the side as she took in the sight of a younger student who she was vaguely familiar with and had observed at least a handful of times previously. And observe she did, again, as she stood just a step or two over the threshold and not wishing to interrupt whatever deep thought he may be having.

Phoenix was the type to easily become engrossed in what he was doing, especially when it was a subject of his interest, causing him to not be aware of his surroundings. Today was not that day however. The book that he had been wanting to reading had thus far proved to be disappointing at best and though he was trying to give it a chance, it wasn't really picking up the further he read.

He was just about to set the book aside when he looked up to see someone else entering. Mitsuki, he knew her name to be, though he didn't really know her all that well outside of common room acquaintance. "Hello.." he greeted with a small smile, though said it a bit hesitantly as she seemed to be hesitant herself in walking in. Of course he wouldn't mind if she came in too as it was for all members of Ravenclaw, but she seemed to be just watching him.. and it made him slightly uncomfortable. "Did you need something? Or just come in to hang out?"

*Holmesian Feline* · 01-10-2023, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chelliephone

It was easy to remember a name such as theirs, primarily due to length, especially when she'd heard it twice before her own sorting and then noticed it later in class as well. When he confirmed the girls had been his younger siblings, she smiled softly and nodded her head. Two houses different from his own? "Are you pleased they weren't Ravenclaws or do you wish you'd all been in the same house?" She was personally glad she and Sophie had been sorted separately - but their situation given they were essentially strangers, was very different. "Do you have any other siblings?"

The 'Aunt' did not escape his notice, and an eyebrow raised slightly as her head tilted. "You're related to Professor Paton?" She was always curious if individuals related to staff were pleased their family was always around - or if it was a bit stifling. From what she could tell, Professor Paton seemed fairly easy going - as did Raj - so stifling seemed unlikely in this case. Though she didn't really know. "Either way, healer is a very noble career path." And good for him too for already having at least some semblance of a direction in which he wanted to go. Moving on to the Room of Requirement - which made far more sense than Requiem - her face lit up at the offer to show her how to use it as she nodded her head eagerly. "Oh that would be wonderful, if you wouldn't mind!" If he didn't have any time, she could always wait until Jude had time too.

Rajesh had thought about it the first night. “Yes and no,” he admitted, “It might have been nice in some ways, but then its also helpful not to have them shadowing me and they don’t have to fight against MY shadow.” They could be their own persons in their own house without always being just seen as his sisters. “A younger brother…Aryan.” Who knows what direction he could wind up in. “What about you? Any siblings?”

The seventh year knew the minute he had made the snafu that his companion was going to hang onto it, he just had to pick how he was going to spin it. Seeing as Mouse seemed to be the type who wouldn’t treat him unfairly because of the connection, he opted for the truth. “Unofficially…she and her husband went to school with my parents and are real close friends. I grew up with her taking care of all the creatures on the reserve at home.” Her becoming a professor only changed the venue really. Well and the fact that he spent more time with his aunt than his dad and papa during the school term.

As for her reaction to his career path, Raj simply nodded in agreement. “Yeah, it wouldn’t be any trouble.” Unless someone else got to show her first which was neither here nor there to him.

Chelliephone · 01-11-2023, 02:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Holmesian Feline

Rajesh had thought about it the first night. “Yes and no,” he admitted, “It might have been nice in some ways, but then its also helpful not to have them shadowing me and they don’t have to fight against MY shadow.” They could be their own persons in their own house without always being just seen as his sisters. “A younger brother…Aryan.” Who knows what direction he could wind up in. “What about you? Any siblings?”

The seventh year knew the minute he had made the snafu that his companion was going to hang onto it, he just had to pick how he was going to spin it. Seeing as Mouse seemed to be the type who wouldn’t treat him unfairly because of the connection, he opted for the truth. “Unofficially…she and her husband went to school with my parents and are real close friends. I grew up with her taking care of all the creatures on the reserve at home.” Her becoming a professor only changed the venue really. Well and the fact that he spent more time with his aunt than his dad and papa during the school term.

As for her reaction to his career path, Raj simply nodded in agreement. “Yeah, it wouldn’t be any trouble.” Unless someone else got to show her first which was neither here nor there to him.

She considered his perspective for a moment, before her head bobbed in understanding. The point he made was sound, it would be rather difficult to have to always be known as the younger sibling - but have some breathing room without his younger siblings under foot might be nice as well. "Were they okay with having been separated as well?" As twins, not being in the same house must have been sort of difficult... Maybe. "Ah, so you're the oldest." As the question turned back to her she started to shake her head no - force of habit - before pausing and giving a small nod instead. "I have a younger step sister." Which was the only part of her current family situation that was proving difficult to get used to.

In her mind, there was no reason or cause to treat him unfairly. His aunt and he were different people, and one couldn't choose their family's occupation. "Your parents must be relieved she's here then and can help look after you and your sisters. From what I hear, Hogwarts has certainly had it's dark history - I imagine that's worrisome for any parents." If they were normal anyways. She probably would have had an issue with it were she older and had a mini. "You mentioned a reserve as home? Do your parents run a reserve?" If so, that sounded like probably the coolest place of residence she had ever heard of.

She smiled her thanks, adjusting herself again and reaching into her bag to pull out a couple of wrapped chocolates and offered him one. "Well, thank you. I appreciate it. It's nice meeting someone friendly as the new kid on the block."

sweetpinkpixie · 01-11-2023, 07:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by emjay

Phoenix was the type to easily become engrossed in what he was doing, especially when it was a subject of his interest, causing him to not be aware of his surroundings. Today was not that day however. The book that he had been wanting to reading had thus far proved to be disappointing at best and though he was trying to give it a chance, it wasn't really picking up the further he read.

He was just about to set the book aside when he looked up to see someone else entering. Mitsuki, he knew her name to be, though he didn't really know her all that well outside of common room acquaintance. "Hello.." he greeted with a small smile, though said it a bit hesitantly as she seemed to be hesitant herself in walking in. Of course he wouldn't mind if she came in too as it was for all members of Ravenclaw, but she seemed to be just watching him.. and it made him slightly uncomfortable. "Did you need something? Or just come in to hang out?"

She was just watching him but at least she was blinking. She had ceased her staring at people with unblinking eyes around the age of five or so.

"Hello," she greeted in return just as a bit of soft humming and jostling happened in her left pocket. It was the pocket with the least amount of salt currently, much of it being displaced during her walk from the dorm and circumnavigation of the common room. Pistachio had been more than a bit restless and was still struggling to get comfortable it seemed. There was even a little explosion of salt granules flung from her pocket and to the floor as the puffskein continued to shuffle about inside her pocket. "No," she replied simply to his first question before considering the second...which included a skeptical glance upwards towards the ceiling in which she saw nothing to utilize to accomplish that task. "Also no."

*Holmesian Feline* · 01-12-2023, 04:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chelliephone

She considered his perspective for a moment, before her head bobbed in understanding. The point he made was sound, it would be rather difficult to have to always be known as the younger sibling - but have some breathing room without his younger siblings under foot might be nice as well. "Were they okay with having been separated as well?" As twins, not being in the same house must have been sort of difficult... Maybe. "Ah, so you're the oldest." As the question turned back to her she started to shake her head no - force of habit - before pausing and giving a small nod instead. "I have a younger step sister." Which was the only part of her current family situation that was proving difficult to get used to.

In her mind, there was no reason or cause to treat him unfairly. His aunt and he were different people, and one couldn't choose their family's occupation. "Your parents must be relieved she's here then and can help look after you and your sisters. From what I hear, Hogwarts has certainly had it's dark history - I imagine that's worrisome for any parents." If they were normal anyways. She probably would have had an issue with it were she older and had a mini. "You mentioned a reserve as home? Do your parents run a reserve?" If so, that sounded like probably the coolest place of residence she had ever heard of.

She smiled her thanks, adjusting herself again and reaching into her bag to pull out a couple of wrapped chocolates and offered him one. "Well, thank you. I appreciate it. It's nice meeting someone friendly as the new kid on the block."

Rajesh thought about it for a moment. “They…are actually pretty cool with it. I mean it’s not like they’re in totally different schools I guess.” They still had classes together and could eat meals and hang out together while still having their own lives and common rooms. The seventh year nodding at her pronouncement. However, as Mouse seemed to be confused on her own family, he couldn’t help the raised eyebrow of curiosity. Ah…the use of stepsister led to some understanding in the reason for the stumble.

Must be a relatively newish thing.

So, he didn’t push it to make it more uncomfortable, instead letting her focus on his family. “Probably…especially after how my first year here went.” Cue his turn to be awkward. It was one thing to study about the happenings of the first and second wizarding war. It was another for the third to be happening while you were at Hogwarts. Raj absently coughed to push past the memories, moving on to the latest question.“Yeah, they do. My dad’s a magizoologist that specializes in hippogriffs and my papa’s a dragonologist. The reserve is a home for both…and any random creatures that round out the menagerie. “Conrad the owl and Gus the toad being the start of it all.

"You're welcome." He shrugged. It was just him being his nice self.

Chelliephone · 01-14-2023, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Holmesian Feline

Rajesh thought about it for a moment. “They…are actually pretty cool with it. I mean it’s not like they’re in totally different schools I guess.” They still had classes together and could eat meals and hang out together while still having their own lives and common rooms. The seventh year nodding at her pronouncement. However, as Mouse seemed to be confused on her own family, he couldn’t help the raised eyebrow of curiosity. Ah…the use of stepsister led to some understanding in the reason for the stumble.

Must be a relatively newish thing.

So, he didn’t push it to make it more uncomfortable, instead letting her focus on his family. “Probably…especially after how my first year here went.” Cue his turn to be awkward. It was one thing to study about the happenings of the first and second wizarding war. It was another for the third to be happening while you were at Hogwarts. Raj absently coughed to push past the memories, moving on to the latest question.“Yeah, they do. My dad’s a magizoologist that specializes in hippogriffs and my papa’s a dragonologist. The reserve is a home for both…and any random creatures that round out the menagerie. “Conrad the owl and Gus the toad being the start of it all.

"You're welcome." He shrugged. It was just him being his nice self.

"That's good, at least. That they can see positive and not the negatives." It WAS nice they were in the same school at the least. And they could have their own identities within their own houses instead of just being.. twins. She remembered one set of twins in Bellefuille and even after 4 years, no one could distinguish one from the other because they'd always been together. She saw the questioning look, and flushed a bit red before giving a sheepish smile and answered the unspoken question she saw in his face. "Recent development. Just this past summer, actually." Which was how she so easily forgot. Or.. perhaps it was because a part of her tried to.

Anyways.

Her face changed to one of concern as she nodded her head in understanding. She nearly opened her mouth to ask questions on what it had been like, before remembering asking about one's traumas was not usually a polite thing to do. Better to let them speak how much they wanted to. "I'm lucky I was a year younger. I've heard a lot about what happened here, and at all the other wizarding schools and it's just... heart wrenching." She preferred to not think about how much in danger she would have been herself, given her muggleborn status. It wasn't a pleasant picture to draw in her head. She was likewise glad for the distraction of his home life, which her eyes were in awe of because that sounded.. amazing! "That must have been quiet the experience growing up! That sounds truly amazing! So is that where your love of creatures started as well then?"

*Holmesian Feline* · 01-15-2023, 02:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chelliephone

"That's good, at least. That they can see positive and not the negatives." It WAS nice they were in the same school at the least. And they could have their own identities within their own houses instead of just being.. twins. She remembered one set of twins in Bellefuille and even after 4 years, no one could distinguish one from the other because they'd always been together. She saw the questioning look, and flushed a bit red before giving a sheepish smile and answered the unspoken question she saw in his face. "Recent development. Just this past summer, actually." Which was how she so easily forgot. Or.. perhaps it was because a part of her tried to.

Anyways.

Her face changed to one of concern as she nodded her head in understanding. She nearly opened her mouth to ask questions on what it had been like, before remembering asking about one's traumas was not usually a polite thing to do. Better to let them speak how much they wanted to. "I'm lucky I was a year younger. I've heard a lot about what happened here, and at all the other wizarding schools and it's just... heart wrenching." She preferred to not think about how much in danger she would have been herself, given her muggleborn status. It wasn't a pleasant picture to draw in her head. She was likewise glad for the distraction of his home life, which her eyes were in awe of because that sounded.. amazing! "That must have been quiet the experience growing up! That sounds truly amazing! So is that where your love of creatures started as well then?"

"They are two very positive girls," Rajesh remarked knowingly. They were the outgoing siblings like their dad. The older Ravenclaw looked away sheepishly as she blushed, realizing it was his curious look that got her embarrassed. Definitely new then which explained the stumble. So, they were certainly moving on from that topic. Though it wasn’t like the darker topic was much better. “It certainly was,” he admitted with a nod, and he was glad she missed it like his siblings. Raj had come to consider it the timing in his life of the events as the sacrifice he made for Dynah, Nadia, and Aryan.

As for the more enjoyable topic of his growing up on a reserve…“Uh huh…which is a good thing, when you have siblings that fly and breath fire.” Which was true, the dragons and hippogriffs were family as much as his parents and siblings. He still remembered the first time Daddy Adi had brought little Rajesh to greet his first hippogriff…he had been soooooo nervous as he bowed. “Wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.” He certainly won the lottery when he was adopted into the family he was, surrounded by all the love and nurturing he could ever want.

emjay · 01-16-2023, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweetpinkpixie

She was just watching him but at least she was blinking. She had ceased her staring at people with unblinking eyes around the age of five or so.

"Hello," she greeted in return just as a bit of soft humming and jostling happened in her left pocket. It was the pocket with the least amount of salt currently, much of it being displaced during her walk from the dorm and circumnavigation of the common room. Pistachio had been more than a bit restless and was still struggling to get comfortable it seemed. There was even a little explosion of salt granules flung from her pocket and to the floor as the puffskein continued to shuffle about inside her pocket. "No," she replied simply to his first question before considering the second...which included a skeptical glance upwards towards the ceiling in which she saw nothing to utilize to accomplish that task. "Also no."

Trying to be self-aware and also not be rude, Phoenix watched Mitsuki as well, rather curiously, but tried not to just stare. Staring was rather rude in his opinion, but considering she had been watching him and now there was something going on in her pocket that resulted in some expulsion of... was it salt?, that he couldn't quite help himself from at least watching and wondering what exactly she was doing.

He briefly followed her eyeline towards the ceiling, wondering what might be up there, before giving another quick glance to her pocket. Her lack of elaboration was slightly off-putting but he supposed she didn't owe him any explanation for why she was here. Phoenix was just trying to be friendly.

"Okay, then.." he said casually. Those had been the two most obvious reasons to him, but if she was here for another purpose, he supposed that was here business. "Don't let me disturb you then. The Book Nook is for everyone to use." So, he could go back to reading... though maybe he would chose a more interesting book. And she could do... whatever it was that she was doing. He was still curious though.

sweetpinkpixie · 01-17-2023, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by emjay

Trying to be self-aware and also not be rude, Phoenix watched Mitsuki as well, rather curiously, but tried not to just stare. Staring was rather rude in his opinion, but considering she had been watching him and now there was something going on in her pocket that resulted in some expulsion of... was it salt?, that he couldn't quite help himself from at least watching and wondering what exactly she was doing.

He briefly followed her eyeline towards the ceiling, wondering what might be up there, before giving another quick glance to her pocket. Her lack of elaboration was slightly off-putting but he supposed she didn't owe him any explanation for why she was here. Phoenix was just trying to be friendly.

"Okay, then.." he said casually. Those had been the two most obvious reasons to him, but if she was here for another purpose, he supposed that was here business. "Don't let me disturb you then. The Book Nook is for everyone to use." So, he could go back to reading... though maybe he would chose a more interesting book. And she could do... whatever it was that she was doing. He was still curious though.

"You won't," she replied easily and, perhaps, with a subtle undertone of confusion in her voice. Why would he disturb her when there was nothing to be disturbed? She supposed he was simply being kind and compassionate, which was somewhat unnecessary but she supposed appreciated. Better than the response she received from others who seemed to have decided they just wanted to be angry with everyone and everything - seemed quite exhausting to choose such an existence. She couldn't quite logic that reasoning out.

In any case too, Phoenix was simply stating facts.

She may very well pull a book from the shelves as well, eventually, though her attention was captured by all the rolling and tossing around in her pocket along with spontaneous little salt shower coming from her pocket. Cooing softly, the fourth year reached her hand into that very pocket and produced her very turquoise puffskein that immediately began humming and rolling around in her palm...until the little creature rolled right off her hand and to the floor and then rolled around some more. She watching Pistachio in silence for a bit, moving her feet ever so slightly so the puffskein wouldn't collide into her foot - though doing so did nothing to prevent it from rolling into Phoenix's. Or, rather, over the tops of his feet once...twice...apparently this was a new game the puffskein had just discovered.

Chelliephone · 01-18-2023, 05:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Holmesian Feline

"They are two very positive girls," Rajesh remarked knowingly. They were the outgoing siblings like their dad. The older Ravenclaw looked away sheepishly as she blushed, realizing it was his curious look that got her embarrassed. Definitely new then which explained the stumble. So, they were certainly moving on from that topic. Though it wasn’t like the darker topic was much better. “It certainly was,” he admitted with a nod, and he was glad she missed it like his siblings. Raj had come to consider it the timing in his life of the events as the sacrifice he made for Dynah, Nadia, and Aryan.

As for the more enjoyable topic of his growing up on a reserve…“Uh huh…which is a good thing, when you have siblings that fly and breath fire.” Which was true, the dragons and hippogriffs were family as much as his parents and siblings. He still remembered the first time Daddy Adi had brought little Rajesh to greet his first hippogriff…he had been soooooo nervous as he bowed. “Wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.” He certainly won the lottery when he was adopted into the family he was, surrounded by all the love and nurturing he could ever want.

"What about you and your brother? Are you positive people as well?" If she had to categorize herself, Mouse would usually rule on the side of positivity. Though lately, she was certainly feeling like she had been less so in some areas - and if she were honest, she was a bit disappointed in herself in that regard. And yet she still could not seem to shake it. Perhaps another self goal for another day. Which was why she especially appreciated the fact he'd given her a moment to compose herself and move along from the topic, which she happily did. Or… solemnly she supposed, given they were still in rather heavy territory. Had she known his thoughts on being thankful it had been him and not his siblings who had lived through it, she would have remarked on how noble of a thought that was. But as nothing else was said, she wisely opted to let this topic go to bed as well, instead focusing on his life at the reserve.

A far more cheery subject she hoped. She stifled a giggle with her hand when he referred to the dragons as siblings, eyes sparkling because that truly sounded like it must have been so fun. "I would think so! Does your family's reserve have primarily one type of species of dragon in its inhabitants or has it always just been.. whoever is in need?" Who would want to trade that type of childhood? It sounded like Raj had had a very exciting and loving upbringing, at least from what she could tell by the way he spoke of it. "Are you close with your dad and your papa?"

*Holmesian Feline* · 01-24-2023, 10:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chelliephone

"What about you and your brother? Are you positive people as well?" If she had to categorize herself, Mouse would usually rule on the side of positivity. Though lately, she was certainly feeling like she had been less so in some areas - and if she were honest, she was a bit disappointed in herself in that regard. And yet she still could not seem to shake it. Perhaps another self goal for another day. Which was why she especially appreciated the fact he'd given her a moment to compose herself and move along from the topic, which she happily did. Or… solemnly she supposed, given they were still in rather heavy territory. Had she known his thoughts on being thankful it had been him and not his siblings who had lived through it, she would have remarked on how noble of a thought that was. But as nothing else was said, she wisely opted to let this topic go to bed as well, instead focusing on his life at the reserve.

A far more cheery subject she hoped. She stifled a giggle with her hand when he referred to the dragons as siblings, eyes sparkling because that truly sounded like it must have been so fun. "I would think so! Does your family's reserve have primarily one type of species of dragon in its inhabitants or has it always just been.. whoever is in need?" Who would want to trade that type of childhood? It sounded like Raj had had a very exciting and loving upbringing, at least from what she could tell by the way he spoke of it. "Are you close with your dad and your papa?"

Rajesh had to think about it for a moment. “Yeah…I would say so,” he finally answered. “For the most part anyway.” Granted he had had his darker moments in previous years when he had been dealing with things that had happened in his first term. And he had worried about his OWLs his fifth year and had some concerns about his NEWTs and future now, but he wasn’t really pessimistic. More just a happy medium that leaned towards positive.

“Kind of a melting pot of breeds. Mostly what’s in need.” Granted they were more limited and careful with the ones that tended to be overly aggressive, but there were a fair collection of different types. “Ethelinda…the one who gets the honor of being the first (and teasingly referred to as his older sister!)…is a Norwegian Ridgeback. But we’ve had Chinese Fireballs, and Welsh Greens, and Swedish Short Snouts.” Close to his dad and papa? “Yes I am.” He loved them very much and had been their shadows growing up. Even when the siblings came along, they made sure all of them knew they were just as loved and never replaced.

Chelliephone · 01-28-2023, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Holmesian Feline

Rajesh had to think about it for a moment. “Yeah…I would say so,” he finally answered. “For the most part anyway.” Granted he had had his darker moments in previous years when he had been dealing with things that had happened in his first term. And he had worried about his OWLs his fifth year and had some concerns about his NEWTs and future now, but he wasn’t really pessimistic. More just a happy medium that leaned towards positive.

“Kind of a melting pot of breeds. Mostly what’s in need.” Granted they were more limited and careful with the ones that tended to be overly aggressive, but there were a fair collection of different types. “Ethelinda…the one who gets the honor of being the first (and teasingly referred to as his older sister!)…is a Norwegian Ridgeback. But we’ve had Chinese Fireballs, and Welsh Greens, and Swedish Short Snouts.” Close to his dad and papa? “Yes I am.” He loved them very much and had been their shadows growing up. Even when the siblings came along, they made sure all of them knew they were just as loved and never replaced.

Even the most positive people were allowed their dark days, and to still be positive people at the end of them. Particularly when circumstances had been so awful at one point or another, such as in Rajesh's case. It truly spoke volumes to his character that after everything, he still had any positive outlook. "A family of positive thinkers sounds like a nice environment!" She commented, smiling at him again.

Oh she still could not get over just how exciting that environment must be! "That's awesome! It's good for dragons and creatures to have some place to go when in need." And actually even better that they didn't really have any breed restrictions. "Ridgebacks are so majestic." Even if maybe a wee bit terrifying. "Do you have a favorite breed? Or.. a favorite creature currently being housed?" She felt the slightest twinge of jealousy, but more so was pleased to here about good relationships between family's. Family was forever so.. it was better to get along well. Something she really needed to try to apply to her own life.

emjay · 01-29-2023, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweetpinkpixie

"You won't," she replied easily and, perhaps, with a subtle undertone of confusion in her voice. Why would he disturb her when there was nothing to be disturbed? She supposed he was simply being kind and compassionate, which was somewhat unnecessary but she supposed appreciated. Better than the response she received from others who seemed to have decided they just wanted to be angry with everyone and everything - seemed quite exhausting to choose such an existence. She couldn't quite logic that reasoning out.

In any case too, Phoenix was simply stating facts.

She may very well pull a book from the shelves as well, eventually, though her attention was captured by all the rolling and tossing around in her pocket along with spontaneous little salt shower coming from her pocket. Cooing softly, the fourth year reached her hand into that very pocket and produced her very turquoise puffskein that immediately began humming and rolling around in her palm...until the little creature rolled right off her hand and to the floor and then rolled around some more. She watching Pistachio in silence for a bit, moving her feet ever so slightly so the puffskein wouldn't collide into her foot - though doing so did nothing to prevent it from rolling into Phoenix's. Or, rather, over the tops of his feet once...twice...apparently this was a new game the puffskein had just discovered.

Phoenix took Mitsuki's simple and succinct answer to be further confirmation that she was not looking for a conversation and wanted to do her own thing, so he set aside his own things momentarily in an effort to look for something new from the shelves. But just as he was about to get up, he paused as he noticed the movement and debris from her pocket again before she pulled something out of it.

"Oh, it's a pygmy puff," he exclaimed in surprise, having not expected that. Or was it a puffskein? He wasn't sure about the distinction to be fair. He laughed softly as the little creature rolled over his feet a couple times, having temporarily forgotten about getting up to get something else to read. "I don't think I've ever seen one this color." Just the standard pink or purple. "What's its name?"

*Holmesian Feline* · 01-30-2023, 03:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chelliephone

Even the most positive people were allowed their dark days, and to still be positive people at the end of them. Particularly when circumstances had been so awful at one point or another, such as in Rajesh's case. It truly spoke volumes to his character that after everything, he still had any positive outlook. "A family of positive thinkers sounds like a nice environment!" She commented, smiling at him again.

Oh she still could not get over just how exciting that environment must be! "That's awesome! It's good for dragons and creatures to have some place to go when in need." And actually even better that they didn't really have any breed restrictions. "Ridgebacks are so majestic." Even if maybe a wee bit terrifying. "Do you have a favorite breed? Or.. a favorite creature currently being housed?" She felt the slightest twinge of jealousy, but more so was pleased to here about good relationships between family's. Family was forever so.. it was better to get along well. Something she really needed to try to apply to her own life.

Rajesh nodded. “Uh huh…it is.” It meant you had the love and support even when you yourself might not be feeling the greatest yourself. Of which he was greatly appreciative of. “Yeah, and luck out with my parents and Professor Paton.” And the various other staff of the reserve to see to their well-being when residing either there or at Hogwarts.

Favorite breed of dragon?

Now that was a tough question, one he was sure would be nearly impossible for his papa. “The Antipodean Opaleye,” he admitted. “Such an unusual shade of scale and because they aren’t as dangerous as some of the other breeds, you can get more up front and personal.” He wasn’t a sheep, so he was relatively okay, not that he was about to be all up and invading their space. As for other creatures…he tended to be drawn to some of the smaller creatures though he currently had a better idea of what was at Hogwarts than the reserve in that department. “I think it would be a bowtruckle.”

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