⫶ chat - great hall

@－ ❛ ʀ ❜：maël clair。⁰² "They must be really obsessed with whatever I have been presenting towards other people. Whatever it was, I don't think it's that grand to appreciate from. All I do is make friends and have a good time." Jacob nodded to himself as an agreement and slowly smiled in front of the ravenclaw. He doesn't believe he've done that much to make someone's life as bright and meaningful as the sun. He refused to accept and believe it was just him being himself but people thought otherwise. "That's nice to hear from you. My arms are always welcome for anyone new to join my little friends list. What are these inanimate objects that you speak of?" Jacob chuckled softly before taking his napkin back. "Ah, are you sure? How much will be the cookies? Let me help in paying. You're really too nice, Mal and thank you." He hates being the one who is always given their kindness. It always appeared in his behavior to always give something back in return after someone showed him kindness. Jacob couldn't help it but it was in his habits to do so.

( issok, me too. i hope you're doing well though! )

@－ ❛ ʜ ❜：jacob caxton。⁰³ mal tilted his head to the side amused. he thought jacob’s puerile attempt to look and act mean was endearing. it was most difficult for hufflepuffs to be ‘the bad guys’. not impossible, but quite difficult. mal has yet to meet a truly mean hufflepuff, even cassian, whose mouth was not the cleanest, possessed that very hufflepuff quality: humility. maybe that was why mal liked the hufflepuff house, he thought his own house mates had the tendency to be arrogant and prideful, especially if provoked. but not the little badgers – they were weird, but the kind of weird mal loved. mal’s eyebrows raised at the other’s comment, and he had to chuckle. “right, a keeper,” he found it very amusing, not because jacob was not good at quidditch, but because for a keeper he missed to see the little prank coming. “whoever poisons you to keep you for themselves must really want you. I want you as a friend, and I would enjoy it more if you were alive. I am friends with one too many inanimate objects,” mal chuckled and pushed another napkin jacob’s way, as a peace offer. “I should get you some cookies for this. will you forgive me if I give you food?”

[ I apologise for this very late reply, I am not feeling too well mentally so my speed is not the best : ( I hope you are doing well! ]

@－ ❛ s ❜：emerald de lisle。⁰⁴ not much of a talker, was she? bradley couldn’t necessarily fault her for that. even he found the boisterous prattling all around them to be mildly irritating, and that was coming from the bloke who thrived on all things chaotic. still, a stronger reaction like a witty retort or a scoff and eye-roll combo would’ve been nice. at least she didn’t tell him to bugger off. “that’s good to hear. after all, there are much bigger things to worry about than exam grades. between the dementor attacks, murderous wizards, and climate change, we’re all royally ed.” in contrast to the nihilistic vibes in his speech, he looked awfully chipper. he grinned deviously as he spotted the serving plate with cornish pasties, grabbing the remaining two before anyone else could.

he popped a piece of the pastry in his mouth, chewing and savoring the delicious flavor before answering. “oh, i’m completely relaxed. not even remotely stressed out, unlike some of these nerds.” one of the said nerds overheard their conversation, sending him a dirty look before going back to their studies. “i already know that i’m going to get “A’s” and “E’s” on all my exams without cracking a single book open. it’s going to be a win-win situation, really. i won’t have to put in much effort and it’ll drive my parents absolutely mad.” if there was one thing that actually motivated bradley, it was pissing off his parents whenever he had the chance. “so how about you? are you planning on coasting like me or are you going to be racking up “O’s” on all your exams?”

@－ ❛ ɢ ❜：christian night。⁰³ 【 Flashback Thread: first day of the semester 】
Mirinae Son wasn't used to the bustling of a new semester let alone a bustling crowd. Not back home in Seoul and especially not in a foreign place like Hogwarts. She used to envy students her age wearing uniforms and entering the gates of their school with sparkling eyes the moment they greet their friends. Perhaps the scene she'd seen from afar back then had been filtered by her rosy ideals of being a normal student. The reality was a little overwhelming for the girl who usually keeps to herself. Squeals of excitement pierced her ears and the numerous amount of her shoulder bumping into another's felt like it'd bruise her skin. But still she weaved through the packed corridors—somewhat feeling she's only been circling the first floor of the castle when she needs to get back to the dorm to unpack—as she chased her companion, the only being she's familiar within the grounds.

The sugar glider was excited compared to Mirinae as it found a new playground. It climbed up the stone pillars, hanging from the lamps and gliding down to land onto other students' heads or shoulders. "Tofu, we've been here already!" She called out to the little marsupial in Korean as Tofu scurried into the Great Hall yet again. The white marsupial, in no time, climbed the arch support of the hall before it glided down towards a nearby group of students. It lightly landed on a male, clueless to the fact that its owner turned timid as she approached the figure. "Pardon me," she spoke after her failed attempt of luring Tofu to return to her pocket. The foreign language rolled awkwardly on her tongue but her pronunciation was clear. "Um, I'll...I'll be taking him back." Mirinae scooped the small animal into her hands, scolding it for a few seconds before realizing that she probably needed to apologize on Tofu's behalf. "I'm sorry about him landing on you."

@－ ❛ s ❜：bradley chang。⁰¹ It was six o’five o’clock. The Great Hall bustled with activity, as it normally does at this hour, as many students have just finished that day’s classes and were ready for a meal served hot. It was, apparently, the highlight of everyone’s day, as food was always a comfort after lectures that seemed to drag on for longer than the schedule lists. And although she was following routine just like everyone else, Emerald de Lisle did not think of supper the same. It was boisterous, loud, and even though she was engaging in conversation with the students sitting next to her, she would much rather eat at a quieter place, especially with the raging headache that pounded against her skull like the clapper of a bell. Needless to say, Emerald was not exactly looking for a young, surprisingly talkative first year to accompany her. At least, not today of all days.

When he spoke, she made no effort to humor him, choosing only to stare at him with the usual stoic expression she wore as if it were second skin. “No I’m not,” she answered simply, forking through a heap of creamy pasta on her silver plate. It wasn’t that she disliked Bradley, she didn’t – he has not done anything to earn her vexation – but she certainly disliked how his voice clamored along with the distinct pounding in her head. And for him to mark her as his “favorite prefect”? She hadn’t a clue exactly how she should react. “How about you?” She asked before taking a bite out of the pasta she had twirled around her fork. Small talk it is, then. She had nothing better to do anyway.

@－ ❛ s ❜：emerald de lisle。⁰⁴ it was busier than usual in the great hall with students of all years crammed tightly together at the tables. some still had their heads buried in a book while others were stress-eating their way through endless cornish pasties. all of them were stressed out about the upcoming exams except for a certain bradley chang. he already knew he was going to get decent enough scores, somehow always managing to coast by with minimal effort much to the chagrin of his overly studious classmates. speaking of which, a couple of his fellow first-years were glaring at him for making slytherin lose ten house points over a heated debate with the history of the magic professor about what they were learning was truly ~facts~. in his defense, he was bloody bored, and arguing was a great way to pass the time. he sent them a -eating grin as he passed by and then scanned the table for an empty spot. luckily, there was a spot next to one of the few people who didn’t actively dislike him (yet).

not bothering to give the older slytherin a heads up, he went ahead and sat down next to her. “hey, is this seat taken? of course, it’s not. well, technically now it is since my pretty arse is sitting on it,” he rambled casually. “anyways, how’s my favorite prefect doing? not dying from despair over the upcoming exams i hope.”

@－ ❛ ʀ ❜：maël clair。⁰² "W-well, I also have my ways on how to avoid you too." The male also had his ways but never knew if they were effective or not. Jacob is really bad at hiding if he ever dared to do so but he isn't really aware of that fact. He tried to hide from one friend from giving him a little surprise but accidentally leaked his location. Sooner or later they found him hiding at Hagrid's hut where they also chased him down right afterwards. It was a good experience but he wished he wouldn't have said anything to keep himself hidden. Jacob looked at Mal in disbelief over his answer. "I'll assume it's a yes until you tell me." He recently knew Mal would enjoy teasing anyone in general and that included Jacob. The hufflepuff wanted to return the favor not knowing if the fact was true or not. Jacob cleared his throat and appreciated the napkin being given to him from the tea he just spat. "Who knows they plan to keep me for themselves. I am hufflepuff's keeper in quidditch." The male laughed at his own joke, silently dying down to awkward giggles because he knew he didn't made any sense.

@－ ❛ ʜ ❜：jacob caxton。⁰³ “you cannot avoid me forever, jacob. I have my ways,” mal teased, he enjoyed that jacob was so innocent. it gave him more reasons and ways to . he would, of course, never do anything to make him feel uncomfortable. he cared about people after all, even if sometimes his way of caring was questionable at best. at his question, he did not have to think. there were two clear contenders in his mind: his best friend, mint, and his roommate, eleazar. and at least two other people he really wanted to kiss: cass and henri. he cleared his throat and gave jacob a mischievous smile, with no intend to answer the question properly. “maybe yes, maybe no. you will never know,” he teased again, then observed jacob for a while. he started laughing when he spit his tea, but he felt a little guilty he did so because of him. he gave jacob a napkin, and looked at him amused yet apologetic. “I was just messing with you. why would anyone poison the tea? and why would I give you poisoned tea? come on, jacob. I only hate a few people, and they are not at hogwarts. those people I would poison, but not you. you are a friend!” mal was quite sure of himself, even if him and jacob barely interacted, he considered him a friend already.

@－ ❛ ʀ ❜：maël clair。⁰² "that's what i mean by creative strategy and since now i know it i can now avoid it, thank you so much mal." but can he really avoid the ravenclaw's on slaught of teasing? jacob have a lot going on in his list consisting of his schedule. but, he won't deny he might fall over on one of mal's pranks at some point, he just don't know it. "ohh, have you pecked anyone on the lips yet?" jacob asked feeling interested to know more. "it's ok if you can't tell me it but maybe there would be someone?" he pass through a few hallways and his own house. there may be moments where he might have missed important but small details about other people and what they were doing. mal does visit hufflepuff which he might have missed if there was anyone he kissed or not. "w-what??" jacob immediately spit out the tea, it's contents falling right back into the cup. failing to hear what mal said, the hufflepuff stared at him before going back to his cup. bringing the silver wear down to the table.

@－ ❛ ʜ ❜：jacob caxton。⁰³ “depends what you mean by creative strategy. I usually go with the flow. or, I study people until I find what makes them crack. and then I tease infinitely,” he chuckled, resting his elbows on the table. he could be rather ruthless with his teasing, but he usually did it out of love. sometimes he did it because he was bitter or sour or simply in a bad mood, but those moments were rather rare. he could be down right malicious if he was not in the mood to be lovely. he smiled at jacob and tilted his head playfully. “well, I flirt with people. that usually makes them nervous. sometimes, if I like them enough, I give them a peck or two. however, if I happen to peck their lips, they must be pretty special,” he nodded, thinking about his best friend for just one moment. he looked at jacob and waited for his reaction. but of course, this was the moment he decided to tease. “jacob…” he reached a hand out to grab jacob’s, feigning hurt. “oh no, there was poison in it. why did you drink it?” he was joking, he made sure to break the act immediately with a chuckle, squeezing jacob’s hand. “do not spit, I am joking!”

[ awwww, you are so cute pls ♥ imy2!!! ]

@－ ❛ ʀ ❜：maël clair。⁰² "oh i wonder what that would be and how you would do it. you must have a rather creative strategy in mind once you execute your plan." the smirk on mal's face made jacob concerned. there was something up mal's sleeve that he could never pin point to which direction. he stared at the cup of tea served before him before staring back towards mal's excited figure on the seat. "define nervous from your vocabulary." he took the cup and slowly brought it close to his lips. jacob blew off a few steam coming from the warm cup of tea before he finally took the decision of taking a sip, prank or not.

[ mal ;; misses by sobbing ]

@－ ❛ ʜ ❜：jacob caxton。⁰³ there was a smirk growing on mal’s face, one that he tried to suppress. it was the playful side of him that did not let it die entirely. “come on, jacob. if I want to tease you, I will find something to tease you about,” he shrugged, it was quite honest. he had experience, and he liked to poke the people he cared about. it was part of being their friend, teasing came as a bonus they did not ask for. sometimes his teasing could get out of hand – his thoughts lingered on his arguments with cass and how messy they could get – but he returned, trying to focus his excitement on the conversation. he continued to fidget in his chair, tilting his head at the other’s inquiry and frowning a little. “you literally saw me take that from over there,” mal pointed towards the direction shortly. “if there is anything in it, I did not put it in. besides, pranks are not really my thing per se. I enjoy making people nervous more,” he grinned, it was concerning just how honest that statement was.

[ apologies for the delay! ]

@－ ❛ ʀ ❜：maël clair。⁰² he'll probably consider himself lucky that his cat haven't left him for a different owner instead. jacob felt like it might just be him who thought of lucky this way, he may not understand the other in a few circumstances but he felt at ease every time the feline decided to just relax with him at times after a quidditch game. "hm? what are you saying? i believe you are and you would normally tease me? for what reason exactly? what is there to tease me about besides calling me a puppy last time in the yule ball." that and mal convinced jacob to bark right in front of him like an actual pup. he stared down towards the warm cup of tea then back to mal who seemed to fidget on his seat from excitement? jacob decided to test mal if he had something under his sleeve today or not. if he planned to prank him with the tea or not, there he sat cautious with mal's actions. "are you sure you're not planning to tease me today with the tea?"

@－ ❛ ʜ ❜：jacob caxton。⁰³ “a little bit like all people I know,” mal said, simply. he believed all animals had their days off, he knew that first hand – his companion was not always the friendliest. but after all, that was what companionship was about – acceptance. at least that was what mal thought. he considered the other when he said he was being ‘too nice’. mal did not seem to find that in his dictionary, he was often kind to people unless they gave him reasons not to be. surely he was not the only one – it surprised him jacob found his little gestures a little much. mal shook his head shortly and pushed the cup closer for jacob to try the tea. “nonsense. but you are right, I am nicer today than I am on most days. I would normally tease you a lot more. but I will give you a pass since you gave me the bracelet. and please do try the tea now, I am dying of curiosity here,” he was quite honest, he even started fidgeting in his seat. his adhd was definitely taking a toll on him, he would have bounced on the table if he could.

@－ ❛ ʜ ❜：summer lee。⁰² [] so pretty! *o* should we take this to the library?

taking care of others was something winifred was used to doing, not the other way around. it was a nice change of pace and she thoroughly appreciated summer's effort to look after her. "the library sounds good. i've been there once or twice to grab books for assignments but haven't really had a chance to explore it. a book about the school sounds rather useful." she took the offered napkin and politely wiped off any stray crumbs from her face and hands. once done, she looked at the older girl. "well, summer, i'm ready whenever you are."

@－ ❛ ʀ ❜：maël clair。⁰² "they're only amazing if they're in the mood to cuddle but when they're not i'll disagree." he couldn't completely agree that cats are as amazing as a couple of people would think so but he would reconsider since lucky is one of his few companions that he thought of as a friend when his golden retriever died. lucky was there for most of the part as a kitten but it still made jacob's heart flip every time the little feline would curl up next to him. he chuckled at the thought of watching mal excited around him and of course disappointed at him because of the sole reason of never having tea before in his entire life. "w-wait- mal! you didn't have to do all this for me, really. i could try it out on a different day. you've been taking our food and bringing it to our table. you've been really nice today- not that i'm saying you're not nice! but these little actions just made my heart a bit warm." he smiled at the ravenclaw before laughing at what he called him, a tea .

@－ ❛ ʜ ❜：jacob caxton。⁰³ at the mention of an ‘animal’ mal was alert again, his eyes glistening in the excitement that did not really die down. “you are right! cats are amazing,” he added, he did not have a cat. but mint did, and he met them once. henri and cass did too. he thought he should get a cat, maybe sometime soon. he swallowed his food once more, breathing out relieved. he already felt a little full. “I shall try it, but not today. I am too excited, it might upset my stomach,” it was quite true. even without odd combinations, his stomach was a little sensitive. he still could not believe he just met someone who never had tea, it was officially the coolest and weirdest thing in a person ever. he got up from his seat and went to fill in two cups of some random tea that was on the table. he generally liked all tea, he was surprisingly not too picky about that. he handed jacob one cup, then sat back down. “you should try it now. I will not let you die a tea , jacob. that is ridiculous!”

@－ ❛ ʜ ❜：winifred rhee。⁰¹ // tadaaaaaaaaaah

summer look at how small the younger one was as she suddenly felt like she need to take care of this little one more than anything else, somehow reminded her as herself when she was first year and surrounded with cool seniors. "other than greenhouse and basement, got it ! hm, how about we head to the library first? there should have a book about the whole school so we can give it a try," summer gave the fresh napkin to winifred before turning to one of her classmate to pass over something they requested.

@－ ❛ ʜ ❜：autumn beaumont。⁰² ( H ) [] alrighty! excited to see who your fc might change to c:

winifred quietly munched on her tart as she listened to autumn's answer. now it made complete sense now why she hadn't seen her before. she usually interacted with just her fellow first-years. "you're definitely right about the castle being a maze. i feel like i get lost at least once a week. it doesn't help that many of the staircases move or lead you to an unexpected place." the older's laugh was infectious and she found herself laughing quietly as well. she took a moment to ponder about the other's offer then nodded her head. "sure, i'd appreciate it! other than the basement and the greenhouse, i'm rather unfamiliar with the rest of the castle. if you have any tips about how to navigate it easier, i'd love to hear it."

@－ ❛ ʜ ❜：winifred rhee。⁰¹ // its okay ! i might be changing fc but ill still be huffle

autumn turned to look at the latter after she left a compliment right while continued to wipe the remaining that were on her lips as nodded by the young huffle's introduction. "Ah yes, I'm just a year older which mean I'm on my second year and that's why i know most of the area in this school. maybe not all because some classes are so hard to find and this place is literally a maze," autumn laughed as she make sure to know that winifred were eating well with the tart like how it was reminded when she was on the first year with all these new things around. "hey, after this would you want me to tour you around a little bit?"

@－ ❛ ʜ ❜：autumn beaumont。⁰² ( H ) [] no worries! sorry, my reply took a while as well ;;

she couldn’t help but blush at the compliment. it wasn’t often she was called cute in such a direct, endearing manner. nodding in agreement to what the older had to say, she added, “you’re probably right. whenever i pass by the kitchens, i see how happy and proud the house-elves with their cooking. i can’t fault them for wanting to impress us at every meal.” she took a bite of the tart, closing her eyes briefly to enjoy the delicious flavor. “nice to meet you, autumn. i’m winifred. i guess we are,” she responded shyly but with a smile. “correct me if i’m wrong, you’re an upperclassman? i haven’t noticed you among the other first-years like myself.”

@－ ❛ ʀ ❜：maël clair。⁰² jacob noticed how excited mal was and chuckled before stopping him but it was too late. "hey, take your time in eating. i don't mind waiting for your answer." he valued patience a ton of patience no matter who it was unless the person tested him out then he would lose his temper. "someone special? that sounds really sweet. i hope the both of you enjoy. i'd probably take my cat, lucky with me even if she would just sleep on my lap, she provides great companionship." he wasn't exactly sure who to bring with once the time comes of a drive in cinema. jacob never thought of going until mal mentioned it to him, would he ever have the time for it though? "they work in exquisite fashion in terms of my hunger." he took another bite from his pizza before recommending mal of the peculiar taste he has in terms of food. "you should try it sometimes." jacob smiled but upon watching mal cough abruptly it made him worried for the other. "oh, i usually take up on water or coffee, sometimes juice but i really haven't drank tea."

"you sure?" she furrowed her brow in genuine concern, head tilting to the side. "i've never seen a hufflepuff so...distressed. i'm sure you all have your struggles but--if you need a friend to listen to your troubles, i'm here." melora then smiled at toby with the brightest one she could muster. she closed her notebook, tucked her pen inside then scooted over closer to the hufflepuff. "i'm melora. melora mae. you're toby, right?"

turning his head slowly over to the female voice, blinking nonchalantly at melora, not speaking a word. after a couple of minute, toby straighten his body and gave the female a tiny smile. "yeah- no worries." the hufflepuff male spoke softly, resting his hands onto his lap.

when she heard an abrupt banging on the table, melora was struck out of her reverie, body sprouting up in attention. she turned her head and saw one of her peers.. toby, was it? she recalled seeing him a few times out and about, perhaps they even had a class together before. "hey there.." she whispered, cautious as she learned over closer to where he was. "are you okay?"

banging his head onto the table, winching slightly because that really ing hurt. toby was exhausted, restless, and sore all over. grumbling quietly to himself in chinese, tracing his finger onto the table. "sleepy... sleepy..."

@－ ❛ ʜ ❜：winifred rhee。⁰¹ // sorry its take a long while !!

"the more days will come, the more you will be astonished about it," autumn was just about to finish her plate until it was refilled by the latter offered of the sweet tarts but just as she was lucky that the older one was really famished, she ended up eating her pieces as well. "youre so cute, well maybe because they cook this deliciously to the point we will miss more than our own home cooked," she hummed while munching until she finished it up before wiping her hand and lips with the napkin as she faced the younger, "I'm autumn, nice to meet you little one and i guess we shall be friends now?" with a wide smiles she showed as she gently patted the latter back.

@－ ❛ ɢ ❜：leo silverthorn。⁰³ // sorry its take a long while

winter rubbed her eyes to keeo herself awake only to see a familiar figure in front of her and once the latter called out her name, she instantly remembered her long lost childhood friend that she never thought to meet again. of all place but to be in this school, "leo? oh leo!" as much winter want to get up and give him a hug yet they were just a table apart to do so she ended up patting his shoulder. "where have you been? and i didnt expect you here, especially in the same house," by the bright smile she made after a long while especially after the winter break, she can never described how happy she was to see someone she used to know in this school.

@－ ❛ ʜ ❜：jacob caxton。⁰³ mal shook his head, because his mouth was stuffed with food. he tried his best to swallow it as quickly as possible – this was why he usually ate alone. he got way too excited in conversations, and could end up swallowing a toothpick. he actually almost did once, and he made sure to complain about it for a week, as if he has just survived a shark attack. “I have never been, but I really want to go. maybe I will take someone special there,” he already had someone in mind, maybe more than one person. he ate his food, he did not want to divulge the secret, not yet. when he heard jacob’s weird combination, his nose scrunched a bit and he frowned. “alright, that I would not do. how do your taste buds work?” mal was just joking, he even chuckled. but his chuckle turned into a cough when jacob confessed the most absurd thing mal has ever heard. “you are lying! there is no way, jacob,” he looked at him in disbelief, he has never met anyone in his life that has never had tea. it was a prerequisite, especially in the uk.

@－ ❛ s ❜：andie evigan。⁰⁴ "of course! we're in this together" i repeat, lifting my pinky and intertwining it with yours. with the promise sealed, i let go but smile nice and wide. i chuckle with you and pat your back in hopes that it comforts you. "pundie, you're definitely not being dumb. i get what you mean and i should've clarified," i say with a sheepish smile. "i don't know how to conjure food out of thin air but i do know charms that help prepare them! i have to round up all the ingredients necessary which can be a pain since korean ingredients can be hard to find in the scottish highlands. if i can get my hands on black bean paste, perhaps i can make you one of my favorite meals, jangjangmyeon noodles."