Open Loud and Longing

[Hester MacGillivray]

((Open after Verity!))

As disappointing as it was, Hester had long since learned the lesson that outdoors was the place to practice her pipes. The people of Hogwarts just didn't know how to appreciate a good thing, but that didn't matter. She had brought her bagpipes down to the lakeside and was blasting through a rousing rendition of Scotland the Brave, one of the first songs she had ever learned, as a warmup. It felt comforting to play, though Hester had to try her best not to think about the holidays that had just passed. Every year it felt like her family got further and further away from her. After a life spent playing in band with her dad and brothers, Hester just didn't feel like herself, playing alone. But after three years at Hogwarts there was no longer any pretending that she held the same place in their lives, either. Things kept moving... Robert had started playing drums instead of pipes, George was too busy to play most of the time, even Eoin had less time than he used to for her. Everything was different now. But at least now that she was away from her family again she could play the pipes, and pretend she felt as close to them as she used to, pretend they were playing alongside her.

 

[Terrell Foley]

What was that noise wafting through the air? A shrill wailing sound that carried the tune further than most instruments. Terrell decided to investigate the sound, leading him close to the lakeside, an area he was always dubious about visiting because of his fear of water. Lily had helped him build up enough courage to go down there, but he never went close to the water edge. He spotted a student engrossed in playing the bagpipes and Terrell loved it. Unfortunately, he didn’t think it was the kind of music he could easily dance to. The few seconds he spent there bouncing a bit just watching the bagpiper do her thing. It was cool to see.

 

[Hester MacGillivray]

As Hester drew close to the end of her song she realised she was being watched and added a bit more of a flourish to her playing, unable to help showing off for an audience. Once the song was over she gave a bow, grinning cheerfully at Terrell. Though she knew most people at Hogwarts didn't much like her playing she was always grateful when she did wind up with an audience, reminded fondly of playing in the band with her family in what felt like another lifetime. "You a fan of the pipes?" She asked as she lowered the instrument, always eager to talk about her passion with someone else.