#recruitaccept

[stillrecruitingrp]

The D.A. has recruited Nicky to the character of Tracey Davis with a faceclaim of Jung Eun-ji. How long do you think you can keep fooling them, Tracey? That much filth is hard to hide, you know...

OOC Details

Name: Nicky

Pronouns: she/her

Activity Level: medium; I should be able to post multiple replies three to four times a week, with an at least cursory online presence more often than that. Sometimes I get bogged down with other projects or deadlines, but I will always try to alert via the ooc when that is/will happen so my interaction partners aren’t left wondering where I’ve gone!

Acknowledgement: I acknowledge the potentially triggering themes and look forward to the uncertainty and excitement of the roulette.

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General IC Details

Name: Tracey Patricia Davis

Age: eighteen, born November 21st

Ships: no specific ships; Tracey is bisexul but coming from a Muggle background means that she isn’t exactly comfortable with this and has so far managed to push her burgeoning queerness onto the back-burner (although that’s getting harder the most stress she’s under; it would be nice to lose her strife in a few soft kisses or warm caresses, but she’s afraid to let anyone -- boy or girl -- get that close).

Gender/Pronouns: cis-female, she/her

Face Claim: Jung Eun-ji or Maisie Richardson-Sellers

Desired Changes: none

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BIO Questions

This game is Canon Divergent after the beginning of Deathly Hallows. This means, if a character is not at Hogwarts in canon, that can be altered (maybe Fleur goes to collect her husband’s little sister and ends up unable to leave the rest of the children there? Perhaps Harry comes back earlier…but why, and how? All of these things can be addressed and should be in your application!) Feel free to be creative!

Biography:

Once upon a time Tracey was a cheerful, happy, awkward little girl growing up in Cookham with a happy, cheerful little family of mum, step-dad, and baby brother Bobby. She liked coming up with fun new ways to wear her clothes, leaving her chewing gum in places that would make mum yell, and listening to Sheila Chandra, Duran Duran, and The Levellers. Mum was a general practitioner, dad a grocer, and little Bobby just a bundle of drool and diapers. Then the witch showed up on their doorstep and told Tracey there was something different about her...and she didn’t mean it the way the neighborhood kids did. So Tracey went off to Hogwarts School, where her troubles began the moment she was sorted.

There are more Muggle-borns in Slytherin House than people suspect. Tracey is one of them, although she -- like most of the Slytherins who share her blood-status -- was clever enough to figure out quickly that this wasn’t a good thing, so she fabricated a story about her grandmother being a squib whose family didn’t want her going around claiming kinship over the embarrassment of having produced a child without a trace of magic. That’s not a far-fetched tale, so no one ever questioned her -- especially since Tracey played-up her own “disdain” toward inferior blood and her own Muggle relations. She was over-compensating, yes, and her housemates could probably tell -- but they let her fake it and they played along. That’s something else that happens more often than admitted in Slytherin House: because there’s such a focus on purity of blood, most everyone is eager to claim as much magical ancestry as possible -- even if that means lying about a few muddy branches on the family tree.

Tracey was never exactly popular in her house, but she wasn’t scorned either; she knew to flatter the right people, and as long as she grinned her way through the occasional barb about “magical dead-ends” from Pansy Parkinson or the other “elites” she wasn’t mocked too badly, despite her lack of familiarity with the magical world -- a familiarity that Tracey has been working to acquire ever since her first night in the dungeons, whether that mean listening to her housemates or spending her free hours in the library flipping through every volume on wizarding society and history that she can get her hands on. She also developed a knack for transfigurative stitching, which helped her alter some of her clothes so they didn’t look quite so dreadfully Muggle -- although she still stuck-out whenever she wore something other than her uniform. Fortunately most people pitied her for her squib ancestry rather than ostracizing her, and she founds friends who were willing to help tutor her in keeping up with all the important things that schoolbooks didn’t teach -- all of which meant that when rumor of Voldemort’s resurrection reached Tracey’s ears, she knew enough of what was coming to know that she’d more than a flimsy story about a secret squib to keep her safe now.

Fortunately being in Slytherin meant she had friends with influence and leverage in the Ministry, although she hesitated to trust any of them with the truth -- but inspiration and an understanding of the world she now inhabited gave her the solution: claim that she needed fake documentation to back-up her “true” blood-status, since the family she was really related to would have been furious to have a squib shoved back onto their family tree after they’d gone to all the trouble of getting rid of them. Tracey isn’t sure whether she managed to pull that story off, or if they just took pity on her -- but either way, she got the documentation she needed to be able to go back to school when the Muggle-born Registration Commission started investigating magic-stealers.

School Year So Far:

Tracey has never told her parents about the magical world’s issues with blood-status, or the way she lied about her family’s history in order to be accepted. She knows they wouldn’t be pleased; her mum and dad raised her to be proud of who she is and to hold her head high and ignore anyone who said anything nasty about her heritage. But they don’t understand how different it all is in the magical world, where no one looks askance at her ethnicity but so many of them would shun her completely for being a Mudblood. That slur seems to have so much more weight than any of the ones she’s been treated to in the Muggle world -- maybe because it cuts to the core of who she is rather than flickering out at what she looks like. Regardless, they never knew, and it wasn’t like any of her magical friends were ever going to come visiting to give her away, was it? Maybe she sometimes feels a little ashamed of pretending to be someone she isn’t...but better than the alternative, she tells herself, and keeps the charade going.

That meant her parents had no reason to hesitate over sending her back to Hogwarts for her final year of school, and the Ministry had no reason to stop her, so she went -- that was the goal behind getting those fake documents, after all! But now she’s here at Hogwarts, and she’s quaking in her shoes waiting for the day when someone finds out. She has a big, dangerous secret she’s keeping, and she’s starting to crumble under the strain -- as much from indignation as from fear, surprisingly. Tracey is ambitious too, after all (there was a reason she was sorted into Slytherin!) and her ambitions don’t include pretending to be “better” than she “really” is forever, not when she knows she’s better than that -- and the lie sticks in her craw more and more every year, every time she has to laugh at some other Mudblood to cover for her own ancestry, every time she has to put-down her pathetic parents for their lack of magical gifts, every time she has to help the Carrows torture some hapless idiot who can’t keep their mouth shut. She does as she’s told, of course -- a girl with “squib” ancestry can’t risk getting on the wrong side of Death Eaters -- but her rage over the unfairness of it all coils in her belly like hot lead, burning to get out.

But Tracey keeps her mouth shut because she’s clever enough to know that now is not the time to take a stand on principle -- is it?

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OOC Questions

Writing Sample

Tracey’s knees knocked together and her palms kept sweating, no matter how many times she wiped them off on the sides of her robes. For once she was glad for the cumbersome clothing favored in the magical world (even after six years, she still preferred her comfortable cargo pants or denims) because the enshrouding fabric hid her shaking as she waited for them to call her name.

She tried not to look at the other nervous, sweaty people standing with her -- or at the guards watching them, alternately grim-faced or leering. Tracey wasn’t the only defendant clutching a sheaf of paper as though it was her only lifeline out of a freezing ocean, and she doubted she was the only one whose heart was currently pounding its way up her throat either. They were all trying hard to avoid meeting one another’s eyes, as though afraid that guilt could be contagious. Tracey thought that was a bit silly, because the whole reason they were here was to try and prove that they had some connection to the magical world, so if they could show connections to one another, wouldn’t that help to prove that they were more magic than Muggle...?

Before she could follow that line of thought through to a conclusion, the sound of her name being barked by the officiant manning the door jolted her from her reverie and made her jump.

Shaking worse than ever, Tracey hurried forward, trying not to trip over her robes or her nerves. She could feel the eyes of the other accused Muggle-borns darting over and sliding away as she passed them, everyone unable to resist the urge to stare at the latest victim to face Ministerial inspection but unwilling to be caught staring. She did her best to ignore them all, keeping her eyes fixed ahead and trying to school her face into an expression of unconcern.

By the time she crossed the threshold into the courtroom, she still didn’t think she’d succeeded, but it became almost immediately irrelevant because her expression -- whatever it was -- was immediately replaced by surprise at the sight of the witch waiting at the high table inside. Her jaw dropped and hung open, as though she were an overwhelmed first year facing the wonders of the magical world for the first time again -- although the frigid, grim courtroom with its solitary defendant’s chair and empty encircling benches was far from wonderful. The witch presiding, though, was both familiar and unmistakable, if not exactly pleasant-looking either.

“Professor Umbridge?” Tracey gasped, her steps faltering. One of the black-robed guards caught her by the elbow and marched her forward but Tracey barely noticed; she was too busy gaping.

Professor Umbridge -- or no, not professor anymore, was she? -- leaned forward over the edge of her table so she could stare down at Tracey. “Miss Davis, isn’t it?” she said, in her obnoxiously performative fake-little-girl voice. “I’m very disappointed to see you here, I have to say.”

“I’m -- I’m not thrilled about it myself, er, professor,” Tracey stammered. “But I think if you’ll look, you’ll see it’s all just a...an unfortunate bit of confusion...” She shoved the papers she held up onto the edge of Umbridge’s table and tried to smile. One of the other guards cleared her throat and Tracey stepped back quickly. She tucked her hands away behind the long sleeves of her robes, out of sight, and crossed her fingers. Was all her effort to ingratiate herself to this horrible woman two years ago finally going to pay off?

Umbridge shuffled through the papers a few times, darting the occasional squinty glance at Tracey between pages. After what felt like days but was probably only a few minutes, she finally said, “Well! This does seem to be in order. I quite understand why neither you nor the No -- well, the family involved wanted your connection to them publicized...”

Tracey stiffened. “Please don’t make it public!” she blurted. “Please -- they would be so mad, having to acknowledge a squib, that’s why I never told anyone, my grandmother said--”

Umbridge held up a hand with a short “Hem, hem!” and Tracey fell silent, waiting with baited breath. In truth of course she wasn’t worried that the family she had fabricated a connection to would be cross; she was worried that they would, just justifiably, deny said connection and offer proof that it wasn’t true -- which wouldn’t be hard for them to do, Tracey was sure, given that the documents she had provided were completely false. If Umbridge chose to make her life “difficult” by “embarrassing” the pure-bloods that Tracey was claiming familial ties with, she’d make things much more difficult than she thought she was...

But Umbridge only said, “Oh no, of course not, dear girl. That would be heartless. And it’s admirable that you’ve chosen to respect the wishes of the family rather than trumpeting your roots for all to hear. It’s very polite, discreet. Better behavior than one usually sees from those raised by Muggles -- but I suppose you’ve learned a lot from your housemates, hmm?”

Tracey nodded. “Ever so much, ma’am, yes.” Like how to arrange for falsified documents showing that your utterly Muggle grandmother was really the squib descendant of a famed pure-blood family, for instance. “I’ve tried so hard to fit in, you know, to do my bloodline proud even if it’s not one I can acknowledge publicly...”

“And I’m sure you’ll make them proud, secretly. You’ve been studying hard for your N.E.W.T.s?”

“Oh yes, ma’am!” Tracey’s hands were starting to shake from how tightly her fingers were clenched, but she forced herself to keep smiling.

“Splendid! I’m sure you’ll do wonderfully,” Umbridge tittered, holding Tracey’s papers out for her to take back. “Good luck at Hogwarts this year, Miss Davis. It was lovely to see you again.”

“You, too,” Tracey lied, and followed the guard out of the courtroom. Her knees were still shaking but this time as she passed the other accused Muggle-borns she was grinning -- even if she still couldn’t bring herself to meet their eyes.

Exploration

TORTURE & HYPOCRISY: Tracey is used to over-compensating, used to deferring to her more socially advantaged (and purer) housemates, used to lying about her true opinions -- but now the stakes have raised and the Carrows don’t just demand that she laugh at their ugly jokes about Mudbloods, they want her to torture her fellow students. It honestly isn’t the spells themselves that Tracey objects to (maybe it’s because she comes from a non-magical world, a world where terrible weapons of war are a fact of life that can’t be ignored as easily as the Unforgivables) so much as it is the fact that she knows she is their real target. And not just because she knows that her status as a “squib’s descendant” means she’s more susceptible to punishment herself than most of her housemates (and she’s experienced her fair share of the curses herself) but because the truth is even worse in their eyes. Sure, she doesn’t hesitate to raise her wand when one of the Carrows tells her to -- and she’ll readily admit that it’s been interesting learning a form of magic that relies more on emotion than most spells -- and while it’s not comfortable by any means to be made to hurt her classmates, what really upsets her is knowing that she doesn’t have a right to. According to the Death Eaters, she’s the one who really deserves to be tortured -- and no, she doesn’t agree with that of course, but she does feel like a hypocrite when she’s hiding behind her house placement and her documents so she can stay safe while she hurts somebody else who isn’t lying about who they are and what they believe. Is that enough to push her into taking a stand -- or is it more likely that she’ll double-down and work even harder to excel at the Carrows’ new lessons, over-compensating to hide her dismay and her secrets just like she’s always done?

OPEN-MINDEDNESS: Growing up in the Muggle world means that Tracey lacks the prejudices and presumptions common to wizaring children (yet carries several more mundane such viewpoints, of course) so for instance -- the Slytherin/Gryffindor rivalry? While she figured that out fast, and has certainly learned to dislike Gryffindor House on principle due to all the squabbles and competition between the houses, that’s all it is to her -- a squabble, mostly wrapped-up in sport it seems, and not some insurmountable barrier that she wouldn’t be willing to vault under the right circumstances (not that a Gryffindor would ever be likely to reach out to some Slytherin “squib’s grandchild” for any reason...right?). Even more notable -- the name Voldemort? It doesn’t actually terrify her. She’s a little rattled by it just because of how rattled everyone else gets anytime it’s mentioned, but it doesn’t have the same power over her that it does most of the people she knows. The same is true of the Unforgivable Curses -- they’re just more spells, to her. Nasty spells, to be sure, but there are a lot of nasty spells; what really makes the Cruciatus Curse so much worse than any other hex, aside from the fact that it hurts more? She knows that Dark Magic is bad -- just like she knows guns and nukes and bombs are bad -- but she doesn’t recoil from it on principle. She doesn’t recoil from any spells on principle, because she didn’t grow up with those principles and prejudices. This makes her more open-minded about what can be done with spells, or which spells are okay to use when and where and to whom; makes her willing to cross lines that her friends would instinctively balk at. Tracey has done a lot to learn the unspoken rules of the wizarding world -- but that doesn’t mean she’s internalized them all. Doesn’t mean she isn’t willing to break them all, even.

MUDDIED ALLEGIANCE: Tracey is sort of stuck in the middle right now -- to every appearance a dutiful Slytherin, far from pure-blooded but aware of the limitations of her own blood-status and loyal to the old ways despite her Muggle upbringing. Underneath that, though, she’s living a lie and a dangerous lie at that, constantly under threat of exposure and the inevitable punishment and incarceration (or worse) that such a revelation would cause. Maybe she’ll double-down on her habits of over-compensation, go full-out in pledging allegiance to the Carrows and Snape and even, eventually, Voldemort himself -- because what better way to hide her blood-status than behind one of those silver masks? Or maybe she’ll go the other way: fed up with living a lie, she could turn on the Carrows and her prejudiced pure-blood friends, throw her allegiance to the D.A. -- but would they be willing to accept a Slytherin as an ally? Who would she even try making an overture to -- and would she be willing to risk sharing the secret of her blood-status to convince them? If she does, what’s to say they won’t sell her out to protect their own skins -- or use her as a double-agent, in even more danger than she was before...or would she be? As a Muggle-born, is there anything she could do that would put her in more danger than she is already?

SECRETS: Everyone has them, and Slytherins are smart enough to know and accept that as a fact without getting huffy, like those goody-goody Hufflepuffs and self-righteous Gryffindors so often do. However, some secrets are more dangerous than others, and Tracey’s secret is deadly. The best insurance with which to protect herself, thereofore, is to stockpile everyone else’s secrets so she can threaten to expose them if they ever discover and threaten to expose hers -- right? It’s the sort of Cold War/Mutually Assured Destruction mentality that a girl who grew up watching Muggle news and movies in the late eighties would be quick to grasp as a solution to her problem, and Tracey hasn’t hesitated to built up her arsenal. Now that she’s getting scared, getting angry, she’s decided it’s time to start making other people afraid too -- time to make sure that everyone knows there’s a threat out there, someone who knows and someone who is willing to tell. Just a little here and there, things to embarrass rather than destroy...at least to start with. Just enough to make them aware, to make them wary, to make sure that if she needs to call in her marker (her blackmail) people will know she’s serious about it. Because what good is a weapon if you don’t demonstrate the will to use it?

[stillrecruitingrp]

The D.A. has recruited Pat to the character of Lavender Brown with a faceclaim of Alex Steele. Take a look in your teacups, girl. Do you really see yourself ever making up for your mother’s failure?

OOC Details

Name: Pat

Pronouns: she/her

Activity Level: Right now I’m studying for my licensing exam and looking for work. I feel like I can be pretty active between that, family obligations, and other writing groups. At the very least, I can check in a few times a week!

Acknowledgement: I acknowledge that the themes of this game may include triggering elements. I also acknowledge that my character may be harmed or even killed during paras/events or may cause harm to or kill others during paras/events through the violence roulette.

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General IC Details

Name: Lavender Brown

Age: 18; seventh year

Ships: Lavender/chemistry is the most important! I imagine that she’s bicurious though, but it’s not something she’s actually thought about for a while.

Gender/Pronouns: she/her

Face Claim: 1. Alex Steele, 2. Liza Soberano, 3. Kelsey Chow

Desired Changes: Lavender has a squib parent now

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Bio Questions

Biography:

Violet Brown amicably said goodbye to the wizarding world once she was old enough to figure her life out without her parents’ care. Squibs were not only an anomaly but a disgrace in many circles, so it was difficult to leave quietly when her family was already scrutinized.  Several years in hiding within the muggle community, she was able to live with her partner and eventually carried a daughter through a surrogate donor.  

Lavender raised by two mothers, so already she understood that she was a bit different from a young age and was proud of it. It felt like the world had a problem with her family and her parents instilled the idea of killing them with kindness; despite all of the awful things people say, it was never a good look to retaliate. The only metaphor that resonated with Lavender was she had to carry herself like a princess – and her parents were more than willing to spend a little more money to help her dress like one.

Her favorite movie, however, was the Aristocats, if only because it inspired her mantra: ladies don’t start fights, but they can finish them. While Lavender herself never tried to take part in any physical fighting, she could hold a grudge like no other. She tended to bide her time until she became a bit of a saboteur when the opportunity presented herself.

Violet raised her daughter on stories about the wizarding world, reading her stories from books that seemed to be impossible to find elsewhere. Lavender was never aware there was a second world – because Violet assumed that her daughter wouldn’t be magical as well – but was mostly convinced that these stories were created just for her.

Her Hogwarts letter only confirmed further that most of Violet had told her was true, and it was difficult for Lavender not to be in awe – especially since she felt like an expert in all things magical just based on what she had been told as a child. It was also the first time she had met her grandparents through Violet, who needed help raising a magical daughter. Lavender’s magical abilities set new hope aflame for the Brown family; while she may not be a pureblood, the magical lineage did not end after Violet.

Once sorted, she had never felt more welcome in Gryffindor house. She became fast friends with Parvati Patil, who had grown up to be magical herself, so most of Lavender’s introduction to the prejudices of the wizarding world was because of how Parvati told about her past experiences; Lavender only then realized how strange of a predicament her mother had been in her entire life, and put that as just another fact about herself that made her separate from everyone else.

Lavender was probably average academically when she started her coursework, but often asked her fellow Gryffindors for help regardless of whether or not she understood the material. After all, what better way to make friends? Lavender gets along with everyone, or so she believes; she’s driven by this need to be liked, to be accepted, especially considering that her childhood was marked by the fact that she hasn’t been. It’s difficult to balance both trying to fit in and trying to stand out, especially with the end result being that she often comes off as shallow and selfish.

Her priorities seemed to focus more on gossiping with Parvati and keeping up with the latest from Witch Weekly. Lavender herself comes off as thoughtless and often stuck in her fantasies, it didn’t mean that she was cruel. In the rare instance that she had come across someone who was upset, her bubbly demeanor may be unwelcome but her intentions were always good, insisting that the sun will come out tomorrow, referencing a muggle movie that only those raised around muggle culture would understand.

It was during the fifth year that she realized that she had to pick sides – though she was rather unaware at the time that there were larger issues at hand than whether or not the Boy Who Lived was actually the Boy Who Lied. But Seamus Finnigan didn’t believe him at first, and Lavender only thought of Harry Potter as the talk of the town, and that somehow he was much more of an attention seeker than Lavender was. Her participation in Dumbledore’s Army was more out of curiosity than belief, and it was only until Professor Trelawney had been sacked that she had become more dedicated to the cause.

Her first serious relationship with Ron Weasley was immature at best; for all of the moments Ron didn’t seem as interested in her as she was with him, she felt as if she had to make up for them. In a way she lived in her delusion of grandeur as someone who could have it all – the perfect boyfriend, the thriving social life, and an eventual career as a journalist as she had decided in her fifth year. She still holds a grudge against Hermione Granger for their fallout; after all, Lavender sure as hell wasn’t going to be anyone’s second choice.

School Year So Far

Dumbledore’s death never changed Lavender’s mind that Hogwarts was the safest place to be, until half of her classmates had gone missing. Lavender was occasionally chosen to participate in demonstrations done by the Carrows – but she was always on the receiving end of some curse, where she was reminded that her only saving grace was the fact that her grandparents were considered pure and that it was no fault of hers that she was tainted by a squib.

That didn’t stop them from making an example of her though for those who willingly break their rules, especially because of the one and only time she had stood up for her mother. It wasn’t until Neville Longbottom had come back visibly shaken from his detentions because of her transgressions that she was aware that it was just better to keep her mouth closed and pretend that she didn’t have a wand.

Despite her once thriving social life, Lavender sought no comfort from Neville, Parvati, or Seamus during the few times she was selected to be a practice dummy. Being poised and graceful was the only thing she could hold on to that let her keep some of her dignity. She felt herself becoming more and more detached from her friends, keeping her fear to herself; what was there to say anyway? She walked the halls with her stomach clenched tight for any sign of the Carrows – or students for that matter, who pursued her as a target for extra credit. Lavender was an experiment in which the Carrows only wanted one answer: her blood was tainted somehow because of her squib mother even if her magic had just skipped a generation, and that Lavender was weaker and lesser because of it.

It didn’t help either that Parvati was a true pureblood – a difference now that had never bothered her until now – because Parvati was never punished as harshly as Lavender was for greater transgressions against the Carrows. Lavender knew that Parvati’s blood status (as well as her own) was something they couldn’t choose, but she couldn’t help but feel bitter and jealous as their evenings in the Gryffindor Common Room were now silent. Dumbledore’s Army met, of course, but Lavender preferred not to be present; it was difficult to save someone else when you had trouble saving yourself to begin with.

If Hermione Granger loved the library, then Lavender Brown loved the Divination Tower in equal amount. Most of her free time was spent there and it essentially became her new hiding place as she tried to read tea leaves, tarot cards, and crystal balls for some shred of hope, only to find none. Every prediction always seemed to turn sour, and for the first time she felt frustrated with the art; it was her only way to feel useful and the only way to feel like she still belonged in this world.

Her winter vacation was spent at the school; she didn’t want her parents to find out what had been happening, with her skin marred by curses and her body always pained, and it wouldn’t be hard for the Ministry to follow her home. All she could do now was pray that her parents wouldn’t be found, with her hope in the fact that the muggle world was much harder to navigate than the wizarding one. Besides, she had so much more work to do; after all, ladies don’t start fights, but they can finish them.

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Open Themes: Experimentation - Reconnaissance

Inception

While Lavender still considered herself a member of the DA, it was difficult to become involved since she was a daughter of a squib. Fear held her back, and she thought it foolish of her pureblood friends to purposely endanger themselves to do what was right.

But Lavender had to do something. Her winter break was spent avoiding the Carrows, of course, but reading into a new kind of Divination that she hadn’t yet explored. Perhaps Professor Trelawney had been out of her tower just the right moment, leaving Lavender to peruse her shelves.

The way her wand felt when she cast the spell the first time felt right, at least moreso than it ever had since she held her wand over the last seven years – as if she were destined to do this. She was very easily convinced that she had found her way to help the DA, but little was she aware of the consequences that might come of it.

Specification:

Lavender was working on her ability of astral projection. It was seeing, but during the present, especially considering that Lavender found that she could now walk around the halls unseen for a few minutes. She found herself more exhausted coming back to herself, and often unable to focus.

But she was obsessed with this new ability because it allowed her to escape and tried to practice every chance she got, despite the fact that it drained her significantly. It would affect her schoolwork coming into the second term, but she would consider it worthwhile if she could train herself to project for longer and longer periods of time.

Utilization:

Her friends were busy leading the fight against the Carrows, but she had tried to keep herself off the battlefield because she was daughter of a squib. At least now she had something useful for the DA – she could be a spy. The Carrows were unpredictable, but it wasn’t a secret that they were following orders from someone else – if only the DA could be one step ahead of them. She has yet to tell her friends about this ability, but doing so would be difficult: she’s not very good at it yet and many of her friends had long disbelieved in Divination.

Even if the DA didn’t want her, then who cares? Projecting was the only way Lavender felt like herself again, anyway. It made her special, even if it did have its negative effects: she was tired, depressed, forgetful, careless… but it wasn’t like she had been seen as any different before.

What Lavender would fail to realize, is that the more she projected, the less aware she would be of her surroundings coming back. The longer she thought she was escaping death at the hands of the Carrows, the more she pushed herself into closer. And little was she aware of what would happen if something gone wrong – which it could, she was only eighteen.

How difficult would would it be to keep a projection and a body together, especially after forcing herself to undergo the process so often? She doesn’t understand that there’s control she has to exercise now in her waking hours. And what would she do if somehow her body was found and taken away before she could go back? Eventually she’d have to answer the question of whether this ability would be worth dying for, essentially rendering her as useless as she thought she was from the beginning.

OOC Questions

Writing Sample

​Even when she kept quiet, she was punished. Professor Carrow dug her claws deep into Lavender’s arm, pulling her out of her desk. Lavender clung to the desk, her free hand sliding across the flat table stop before reaching for a leg. Her balance was thrown completely and she felt her foot loss its traction across the marble floor as Professor Carrow continued dragging her to the front of the class.

“Useless girl!” The woman shrieked. It wasn’t the worst that Lavender had been called but the Carrows were predictable enough that anytime Alecto opened her mouth to screech, Lavender knew to fight her own instincts to cry out. Any whimper of noise only earned her more infractions as she was forced to demonstrate what the punishment was for dirtied blood. Her hand rubbed her eyes on her sleeve and she glanced back at Parvati.

She shook her head, but not in disdain. The panic in her eyes as she tried to tear her arm away from the Carrow’s grip communicated something else entirely: what have I done to deserve this? There was a swelling in her chest that she could only liken to hope — perhaps Parvati would stand and save her now —

Alecto had grown tired of dragging her across the classroom, letting her tumble to the floor. Lavender gritted her teeth and closed her eyes, feeling the tears dampen her cheeks as they overflowed. She felt like she was drowning; breathing quietly was hardly an option now as she pulled herself up on shaky hands, dragging herself to her feet using Seamus’s desk.

She inhaled as deep as she could, staring blankly back at the woman who had expected her to stay on the ground. After all, everyone else had, haven’t they? Lavender intended to be the last mudblood standing. Her knees almost buckled underneath her when the woman raised her wand, a reminder of the last time that Lavender hoped would be the last time.

Finally, she lifted her head in time for Alecto to wield her wand like a sabre; Lavender was knocked off her feet, tossed to the back of the classroom like a discarded toy. Her body collided with the wooden door and her limbs folded underneath her in painful angles as she slid to the ground. She coughed, the metallic taste layering over her tongue as she gasped. Her fingers pried the buttons of her collar open, unsure if the shivering was out of fear or out of weakness, as she gingerly pressed at the new wounds above her breast. The blood spread easily onto her clothes. Her robes hid most of the bleeding but she still cursed herself for leaving evidence of her suffering.

Lucky for Lavender, the floor had already been stained scarlet.

Exploration

Her relationship with her fellow Gryffindors and other classmates. As a minor character, Lavender doesn’t get much spotlight. I want her to think she’s the “voice of reason” especially since she might be the one trying to talk her classmates out of hurting themselves for supposedly no reason. It would be easy for her to be seen as selfish, especially since everyone else is rising up to defend those who are defenseless. She’s currently on the sidelines and she wants to help, but she wants to stay out of the game – I’d like to see her convinced to be in the thick of the fighting. Lavender also holds grudges against Hermione and Ron; would that affect which leader she follows, especially if they come back? We also don’t see much of the Gryffindors talking with other houses, and we see these interhouse relationships as more of a rivalry; would the crisis with the Carrows actually promote unity amongst the houses?

Her mental and physical health. The Carrows have done a number on her since she’s considered a target, but she never really talks about it with her friends – instead resorting to hide in the Divination Tower. Perhaps she’ll get the opportunity to open up, especially if she has someone who suffers equally if not more than she has. In addition, she’s probably going to get some flack for hiding when she should be fighting; I’m curious to see what kind of arguments happen when she’s thinks she’s given everything and others think she hasn’t given enough.

Her use of Dark Magic. Perhaps this astral projection would be considered Dark Magic, especially since the aftermath of it is so negative and the intention might be considered sinister. Once realizing this, she’d probably continue to do it, regardless; she’s a Gryffindor, after all, and it doesn’t help that she’s the kind to think little of the consequences. But would there be someone to talk her out of it? How would it change people’s perception of her, and would the DA be okay with her doing this? (Does the end justify the means?) Are the effects of projecting going to cause permanent damage?

Her empathy for others. The moments where Lavender has to comfort someone else have been rare, and it wouldn’t be inaccurate to say that she had been focused on herself for a long time. Especially with the pain she’s dealing with now, perhaps she can better understand how others suffer similarly, and offer more help to them in the form of emotional support. That being said, would this empathy be limited to those on her side? There are characters who also struggle on the Dark Side or on no side at all, and it’d be interesting to see if Lavender would allow herself to feel sorry for them too.

[stillrecruitingrp]

The D.A. has recruited Elva to the character of  Draco Malfoy with a faceclaim of Austin Butler. Isn’t this what you always wanted, Draco? Last year was remarkable; this year can only be better, right?

OOC Details

Name: Elva

Pronouns: She/her or they/them

Activity Level: I will check in and try to reply daily, though there might be the odd day where I can’t be online. I’m usually more productive in the morning GMT, so there’s a chance I won’t be around for events, but I will make sure to catch up asap.

Acknowledgement: I acknowledge that the themes of this game may include triggering elements. I also acknowledge that my character may be harmed or even killed during paras/events or may cause harm to or kill others during paras/events through the violence roulette.

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General IC Details

Name: Draco Lucius Malfoy

Age: 17

Ships: Draco could do with being swept off his feet, though he doesn’t see that happening anytime in the near or distant future, assuming he has one.

Gender/Pronouns: He/him

Face Claim: Austin Butler, Henrik Holm, Lucky Blue Smith, probably in that order.

Desired Changes: N/A

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BIO Questions

This game is Canon Divergent after the beginning of Deathly Hallows. This means, if a character is not at Hogwarts in canon, that can be altered (maybe Fleur goes to collect her husband’s little sister and ends up unable to leave the rest of the children there? Perhaps Harry comes back earlier…but why, and how? All of these things can be addressed and should be in your application!) Feel free to be creative!

Biography:

Born on the 5th of June, 1980, Draco Malfoy was a child taught to use his voice often and loudly. As a consequence, his nannies and house-elves alike despised him; fits of tears were interrupted with the clatter of china followed by bouts of uncontrollable laughter. But they never dared raise their voice or tell him no. No one working as a nanny had the authority to tell the son of Narcissa and Lucius Malfoy anything as absurd as no.

That is not to say Draco enjoyed his early childhood unchecked. He was more than a mere child—he was an heir, and was expected to behave like one. He was spoiled of course, never wanting for anything for very long, given the freedom and the funds to pursue whatever hobby he desired (though Quidditch was preferred, one could even say enforced, by his father). But he was schooled in how to be polite, and diplomatic; how to use cunning to successfully pursue his own ambitions; quizzed in the names and reputations of pureblood peers. It was all dreadfully boring, but it taught him one important lesson—no one measured up to a Malfoy.

Lucius talked about the past the way Draco talked about the stories his mother read him at bedtime–they would terrify the average person, but no child of a Malfoy or Black was average. Draco hung on every word from his mother’s lips, and came to aspire to greatness through cunning, to heroics through deception and resourcefulness. He played at outwitting a pack of werewolves to rescue the beautiful prince, or saving the whole of magical Britain from some muggle king who raised up his sword against them. Draco longed for the dramatics, for the worlds so much grander and more exhilarating than his own. Lucius longed for the glory and the sense of purpose that came with being the Dark Lord’s servant, but Lucius’ accounts of the past were as much fiction as the stories in young Draco’s books. It had been a time fraught with terror no matter whose side one fought on, and it had left Lucius a broken man. Of course, Draco didn’t know that. All he heard was that things had been better, and would be again, if the Dark Lord hadn’t been defeated. Lucius never expected the Dark Lord would return, and if he had, he never would have filled Draco’s head with lofty tales of the past.

If there was ever a way to change a young mind shaped by their parents’ beliefs, it is to remove them from their family’s influence. At Hogwarts, even among fellow Slytherins, Draco was challenged by others and their differing views. But instead of learning, Draco took the offensive. He has always been family-minded—most purebloods are, after all. Add the fact he’s an only child and that he idolised his father, he will always protect his family first and foremost, even when he knows them to be in the wrong. Loyalty may be a Hufflepuff trait but Draco has it in spades.

At first, Draco adamantly believed himself to be superior—his blood made him so, while his wealth and influence were further proof. The Malfoys were a responsible family, who no more sullied their blood than squandered their wealth; everything they had, they’d earned. Over time, that sense of superiority was hardened by jealousy. Draco was jealous of Harry Potter in particular—faster flyer,  an infuriating knack for evading trouble, not to mention his celebrity. Draco couldn’t stand it; couldn’t stand him.

Hate corrupts. When Harry went against his father in the Department of Mysteries, his father wasn’t merely incarcerated. The Malfoys fell from favour, Draco was branded with the Dark Mark, and assigned his mission. Draco’s sixth year is a blur, and he doesn’t care to remember it, thank you very much. During the stress of trying to carry out his mission and free his father, he turned that hatred on himself. A sense of inferiority took root inside him, like a Dungbomb waiting to go off and reveal his life as the pile of stinking crap that it was, and oh the timing made Draco laugh. Voldemort was back in full force, Dumbledore was soon to be dead by his hand; Draco was sucked into a war which, had anyone asked if he’d wanted to be part of, he would have answered with a resounding NO.  

Perhaps it’s wrong for draco to blame his parents for the person he became and the situation that befell him. He’s seventeen years old, fully capable of thinking for himself—has been for a long time. But even Draco can’t deny their influence on him. As independent as he’d like to be, he has been naive, and so have his mother and father. The mere thought of He Who Must Not Be Named makes Draco retch. Now the Dark Lord has taken over the family estate, sleeps under their roof, assuming he sleeps at all.They have been naive indeed and Draco intends never to blind himself to the truth again, no matter how loathsome it might be.

And what is the truth? He doesn’t want the Dark Lord to win this war. Draco Malfoy is rooting for the enemy. He has never known anyone as obnoxious as Harry Potter, except perhaps Hermione Granger. The pair have been the bane of Draco’s existence since they stepped their unworthy feet on the grounds. They are menaces, the both of them, while the Weasel is barely worth mentioning, and yet they might actually have what it takes to save them all. Of course they won’t be doing that so long as they’re cowering in the wild, scrabbling about like scared animals.

School Year So Far:

Draco returned to Hogwarts in September and resumed his studies as normal.

As if he didn’t watch Headmaster Albus Dumbledore die.

As if old Dumbledore wasn’t the first of many.

It wasn’t like Draco had any choice. His father was in prison. It didn’t take the full-body bind curse to get Draco to take the Dark Mark. He would not endure that indignity, so he offered his arm freely (eventhough there was nothing free about it.) And he did what he was asked—gave the Dark Lord’s servants entrance into Hogwarts, raised his wand against Albus Dumbledore. So what if he couldn’t kill him? What difference did it make now? Dumbledore was dead anyway. The Malfoy name had been spat on repeatedly, he and his parents disgraced. Nothing mattered anymore.

There are worse positions to be in. The Malfoy name can’t sink any lower. Except it can, and Draco is reminded often; Voldemort could put them in the ground, and likely will, so Draco might as well give him a good reason. When he left Hogwarts prematurely in June, it felt strange to leave his friends behind. In fact, he hated it, being dragged along with the Dark Lord’s merry band of madmen and murderers. The more he learns about war, the more he despises it. Is it too much to ask that the world go back to the way it was, so he can enjoy a quiet afternoon on the banks of the Black Lake?

First there is work to be done, but it feels gargantuan. Draco does what he can, when he can, but it’s never enough and people keep ending up hurt. He doesn’t know how long he can keep at it—these small acts of resistance are chipping away at him, and one way or another he’s going to get himself killed, either by Carrows’ hands or through sheer exhaustion. Draco swears, if he sees Potter in this school again, he’s going to throw him at the Dark Lord’s feet so Potter can destroy him once and for all.

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OOC Questions

Writing Sample

What were house-elves for if not doing the dirty work so wizards didn’t have to; so purebloods could put their time to better use? Dumbledore kept a whole hoard of house-elves during his employment. They were paid to clean this castle. So why, in Salazar’s good name, was he, Draco Malfoy, mopping the floor of the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom?

He wasn’t even allowed magic. Amycus Carrow had confiscated his wand for good measure with the promise to return it when the job was done, if and only if it was done to his standards. The Carrow wizard was enjoying himself, that much was clear–getting a little too comfortable lording over Draco like he was the one with no money, no education, who could sooner conjure a fart than cast a simple wand-lighting charm.

Draco tightened his hands around the mop. He had half a mind to snap it in two, but the thought that the favour could be returned on his wand gave him pause. Draco couldn’t face that humiliation, not like his father. The things he had done not to end up like his father… It was simple logic; if he made himself useful, it would be foolish for the Dark Lord to disarm him. So he had requested the opportunity to prove himself—to practice, which was just another way to say torture and maim. To kill.

He thrust the mop with more vigour. Swirls of water stained crimson formed a pattern on the sandstone, staining where it dried. He could feel it on his hands—he’d felt it since that night atop the Astronomy Tower, blood caked in more blood. But when he went to the bathroom to scrub it off, there wasn’t a drop to be found. He had imagined it—was imagining it now.

A door creaked. Draco’s back stiffened. Panic seeped into his muscles, but he forced himself to turn  toward the sound. Merlin, this had to be a joke.  

“You call that clean, Malfoy?” Professor Carrow held the door open as a group of students filed into the room, emanating anger and fear in equal measure. One of them looked from the mop to the discoloured floor and broke into a sob.

Draco didn’t think he could hate anyone more than Potter, then along came the Carrows to prove him wrong. He looked at the crying student. The smirk that had once sat so naturally on his lips now felt barbed, impossible to hold. “Quit your whimpering, it was just a nosebleed.” Gullibility was the number one trait in Hufflepuffs, was it not? Let the little badger believe the lie.

“Am I done then?” He turned to Carrow, holding the broom away from him so his sleeve slid up his arm, exposing his Dark Mark. Hatred emanated off Carrow’s gabble of children, swarming around Draco like flies—if only he could swat it away just as easily.

“Don’t you want to stick around for the fun?”

“I’d rather eat. All this work has built up my appetite.” Draco leaned the mop against the wall. The rags at the end of it had turned rusty red. Food was the last thing Draco had on his mind. He approached Carrow, ignoring the audience of scowling faces, and held out his hand. “Make sure you don’t starve them, Professor. Or you’ll have no one left to play with.”

“I’m sure I’d find someone to take their place,” Carrow sneered.

Well he’d walked right into that one. “Wand, please.” Let it not be said that Mother hadn’t taught him his manners. Amycus looked confused, then made a show of remembering, pulling the wand from his pocket.

Oh it felt good to have it back in his hand, especially as it masked the shaking. Draco couldn’t get out of there fast enough. He would skip dinner in the Great Hall; charged down the spiralling staircase, toward the dungeons, as fast as he could without breaking into a run. Upon reaching the entrance to the Common Room, he was too out of breath to utter the password. Pressing his hand to the wall, he closed his eyes, sweat prickling his brow. He wanted out of these clothes, to shower for a full day—out of this castle.

“Draco?”

At the sound of the familiar voice, relief flooded over him. He could breathe, just. He shoved his sleeves down, buttoning the cuffs; checked his hands.

No blood. At least, none that the eye could see.

Exploration

 Arrogance and a sense of superiority does not equal self-love. Draco doesn’t come across as someone who doubts himself, but he does, constantly. He doesn’t think very highly of himself either, after his atrocious sixth year at Hogwarts and everything that’s happened sense. I would like to explore Draco learning to love himself.

The Mom Friend, as suggested by the mods. Those close to him know his motives often extend outwards—that he looks out for him than just himself, that he cares what happens to this school. Draco might be a wealthy wizard, but he is not drowning in friends. He brought this war to Hogwarts, now he will ensure his friends make it out alive (assuming he can). As for the rest of Hogwarts… they can hardly fend for themselves. I would love to explore Draco’s caring nature.

The problem with putting others first is that you teach them you come second. Draco has a sharp tongue. In between his “mom” moments, he can be downright cruel. And that’s to those he likes. Add the fact that he doesn’t betray his emotions, or speak of his thoughts and fears, it’s rare that Draco is the one being cared for. With his parents helpless against the Dark Lord, Draco feels alone now more than ever. Where’s his pat on the head, thank you very much??

Draco the torturer. He sees himself as a killer, and he isn’t dealing with it, at all. He hasn’t cast the killing curse, yet, but he has made people suffer and not all those people still breathe. How he’ll deal with it, I’m not sure yet, but I suspect it will be explosive because this is Draco we’re talking about (my Draco is a little on the dramatic side).

[stillrecruitingrp]

The D.A. has recruited Taylor to the character of Ginny Weasley with a faceclaim of Luca Hollestelle. Picking a fight there, Ginny? Or are you still fighting yourself after second year?

OOC Details

Name: Taylor

Pronouns: She/Her

Activity Level: Moderate. I have a fulltime job and commitments, but I think I’ll be able to post a few times a week.

Acknowledgement: I acknowledge that the themes of this game may include triggering elements. I also acknowledge that my character may be harmed or even killed during paras/events or may cause harm to or kill others during paras/events through the violence roulette.

General IC Details

Name: Ginevra “Ginny” Molly Weasley

Age: 16

Ships: Ginny is still in love with Harry at this point, but she believes in him and has let him go to do what he has to do. It’s also not her main concern, as right now there are more important things on the table then whether or not she’s in a relationship. But I believe that Ginny’s sexuality is Bisexual, or Heteroflexible as she hasn’t really thought about it a whole lot (besides when she’s looking through Witch Weekly and there’s a picture of Gwenog Jones).

Gender/Pronouns: She/Her

Face Claim: Luca Hollestelle

Desired Changes: Not a whole lot at the moment, just excited to explore her character more in-depth!

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BIO Questions

Biography:

Growing up, Ginny’s life was ordinary. Well as ordinary as it could be for a lower-income wizarding family of nine, in which she was only special because of her gender. It was a novelty, being the only girl in a gaggle of vivid ginger boys, whom all had a booming personality that internally struggled to shine amongst each other. That being said, Ginny’s childhood was happy. Loving parents who had come out of the first war with themselves intact and enough love to go around their large lot. One by one, all of Ginny’s brothers turned of age to attend school, making the months between September and May lonelier, until it was only her and Ron. It was due to this that she had grown a kinship with the boy who was only a year older. Mud puddles and pretend, debating whether the Harpies or the Cannons were the superior team (obviously the Harpies!). That is until Ron turned eleven and everything changed. Harry Potter returned to the wizarding world, and invaded their lives as Ron Weasley’s best mate.

It was safe to say that Ginny was immediately infatuated. The first celebrity she’d ever had the pleasure of meeting with just a simple smile at King’s Cross, followed by a lonely year alone. It was spent mostly using the Bill’s old broom he’d left behind in the shed to practice quidditch and counting down the days until she was at Hogwarts with her brothers, making friends, and chatting with the Boy Who Lived.

Except that wasn’t what happened. Ron had moved on, found a kinship with Harry and Hermione that didn’t have room for her, and instead she was left to figure it out on her own. But she wasn’t alone. No, she had found a friend in a book, only a week before school and he had twisted it’s grip into her heart and fed on all of her insecurities. Isolating her from those that were her age, with every heartfelt secret she gave him, the more pull Tom Riddle had until he was finally controlling her completely. It was truly terrifying. Missing moments, blood on her hands, her peers turning up petrified as a villain whispered in her ear. How was it that someone could tear a person apart while still making them feel like he was the only one that understood or cared? A master manipulator, it took her months before Ginny tried to get rid of the diary. At first she suspected she was going mad, but it had fallen into Harry’s possession and in her first act of Gryffindor bravery, she had to steal it back.

But regaining the diary simply gave Tom her power again, allowing him to use her as a pawn to draw the “Boy Who Supposedly Destroyed Voldemort” into the Chamber. It was her life-force that almost brought Tom Riddle back into his youth, but when she awoke she was free. Free to confess to Harry what had been going on for all those months, and it was with him she returned from the chamber.

After Tom, she was left to pick up the pieces. Over the years she found a friend in Hermione, who urged her to be herself. In Neville, who accompanied her to the Yule Ball just so she could take part, and in Luna, who was intuitive and open-minded. She dated people who saw her as more than just another Weasley and killed it on the quidditch pitch after all those years practicing alone. Dark times arrived, Ginny stepped up, becoming one of the original members of Dumbledore’s Army and even helping to suggest it’s infamous name. Rebellion is in her blood after all, and when Harry, Ron and Hermione planned to flee for the Ministry in order to save Sirius, she fought to follow along.

It was as if she was finally being seen. Not only by her family and peers, but after that by Harry as well. She could feel his gaze when she entered a room, heard it in his laugh that his heart was a little lighter when they smiled about the same stupid thing. She knew that that she didn’t know everything, and that peace wouldn’t last, but when he caught her in his arms that day in the common room and kissed her in front of everyone Ginny felt like she might explode with happiness. Finally she was out of her shell, absolutely vibrant and it had gotten her what she wanted all those years ago.

And yet their relationship was short lived, not because they didn’t want one another, but because duty called. Dumbledore left Harry a nearly impossible mission and the world fully knew the danger that was about to embark. Her eldest brother’s wedding proved that, as chaos reigned on Bill and Fleur’s guests. Another reminder that they were at war, as Ron and his friends left without a word. Ginny left to pick up the pieces once again.

School Year So Far:

The train back to Hogwarts was morose. Luna with her head in the Quibbler, sat tightly next to Ginny who’s feet were up on the bench across from her and pressed against Neville’s leg, whose leg was between both of Luna’s on the floor between them. The three in an ever-sturdy triangle, as if proximity was safety, without even acknowledging it. It wasn’t broken until the Death Eater’s started patrol, and barged into the cabin where they were met with Neville standing quickly, and Ginny’s wand out at the ready. An early introduction to the tenseness that would follow. It was that night that the DA held their first meeting, calling all members whom still had their coins to the Room of Requirement.

With Neville and Luna, Ginny easily fells into the position of muscle. Maybe it was growing up with all those brothers. Curse-breaker Bill, Fearless Charlie, Meticulous Percy, Devious Fred and George, and Fiercely Loyal Ron, have taught her to be a Ruthless Protector. Picking fights in hallways when someone was unjustly treated, planning missions for breaking into the Headmaster’s office to steal back the sword of Gryffindor. Blood, sweat and tears were key ingredients in the first term. Even during winter break, in the soft calm of Grimmauld Place she could still hear the screams of her peers under the cruciatus curse. Part of Ginny feared going home for the holidays, worried that there will be no one to keep the DA in line, or protect them from the Carrows, but Molly would hear none of the complaints and Ginny couldn’t help but ache for her family. Surprisingly, it’s Arthur who suggested Ginny stay home for the second term though, but even her father can’t talk her into staying in the safety of her parent’s arms. No, this is her battle, this is her school. Her fight and she intends to see it through.

The fire in her belly was only fuelled further on the second train-ride back to Hogwarts that school year, when Luna is ripped away from her. A curse catching her off guard, and all she could do was watch as Luna was whisked away against her will. Ginny only let Neville see her cry that night, with the fear that they would never see their friend again.      

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Open Themes (Optional)

I am open to the possibility of applying for one of these later. At the moment, I really want to flesh out how Ginny processes her past in this new and harsh environment.

OOC Questions

Writing Sample

(I hope it’s okay if I have Crabbe/Goyle as NPC’s in this para sample! Though let’s be real I’d die of happiness if someone played them!) ADMIN NOTE: likewise!

There is a pit in her stomach that hasn’t been around since she was younger. And not just any cramp, that might be from nervousness of a big match, or the butterflies that rise with the glimpse of green eyes behind wire-rimmed glasses. No, this was a deep seeded darkness, the kind that threatened in the shadows and spread through her bones like ice.

Ginny knows it’s different though.

Repeats it to herself over and over that she wasn’t going to lose control. That the Carrows, while vile and evil in their own twisted way, were not Tom. They weren’t, and he was gone. Sure, You-Know-Who is at large and a threat as real as ever, but he isn’t the same handsome face that had lulled a young girl to do his bidding. There was no one on Earth who could scare her quite like Tom, who had taken her consent, her mind and her will. He had  left permanent scars.

That didn’t change the fact though that the hall of Hogwarts were once again eerie, the redhead on constant alert, her hand almost always inches from her wand. Not that it was required. She couldn’t help the pride that rose whenever she won a draw with her quick reflexes. She had caught the winning snitch after all. It seemed like years, and yet it had only been months since she’d been on that high. Her house cheering her name as they stormed back through the castle (it had felt so much more like home then), when Harry had kissed her and for some reason deep down she had known he was going too.

No, it all feels like a dream now as she wanders the halls on edge. Even though it was between classes, the route to Potions is much less crowded than it had ever been before and turning the corner is when she stops. There stood Crabbe (or was it Goyle? She had never bothered to learn the difference since they were never in her classes) cornering a youngin’ who couldn’t be older than thirteen. Some poor sod who’d stumbled upon the wrong place at the wrong time, back to the wall and wide-eyed. It was safe to say without Malfoy’s orders, the pair of lackeys had somehow grown braver on their own and Ginny couldn’t help walk quicker towards him (though the nagging voice in her head that sounded like her mother kept telling her to stop).

“Oi, Orge-face!” She bellows, looking and sounding more like her brother Ron with every passing day. Her wand is already out when he turns towards her, much larger than herself, but there’s an angry burn inside of her that wants to make someone else just as mad as she is. “I’d say pick on someone your own size, but then we’d have to find a troll.”

Exploration

I want Silver Trio stuff! Neville and Luna are so important to Ginny, as her family and her character development. I absolutely adore how much Ginny loves them and the little canon things that show this, and can’t wait to play it out with them not just being buddies now, but a team. They’re the heart of the DA, and I think they take that so incredibly seriously. Not to mention I want to do the mission where they try to break into Snape’s office!

Anything with the Weasleys. I love the sibling relationship between Ginny and her brothers.

Ginny’s PTSD. She was possessed for an entire school year, that’s not something a person can just get over. Ginny hides it well, even in the same year it happened it’s mentioned that she appears calmer and more content. I think a coping mechanism has been for her to brush it under the rug over the years and focus on other things. I think it was even a reason she trained so hard at Quidditch (working out improves endorphins/gives her something to focus on and exhausts herself so she can sleep). So I think it’s been forgotten by a lot of people, and Ginny tends to promote that with her own behaviour towards it. With the Carrows taking over though, I can see it stirring up everything she’s repressed over the years and really triggers her nightmares and fight-before-flight reactions. She doesn’t react in the same way others do.

Her struggle as a leader, and how the people in her life still see her as the “little sister” or the youngest family member. Even the Golden Trio have always pegged Ginny as a step under them (her having to fight to go to the Ministry in Order of the Phoenix). It will be a power struggle when those people show up and treat her like they always have while she’s been at the head of the DA this year. In canon she’s been fighting this war the entire year, but when the Battle of Hogwarts happen, both her mom and Harry say she’s too young. She’s the second in command of the DA, the muscle, and suddenly there are people telling her she’s not up to the challenge. It’s something that she truly hates and is going to try to establish some dominance for.

[stillrecruitingrp]

The D.A. has recruited Nicky to the character of Padma Patil with a faceclaim of Naomi Scott. Sorry Padma, we didn’t see you standing there behind Parvati. Speak up next time, won’t you?

OOC Details

Name: Nicky

Age: 30+

Pronouns: she/her

Activity Level: medium; I should be able to post multiple replies three to four times a week, with an at least cursory online presence more often than that. Sometimes I get bogged down with other projects or deadlines, but I will always try to alert via the ooc when that is/will happen so my interaction partners aren’t left wondering where I’ve gone!

Acknowledgement: I acknowledge the potentially triggering themes and look forward to the uncertainty and excitement of the roulette.

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General IC Details

Name: Padma Patil; very occasionally called “Pads” (pronounced pahds or pods) by close friends or by people exasperated with her

Age: seventeen, Seventh Year student

Ships: I have no preconceived thoughts about ships for this character but in general the possibility of exploring hetero ships holds less interest for me than queer ones.

Gender/Pronouns: female-presenting lesbian who uses she/her pronouns (see “explorations” below for more details)

Face Claim: Naomi Scott (backup choice if unavailable: Alia Bhatt)

Desired Changes: no changes requested, but please note that I am more than happy to discuss changing any and all backstory elements presented here in order to better mesh with a prospective Parvati player’s ideas!

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BIO Questions

This game is Canon Divergent after the beginning of Deathly Hallows. This means, if a character is not at Hogwarts in canon, that can be altered (maybe Fleur goes to collect her husband’s little sister and ends up unable to leave the rest of the children there? Perhaps Harry comes back earlier…but why, and how? All of these things can be addressed and should be in your application!) Feel free to be creative!

Biography:

Please write at least two paragraphs describing your character’s background. While many characters have a lot of canon details, there are equally as many who do not. To check if your character has “set” information in this game please see the CHARACTER PAGE.

A child of wealth and privilege, Padma’s youth was easy and comfortable despite the occasional moments of culture clash between her parents (her mother’s family has had roots in Scotland and England since before there was a Scotland or England, while her father’s family only moved from India three generations ago when Padma’s father was still a baby). It was also a sheltered life, the outside world and its troubles being kept at a safe distance behind tall hedges and carefully-curated playdates with children of suitable upbringing. Reyansh and Adelaide Patil were protective (some might say, overprotective) parents who wanted to keep their precious little girls safe not only from danger, but from unhappiness as well.

Unfortunately for their parents’ plans -- but perhaps fortunately for the character and development of the twins -- they were curious girls who soon developed a knack for eavesdropping on the sort of serious adult conversations they were not supposed to be privy to. Thus when they entered Hogwarts at the tender ages of eleven, they were not as shocked as they might have been to discover that there were a wider variety of people and unpleasantness in the world than their parents would have liked them exposed to -- although the cossetted twins were still by no means jaded.

What was truly shocking was the separation that followed their arrival: Padma and Parvati had never so much as spent the night in different rooms before, but the Sorting Hat placed the one in Ravenclaw and the other in Gryfindor. This was horrifying and destabilizing for poor Padma. As a child she had always been content to follow Parvati, letting her sister take the lead so she could hang back and assess the data garnered by her brash interactions with the world from a safe distance before choosing her own course of action -- whether that be to follow Parvati’s lead, or run to mummy or bapu to fix whatever had broken (usually Parvati). She had never planned on how she would deal with a world without her sister to trail and consequently grew rather timid at first, sticking to her sister’s side as much as she could outside of class. She did make friends in Ravenclaw, but none of comparable closeness as Parvati’s new best friend and fellow Gryffindor, Lavender Brown (whom Padma spent a few years being incurably jealous of), and she was often quick to ditch those new friends to dog Parvati’s heels instead.

Some of her fellow Ravenclaws scorned her for her apparent fixation on fashion and gossip over more traditional academic pursuits, but curiosity takes many forms -- and Padma was a smart girl as well as a pretty one, and enjoyed learning magic. She simply also enjoyed giggling over the latest articles in Witch Weekly with Parvati and Lavender. When her sister suggested that they join an illicit student groups to practice for their DADA O.W.L.s, Padma was quick to go along with her both for the academic opportunity and for the chance to socialize more with Parvati and her friends. For once, she didn’t stop to think through the possible consequences -- but even if she had, how could she have predicted all this?

School Year So Far:

Please provide at least one paragraph describing your character’s experiences so far this year. If your character stays at Hogwarts over winter break, you can focus on that as well as if they left (why or why not) during the holidays. If your character should not be at Hogwarts, this is the space to develop how and why they came to be here. Note! Your character doesn’t have to start out at the school; if you’d be interested in having your character’s return be an event please make note of it here.

Reyansh and Adelaide Patil did not want to let their daughters go back to Hogwarts, but after the Ministry’s new policies went into affect they didn’t have a choice. They thought about leaving, maybe fleeing to Reyansh’s distant cousins in India -- but the risk of running seemed worse than the danger of staying. Besides, they knew their daughters were good girls who wouldn’t get up to any trouble; they would be all right for one more year.

Unfortunately for Reyansh and Adelaide, neither of the twins were very keen on behaving this year. It was Parvati who returned them to the ranks of the D.A. of course -- she was the one who shared a common room with Neville and Ginny, after all -- but Padma was quick to second her sister’s commitment for the both of them when the news was shared with her. She was less keen on some of the more bold (some might say, foolhardy) activities that the D.A. engaged in; speaking-up in class to politely argue with a teacher (even a very bad teacher, who accepted dissent with even less grace than had Professor Snape) was one thing but painting slogans on the walls and trying to sabotage parts of the school was something else. What if they were caught? What if they weren’t? It wasn’t until the Carrows moved from theory to practical lessons on the Unforgivables that Padma was willing to accept that they were a lot worse than merely bad teachers -- they were monsters.

That was what finally pushed her over the edge into enthusiastic, albeit still nervous, support of the D.A. and shored her participation up into more than lip service. She hasn’t managed to summon the courage (the stupidity?) to do anything alone yet...but as long as she has company to cling to, Padma is willing to put her neck on the line. To sneak around the school after hours and paint slogans, to mess with lesson plans, to booby-trap classrooms and offices, to eavesdrop, to pass contraband and secrets... The fact that her neck being pure means she has less to risk than many of the others is both comfort and goad: Padma never asked for special treatment...but does it make her a terrible person if she finds comfort in that little slice of comparative safety?

(I would like to make it clear that I am happily amenable to changing anything in here in order to find a compromise with the headcanons or background of any player wishing to join as Parvati Patil! I love collaborative character building!)

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OOC Questions

Writing Sample

Padma’s wand wobbled in her hand as badly as if she were still a clumsy, nervous first year fumbling with an unfamiliar bit of wood rather than the natural extension of her arm that the smooth haft of ash had grown to be over the last seven years. Of course, she had never felt so sick or afraid as a first year -- not even on her first night alone up in Ravenclaw Tower, although that had come close. But not even her first separation from Parvati compared to being instructed to cast the Cruciatus Curse on another person.

She glanced sideways at Professor Carrow, wondering if she could get away with begging off the lesson -- but then she looked at the rest of the class, and knew with devastating certainty that being excused would be the worst thing of all. Too many of her fellow Ravenclaws already resented her for her status as a pure-blood and the indulgence that afforded her. She couldn’t let them see her take such blatant advantage of her blood-status; they would never believe that she wasn’t a blood-supremacist herself, if she did that...

But that meant she had to cast the curse.

Padma swallowed, adjusted her grip on her wand (a useless effort; it felt alien in her hands no matter how she fiddled her fingers), and tried to look at Michael without meeting his eyes. It was hard; he seemed to be going out of his way to glare at her, or maybe that was just her imagination under stress...did he think she was enjoying this? He hadn’t hesitated for very long before he’d cast the curse on Terry during his turn, and they were much closer friends than she was with him...was he angry because he didn’t think she’d be able to do it, and he’d be Crucio’ed by Professor Carrow instead? The whole class knew that would hurt worse than being cursed by a novice, it was why they knew they had to hurt one another instead, to spare their classmates from even more pain...

Was he just resentful of the fact that as a pure-blood, she was less likely to be chosen to suffer the curse than any of the half-bloods in their class, like Michael or his friends? That wasn’t her fault, though! She hadn’t asked for the Carrows to take it easy on her, any more than Morag or Stephen did...but of course they weren’t in the D.A., so perhaps Michael didn’t take it so much to heart that they weren’t suffering as badly as the rest...

“Crucio,” Padma snapped, letting her annoyance surge out of the end of her wand. Michael yelped, cowering away from her, and Padma was horrified by what she had just done -- by what she had had no choice but to do. Beside her, Professor Carrow was nodding and smiling, and Padma felt sick.

At the same time, a distant part of her brain merely thought calmly, Interesting. Most spellwork was vulnerable to strong emotions, easily marred by the distraction that an unsteady mind would cause if not properly channeled; the Cruciatus Curse, on the other hand, seemed to be strengthened by emotion -- just as Professor Carrow had told them. Padma wondered why that was, wondered if the Unforgivables were perhaps part of a whole separate, unique branch of magic -- something as distinct as Transfiguration or Charms -- that had never been properly catalogued or explored, an entire subset that relied on heated emotion rather than eschewing it. The idea of anyone studying such magicks was repellent--

But, yes, also interesting. She couldn’t deny that; couldn’t deny that while mostly she wanted nothing more than to turn and run, to shove her wand deep in her pocket and never look at it again, to find somewhere private to vomit or shake or both...there was a part of her, a tiny but unmistakable part of her, that wanted to cast the curse again to see how different it would be if she was in a different mood. A part of her that wanted to study the Cruciatus Curse, to discover how it worked. A part of her that was curious.

A part of her that made her sick...but that wouldn’t be ignored.

When Padma returned to her seat, she put her head down on her desk and cried.

Exploration

Please provide four things you’d like to explore. This could be a character changing sides, darker themes, or basic fiction tropes.

Blood-Purity: Padma didn’t grow up with a lot of direct blood-prejudice in her life, but she did grow up in a culture that told her she was better than other people because of her bloodline. (She couldn’t help but internalize some of that, even if in her case it manifests more as “oh wow, that was a really good spell, especially for a Muggle-born!” than it does as “ugh get away from me, filthy Mudblood!”) Given the current political and social climate, it would be easy for someone like her to bury her head in the same and pretend she doesn’t see what’s happening to other people, pretend she doesn’t notice how wrong it is -- but despite her appearance as a spoiled pure-blood princess, Padma isn’t doing that. She’s fighting back. However...that doesn’t mean she doesn’t sometimes thing about how much easier things would be if she stopped fighting so hard for other people. It doesn’t mean that she doesn’t sometimes wonder if those same people resent her over the fact that she doesn’t risk consequences as severe as the ones they face; doesn’t mean she doesn’t sometimes resent that, because how dare they? She didn’t ask for this privilege, didn’t ask to be protected by the so-called “purity” of her blood; how dare they blame her for that? Shouldn’t they be grateful instead, that she’s putting her neck on the line for their sakes? It’s an ugly train of thought and she’ll be ashamed every time it crosses her mind, but that doesn’t mean it won’t show up sometimes. I want to explore the nuances of blood-supremacy from the angle of a “good” pure-blood -- someone who’s fighting against Voldemort, and who didn’t have to turn her back on her family to do it (her parents her to stay out of the fight because they’re afraid she’ll get hurt, not because they’d burn her off some family tapestry if she gets too cozy with “the mud”), but who comes from the same world as so many of his most lauded followers. I also want to explore the opposite side of that coin: what kind of prejudices do the Muggles have that wix like Padma don’t? (We know from word-of-god canon and implied book-canon that racism and homophobia aren’t major issues in the wizarding world, although how that actually works is a little wobbly...but I think it does mean that at least on a superficial level, the wizarding world is a lot more color-blind and accepting of diverse sexualities -- and possibly genders, too -- than are the Muggles, especially in the 1990s. I intend to play Padma’s family like that at any rate, however other players choose to go with theirs.) How would someone like Padma react to finding out that several of her friends come from families who think it’s a sin for someone like her to kiss another girl -- or a white boy, for that matter? She won’t take it well, that’s for sure...but could it be enough to push her away from the D.A.? Enough to make her briefly betray one of her fellows out of hurt feelings or anger, even if she regrets it after; even if she never meant to hurt the D.A. as a whole, but just to take one ugly bigot down a notch? It doesn’t seem likely that it would be enough to push her far enough to inspire her to join the other side...but to make her sit out the fight? Possibly...or possibly it could lead to a schism within the D.A., with the pure-bloods and more traditionally magical children like Padma still committed to the fight against Voldemort but on their own terms...and the D.A. is far too small and fragile to survive a division like that for long.

Curiosity: Padma is a Ravenclaw. That makes her inherently curious, and while her curiosity has always been turned more toward gossip and fashion and giggling with Parvati and Lavender, she’s curious about other things too -- like weird, old, forbidden magicks. (Who wouldn’t be curious about things like that?) Magicks that Hogwarts students never learn...but that the Durmstrang students who were here a few years ago talked about, when begged and flattered and bribed. Magicks that the Carrows now have them learning, even practicing on one another. Padma is the good girl that her parents always wanted her to be; she hates the very idea of the Unforgivable Curses, hates the fact that they are forced to use one another for practice; hates the fact that they are even being made to cast them at all. But she can’t help but be curious, too; can’t help but be interested in what they’re learning. It isn’t a type of magic that she ever thought she would have either the opportunity nor the motivation to study, and frankly she’d still rather refuse the chance...but since she doesn’t have that choice, she might as well make the most of it, right? That isn’t an attitude that is going to endear her to many of the other members of the D.A.; maybe isn’t even an attitude that her own sister would be able to face without horror. It isn’t a very Gryffindor way of looking at things...but Padma isn’t a Gryffindor. She’s not her sister, even if sometimes she’s wished she could be. She’s a Ravenclaw. And she likes to learn. But oh, the lessons the Carrows offer this year...are they the kind of lessons that anyone can draw anything positive from? Or is all use of Dark MagIc by its very nature corruptive and evil? Maybe it’s possible to use the ugly lessons they’re learning for good, for the good of the D.A. and of Hogwarts at large; wouldn’t that be a good use of what they’re so unwillingly being taught? But even if that pragmatic attitude has merit, can Padma get anyone else in the D.A. to agree -- and if she does, what’s the price she (or they) might have to pay?

Friends on Both Sides: growing up in the upper echelons of pure-blood society didn’t just mean that Padma had a comfortable, indulgent childhood; it also meant that she had friends from that society long before she came to Hogwarts. Maybe they weren’t close friends (she has a twin sister, so she didn’t need to make close friends with anyone else, back then, before the Sorting separated them) but she knew them, played with them, laughed with them. People like Pansy Parkinson, Daphne Greengrass, Neville Longbottom, Draco Malfoy...she knew them, before they all came to school and went their separate ways. (Padma couldn’t even being to count how many dolls’ tea parties she shared with Pansy Parkinson, once upon a time, even if she wanted to.) And now those people are her enemy? Just because they don’t agree on who deserves to have magic, on who deserves to be in charge of the world? It’s hard for Padma, because unlike so many members of the D.A. who only ever saw the bad sides of the people they’re fighting against now, Padma’s known them from birth. Sure, some of them she’s disliked from birth...but the rest of them are just people. They aren’t (weren’t) monsters, they were friends...and fighting friends hurts. It isn’t exactly like having divided loyalties -- but it is very, very close to being that. And if approached by one of her old friends, what would Padma do? Would she cut them off, turn her back? Or would she listen? Would she care? I’d like to explore the difficult situation that Padma’s social position and childhood history put her in. It’s not something that many of her fellow D.A. members would understand or sympathize with, but it’s got to be hard for her to look at a person she knows as a childhood pal and think “that is my enemy.” From Harry’s perspective, which the books are narrated from, they all fall pretty neatly into their slots as “bad people he never liked to begin with” but that isn’t how someone like Padma is going to feel about it; she’s going to see them as people she’s known all her life, as friends and parents of friends. As people who might have come to her birthday parties, or who would wave and smile at her in Diagon Alley, or who shared jokes over homework in the library. Maybe she doesn’t have any close friends among the “enemy camp” (and maybe she does) but they aren’t strangers, and they aren’t villains. They’re people -- and that means no matter what she does, she’s going to feel guilty because she’s hurting people she knows. Maybe even people she likes, but definitely people she knows. Maybe that will make her more lenient, more trusting, more inclined toward mercy; maybe it will be the opposite, with Padma being especially firm in her commitment to Dumbledore’s Army because she doesn’t want to be called-out for sympathizing with the enemy. Either way it isn’t going to be neat, isn’t going to be cut-and-dried for her. And that’s fascinating to me. She could wind up being torn in two if someone playing one of her old friends seeks her out (either genuinely or through ulterior motives) and tries to play on her sympathies, on their old connection; she could use those connections to insinuate herself in their confidences and play spy for the D.A.; she could use what she knows about them to hurt them by helping plan strategy to take advantage of weaknesses the others aren’t familiar with; she could sabotage D.A. plans to avoid hurting people she still likes too much to turn her back on completely; she could take them at their word and inadvertently court disaster for her friends; etc!

Gender Twins: if a prospective Parvati player is interested in exploring the twins’ gender identities I would be delighted to jump on board with that, whether that involves making one or both of them trans or nonbinary (maybe they’re “identical” twins because the one is regularly Polyjuicing the other in order to get a body she feels comfortable in? Maybe one of them is really a boy who was assigned female at birth, and he hesitates to “come out” because he doesn’t want to risk growing apart from his sister? Maybe they’re both trans, and the label of “prettiest girls in school” is something they worked hard for -- or something these nonbinary twins resent? etc). I thus hesitate to specify Padma’s gender identity in too much detail yet beyond the basic label of “female presenting” because I want to leave that open for possible later shared exploration with my fellow player. (If no Parvati player materializes in the opening weeks of the game, I may still end up exploring these themes on my own...but I’d rather do it in concert with an in-play Parvati than with a made-up NPC one, of course!)

[stillrecruitingrp]

The D.A. has recruited Karli to the character of Harry Potter with a faceclaim of Dev Patel. Best of luck, Chosen One -- or should we call you, Undesirable Number One? Either way, we hope you don’t think it’s still your army...

OOC Details

Name: Karli

Pronouns: She/Her

Activity Level: I do have a full time job and I am planning my wedding, so that will take up some time. I would expect around a 7/10 for activity in terms of numbers. Some days I will post much more than others, while some days I may not be able to post at all. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, I work 11 hours… so those days are harder to get on for me, but I usually am on mobile between my clients at work, so I will check in every day to plot and whatnot even if I can’t post.

Acknowledgement: I acknowledge that the themes of this game may include triggering elements. I also acknowledge that my character may be harmed or even killed during paras/events or may cause harm to or kill others during paras/events through the violence roulette.

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General IC Details

Name: Harry James Potter

Age: 17

Ships: I’m Harry/Ginny shipper, but it’s not necessary if the other person doesn’t like it. To me, Harry is very likely bisexual. But I don’t think he’s realized it yet. He’s only dated girls because he hasn’t really thought about anything else. He’s had crushes on boys, but hasn’t really understood that’s what they are yet. It wouldn’t be until after the war that he even realizes this about himself – it’s the 90s, so there’s not a whole lot of information out there yet – and he’s got some other pressing matters to think about instead of romance, anyway. That being said, even though shipping is great, I’m not really here for the ships anyway.

Gender/Pronouns: He/Him

Face Claim: Dev Patel

Desired Changes: I like the point made about Harry going on without his friends, especially since that’ll give me room for if I’m accepted but we don’t have a Ron and/or Hermione. However, I don’t see him abandoning Hermione all on her own – if Ron has not yet returned to them with the deluminator, I mean. So I have some ideas on how to navigate this, depending on which characters we have at the beginning of the rp. We can talk more about it, if I’m accepted. However, I just wanted to make a point that if it’s just Harry and Hermione or whatnot – then I could see him breaking her down until she’d come back with him. This all depends on which characters we have at the start, but I’d like some wiggle room if possible!

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BIO Questions

Biography:

Stuck in the cupboard under the stairs, Harry never would’ve pictured this life. He had a vivid imagination, if only to take away from the yelling of his uncle, the haughtiness of his aunt, the annoyance of his cousin. Growing up on Privet Drive hadn’t been easy for a boy with brown skin surrounded by white people who liked to stare. Either at his baggy clothes (hand-me-down from Dudley, of course, never something new for the unwanted nephew) or his scrawny build (the scraps of leftover food at the table designated for him) or the odd lighting-shaped scar on his forehead (the only thing left from his time with his parents). He used his imagination to get away from a household that didn’t want him – but never would’ve been expected anything like what happened on stormy shore in the middle of nowhere. A door breaking down, a giant man with a smile and the silliest – most beautiful – cake he’d ever seen. He’d never been anything other than the odd one out – and then he was told he was something special.

But special came with a cost. And Harry went from invisible on the best days to the center of attention. The Wizarding World had expectations and looked at him as though he was a hero. He discovered what he was meant to do not through choice, but through fate. It meant he could die. But having friends – having this life where people loved him – it was worth it, in the end. Finding out how his parents really died hadn’t been easy, nor had coming face-to-face (or back of head, as it were that very first time) with the man who’d murdered them, but Harry persevered. That could really sum up his time in this newfound world, really. Though his biggest memories revolved around fighting the dark arts – a soul in a chamber, an insane follower, a sociopathic teacher, or even the Dark Lord himself – those were not the things Harry would look back on fondly as he thought about the place where he felt welcomed for the very first time. No, it was enjoying the sun with Ron and Hermione. Or laughing around the table at the Burrow. The secluded corners with Ginny. He never asked for the title of the Boy Who Lived – he would rather be normal. And it was in those small moments without anything to worry about that he loved the most.

But, in the end, he can’t be just Harry. He is the Chosen One and it’s a job he takes seriously. Enough people have died alongside him in this fight. He’s seen it with his own eyes – dreamt about it. Lost the one person who could maybe give him a home outside Hogwarts. Another who could show him the way.Voldemort may be determined to win, but so is Harry. And now that he knows the truth behind his destiny, he’s ready to come charging towards it. Even if it means his own death.

School Year So Far:

He didn’t know what to expect when he left to find the horcruxes. Not really an adventure – finding pieces of Voldemort’s soul seemed more like a curse than anything – but maybe something more than what he had so far. It wasn’t until after Dumbledore was gone that Harry realized how much his old headmaster didn’t tell him. They had a vague idea on what these objects where, with no direction on where to go to find them. It wasn’t only that, though – Dumbledore didn’t tell him about the important things in his life and suddenly Harry found himself feelings exposed. He’d opened up and hadn’t got the same courtesy in return. He knew he was supposed to keep his between him, Ron, and Hermione – but they were out of clues. Out of ideas. Swimming around the same sort of mantra in his head. Maybe it was time to stop following blindly and make his own choices.

Harry didn’t go back to school at the beginning of the year and he was fairly certain he’d die if he did. But the school was like a magnet, summoning him to the grounds. He knew something was there. Knew it was where they were meant to end up. Even if Ron and Hermione thought that, if Dumbledore couldn’t find it, then Harry wouldn’t be able to either. His friends never really understood how important the place was, though. They had homes outside of the castle – real families. And perhaps even Dumbledore didn’t know all the secrets in those walls. Finding a place they belonged within the school was something both he and Voldemort had in common. And while it scared Harry that he could understand his enemy so well, he also knew he had to use it to his advantage. Look inside his head – see what he was planning next. But it wasn’t Voldemort’s head that valued Hogwarts in the same way Harry did – it was his heart. Even the darkest of people had something they needed.

They’re on a mission, but maybe it’s time to trust in something outside of logical and plans. Harry’s not willing to let his friends die. Even if that means facing off alone.

(Harry’s pretty important tbh, so I think it would be interesting if him coming back – either alone or with Ron/Hermione depending on which characters we get – could be a good plot drop for the group!)

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Open Themes (Optional)

I am open to the possibility of applying for one of these later. Right now, I don’t think having one would fit where Harry is at, but I’d like to explore the possibility of a curse or something else later on.

OOC Questions

Writing Sample

(set in DH, before the Order comes to get him from Privet Drive, but after the Dursleys have left to go into hiding)

The cupboard looked so small from where he stood. How he was able to sleep in here for so long, he no idea. Back then, it had seemed like his only sanctuary from his aunt, uncle, and cousin. Even when locked in there without dinner, alone with only the spiders to keep him company for hours, it was better than out there with everyone else. Because it meant that at least he couldn’t be scolded any longer. Though it did mean loneliness. He used to talk to his parents in there, sometimes, after the Durlseys turned out the lights. He whispered desperate confessions, pleas to come back. But, of course, no one could rise from the dead and he survived on his own.

It had been years since he even thought about speaking out loud to Lily and James, though he often wondered about him in his head. Harry didn’t know if that meant he was forgetting them – or if it was just because he’d found a new sort of family with Ron and Hermione. Could someone even forget people they’d never really known? His friends would be here soon with the Order and, when they stepped through the door, he needed to have the cupboard shut. No prying questions about why he was looking at the brooms with such a sad expression. None of Hermione’s soft, knowing eyes or Ron’s stare as they both figured out that this place meant something more to Harry than it would any other person.

Just a cupboard – small little walls and a couple of blankets. A cheap old mattress with lumps and holes. Broken toys lining the sides of the floor. That was all it would ever be to him now. And the bedroom on the next floor… that was never a home. In fact, it never even felt like his. Just some place he’d borrowed. This entire house only brought cold and lonely memories and Harry was ready to get out. He wanted to leave. The next time he lived somewhere, it would be his. But he couldn’t really think about that, not really. Not when there was a very real possibility he would never make it out of this war alive. Part of him was convinced it would happen, even.

There was no future past Voldemort. The path laid out on front of him was all Harry could see when he looked ahead, the Dark Lord and him standing at the end. He could not see around it – could not see a fork in the road. This was his destiny and he would die because of it. Though he was prepared to fight for the chance to live. He had other things he wanted to do – the images of Ginny laughing in the secluded corners of Hogwarts came to his mind and he could the picture of Ron and Hermione as they sat in their favorite chairs besides the fire in the Common Room – but the war ahead was more important than anything he wanted. People were dying for him.

He sighed and closed the door, bespectacled gaze falling on Hedwig. His lips twitched upwards into a smiling. “We’re leaving this place forever,” he said, his voice soft to the angry owl who was still ignoring him pointedly. “Don’t you want to say goodbye? All the happy memories.” And he laughed to himself before heading down the hall, waiting for his visitors at the door. Turning his back on the cupboard under the stairs.  Ready for what came next.

Exploration

I’d like to see something where the gang has to use Dark Magic for good. Like that graying of the lines. I mean, they were stuck on how to destroy the horcruxes for a long time. Without the sword, it would’ve been something Harry, Ron, and Hermione might’ve had to consider. Using Dark Magic in order to defeat Dark Magic.

That being said, I think it would be interesting if Harry eventually open up to more people about the horcruxes. He’s pretty angry with Dumbledore anyway after learning about all the things that the man kept from him, so I could see him telling the D.A. in a time of defiance. However, I wouldn’t want that to be right away. He’s gotta have his whole angsty this is my job! I can’t tell anyone! for a while. But Harry doesn’t really ask for help. Barty Crouch points it out in GoF when he talks about how he literally gave Neville the answer to Gillyweed. It’s not that he’s too proud, really – more like he just doesn’t think about it. Growing up with the Dursley’s, he had to do it on his own. He couldn’t ask for help or be comforted. So it’s second nature to try and figure it out on his own. Even opening up to Ron and Hermione wasn’t something that happened right away. Now, it’s natural to him to bring things up to them, but no one else. Even with them, he keeps many things to himself. Getting over that and actually asking for help to a larger crowd would be a struggle for him, but it would be something I would enjoy to play out.

As a general plot, I want to see action with the DA. This isn’t an rp where everything should be interpersonal or about relationship. There should be missions and action and defiance and rebellion. Bring on the burning torch as they try to take back the school. Also on this front – I’m eager to see how it’ll play out with Harry coming back to school and he’s not really the leader of this group he created. Yes, they’re on his side. Yes, they’re listen to him. But he doesn’t really get their struggle because he hasn’t lived under the Carrows. He wasn’t the brains of “Still Recruiting” and they look to Neville with those plans. Look to Ginny out on their proverbial battlefield. Doesn’t mean they won’t do what Harry needs – but what he needs isn’t always letting them scratch that itch of rebellion. His fight is more quiet, subtle. He needs to stay under the radar. And they’re done waiting for action.

I think it would also be important to explore the backlash of curses. They’re kids – not healers. There will be injuries and blood and things they can’t prevent. Limps and cuts and bruises. Dark Magic. The lingering of Cruciatus. I don’t want the injuries to get skimmed over. That being said, I wouldn’t be opposed to something happening to Harry as far as injury goes. He’s not invincible.

There’s a fifth simply because I couldn’t resist – but give me more Slytherins who help. More Ravenclaws who hurt. I am tired of JKR’s black and white thinking. Not every Slytherin is evil. Not every Gryffindor is good. Basically, I want everything to be a bit more gray.

[stillrecruitingrp]

The D.A. has recruited Brennan to the character of Ernie Macmillan with a faceclaim of Cody Santgnue. Ninth generation wizarding, huh? That’s impressive...if you’re the sort of person who cares about things like that. You aren’t, are you? You’d better not be...

OOC Details

Name: Brennan

Age: 24

Pronouns: he/him

Activity Level: I’m basically on everyday!

Acknowledgement: I acknowledge that the themes of this game may include triggering elements. I also acknowledge that my character may be harmed or even killed during paras/events or may cause harm to or kill others during paras/events through the violence roulette.

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General IC Details

Name: Ernest “Ernie” Carwyn Macmillan

Age: Seventeen

Ships: Ernie x Justin, Ernie x Male

Gender/Pronouns: he/him

Face Claim: Cody Saintgnue, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Cameron Monaghan (whichever you guys like the best)

Desired Changes: N/A

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BIO Questions

This game is Canon Divergent after the beginning of Deathly Hallows. This means, if a character is not at Hogwarts in canon, that can be altered (maybe Fleur goes to collect her husband’s little sister and ends up unable to leave the rest of the children there? Perhaps Harry comes back earlier…but why, and how? All of these things can be addressed and should be in your application!) Feel free to be creative!

Biography:

Ernest “Ernie” Macmillan’s life had been one of relative ease. His family was one of the sacred twenty-eight, and Ernie fully intended to live up to his family name. During his first years at Hogwarts, he quickly established himself as one of the brightest students in his year. The Macmillan family was famous…or infamous depending on who you ask, for their neutrality when it comes to most conflict within the Wizarding World. More than once, the Macmillan family estate was used to negotiate peace talks between different factions. Not getting involved, ensured the Macmillan family’s survival, and Ernie was raised to not jump to immediate sides when it came to conflict. Ernie was happy to not get involved with any squabbles between groups at Hogwarts—until his fourth year at Hogwarts.

Ernie believed the controversial view that Voldemort had returned, and furthermore, vocalized his support of Harry Potter, and Dumbledore’s Army. Even though his family strongly disapproved of Ernie getting involved, he could not sit by and let the school and world he had grown to love, turn to darkness. That and Dolores Umbridge was making Hogwarts completely unbearable. He didn’t mind following strict rules, but she was obviously just a puppet of the Ministry and hadn’t taught them a single useful thing. Ernie planned on getting all of his OWLs, and he couldn’t do that with fools in charge. With Justin, and Hannah, he joined the DA, ready to fight for the world he loved.

School Year So Far:

Now in his seventh and final year at Hogwarts, Ernie is terrified. While he was relatively safe, because of his blood status, he worried dearly for his friends and other classmates. For the first time in his life, Ernie has feelings of shame and embarrassment concerning his blood status. Pure Blood fanatics had turned purebloodedness into the mark of bigotry; and Ernie couldn’t bear the thought of people thinking that he was ignorant. Although it was against the Macmillan name, Ernie is focused on winning this war, and returning the wizarding world to a safe state. He intended to show the world that Macmillans aren’t a neutral family when it comes to this war; and that unjust, bigoted wizards will have to be destroyed. Completely. Though putting up the front of a studious, hardworking student, Ernie remains ready to fight when called upon…though it isn’t the same without Justin.

OOC Questions

Writing Sample

Ernie sighed to himself and looked up from his Arithmancy homework. It wasn’t due for another two weeks, but the homework helped distract from the hell that was going on around the school. He knew that he needed to be strong for the others in his House, and for his friends; but with each passing day it was getting harder and harder. The Carrows were absolutely ruthless, and although Ernie was a pureblood, he was sure the Carrows wouldn’t hold back if he got out of line. Right now, it was best to practice quiet resistance, and do whatever the DA asks of him…which admittedly hasn’t been much. Perhaps they didn’t trust him completely, because of his family’s history and his blood status. He didn’t know, but he was going to prove to everyone that he was a good person, and a just person.

Ernie shut his textbook and took another deep breath. The library used to be such a fun place for him…his mind briefly flooded with memories of great times in the library with Justin and Hannah. Now Justin wasn’t here, and he had been too busy trying to keep Hufflepuff from falling apart to really hang out with Hannah. Ernie flinched when he heard someone approach him from behind “I was just leaving…did you need something?”

Exploration

Ernie’s sexuality (he wants to come out, and wants to explore it more)

 Ernie being forced to hit an innocent

Ernie/Justin/Hannah reunion

Ernie having a relationship with someone on the other side.

[stillrecruitingrp]

The D.A. has recruited Karli to the character of Daphne Greengrass with a faceclaim of Zoey Deutch. You think you’re something special, just because you can see things? Those visions are all just blood on your hands, Daphne.

OOC Details

Name: Karli

Pronouns: She/Her

Activity Level: Same as with Harry.

Acknowledgement: I acknowledge that the themes of this game may include triggering elements. I also acknowledge that my character may be harmed or even killed during paras/events or may cause harm to or kill others during paras/events through the violence roulette.

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General IC Details

Name: Daphne Isla Greengrass

Age: 17

Ships: Daphne is interested in pretty things (which would not seem so based on her extracurricular activity), so she’ll go for anyone she finds pretty. However, pretty for her isn’t always traditional. She’ll focus on eyes or ears or arms – something specific. She’s been known to date people who others might find odd-looking, but she sees as unique. She knows she’ll have to marry a wizard and produce children, but that doesn’t mean she can’t kiss those lush female lips in the meantime!

Gender/Pronouns: She/Her

Face Claim: Zoey Deutch, Willa Holland, willing to explore others

Desired Changes: Nothing, since she’s not listed as a suggested character! Please let me know if I need to write a little blurb to go with a graphic. There is a bit of change with the theme, which I’ll discuss more later.

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BIO Questions

Biography:

Born to a prominent pureblood family, Daphne Greengrass knew her expectations. For decades, the Greengrass apothecary, Mortar and Pestle, had been thriving, tucked away in the middle of Knockturn Alley. Known for its variety – the shop sold everything from simple Pepper-Up to more sinister poisons and ailments. They even had a whole section for beauty potions, though many of them alter the appearance with a cost. Written in small letters as a warning on the back, a person’s skin would look young, fresh and beautiful, but the risk of horns growing from their head might be a side-effect. Daphne knew that she was expected to take over the shop one day, her potion-skills an easy sort of talent from years from practice. Go to Hogwarts, marry a pureblood, and run the shop.

But Daphne had other plans. She was six when she first started seeing images in the wisps of smoke above a potion. Mummy, look it’s Astoria! She’s ripping her dress. The smoke had shown it clearly, though her mother saw nothing and waved Daphne away. It wasn’t until, a few hours later, when her younger sister did actually rip her dress that Daphne really started paying attention. It wasn’t just smoke – visions in the spiraling swirls of a mixture, the feeling of dread as she looked at the leftover dust in a cauldron. She explored for months, always trying to prove that what she saw was real, until her Aunt Lydia came back to the country and someone finally believed her.

At first, this had bothered Daphne. Her mum always talked about her sister-in-law in hushed tones, as though Lydia were something to be embarrassed of. And maybe she was – after all, she’d moved to France to live with a woman of all things. Not that kissing girls was a problem – it certainly wasn’t! – but it was an unspoken truth in the pureblood community that romance was a side project to producing an heir. Sleep with whoever, so long as you marry well and have a child.

Of course, Daphne hadn’t known all the politics at the time. Just that her father flushed whenever his sister was mentioned at functions and her mother constantly pursed her lips whenever Aunt Lydia came to stay for that month each summer. But Lydia had told Daphne to never let someone else decide who she was. And, slowly, Daphne realized that maybe it wasn’t Aunt Lydia who should be ashamed. That didn’t mean she suddenly believed in equality –she actually grew up in the Wizarding World, unlike those muggleborns! – but she did know that she could be more than a potioneer.

So she experimented. Years of looking into smoke and searching the leftover powder of tree roots. She could see the future – or bits of it, it was confusing and much needed interpreting – and it was something she reveled in. As she grew older and Aunt Lydia supplied her passion with books on the inner eye, Daphne moved away from just looking at the future through potions and grew her talent. Blood was her favorite – a few dead animals here and there didn’t matter if she was honing her skill. Pig entrails and fingers dipped into cuts, sensing a feeling from the blood. And now, her newest discovery – voo-doo dolls. She had plans and wasn’t afraid to do what needed to be done to get ahead.

School Year So Far:

Daphne’s happy to stay on the sidelines, thank you very much. While she’s mostly a supporter of the Dark Lord, she’s no Death Eater – and not too far engrained that her loyalties can’t shift. She’s mostly focused on continuing her work with Divination (yes, she even takes the class, despite her ever-present annoyance that what Professor Trelawney is doing isn’t working the inner eye!) and experimenting with her talent. This school year has been busy making voo-doo dolls and she’s got several people done. Both in her house and other houses. She’s only played around with them a bit so far. Just enough to cause a mysterious bruising or to help someone have a good hair day. It’s been wonderful learning that this sort of seer magic can both help and hurt others!

She’s been keeping a close eye on the smoke in reference to the war, however. While she truly does believe she’s better than the likes of Granger (even though they both agree on the laughable nature of their Divination class), Daphne is mostly about keeping herself and her sister safe. If that means she ends up sidling up to the rag-tag gang of trouble-makers in the end, so be it. She’ll follow what her Truth tells her. In the meantime, though, the biggest hurdle of everyone in the school are the Carrows. Daphne’s prepared to raise her wand and throw around a few Unforgivables when she needs to. Doesn’t mean she’ll stop working on those little dolls under her bed, though. If only she can get Alecto’s hair the right color and she’ll be set!

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Open Themes (Optional)

Trauma – Blinding

As stated above, I would like to change the theme blinding from my character being blind to her viewing everyone else as blind. As in – they don’t have the Inner Eye… they can’t see the Truth the way Daphne feels she can. I’ll write the app as though I’m taking the blindness theme, but if it would help to make this a whole new theme, I would be willing to do that as well!

Inception:

She saw the future in the smoke. It’s as simple as that. Daphne pays attention and not everyone believes she does. Being pretty sometimes means you’re underestimated – undervalued. She has the Seer in her – she has the Inner Eye – she can see the Truth. It’s everyone else who isn’t looking.

Specification:

I kind of explained this above, but basically it’s being interpreted as – the magical force that serves this world took my eye to places that others dare dream. Daphne is so focused on her talent that she feels like it’s the end-all, be-all to things. The problem with Divination, however, is that it can so often be misinterpreted. The smoke shows people walking to the forest and her body gets a cold sense of dread. She might be seeing death or a battle, when really the Truth is just trying to say that it’ll be chilly during their next Care of Magical Creatures class. She follows it so fully that she’d even be willing to switch sides if the Truth was telling her to.

Utilization:

Let Daphne fuck things up! But, really, she’s got a box full of voo-doo dolls, looking like various characters in the rp. She can both harm or help with these. Also, her talent can be incredibly useful. If the DA gets her on their side – thus needing to admit to their own prejudices and see that the world isn’t always black and white – then she can help them figure out when to plan their revolution and when not to. Having a Seer on your side can really help a person out!

Generally, she can be kind of creepy. Which catches people by surprise, given her pretty pureblood looks. She seems innocent, but looks can be deceiving. People in her house and other houses often underestimate her as a silly girl who likes gossips and fashion. She does like gossip and fashion, but that doesn’t change the fact that she’s stretched Divination to levels Trelawney wouldn’t dream of. She’s learned through books, given to her by her aunt from other countries and Wizarding communities. Not everyone believes in crystal balls – Daphne certainly doesn’t.

She plays with blood a lot and she’s not above killing animals to get what she needs. Daphne is also incredibly interesting in seeing what a variety of blood tells her. How does a cat differ from a hippogriff differ from a unicorn? However, it’s not only animal blood she’s interested in. Do mudbloods really have blood so muddy that she can’t see the Truth? Or is everyone so incredibly the same that Voldemort’s ideals suddenly seem laughable? I’m not afraid to throw Daphne into weird situations where she creeps someone out because they’re bleeding and she scoops up the blood into a vial before they can clean it up. Her finger nails are constantly painted red for a reason, after all. Even the most powerful cleaning spells don’t always get everything under the nails.

(Also, you’ll notice I put Truth with a capital T. That’s what Daphne calls her work. Not necessarily divination – and she’s likely not a true Seer where she goes into trances and can make prophecies. But she sees things and they often come true. She plays around with a branch of magic often looked down upon and scoffed. She believes it’s the Truth and that it’s a physical force guiding her.)

OOC Questions

Writing Sample

Daphne had very little problem with Seamus Finnegan. He wasn’t as annoying as the Weasleys – wasn’t as brazen as Harry Potter. He was passably cute, even with that big mouth of his (figuratively, for the most part). But she’d finished his doll and someone had to be the test subject. She’d decided on a Gryffindor mostly because it was fun – but also because Slytherin and Gryffindor had Charms together that very day and she’d easily be able to see if her spells had done the trick.

She’d brought the Seamus-doll along with her, tucked into her bag, ready to be pulled out when needed. She wasn’t stupid enough to think she could just do it right in the classroom, so she’d stopped into the lavatory on her way to Charms, putting the stuffed doll on her lap. With a smile, she rubbed its strands of yarn hair before tapping a sharp needle just under the eye. She dragged the needle along the fabric, splitting it just slightly so it wasn’t ripped fully, but the stuffing could be seen from beneath the tear.

Hurriedly, she pushed it back into her bag and made her way to class. There were only a few people there and, luckily, Seamus was one of them. Several people were staring at him, blood dripping from a new cut under his eye and onto the desk. He seemed bewildered and students were staring, confused. It came from nowhere! was heard under muttered breaths.

Daphne smiled, her ever-stay lipstick glinting, as she paused by his desk. She leaned over to touch his cheek, letting the blood soak on her finger. “Carrows must’ve gotten you!” It was said in a cheerful, sort of arrogant, way. And she moved on, kept going without glancing back until she reached her own desk. As the class began to fill, she peeked at her finger. There was something moving in the blood, but even though she squinted, nothing clear could be made out. She wiped it against her robes and finally looked back at Seamus Finnegan. She’d just have to see more to find out what the Truth was telling her.

Exploration

Daphne’s inner-eye. I would love to explore things with her where she sees the future in the blood, the entrails, the poison, the smoke – and either helps or hurts others around her. I’m really open to this going anywhere. Maybe she sees that Voldemort is going to lose and decides to cozy up to the D.A. Maybe she has an image of battle and sticks to her guns with the Slytherins. I’d love for her to connect with characters in very weird and odd ways due to her inner-eye.

Voo-Doo is a magical art rarely explored at Hogwarts. I’d love it if Daphne makes dolls of various people in the game and just generally fucks things up. This can be explored with the roulette. We roll the dice and arm injury! Daphne can take care of that with a little cut to someone’s doll! Right now, she does it less out of desire to help one side or the other and more just to learn and explore her magical talent – but that can change! If she ends up really committing to a side, her skill might seriously help that side.

I think Slytherins get a bad rap in the books because we see them only from Harry’s perspective. And, yes, they’re more likely to be dark and prejudiced. However, I want to explore the other side of the Slytherin house with Daphne’s peers. Give me Daphne who might pull someone down to get ahead, but will also use her special magic if someone else dares to do the same. They take care of themselves – and their own. I want to see that, even if Daphne is rolling her eyes at some of the antics of the people in her house, she’ll still fight other people who try and fuck with them. What I don’t want is the trope “no this is the only good Slytherin” trope. She’s not evil, but she’s not good either. I don’t want her to be that character who is perfect and can do no wrong.

She’s not an active Voldemort supporter, though she definitely leans towards his side. Still, she’d rather not be on the wrong end of the Carrows’ wands, so she’s not against pulling out her own and giving an Unforgiveable or two in order to avoid it herself. I wouldn’t be opposed to her having to dole out some punishments. Or defend her stance on if not you, then it’ll be me.

[stillrecruitingrp]

The D.A. has recruited Nutteh to the character of Hermione Granger with a faceclaim of Jessica Sula. All the books and magic in the world can’t fix what you’ve done, girl.

OOC Details:

Name: Nutteh

Pronouns: She/her

Activity Level: I have a full-time job (Tuesday-Saturday) and three needy pets, but I don’t think I’ll have any problem meeting the activity requirements. I should be able to get on at least three times a week to do replies and plot.

Acknowledgement: I acknowledge that the themes of this game may include triggering elements. I also acknowledge that my character may be harmed or even killed during paras/events or may cause harm to or kill others during paras/events through the violence roulette.                                                   ჻ ჻ ჻ ჻

General IC Details

Name: Hermione Jean Granger

Age: Eighteen, dob September 19, 1979

Ships: Personally, I am a rabid Romione shipper. I won’t force the ship on anyone, obviously, but that’s where my loyalties lie. I think Hermione is largely heterosexual, but I suppose I ship her with chemistry above all else, including gender. So…anything can happen. But Romione tends to be my endgame if not otherwise specified, and at this point in Hermione’s life…well, let’s just say she has more important things to worry about anyhow.

Gender/Pronouns: Female, she/her

Face Claim: Jessica Sula

Desired Changes: None at the moment!                                                   ჻ ჻ ჻ ჻

BIO Questions

Biography:

Much of Hermione’s early childhood was spent in the company of her parents. The waiting room of John and Evelyn Granger’s dental practice was as familiar to her as her own bedroom; she sat on the old rocking chair in the corner for hours on end, a stack of books teetering beside her as people came and went. Before she could read, she asked bewildered patients to do it for her; as she grew older, she pored over the old issues of National Geographic that graced the waiting room tables, and she had no qualms about discussing her newfound knowledge with anyone who would (or wouldn’t) listen. Still, Hermione never felt alone - not at first, anyway. As busy as her parents were, they always made time for her, but there are some disadvantages to having your parents as your best friends. The boost in maturity she received from spending most of her time around adults was impressive to just that demographic - adults. Unsure how best to interact with her own peers, she panicked, pummeling them with knowledge and facts. When that failed, she found herself at a loss, and the years she spent in muggle primary school dragged by.

Finally, though, on the night of Hermione’s eleventh birthday, a stern-looking woman with square spectacles appeared on the doorstep of the Granger residence. The news she brought was a relief, a breath of fresh air, an epiphany to a lonely young outcast. So that was why she didn’t fit in! Now it all made sense! Surely, she thought, Hogwarts was where she would find her people. As was her custom, she rabidly devoured every bit of knowledge about the wizarding world she could get her hands on, filling her head with, as far as she was concerned, everything she would need to know to prepare herself for her new life. It was abundantly clear, however, that she was mistaken. Eleven-year-olds with magical abilities didn’t seem to differ much from their muggle counterparts, and Hermione found herself the odd one out yet again. It was disheartening, yes, but she was blessed with far too much determination to let that stop her. She continued to be a sponge, soaking in her studies and expelling that knowledge whenever possible, head and beseeching hand held high; but, she was still a child. Harsh words still hurt, and…well, that was how she found herself at the mercy of a troll in the girls’ bathroom, and at the risk of sounding corny, the rest was history.  

She might have imagined herself becoming friends with Harry Potter, but nothing could have prepared her for the chaos that lay ahead. Ronald Weasley was also a surprise - an amusing and infuriating one - but she was certain that the camaraderie she felt in the boys’ presence was exactly the kind she’d been searching for. She finally had a sense of belonging, of fitting in somewhere, and so strong was this connection that she couldn’t imagine aligning herself with anyone else, chaos and all.

For someone less stubborn, detaching from Harry and Ron might have seemed like a viable option. Every year brought new danger, and it didn’t take Hermione long to realize that being in Harry Potter’s inner circle wasn’t going to be easy. The world darkened around them, but rather than drifting apart, the three of them huddled closer together; by her third year, Hermione couldn’t have abandoned her friends if she tried. She was involved now, much to her parents’ dismay, but despite their apprehension they couldn’t help but notice and appreciate the effect the boys had on their daughter. Her thirst for knowledge was still very much intact, but each year seemed to intensify other aspects of her personality, ones that they had always been able to see and implored her to express. Her sense of compassion and empathy evolved, and a desire for justice smoldered within her. Rules and authority had their place, but the rate at which she and her friends were forced to mature in the face of a terrifying new world made her shrewdly skeptical. It was an uncomfortable truth for someone once ruled by order and organization to accept, but the sense of right and wrong that lorded over her heart won out in the end; perhaps, she thought, that was why the Sorting Hat placed her in Gryffindor instead of Ravenclaw. The wizarding world was changing - things were getting scary - and Hermione was forced to choose between what was right and what was easy. She was asked at an unfairly early age to acknowledge what was really important in life, no matter how uncomfortable - how vulnerable - it made her, and she dove in headfirst.

School Year So Far:

Hermione knew immediately after Dumbledore’s funeral that it was the last time she would see Hogwarts and its sloping grounds for quite some time. Deep down she nursed some mad hope that she might return the following September, but it was just that - a hope, a whim, a dream. There was no way she could have returned, even if she wasn’t going to embark on a directionless egg-hunt with her best friends, and she stubbornly attempted to hide her sorrow, forcing it into submission by burying herself in preparations for whatever lay ahead. It was hard to prepare for something so riddled with unanswered questions, so shrouded in mystery, and the uncertainty of it all terrified her. If there was one thing that always managed to make her palms sweat, it was not knowing, and now the fate of the wizarding world depended on a meager smattering of clues Albus Dumbledore had left in his wake. True to her nature, said “preparations” involved a lot of books; it was her default, and despite the daunting task looming before her, she still believed that anything - anything - could be found within the pages of a book - one just had to look hard enough.

Or so she hoped. It was all she had.

Hermione spent most of the summer tucked away in her bedroom, enchanting a beaded purple bag and filling it with more things than they would probably ever need. The pace at which she worked, only making an appearance (sometimes) for meals, piqued John and Evelyn’s interest, but their daughter remained elusive in her explanations, something that had become somewhat of a pattern over the last several years. They had a sneaking suspicion that she wasn’t telling them everything, and they were correct. Ever since the Dark Lord’s return, Hermione found herself tip-toeing around the subject; she loved her parents and trusted them, but she didn’t want them to worry. If they knew the danger facing their daughter, there was a good chance they would pull her out of Hogwarts, and Hermione couldn’t think of anything worse. As dangerous as the wizarding world was becoming, she still believed that she had things to learn; she had a duty to educate herself, and, just as importantly, she had a duty to her friends. Guilt gnawed on her heartstrings every time she opened her mouth to lie, and the feeling only intensified as the summer stretched on. She had to protect them somehow, and when the idea of erasing their memories popped unannounced into her head, she spent the afternoon sobbing into a pillow. It was the best option, but the thought of becoming a stranger to the only two people who had always, always been there for her was horrifying. She planned and researched, putting off the deed in a very out-of-character fashion; it wasn’t until the day she was expected at the Burrow that she finally mustered the courage, but all the planning in the world couldn’t have prepared her for the way her mother’s and father’s eyes glazed over, and it certainly didn’t prepare her for the way it would feel.

From that point on, Hermione’s desperate attempts to plan for the year ahead turned frenzied. The pressure to make all of this pain worth something threatened to crush her, but she gritted her teeth and pushed against it, using Ron and Harry as support when she could. She had accepted long ago that she needed them just as much as they needed her, and when the three of them were shunted into action prematurely on the night of Bill and Fleur’s wedding, she realized just how true that sentiment was. Now officially on the run, their search commenced, but its progress was slow - excruciatingly so. Tensions rose, and Hermione struggled to keep the peace. She was frustrated as well, but Ron’s anger and subsequent actions took her by surprise. She couldn’t seem to wrap her mind around the fact that he left them, left her, and her search for answers regarding Voldemort’s horcruxes increased tenfold, consuming her. Her focus was a mask, an attempt at concealing and pushing away yet another trauma she’d been forced to undergo, and when Ron came back…well, she couldn’t quite process it.

(Not in a constructive manner, anyway, and Ron had a few bruises to prove it.)

Since then, things have gotten progressively more confusing: the Deathly Hallows, a slow, uncertain mending of her relationship with Ron, and now Harry’s disappearance?

Hermione is lost, and that does not happen often.    

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OOC Questions

Writing Sample

The forest glistened, covered in a fine layer of morning frost. The sun had not yet climbed above the treetops, so the undergrowth surrounding their wards remained bathed in a dull gray haze, the silence sleepy and deafening all at once. Hermione hovered just outside the tent flap, scanning the area; her straight, tense frame indicated mild panic, but there was something akin to resignation contradicting her aura. Her arms crossed in front of her chest, and she let loose a tired sigh, her breath expelling in a cloud of vapor. Her surveillance eventually slowed, and she cast her gaze downward, kicking at a frost-covered stick near her feet. She knew something was amiss the moment she opened her eyes that morning, and one look at Harry’s empty cot told her all she needed to know. Her first instinct was to panic; her heart leapt into her throat, and she catapulted from her bed and scurried into the common area of the tent, pulse rushing in her ears.

No.

No, he couldn’t have.  

“Harry?” she called, and the silence that answered made her stomach lurch.

The air was cold, but a fire was smoldering inside her. The kindling had been there for weeks, but this ignited a flame she’d tried desperately to keep at bay. Color rose in her cheeks; her fingers wrapped about her own upper arms and squeezed, and she bit down hard on the inside of her lip. She couldn’t say she’d been expecting something like this to happen, but she knew it was always a possibility. Harry hadn’t wanted them to come along in the first place, but Hermione assumed he’d warmed up to the idea, especially once he’d seen what they were up against. They were stronger together - he knew that - so his disappearance didn’t make sense. After Ron’s abandonment (and subsequent return) she’d assumed that she and Harry were on the same page; she wouldn’t leave him and he wouldn’t leave her. But, the silence surrounding her now was a slap in the face, and she was just about to storm back inside the tent when its flap opened behind her.

“He’s gone, isn’t he?”

It wasn’t a question, really, but Hermione hung her head in response, closing her eyes. She could feel Ron’s gaze on her, but several long moments of silence stretched between them before she turned, hot, angry tears blurring her vision.

“He went to Hogwarts,” she replied, not a hint of doubt in her voice. With that, she brushed past him, and the force with which she seized her rucksack from the table caused a tea cup to fall, shattering into pieces on the floor.

Exploration

ANGER. First Ron, now Harry - why do her closest friends seem hell-bent on abandoning her? I’d love to delve into her thoughts and emotions surrounding both disappearances; Harry’s is obviously much fresher in her mind, and although she has mostly forgiven Ron for his, the wounds are still festering. She loves them, of course, but there is no doubt that she’s harboring some serious anger when it comes to their apparent propensity to just up and leave. We all know Hermione has trouble shutting off her brain, so I really want to see how this slow burn affects her ability to navigate the snake pit that is Hogwarts.

I wouldn’t say that Hermione’s connection to Hogwarts is equal to Harry’s, but considering her passion for education I’m really interested to see how she deals with learning the details of Hogwarts’ new leadership, as well as what she plans to do about it.

Ron is a huge question mark in her life at the moment, and while she adamantly tries to keep her mind off of the subject, she’s only human. She wants to forgive him - she already has, for the most part - but there’s a part of her that is still hesitant. She doesn’t want to believe that that is who he is, but until he shows her otherwise, his betrayal will stay planted firmly in the back of her mind whether she wants it to or not.

So far, Hermione has been able to keep her guilt regarding her parents at bay. Every now and then it creeps up on her, especially during times of stagnancy, and I’m interested to see if being back at Hogwarts will trigger it.