September 17th, 1895 — a staircase, Hogwarts

Usually she tagged along with the group of first year girls moving from class to class—and today had been no different—until somehow, she'd gotten separated from them. They'd started up one of the staircases just as a trio of overly excited third years bumped into her as they passed by. She squeaked as the books and quill she clutched were jostled out of her arms and clattered across the stone landing behind her. She'd tried to be quick as she scooped everything back up, but it hadn't been enough.

Just as she turned back to the steps, there was the sound of shifting stones, and the staircase detached from the landing—taking the other first years along with it. Margie had been wide-eyed as they'd drifted away. "No," Poppy gasped, though she had managed a smile and a wave to her best friend to reassure her that she was just fine. She would just wait until it came back and continue on her way. That was fine. She'd be late to class for the first time ever, and that was... less fine.

It had taken longer than she'd hoped. Finally, she was able to scurry up the stairs. Unfortunately for her, she'd caught Peeves' attention, and he'd begun to taunt her, fully aware that he made her nervous. So of course, he was dive-bombing her as she navigated the steps. She'd managed to get up half the staircase before he doubled his efforts. Now, he blocked her way up the remaining steps.

"Just let me pass!" She wailed, freckled cheeks red and wet with tears, "I'm terribly late for class!" Peeves found this hilarious and began mocking her as a baby firstie, which only made her cry harder (possibly proving his point.)

Ignacio Sidonia

  

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Club Membership in: Astronomy • Flying • Charms • Book • Quidditch

Adorably sweet set by the amazing Lady!

Nacho was late for class. He didn’t know how he’d gotten mixed up between Potions and Transfiguration but Uncle Basil was not going to be happy. He raced through the corridors trying to make it to the Transfiguration classroom as quickly as possible, taking the stone stairs two at a time. There were only a million miles left between him and his destination all the way across the castle— but Nacho knew a shortcut through the moving staircases. Ducking to the left, he gripped his books tightly to his chest and made a beeline for the chaotic stairwell. If he raced up this one he could make it to the second landing and from there he could come around—

Nacho paused directly in his tracks as the staircase he’d been lunging for took off without him. He stared after it dismayed as all his hopes and dreams sailed away. Coming towards him instead was another one with Peeves hanging over it. He seemed to be tormenting someone, as usual. Nacho wrinkled his nose. He didn’t like Peeves very much after the bratty poltergeist had ratted him out on a joint prank against Shacklebolt last year.

Storming thunderously up the steps towards the pair (because he had to go this longer way now anyway) Nacho made to stand between the girl and the ghost. “Leave her alone Peeves,” he growled, happy to have someone to take his bad mood out on. “Or I’ll tell the Baron you threw a whole tub of stinksap on the Slytherin first years!” It was a shot in the dark but Nacho’s gaze was stormy as he glared the poltergeist down. Then, reaching for his wand, he fired a seed pit out of the tip at him for good measure.

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Poppy MacFusty

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Poppy had been too busy sniffling and wiping her nose with the sleeve of her robe to notice the sound of footsteps. When a loud voice and dark robes suddenly appeared in front of her, she startled (though managed to swallow the humiliating squeak that would have made matters worse.) She recognized the dark hair and voice as Mr. Sidonia, a second-year housemate. Poppy didn't know him well. They had never really had a conversation, though she'd heard enough of his snarky remarks to know that he didn't seem the most friendly sort.

Though he'd come to her rescue regardless. Her eyes were wide as she heard him yell at Peeves and then threaten him! Was he insane? Didn't he know that would only make the poltergeist more insistent? Except... it had sort of worked? He'd stopped his mock crying and glared at the older Ravenclaw. Once Mr. Sidonia had begun using his wand, he made a rude noise and soared up and out of reach, perching on the banister of the staircase above them. Arms crossed. Waiting. Poppy shuddered.

"Th-Thank you," She sniffled and swiped at her face with her sleeve again, embarrassed to have been caught in such a predicament. Was he going to go and tell everyone about it? That worry was overshadowed by the worry of being caught alone with Peeves again. Maybe she should learn that seed pit spell...

  

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Club Membership in: Astronomy • Flying • Charms • Book • Quidditch

Adorably sweet set by the amazing Lady!

Peeves reacted about as Nacho had expected and the disappointment sat hollowly in his chest. He’d needed more of a fight to really get the angst out but he’d count it as a win. For now. Not many could boast they knew how to scare the poltergeist off. Not even some seventh years, he thought smugly.

Turning then to the girl he’d inadvertently saved, Nacho offered her his hand so she could stand up. “Olvídalo,” he mumbled grumpily. “It’s not like I’d do it again if I had a choice.”

And while, fair enough, he realized even as the words were coming out of his mouth that they were probably a lot more hurtful to her than they were protective to his pride. There wasn’t even anyone around to be tough in front of. Nacho felt a small zing of regret and it flickered across his face, softening his baby round features. “Come on,” he urged, more quietly. “I’ll walk you to class…”

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Poppy MacFusty
* forget it

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