Reading Shakespeare ((Not Reserved))

[rosewood]

Julie put down the book she had in her hand and then leaned back against the tree trunk behind her, the tragic death of the hero and his lover affected her very much, and she frowned as she thought about the events and where there love had led them. She pushed back her hair from her face and looked up at the clear blue sky above her, wondering at the sadness and cruelty of life. But no… did it always have to be that way? In some ways it seemed so. Such a story could happen in the magical world, there were so many stories about purebloods running away with muggles and being disowned by their families. But it seemed to her Juliet and Romeo had not had the courage. She wondered what she would have done in the same situation. She could not seeing herself doing the same, even for love. She was too rational to decide to runaway and pretend to be dead and she wasn't a fan of drama, at least not in real life. But then her choices in life were hardly the material for a play. Her life was not dramatic in her opinion at all.

She smiled as suddenly the person she loved came into her mind. He was so brave she felt he would probably find the story funny and not tragic. No, certainly Harry was no Romeo. But then again, she was no Juliet. She turned again to one of the parts she really liked, Romeo standing below Juliet's balcony and proclaiming his love for her. She still thought the story could have ended very differently. All in all, she wasn't sure that she liked it as a story, but Shakespeare's words were fascinating. She was just turning a page when she heard someone nearby. She lowered the book to look at who it was, brushing again at the insistent strands of hair that would not stay behind her ears.

((OK, so Julie's been kidnapped, but I really want to post with her so whoever decides to post with me kindly pretend this took place before she was. Also, I'd like it if whoever joins this has read Romeo and Juliet or at least knows the events of the play.))

[Sapphire Phoenix R7]

Sapphire stepped outside into the fresh February air, breathing it in blissfully as she looked ahead of her, down and over the lake. Even this early on in the year, with January far from a distant memory, there were signs of spring. Snow still lay on the ground, but it was an overnight fall, and it would melt later on in the afternoon. Now it was just early afternoon, and the sun was bright and overhead, reflecting off the snow to make it a dazzling white and making the ice that still covered the lake thinner, the not quite smooth surface reflecting the bare trees, the sunlight shining through them. The clumps of snowdrops were in their full glory now, with fresh grass shoots peeking through the night's fall of snow and the sun shining upon them. There was hardly a cloud in the sky. All bright, bold colours. Blue, spring green and pure white. It looked it, anyway.

Sapphire was in a good mood. It was a Sunday afternoon and she had almost finished all her homework for the week, so that she would be able to start with a clean slate on Monday. She sighed in happiness as she strolled around the courtyard, drinking in the life of the day. It felt wonderful, to be able to come out here again, and linger in the sun. There was hardly anyone out here today, either. She paused for a moment as she saw the first person out there, reading Romeo and Juliet, by the looks of it. She looked around a little, allowing herself peace and quiet, and was about to continue on her way when she noticed she was being watched. It had probably seemed like she was staring at the older girl, actually. Blushing slightly, Sapphire returned the gaze and gave the reader a slight smile, without saying anything, as she was listening to the bird-song of two blue-tits in a nearby tree.

((The two have met before, but only once at the party in the Common Room, and haven't exchanged many words. I hope it's OK that I joined, I've said it's early February, so before Valentine's Day, and I have read Romeo & Juliet.))

[rosewood]

Julie smiled back at Sapphire Phoenix, who was in her same house but two years younger. She could remember exchanging a few words with her when everybody was celebrating the Ravenclaw Quidditch victory in the common room, but like in all parties it was difficult to have a proper with conversation amidst the chatter and laughter of everyone, and the loud music they had had on that day, not to mention the cheers that suddenly erupted whenever someone talked about one of the goals or their seeker getting the Snitch. It was such a pity they had lost against Slytherin. Especially that they were the better team.

"Hey there!" said Julie with a smile, "Nice day for a walk in the courtyard, isn't it? It's like winter is saying its last farewell and spring is reminding it it's about time it left," she said looking around at the courtyard fondly, then looking back at Sapphire who was looking like she was enjoying the day too. "Are you on your own or just waiting for someone?" asked Julie. A lot of students might be catching up on their homework today, but it was rare to find a Ravenclaw who was doing that. If there was a Ravenclaw reading inside right now it was probably something extra or preparation for the classes they were taking next week. The Ravenclaws at Hogwarts always seemed to be keener about their studies than most people from Julie's experience. "You do remember me, don't you? Celina's friend?" she asked, suddenly hit by the thought that Sapphire might not remember their last meeting. Julie herself had an excellent memory when it came to people, she supposed it was because she was an only child with no mother and was always on the look out for new friends and acquaintances.

((Yes, I remember. What you have written is perfect. I am happy you decided to join, Julie and Sapphire should get on marvellously though Julie is a little more forward.))

[Mia]

((I hope you guys don't mind me bringing Maria into this post. But I read Romeo and Juliet many times before, and also seen the play. ))

It was a lovely day out. No clouds were in the sky and the temperatures seemed to be just fine. Maria was wondering the courtyard with a book in her hands. It was called Romeo and Juliet, a story of two lovers with the world around them not accepting their love for each other. Maria was quite moved with the content of the plot. It was also a great play, next to her favorite musical The Phantom of the Opera. Even know Maria was not a great singer but she loved opera very much. The music seemed to be so real and passionate and has an edge. A sweet soft melody filled her ears as she continued her journey where her feet would take her. Maria's eyes were closed and she hummed a tone in her throat. Birds from trees where chirping there morning songs, and many of the students were out enjoying the good temperatures of the day. Finally Maria couldn’t hold her urge any more and she started to sing.

"You were once
My one companion . . .
You were all
That mattered . . .
You were once
a friend and father -
then my world
was shattered . . .
Wishing you were
somehow here again . . .
wishing you were
somehow near . . .
Sometimes it seemed
if I just dreamed,
somehow you would
be here . . ." She sang out and hoped no one would stop her for pitch problems.

After strolling for a while she reached a path and saw to people in the distance that stood out. One girl looked some where around her age and the other younger. By the looks they might even be Ravenclaws. A smile spread across her face as she wondered to approach the small group or not. Maybe they would accept her just fine. Walking towards them she held her book tight in her arms and stopped as she was a little away from them. "Hello I am Maria. Who might you guys be? I take it you are reading Romeo and Juliet. So am I. Maybe we could all talk about it if you like." Maria said smiling and waiting to see if they would talk to her or not.

[Sapphire Phoenix R7]

Sapphire smiled slightly more as the older Ravenclaw greeted her, not seeming at all put out at Sapphire having been staring right through her. She thought the terminology was very fitting. Winter was still around, but it was being chased away by spring. Quite right, too. This winter had been rather long and bitter. There was no doubt more snow to come, but there was life outside, and it was fighting back the cold. She was trying to place the face at the moment, as she thought it looked familiar from somewhere - but where from she wasn't quite sure. Sapphire did know the faces of quite a few of her fellow Ravenclaws, but mostly only knew the names of those in her year those adjacent to it.

The older Ravenclaw did not seem to be having quite the same problems, but had evidently sensed Sapphire's. Sapphire decided that she would just have to make a guess at it, and hope that she was at least somewhere near. "Um... yes... I think I do... Juliet... Julie... Julia?" she said, looking worriedly at the older girl, hoping she wouldn't have offended her by getting her name terribly mixed up with someone else's. Thankfully she was saved from embarassment by the arrival of another older girl, who looked to be a Gryffindor, but who Sapphire did not recognise at all. She gave the girl a small, reserved smile, not entirely sure what she meant about 'talking about it', but prepared to give it a try, and looked instead to Julia (or whoever), as she felt the older girl had more charisma to answer the newcomer.

[rosewood]

Julie smiled at Sapphire, unperturbed that she could not remember her name. That was to be expected after all, they had only exchanged a few words before and never had a real conversation. Ravenclaws spent a lot of their time studying and reading, they weren't exactly unsociable, but they just spent a lot less time socializing than the other houses. Even their conversations were a bit different; it was rare to find a Ravenclaw discussing frivolous or trivial topics with a fellow house member. Or at least they didn't discuss such topics as much as people from the other three houses did.

"Hey Maria, I'm Julie Rosewood, and this Sapphire Phoenix, we're both in Ravenclaw," she said. "You have really good eyesight!" said Julie, a little surprised that Maria had managed to see the title of the play she had been reading. "Well sure, I've just finished reading it myself. I don’t read that much Muggle literature but one of the people in my dormitory kept telling me about Shakespeare and how much she liked his books, and I finally decided I had to see what the fuss was about," said Julie, with a smile at Maria, whom she had never met before. She turned to Sapphire, who seemed a little shy, and addressed a question to her. "What about you Sapphire? You read any Shakespeare before?" she asked. Julie felt she had been missing out on a lot by completely ignoring the Muggle culture and books. She didn’t even take Muggle Studies, so she knew very little about Muggles although her late maternal grandfather had been one. But then Julie had never seen him as he had died years before she had been born.

((I don’t mind Maria, this post was open to anyone who wanted to post.))

[Mia]

Maria nodded her head as Julie introduced herself and the other Ravenclaw next to her, who did seem to be a little shy and not so out spoken, named Sapphire Phoenix. "Hello Sapphire and Julie." she said with a smile and took a seat next to Julie. Pulling her legs to her stomach, Maria looked at the girls interested in the dissociation they were having. Books seemed to be almost all of Maria's life, and a way to get away from the world. Looking of to the distance she smiled and took it all in. The warm weather, the light breeze, and the fresh smell of spring. "I am so happy spring is here. I have waited so long for the warm weather to come." Maria commented looking at the two girls with a smile and put her feet out in front of her listening to their conversation.

Julie asked Sapphire if she ever read any other Shakespeare's plays. Looking at the younger girl she smiled and waited to see what she had to say. Maria had seen a lot of the plays live and read some of the scripts she could find. Taking the book out of her bag and script she handed it the two people sitting next to her. "I guess you can say I am a big fan of Shakespeare. It's just that I adore all the plays and the drama that happens." Maria said smiling and opening the book up in her lap and began to read. She half listened to the girls as she turned the page.

[Sapphire Phoenix R7]

((Right, OK, hope you don't mind me quoting from A Midsummer Night's Dream as well. I'm sorry this has taken me a while - I wasn't aware you were waiting on me. This post is going to be weak, I'm not quite up to Sapphire yet this morning.))

Sapphire smiled as 'Julie' introduced her. The Gryffindor, 'Maria', made a comment on spring, and, looking around at the scene, Sapphire had to agree with her. It was coming, although it hadn't fully arrived yet. Jack Frost had not fully released his hold on Hogwarts, but it was slipping.
"It has taken a long time," she confirmed. "Apparently it's because of the global warming the Muggles are causing. The spring, the summer, the childing autumn, the angry winter, change their wonted liveries, and the mazed world, by their increase, now knows not which is which." She smiled faintly. She was aware of the seasons, but, from what she had been reading the other day, and what she was generally aware of, global warming was having effects on the weather, just as the quarrel between Oberon and Titiania had effects on the seasons.

Sapphire listened to the Gryffindor as she informed them that she loved Shakespeare, and watched as she then withdrew a book, and started reading it before Sapphire had time to see which it was. She decided to answer Julie, thinking about the fact that it was rather unusual for her to be in the company of anyone except for fourth and fifth years as she did so.
"Yes, I've read some Shakespeare," she said. "I've read Romeo and Juliet, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Macbeth, and some of Taming of the Shrew and Coriolanus. I've read some of his prose as well. I've always quite enjoyed reading him, actually, for some reason I can't quite place." She looked again to the Gryffindor, curious as to what book she was reading, wondering whether it was Shakespeare or something else, but feeling she had done enough talking for now and so not asking.

[rosewood]

Julie listened to the quote Sapphire said and once again marvelled at Shakespeare's mastery of the English Language and his wonderful use of figures of speech. He wondered what it would be like to be able to express yourself so poetically and to possess a talent like his. Sapphire answered her question and I seemed she had read quite a lot of Shakespeare herself. Julie tried to remember whether she was a half-blood or muggle-born but couldn’t. It wasn't something that interested her usually and so she never took notice of it. Julie shared her own opinion of Shakespeare with the younger girl when she had finished speaking.

"For me it's more the way he describes thing you know and the emotions and drama between the characters more than the actual plots – I don’t mean to say they're actually boring but sometimes they're just a little overdramatic and I feel they're not very realistic. A Midsummer's Night Dream, now I liked that because you know the whole thing's a bit like a fairytale so you put yourself in a mood to read something like that and actually enjoy it, but with something like Romeo and Juliet – I don’t think their story should have ended like that. Maybe I'm too rational or even romantic in a way, but love for me should have made them stronger and not want to run away from their families. What do you think? You ever been in love yourself?" asked Julie tilting her head and smiling at Sapphire, wondering if she had overwhelmed her a little by her talk and naturalness. Julie was like that, she had often tried to be little less forward with people because she could get hurt by them as she wasn't that good at judging people's characters, but it wasn't a part of her she had been able to change. She supposed she might change as she grew older and had more experience but right now she wasn't worried about it and just did what came naturally when talking to others even if she had just met them.

[Sapphire Phoenix R7]

Sapphire nodded a little as she listened to Julie's points of view on Shakespeare's plays. Sapphire herself had always admired Shakespeare's writings. For someone of his upbringing he had a marvellously diverse vocabulary, but he knew how to use it to great effect as well. There was some amazing figure Sapphire had found about the number of words in his vocabulary, which was a staggeringly large proportion to other people of his time and of people of this time as well, although she couldn't recall it right now. It was testimony though, to just how much of a genius he had been. Because there was no disputing he had been a genius - nobody else than a genius could write so well.

Julie had just asked Sapphire whether she had ever been in love herself, to which Sapphire replied with a simple shake of her head and a "No." She didn't consider herself mature enough yet to be able to judge, and she had never pursued to be in love. "A Midsummer's Night Dream I found a little trivial in places," Sapphire commented, "although generally it was good. I think you need good acting to pull it off as a play though." The corners of Sapphire's mouth twitched as she recalled one particular rendition. No, maybe she had better not go there. She might merely have been playing Mendelssohn's music on the viola but the thought of that maypole was still too painful to linger on long. She would get a stitch the potential it had to make her laugh. "As for Romeo and Juliet, I think he unfolds the plot in a very clever way. He keeps on increasing the tension, because he's giving the sense that time is getting shorter and shorter. We know their deaths are inevitable from the first lines anyway, when he calls them a pair of 'star-crossed lovers' and says that nothing can end the parents' feud but their children's end. But it's still very tragic. I think it's a bit of a cautionary tale really, because it's the actions of the parents which seal the fate of the children. Romeo and Juliet aren't exactly without flaws, but I think that makes it more of a tradgedy because they're more human and the audience can sympathise with them more." Sapphire laughed slightly as she realised how serious she was being. "But I don't know, maybe love should have made them stronger. Romeo was rather hasty."

((Perhaps I should have warned you not to get me going. ))