"Lady, I'm going to have to ask you to leave."
The woman sitting in your living room responded...
The woman sitting in your living room responded...
Birthright: A Muggleborn Quest
- Thread starter Zhade
- Start date
- Created
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- Ongoing
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Statistics (7 threadmarks, 15k words)
User Total Zhade 7
Introduction
- Location
- Canada
"Lady, I'm going to have to ask you to leave."
The woman sitting in your living room responded with a tired smile. Tall, black-hair tied up in a stern bun, and wearing a rather expensive looking bathrobe, she acted as if your demand was a joke.
"I had assumed that removing my hat would made me more convincing. Shame." She sipped her tea daintily. Tea you now regretted bringing out. "However, I can assure you Mr. Bell, that this is not a trick or a jape. I am quite serious."
You lean back on the sole chair in your apartment, the so-called Headmistress taking up the rather more comfortable sofa and tea table. You had been a lot more charitable when you thought she had been representing an educational charity, instead of a fucking School of Magic.
"Ma'am," you begin, growing annoyed. "I don't think you understand how this looks. You enter my home under false pretenses, you claim you're representing some sort of magical school and then you ask me to enroll in it. Give me one reason why I shouldn't think you're a con after my loan."
Seriously, you think she would have come with a better excuse. Although she did convince me into giving her tea-
Your thoughts are interrupted when Headmistress McGonagall takes out a stick, taps it on your table and turns it into a cat.
The woman sitting in your living room responded with a tired smile. Tall, black-hair tied up in a stern bun, and wearing a rather expensive looking bathrobe, she acted as if your demand was a joke.
"I had assumed that removing my hat would made me more convincing. Shame." She sipped her tea daintily. Tea you now regretted bringing out. "However, I can assure you Mr. Bell, that this is not a trick or a jape. I am quite serious."
You lean back on the sole chair in your apartment, the so-called Headmistress taking up the rather more comfortable sofa and tea table. You had been a lot more charitable when you thought she had been representing an educational charity, instead of a fucking School of Magic.
"Ma'am," you begin, growing annoyed. "I don't think you understand how this looks. You enter my home under false pretenses, you claim you're representing some sort of magical school and then you ask me to enroll in it. Give me one reason why I shouldn't think you're a con after my loan."
Seriously, you think she would have come with a better excuse. Although she did convince me into giving her tea-
Your thoughts are interrupted when Headmistress McGonagall takes out a stick, taps it on your table and turns it into a cat.
***
"You must forgive an old woman her guilty pleasures." The woman-Headmistress says, chuckling quietly to herself. "It's been so long since I had the chance to surprise a Muggleborn. It's always a joy to watch their faces lit-up at the revelation that magic is real."
Liar, you think dazedly, stroking Table. You just like seeing them jump.
It had taken a few more displays of "Magic" for you to be convinced that this wasn't an elaborate prank. There was still a part of you that refused to trust and you caught yourself looking suspiciously at the room's corners for cameras.
The Headmistress continued on, as if destroying worldviews was a mundane thing to her. Then again, you muse, it may very well be.
"Well then, Mr. Bell. Now that the necessaries are out of the way, as Headmistress I would once again like to congratulate you into being accepted into Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, one of the foremost institutes of magical education in the world. Furthermore, I would like to welcome you into the Magical World proper...and would like to apologize for how long it has taken."
"Sorry?" You jerk out of the haze that had clouded your mind the moment you realized you now had a pet. "What was that?"
The woman pauses for a moment, still holding the expression of gentle wisdom she probably had as a child, and then destroys your world for the second time in ten minutes.
"I will be blunt, Mr. Bell. You are a bit of a...special case." She continues, not noticing your flinch at the words. "Given the rates of adaptability and adjustment, all wizards and witches are notified of their potential when they turn eleven. I once again offer my sincerest apologies for this inexcusable lapse."
You stare at her uncomprehendingly. A dozen different strands of thought race through your mind-But I'm eighteen-Am I still allowed to go-I could have gone when I was eleven-Can I keep the cat-before one wins through.
"Hogwarts isn't a university?" You ask, trying not to sound stupid.
The Headmistress raises an eyebrow. "I do not believe it would be categorized as such. Truthfully, the Magical world does not have any universities, or any other forms of your higher education. We do have Apprenticeships-you would be finishing your second year if you hadn't slipped through." Her smile is slight.
"Slipped through?" You say uncomprehendingly.
She puts down her empty teacup with a clink. "All magical births are recorded at Hogwarts, Mr Bell. There is a scroll, deep in it's depths, that writes down the names of every witch or wizard in Britain as they are born. It is under the heaviest enchantments and magical protections, laid down by the original founders of Hogwarts and strengthened by successive Headmasters and Headmistresses. The only way to interfere with the scroll, or even interact with it, would be to shake loose the very foundations of the castle. Something that has only happened once in the entirety of the history of Hogwarts, so you can understand why this is a special case."
"And the one time...?"
She sighs. "Yes. eighteen years ago, on the night you were born, Hogwarts experienced a crisis that shook it down to it's roots. I do not now for how long, but for a brief time the scroll lay dark and did not watch over Britain. And in that brief moment, you were born and unjustly forgotten. For a third time, I offer my deepest apologies." The Headmistress bowed deeply in front of you. There is a slight tremble in her voice.
"I-Alright. Alright." You say, not knowing what to say. The hand that isn't occupied by the tabby cat rubs your temples tiredly. You wish you had some tea. "So, uh, what happens now?"
"If this were a more normal induction, I would give you your acceptance letter, which would detail where to buy your supplies, what you can bring to Hogwarts and how to arrive there. Unfortunately, Hogwarts is a boarding school, and you are well past the age in which you would be allowed to reside within." She raises a hand to forestall you saying anything.
"Of course, Hogwarts does not intend to simply abandon you a second time. You will be allowed full access to the entire castle and it's facilities, except for the common rooms and other restricted areas. We will also arrange for transportation to and from the school, and all the professors have agreed to give you private tutoring. Unfortunately, due to their preexisting schedules, they are only able to meet with you during the weekends, but I believe that will not be a problem given your own commitments." In a glance that is both amused and critical, she looks around at the small apartment, at the unpacked boxes lining the walls and unwashed clothes pushed hurriedly to the side. Really, you would have finished unpacking yesterday, if the internet hadn't been so damnably hard to set up.
She stands up, moving to place her teacup on your kitchen counter, voice now crisp. "You will largely be left to your own devices, as I believe you are well past the age where you need to be ordered to do homework to keep you focused. Of course, it should be obvious that taking too long may be...frowned upon."
Somewhere in the distance, a gong sounded. The sound reverberated through the room, setting your teeth on edge.
"I believe that is my cue to depart." The Headmistress's voice seemed as if it was coming from far away. Your legs didn't seem to be listening to you and you knew you were being rude, not seeing her out. You didn't care. "I will call upon you in a week's time, Mr Bell, for a more...practical introduction to magic. Meet me next Saturday morning, in London at Charing Cross Road. I assure you, this is an appointment you will not want to miss."
A tinkling laugh followed her out of your apartment, closing the door behind her. You didn't move for several moments.
Table meowed.
"Bugger me." You mutter. Fuck tea, you needed to get drunk.
Liar, you think dazedly, stroking Table. You just like seeing them jump.
It had taken a few more displays of "Magic" for you to be convinced that this wasn't an elaborate prank. There was still a part of you that refused to trust and you caught yourself looking suspiciously at the room's corners for cameras.
The Headmistress continued on, as if destroying worldviews was a mundane thing to her. Then again, you muse, it may very well be.
"Well then, Mr. Bell. Now that the necessaries are out of the way, as Headmistress I would once again like to congratulate you into being accepted into Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, one of the foremost institutes of magical education in the world. Furthermore, I would like to welcome you into the Magical World proper...and would like to apologize for how long it has taken."
"Sorry?" You jerk out of the haze that had clouded your mind the moment you realized you now had a pet. "What was that?"
The woman pauses for a moment, still holding the expression of gentle wisdom she probably had as a child, and then destroys your world for the second time in ten minutes.
"I will be blunt, Mr. Bell. You are a bit of a...special case." She continues, not noticing your flinch at the words. "Given the rates of adaptability and adjustment, all wizards and witches are notified of their potential when they turn eleven. I once again offer my sincerest apologies for this inexcusable lapse."
You stare at her uncomprehendingly. A dozen different strands of thought race through your mind-But I'm eighteen-Am I still allowed to go-I could have gone when I was eleven-Can I keep the cat-before one wins through.
"Hogwarts isn't a university?" You ask, trying not to sound stupid.
The Headmistress raises an eyebrow. "I do not believe it would be categorized as such. Truthfully, the Magical world does not have any universities, or any other forms of your higher education. We do have Apprenticeships-you would be finishing your second year if you hadn't slipped through." Her smile is slight.
"Slipped through?" You say uncomprehendingly.
She puts down her empty teacup with a clink. "All magical births are recorded at Hogwarts, Mr Bell. There is a scroll, deep in it's depths, that writes down the names of every witch or wizard in Britain as they are born. It is under the heaviest enchantments and magical protections, laid down by the original founders of Hogwarts and strengthened by successive Headmasters and Headmistresses. The only way to interfere with the scroll, or even interact with it, would be to shake loose the very foundations of the castle. Something that has only happened once in the entirety of the history of Hogwarts, so you can understand why this is a special case."
"And the one time...?"
She sighs. "Yes. eighteen years ago, on the night you were born, Hogwarts experienced a crisis that shook it down to it's roots. I do not now for how long, but for a brief time the scroll lay dark and did not watch over Britain. And in that brief moment, you were born and unjustly forgotten. For a third time, I offer my deepest apologies." The Headmistress bowed deeply in front of you. There is a slight tremble in her voice.
"I-Alright. Alright." You say, not knowing what to say. The hand that isn't occupied by the tabby cat rubs your temples tiredly. You wish you had some tea. "So, uh, what happens now?"
"If this were a more normal induction, I would give you your acceptance letter, which would detail where to buy your supplies, what you can bring to Hogwarts and how to arrive there. Unfortunately, Hogwarts is a boarding school, and you are well past the age in which you would be allowed to reside within." She raises a hand to forestall you saying anything.
"Of course, Hogwarts does not intend to simply abandon you a second time. You will be allowed full access to the entire castle and it's facilities, except for the common rooms and other restricted areas. We will also arrange for transportation to and from the school, and all the professors have agreed to give you private tutoring. Unfortunately, due to their preexisting schedules, they are only able to meet with you during the weekends, but I believe that will not be a problem given your own commitments." In a glance that is both amused and critical, she looks around at the small apartment, at the unpacked boxes lining the walls and unwashed clothes pushed hurriedly to the side. Really, you would have finished unpacking yesterday, if the internet hadn't been so damnably hard to set up.
She stands up, moving to place her teacup on your kitchen counter, voice now crisp. "You will largely be left to your own devices, as I believe you are well past the age where you need to be ordered to do homework to keep you focused. Of course, it should be obvious that taking too long may be...frowned upon."
Somewhere in the distance, a gong sounded. The sound reverberated through the room, setting your teeth on edge.
"I believe that is my cue to depart." The Headmistress's voice seemed as if it was coming from far away. Your legs didn't seem to be listening to you and you knew you were being rude, not seeing her out. You didn't care. "I will call upon you in a week's time, Mr Bell, for a more...practical introduction to magic. Meet me next Saturday morning, in London at Charing Cross Road. I assure you, this is an appointment you will not want to miss."
A tinkling laugh followed her out of your apartment, closing the door behind her. You didn't move for several moments.
Table meowed.
"Bugger me." You mutter. Fuck tea, you needed to get drunk.
***
Hours later, once you've fortified yourself with cheap beer, you can go finally go over what had just happened without feeling vertigo. Well, that may be a bad thing, considering you had tripped over your own feet twice and then fell off the stool. While sitting on it.
In any case, you think you can finally get a grip on your emotions now.
How are you feeling?
[] Bitter: Headstart on Magical Education
-You missed out on seven years of magic, seven years not spent in your hometown, all because of a fucking clerical error?
[] Insightful: Headstart on relationship with Hogwarts
-There seemed to be something...guarded about the Headmistress. You can't put your finger on it, but it may have something to do with the crisis she mentioned, the one when you were born.
[] Wary: Headstart on discovering the Watcher
-It can't be that easy. It's never that easy. Something's wrong.
[] Eager: Headstart on Accustomed to Magical Culture
-Holy shit, Magic is real!
You groan in horror as you remember that you're supposed to meet with the Headmistress next week, in London. Bloody hell.
That's going to be a problem, because you live in...
[] Oxford: OK, you were a little smug when you got the acceptance letter. I mean, it's Oxford!
-Pro: Resources, Social
-Con: Time, Money
-Special: Hey, Hogwarts is a thousand years old, right? Isn't that around the same age as Oxford?
[] Canterbury: You managed to get into a Polytechnic College here. You like it so far.
-Pro: Money, Social
-Con: Resources, Time
-Special: You feel...lucky here. Like things are finally going your way for once. Don't jinx it.
[] London: You really are drunk. Or are you pretending you didn't flunk all your exams and didn't get into any schools?
-Pro: Money, Time
-Con: Resources, Social
-Special: You live in London. And it's the most realistic choice. You loser NEET.
You grasp your head in your hands, trying to prevent your memories from leaking out. At least that's what it feels like. God, you shouldn't have tried to drink so much so fast.
You forget. What are you studying again? (IF CHOOSING LONDON, IGNORE)
[] Pre-Med
-Logical, methodical, diligent
-Background in the Sciences
-Unique item: Overclocked Hippocampus.
-Watch your QM have nightmares about his own undergraduate!
[] Computer Science
-Rigorous, experimental, random
-Background in Tech.
-Unique item: Programmer's Fingers.
-Watch your QM cry as he watches his players try to create Magi-tech!
[] Finance
-Practical, ambitious, driven.
-Background in Finance.
-Unique item: Ear for Income.
-Watch your QM drink as he tries to make sense of Wizarding economy!
[] Architecture
-Visionary, energetic, impulsive.
-Background in the Arts.
-Unique item: Eyes of Articulation.
-Your QM asks you to stop watching him.
Wait...you don't know your name. What was your name?!
You really shouldn't try drinking so much so soon when you're not used to it.
[] ____ Bell
You shake your head dizzily. Whatever. Not now. Now, you need to take a piss. The world tilts alarmingly as you head there, Table watching you curiously from the counter top.
You reach the bathroom. What position is the toilet seat?
[] Down: ♀
[] Up: ♂
You throw up. Tomorrow's the start of Freshers' Week. You know you're going to hate yourself in the morning.
Welcome to the real world, kid.
In any case, you think you can finally get a grip on your emotions now.
How are you feeling?
[] Bitter: Headstart on Magical Education
-You missed out on seven years of magic, seven years not spent in your hometown, all because of a fucking clerical error?
[] Insightful: Headstart on relationship with Hogwarts
-There seemed to be something...guarded about the Headmistress. You can't put your finger on it, but it may have something to do with the crisis she mentioned, the one when you were born.
[] Wary: Headstart on discovering the Watcher
-It can't be that easy. It's never that easy. Something's wrong.
[] Eager: Headstart on Accustomed to Magical Culture
-Holy shit, Magic is real!
You groan in horror as you remember that you're supposed to meet with the Headmistress next week, in London. Bloody hell.
That's going to be a problem, because you live in...
[] Oxford: OK, you were a little smug when you got the acceptance letter. I mean, it's Oxford!
-Pro: Resources, Social
-Con: Time, Money
-Special: Hey, Hogwarts is a thousand years old, right? Isn't that around the same age as Oxford?
[] Canterbury: You managed to get into a Polytechnic College here. You like it so far.
-Pro: Money, Social
-Con: Resources, Time
-Special: You feel...lucky here. Like things are finally going your way for once. Don't jinx it.
[] London: You really are drunk. Or are you pretending you didn't flunk all your exams and didn't get into any schools?
-Pro: Money, Time
-Con: Resources, Social
-Special: You live in London. And it's the most realistic choice. You loser NEET.
You grasp your head in your hands, trying to prevent your memories from leaking out. At least that's what it feels like. God, you shouldn't have tried to drink so much so fast.
You forget. What are you studying again? (IF CHOOSING LONDON, IGNORE)
[] Pre-Med
-Logical, methodical, diligent
-Background in the Sciences
-Unique item: Overclocked Hippocampus.
-Watch your QM have nightmares about his own undergraduate!
[] Computer Science
-Rigorous, experimental, random
-Background in Tech.
-Unique item: Programmer's Fingers.
-Watch your QM cry as he watches his players try to create Magi-tech!
[] Finance
-Practical, ambitious, driven.
-Background in Finance.
-Unique item: Ear for Income.
-Watch your QM drink as he tries to make sense of Wizarding economy!
[] Architecture
-Visionary, energetic, impulsive.
-Background in the Arts.
-Unique item: Eyes of Articulation.
-Your QM asks you to stop watching him.
Wait...you don't know your name. What was your name?!
You really shouldn't try drinking so much so soon when you're not used to it.
[] ____ Bell
You shake your head dizzily. Whatever. Not now. Now, you need to take a piss. The world tilts alarmingly as you head there, Table watching you curiously from the counter top.
You reach the bathroom. What position is the toilet seat?
[] Down: ♀
[] Up: ♂
You throw up. Tomorrow's the start of Freshers' Week. You know you're going to hate yourself in the morning.
Welcome to the real world, kid.
Last edited:
Character Sheet
Mechanics
- Location
- The United States, The East Coast of
[X] Eager
[X] Oxford
[X] Actuarial Science
[X]Graham
[X] Up: ♂
Someone who's decided to go into the field of AcSci is ambitious by default. Add in Oxford education and possible plot hooks and we've got a recipe for riches and success.
[X] Oxford
[X] Actuarial Science
[X]Graham
[X] Up: ♂
Someone who's decided to go into the field of AcSci is ambitious by default. Add in Oxford education and possible plot hooks and we've got a recipe for riches and success.
- Location
- Canada
[X] Insightful: Headstart on relationship with Hogwarts
[X] Oxford: OK, you were a little smug when you got the acceptance letter. I mean, it's Oxford!
[X] Actuarial Science
[X] Tarquin Bell
...
<_<
>_>
[X] Down: ♂
What? It's possible! I've seen it!
[X] Oxford: OK, you were a little smug when you got the acceptance letter. I mean, it's Oxford!
[X] Actuarial Science
[X] Tarquin Bell
...
<_<
>_>
[X] Down: ♂
What? It's possible! I've seen it!
Be honest, wouldn't you do the same?
DevilsAdvocate
Always follow the golden rule.
[X] Wary: Headstart on discovering the Watcher
-It can't be that easy. It's never that easy. Something's wrong.
[X] Canterbury: You managed to get into a Polytechnic College here. You like it so far.
-Pro: Money, Social
-Con: Resources, Time
-Special: You feel...lucky here. Like things are finally going your way for once. Don't jinx it.
[X] Computer Engineering
-Rigorous, experimental, random
-Background in Tech.
-Unique item: Programmer's Fingers.
-Watch your QM cry as he watches his players try to create Magi-tech!
[X] Alexander Bell
[] Up: ♂
-It can't be that easy. It's never that easy. Something's wrong.
[X] Canterbury: You managed to get into a Polytechnic College here. You like it so far.
-Pro: Money, Social
-Con: Resources, Time
-Special: You feel...lucky here. Like things are finally going your way for once. Don't jinx it.
[X] Computer Engineering
-Rigorous, experimental, random
-Background in Tech.
-Unique item: Programmer's Fingers.
-Watch your QM cry as he watches his players try to create Magi-tech!
[X] Alexander Bell
[] Up: ♂
- Location
- Ontario, Canada
[X] Insightful: Headstart on relationship with Hogwarts
[X] Oxford: OK, you were a little smug when you got the acceptance letter. I mean, it's Oxford!
[X] Pre-Med
[X] Ashton Bell
[X] Up: ♂
[X] Oxford: OK, you were a little smug when you got the acceptance letter. I mean, it's Oxford!
[X] Pre-Med
[X] Ashton Bell
[X] Up: ♂
- Location
- nz
[X] Insightful: Headstart on relationship with Hogwarts
[X] Oxford: OK, you were a little smug when you got the acceptance letter. I mean, it's Oxford!
[X] Pre-Med
[X] Ashton Bell
[X] Up: ♂
[X] Oxford: OK, you were a little smug when you got the acceptance letter. I mean, it's Oxford!
[X] Pre-Med
[X] Ashton Bell
[X] Up: ♂
- Location
- Brazil
[X] Insightful: Headstart on relationship with Hogwarts
[X] Oxford: OK, you were a little smug when you got the acceptance letter. I mean, it's Oxford!
[X] Architecture
[X] Ashton Bell
[X] Up: ♂
[X] Oxford: OK, you were a little smug when you got the acceptance letter. I mean, it's Oxford!
[X] Architecture
[X] Ashton Bell
[X] Up: ♂
WanderingEye
smol skeleton
[X] Insightful: Headstart on relationship with Hogwarts
[X] Oxford: OK, you were a little smug when you got the acceptance letter. I mean, it's Oxford!
[X] Pre-Med
[X] Ashton Bell
[X] Up: ♂
[X] Oxford: OK, you were a little smug when you got the acceptance letter. I mean, it's Oxford!
[X] Pre-Med
[X] Ashton Bell
[X] Up: ♂
- Location
- Utah
[X] Insightful: Headstart on relationship with Hogwarts
[X] Oxford: OK, you were a little smug when you got the acceptance letter. I mean, it's Oxford!
[X] Pre-Med
[X] Christina Bell
[X] Down: ♀
[X] Oxford: OK, you were a little smug when you got the acceptance letter. I mean, it's Oxford!
[X] Pre-Med
[X] Christina Bell
[X] Down: ♀
DonutAttack
Self-Requested Ban
- Location
- The factory of pastries
[X] Insightful: Headstart on relationship with Hogwarts
[X] Oxford: OK, you were a little smug when you got the acceptance letter. I mean, it's Oxford!
[X] Pre-Med
[X] Ashton Bell
[X] Up: ♂
[X] Oxford: OK, you were a little smug when you got the acceptance letter. I mean, it's Oxford!
[X] Pre-Med
[X] Ashton Bell
[X] Up: ♂
Corvus Black
The Inestimable
- Location
- England
[X] Insightful: Headstart on relationship with Hogwarts
[X] Oxford: OK, you were a little smug when you got the acceptance letter. I mean, it's Oxford!
[X] Pre-Med
[X] Ashton Bell
[X] Up: ♂
I think Joseph Bell is a little too on the nose in regards to the Sherlock theme.
And insightful fits the character just as well. Plus, it will give us an early focus on this "conflict" the Headmistress mentioned.
[X] Oxford: OK, you were a little smug when you got the acceptance letter. I mean, it's Oxford!
[X] Pre-Med
[X] Ashton Bell
[X] Up: ♂
I think Joseph Bell is a little too on the nose in regards to the Sherlock theme.
And insightful fits the character just as well. Plus, it will give us an early focus on this "conflict" the Headmistress mentioned.
[X] Wary
[X] Oxford
[X] Pre-Med
[X] Joseph Bell
[X] Up: ♂
[X] Oxford
[X] Pre-Med
[X] Joseph Bell
[X] Up: ♂
