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[**Jaguar Riddley]

((This is an official thread. All members are encouraged to participate. To all mods, you may visit the Department of Mysteries so you may pick a pre-made NPC. Thank you.))

When: Start of Term
Where: Grounds/ Great Hall
Weather: Starry Night
Exclusivity: Open to All
Note: This is an official thread.


Episode 1
Glimpse of a New Reign
Ministry of Magic’s intrusion

A chilly breeze that swept over the grounds of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry rippled the smooth surface of the vast lake. The trees in the Forbidden Forest swayed ominously, showering the grass-covered land with dried leaves.

Two unidentified men, ambling in the lawn, tightened their cloaks. The bright moon glowing overhead shed a faint bluish light upon the strangers’ faces: one has a pointed face and shaggy hair; the other was square-jawed and has high cheekbones. Both men looked like they are in their late 20s.

The pointed-faced lad brought a cigar to his lips. He exhaled; the smoke spiraled slowly into the air.

“For Merlin’s sake, Art, stop smoking!” the other complained. “I’m allergic,” he added and faked a cough.

“Leave, if it bothers you,” Artemis taunted. He inhaled the intoxicating gas, and puffed it out in front of Roger’s face. A grim satisfaction flashed across Artemis’ fierce features as his companion coughed again, this time, for real.

Roger backed away and emerged a minute later, wearing a grimace.

“I would leave, but I can’t,” he growled. “You know, orders,” he continued.

Roger shrugged and flashed a warning look at Artemis, “I might let slip that you’re sneaking some, you know, illegal potions, into the office.”

The shaggy-haired wizard scowled but dropped the stick, nevertheless. He crushed it with his foot.

“Satisfied?” he barked.

“That’s better.”

Then, there was pause. Sounds of hooves and of carriages being drawn drifted from a distance.

“They’re here. Let’s go.”

Robes billowing, the two men trudged toward the entrance. They stationed themselves at the both sides of the stone steps, which lead to the oak front doors.

Lights escaping through the castle’s glass windows revealed that both men were wearing black military caps. An MMHP logo emblazoned on their robes.

As the sounds came closer, Roger brought himself to full height and adjusted his pale violet tie.

And the two men waited for the students to arrive.



------------------------------------------------



Inside, the Great Hall was magnificent as ever. Hundreds of candles hovered in mid-air. Golden goblets and plates sparkled under the stars-strewn sky reflected above.

Despite the usual display, there hung an atmosphere of gloom. The chair, where the deceased headmaster used to sit, stood empty. It served as a reminder that the school will never be the same as it was before. Beside Dumbledore’s seat was the new Headmistress, Professor McGonagall. She seemed unusually grave; she kept throwing anxious looks at the man sitting beside her—wearing pinstriped cloak, lime-green bowler and grim face—the Ministry of Magic’s spokesperson, Cornelius Fudge.

Few seats away from the former minister sat a thin, curly-haired witch. She wore a simper and her bulging eyes scanned the room as students began to file in.

The four corners of the Great Hall were guarded by witches and wizards who wear the same uniform as the guards who stood outside the castle: black military caps, robes with MMHP logo, and pale violet ties. Each of them gripped their wands tightly as they inconspicuously studied the area.

[Lexi Stevens]

{jag I am a bit confused where will the students arrive?}

[**Jaguar Riddley]

((Well, students will arrive at Hogwarts, Oak Front Doors. 2nd years and up will arrive by carriages, and 1st years by boats. ))



The Hogwarts Express, after hours of rushing past mountains and vast fields, finally began to slow down. Students started to bustle, running around, shouting and preparing to leave. While most passengers were scrambling toward the exit, a boy of sixteen, wearing a glum look on his face, was still in his seat. With a sense of regret, he heaved a deep sigh before gathering his luggage and locking Croaky, an abnormally bloated toad, in its plastic shelter.

Jaguar was one of the people who emerged last from the scarlet train. Ignoring the chill night air that had stung his face, the boy strode toward an empty carriage, which began to move minutes after.

While the carriage continued to trundle down to the Hogwarts ground, the young man contented himself with staring blankly at his pet, which resting on his lap. He couldn't understand why he was in such vindictive mood nowadays. Perhaps it was due to his being trapped alone inside their dull home, or maybe he was missing something... Something or someone...

Yes, he is missing someone... It was difficult for him to admit that he dreads coming back to Hogwarts. He had a choice not to, but he couldn't stand staying in their house for another few months. That seems like suicide.

So, even if he knows that he won't be seeing some of his close friends, particularly Selina, he still opted to return to the wizarding school.

Speaking of Selina...

Jaguar felt very frustrated and disappointed with himself. After his breakup with Philana, a stunning Ravenclaw girl, he realized that it was Selina whom he was in-love with. What an idiot, he was! He had been chasing the wrong girl for months!

However, the young man, couldn't bring himself to confess his feelings toward his friend. After all, she is a friend.... What would she say if he admitted to her that he's in-love with her? She would dismiss it... She won't believe it... And it might ruin their friendship.

The carriage came to a halt, and it took a few seconds for Jaguar to register that fact. He heaved another sigh, hoisted the container where Croaky was in, and stepped out of the wheeled vehicle.

He was so absorbed in his thoughts that he failed to notice the guards standing beside the enormous doors. When he went inside, he looked around the Entrance Hall and with final resolution, headed towards the Great Hall.

This post has been edited by Jaguar Riddley on Oct 18 2006, 09:01 AM

[*Jeffrey Johnson]

Jeffrey wiggled in his seat. The carriage ride seemed so long, he didn't feel like talking, and hadn't even noticed with whom he shared his carriage. He was ready to begin this year, and couldn't wait to see this castle --- Hogwarts.

((Yay, this would mean Jeffrey has officially arrived, right? So I'll play him as it's his first time...))

[Lexi Stevens]

Lexi stared out the window of the carriage feeling bored, she normally would be reading but as the ride was bumpy she would not ba able to read well. the carriage approached Hogwarts and she felt it slow to a stop. "I guess its time to get out now..." she glanced out again and then got up to get her things. Time to begin another year.

[**Daemond Dumbledore]

((I assume it is alright if I play Dae for this? I could do a NPC too, if you'd tell me which you'd prefer I did, Jag.))

Daemond Dumbledore skulked in the shadows of the entrance hall, by the doors to the great hall, pale hands resting atop his staff and black robes bleeding the colour from his face to make his already pale skin look ghostly. He glared at the ministry wizards standing on the stairs and sighed softly.

"What is Hogwarts coming to?" He asked himself sadly. Since the death of his father it had seemed to the elf that the castle was become ever less a school and ever more a ministry controlled day-care for teenagers.

He shifted slightly as students began arriving and passing into the great hall, eyes wide in search of familure faces among the tired looking youths. With a gentle hum, Daemond caught sight of Jaguar. Stepping forward and tapping his cane down onto the flagstones, he called smoothly,

"Welcome back, Mr. Riddley. I am most pleased that you have returned."

[*Jeffrey Johnson]

Jeffrey's heart lurched forward along with the carriage. Here he sat, alone again, he didn't know anybody, he had no friend to look forward to greeting, he had no high expectations of this school. His grandmother had tried valiantly to build in him some excitement, recounting stories her friend had told, and describing things he had said and done while at Hogwarts. To Jeffrey it was just another school to be sent off to.

He had endured hardship at the boarding school he'd first been sent to. It was a strict place full of rules, and no cheer at all. He'd been so young, and hadn't understood his parents insistance that he be sent away. All he knew for sure was that he was different, and he feared that they didn't love him, or want him too close by.

Nana, their African housekeeper, and his caretaker, had tried to make him feel better. She knew things, secrets which she shared with him, and only him. She taught him the basics of VooDoo, and tried to show him how he was different. She tried so hard to explain to him that he had a special talent, and that it could be such a great thing to him...except when she said it it came out speshul and t'ing. He smiled at that thought, his first unforced smile in a long time...since he'd heard he wouldn't be going back to Durmstrang. That he'd not have to endure the unbearable cold, made even more frigid by the people he crossed paths with, as well as it being so different form his home in the South where it was warm and sunny. That he'd not have to endure any more jests and sidelong glances when he refused to participate in their discussions of dark magic. He didn't even want to know what that was, much less how to use it. He sighed with the resignation to which he had become accustomed at Durmstrang, as he had not really been able to escape everything. Many lessons, and charms he'd learned were undoubtably what they would call this dark magic. He knew he needed to change his trail of thought before he became depressed, or worse, angry. So instead he thought of this past summer.

He had tried so hard to spend his summer having fun, "enjoying his youth," his father would have said. His one consolation to coming to Hogwarts was he had been assured he could bring his dog, General. He grinned again, thinking of the trouble a Rottweiler could get into, and wondered if he'd have to pay for the canines mischief. He didn't mind, it was a small price to pay for having his most trusted and loyal friend near him.

He sat up and noticed his companions for a scant moment. He didn't really see them, just glanced over them. What he did concentrate on were their words. He'd heard one of them exclaim with fondness, "There it is! It's Hogwarts! I saw the castle!"

He twisted around in his seat to offer himself the best view. It had been dark when they'd departed from the train, and he'd not wanted to see this formiddable place just then. However, now he was too close not to try to see just where it was that he'd been sent to this time.

He tried to banish the thouoghts which waged war in his mind of that most recent school he'd had the "joy" of attending. Durmstrang was cold, ever so cold, and the people inside were no warmer. How could this be so different?

His first glimpse of the school was the image of a fairytale castle from childhood books. He cringed at the wave of warm emotion that washed over him at that thought. It reminded him of his mother snuggling next to him reading him fantastic stories of princes, and queens.

There was something dark about this castle though, something which lay just below the surface. He felt the warmth coming off his companions at the sight of the castle, but there was something else, a darkness so palpable and like a chasm, if you tripped you'd fall into its depths and be lost forever.

He chanced another glance at his companions, they had their school robes on, black with crests on the right chest. He didn't look to find out which houses they were in. He'd been in Renharted in Durmstrang. (Houses were created on Dissendium, from this site... ) He wondered what house he'd be put in here. He figured himself to be very loyal, maybe not totally brave, but brave when it counts. Quiet, observant, intelligent, and honest he considers to round out his strongest traits. He'd thought that house his gran had told him about, where they studied a lot, and seemed to be smart and clever...some bird...that's where he hoped to be put.

His wonderings were put to an abrupt end as the carriage bumped, and the same voice he'd heard before nearly shreiked.."There it is, we're almost there!"

He'd glanced at the castle before, not really giving it more than a cursory lookover. This time he looked up at it fully. His first view was through the enormous gates they were presently entering. But even their size was dwarfed by the immensity of the castle. There were towers spiraling into the lowlying clouds, and he couldn't even see the topmost turrets for the cloudcover...that or the sheer height the building reached. He felt a sense of foreboding, there was a definate feeling of belonging, yet it was tinged with a darkness he couldn't describe, yet felt deep within his chest.

He didn't take his eyes from the castle, merely watched as it came closer, looming above the arriving students like a fortress. He was knocked unsteady by the carriages sudden stop, and incidently hit his head on the side of the window he'd been looking out of so intently. He rubbed his temple, and grumbeled something about how this wasn't a good way to begin the schoolyear.

Jeff waited until the other students had departed before stepping out of the carriage. He very nearly rushed right back in at the sight of a huge man standing near the obvious entrance, and a line of people from whom a strange feeling was eminating. Steadfast, he stepped down from the step he had reclaimed, and straightened his shoulders, peering through his eyelashes as he did to see if anyone had noticed his cowardice. Then with a shrug, he fell into step behind the line of students forming in front of the massive oak doors of the castle.

He noticed two distinctly dressed men who appeared to be guarding the entrance, one of them caught his scrutiny, and he grinned sheepishly before averting his own eyes. He wouldn't have told anyone, but the sight of guards made him feel better.

Without further incident Jeffrey stepped through the opening, and was swallowed up by Hogwarts. He didn't know it but he had officially become one of its students now that he had crossed the threshhold, and entered the building itself.

He noticed a silver haired man holding a staff or cane of some sort near the entrance, he appeared to be greeting the incoming students. Jeffrey watched as a beautiful woman came to his side, he could tell by their comfortable closeness that they were intimate, or at least family. He grinned for the third time that day at the thought of family ties, and how lucky that guy was to have someone that beautiful to claim kinship to.

Jeff followed along just one in the line of bodies being shuffled through another set of doors, he had an overwhelming sense of the phrase sheep being led to the slaughter. Then he entered the Great Hall....

(I better stop there, I'll post his reaction to the great hall later...when I figure out exactly where! )



_______________________________________________


Aurora arrived at the sound of footfalls echoing in the main corridor. She was glad she wasn't late, as she'd waited for Erestor to be comfortably settled in bed before assuming her post as a Professor of the school. She glided across the floor taking a position at Daemond's side. Her earthy hazel eyes caught the gaze of a boy with eyes of purest blue for a moment as she watched the line of students arrive at Hogwarts. Her smile was genuine as she welcomed them with comments of welcome to Hogwarts, and recognitions for those she knew. She was playing the role of gracious hostess, and why not, after all Hogwarts was her home.


________________________________________


From a window on the third floor, a pair of eyes watched the newcomers. The face was expressionless, seeming to float in the window gazing down at the scene below. Suddenly an angry thought heats the air, and the thin face scrunches in a look of disgust, another bunch of kids invading her space.


________________________________________


(Okay sorry long, I got caught up in Jeff's first view of Hogwarts, and reminescing over his background... )

[**Chloe Ayrshire]

((I'm still just a tad confused about the NPC's, Jaguar...I'll just bring in Chloe for now, to avoid messing anything up! ))

Chloe stood gazing upward outside the castle's familiar oaken doors, oblivious to all but this long-awaited reunion with her beloved school. Her eyes roved slowly over the familar exterior, traversing the turrets and towers in a single smooth sweep, drinking steadily in the sheer glee at having finally returned.

She let out a contented sigh, and dropped her gaze to the cobbled path below Yes, this would be a year to remem--

Chloe was knocked suddenly asunder as a Slytherin second year came barreling past, shoving her aside with a shout of "Hey, move it!" Caught off guard, Chloe had scant time to regain her balance before the tiny back was lost to sight in a sea of ebony robes.

With an indignant scowl, Chloe allowed herself to be swept into the Entrance Hall with the other students. She couldn't say that the occurance surprised her, she pondered as she stepped into the golden light of the castle torches -rather, she was astounded that the collision hadn't happened sooner! Chloe lifted her eyes from the stone floor to scan the surrounding crowd. So very few had returned!

Chloe shook her head as she moved into the Great Hall, with it's four great tables alive -if a little thin- with their slews of chattering students. These were indeed dark times. She made her way over to the Raveclaw table, gazing sorrowfully at the empty Headmaster's chair. Dark times indeed.

((Arghh, I'm so out of practice!! Grrr...))

This post has been edited by Chloe Ayrshire on Oct 17 2006, 04:24 PM

[**Misha Balfour]

Wayne, along with the other students, found himself swept into the Great Hall. His dirty blonde locks obscuring his field of vision, he surveyed his surroundings. Headmistress McGonagall seemed a bit anxious- understandable, considering the situation.

On the other hand, Wayne wasn't quite sure he shared the same gloomy feelings as his peers. Sure, Dumbledore had been a really great headmaster, and maybe his death was a tragedy for the wizarding community, and possibly it was just the beginning of many horrible things to come... But that didn't really seem as important to Wayne as how his mother hadn't sold many books recently, or how his father had stumbled home drunk most nights this summer, and when he didn't it just meant he'd passed out in the bar or had forgotten where he lived. The possible end of the wizarding world just didn't seem as important.

Sitting down at the Hufflepuff table, he started tapping his fingers on the table somewhat nervously. Yeah, maybe he wasn't extremely concerned with the end of the world, but he was definitely worried about the beginning of the term. What would the start-of-year speech be if it wasn't Dumbledore's usual boring address? Not that Wayne had ever paid much attention to the old man, but still. Sighing, the lanky teen put his head on the table and waited.

[Lexi Stevens]

Lexi walked through the doors and into the great hall, her heart sank and she felt horribly sad as she caught site of the empty chair where their headmaster used to sit. She drew in a shuddering breath and raised her chin "steady now." she said to herself as she headed to the Gryffindor table.

[**Jaguar Riddley]

((Woah, impressive! I missed having to read long and beautiful posts! Chloe, feel free to RP your NPC. Good job Selina and Jeff (on playing NPCs)! ))

"Oh, hello, Professor," The young man responded and gave Professor Daemond Dumbledore a warm smile. "Apparently, this is the best choice that I had," Jaguar added as his eyes scanned the whole place. He noticed that there were people of different attire and surmised that they were the products of Ministry's meddling.

"It's good to see you again, Professor. Good to know that some things never change. Well, I have to be seated now..." Jaguar bowed his head, and bid goodbye as he walked towards the Hufflepuff table.

He had expected things to turn for the worse, but still, seeing a friendly face amidst dark circumstances made his day a little better.

((Sorry, I'm out of practice. I'll try to write better. *grins*))

[Miranda Pike]

Theresa pushed her way through the crowd, making her way over to the Slytherin table. She hated being around so many people and didn't hide that fact. The blonde let her black eyes dart around, looking for anything slightly intriguing and finding nothing. Sighing out of boredom, she looked over at the empty seat of the deceased Professor Albus Dumbledore.

'Oh, yeah, the old coot was killed,' Theresa thought, smirking to herself. 'Finally.'

_______________________________

Angry eyes glared at the other First Years surrounding their owner. Miranda wasn't pleased in the least bit about going to Hogwarts, being as her scientific principles told her there was no such thing as magick.

'Plus, if there really is, and this place isn't just for psychos, then why would you want to extend the usage of something that not everyone can use?' the eleven-year-old girl wondered bitterly. 'It's not fair to everyone else. If everyone could do the same things, nobody would have to feel badly and be looked down upon. Why did my ditzy mother make me come here anyway? It's stupid.'

Miranda's pretty face scrunched up in aversion at the odd atomosphere. Most seemed extremely glad to be there, while some seemed worried, and others yet seemed to be bored.

'Why are all of us new students just standings here anyway?' mentally questioned Miranda. 'Whatever the reason, I hope it is brought to an end soon. I don't want Kali exploring without me; she always manages to find something fascinating.'

((Edit by Selina: Sorry Mirandaaaa. xD;;; I kinda got a HUGE firggin' headache from reading purple on blue.))

This post has been edited by Misha Balfour on Oct 18 2006, 07:59 PM

[**Misha Balfour]

((Thank you Jaaag. ^.^ And you, as usual, are phenomenal. And capitalizing your 'I's. xP Even if that hasn't been a problem for a loooong time XD ...Hmm... I don't feel like playing Misha right now XDDDD))

Wayne sighed again and lifted his head. Not much had changed since he'd placed his head down, but he decided his neck would hurt if he stayed like that. Another Hufflepuff seemed to be walking his way, or at least towards the Hufflepuff table. Without thinking, he turned towards the boy and extended a hand. "Hey, man. Wayne Librium, 6th year. You?" He smiled, although if his eyes had been visible through his messy hair, it would have been obvious he didn't mean it.

He looked to the side. Maybe he shouldn't have greeted this boy. What if he was nice? What if he was mean? What if they became friends? What if they became enemies? "Damn..." he muttered, quietly, too quietly for the boy to hear.

This post has been edited by Misha Balfour on Oct 18 2006, 08:15 PM

[**Daemond Dumbledore]

Daemond nodded in response to Jaguar's comment and turned slightly to smile down at his wife.

"Your timing is exact, lirimaer," he murmered, placing one arm around her waist. "Shall we follow the students in? It may make them more comfortable if more professors were seen in place at the high table."

---

Stein tripped off the train, catching himself on a nearby student to stop from falling. The student glared at him and he frowned back, apologising and shrugging when his words were met with disdain. He followed the general flow of students until he reached the magnificent double doors of the castle. He leaned his head back and smiled, revealing overly large front teeth between full lips.
“Hello, Hogwarts,” Stein said. A furry little head poked out from beneath his collar and nattered at him. “Stay down, Axe. I don’t think they allow ferrets at the table…” The boy laughed nervously as a tall, silver haired man tiled his head curiously at the flash of golden fur and hurried past the entrance hall towards the Ravenclaw table.

[**Jaguar Riddley]

After his short conversation with Professor Dumbledore, Jaguar felt slightly better than when he first came in. As he approached the Hufflepuff's table, he noticed a strange boy looking at his direction. He was slightly taken aback when Wayne introduced himself and offered a shakehand.


Jaguar took it and responded, "Jaguar Riddley, 6th year." He grinned at Wayne, pointed at an empty space beside Wayne, and asked casually, "Mind if I sit here?"

[*Jeffrey Johnson]

Aurora's face shone with unbridled joy, even if the circumstances were dark, and Hogwarts wasn't the same, she was completely happy to be there. Daemond's arm around her waist only made her feel even more at home. She walked with him deeper into the castle, until they lagged behind a group who had paused just inside the doors of the great hall to allow students to peel off and find a seat at their respective tables.

She knew better, but couldn't help but look up at the empty seat which served as a silent memorial of her late father in law. She blinked back an unbidden tear, and forced her gaze to seek out any other sight. She finally rested her sight upon the morose figure of their new Head Mistress. She smiled warmly when McGanagall's gaze rose briefly and met hers. She hoped her genuine goodwill might serve to brighten the woman's darkness just a little bit.

When the crowd had dispersed, she gazed over at Daemond, she was caught once again by the joy she felt when she realized once again that he had regained his sight. Her mind was filled with all the things she had to be joyful over, and it really helped disberse the dark mood that might otherwise overwhelm her.

She slipped through the break in the procession of bodies, turning to make sure Daemond was still behind her. She realized she needed his solid reassurance to face stepping up and taking her rightful place at the teachers table.

___________________________________________

Jeffrey ambeled along behind the current bunch of students he was stuck behind. He rolled his eyes at the thought of having to go through sorting, and felt himself stiffen at that thought. Would he be forced to stand up at the front with the First Years? He lingered just outside the great hall, staring intently at the heavy doors which stood ajar framing the opening. Suddenly he wasn't hungry anymore.

_________________________________________


A female giggle sounded from the corner of the Great Hall. A wispy figure flitted out of sight befire she could be fully noticed. She peered out from a convenient tapestry, she didn't want to miss the sorting, nor the Head Mistresses speech. Even more of interest was why that fat guy with the horrid green hat was lurking around again.

She decided she couldn't leave just yet, there was too much going on she wanted to know about.

___________________________________________

[**Misha Balfour]

Wayne snickered. "Yeah, not like anyone else'll be coming. Take a seat." He looked around. "So, I haven't seen you around here. That a coincidence, or are you new or something?" He internally yelled at himself. Great, now he probably thinks you're an idiot. Great going, stupid. Not listening, he smiled.

[**Jaguar Riddley]

Wayne's statement was funny; he had said something that was downright honest. Jaguar let out a chortle in agreement, said "thanks," and took the seat.

"I've been here for as long as I can remember," Jaguar grinned, lifted the fork, and added, "I'm assuming that you're not new here, too." The Hufflepuff boy chuckled, "Ironic, we haven't seen each other in the Hufflepuff common room."

Jaguar laid the fork again. He wished that they would hurry; he's getting pretty hungry. "So, what do you reckon?" he asked, beckoning toward the lady in a strange uniform.

[**Misha Balfour]

Wayne started at the question. "Wait, what?" He laughed. "Sorry, I just kinda zoned out for a second... Heh. But as to what you said before, it is kind of weird we haven't seen each other in the common rooms." He subconciously started rubbing the back of his neck with his hand, before adding, "I tend to go to sleep somewhat early; that could have something to do with it." Just as he was about to say something else, he was interrupted by a loud growl eminating from his stomach.

Looking down, he let out a nervous giggle. "Hey, any chance you were talking about food when I zoned out? I'm getting kind of hungry, it seems." His mind silently replied. Wayne, don't you think he could tell? And anyway, why are you getting so friendly with him? The only reason anyone would want to know you is so they could hurt you... Once again, Wayne ignored the voice, fully knowing it was lying, or so he hoped.

[Lexi Stevens]

Lexi sat at the Gryffindor table and ducked her head staring at her hands. She didn't dare glance at the other kids or she was sure she would cry. She heard the other kids whispering to each other, still she sat motionless...alone.