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portusnovus_ooc2020-11-11 05:41 am
portusmod) wrote in portusnovus_ooc2020-11-11 05:41 am
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Test Drive
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ℋ The Knight Bus
Two weeks to the start of term, everyone is gathered up for a trip to Diagon Alley, a magical shopping district somewhere in London. Professor McGonagall is chaperoning the trip and she makes sure everyone is all grouped up and accounted for before she proceeds.
"Right, right, gather 'round," she says shortly, rolling up the parchment she'd been using to tic names off. "You might find this next part startling, but please refrain from screaming."
Professor McGonagall sticks out her wand arm, much like she's trying to hail an unseen taxi. What happens next is a blink-and-you-miss-it moment as a large, purple, triple decker bus seems to squeeze itself out of thin air at an incredible speed, screeching to a halt in front of the gathered group. "The Knight Bus," McGonagall says coolly, putting her wand away.
"Take it away, Ern!" booms a jovial voice, once everyone is seated. Upon further investigation, the voice belongs to a small, shrunken head hanging from the rear-view mirror, much like a macabre car decoration.
With a loud bang, the Knight Bus is off. It moves at impossible speeds, already seemingly hundreds of miles away from Hogwarts in the blink of an eye as it speeds down lone country roads, swerving to and fro to avoid obstacles.
"Hold on tight, it's about to get real bumpy, eh!" the shrunken head booms out, cackling as the bus speeds to a halt to avoid muggle traffic that seemingly appeared out of nowhere as you realize you're already in a city.
The force of the stop is jarring, if you aren't holding onto something it's quite possible you'll go flying out of your seat. No sooner than the bus stops does it start again, the interior of the bus shrinking as it starts to squeeze through a narrow opening in the city traffic. It expands again as the bus finally finishes squeezing through, and all of a sudden you're thrown back against your seat as the bus takes off with another bang.
"The bus usually be much more crowded dan dis," the shrunken head says to no one in particular as the bus zooms along. "But da headmaster be reserving the whole bus for dis trip!"
Another hard stop, a sharp turn, a badly timed school crossing and several agonizing minutes later, the bus slams to a stop for the final time. "Leaky Cauldron!" the shrunken head calls out.
Professor McGonagall leads everyone off of the bus, to the door of an old, dingy looking pub on the corner. "This way, if you please."
"Right, right, gather 'round," she says shortly, rolling up the parchment she'd been using to tic names off. "You might find this next part startling, but please refrain from screaming."
Professor McGonagall sticks out her wand arm, much like she's trying to hail an unseen taxi. What happens next is a blink-and-you-miss-it moment as a large, purple, triple decker bus seems to squeeze itself out of thin air at an incredible speed, screeching to a halt in front of the gathered group. "The Knight Bus," McGonagall says coolly, putting her wand away.
"Take it away, Ern!" booms a jovial voice, once everyone is seated. Upon further investigation, the voice belongs to a small, shrunken head hanging from the rear-view mirror, much like a macabre car decoration.
With a loud bang, the Knight Bus is off. It moves at impossible speeds, already seemingly hundreds of miles away from Hogwarts in the blink of an eye as it speeds down lone country roads, swerving to and fro to avoid obstacles.
"Hold on tight, it's about to get real bumpy, eh!" the shrunken head booms out, cackling as the bus speeds to a halt to avoid muggle traffic that seemingly appeared out of nowhere as you realize you're already in a city.
The force of the stop is jarring, if you aren't holding onto something it's quite possible you'll go flying out of your seat. No sooner than the bus stops does it start again, the interior of the bus shrinking as it starts to squeeze through a narrow opening in the city traffic. It expands again as the bus finally finishes squeezing through, and all of a sudden you're thrown back against your seat as the bus takes off with another bang.
"The bus usually be much more crowded dan dis," the shrunken head says to no one in particular as the bus zooms along. "But da headmaster be reserving the whole bus for dis trip!"
Another hard stop, a sharp turn, a badly timed school crossing and several agonizing minutes later, the bus slams to a stop for the final time. "Leaky Cauldron!" the shrunken head calls out.
Professor McGonagall leads everyone off of the bus, to the door of an old, dingy looking pub on the corner. "This way, if you please."
ℋ The Leaky Cauldron
Before heading off to Diagon Alley proper, your little field trip includes a stop at the infamous Leaky Cauldron. On the outside, it looks a bit worse for wear, you're not really sure if Professor McGonagall is fooling you as she leads you inside. It just seems so... ordinary. Perhaps it's because it's sitting right on the corner of what's clearly a very ordinary street.
Muggles- non-magic folk- are going about their business, seemingly oblivious to the fact you and your group all just got out of a triple decker bus moving at the speed of light.
Nevertheless, Professor McGonagall leads you into the shabby tavern, where a tired looking wizard stands behind the bar. All around him, dishes wipe themselves clean, chairs push themselves into place at their tables and trays of drinks float around lazily, dispensing themselves to various tables around the bar.
"We might as well have a spot of breakfast while we're here," Professor McGonagall says, situation herself at the bar as she begins to make small talk with the barkeeper, Tom.
She leaves everyone to go about their business for the time being. The bar is pretty quiet, a few witches and wizards sitting about reading the morning edition of the Daily Prophet, the wizarding newspaper.
Along with a menu of assorted wizarding treats such as cauldron cakes, pumpkin pasties and butterbeer, the Leaky Cauldron also has a smaller menu of normal foods such as meat pies, stews and the like.
Professor McGonagall doesn't appear to be in much of a hurry, so feel free to enjoy the calm, quiet atmosphere of the quaint street-side pub.
A chair pulls itself out for you, as a rag floats over and begins tidying up the table and Tom the barkeeper calls over, "Oi, what'll it be?"" as Professor McGonagall assures you the school will cover the expense.
Muggles- non-magic folk- are going about their business, seemingly oblivious to the fact you and your group all just got out of a triple decker bus moving at the speed of light.
Nevertheless, Professor McGonagall leads you into the shabby tavern, where a tired looking wizard stands behind the bar. All around him, dishes wipe themselves clean, chairs push themselves into place at their tables and trays of drinks float around lazily, dispensing themselves to various tables around the bar.
"We might as well have a spot of breakfast while we're here," Professor McGonagall says, situation herself at the bar as she begins to make small talk with the barkeeper, Tom.
She leaves everyone to go about their business for the time being. The bar is pretty quiet, a few witches and wizards sitting about reading the morning edition of the Daily Prophet, the wizarding newspaper.
Along with a menu of assorted wizarding treats such as cauldron cakes, pumpkin pasties and butterbeer, the Leaky Cauldron also has a smaller menu of normal foods such as meat pies, stews and the like.
Professor McGonagall doesn't appear to be in much of a hurry, so feel free to enjoy the calm, quiet atmosphere of the quaint street-side pub.
A chair pulls itself out for you, as a rag floats over and begins tidying up the table and Tom the barkeeper calls over, "Oi, what'll it be?"" as Professor McGonagall assures you the school will cover the expense.
ℋ Diagon Alley
Professor McGonagall leads everyone to a stone wall in the back of the Leaky Cauldron, before she proceeds to whip out her wand. She raps pointedly on a few specific stones and before you know it, the wall in front of you begins to rearrange itself, stone by stone, as it forms an opening.
Before you stretches a long, crowded street packed with wizards and witches and magical folk of all kind. On either side of you, shops and stalls of all kinds stretch along the cobblestone streets that lead along this wondrous settlement, seemingly tucked away in the middle of London.
"Welcome to Diagon Alley," Professor McGonagall says shortly, stepping through the opening in the wall and onto the cobblestone street. "You'll be able to find all the supplies you need for school. Do go on, I haven't got the time to babysit all of you. If you have any questions, I shall be around. Stay out of trouble, or I'll have you out of here faster than you can say 'transfiguration'."
And with that, Professor McGonagall wanders off, though she's sure to keep an eye in case anyone runs into trouble.
A few places catch your eye immediately, Flourish and Blotts, a wizarding bookstore where you're sure to find all of the books you'll need for school. The Magical Menagerie has been alerted to the fact new students are visiting, so they've made sure to display the finest cats, rats, toads and owls to tempt anyone looking for a companion to accompany them to school.
Diagon Alley is also home to the famous wandmaker, Mr. Ollivander, whom you've had the pleasure of meeting already. His shop can be found here, where you may be lucky enough to witness new students going through the process of getting their own first wands, which is often time consuming and difficult, depending on the person. The shop itself is old and dusty, stacked high with boxes of wands and in a seemingly permanent state of dishevelment, though Mr. Ollivander navigates the space with decisive expertise.
Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor is also a popular destination for the younger crowd, offering an assortment of flavors, both magical and mundane to suit your sweet tooth. Today's special? Strawberry-Peanut butter! Have a seat outdoors and enjoy a nice cool treat while folk bustle about around you, shopping and chatting it up jovially.
Don't forget to swing by Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions, where she'll see to it that you're fitted with school robes in your size, and of course you can't leave until you've tried on a pointed hat or two. After that, why not head over to Gringott's Bank at the very end of the street and open up an account? You still have some money leftover from what the Ministry of Magic gave you and you have no idea how long you'll be here. It would be a wise decision to ensure any money acquire is safely guarded- no place safer than Gringott's for that!
After a few hours of exploring and shopping, Professor McGonagall rounds everyone up for another quick trip through the Leaky Cauldron, outside where she once again summons the Knight Bus to take everyone back to Hogwarts.
Before you stretches a long, crowded street packed with wizards and witches and magical folk of all kind. On either side of you, shops and stalls of all kinds stretch along the cobblestone streets that lead along this wondrous settlement, seemingly tucked away in the middle of London.
"Welcome to Diagon Alley," Professor McGonagall says shortly, stepping through the opening in the wall and onto the cobblestone street. "You'll be able to find all the supplies you need for school. Do go on, I haven't got the time to babysit all of you. If you have any questions, I shall be around. Stay out of trouble, or I'll have you out of here faster than you can say 'transfiguration'."
And with that, Professor McGonagall wanders off, though she's sure to keep an eye in case anyone runs into trouble.
A few places catch your eye immediately, Flourish and Blotts, a wizarding bookstore where you're sure to find all of the books you'll need for school. The Magical Menagerie has been alerted to the fact new students are visiting, so they've made sure to display the finest cats, rats, toads and owls to tempt anyone looking for a companion to accompany them to school.
Diagon Alley is also home to the famous wandmaker, Mr. Ollivander, whom you've had the pleasure of meeting already. His shop can be found here, where you may be lucky enough to witness new students going through the process of getting their own first wands, which is often time consuming and difficult, depending on the person. The shop itself is old and dusty, stacked high with boxes of wands and in a seemingly permanent state of dishevelment, though Mr. Ollivander navigates the space with decisive expertise.
Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor is also a popular destination for the younger crowd, offering an assortment of flavors, both magical and mundane to suit your sweet tooth. Today's special? Strawberry-Peanut butter! Have a seat outdoors and enjoy a nice cool treat while folk bustle about around you, shopping and chatting it up jovially.
Don't forget to swing by Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions, where she'll see to it that you're fitted with school robes in your size, and of course you can't leave until you've tried on a pointed hat or two. After that, why not head over to Gringott's Bank at the very end of the street and open up an account? You still have some money leftover from what the Ministry of Magic gave you and you have no idea how long you'll be here. It would be a wise decision to ensure any money acquire is safely guarded- no place safer than Gringott's for that!
After a few hours of exploring and shopping, Professor McGonagall rounds everyone up for another quick trip through the Leaky Cauldron, outside where she once again summons the Knight Bus to take everyone back to Hogwarts.
ℋ Flying 101
With only a week to the start of term, there's a tense atmosphere looming over the school and Hogsmeade village. No one is sure how the year is going to go, but the Ministry of Magic is breathing down everyone's neck as the date approaches.
Professor Dumbledore doesn't want to start off the year on any sort of negative note, so he's decided to throw together an unofficial first lesson on the grounds of Hogwarts, where attendance is optional but highly encouraged and advertised. He sends out notices to everyone, though just what this lesson will be is kept secret.
On the day of the lesson, you're lead onto and across the Hogwarts grounds, until you reach a large, oval shaped structure with towers built around it, all decorated with different house banners. You're lead through the structure, out onto a large field with three large hoops at both ends, rising high into the sky much like flag poles.
All across the field, broomsticks are lined up ground.
"Welcome!" Dumbledore's voice booms from a podium set up to the side, his wand pressed to his throat, which you realize he's using to amplify his voice so that it can be heard clearly, "to your first flying lesson!"
A witch with close-cropped gray hair and a whistle in her mouth steps forward. "My name is Madam Hooch and I will be your flying instructor. Everyone, find a broom and position yourself next to it!"
Each broom appears to be old and well-used, their twigs bent askew and their wood worn by years of handling, some even have initials carved into them by students gone by. It's clear that these haven't been new for some time.
"Once you've found a broom, at the sound of my whistle I want you to hold your hand out above it and, with feeling, command it up. Nice and loud. Never mind if they're a little stubborn at first, just show the broom that you're boss."
Not every broom responds the same, some are tired and simply appear to want to lay there. Others shoot up with enthusiasm into your hand, while others roll about tiredly. For most, it depends on your fervor. If you really want and mean it, the broom responds in kind.
"Next, you'll mount it and then you'll kick off from the ground. Hover a moment, then touch back down. From there, we'll see how you feel and then perhaps you can try the obstacle course." she gives a wave of her wand and additional hoops and various obstacles appear around the field.
"Three, two, one..."
After practicing the basics for a while, Madam Hooch allows everyone time to free fly and to go through the obstacle course. After a while, when all the initial buzz dies down, she'll wander off and supervise from the side while everyone goes about flying.
Aside from flying, those who are more ground oriented are free to simply watch, or sit in the shade and take a moment to enjoy the scenery. Perhaps they'll wander away from the flying lesson and over to the great lake surrounding Hogwarts castle, where the tentacle of a giant squid can be seen occasionally poking out from below the surface, trying to swipe at any bird that makes the mistake of flying too low.
Professor Dumbledore doesn't want to start off the year on any sort of negative note, so he's decided to throw together an unofficial first lesson on the grounds of Hogwarts, where attendance is optional but highly encouraged and advertised. He sends out notices to everyone, though just what this lesson will be is kept secret.
On the day of the lesson, you're lead onto and across the Hogwarts grounds, until you reach a large, oval shaped structure with towers built around it, all decorated with different house banners. You're lead through the structure, out onto a large field with three large hoops at both ends, rising high into the sky much like flag poles.
All across the field, broomsticks are lined up ground.
"Welcome!" Dumbledore's voice booms from a podium set up to the side, his wand pressed to his throat, which you realize he's using to amplify his voice so that it can be heard clearly, "to your first flying lesson!"
A witch with close-cropped gray hair and a whistle in her mouth steps forward. "My name is Madam Hooch and I will be your flying instructor. Everyone, find a broom and position yourself next to it!"
Each broom appears to be old and well-used, their twigs bent askew and their wood worn by years of handling, some even have initials carved into them by students gone by. It's clear that these haven't been new for some time.
"Once you've found a broom, at the sound of my whistle I want you to hold your hand out above it and, with feeling, command it up. Nice and loud. Never mind if they're a little stubborn at first, just show the broom that you're boss."
Not every broom responds the same, some are tired and simply appear to want to lay there. Others shoot up with enthusiasm into your hand, while others roll about tiredly. For most, it depends on your fervor. If you really want and mean it, the broom responds in kind.
"Next, you'll mount it and then you'll kick off from the ground. Hover a moment, then touch back down. From there, we'll see how you feel and then perhaps you can try the obstacle course." she gives a wave of her wand and additional hoops and various obstacles appear around the field.
"Three, two, one..."
After practicing the basics for a while, Madam Hooch allows everyone time to free fly and to go through the obstacle course. After a while, when all the initial buzz dies down, she'll wander off and supervise from the side while everyone goes about flying.
Aside from flying, those who are more ground oriented are free to simply watch, or sit in the shade and take a moment to enjoy the scenery. Perhaps they'll wander away from the flying lesson and over to the great lake surrounding Hogwarts castle, where the tentacle of a giant squid can be seen occasionally poking out from below the surface, trying to swipe at any bird that makes the mistake of flying too low.
Toph Beifong | Avatar: The Last Airbender
2. - the Menagerie
[Nothing particularly more intelligent than regular animals, as far as Yoichi can tell. Though, he's never had a pet or anything to judge by.]
Rats are supposed to be really smart, though, right? It's why they use them in science experiments. Maybe magical rats are smarter.
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[ Her shoulders sink a little with a huff, well, there goes that idea. ]
You'd think they'd have something more interesting in this 'fancy-schmancy magical world'!... You could find most of these in a barn!
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Yeah. Why aren't there griffins or chimeras, or at least talking owls?
[He pokes his finger at the nearest caged owl. It turns its head in that creepy way owls do, and ruffles its feathers, rattling the cage a little.]
I don't see what carrying a toad around is going to accomplish.
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[ These are the normal animals too! Either way she shrugs, letting her arms hang down as she turns to vaguely face the stranger. It's a bit odd how she kind of just, talks his way without ever looking up. ]
Welp, that was a bust... Did you see any other shops that looked useful? Or even just fun.
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Not really.
[He thinks the bookstore is the most interesting thus far, but that wouldn't really work for her.]
Have you gotten a wand yet? Maybe that place is fun.
[It will be a disappointment with just aisles of stacked and dusty boxes. He pokes at the owl again.]
You're not going to get a familiar at all? I don't think they're required, but...
[They have to exist for a reason.]
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[ She fishes into her makeshift pocket to pull out her wand, no doubt earning a few nervous glances from the more observant folks in the room. ]
I don't think so. Taking care of animals isn't really my thing. What about you?
[ She's also not that keen on accidentally losing said animal and not being able to find it again. Yikes! ]
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1
Ouch! You can't just hit people. [ He rubs his arm with a pout ] Read it yourself.
Wu! of all the muses I thought I'd see.
[ She furrows her brows, letting out a huff and keeps the menu held out. ]
I can't read! How am I gonna do that, genius?
pretty sure i'm the only one and i love him dearly
[ Well, putting that away for a second. He looks down at the menu ] Pumpkin juice? Black pudding? Yuck.
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Feel free to read em out.
...
Or just point out anything that sounds good. Meat?
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Oh! Fish and chips. That has meat!
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That'll do. I'll have one of those please! [ She calls out, raising a hand so the barkeep can see her. ] But yeah, I get that. It sucks not having anything familiar around.
3!
This whole thing has made him suspicious from the beginning, of course. Not the biggest fan of listening to strange authority that hasn't proven itself to him, Mako waffled on even attending, but here he is with an old broom right next to him, wondering if it's going to do anything at all.
Instead of repeating the half-muttered "Up," he tried at first, he glances at Toph on the ground beside him and says with his brows furrowed: ] You have the right idea. This can't be safe.
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Yeah, no duh. Unless you've got some fancy magic to stop you from falling.
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He's doing that because he's still staring at Toph, trying to figure out why she looks so familiar. ] I wouldn't trust this thing to carry me two feet. You don't want to fly?
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NooOPE! I can barely tell where I'm walking thanks to this place. But at least I know which direction I'm facing when I'm on the ground.
[ One hand waves his way, as if encouraging him.
But hey, don't let me stop you.You can just hop off if it doesn't work out right?
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[ Mako prods at the broom with his foot again, skepticism clear in his voice. He's not an airbender and he doesn't have his powers here, there would be absolutely nothing he could do about that. He'll let other people take the fall first, no matter how much he wants to try it. Informed decision-making and all that.
Anyway, there's something more important to focus on. The broom flops over again, and Mako, rather than continuing to stand over a small child, drops to his knees beside in the grass, frowning over at Toph. ] Why can't you tell where you're walking?
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Her lips press out and puff, blowing her bangs out the way to leave her face a bit more clear. As much as she wants to say 'cause I can't bend!'... she's gotten tired of explaining it already, opting for the more obvious: ]
Because I can't see! [ One hand raises, waving in front of her own face as if to point it out. ] Blind as a badgermole out here.
[ And then her voice softens, just a little frustrated. ]
I'm not even sure why they brought me along. Could've just said the 'lesson' wouldn't work for me.
1
But like the Princess she was, she did everything she could to maintain her composure. She couldn't let anyone know how constantly stressed out she was trying to learn and adjust to this low brow commoner lifestyle.
And then she gets hit with a menu.]
How dare you?
[She twists around to give the offender a piece of her mind and sees who it is.]
Oh, that's how you dare. You know in civilized countries they say "please".
[Of all the people, in all of her world to have somehow wound up in this situation...it was this little degenerate. She'd almost have preferred dealing with the Avatar.]
too hot! Hot damn!
What are you doing here?
[ So much for pleasant greetings. Perhaps thankfully, Toph's had the least dealings with Azula during her adventures with the gaang. That doesn't stop the suddenly upset accusatory scowl on her face. ]
I think I peaked with this username. I shall never do better.
Oh I don't know I just thought after my life was ruined I should take a little break and find work in a tavern. What do you think I'm doing here? Obviously the same thing you are. Just better.
[Probably. How much trouble could this one be without her bending? Azula at least still had her combat training.]
it's great
How should I know! You'd probably have to go to some new world just to find someone to talk to!
And I'm doing just fine!...
[ She puts the menu aside. That's not relevant... ]
Re: it's great
Oh yes I'm sure you're doing great. Why don't you pull up a stool then and order something off the menu? It's right in front of you after all.
[Was it classy to make fun of her for being blind? No. Did Azula care? Not really.]
Or you could just call the rest of your little friends over and we can catch up properly.
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Yeah, real clever. I'm blind, yeah, got anything else you want to say, FireLord Obvious?
[ They're starting to get odd looks. This is fine? There's a moment of hesitation that probably answers her question better than Toph could. ]
I don't need twinkletoes around to watch over me!
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sorry for slowness, out camping!
No worries, hope you're having fun out there!
was good! Somehow exhausting but good!
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