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Post by Jaina Gemini on Jan 7, 2019 17:05:52 GMT -8
It was still early when Jaina strolled through the halls, her mind focused on the morning ahead - as it should have been. There was much to be done and not nearly enough time to get it all done. While she hated thinking like this, perhaps it would be best with Gideon a little more busy for the next few weeks. That way she could get in a little more practice time - on everything she had been neglecting. If she went one more week without messaging Jace, he might actually follow through on his threats and come to the school to find out for himself.
Of course, the letter she was going to send him might be even more confusing but at least he could get off of her back for a while. At least, hopefully, long enough that she could get through another week and get a little clarity of her own.
Jaina unlocked the door to the music room, as she was the first one up and about so early in the morning. She hit the lights, leaving the door open a crack so that she couldn't be accused of shutting people out, even though Professor Nightingale had agreed to give her Sunday mornings for practice. Jaina had just never specified everything that she had to practice. In her mind, she was still doing that - with only a few added aspects that not many people would willingly understand.
Finally, she sat down at the piano, first taking out the music Jaina had resolved to send to Jace - a copy of the song he had written with lyrics suggestions and another song. The two songs were at complete odds with each other emotionally but that had been the way her week had gone. She had already written a short note in explanation but it would be the music that would speak to him than a few measly sentences. One last time, she played through his song just to test the lyrics to make certain that they fit with the notes properly. He could decide to go in a completely different direction but considering the emotion she, herself, felt when playing it, Jaina's suggestions would hopefully work. When she was certain that everything was in the right place, Jaina moved onto the other piece she had chosen. It was a bit older song but it would be one that her brother would know well. She had played it a few summers ago - some days on repeat.
Just to make absolutely sure, Jaina played through it one last time, capable of singing along softly as the lyrics spoke to her in a way that they never before had. It was a quick song, fast and full of energy and, in regards to her time restraints, she played a little faster than the tempo called for and yet, it matched the speed of her heart, every time she felt the emotions that were embodied in the message. When the last note faded away, Jaina smiled in her success before folding up the two pieces of music as well as the note and sealed it all in an envelope that she would run up to the Owlery after lunch, before heading down to the river.
When Jaina had finished with that, she took out the music that she had been putting off for quite a while. Both of her parents had been on her case about this particular piece, hounding her to learn it as well as to speak with the headmaster. However, she had done neither of those things. As poorly as the year had gone, Jaina had had no intention of asking for favors now. The esteemed wizard did not have time to deal with these kinds of petty requests nor would he, likely, understand - thus wasting all of their time. However, her parents were not to be underestimated when they were determined - especially Pops. Thus, she spent an hour trying to learn the harmony of a medley that she would likely never sing. It was a pleasant enough song, well written at least.
However, it was not an easy harmony and after an hour, Jaina wanted to just throw it out the window and say she never got the music. There were other things she should have been focusing on but for the sake of her father, she would not lie to them about it. Not like it was going to matter in the end anyway.
That task concluded, she checked the clock - trying to manage what was left. Roughly two more hours - that would be plenty for all that needed to be done. It hadn't seemed like two hours had already passed. Maybe time did fly when having fun. Jaina now drew out her hymnal, Bible, and the bulletin Mama had sent on Wednesday, as she did every week. And there in the music room, she had her own little church service. Not quite what it would have been had she been back in South Dakota but it was the best she could while here at school. Without an actual sermon, she finished within forty minutes.
As she said her final Amen, Jaina downed most of a bottle of water, her throat quite dry after all the singing and reading softly aloud. Now that the important things were toppled, she returned her focus to the last task of the morning - practicing for choir. Though, with a few minutes here and there spent reading or turning pages, she had technically been playing the piano which could be considered practicing. However, there were pieces that she should be working on for their actual class. Jaina started with 'Kiss Me', just for Gideon's sake and then began working through her usual practice list including some old and some new, just for a bit of a challenge. Slower now, the minutes passed, the music filling the room as she let it take her away to worlds far away.
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Post by Christopher Johnson on Jan 10, 2019 17:43:50 GMT -8
Chris has been wandering around thinking about everything that was going on lately. Most of the school was excited about the races and Quadpot games neither of those really interested him. The first reason being they were sports. Reason number two, he would never have the money to get a broom to do join one Plus since they were all busy doing that he had been allowed to sneak up to the Owlery with his bag that was working on getting really full. He had not been able to send things back to his parents after the incident in the bathroom before with Lucco and Dean. He did not take anything else though since people were always watching.
He stopped for a moment when he heard a voice coming from the music room. The voice was heavenly and amazing to listen to. It was the only thing that he did not like about the school. How could they not have the internet and wifi so that we could work papers? It meant that he had to leave his iPad hidden at home with his family praying they did not find it. They might actually try and sale it for a few dollars to get some money. He really did not want to lose the one things he actually loved.
“You have a really beautiful voice,” Chris stated gently trying to not scare her. “Do you mind if I stay here and just listen to you for a while. There nothing really want to do. This is the closest I will get to actually listening to music for a while also. They do not actually let us have Ipads or tablets here.”
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Post by Jaina Gemini on Jan 10, 2019 18:19:28 GMT -8
Jaina jumped slightly at the sound of the small voice. It was so unusual for anyone to be in this part of the castle. True, it was almost...she checked her watch to see that it was a little shy of eleven. Most kids were getting up to get ready for the races or eating early lunch so they could be out to the track to get good seats. She was so used to be alone now...
She peered around the piano to actually get a good look at the kid and a little part of her heart tugged at her. He was so small; couldn't have been older than a 6th grader. Perhaps one of the youngest, like she was. A bit grubby but that was something Jaina was well used to. Ella couldn't be much older than he was. Had she been magical, her little sister would have been sharing classes with this boy.
"That's very sweet of you," Jaina said, giving him a half smile at his compliment. "You should sit outside the door when we practice for choir. We aren't exactly perfect but if you miss music, the class is at 7 on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday nights."
She used her wand, summoning a chair from the back of the room so he could sit down where she could see him. If it was one thing she had learned, every kid that age can look sweet and innocent. They can act it too when you are watching them. When you turn away, however...
It wasn't their fault. Not really. It was just the way their brains worked at that age. When Jack would write her about the stuff Ella was up to, she would laugh herself silly. When she had to go home and deal with it herself, however, it suddenly became a whole lot less funny.
"Come sit," Jaina encouraged him, nodding towards the chair. "I'm afraid I don't know a lot of fast or really, really current stuff." She apologized, checking the door before reaching into her music bag. At the bottom, Jaina found the bag of sweets she always kept for when she and Jace were spending long hours at the church and Ella got bored. "Would you like something?" She offered it to him, suckers and hard candies. She would never violate the sanctum by eating anything in here but he looked so scrawny. If he put the wrapper back into the bag and didn't drag his sticky fingers anywhere, hopefully, Professor Nightingale would forgive her just this once.
Also, he seemed a bit sad - perhaps homesick. Maybe a bit of sugar would help.
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Post by Christopher Johnson on Jan 10, 2019 19:41:35 GMT -8
Christopher stood there shocked that someone was actually inviting him to do something in the school. Most of the school seem to avoid him because was small and quiet. He knew needed to be a good wizard make it through Ilvermorny. Once he graduated could get a job and get his family off the street. “You are really welcome miss. Your voice is really nice though. Do you think that the teacher would mind if sit outside of class? I know it close to curfew. It would not do good if was to get into trouble because of that.”
He stood by the door little worried when she asked him to actually moved into the room and sit down. He had not been actually asked to join someone since being here. Most it seems avoided him because was different. He was small and not the smartest person. Christopher though on what she was saying and worked to walk closer to actually stand in front of the chair.
“Did you do something to the chair. It is safe for me to sit in.” He watched the chair and his eyes got wide seeing the candy in her hands. No one ever actually offered to give him that. Most of the time Christopher had to slowly slip his hand into an open bag or of the rack at the store when no one was looking. “Could I have one of both, please? The suckers are one of my favorite candies. I really wanted to try the one in the strawberry wrapper. Parents always said that we had to get something all of us would like.”
Chris moved to work on sitting down in the chair. The girl seemed to be really nice and seem to care about him. Plus sweets were better than the stale bread he had stashed in the first year room. It has been harder to still food lately and did not want people judging him.
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Post by Jaina Gemini on Jan 10, 2019 20:26:30 GMT -8
Jaina's eyes widened when he asked if she had done something to the chair. "Of course not. I don't know who you've met here at Ilvermorny but obviously, they have not been very kind. It is perfectly safe, I promise.
"I am sure that Professor Nightingale won't mind if you sat just out in the hall, as long as you don't get too rowdy or distracting but I will double check tomorrow night if you would like. That's being responsible; not wanting to miss curfew but you could listen for an hour and still have plenty of time to get back to your house."
When he asked for two, Jaina couldn't help but smile. "Of course. Just don't leave the wrappers or sticks behind. Professor trusts me to be in here by myself and I don't want to abuse that, okay?" He sat, trusting her which told her a good deal about exactly the kinds of older students he had been coming into contact with. Jerks.
"I'm Jaina, by the way."
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Post by Christopher Johnson on Jan 10, 2019 21:28:22 GMT -8
Christopher moved to get comfortable in his chair. It was comfortable not like most of the others he set in. They needed to work on learning a cushioning charm. “I have not really met many people here. There lots of stories of things. Plus at my old school, there were always older ones picking on younger ones.”
“She seems like a really nice teacher. I would like to just sit there and listen.” He did not think that many of the other ones actually liked him. He was fine with that since meant did not bother to get to know anything and find the truth. Christopher was told when came no one would know about his problem. He not sure if that meant teachers also. “If could ask that be nice. Back home actually listen to music most time when studied. my grades were still not the best, however, they were better with the music than without.”
He held both the pieces in his hand not sure which one to try first. “Thank you, Jaina. My name is Christopher.”
He finally decided on the strawberry one. It felt like forever as he unwrapped the one side to release the hard candy inside. She had been so nice the last thing that needed to happen was for Jaine to get into trouble because of him. Chris let out a joyful hum as it rolled over his tongue allowing the first flavor. “Wow, this really does taste like strawberries. It is really good thank you again. Please play more it nice to listen too.” He worked on pocketing the wrapper so as not to get it on the floor.
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Post by Jaina Gemini on Jan 10, 2019 22:19:36 GMT -8
"It is very nice to meet you Christopher," she smiled at him in return. Jaina resolved to speak with Professor Nightingale after Sex-Ed the next morning so that she could give the boy fair warning so that she could let him know at lunch - if she could even find him. It still was a pretty big school but she would manage.
"I do better with music too," Jaina said, as though it were a big secret. "It's why I come in here and play so much." When he asked her to play on, she nodded, grabbing the sheet music next on the list, opening it up and spreading it across the piano stand. It was one that Shelby like to sing, much too high for Jaina but the music was spirited and if she dropped the key a bit, she could sing it without sounding like a dying cat. It sounded better with the boys joining in but since both Gabriel and Gideon were probably still in bed, she could only do her best.
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Post by Christopher Johnson on Jan 11, 2019 12:38:50 GMT -8
Christopher smiled and nods. He worked on making sure to not make a mess. The last thing wanted was to make sure that the one older student that been decided to turn on him. The girl was also working on allowing him to work on sitting outside the classroom to work on lunch. Maybe if he really needed help since did not want to fail she would help out.
The song that she played was wonderful. She had a pretty voice. If the others had the same perfect voices the choir together would be awesome. He did not know this song but would make sure to get the name and work on listening to it when the school was over to. “You have a really nice voice. Thank you for letting me come in here to hear you.” He worked on getting one of his books out to try and read.
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Post by Jaina Gemini on Jan 11, 2019 14:54:09 GMT -8
Jaina turned her head towards him when he spoke, flashing a small smile at him. "You really are a sweetheart," she told him. If Christopher was wandering around the halls at this hour and not hanging out with his friends at dinner or in his common room, he was likely a little lonely. She had been there too when first starting Ilvermorny. The boys her age had been too wary of her and she had given very little effort when it came to her roommates, in fear that they would be just like her sister. One drama queen at home was almost more than her patience could handle.
If it hadn't been for Jeremy, at the time a third year in Thunderbird, she would have been home to stay by Christmas. But he accepted her - for some reason she had never understood. Through him, the other guys had seemed to warm up to her and had gotten her to where she was today. Well, he got her to the first part of this year - before Gideon had stepped in; before the accident and the fight. Everything had changed, more than she realized was possible. There were days when she felt like she was back in those first few horrible months again. The guys who had been her friends were now wary of her again...the girls were as big of drama queens as she had expected. Had Gideon actually dumped her for the fight or after the music room incident - who knew where she would be now. She didn't want to think that she was one of those girls who depended solely on her boyfriend; tried her hardest not to be but there were times when it just couldn't be helped.
It was a feeling that she hated - that she was trying to solve in the best way possible. Maybe this 6th grader would be a step in that direction.
When he pulled out a book, Jaina nodded. If he needed music to study by, then she would be glad to supply it for him. And so she continued through her list, taking only a few moments here and there to grab different sheet music and adjust it on the stand before moving into the next song. There was a good variety, she believed. Some very old, from way back in the fifties; others from just a decade or so ago, that her parents and older brothers still listened to; even a few from the last couple of years - most of which they were going to or had used for choir. Near the end, she took out that blasted medley she was supposed to be working on and gave it one more try. After all, he probably wouldn't understand the significance - it could just be noise, as far as he was concerned.
She had to say, though, her brother and the other composers had done one hell of a job putting it all together - even if she didn't like her part. Hopefully, Christopher wouldn't mind too much that this last one wasn't as good as the others but it was all part of practicing. If Jaina could do it perfectly, there would be no point in practicing any of it and contrary to popular belief, people that played instruments had to do it regularly to keep in practice. Going months and months without touching the keys could degrade a person's skills significantly. She had learned that this past spring.
The timer on her watch started buzzing, her annoying brother's voice saying - "Go eat, brat. You have miles to go before you sleep." She wanted to stick her tongue out at it but with the 6th grader here, that probably wouldn't set the best example. Jaina slapped the wristband, so it knew she was responding and wouldn't continue going off and then began putting her music in order to file away until her next chance to practice. With Gideon busy for the next few weeks, she should have plenty of time.
"It seems to be about noon," she said, as she turned towards the boy. "Did you get some studying done?"
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Post by Christopher Johnson on Jan 11, 2019 15:39:30 GMT -8
Chris kept working on reading over the book in front of him. He could work on trying to do the homework all of the time. He had not known what to do and the charms class was just harder the more he tried. “I am getting the reading done. Not really sure how the actual study is going. My teachers would tell you not good so good. If you want my thoughts on it yes I did.” He had still been working on trying to make sure that all the feathers were floating. The ones he used would work on floating a few inches in the air before it worked on sinking back down onto the table.
He was looking at her watch little confused on it all not understanding how all this was working. “Why does your watch work here telling you that time to eat with someone else voice. I mean to think that most of the no-Maj technology did not work here at the school. You are really good at music and playing the piano. Is that the only instrument that you know.” He had looked at all of them wishing he could work on playing them. They were just so expensive to touch since did not know now to pay for it.
“So you really going to work on eating in the dining hall. Could I maybe work on sitting next to you sometimes? Most of the time I am sitting by myself trying to get my food eaten before studying.” He did not like sitting with most because they would judge him. She seemed nice enough that would not judge him. The girl was not a Wampus that much he would know. “I wish they had let me in the same house as you.”
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Post by Jaina Gemini on Jan 11, 2019 15:57:30 GMT -8
"Actually," she lowered her voice, "Not many people know but I can also play the flute. However, I don't get to play as much when I am here because my roommates do not like listening to it.
"My watch is a special magic thing, kinda like one of the No-Maj fitbits but it was created by wizards who are trying to compensate for No-Maj technology - mostly for kids like us here at Ilvermorny. Every day, I have to apply a special charm to keep it working but the voice is my big brother's; reminding to stay on schedule or my head will get lost in the clouds."
With everything in order, she stood up, put the cloth back on the keys and closed the lid. "I would be happy to eat meals with you sometimes. I don't normally eat breakfast but my friends won't mind if you join us for lunch. Suppers I'm afraid I'm a little more erratic with when I eat because I'm serving detention and I don't know when I'll get there or how long I'll have." Jaina informed. "Not today, I'm afraid. My boyfriend and I are only going to have a few minutes together but to make it up to you, maybe tonight we can get together in the quad and I can help you get some of your classes sorted out a bit better - if you have the time, of course."
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Post by Christopher Johnson on Jan 11, 2019 17:42:09 GMT -8
Chris heard her saying that she played the flute. He knew that sounded really clue there were not really many people that learned to play that instrument. That was one of the things that had to be good at because your voice could not drown it out. “That is really awesome that you play the flute. It so small and have to be so delicate to not drop it or anything. I would never be good at it since clumsy. Would drop and break it on the first day.”
He moved little closer to look at the watch thinking that it was really cool looking and awsome magical things to have. “Wow, that is a really interesting watch still. Your big brother must be a really great one. That watch is great that it also lets you have a piece of your family here with you.” Christopher face worked on making a slight frown when she said that already had plans for lunch today. This meant that he has to try and brave it himself. “That is fine really don’t think that going to take a short lunch.”
“It nice enough that you are just willing to work on eating lunch with me.” He went to grab his bag happy that it was empty before coming in here. He could try and work on putting new slices of bread and things in it if no one was watching him. His eyes lit up hearing that she wanted to meet up with him tonight at the quad. “That is fine we can meet here there tonight. How will I know around what time to be there to see you? I would love the help with my classes because do not really understand most of them. My favorite is none of them since do not really understand it. Charms are fun but can’t get most of the stuff to be done properly. Your boyfriends not going to mind if we spend time together right as friends.”
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Post by Jaina Gemini on Jan 11, 2019 19:04:32 GMT -8
Jaina looked down at him, feeling the urge to ruffle his hair as she did to Ella so often. "Lunch tomorrow; I promise. And I can introduce you to some of my friends. Unfortunately, I don't have many either but maybe Gideon, that's my boyfriend's name, can introduce you to the prefect from your house. He's usually a little more social than I am since he's a prefect too. But we're both fairly busy with our own activities so he's not going to mind a bit." Thinking of that, maybe Kai wouldn't be such a bad friend. They were older, of course, but that didn't mean anything. Kai always felt like they were on the outside - maybe that would help here.
"I will meet you in the Quad at seven. If you listen closely, at the top of every hour, there is a little bell that dings. Just most kids don't listen for it anymore because it's Sunday and there isn't as much of a schedule. It's just a clear, crystal note so if you hear it, head to the Quad. You know where that is, right?" It had never occurred to her until this moment that if he didn't have many friends, Christopher might never have had the chance to go there before. "Actually, let's just make this easier. I will meet you outside the dining hall just before seven and then we can go together. Don't want you getting lost." She smiled, gesturing for him to leave while she sending the chair back where it had been before turning off the lights and closing the door behind them.
"Don't worry about your studies. I am not always the greatest student either. What I know I had to learn over time - usually out of necissity of needing the spell, repitition, and a determination not to fail," Jaina informed him, leading him away from the music room, through the halls, down towards lunch. "We will get you all sorted out, one way or another."
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Post by Christopher Johnson on Jan 13, 2019 11:46:05 GMT -8
Christopher smiled when she looked down at him. He was enjoying actually having someone that really seemed to care about him. “Okay Lunch tomorrow, I can work on doing that. Your boyfriend if would help me after not having met me seems nice also. I don’t have any activities to worry about. So have plenty of free time.” He knew that none of these activities here would have him. Everything took money something he never has.
“Oh, I guess it worked on actually listened closely would have heard it. Make sure to work on doing that now. I did not realize it actually ran.” He paused for a moment when she asked where the quad was at. Chris realized that maybe he did not would not really.
Christopher kept walking out of the music room moving towards where the lunch would be out. “Wow, I don’t feel so bad of s student now if you had problems also. I, not the best students to be happy that you're willing to help me out. Some of the problem having is that Latin is hard. Why most spells have to be based on it.”y know if went through it. “Thanks, I think that meeting at the dining hall would be best. I not really good at remembering all the different places here at the school. Maybe I have been there but could not be sure.”
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Post by Jaina Gemini on Jan 13, 2019 12:46:46 GMT -8
Plenty of time, Jaina thought. Maybe get him involved in one of the clubs. It would also help him meet people. Another thing to broach with him, a little later though. They were almost to the dining hall and they could talk about it this evening. "Here we are then. I need to quickly run up to my dorm and drop this off. I will see you tonight then, Christopher. Thank you for your company this morning." This time, she did kinda ruffle his hair. "Have a good afternoon." And then she was off again, heading up to the next floor where she could slip unseen into the passage that would get her up to Thunderbird and back down in half the time.
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