#olplot

Just a quick summary of the different ‘sides’ currently in play.

The New Order (TNO): Headed by Lysander, this group only wants to bring down Lowell. That’s it. There is no greater social justice aim here - there is no pro-werewolf sentiments among them. Cut and dry: just take Lowell from a position of power. They work by infiltrating places to slowly undermine or change the course of things from within, but do get involved in fighting from time to time. They are not looking for new recruits.

Lowell’s Response Unit (LRU): Handpicked aurors that work directly under the Minister, Lowell Tegus, as opposed to the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. This is a group of aurors/specialists who are working for Lowell and doing whatever he asks. The face of the team are the aurors, but there are many positions behind the scenes that we haven’t yet met. Lowell is looking to bring in new people with diverse skills and specialties, as he believes young people are the future and wants to help them grow to reach their maximum potential.

The Werewolves of Ossory (OSS): Irish and proud, these are a loose band of werewolves and werewolf supporters who have found sanctuary in Ireland and are now seeking to establish peace in the greater UK. Usually responsible for chaos and mayhem in order to achieve their ends, this group wants to see Lowell removed, werewolves reestablished as human beings worthy of recognition and life, and to not have to hide anymore. They’re always looking for like-minded people to join the cause and will reach out to people who they believe could help.

While your instinct may draw you to one, please consider what joining another might do for your character - perhaps you think Lowell might approach your character with an offer that’s too good to refuse; maybe something happens to your character to change their opinion on werewolves and they swing toward one group rather than the other. 

I want to strongly emphasise that there is no “right” or “wrong” side - there is no winner or loser; there’s just plot, and each group has both good and bad points. Those that you think are the villains might actually be the heroes; those doing something in the name of ‘good’ could actually be causing more harm. Our Legacy is interested in telling stories that are complex and morally grey; we want to dive into character development that’s difficult and nuanced, so really think long term about your character, because that’s how I’ve always thought of the plot. 

(following on from THIS self para by Smith)

A scream is what broke up the party in Hufflepuff house on Valentine’s Day, not long after midnight. The sound tore through the party, over the music, and effectively silenced everyone - frozen, people waited, until the door burst open and a crowd of distressed, crying students came through, all talking over each other. Only the students near the doors could understand, but word quickly spread throughout the party - someone was dead.

Many rushed out of Hufflepuff house to verify this, leaving the distressed third year to slump in an armchair, in shock. Outside, the castle was just beginning to stir from the screams of bloody horror - and students surged forward, their own chattering loud, until they came to the front doors of Hogwarts, which had been thrown open.

There, lying sprawled across the doorstep, was Professor Septima Vector, Head of Slytherin House - or what remained of her. Something violent had attacked her, and her eyes stared back at the students, open and unseeing. In her hand, which lay stretched out between herself and the students, was her own heart. 

A few students at the front of the crowd who saw it up close began to push the other students back, barring their view - they weren’t Prefects, but people began to listen - some already crying, some confused. The students were pushed back, and Prefects who had been drinking at the party began to sober up with the reality of what was happening - and all students were quickly put back into Hufflepuff house. Those who had seen the body left once more to find professors, but when they left the house again, the professors had already arrived. And the looks on the professor’s faces...

All students were called to the Great Hall for an emergency announcement by Headmaster Vauxhall, who confirmed the attack and death of Professor Vector.

“One of our own was killed in the most brutal of ways,” he said, still clearly shaken himself by the murder. “Right now, we must think of the safety of our students. It’s what Professor Vector would have wanted. Because of this, we’re sending you all home. Tonight. Those who cannot confirm with their parents by the end of the train ride to London will be given accommodation at the Sleeping Dragon until Hogwarts can be reopened and her death investigated by the Ministry.”

With the announcement over, students were ordered to pack their trunks and head to Hogsmeade train station, which was escorted by professors with their wands drawn. A sense of urgency filled the air as everyone bundled onto the train, many still tipsy, and headed for home, leaving behind a castle now stained in blood.

OOC: All students are now either in one of two locations: the Sleeping Dragon, a wizarding hotel in the heart of London OR at their family’s house. Students may go between the two after receiving an owl from their parents, calling them home or vice versa, when their parents give consent for the student to go to the hotel to be with their friends. Because all professors are required to be at Hogwarts for questioning and security, students at the Sleeping Dragon are given much free reign in London - Diagon Alley is only two streets away. Their care and protection has been given to Zoe Blackthorn, the young Dragon Rearing teacher, who performs a morning and nightly rollcall to ensure everyone is there. 

Players with concerns, questions, or wanting clarification on their character’s specific plot circumstances can contact us as these queries arise! Until further notice, all students are at the hotel or their family home, unsure of when they’ll go back. For roleplay’s sake, you may choose to go to the hotel or London with another character; starters made at the hotel should specify that location so others know. Characters at home may wish to take some time to write interactions with family regarding this plot, or eventually stay at the hotel/have a day out with friends in order to RP fully (or, alternatively, a character could go to your house). Let your imaginations run wild, and if you want to double check if anything’s okay, don’t hesitate to message!

Happy roleplaying - and RIP Professor Vector.