a blood lolly disaster | tobias

[zenevieva mira novell]

apologies.

23RD DECEMBER 2024

Zenevieva had never spent a Christmas in London in all of her sixteen years of life. Her days were always spent in America, some of her Christmases even spent in the school of Ilvermorny since sometimes her family would decide to travel without her. Not that she minded it. She busied herself with books beyond books. Something she would usually do during her day-to-day life. Though this year was different for many reasons. She had transferred to Hogwarts for one, just briefly before her fellow friends and bullies accompanied her, but while they had potential to go home eventually, Zen would be staying in London, gathered her new guardian was her aunt.

And so, because of her new experiences came the difficult choices. Whether to stay in Hogwarts for Christmas or stay in her new home, alongside her aunt who only seemed to panic. She chose the latter. From her aunt’s suggestion, Zen found herself packing a bag for the day — intending to spend it alongside Adèle at what she called: Hogsmeade’s Winter Festival. But within ten minutes or so, she lost her aunt. Which wasn’t necessarily a problem either, it just meant more things to explore now. The Novell passed by the annual snowball, ducking as balls were thrown all over the place, she then trudged through the Roasted Knut, filled with goods and foods galore and even noticed a few familiar faces.

But as she walked to wherever the signs brought her, her head remained low — which soon proved to be her downfall when she found her face crashing against the body of another. She jumped back, her blue gloved hand instantly covering over her nose. ”I’m so sorry!” She apologised, her voice muffled by her hand. ”I-I wasn’t watching where I was going.”

tobias charles watkins & hope this works!

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[tobias charles watkins]

zenevieva mira novell

Note: HEY!! we finally have a thread together!!! YAYAY

Winter was Toby’s favorite season. To him, nothing was better than staying inside curled up with a new book, or playing his video games anytime he was back home in Winchester, and far away from the Hogwarts castle. Unfortunately, this afternoon Toby was dragged from the comfort of his home by his parents to accompany them and his three younger sisters for “family time” at the Winter Festival in Hogsmeade. The Ravenclaw didn’t mind family time, his family didn’t embarrass him like most teenagers, but he didn’t care to ice skate, or have snow balls tossed in his face by his sister Claudia. Sometimes he was such a marshmallow. Unfortunately, Toby was already awkward enough without trying to glide on ice with sharp blades attached to his feet, so he chose to opt out of that activity with his family. He eventually snuck off into the book shop to see if they had gotten anything new that he couldn't leave without.

Toby stopped in front of the window of Honeydukes to admire the holiday treats lined up at the window front. They were all decorated bright and festive, he was stuck in a trance for a good moment admiring each treat and their symmetricality. As stepped back and turned on his heel toward the shop door, he turned straight into someone. All he saw was a flash of dark hair, and then there was impact. Toby barely faltered on his feet. He was a tall string bean, he felt more bad for the girl. Instantly taking the blame for the collision. " No worries, mate, it's fine. I'm sorry too, I wasn't looking either.." he laughed, waving off the apologies with a wave of the hand. After the words left his mouth, his brain registered that he knew the girl in front of him. This was his housemate Zenevieva Novell. She was shy, like him, but whenever he was around shy people he had an 'awkward override'.


"Ohh, hey Zen!" he greeted her with a small smile and a chuckle when he realized who she was. His eyes immediately flickered with concern when he noticed that it appeared that she was holding her nose. "Ohhh, Merlin. Zen... Is your nose okay?" he asked her with widened eyes, cocking his head to the side as he tried to inspect the injury. 

＃ENY ADOXOGRAPHY

[zenevieva mira novell]

apologies.

It was difficult for Zenevieva to speak up at most times, finding the challenge to be the moments in which words were necessary to produce. Though, the half-vampire was thankful for her aunt understanding her reserved nature — providing her with space and all the books she wanted and many more for the upcoming Christmas day. The Novell’s spent Christmas properly until Zenevieva enrolled in Ilvermorny and the years after that, gift giving were simply spent during the holidays or within the new year. Every year was mainly another shelf of books, considering Zen truly didn’t ask for much — but when Adèle brought up the idea to spend the day at the festival, she was somewhat excited.

But after losing her and eventually bumping into a random stranger, Zen knew the rest of her day was set for disaster. But with her name leaving said strangers mouth, an eye peeked open, filling with relief once she realised who she exactly collided with. ”Tobias…” She breathed, pale hands still holding onto her nose. ”I-It’s okay! No blood, or anything broken.” She added as she noticed his concern. Slowly, Zen moved her hand away and inhaled a deep breath, her nostrils flaring just to prove her nose was actually working. ”I can breathe just like normal!” She stated, trying to lighten the mood amongst them.

Zenevieva was sure if the stranger had been anyone else, she would surely be looking at a small threat or the screw of an eye, but she was glad that it was Tobias. The two were in the same year and luckily the same house, and Zen always felt happier when talking to him. They seemed to have similar interests and were both quite introverted. Perfect friends. ”W-What brings you here?” She asked, stuffing her hand into her navy jacket as she peered up at him.

tobias charles watkins & FINALLYYYY, im sorry this response took forever to do

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[tobias charles watkins]

zenevieva mira novell

Note: <3

A wave of guilt was rushing through Toby as his cheeks took on a bright red hue, but Zen was quick to reassure him that her nose was fine. Not entirely convinced, but glad that she was okay, Toby offered her another apologetic nod. ”Sorry, Zen..” He mumbled awkwardly again in his typical dorky demeanor. The half vamp asked him what brought him to the festival as a way to change the subject.. he’d take it.

The lanky young man shrugged his shoulders, shoving his hands into his hoodie pockets to keep warm. ”Er. Christmas cheer?” he snorted, before adding, ”My family always insists on dragging me along to these things in hopes of shoving Christmas cheer down my throat..” Toby answered honestly with another lift of the shoulders. ”I just come for the hot cocoa with the chunk of peppermint bark inside of it.” He told her with a bashful smile. ”You lookin’ to kill some time?” Toby asked her with a friendly tone, an invitation to hang out. Zen had become a friend of his easily. Not only was she a housemate in the same year, he enjoyed talking with her because she was interesting, and she wasn’t an 'overbearing' personality. She was meek and timid, a lot like him at times, but Toby had more spurts of confidence. The Ravenclaw especially appreciated that she didn’t talk a million miles a minute, or ask him to talk because of his accent; a recurring issue with a lot of transfer girls this year.

＃ENY ADOXOGRAPHY

[zenevieva mira novell]

apologies.

Bumping into her fellow house member and relatively new friend was pretty much Zenevieva’s own fault. She didn’t want him to feel any guilt and therefore reassuring him was the only thing she could do. But Zen was terrible at it. With him apologising again, she waved off his comment with a gentle nod, not wanting to fill their day with a bunch of apologies going back and forth. Because knowing herself and Tobias, that would most certainly happen. Changing the subject seemed to be the best thing that Zen thought of, leading onto an easier conversation between the two of them. The corners of her lips twitched with a small smile following his snort, relating to his situation. Since her parents death, Zen never really enjoyed anything, any kind of holiday, even Thanksgiving. Though Adèle never celebrated it considering she lived in London over the states.

”My aunt is the same…” She responded, pushing her hand through her hair. ”Though I’ve been excited to see the stuff here in Hogsmeade…It’s a lot better than home I think.” Well, from what she had seen so far anyway. The stores filled with Christmas decorations and popular gifts for young wizards were lined up by the windows of the store. And mainly the books she had briefly seen as she passed caught her attention the most. ”Hot cocoa mixed with peppermint?” She found herself asking him, her expression filled with confusion. It sounded interesting but a little too…minty for her likings. Hopefully she would pass by the stall that sold them. When he asked if she was looking to kill time, Zen smiled small. She wasn’t really supposed to explore Hogsmeade alone, considering her aunt offered to show her all the best things to look upon, but since she had lost her aunt, what did she have to lose?

”Yeah.” She breathed, pushing her hands into her pockets as she rocked back on her feet. ”If you don’t mind me crashing your day at least.” Even though Zenevieva was usually reserved, stood next too Toby, he brought out the conversational side in her. His questions weren’t pushy and she knew he used to be afraid when it came to her demi-human self. It was quite sweet of him. ”Maybe I could get you some blood pops too.” She joked.

tobias charles watkins & <3

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[tobias charles watkins]

zenevieva mira novell

Note:

Toby offered his friend a smile, listening and nodding as she shared about her own family and their version of christmas cheer. "Aye, I'll admit this holiday stuff isn't really my cup of tea. I'd probably rather be at home curled up with a book." he said with a snort, before adding, "But y'know, cool, fresh air, is good for us...or so I've been told." he chirped, rolling his eyes playfully like a typical teenager when adults told them stuff like that.

"Psh. You're welcome to crash anytime, mate." he told her in a friendly tone, genuinely meaning it. Toby was glad that his housemate accepted the invitation to hang out. He really liked having Zen as a friend and found her easy to talk to, unlike most of his classmates.  When she mentioned blood lollies, Toby had a feeling like she was joking by her tone, but he had always been curious about them. Toby tilted his head to the side, a flicker of amusement in his warm brown eyes,  "Never tried those before. Are those your favorite?" Toby asked her in a curious tone, always happy to learn more about his friends. Toby reached for the candy shop door handle and pulled the door open with a chime of a bell above the door. He gestured so that the young lady could step into the shop first, always a proper gentleman. "I have always been curious... Are those only for vampires?" he asked her, genuinely curious.

As they stepped into the candy shop, Toby's eyes started to scan the shelves, already strategically deciding what he'd pick up today.

＃ENY ADOXOGRAPHY

[zenevieva mira novell]

apologies.

RELATING TO HER fellow Ravenclaw, Zenevieva nodded in agreement, smiling at his snort. Holidays, parties, birthdays or any major event led Zen into a frenzy of anxiety, as in the end it just meant more people would pay more attention in the Novell’s direction. Most times people tried to pay attention to Zen in an attempt to make her talk a little more or simply smile. Many people usually failed except for Eli, who could make her smile at almost anything. His own mistakes or even his jokes, all of it cracked a smile on her lips. ”Speaking of books…What one are you reading now?” She asked. ”Fresh air isn’t necessary when you’re cooped up near a window.” She added in.

Lucky for Zen, Adèle was an understanding guardian, especially since their ages weren’t extremely far apart from each other. Though Zen still felt bad the elder Novell woman had to deal with her blood problems month by month. Thank Merlin Toby allowed her to tag by him for the rest of the day, now fun was truly guaranteed. Toby was the kind of person Zen could talk to based on his questions, books they enjoyed or things they disliked. ”It’s my favourite thing to snack on up until its the right time for me to feed.” She clarified.

As the door opened, thanks to Toby holding it open, she mumbled a thanks at his gesture, her lips pulling into a smile. ”From what a friend told me, they sell the fake ones to people like you and give the real ones if you simply…Ask.” Shoulders drew into a brief shrug, her aunt was usually the one who bought the blood-pops for her, as Zen was too nervous to speak out around most things. Though she was most afraid of others listening in to the conversation between herself and the cashier of the day.

tobias charles watkins & <3

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[tobias charles watkins]

zenevieva mira novell

Note:

Conversation with Zen was easy, mostly because he knew that she was just as awkward as he was. Toby was good at overriding awkward tendencies when the opposite party also suffered from social anxieties. When the girl asked about any books he was reading, Toby couldn't control himself from perking up. He loved books. He thought for only a moment, bobbing his head up and down as he walked beside her, "I've been reading the Muggle classic 'Lord of the Flies', but it's a bit bleak at times, so I'm rotating between that and a Dream Interpretation book from school." Toby shared willingly, before turning to her, "You?" he asked, always curious to what his book worm friend was reading every time he talked to her. She always had excellent recommendations. Toby agreed about not needing to go outside when you were near an open window, "That is absolutely right. I like the way you think." he chuckled, quite enjoying her comment because it was true, and it sounded like something Zen would say.

Toby listened as Zen honestly answered his question about blood lollies. For some reason this interest  inside of him intensified, probably because he loved everything involving magical creatures and beings; he was always seeking any way to understand them a little more. "Now you've got me curious to what the 'real ones' taste like." he admitted honestly, a chuckle passing his lips as he scratched his chin with a quizzical look. Naturally, as a Ravenclaw, he was full of curiosity and wonder of the world... At times it would bite him in the ass, but how bad could candy be?

The gangly Ravenclaw carefully reached for a bloody lolly, cinnamon balls, and exploding bon bons. Toby spotted the Bertie's Every Flavored Beans and let out a full body shudder while pointing at them, "Have you tried those?" he asked his friend, making a scrunched nose face and narrowing his eyes. Toby never understood why people bought them, other than for the sake of a joke. A couple of years ago, his sister Claudia gave him a vomit flavored bean, promising him that it was peach. That was one of the last times he trusted his sister.

＃ENY ADOXOGRAPHY

[zenevieva mira novell]

apologies.

ZEN FELT COMFORTABLE speaking to Toby most times, especially since he was just like her. Books and minor conversation seemed to be both of their forte’s, so it was rather nice to gush about a novel the Novell had finished reading. Even if the majority of them were needed for classes ahead of time. Books brought joy to Zen’s life, more than ever now she couldn’t share the small thread of happiness she felt with her parents. Adèle was a fair exception, except her aunt wanted her to refer to her as Sera instead. It was strange. At Toby’s response, Zen’s eyes lit up. ‘Muggle classics’ tended to be novels she enjoyed most, but hadn’t had the opportunity to pick up one as of recent. Though, the Lord of the Flies was definitely one novel she knew. ”G-Given their circumstances, b-bleak is okay.” Especially since they were just kids and lone survivors. Her most recent novel was the next section of the Charm’s textbook, for the upcoming term, but now Zen had gotten her hands on a Muggle classic herself.

”Not really a novel but I managed to convince my Aunt to let me read Shakespeares’ sonnets. I’ve got my hands on f-fifty so far but…Most are confusing. I’m only starting to understand I-Iambic Pentameter.” Learning about English language as a whole wasn’t a vital subject back in Ilvermorny or even Hogwarts, but it was always nice to dive into the No-Maj side of the half-vampire’s life. Especially on the things she would have possibly learned if she was a simple No-Maj. At his comment and from the sound of his laughter, Zen’s cheeks flushed a light shade of red, the twitch of her smile raising just a little higher. ”I-If you’ve bit your lip too h-hard and tasted b-blood it’s kind of like that?” She stuttered in explanation. Blood pops, or lollies as the Brits around her would call it were simply…delicious. A sweet treat to nip Zen’s blood cravings in the bud, at least for a few more hours or days (depending on how many she munched on), until she had to have some sort of blood bag.

Zen’s own nose scrunched up at the sight of the Beans, it was something Ellie once offered the half-vampire and their other friend Kaylee once, except she hid the fact that the disgusting flavours were truly…disgusting. ”O-Once…Never again…”

tobias charles watkins & sorry for the wait! pls forgive me with all the additional stutters everywhere, trying to fix my writing style for each character ;u;

NEVERLAND at ADOXOGRAPHY 2.0!

[tobias charles watkins]

zenevieva mira novell

Note: soo sorry i somehow missed this one! we can start ending it since this thread is getting old now!

Toby nodded in agreement to her statement about Lord of the Flies being bleak, but okay, in their circumstances. He let out a snort, but when Zen mentioned that she was reading Shakespeare, he nodded in approval this time. Toby offered her an impressed look, "Not exactly leisurely reading but my hats off to ya...that's some real real stimulated reading there." he told her in a rather impressed tone. Toby appreciated Shakespeare and his works, although, he found it too difficult to read to enjoy. Also, he was a teenage boy, so he'd rather read something with more action and adventure.

After Zen explained what a bloody lolly tasted like, he was still intrigued. "I'm gonna try it. For science." he declared jokingly, finding it very fascinating. Toby grabbed one, along with his other goodies, headed to the register and paid the cashier easily. Toby unwrapped the blood lolly, which had a nice shiny red to it, inspected it with a shrug and plopped it into his mouth. Instantly, he regretted it, gagging and yanking it out with a sour look on his face, "Oh, Bollocks..." he cursed at the lolly, scrunching his nose but not wanting to show his disgust - that would be rude. "That's...I reckon that's an acquired taste." Toby stated politely, doing a full body  shudder while still waving the lolly around.

＃ENY ADOXOGRAPHY

[zenevieva mira novell]

apologies.

HER LIPS CURVED UP INTO a smile at his response, considering he was…absolutely right. Anyone that read Shakespeare’s sonnets for leisure — fun if you may — was insane. The language of it was like a foreign transcript, considering how dated the pieces were, but Zen enjoyed a reading challenge. It brought out the true nerd in her. And she didn’t mind it at all. ”M-Maybe I’ll le-lend you a few p-pieces…” She thoughtfully replied, smiling up at the Ravenclaw. The explanation of the blood lolly seemed to be enough for Toby as he remained interested in the candy, going as far to say he would try it for science. Zen felt the need to quietly laugh at this point, because she knew he absolutely wouldn’t like it.

Following behind him and pretty much doing the same — picking up some of the real blood lolly’s that the cashier had brought out and paying — Zen then moved to the side with Toby, unwrapping hers and plopping it in her mouth while she watched her friend. His expression soured which the Novell guessed was from the taste of the lollipop and her smile rose again. ”I-It’s pretty gr-gross isn’t it?” She asked, trying to see past his euphemisms. ”I…I knew yo-you wouldn’t like it.”

tobias charles watkins & one post each then we finish?

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[tobias charles watkins]

zenevieva mira novell

Note: -- Toby out --

When Zen mused that she would probably lend something for him to read, he smiled. She knew him well enough that if she gave him anything to read, he'd probably study it. Toby enjoyed literature and school in general, it was why he and Zen got along so well. They were very similar since they were both social outcasts. "I'll read anything you hand over." he admitted sweetly with a laugh, raising a finger and quirked eyebrow in her direction, "Just none of that Romeo and Juliet mumbo jumbo... That stuff is overrated."  The Ravenclaw stated with a scrunched nose. Muggles already ruined that story with saturated movies for all it was worth.

Toby's taste buds had been hijacked by the intense taste of iron in his mouth. The blood lolly tasted as if he had bitten his tongue, hard. He couldn't hide the disgusted look from his face, especially when she admitted that she knew he wouldn't like it. He smacked his lips, "Heh. Well...we'll just save that one for later." he lied, quickly shoving the wrapper around it and shoving it into his pocket. He'd probably forget he put it there.

- End Toby -

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