STUDY TABLE
The common room is full of similar looking study tables, but there’s something about this one that causes you pause. Of course, a naturally skilled magic user such as yourself has no need for studying outside of designated class times, but you understand that the lesser wizards and witches out there have to spend a little extra time playing catch-up. A fancy looking writing quill has been split into two and lies useless on the table next to some parchment, and at the edge of the table sits a deck of Wizards Cards.
“Ahem.”
You hear a cough and turn to find an older student eyeing you suspiciously while crossing her arms. She must be a 5th-year, and is wearing a brooch with the symbol of House Erudia.
You pick up the two pieces of the quill and twirl them in your fingers. Writing quills bring back bad memories of boring classes and rote homework, and you shudder at the thought of the school year ahead. As you inspect the broken utensil, you notice the engraving on the side:
“ENCHANTISCRIPT”
This is an autoquill! Rather, it was an autoquill. They’re not much good once they’ve been snapped in two. Someone adept at repairing charms might be able to fix it, but you’ve never found the need to bother with such mundane magic.
You toss the broken pieces back onto the table.
You pick up the deck of wizards cards. It must have taken someone forever to collect all of these, so why would they just leave them lying around? If you take some time, you can arrange the cards however you wish and flip through them at your leisure.
It takes you a moment, but you manage to put the cards in alphabetical order.
You shuffle the cards.
You toss the deck on the floor and the cards scatter about. Nothing like a “pickup” game of wizards cards, right? Haha! They’re someone else’s problem now.
You decide to talk to the serious looking student who’s been eyeing you with suspicion. She rolls her eyes as you approach.
“It’s called a table. Serious witches and wizards use it to hone their skills and improve their craft, otherwise known as studying. Have you tried it?”
The student sighs heavily, uncrosses her arms, and changes her stare to that of a resigned understanding.
“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said that. This whole situation is just… highly unexpected, and very stressful. My name’s Lyra, Lyra Gray, House Erudia. It’s a pleasure to meet you, ah… what’s your name?”
She extends a warm handshake and forces a slight smile.
“Your first year here? Not exactly what you had in mind for a welcome, I take it. I was just on my way here to get a headstart on some of my advanced coursework for the semester. Some teachers hurried past me, and I knew something must have happened. I’ve heard the rumors of Lysandra, of course, but I didn’t think she would strike so quickly! Though, I wonder why it was only a sleeping spell, and not something more… final? Poor Oliver, all the weight of the wizarding world on his young shoulders, I’m sure he never asked for any of it. You know, the prophecy about him defeating the dark witch upon her return? Don’t you know anything?”
Lyra furrows her brow, once again eyeing you with suspicion.
“Well, if you’re not going to help, please at the very least don’t interfere with my investigation. As it happens, I’m keeping a watchful eye on that Minister of Magic Education fellow, Roderick Dunhampton. I know the headmaster invited him for the opening ceremony, but don’t you find it odd that he actually bothered to show up? With a maniac on the loose, and a dark witch threatening the school, I’d expect a politician like him to be in hiding.”
You pick up the two pieces of the quill and twirl them in your fingers. Writing quills bring back bad memories of boring classes and rote homework, and you shudder at the thought of the school year ahead. As you inspect the broken utensil, you notice the engraving on the side:
“ENCHANTISCRIPT”
This is an autoquill! Rather, it was an autoquill. They’re not much good once they’ve been snapped in two. Someone adept at repairing charms might be able to fix it, but you’ve never found the need to bother with such mundane magic.
You toss the broken pieces back onto the table.
It takes you a moment, but you manage to put the cards in alphabetical order.
You shuffle the cards.
You toss the deck on the floor and the cards scatter about. Nothing like a “pickup” game of wizards cards, right? Haha! They’re someone else’s problem now.
You decide to talk to the serious looking student who’s been eyeing you with suspicion. She rolls her eyes as you approach.
“It’s called a table. Serious witches and wizards use it to hone their skills and improve their craft, otherwise known as studying. Have you tried it?”
The student sighs heavily, uncrosses her arms, and changes her stare to that of a resigned understanding.
“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said that. This whole situation is just… highly unexpected, and very stressful. My name’s Lyra, Lyra Gray, House Erudia. It’s a pleasure to meet you, ah… what’s your name?”
She extends a warm handshake and forces a slight smile.
“Your first year here? Not exactly what you had in mind for a welcome, I take it. I was just on my way here to get a headstart on some of my advanced coursework for the semester. Some teachers hurried past me, and I knew something must have happened. I’ve heard the rumors of Lysandra, of course, but I didn’t think she would strike so quickly! Though, I wonder why it was only a sleeping spell, and not something more… final? Poor Oliver, all the weight of the wizarding world on his young shoulders, I’m sure he never asked for any of it. You know, the prophecy about him defeating the dark witch upon her return? Don’t you know anything?”
Lyra furrows her brow, once again eyeing you with suspicion.
“Well, if you’re not going to help, please at the very least don’t interfere with my investigation. As it happens, I’m keeping a watchful eye on that Minister of Magic Education fellow, Roderick Dunhampton. I know the headmaster invited him for the opening ceremony, but don’t you find it odd that he actually bothered to show up? With a maniac on the loose, and a dark witch threatening the school, I’d expect a politician like him to be in hiding.”