Year/Job
FOURTH YEAR
I dare you to say it again! |
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Post by Poppy Carmichael on Jan 25, 2024 14:50:29 GMT -8
Poppy stormed through the castle halls with a purpose. It was clear that she was out for blood. Her fists were clenched at her side, and her blue eyes were ablaze. "Get out of my way," she snapped at some first year who didn't know any better. The kid tripped over himself, but Poppy couldn't care less. These were her halls. Her world. Everyone else were background characters. As she turned a corner, she spotted a certain Ravenclaw at the bottom of the Grand Staircase. Poppy made a beeline for the other female. She had zero reservations about putting her hands on other people. Reaching out, she made to yank Laurie back before she could ascend the stairs. "Hey Greer," she began. "How about you tell your crazy, drunk of a sister to stop marking everything I turn in with piss poor marks, yeah?" She didn't care that there were plenty of people around to hear her. Poppy had a one track mind. "In fact, maybe if she'd lay off the booze she'd be able to properly read my work and know it's exceptional." Tags: Laurie Greer
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Year/Job
6th Year
Tried to drift dear but don't know how... |
Sol
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Post by Laurie Greer on Jan 25, 2024 16:33:49 GMT -8
Laurie's week had been arguably far stranger than any other week in her entire time at Hogwarts. Not only had her family curse finally been bestowed upon her-- despite what Liam thought-- but she'd also started spending far more time with Nathaniel James, Rose Kelly and she had utterly destroyed each other in their duel (and subsequently ended up with detention), and she'd started talking to Elsie a little bit more... Not much, but in passing, Laurie would smile and wave, a far cry from her earlier behavior of ignoring the older witch. Her icy heart was melting and she was finally reconnecting with Elsie. She was so different and so distant from Laurie but she genuinely wanted to try establishing their relationship before it was too late and she thought Elsie wanted the same thing too.
As she headed towards the Ravenclaw tower, she hummed to herself. Despite the strangeness of her week, she was in a pleasant mood. Things were looking up for the Ravenclaw-- though her life was starting to experience some turbulence, many things were going well in her life. And she had her little scheme with Bella and Liam to look forward to. All was well-- before the sound of a grating voice called her attention. Students moved out of the way as an angry looking redhead barred up the stairs. Laurie went to move as well, stepping to the side of the staircase when her name was the one ripping from the girls throat. Who was she again? Laurie couldn't recall her name, but she did know the tone of voice the younger girl was using was anything but pleasant.
The first venomous words to spill from her lips sent Laurie reeling, practically stomping the breath from her lungs. "I'm sorry- Who are you?" She said, eyes wide and eyebrows raised. "And why the hell do you think my sister is a drunk?" She quickly exclaimed before shaking her head and taking a deep breath. She was startled, yes, but there was no need to get upset. "Look, I don't know what's happened... But I'm sure this is all just a misunderstanding."
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Year/Job
FOURTH YEAR
I dare you to say it again! |
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Post by Poppy Carmichael on Jan 25, 2024 17:12:55 GMT -8
"Poppy fucking Carmichael," she declared. "You're not sorry yet, Greer" she threatened. "But let that sister of yours cross me again and you will be. Best talk some sense into her before you end up on the wrong side of my fists, yeah?" She was willing to destroy everyone in her path to get her way. Poppy Carmichael did not beg for the things she wanted. She took it with force. She'd happily make an example out of Professor Greer's younger siblings. No skin off her bones. If the Care of Magical Creatures Professor didn't want blood on her hands, she'd best straighten up quick. Poppy wasn't going to tolerate yet another nasty letter from that so called mother of hers. The latest and sent her into a frenzy.
Poppy,
Why is it that every time I turn around you're acting like some belligerent ruffian? For once I would appreciate a letter explaining how well you did in a class. Maybe that your behavior reflected your upbringing? Instead, you're a constant embarrassment. Why can't you be more like Parker? Act civil for once. I knew I should have placed you in boarding school after your father was arrested. Please learn to act like a lady. It's hard enough trying to keep this family afloat alone. Must you make everything more difficult than necessary? Sometimes I wonder where I went wrong with you. Just do better.
Love,
Your Mother
If only she could get rid of that old bat. If anyone deserved to be in prison it was Maeve Carmichael! Poppy gave a harsh laugh as Laurie questioned the facts she'd presented her. "This is Hogwarts, Sweetheart. There's no secrets. The walls have eyes and ears." She poked Laurie in the chest. "There's no misunderstanding here either. I've made it quite clear that you're going to need a straw for your next meal, courtesy of that walking airhead you call a sister. I swear, McGonagall will hire anyone these days." She shook her head in disappointment.
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Year/Job
6th Year
Tried to drift dear but don't know how... |
Sol
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Post by Laurie Greer on Jan 25, 2024 17:26:00 GMT -8
Poppy fucking Carmichael had a bad attitude problem and Laurie didn't want any part of it. How was it possible for someone to hold so much aggression in their body? Maybe she needed a few yoga classes to breathe it out. Or a really really good therapist. Her threatening was pointless-- Laurie was scared of someone she didn't even know. Besides, surely this girl had better sense than to pick a fight in the middle of the hallway. She'd end up with detention and a ton of professors hating her-- that was a mortifying thought to Laurie, one she thought Poppy might share with her. Poppy's words came out and Laurie thought it was some kind of prank-- maybe Bella thought this would be some weird joke to pay an underclassmen to say some mean thinks and then say 'haha, just kidding'. A laugh came from Laurie. "You can't be serious, can you? Come on and stop joking around. You seriously sound ridiculous!" She said, the laughter fading as Poppy continued.
Oh. She was serious. What the fuck was wrong with her? Was she an actual lunatic.
Still, Laurie wasn't going to get pushed around like this over something her sister may or may not have done. She didn't know if Elsie was all those things that Poppy said, but she knew that she was leaps more intelligent than this insolent teeny bopper. "I know this is Hogwarts. But don't you know Care for Magical Creatures is an elective class? I can tell you what elective means if you don't know..." The last part was earnest, really, but to an aggressive teen it might have sounded like she was making fun of her. "If you think I have any sway over my sister, you're wrong. Why don't you just talk to Professor Greer if you're suffering so poorly in her class? That seems like the smart and logically decision instead of harassing her sister about it."
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Year/Job
FOURTH YEAR
I dare you to say it again! |
BLAKE
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Post by Poppy Carmichael on Jan 25, 2024 19:00:17 GMT -8
Laurie was underestimating the hurricane of rage that was Poppy. The five foot even Gryffindor had no qualms about exchanging punches in the middle of the school. It wouldn't be the first time, and surely not the last. Who cared if there were witnesses? Not Poppy, that's for sure. It would give this bloody school something to talk about other than who was dating who and the next quidditch match. All a bore in her mind. Maybe she'd make the cover of the Hogwarts Times. She could only imagine the headline: Extra! Extra! Poppy Carmichael Sends Laurie Greer to St. Mungos in a Full Body Cast. Now that would be worth a read. Maybe she'd even send a copy to Mommy Dearest. Didn't she want to see something positive? Making the school paper was about as positive as it got.
Poppy blinked when Laurie laughed. Was she laughing at her? "Do I look like I'm joking," she asked with a straight face. Poppy had come here with the intent to resolve a problem without the need to shed blood. She'd essentially given Laurie a head start. A warning evening. How dare this girl laugh in her face? Upperclassmen and their arrogant attitudes. She'd be happy to fix it. Patience was not her strong suit. What little she did have was quickly disappearing as Laurie questioned her intelligence. "I know what an elective course is," Poppy responded through gritted teeth. "I happen to like Care of Magical Creatures. It was fine until your lunatic sister showed up four months ago talking to a bloody stick on her shoulder." Her face was flushed with anger. Every word that left Greer's mouth sounded like an insult. Joking. Ridiculous. Suffering so poorly. Logical decision. Poppy unclenched her jaw and straightened her shoulders. "You know what, you're absolutely right," the fourth year said. "Perhaps I'll write her a letter. That would be smart, don't you think?" She dropped the word smart with so much malice you could practically taste it. "Ah, here's an even better idea. How cool would it be if I used your face as my parchment and your blood as my ink." She flashed a wide smile and kicked out her left foot in the direction of Laurie's right knee and her right fist came around for a right hook that was meant to connect with the other girl's left ribs. She'd save that pretty face of hers for last.
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Year/Job
6th Year
Tried to drift dear but don't know how... |
Sol
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Post by Laurie Greer on Jan 26, 2024 9:19:00 GMT -8
Did she look like she was joking? No, not really. But her attitude was so absurd that Laurie almost couldn't believe that she was being serious. Serious or not, whatever behavior Poppy thought she could get away was not gonna be happening. They were civil people and the power of words could be very effective if used correctly. "It's not a stick, actually. It's a bowtruckle." Laurie told her-- maybe calling a bowtruckle a stick was the reason Poppy was doing so poorly in class. That was like the easiest creature to identify! And Laurie didn't even like Care for Magical Creatures! "I'm sure my sister would tutor you if you asked her. She'd probably commend your effort too." Laurie offered, trying to give the girl positive solutions that might fix her problem. In truth, situations like this were foreign to Laurie. She didn't fight. She got into heated debates sometimes, but she rarely even argued. And now she was being threatened by another red head? God, what was it with red heads wanting Laurie dead? Was that part of her family curse of something...?
When Poppy's foot made contact with Laurie's knee, she hardly had time to rect to the fist in her rib. For the moment there wasn't searing pain in her leg and rib, she though maybe she'd hallucinated and rather than being on her descent to the floor, she was still standing in front of Poppy trying to reason with her. But the minute her hip collided harshly into the floor and a violent cough ripped through her throat, she knew it was all very, very real.
"What the fuck?" Laurie coughed out hoarsely, hand covering the side Poppy had so kindly punched. Her eyes were wide, wild with fear and shock as she pushed herself back from her attacker. She wasn't going to hit Poppy back. No way. "What is wrong with you Poppy?!" Laurie pushed herself up to sit, looking up at the Gryffindor with disdain. Her knee ached from the impact-- it was lucky that insane girl didn't pop her knee out of place. Finding it in her to stand, she placed her weigh on her left leg, holding her free hand up in front of Poppy as she took cautious steps back. "I don't know what my sister did to you, but you seriously need to calm down. Whatever the problem is, we can fix it without beating the shite out of each other."
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Year/Job
FOURTH YEAR
I dare you to say it again! |
BLAKE
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Post by Poppy Carmichael on Jan 26, 2024 11:30:04 GMT -8
It made Poppy's blood boil to have Laurie talk down to her. It might not have been intentional on the Ravenclaw's part, but Poppy didn't see it that way. All her life people spoke to her as if she couldn't keep up with the conversation. Little Poppy Carmichael needed everything broken down for her because she was raised like a hooligan. It was like she had a sign on her head that said, 'handle with care.' Poppy wasn't dumb by any means. She just didn't feel the need to apply herself. Who needed perfect grades? Her father had gotten by just fine with his limited education. Why couldn't she? The younger female stared at Laurie in disbelief as the girl went on about Professor Greer tutoring her. "Are you deaf?"
Poppy leaned over Laurie after the girl hit the floor. A satisfied smile curled her lips. "Still think I'm joking," she sneered. She glared at the Ravenclaw before casting a swift glance at the onlookers, daring them to step in. She'd take them down too. This was none of their business. "I guess you are deaf." She clicked her tongue and sighed. "I don't like repeating myself, Laurie, but I'll say it again, just this once. That way it makes it through that thick little skull of yours. Tell your sister to get her head out of her ass so I can go back to enjoy Care of Magical Creatures. Unless you want to pick your teeth up off the floor next." She stepped back as Laurie got up. "Did you get that?" Her arms crossed behind her back, and she waited for a response. "By the way, you're not going to lay a finger on me. Let's just go ahead and make that clear, mkay?"
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Year/Job
Professor of Care of Magical Creatures
when I think too much about it, I can't breathe. |
Sol
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Post by Elsie Greer on Jan 26, 2024 13:03:30 GMT -8
Things in Elsie's life were tumultuous to say the least. Teaching at Hogwarts after nearly 20 years apart from her alma mater was strange. She was still getting adjusted to her teaching style, to the students, and even to some of the familiar creatures she'd interacted with and helped out with during her time at school. Nostalgia could sway the mind, but Hogwarts was just as warm as it used to be. Walking the old halls every day to class, teaching in the classroom where she'd discovered her love of creatures, even having Oakley back close to his old forest-- Everything was settling in wonderful. Though, there were still ghost of her pasts clawing at her chest, begging to drag her down to their level again.
Elsie had a million and one things to juggle on her plate but she was in a far better place than a year ago-- a relationship with her family, a stable career, and friends that would help support her through the tough times. Even a few of her students seemed to have high aptitudes for caring for the creatures. She hoped she could foster their love and care of magical creatures just as her professor did once.
Commotion was the topic of the day and after whispers of a disgruntled Poppy Carmichael made it back to her, she was quick to find the source of the commotion. A gaggle of students gathered on the grand staircase, chattering about the events unfolding at the top. She stopped momentarily to see if it was nessecary to step in. "What's happening, Miss. Lane?" The younger Hufflepuff turned with wide, fearful eyes to respond to the Professor. "Oh-- Well.. Umm. You see-- Poppy Carmichael just totally beat up Laurie Greer." She said quickly, the words spilling out fast and without much thought. Laurie Greer. As in her Laurie.
She quickly sprung into action, curtly telling students to move out of the way. Physical violence wasn't tolerated anywhere in campus, no less against her sister. Catching the tail end of Poppy's speech, Elsie rounded the Gryffindor, standing in between the assailant and her victim. "Miss. Carmichael. Why don't you learn to speak for yourself instead of harming others?" She chided, glancing down at her sister in concern. "I expect to see you at detention for the next 2 weeks where you will be learning the importance of anger management." The stern look on Elsie's face was unlike her-- if Professor Greer was known for anything, it was being laid back and easy going. But Poppy had threatened another students well being. "I don't care what you're doing right now-- You will be following me to Headmistress McGonogal's office where will we be having a chat. Laurie, please take yourself to the infirmary and have the healer take a look at you."
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Year/Job
FOURTH YEAR
I dare you to say it again! |
BLAKE
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Post by Poppy Carmichael on Jan 28, 2024 8:21:02 GMT -8
Poppy figured that someone was bound to rat her out to a teacher. She didn't think it would be the source of all her worldly problems. Poppy lifter her gaze and eyed Professor Greer, a smug look on her face. "I did speak for myself," she answered. "With my fists." Blue eyes bright, she continued. "My dad taught me it's the best way to get results after all. Parents know best, right?" She might have said more, but she spotted Parker in the crowd. He was giving her that look again. That look that said they'd be permanently separated if didn't stop. If she got expelled, her mother would send her away forever. Probably off to some boarding school for girls that needed to be reformed. What did he care? He'd be better off without her anyway. Still, Poppy fell silent. She didn't like it. It made her look weak.
"I wasn't aware you were a certified counselor, Professor." Oops. It slipped! She cast an apologetic glance at Parker, but her twin was already disappearing into the crowd. Poppy looked down at her shoes as Greer continued on about how they would all have a chat with the Headmistress. "Yes Professor Greer," she said through gritted teeth. It wouldn't be the first time she had to chat with the old bat.
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Year/Job
Professor of Care of Magical Creatures
when I think too much about it, I can't breathe. |
Sol
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Post by Elsie Greer on Jan 28, 2024 8:28:47 GMT -8
Elsie was silent as the pair walked towards the Headmistresses office. She contemplated her choice-- an act of violence against another student, be it through magic or force, was a serious violation of the student code of conduct. It was no way for a young witch to be conducting herself. But parts of Elsie saw herself in Poppy. She was angry at everything. And maybe that came because she was a privileged witch that had the world in a hand basket whenever she wanted but her intuition lead her to believe that wasn't it. Poppy needed someone to see her and understand her-- or maybe she just needed to fight. Elsie doubted it was completely the latter and would hedge her bets that the former would be a lot more impactful. "Poppy, I understand you are upset at you recent marks." Elsie began slowly as the two walked towards the Headmistresses. "I won't pry if you don't want to talk about it. Considering I am the professor that gave you that mark, you may harbor some resentful feelings towards me..." Elsie was careful with her word selection, but not to belittle Poppy-- if someone had spoken to her at Poppy's age in a certain tone, Elsie would've rejected it, called them a prick and then hid out with the magical creatures until it blew over. It's because she understood Poppy.
"If you want, you can tell me why you hit Laurie. It might help me better explain to Headmistress McGonagall the situation. I don't want you expelled-- I don't want marks against you. I just want to understand what drove you to hitting her, Poppy." They were quickly in front of the Headsmistresses door and Elsie halted, giving Poppy a chance to explain herself. Elsie wasn't confident her words would reach Poppy-- but she was ever the optimist and hoped that even a sliver of what she said would resonate and have Poppy consider her actions.
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Year/Job
FOURTH YEAR
I dare you to say it again! |
BLAKE
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Post by Poppy Carmichael on Jan 28, 2024 9:20:10 GMT -8
Poppy had crossed her arms behind her head as they walked. She wondered if Professor Greer was trying to make her think about the actions of her consequences. Her lips curved with amusement. All Poppy was thinking about was how she had to go down to the kitchens for ice cream. Not for herself, but for Parker. She'd use it as a peace offering. Their dad used to take them out for ice cream all the time. They'd sit and watch sailboats off the coast for hours. Those were the good days. She barely remembered what the coast looked like anymore.
She raised a brow as Greer started speaking. "I thought I was being reasonable," Poppy told the woman. "I didn't even touch her face. I wouldn't have touched her at all had she not talked to me like I was stupid." Poppy made it sound like a warning, but she would never lay hands on a Professor. Some lines couldn't be crossed, no matter how close she walked on the edge. She stopped in the middle of the hallway, her arms dropping to her sides as they made it to the door. "You don't have to explain anything to McGonagall. We're familiar with each other. She's had it out for me since the day I arrived." Poppy straightened her skirt. "She'll probably tell you you're being lenient with the two weeks thing. She'll probably petition for my expulsion. She threatened me with it in my second year. That was before your time."
Poppy had strategically avoided discussing the fact that she had enjoyed Care of Magical Creatures before Greer had arrived. When she took over, Poppy's grades in the class slipped. Maybe the previous Professor just didn't care because Poppy handled the creatures with the utmost care. Maybe he was passing everyone because retirement was in his future. Whatever the case, Poppy resented Greer for ruining the one thing she enjoyed at this forsaken school with all its rules.
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Year/Job
Professor of Care of Magical Creatures
when I think too much about it, I can't breathe. |
Sol
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Post by Elsie Greer on Jan 29, 2024 7:18:11 GMT -8
Merlin, was it in the nature of all red headed Gryffindor's to be a pain in the arse? It was like it was a requirement to be a lion! Elsie sighed softly at Poppy's irritating response, crossing her hands in front of her patiently. The mentality was utterly perplexing to Elsie. She was offering Poppy an olive branch, trying to help the young Gryffindor get back on track and figure out solutions to resolve her conflict, and Poppy was smacking said branch away and burning it in a big 'fuck the system' bonfire. Yes, unfortunately all Gryffindors were predictably the same at times like these. As much as Elsie wanted to help Poppy, at some point, Poppy needed to want help. She would need to want an advocate. Elsie couldn't force her into that and wouldn't try to convince her otherwise; she had places to be, creatures to take care of. Poppy could throw her life away if she wished-- a pang of guilt went through Elsie and she exhaled.
"Poppy, do you want to be expelled?" Elsie asked bluntly, arms crossing over her chest. "I can advice Headmistress McGonagall so if that is your wishes. You are a bright student and a very talented witch," She said earnestly. "But if you are at Hogwarts to throw your education away fighting and getting in trouble-- if you are actively seeking to be expelled, we can work that out. Hogwarts isn't a place you should be miserable at. It is a place where you should thrive and grow. I can see you want to care-- I see it in my class. You just have to learn that guidance isn't criticism. Accepting help isn't a sign of weakness." Elsie knew that one all too well. "You can make your choice now, or I can send you into Headmistress McGonagall's and she can deal with you as she deems appropriate-- and I suspect after another transgression, it won't be anything good."
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Year/Job
FOURTH YEAR
I dare you to say it again! |
BLAKE
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Post by Poppy Carmichael on Jan 29, 2024 13:40:42 GMT -8
A new game popped into her mind. What would it take to really irritate Professor Greer? What button did she need to push in order to make the woman snap? She felt giddy at the idea. Poppy didn't need anyone's charity. She didn't need a helping hand. She didn't need pity. Poppy could stand on her own two feet just fine. Her Papa had taught her how to the that. From time she could crawl, he'd been right there to guide her. Gareth had seen the world in all it's ugly glory, and he had vowed that his kids would never fall victim to it. Especially not Poppy. His little girl would chew up and spit out anyone who crossed her. He would ensure that Poppy could weather any storm. That no matter what, she would always get back up. Poppy had grown into the young lady he had envisioned. He could have chosen to raise her a little more gentler, but Poppy had a natural fire to her.
Maybe had her father not been captured by the law, her aggression would have been contained. A wounded animal was bound to lash out, and Poppy was still very much hurt by losing her father. Could some of the blame been placed on her mother. Yes. The option to visit her father had never been an option. The one person aside from Parker she felt like she could relate to had been torn away from her. Her mother had good intentions, but Poppy didn't see it that way.
Icy blue eyes looked up at the woman. What did she know? She'd only been here a short few few months. Poppy had always viewed Hogwarts as some great escape from the clutches of her mother. At home Poppy was constantly reminded she was the black sheep. At home she felt smothered. At Hogwarts it was different. At Hogwarts she could be free. At Hogwarts she was distracted because she was constantly learning something new. No she didn't want to be expelled. It would mean being stuck with her mother. It would mean being seperated from her brother. It would mean she'd never hear from her father again. She knew her mother would toss her away at another boarding school. How would her father know where to send letters? The though made her angry. "You don't scare me," she spoke calmly. "I'm not miserable. If that were the case, I just wouldn't show up. I'm muggleborn. I don't need your fancy magical school. I have other options." She turned her nose up, gaze drifting to the door. "The Headmistress isn't going to wait forever, Professor Greer. I imagine she's a very busy woman. I imagine you are too. Let's not waste time trying to save what you assume to be a charity case." She gave a sweet smile. "You have to remember I have a twin and he turned out just fine."
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