Ernie Macmillan

Strong people stand up for themselves, but the strongest stand up for others. ------- Ernie macmillan hufflepuff, sixth year

[hpuff-macmillan-blog]

* ofjustins

 Justin listened to Ernie as he talked. Truth to be told he was happy to be back at Hogwarts, but on the other hand going to Mexico had been such a welcome vacation that he wouldn’t have minded it that it lasted a couple of weeks longer either. Being in the muggle world was welcoming because no muggle knew what was going on in the wizarding world. It made Justin worry a lot less than he did when he was at Hogwarts and reading about the attacks on muggleborns and high-profile Ministry employees in the Daily Prophet. That wasn’t something that Justin wanted to think about, so he’d much rather let Ernie talk on about his wand malfunction and all the courses he got good grades in. Of course he did, Justin wasn’t surprised by that at all. Ernie was smart and he put in a lot of work to get his good marks.  “I failed Potions,” Justin declared with a grin that told Ernie he wasn’t particularly sad about it. “Thankfully. Now I can’t even take it, even if I really didn’t want to.” Unlike Ernie he wasn’t great at all his classes. He had trouble concentrating for a longer period of time, especially when a huge amount of theory was involved. It made subjects where a lot of spellwork was involved easier, because that was applying theory. Potions, on the other hand, meant you had to pay constant attention. It just wasn’t for him. “Congratulations on your outstanding marks! I knew you’d do great, Ernie,” he said, clearly pleased for the other. He did get an Outstanding in Herbology, but that wasn’t something he was going to say in that moment: Ernie seemed disappointed that he hadn’t. “My best OWL result was Charms, as it turns out,” he told the other. That was his other Outstanding. His other upcoming NEWT subjects were Exceeds Expectations (with the exception of History) but he failed three or four of his classes too.  Justin followed his friends in the direction of the doors that would lead to the Entrance Hall and in extension the staircase. “I know you do,” he said with a nod. “But I love the dirt and grime, so you’ll have me to accompany you during Herbology.” It may not be spells, but Herbology was working with your hands and trying to figure out plants and apparently that was just what Justin was good at. Plants were much more straight-forward than people. “You can’t drop Runes, I’m going to take Runes,” he said with a slight shake of his head. “What kind of top spot do you want, exactly? Do you have a career plan?” He could imagine that Ernie had one or was working on one right now. The question that followed was one Justin saw coming and he had his answer ready. “Apart from Herbology and Charms, I’m taking DADA, Runes, Transfiguration and History,” he said. He frowned at Ernie when the other specifically asked if he planned to do something in the magical words, but he did appreciate the thought. Everyone else would just assume he would do so whereas Ernie wondered about it. “I don’t know yet,” he said truthfully. “But I also don’t know if there will be a place for me in the wizarding world, with the war going on and all that,” he said. “Planning feels a little useless due to that.”

Ernie was taken aback when he heard Justin failed potions, shooting the boy a frightened look before composing himself, in case his shock would be taken to heart. However, observing Justin’s smile, Ernest wondered if the boy really wasn’t bothered at all. It was unimaginable to him; Ernie would certainly beat himself up for years over a failing grade. “I- I guess that’s lucky, then?” he said, though he wasn’t so sure. “I mean, yay, one less class you have to take. Maybe it’s not so bad- potions sucks, and it’s almost as messy as Herbology,” he said sourly. 

“Wow, I knew you’d do well in Charms!” he complimented supportively. “You are really talented at that kind of thing.” Ernie had seen Justin’s talent first-hand in Dumbledore’s Army, so there was no surprise that he’d get a good OWL for that subject. The two of them often practiced together, as well, so they knew each other’s experience level pretty thoroughly. “That means we’ll both be continuing Charms! Fantastic, we can keep studying together. I was already laid out the curriculum for the first quarter on a day-by-day basis. That’s what I was doing back there,” he nodded to the Great Hall, “So I can share that agenda with you if you want. Stick to the schedule and we’ll be top-of-the-class,” he shot Justin a large prideful grin.

Hearing that Justin was going to take Runes, his smile faltered, but he shrugged it off. “I guess I won’t drop it then. I’ll just be really busy this year, but that’s okay.” He chewed his lip for a second, contemplating his answer. Where exactly did he want to end up in the Ministry? He knew that most of the positions were awarded through patronage, experience, and seniority, so it would be a long and uphill hike. He’d have to start off somewhere in a paper-filing position, but he was determined to climb the ranks. “To be honest...” he started quietly. Though it wasn’t the most prestigious position (meaning he wouldn’t admit it to anyone other than Justin), there was one department that had particularly caught his eye. “I was thinking of the International Magical Cooperation department. If I had a seat in the International Confederation of Wizards, I feel like I’d be living my dream job--and, actually,” he continued, now that he was talking about yet another subject he was passionate in, “I would want to push for Hogwarts to offer International studies classes as well. History of Magic just doesn’t cut it, in my opinion.” He looked over at Justin and smiled. “And I’m positive that if I simply out-work everyone else, I can get there in record time.”

[hpuff-macmillan-blog]

Sorry for the few days without replies. I’ve been moving into a new apartment, and I’m finally (kinda) settled in, so replies will come tomorrow. I hope everyone’s had a great week!

[hpuff-macmillan-blog]

* ofjustins

It sounded to Justin that not everyone - that not anyone - had the amazing vacation that he had. Many of the other students seemed to have stayed in Great Britain, while the solution for Justin’s problems had simply been leaving. Halfway across the world there was no war and there were no Death Eaters and there was also a lot of world to see and experience. But of course these students’ parents knew what was going on in the Wizarding World, whereas Justin had semi-accidentally made sure that his parents, both muggles, didn’t have a clue. He wasn’t exactly blind to it himself, but he preferred having spent his vacation not thinking about it. “Well, there is nothing wrong with a calm vacation at home,” he said with a smile, pretending that he didn’t see the implications of the words. He may be naive, but he had tried to be less naive; joining Dumbledore’s Army had opened his eyes a little in that respect. “And I think this year is going to be great, too. We’re finally sixth years! We got to pick our own NEWTs and we have a lot of free time according to the time schedule.” Time that would have to spent doing school work, sure, but Justin was sure there was time for other activities as well, such as drawing. “Were you happy with your OWL results?” he asked Ernie. Justin didn’t notice that his friend was watching something else, as he was too occupied thinking about his own OWL results and what his next class was going to be.  “I was drawing,” he replied to Ernie’s question as he gestured with the pencil. “But I really wasn’t that far yet. I can do it another time if you’d rather go study in the common room.” With that, he moved back to get his stuff and joined Ernie a minute later, frowning briefly at the sight of the Slytherins. It didn’t occur to him they were the reason Ernie wanted to leave. “So what were you studying?” he asked. “I was planning to look over Herbology before the class later today. Do you still take Herbology?”

Ernie returned Justin’s smile and gave him a reassuring nod. “Yeah, I can’t wait to dive into classes and coursework. I’ve needed something desperately to occupy my mind, and, to be honest, I think my wand’s gotten bored too. I read something about wizards with sycamore wands that combusted when they weren’t used for anything exciting. Sure enough, since my wand sat at home unused all summer, I came back and tried to cast an easy color-changing charm and my wand wasn’t having it. It even shot a spark or two,” he explained, worriedly. “Almost caught my shoes on fire...”

“Oh, yeah. I was pretty satisfied with my scores. I got superior scores in all of them, even managed to get an outstanding in potions by the grace of Merlin,” he shook his head. “Don’t know how that happened. I could have done with an outstanding in Herbology or something as well, but I won’t complain. I’ll just work harder on the NEWTs,” he said, as if that statement were an easily-accomplished goal. Ernie wasn’t sure why Justin had the impression that they had a lot of free time this year. He had just been sitting down at the table planning out the first few weeks before the pencil shot at him, and he could hardly see any free time. He had allotted specific hours for homework, and specific hours for reading ahead and further studying. Factoring in club meetings, sleep, dinner and lunch, there were only a couple hours every day that he wouldn’t be weighed on by some kind of responsibility.

“Oh-” Ernie meant to tell Justin that he didn’t want to stop him from drawing, but before he got the chance the boy had already gathered his things to head back to the common room. While Justin was turned away, Ernie looked back over at the Slytherin bunch, eyeing the awful manner in which the smirked and snickered with their heads tucked closely together. His dislike for the house grew each day, especially in the past two years. When Justin joined him again, Ernie tipped his head toward the large doors leading into the Great Hall and began walking toward the exit. 

“Unfortunately, yes,” he sighed. “You know how I feel about, like, dirt and grime, and I feel like that’s all Herbology is. Sadly, if I want a top spot in the Ministry, I have to get as many good NEWTs as I can,” he rambled, enjoying talking about himself and his prestige. “Transfiguration, Herbology, Defence Against the Dark Arts, Charms, Potions, Study, of Ancient Runes, and Arithmancy, though I might drop Runes...Anyway, Divination and Care of Magical Creatures can bite me. Nobody at the Ministry really take those too seriously...” He didn’t feel too bad about taking over the conversation, so he didn’t ask Justin what his subjects were in order to be well-mannered, but rather because he was genuinely curious if he’d have the same subjects as his friend. “How’d your results go? Besides Herbology, what are your other classes?” Another question popped into his head, and he looked over at Justin with a serious expression. “By the way, do you have a career in mind? Do you- err- plan to do something in the magical world?”

[hpuff-macmillan-blog]

* entwhistles

“i suppose the circumstances were more than a bit different than they are now, sadly.”  kevin would have been absolutely thrilled if dumbledore’s army had made a comeback, though he wasn’t holding his breath.  truth be told, he was just looking for an excuse to fight again.  it was a great feeling for him, even when it came in a more educational setting.  though he figured duelling club would have to suffice this year.  kevin thought it had been a great time when lockhart introduced it years ago, even though it wasn’t very successful.  “maybe if you ask potter nicely, he’ll reconsider,” he teased.

kevin merely nodded, completely understanding the other’s reluctance to join so late.  it wouldn’t have been easy, surely.  “well, it’s your call.  if you feel up for it, try out.  if not, we’d be just as glad to have you cheering in the stands.”  he clapped ernie on the back, reassuring him that whatever he chose, they were happy to have him.  “i’m glad you asked, actually!”  kevin smiled, a bit proudly.  “i just got a new one.  thought of it a bit as a treat for doing as well as i did on my o.w.l.’s.  a comet 290.  can’t wait to try it out.”

Ernie let out a dry laugh. “Right. Like Harry Potter doesn’t have enough on his plate. As much as I’d like to pick his brain, I think that guy needs some serious space.” Scratching the back of his neck, he tried not to delve too far into the topic that hung over everyone’s heads these days. “But then again, nothing is stopping us from continuing to practice, y’know? We don’t need the Room of Requirement now, since the pink devil incarnate isn’t forcing us into hiding. If you ever want to duel, or like, practice,” he shrugged, “i’m always down.” He chewed on his cheek for a moment before nodding at the books in front of Kevin. “Sorry for interrupting, anyway. What are you working on?”

The clap on the shoulder itself was just enough to convince Ernie to try out for the team. He was a proud person and didn’t like feeling as though he weren’t on the same level as other students, if not ahead of them. The gesture felt almost patronizing, as though he were a child listening to the advice of a wise superior. His face turning slightly pink, he straightened up and maybe (just maybe) puffed out his chest a little bit. “Right,” he said. “That’s it, then. You can expect me at try-outs,” he nodded firmly. “I think I know someone who will let me try their broom for a day.” His eyes widened slightly upon hearing which model Kevin owned. “A 290? That’s a rather new model! If I made the team and sent home that I needed a broom, the best I could hope for is a 260. Although- if I really begged I wonder if I could convince them I needed a Nimbus...”

[dcadflwrs-deactivated20200523]

“–i am equipped with the finest lavender-lemon blend–” a long fingernail with chipped blue polish tapped the side of a porcelain mug full of a deep-orange tea. “–which is designed for calming nerves and easing stress, i just mastered the bubble-head charm, and i’ve also managed to beat down every compulsion i have to cry over the new celestina warbeck album release being pushed back another month. i am a master of my emotions, right now, so nothing you could tell me would upset me.”

“you were saying?”

[hpuff-macmillan-blog]

“Celestina Warbeck?” he repeated in disbelief. “I’ll say, Hannah, how old are you?” Ernie teased. “I think my mum and her mum are avid Warbeck fans. I didn’t expect you to care about her album release,” he said, laughing heartily so that he had to cover his mouth to keep from being too loud, though this didn’t help much, and he received odd looks from the surrounding students anyway. He shot them a look as though to tell them mind your own business. 

He looked back at his friend, cracking another smile. He didn’t make fun of Hannah to be mean, he just liked to joke around and she made it really easy. “So,” he said, drawing out the syllable. “The bubble-head charm. Sophisticated stuff, right there,” he let out another small chuckle of laughter. 

[hpuff-macmillan-blog]

* oliverivers

The longer that their conversation wore on, the more annoyed Oliver grew. While he’d always made a point of being friendly to Ernie, he’d never gone out of his way to engage in a conversation with his peer- and this reminded him why. Apart from their shared House and excellent work ethic, they had next to nothing in common- and neither of those were topics he really cared to converse.

“Was it?” he found himself responding almost immediately, his words coming off as slightly hostile as he turned his focus to the corridor in front of them, his pace quickly picking up as he found himself wanting out of the situation even more. Unfortunately this only led to Ernie matching his pace.

“It was fine,” he muttered, allowing a small sigh to escape from his lips as he once again attempted to pick up his speed. Engaging in a useless conversation was one thing, but engaging in a conversation about his summer was something else entirely. And it happened to be something he didn’t want to talk about. He had never liked sharing details of his home life, and he especially didn’t want to start talking about it now, not with what was going on around them. “I imagine it must suck, not having any pocket money,” he offered, intentionally allowing hostility into his words.

Ernie wasn’t the kind of guy to maintain a false-sense of positivity when he was being disrespected. While he wanted to be friendly and carry on an optimistic conversation with his housemate, he found Oliver’s attitude to be overly brisk and ill-tempered. He wasn’t sure if something was wrong, if Oliver had a bad class period or a bad summer, but he wasn’t going to stand being spoken to in such a way. He had expected more from his friend. The cold-shoulder routine seemed immature.

“Are you good?” Ernie asked abruptly. He could handle someone being rude to him, but the moment Oliver insulted his family by insinuating lower status because of wealth, he wasn’t going to take it. “You’re being a bit of a prick right now, Rivers. I don’t recall disrespecting you, so please don’t disrespect me,” his said, his tone sharp. He hardly ever called anyone by their last name aside from a few choice Slytherins. He had sensed Oliver’s change in speed, and although he had tried initially to keep up, he suddenly stopped on one of the staircases, scrunching his brows together as he watched Oliver trot down a few more steps. “Go on, then,” he growled, waving a hand. 

[hpuff-macmillan-blog]

* inthegreengrass

“I don’t really appreciate being sworn at,” he said sharply, his tone a severe contrast with his actions of helping pick up her books. “I could look out a little more, but an ‘excuse me’ wouldn’t hurt either.”

The Slytherin wasn’t expecting any sort of help especially since she did technically run into him and curse him out for it, but the sharp rebuttal was not a surprise. As much as she was in a hurry and already very much so frustrated, Daphne didn’t let the reaction make her mood even worse. The agitation stayed constant, however, and she had to keep reminding herself to not be weak, don’t you dare tear up a little bit.

“Thanks,” she hissed with not an ounce of a genuine apology in her voice as she took back her belongings and tightly wrapped her arms around them against her chest so they wouldn’t drop again. That’s all she needed was to look like a clumsy fool who didn’t know how to handle their life. She knew somewhere deep in the cold heart she carried, that it wasn’t right to talk to someone how she was treating him, but it was a defensive mechanism for people she didn’t know or trust. Give them a reason to not like her then she won’t get hurt in the long run.

“Well, if you weren’t walking in the middle of the corridor with your head up your ass, maybe people wouldn’t ram right into you. Maybe step to the side if you want to lollygag,” Daphne replied with the frustration still evident in how she spoke. She wouldn’t apologize either for how she initially spoke to him, it just simply slipped out and she sure wasn’t sorry about it. He shouldn’t have been in her way and that was that. The corridors weren’t reserved for people to idle in the middle, no caring if people around them were in a hurry or needed to get around them. Not everyone had the pleasure as he did of diddle dallying to their classes and that was made the frustration increase; she bit her tongue, though, so she wouldn’t say anything else she might regret. 

This interaction with the Slytherin did nothing to mend Ernie’s distrust of the house, and it was no surprise, given that Hufflepuffs and Slytherins often butted heads. He couldn’t recall a single good interaction he’s had with someone from that house in all five of his years at Hogwarts. This girl was truly living up to her house’s reputation, and it was successfully getting on Ernie’s nerves, though he didn’t let on. He always made an attempt at being the bigger person in situations like these, keeping a cool head and keeping his voice low.

“Look, I’m sorry you fell,” he apologized, though he felt that he wasn’t at fault. He was the kind of person, though very proud, to prefer civility than arguing who was to blame. His shoulders squared as he straightened up when she snatched the books. “I haven’t really done anything wrong, though, and I really have to ask again that you don’t swear at me,” he insisted, his voice a little more forceful by the end of his sentence. Her expression was really bothering him, and he began to struggle at staying calm. 

Ernie noticed that the last straggling students began to trickle into the classrooms and wooden doors swung closed behind them. Giving a frustrated sigh, his eyes glanced over the Slytherin girl again before he stepped to the side in an exaggerated manner. “If you’re done with venting your unfounded frustration, I need to get to Transfiguration.”

[hpuff-macmillan-blog]

* ofjustins

“Ernie, hey!” Justin was happily surprised to run into his friend. He hadn’t seen the other on the Hogwarts Express on the way to Hogwarts and by the time he walked into the dormitory the first night the curtains of the other’s bed were already drawn shut. “It’s so good to see you again. You should definitely try out for the team: you’d be a great addition.” Justin would of course support any of his friends and housemates that tried out for the team, but he felt like he was a little extra enthusiastic with Ernie, who was one of his closest friends. Once he got the pencil from the ground he toyed with it absent-mindedly as he studied Ernie, as though he was looking to see if anything changed in the two months that they hadn’t seen each other. He couldn’t find much. “My summer was the best,” he declared with a grin. “But I think I say that every summer. I mean it every year, though. Seeing my family was exactly what I needed to motivate myself for another year here.” With his mother’s family, Justin was always the odd one out. With his father’s family, on the other hand, he was simply one of them. “But I am also happy to be back and I can’t wait to get started with some of the classes.” And others, not so much, but that was just a part of Hogwarts.

“How was your summer?” he asked the other curiously. “Did you have a good time or are you happy that the new school year has begun?” One option didn’t necessarily exclude the other, though, something that registered after Justin spoke. “Or both?” he added as an afterthought.

Ernie was relieved to hear that Justin’s summer was enjoyable. He didn’t want to say anything, but he was secretly worried about his muggle-born friend. With You-Know-Who at large, the wizarding community wasn’t as safe or secure as it had been. Justin, along with many other Hufflepuffs of the same bloodline, had been on Ernie’s mind a lot over the summer. He was scared, frankly, that any day now the blood-purists would be back at it. Having Justin back at Hogwarts was a relief, because he felt that he was much safer here than anywhere else. “Glad to here it,” he replied, wearing a convincing smile. 

“My summer was pretty boring, to be honest. I didn’t get the chance to do much with it. Mum thought about a vacation, but she decided we better hold off,” he shrugged. His summer really hadn’t been all that interesting, and he was glad to be back. He might have started going crazy being cooped up in his house all the time. “So, yeah, I am quite happy to be back. I think we have a good year ahead of us,” he predicted hopefully.

Ernie’s eyes flicked past his friend, watching carefully as a group of at least five Slytherins entered the Great Hall. Each of them wore a smug look, and they carried books as though they were going to study, but their mouths didn’t stop flapping and their eyes didn’t cease to scan through the room as though to find the next student they’d gossip about. He turned his attention back to Justin. “So, what’re you up to? Doing some school work?” he asked, attempting to be casual about it. “D’you want to head up to the common room to study together?” He made it sound like an innocent suggestion. He wasn’t going to admit that he’d been fretting the whole summer, and now having Slytherins around Justin was making him nervous, and probably would make him nervous the whole rest of the year.

[hpuff-macmillan-blog]

* entwhistles

“you and me both, mate.  not quite sure what i wanna do yet …  still figuring that one out, but i’m sure whatever it turns out to be, i’ll need potions for it.”  kevin nodded, agreeing wholeheartedly with everything his housemate was saying.  “i can’t say i’m too thrilled about him taking overdefence, but at least he seems to be a bit more forgiving about that. — at least as far as o.w.l.’s go.”  he immediately corrected himself.  professor snape was one of the least forgiving people kevin had ever met.  personally and professionally.  and he couldn’t help but wonder if it was because he was a hufflepuff, a muggle-born, or both.  probably both.  

“you should do it!”  kevin encouraged, a bit of pride shining through.  “you wouldn’t be the first to start late, by any means.  i didn’t join the team till third year.  hell, weasley didn’t start playing for gryffindor until last year.”  he pushed his book off to the side, out of the way of their conversation.  “you know what they say — it’s never too late, right?  you might blow us all away, or something.  it’s definitely worth a shot.”

Ernie twisted his face as though he smelled something sour, agreeing completely that moving Snape to one of his favorite subjects was a disaster. Last year he had to endure an entire year of ‘wands away!’ and ‘a theoretical knowledge will suffice to pass your OWLs’. He didn’t want another year of dreading going to that class, though he couldn’t decide if it was worse to have Snape or Umbridge. Probably Umbridge, seeing as Snape was answerable to Dumbledore. “I reckon, if we got Harry Potter to teach us some side Defence Against the Dark arts for another year, we’d annihilate those tests,” he theorized. He wasn’t too scared of bringing up the subject of Dumbledore’s Army, knowing full well that Kevin had been a part of it too. “That guy has a knack for those spells that even I don’t get, and that’s saying something,” he said proudly.

Despite the other’s encouragement, Ernie was still hesitant, though there’s no way that he would let on. He wasn’t the best flier because he didn’t have a lot of practice, and he wasn’t sure that he was in the same league talent-wise as all the others. Still, he put on a show of confidence, shrugging his shoulders nonchalantly. “I don’t even have a broom, to be honest. I bet my parents have a dingy old one somewhere, but I don’t want to make the investment unless I know if I’ve got a position, y’know? What kind of broom do you have?”

[hpuff-macmillan-blog]

* oliverivers

Oliver had always had a habit of either being the first out of a classroom or the very last, that way he was able to avoid having to engage in any sort of meaningless conversation with his peers. But since the start of the year, he’d started to go even more out of his way to avoid interactions. Tensions were high and the last thing he wanted to do was reveal too much information, not that he had anything terrible to hide. But he knew he’d be forced to converse with someone eventually, he just wished that it was someone other than Ernie. He didn’t hate his classmate or anything like that, but he’d never found him to be interesting.

Allowing a small, frustrated sigh to escape from his lips, Oliver hoisted his bag over his shoulder as he cast a glance at the other boy. “That class is a waste regardless of your N.E.W.T.,” he responded with a small laugh, a faint trace of a smile briefly appearing across his face. While Oliver was known for keeping his opinions to himself, he’d always been very vocal about his hatred of astronomy. And for a brief moment, he found himself actually enjoying his conversation with Ernie.

But it didn’t last long, his smile was quickly replaced by a scowl as he heard the other ask if he was okay. Oliver didn’t think that anyone was okay, not with everything going on- but he thought that was obvious. But, not wanting to get involved in a conversation about his feelings he simply shrugged. “Haven’t had much to talk about, I guess,” he mumbled as he lifted his head to look at the other. The scowl returned to his face as he heard the other talk, he knew it was a joke- but it was rather insulting. “If anyone failed their OWLS, it’d be you Macmillan,” he responded, a hint of hostility present in his words.

Ernest nearly choked as he tried to stifle a loud laugh, baffled that Oliver would make such an outrageous accusation. He spent eight or nine hours a day studying for those exams the previous year, and everyone in Hufflepuff was aware just how much effort he had put in, including Oliver. Ernie hadn’t gotten anything less than Exceeds Expectations in any subject, and the attack by his fellow Hufflepuff was more comical than insulting. Nevertheless, he wouldn’t stand for anything that would debase his reputation, and he squared his shoulders as he gave Oliver a pointed look.

“It was just a joke, Ollie, no need to lash out. I’m sure your results came without any surprises.” He started the long journey down the stairs, keeping pace with the boy, not yet wanting to let him slip out of range of conversation quite yet. He peered over the railing and saw his fellow classmates already reaching the bottom of the staircases, heading to the common room. 

“Was the rest of your summer alright?” he asked. “Happy to be back at school? I always get a bit stir-crazy staying at home all summer. Not that I necessarily wanted to go out,” he added, shrugging off a light chill that trickled down his back. “Nothing but worrying news in the papers, these days. My parents wouldn’t let me leave the place without knowing my exact whereabouts. Didn’t even want me to get a part-time job.”

[hpuff-macmillan-blog]

@oliverivers

As the two of them were walking back from Astronomy, Ernie just happened to end up in pace with Oliver Rivers. He’d much prefer the company of Hannah or Justin, but seeing as they were far ahead, he settled with starting a conversation with the boy at hand. “I swear, if I don’t get a good NEWT back from this dum- from this class,” he corrected, casting a glance at a portrait who looked exactly like the kind of guy to tattle on Ernie for shit-talking the course. “I’ll have wasted years of my life looking at star charts for nothing,” he said bitterly, looking over at the other. 

“Say, Ollie,” he quirked an eyebrow. “Is everything alright? You have been awfully quiet since the start of the year.” Not that Oliver spoke a lot, but Ernie hadn’t had a real conversation with him since they’d arrived earlier in the week. Straightening the backpack on his shoulders, Ernie bumped the other with his fist. “Let me guess, you failed all of your OWLs, haven’t ya?”

[okayhadley-blog]

“i’m starting to wonder if slughorn allowing more than just Os for his potions class was such a good idea,” kevin pondered aloud.  he was mostly kidding — he wouldn’t have gotten in with his exceeds expectations if snape were still teaching potions, after all.  which would’ve meant a whole new career plan …  but it was still the first week, and the boy felt like his hand was about to fall off from writing so many essays.  you win some, you lose some.  

he glanced around the library, noticing how many other sixth- and seventh-years were in there as well.  a part of kevin had always assumed that the older students were exaggerating when they complained about how much work came with n.e.w.t. classes.  clearly not.  he gave a final once-over the page of his text book and shut it defeatedly, having read the same page no less than three times.  “dunno about you, but i’m just ready to get back out on the pitch.  tryouts can’t come fast enough.”  kevin needed to do something — he needed an outlet.  especially after being so idle and miserable all summer.  

[hpuff-macmillan-blog]

Ernie happened to be shelving a book when he heard the boy next to him. He watched the extra Charms resources float up to it’s spot on the shelf and turned to the other. “Personally, I’m relieved,” he said, recognizing his fellow Hufflepuff that seemed to be fretting bout NEWTS just as much as he. “If Snape were still teaching the class, my hopes of working at the Ministry would be about as useful as a Flobberworm,” he sighed. “And anyhow, I expect Slughorn will be a lot better of a teacher. Half the mistakes I make in that stupid subject were because Snape was, frankly, a git.” He glanced over his shoulder to make sure the professor wasn’t standing behind him. Despite his Outstanding grade in the Potions OWL, he never liked the subject because of the professor and the dingy room. Ernie always felt the compulsing to wipe his hands on his robes after touching anything when in Potions class.

Hearing the mention of Quidditch, Ernie’s attention snapped back to Kevin. “Right! You’re on the team, aren’t you?” he said excitedly, more remembering out loud rather than actually asking the question. “Listen- I was thinking about trying out. I know my chances are slim, seeing as I haven’t been on the team the past five years, but I’m honestly not terrible at any of the positions...” he pulled a chair over to Kevin’s table and plopped down into it without asking if he could join “...I just figured if there’s an opening anywhere, I can try and fill it. I really do like Quidditch, and we only have two years left here, and I wouldn’t want to look back and regret never giving it a shot.”

[fiinnigans-blog]

Justin was relieved to be back at Hogwarts. Being at Hogwarts was a whole other kind of world, and a whole other kind of busy, than being in Mexico City was. Both places were crowded, they were places Justin knew well by now and they were places he loved, but that was where the resemblance stopped. It meant that he left his sketch block for drawings at Mexico at home and took a new one with him to Hogwarts in hopes of drawing places and objects better than he had done last time he tried after he was done with his homework. Drawing was a process in Justin’s eyes and he liked to think he got better with every time he tried.

He took six NEWT classes, and to his surprise NEWT classes meant a lot of free time that was no doubt used to study. Since it was only the first week, Justin decided to try a combination of studying and drawing (he knew he’d have no time for it once homework started piling up). He was sat in the Great Hall with his back against the left wall and on the table in front of him both an open book and an open sketch block were laying on a table in front of him. He was toying with his pencil until it went flying and he had to go and get it back. Unfortunately for him it landed right next to where someone was sitting. “I’m sorry,” he started as he passed by, crouching to get the pencil where it was laying underneath the table. “My pencil is there. See, this is why I made the wise decision as a kid that drawing was my hobby, instead of something that requires eye-hand coordination. I think it’s safer for everyone that I never try out for quidditch.” He heard try-outs were in these upcoming weeks and intended to attend them to support his housemates. Getting back up, he dusted the filth off his robes. “I feel like Filch does little cleaning for a caretaker,” he remarked.

[hpuff-macmillan-blog]

Ernie hadn’t quite started his usual routine of extended hours of studying. The past year, he could spend up to nine hours a day pouring over books and scrolls, absorbing as much information for the O.W.Ls as he could. Rather than diving in head first, he was taking the time to organize. He looked at his course schedule, and class-by-class went down the list and reviewed the N.E.W.T curriculum for each subject so that he’d know how the year was going to go, and for the first quarter he wrote down what needed to be covered on some parchment.

He was so absorbed in his own activities that he didn’t notice the pencil until it made a sound on the ground, causing him to jump, startled. He leaned back to see where the pencil landed as someone crouched down to grab it. Ernie immediately knew who it was when the boy’s familiar voice reached him, words rambling apologetically. Ernie stood up from the table, quirking an eyebrow. “Funny you should mention, I was actually thinking of trying for Quidditch myself, this year,” he informed his friend.

Justin and Ernie hadn’t seen each other since the two of them cursed Draco Malfoy and his goons into slugs on the way home on the Hogwarts Express. Recalling the memory caused a mischievous grin to tickle Ernie’s lips. If only he could get the chance to try that transfiguration technique again. He was, apparently, particularly good at it. “How’d your summer go, Justin? Happy to be back?” 

[hpuff-macmillan-blog]

Is that Nico Mirallegro? No, it’s actually Ernest Macmillan, the Sixth year Hufflepuff. He looks forward to taking Defense Against the Dark Arts and Charms, but loathes Astronomy. Rumour has it his patronus would be a Boar, because he is Bold and Honest but also Pompous and Incautious. The Pure Blood is looking forward to the new school year.

Introduction

Name: Ernest Macmillan

Also Known As: Ernie, Macmillan

Occupation: Student, prefect

Age: 16

Birthday: July 14th

Astrological Sign: Cancer

Nationality: Scottish

Species: Wizard

Blood Type: Pureblood

Sex: Male

Gender: Male

Orientation: Homosexual

Past/Bio:

About Him/Her

Personality: Ernie isn’t the quintessential Hufflepuff student. By no means does this mean that he was sorted wrongly, but rather his personality is a bit deviant from those around him. He is a proud boy who cares a lot for building and maintaining a reputation for himself; he wants others to see him as someone who is strong, skillful, and the kind of guy you’d want to pick first to be on your team for just about anything. This means that his pride often overshadows the fact that he’s a nice person, making him come off as snobby, pompous, or even a bit of an asshole. 

School is one of Ernie’s top priorities. He’s a brilliant student for several reasons. Firstly, he is great at focusing and can spend long periods of time devoting himself to studying. He isn’t as naturally smart as Hermione, or as good at thinking outside of the box as any Ravenclaw, but he makes up for that by working as hard as possible to contend with those at the top of the class. Secondly, he is rather naturally gifted at working practically. If there’s a tricky spell to be performed, he is often one of the first who can work through it and perfect it through practice and concentration.

When it comes to making friends, it might be a bit harder for him than other Hufflepuffs, simply because he’s not as approachable. Because of the air of excellence that he tries to surround himself with, it causes him to alienate others who don’t think that reputations or the public eye are so important. However, he’s still a Hufflepuff, which means that friendships are something that he holds near to him. His loyalty is outmatched by few. When he gets to know someone and establishes a bond, he sticks to it and serves as a dependable friend until the end of time, no matter if they drift apart from non-communication. If you have talked to Ernie once and made him laugh, there’s a good chance that he’d do a favor for you ten years later, if you asked him. He also will never put down anyone close to him. Despite his slight superiority complex, he would never say something derisive or insensitive merely because someone might not be popular, or intelligent, or whatever the case may be. He sees value in making everyone feel important, because in his eye everyone is unique and deserves to be treated with respect, as long as respect is reciprocated.

Ernie is rather headstrong which makes it hard for him to settle disagreements or find compromise. On the flip side of that coin, it is quite easy for him to stand up for what he believes in. Depending on the situation, these traits can be a great advantage, or a hindrance. Those who agree with him can find a strong confidante and supporter, and those who absolutely disagree with him can find a stern and unyielding opposition. 

Likes: + Cauldron cakes, pumpkin pasties, and chocolate frogs + Charms, Transfiguration, D.A.D.A, History of Magic + Exploring and adventure + Classical music + Duelling

Dislikes: -  Bertie Botts’, pepper imps, licorice wands -  Astronomy, Potions, Care of Magical Creatures, Divination, Herbology - Anything messy - Wizard’s chess - Losing

Hobbies: Dueling, practicing magic in empty corridors, running/swimming (for exercise), socializing

Talents: Practical magic (ex. casting a Patronus rather than Divining from tea leaves or interpreting star charts). 

Appearance: Ernie started out his years at Hogwarts as a rather plump-looking student with gelled hair. He wanted to be known among the students immediately as someone who was sophisticated and put-together. Over the years, he decided that he would rather make a sophisticated impression from his demeanor rather than slick hair. He shed weight around his fourth year by exercising every other day, and can still be seen running across the grounds on the weekends when his homework load is finished. 

Ernie’s hair is light-brown and straight, and he usually keeps the length just above his eyebrows. His eyes are deep and chocolatey, resembling the round innocence of a puppy-dog. He stands about 5′10″,  average for the students at Hogwarts. He doesn’t have any tattoos, mainly out of concern for his ministry job. If the tattoo were visible, he’d have a hard time getting a respectable job and climbing the ranks in the wizarding government. He does, however, have a pierced left ear. He uses it as his small bit of rebellion against his own standards of what a prim-and-proper wizard should look like. He doesn’t fret too much about it, because when he wants to present himself in a certain way he merely takes the piercing out. Ernie doesn’t wear cologne, but he uses sandalwood body soap.

Relationships

Father:

Mother:

Siblings:

Relatives:

Family Line of Work:

Family Background:

Best Friends:

Friends:

Love Interest:

Enemies:

Education

Best Core Class:

Worst Core Class:

Elective:

Quidditch:

Extra-Curricular:

Wand: - Length: - Flexibility: - Wood: - Core:

Pets:

Boggart:

Animagus/Patronus:

Amortentia:

Affiliations/Alliances

Loyalty:

Organizations:

Extra Information

Theme Song:

Food:

Drink:

Color:

Animal:

Flower:

Season:

[ofbatbogeyhexes-blog]

Late, late, late. If she didn’t have that last stupid shot of firewhisky last night, she wouldn’t have been running late today. She would just have to skip breakfast and walk as briskly as she could to her first class of the day, Transfiguration. There was just enough time to where she didn’t need to run, but if she didn’t hurry, it would have to happen. She prayed to Merlin that she wouldn’t be late; detention was just not in her plans this semester, and she knew Professor McGonagall would not hesitate to hand out detention for being late. A good hex would have to do to whomever allowed her to oversleep, making her late. With her book and assignments held within her arms, book bag on her left shoulder, and wand safely tucked in the pocket of her robes. Daphne grabbed the absolute necessities before she left, probably forgetting something, but she had no time to rummage through all of her belongings to ensure to grabbed everything. She would just have to do it after class if there was a forgotten item. 

Anger immediately broke loose as soon as her body collided with another, her book and parchments flying from her arms. Of course this happens when she was in a hurry. Running late never ran smoothly. It took a second for her to assemble her emotions before absolutely exploding on the other person, but she couldn’t not let some of the irritation slip through her lips. 

“Can you watch where you’re going, holy shit,” Daphne responded hotly as she bent down to begin collecting and organizing her things not bothering to look at whomever to ran into. “I don’t have time for this,” she also huffed, stuffing papers where they probably didn’t belong. Don’t tear up, don’t tear up, don’t cry, you whiny baby. It was a reflexive reaction, crying when frustrated and she felt so weak whenever it happened. Don’t you dare be weak.

[hpuff-macmillan-blog]

Ernie wasn’t too worried about being on time to class, given his almost-perfect attendance and the fact that he was on McGonagall’s good side, given his decent result in the O.W.L. Along with that, his prefect status practically exempted him from ever being scolded for tardiness, not that it ever happened. All of these factors had caused Ernie to take a bit more time than usual getting breakfast that morning, and he was sauntering at a leisure pace to McGonagall’s class.

This experience was apparently drastically different than the experience of the student who bumped into him. He jolted forward, feeling the impact hit the square of his back as though getting smacked by a bludger. If this wasn't surprising enough, he heard swearing which caused his eyebrows to shoot up on his face. He turned slowly to see the source of the commotion, and once he glimpsed the green lining on the other student’s robes he understood. 

Ernie wasn’t necessarily prejudiced against Slytherin, but he had more than a few bad experiences with the lot of them. He typically wouldn’t make an immediate judgement, except that the girl’s immediate response was to verbally blame him, even though he was facing the other way. That didn’t set his mood up happily. Despite her foul reaction and his annoyance at it, he pulled his wand from his robes and levitated a few of her books from the ground into his hand, offering them out.

“I don’t really appreciate being sworn at,” he said sharply, his tone a severe contrast with his actions of helping pick up her books. “I could look out a little more, but an ‘excuse me’ wouldn’t hurt either.”

[hpuff-macmillan-blog]

* lvnaism

   Luna is relieved to see a much more familiar face. She was expecting someone with the intentions of messing with her because that’s what usually happens. Though she knew Ernie enough to know that he hopefully wouldn’t do the same. Any friend of Harry’s was a friend of hers, that’s her belief. She hadn’t seen a lot of the other since the year prior and it was always nice to reconnect with old connections. ❛ Hello there, Ernie Macmillan. ❜ Luna says with great pleasure, smiling whimsically at the boy. ❛ Nargles! It’s a creature me and my dad believe in. They’re nasty little thieves. ❜

    Her calm demeanor shifts suddenly at the mention of the word someone. Did she really fall for their tricks again? Her mind thinks back to all of the classmates she had asked about her shoes and each one of them laughed in her face. Suddenly she realizes that maybe it wasn’t the Nargles after all. ❛ I guess that could be the case.. but I don’t really want to believe it. ❜ She admits quietly.

    The girl shakes the feeling away. She wasn’t going to take things to heart, especially if it was a silly thing like someone hiding a pair of her shoes. In stead she decides to change the subject. ❛ I’ll just find them later. It’ll be like a scavenger hunt and I’ve always enjoyed those. How was your summer, Ernie? ❜

He repeated the name of the magical creatures in his head skeptically. They hadn’t learned of that specific species in any Care of Magical Creatures class, nor in D.A.D.A their third year, or Ernie would have remembered. He took a special liking to the subject ever since his second year. The name of the creature didn’t sound familiar, but then again Luna was notorious for saying things that didn’t make sense, at least not straight away. 

“Err...” Ernie wasn’t really sure what to say. She seemed to expect the best of people, and although he found that noble, he also found it a bit foolish. The overwhelming probability was that it was her classmates who pulled the prank, not some thievish creatures. In order to make her feel a bit better, however, he decided to suggest an alternative theory. “Maybe it was Peeves,” he said, shrugging both shoulders, giving her a ‘could be a possibility’ look. “Maybe asking the ghosts would give you a place to start.”

He hadn’t expected his venture out of his common room to end him up in a conversation with Luna Lovegood of all people, but she was a kind enough spirit and he supposed it was better than counting the stairs while descending back down to the basements. “It was alright. Nothing exciting, except reading about that break-in at Ollivander’s.” Ernie clucked his tongue and shook his head sadly. “Not good.” He didn’t want to put a damper on spirits, but the morale around the castle wasn’t necessarily high to begin with, so he reckoned it wasn’t a taboo topic. “Anyway, I hope your summer was alright?”

[spazways-deactivated20210605]

     It’s only been a couple of days and already the girl is wandering about with bare feet. Her only good pair of school shoes have mysteriously gone missing and she already has an idea of who could be behind such mischief— Nargles. What innocent Luna didn’t know was that it wasn’t Nargles but instead, it was her fellow students. She skips through the hallway, stopping the wizards, questioning them in hopes of finding an answer. She’s been at it for hours but it doesn’t kill the girls optimism.

     She sighs before coming to a stop in the middle of the hallway. Eyes scan the hallway dreamily before Luna finally comes to a stop. A deep sigh escapes through her lips and she’s starting to accept the idea of not having to wear shoes for the rest of the year. The girl gives up after a strong fight and decides to head back to the dormitories. She turns her body back around and before she can step forward, the girl tumbles right into someone.

     Snapping her out of her usual gaze, the girl grabs the others arm to steady herself before a flutter of laughter leaves her lips. ❛  Oh my! Sorry about that, my mind is terribly fuzzy right now. ❜ She admits in truth. Luna is about to walk off again but before she does the girl asks them the same question she’s asked a plethora of other students, ❛ Have you seen a pair of school shoes? My suspicions are that the Nargle’s have them hidden. ❜

[hpuff-macmillan-blog]

Ernie had been quite restless since they arrived back at school. It was difficult to imagine that a normal, boring school year lay ahead of them, and yet so far that’s what it was turning out to be. The beginning of their year was nothing like the end of the previous one, and it was starting to get under his skin. How was he supposed to go from such rebellious excitement and activity to positively stagnant after just a few measly months of summer break?

Wandering the castle, everything looked as if the previous year never actually happened. The moving portraits scattered the halls once again, one of them asking how his summer went as he idled by. He was reluctant to admit that his summer was uneventful, and he had looked forward to the start of term so that he might get out and about with his friends rather than sitting around watching his wand get bored on the shelf.

Rounding the corner of the seventh floor, having already visited floors one through six to find some entertainment, he meant to head back to the Hufflepuff common room but instead collided headlong with another student. He was startled, expecting only ghosts and tapestries on this floor rather than another student, but when he gained his balance and looked around at who he’d bumped into, it all made sense. It was the only person, really, who he could have predicted would be up there. “O- oh, hey.” 

Ernie knew Luna by association, because they hadn’t ever really talked to each other directly. They were both in D.A, of course, and he knew her to be very talented. But, she wasn’t exactly what would be described as discreet, and even before meeting her in the fifth year, he knew who she was. “Sorry, I haven’t seen any shoes, or nar- err- nar-gahls?” He twisted his face into one of great confusion. “Someone’s been stealing your shoes already?”