Accepted! ~Elle/Fauna

About You, the Writer:
Your Nickname: Mai
Have you read and do you agree to the Code of Conduct?: Yup, indeed I did
How did you find us and decide to write with us? RPG - Directory
If you have written other characters here, list them all: None

Full Character Name: Mairead Niamh ó Fearghail
Character Birthday & Age: March 21, 1996
City & Country of Birth: Dublin, Ireland
Pureblood, Halfblood or Muggleborn: Muggleborn
House & Year: 1st Year - Gryffindor

Wand: 7 3/4 in Rowan with Púca hair core (Irish made - of decent, but finicky quality)

Physical Description:

Even for her age, Mairead is definitely rather slight of build.  She is rather short for her age, with just enough muscular definition to not come across as excessively puny.  While not exactly sickly looking, Mairead is definitely a little underfed and undergroomed.  Her underlying skin tone is on the pale and burns-far-too-readily side but it retains much of the tan from the summer well into the fall and winter.   Her hands sport work-developed calluses and she has numerous skin marks and scars from life on the road. Her hair is a mousy brown.  Having never been cut or trimmed, it is rather long and is on the scraggly side.  Her hair is prone to curling in humid weather and is usually worn down, with as little styling as possible.

Among friends, Mairead carries herself in a relaxed and casual manner.  She's got little sense of what's appropriate for a young woman so, in the right company, stands, sits and lies in whatever position feels comfortable. Among others, she's more reserved but not exactly more appropriate.   She also has little sense of fashion and usually dresses in casual, second-hand clothes.

Personality Description:

Mairead is quite familiar with the negative stigma her culture has carried for generations and she does have a tendency to be wary around strangers and outsiders. As a result, the first impression that Mairead gives is a rather reserved one.  When she gets to know someone, though, she develops a strong sense of trust and loyalty. She is quite proud of her upbringing and cultural heritage. 

Mairead is quite a resourceful young girl.  As a byproduct of her upbringing, Mairead can generally find a way to make do in any number of situations with limited resources.  She's capable of making do with as little or as much as she has at hand.  Even when things aren't going well, Mairead maintains an optimistic outlook.  Along with the resourcefulness, she tends to believe that things will, eventually, get better. The challenges, while they can be big and overbearing, are merely bumps in the road.

On the downside, Mairead can also be remarkably stubborn and tenacious.  When the mood or situations strikes her, she has been known to be confrontational for the sake of being confrontational.    Mairead has a distinctly adventurous and mischievous side to her. More a follower than a leader, Mairead's prone to higher levels of mischievousness in the company of other troublemakers. She isn’t one prone to backing down when pushed to the limits of her patience.

Used to a nomadic lifestyle, Mairead has frequent strong bouts of restlessness. As one might expect, traveling and exploring are frequent activities.  She doesn't consider it daredevilish, but Mairead has, definitely, been inflicted with the teenage belief of invulnerability. She's always been known to scramble on rocks or head off on her own.  She is very likely to engage in activities with little thought to its relative intelligence or safety.  In addition, the more out of control of her own world Mairead feels, the more prone she is to engage in reckless behavior. 

Music, dancing and other forms of folk culture are some of Mairead's prime passions.  By far and away, her primary hobby is music.  Flute is her primary instrument and she favors a low-D tuned wooden flute.  She's experienced with flutes of different scales, though and also plays the tin whistle.  Her father has introduced her to the fiddle but she only played it casually.  She also loves to sing when given the opportunity. She also has a passion for handling animals, though most of her experience has been in the muggle world with dogs and horses. 

Mairead shrugs a fair bit, especially when she isn't confident about her responses to questions or isn't being exactly truthful - this is particularly noticeable when Mairead is trying to pretend something doesn't bother her when it really does. She is, also, known to snort when she laughs.

History:

Mairead was born and raised on the road so she has no real, set hometown. She was born in the Ballymun slums of Dublin in Ireland. In some ways Mairead had, at the same time, a rather sheltered and difficult childhood. She grew up experiencing an extreme level of poverty. Neither of her parents held regular jobs and, because they refused to settle, neither were eligible for any government assistance. They usually eked a living by bartering services or day labor or through the sale of stock that was bred and raised on the road. Any income the adults managed to earn needed to support the 15 people in the group and the animals.

Her life has been a continuous cycle of traveling from one town to the next where they'd spend anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. Most of the time, there was a pattern to their destinations, usually dictated by the seasons and the going ons in various towns and cities. They often spent longer stretches of time in larger cities since they were, frequently, gathering sites for multiple caravans. Most holidays were spent in larger cities, namely Dublin, Belfast and Limerick.

It was, usually, in the larger cities that the level of poverty was much more evident. The areas in these towns that they were most likely to set up camp were usually the more lower class neighborhoods. The young Travellers from the road would often intermingle with the children of Travellers that had settled with their families in these neighborhoods. Many of these families were on the dole and the poverty was blatant all around them. While in these towns, Mairead along with the other kids would panhandle for spare change on street corners or play her flute for handouts.

While on the road and away from established towns, the degree of poverty was less obvious. They made do on their own and were, relatively, comfortable. While progress has had a noticeable impact on much of Ireland, Traveller culture has been much slower to develop over the years. She lived in a small caravan with her mother and father and they travelled with several other families, horses and dogs. Days were usually spent on the move, tending the animals or doing chores around camp. Meals were usually a group affair with music, dancing or storytelling being a common occurrence after supper. These stories were the extent of the children's education since they were never in any one town long enough to enroll in school. Most of their parents are illiterate and the illiteracy is passed on.  During the spring of 2008, a representative of Hogwarts came to the group to offer Mairead a place at the school in the fall.

How Do You Fit Into Your House?:

Mairead is, no doubt, a daring and adventurous young woman.  She's not one to backdown from a challenge and doesn't give much thought or regard to personal risk.  Though she comes across as brazen, she's also good natured and loyal to her friends and social group.

Writing Sample:

 She probably looked slightly mad ... or perhaps even really mad as she paced huskily just on the outside of the door to the boy's bathroom. Really, she had no interest nor desire to go inside; such excursions into forbidden territory were the stuff of childhood nightmares. It was right up there with getting up to give a presentation and finding you somehow managed to put your pants on backwards. One of those things you wonder how you ever managed. Yep, there were no real honest desires to cross the threshold into the world of all-male grunginess.

But, with each subsequent flush she cringed, imagining yet another expensive spell book hurling on its way to wherever it's going. The mad cackling of Peeves didn't offer any indication of whether he was bluffing or not. She'd tried to yell at Peeves a couple times, but that only prompted more mad cackling and a flurry of flushes in quick succession.

The poltergeist's manic cackles of glee seeped out under the door to the boy's bathroom, accompanied by another splash, swish, and swirl of water. "Swishity swish and down it goes! Swirling around and around in the bowl! Goodbye .... ink!"

"I swear, if ye even ..." Máiread let her voice trail off, her heavy accent more evident in her agitation. Certainly, telling Peeves what to leave alone was, in reality, a death sentence for that item. "I swear, if ye even dare come out here right now, I'll pummel you." Whether reverse reasoning worked on a poltergeist, she had no clue, but it was worth a shot.

"Why would I want to do that when this is so much fun?" The joy was just so thick in the poltergeist's voice. It was probably well-trained to be so. "Ooh what kind of find do we have here?"

Máiread groaned and stepped towards the door, shoving it open with her foot. She moved into the doorway, trying to see if she could at least see what was going on without committing herself too far in but stepped back out as the door swung shut. All she could see was a row of sinks; no Peeves. No bag. But she could hear him. "Ah, stop actin' the maggot, Peeves and bring it back."


Sum up your character in one paragraph:

Mairead was born to an Irish Traveller family and grew up in that tradition.  She is unquestioningly proud of her upbringing and coming to school will be her first time away from her family.  Her biggest asset, and at the same time biggest challenge some might say, is her brazenness.  Having grown up in a nomadic culture, Hogwarts represents her first experience with any formal schooling or education.  She's at Hogwarts on scholarship.

Name

Name: Mairead Niamh ó Fearghail
Reason or meaning of name:

• Mairead – Irish for Margaret, meaning pearl.  She was named after her great grandmother. 
• Niamh – means radiance, luster or brightness.  Niamh was also the daughter of the sea god Manannan.  She fell in love with a nobelman’s son, Oisin, and took him to the land of Tir na nOg. Mairead's mother is fascinated with the Tir na nOg legends and named Mairead after Niamh from the legends.
• Ó Fearghail – means man of valor.

Nicknames:   Mai or, to those close to her, Maisie

Birth

Age: 11 years
Date of Birth: March 21, 1996 - 2:23 AM
Astrological Sign: Aries
Nationality: Irish Pavee
Birth Place: Ballymun, Dublin, Ireland


Family & Home

Father: Diarmuid ó Fearghail

• Age: 32 years old
• Occupation: Unemployed; Bouzouki and fiddle player
• Relationship with: Mairead loves her father dearly and is quite close to him.  He has had a strong influence on Mairead's interests - especially music.  However, Diarmuid is far from a disciplinarian and, while he usually doesn't encourage her mischievous behavior, he doesn't try to control it, either.  He leaves the disciplining to Mairead's mother.

Mother: Clar Ayre ó Fearghail - 30

• Age: 30 years
• Occupation: Unemployed; Sings
• Relationship with: Clar is better then Diarmuid at keeping her daughter.  Her mother keeps a close eye on Mairead but that's only taught Mairead to be more careful with her gallavanting.  Mairead has learned to limit her troublemaking when her mother can observe it.  Mairead is still quite close to her mother. 

Birth order: First and only child

Godmother:: Siobhan Reid Ayre

• Age: 31 years
• Occupation: Unemployed
• Relationship with: Siobhan is, unquestioningly, the primary disciplinarian in the group.  Mairead loves her godmother but knows to be more careful about her behavior around her.  Siobhan is, often, far more observant than Mairead's parents and isn't at all hesitant at disciplining any of the children, even if they aren't her own.

Fellow Adult Traveller: Sean Ayre

• Age: 33 years
• Occupation: Unemployed
• Relationship with: Like Diarmuid, Sean is far more laidback, leaving much of the actual parenting to his wife.  Mairead's uncle is quite accepting of the kids behavior.

Best Friend: Jarlath Reid

• Nickname:  Tito
• Source of Nickname: Jarlath has never been fond of his name.  The name Tito stuck after Mairead and Jarlath sneaked into an airing of Oliver and Company.
• Age: 14 years
• Relationship with: Mairead has grown up with Tito and they share a very close friendship.  Tito has always played a very protective older brother role as well.  Before Mairead came to Hogwarts, they spent all their time together and would frequently sneak off to wreck havoc and have fun.

Friends: Colum and Odhran Ayre

• Age: 7 and 6 years
• Relationship with: Mairead is close to both of Tito's half brothers though, at times, they play the role of annoying tag alongs.  Mairead is protective of them, though wishes they'd content themselves with playing on their own much of the time.

Group Elder: Oisin Murphy

• Age: 62 years
• Occupation: Fiddle; Instrument maker
• Relationship with: Oisin is the elder of the group.  As the frequent storyteller, he's also the youngster's educator.  He's regarded by all with utmost respect.

Friend: Ruari Murphy

• Age: 5 years
• Relationship with: Ruari tends to stick to Colum and Odhran and, by default, tends to be an annoying tagalong as well.

Glenn Murphy: Glenn Murphy

• Age: 3 years
• Relationship with: As the youngest in the group, Mairead is the most protective of Glenn. Especially after watching Glenn's mother die, she's, very much, come to fill a big sister role.

Grandparents : None - they have passed away

Current Residence: Hogwarts - away from school, her family lives a transient life throughout Ireland

Socioeconomic Level as a child: Extremely impoverished - none of the adults in her group are regularly employed.  They rely on the income from bartering, day labor and other questionable sources of money to support the eleven people in the group.

Talents/Skills:

• Handling animals - especially dogs and horses
• Finding her way through familiar and unfamiliar territory
• Mairead speaks three languages.  Shelta was her first, Irish Gaelic her second, English her third
• Mairead plays the simple system flute and she prefers a low-D tuned wooden flute.  She also plays the tin whistle in several keys
• Exploring - scrambling over rocks and venturing into areas she shouldn't go

Physical Characteristics

Height: 4ft 3in
Weight: 57#
Race: Caucasian
Eye Color: Greyish Blue
Hair Color: Dark Brown
Glasses or contact lenses? Not needed - she has decent uncorrected eyesight
Skin color: Pale and on the burns-far-too-readily side though her skin holds a summer tan from live outdoors until well into the winter
Shape of Face: Oval
Distinguishing features: The contrast of her light eyes and dark hair.  In addition, her skin shows a number of the traits from life on the road - from the calluses on her fingers to numerous small mischief-created scars and marks.

Health: While she never looked downright sickly, Mairead was definitely on the underfed and undergroomed side when with her family but these are only minor health issues.   

Speech patterns: Mairead displays no speech impediments though her lack of education, upbringing in a community with a similar lack of education and exposure to a variety of languages has left her with a strong Irish dialect.  She speaks with a considerable brogue.  Growing up with five boys has left her with a noticeably foul mouth though she does tend to revert to curses in either her native Shelta or Irish. 

Disabilities: None

How does he/she dress? Availability defines Mairead's attire more than anything else.  She usually ends up wearing whatever is cheap, readily available or can be snagged while no one's looking.  Recycling and hand-me-downing of clothes is common and, as the only girl, it means boys clothes have been a regular visitor in her wardrobe.  He clothes are, rarely, completely clean and show considerable signs of wear and tear.  She tends to avoid clothing that can't, reasonably, be worn while riding horses or climbing trees.  Her "nicer" clothes (the ones less amenable to such play activities) are usually reserved for when she's in a town, especially if she's panhandling for money from strangers.


Intellectual and Educational Background

Intelligence Level: Mairead is a bright, observant and curious girl whose intelligence is more limited by her lack of education and motivation to learn than her personal intelligence limitations.

Any Mental Illnesses?: Other than great stubbornness, no

Learning Experiences: Thus far her learning experiences have been restricted to practical, hands-on learning in the skills of living on the road.  In addition, she's been exposed to quite a bit of oral cultural history though formal education has been non-existent.

Favorite Sayings: She's prone to using the term "stone" to describe people who are stationary, stay in one place, gather dust, don't move.  In other words, settled people or non-Travellers.  "When a stone is thrown into a lake, it isn't happy until it hits the bottom" is her favorite saying illustrating the perception that when settled people cause trouble, they aren't happy until they've gone as low as they can go.  She also frequently says "bugger,"  "bloody eh," and "bloody hell."  Raised a Catholic, she's also known to use the phrase "Jesus, Mary and Joseph," out of desperation.


Personality Attributes and Attitudes

Mannerisms: Among friends and self-perceived equals, Mairead carries herself in a relaxed and casual manner.  She's got little sense of what's appropriate for a young woman so, in the right company, stands, sits and lies in whatever position feels comfortable.  Among people she doesn't know, she's more reserved but not exactly more appropriate.  She comes across more self-righteous, aloof and closed off with a fair amount of typical pre-teen arrogance and resistance to being understood by adults.  Mairead has a tendency to snort when she laughs. 

Habits: Other than sneaking a sip or two of her father's drinks when he isn't looking, she neither smokes nor drinks.  She's is prone to chewing her nails and cuticles.

Hobbies:

Singing and dancing
Mairead plays the simple system flute and she prefers a low-D tuned wooden flute.  She also plays the tin whistle in several keys
Cooking
A number of crafts, including minor leather and tin work

Emotional Characteristics

Strengths:

• Independent
• Resourceful
• Creative
• Motivated
• Enjoys fun
• Working with animals
• Music

Weaknesses:

• Stubborn
• Moody
• Classist and often close-minded
• Can be gullible
• Is a confused teenager

Introvert or Extrovert?: Extrovert - Though Mairead can be close-minded about those with whom she choose to associate with, she is generally a fairly social and outgoing. 

Optimist or Pessimist?: Optimist - Even when things aren't going well, Mairead tends to believe that things will, eventually, get better. The challenges, while they can be big and overbearing, are merely bumps in the road.

How does Mairead deal with anger?: This is where Mairead gets in the most trouble with her emotional side.  When angered, logic usually flees the scene quickly.  She's quite prone to act more than think and to get herself in trouble.  She is also quite prone to holding grudges. 

With sadness?: Mairead can be rather private and personal when dealing with things that cause sadness.  With most people, she tends to hide her feelings until she's adequately alone.  She usually has a handful of people around that she'll seek out, talk to and seek comfort from. 

In a crisis?: How Mairead reacts to a crisis varies depending on the role she may be playing.  She is much more a follower than a leader - if there is someone else around better suited or in a better position to take the lead in the crisis, she'll take the backseat and follow.  However, if there is no one to take that role, perhaps because she's supervising younger kids, for instance, she is capable of stepping up to the plate and taking the lead.  Her stubbornness and discrimination can come to the forefront in such, scenarios, though.  She can be even quicker to jump to conclusions and can be especially confrontational with those that are considered enemies.

With change?: If Mairead can predict what change will mean for her, Mairead has always handled change well.  Change has been, after all, a frequent component of her life.  However, if she can not understand where she fits in the changes, it can make her feel defensive and off center.  Avoidance, however, remains one of her primary tactics and she'll try to avoid facing the change as long as she can. 

With loss?: Mairead, as a general rule, doesn't face problems directly.  Out of habit, whenever she can, she turns a blind eye to problems.  Though not the best coping mechanism, in some cases, this is sufficient to allow the problem to pass over.  In many cases, ignoring the problem doesn't make it go away and it may, even, make it ferment into something bigger.  She will even run from a problem, if she can.

What does Mairead want out of life?: At this time, Mairead doesn't know.  Her life has taken a big enough unexpected turn recently, that she is still not sure what the future  now means.

What would Mairead like to change in his/her life?: Secretly, she probably wishes that her best friend, Tito, were a part of the wizarding world as well.

What motivates Mairead?: Exploring, traveling and finding a sense of community

What frightens Mairead?: Mairead has always been in the midst of rather large and a solid community.  Especially because of the animosity they experience as a group, her family is very close knit.  She has grown used to the fact that, no matter where she found herself or when, if she needed help she just had to turn around.  Someone would always be near.  Being without that can be very terrifying.  As the school year progresses, Mairead's likely to become uncertain with the idea of growing distant and different from her community.

What makes Mairead happy?: A campfire; sleeping under a tin or wooden roof in when it's raining; a storm over the ocean

Is Mairead judgmental of others?: Very much so; she's quite guilty of reverse discrimination. 

Is Mairead generous or stingy?: With those in her own circle, she is usually as generous as she can be.  She's use to community living so very little is considered privately owned. 

Is Mairead generally polite or rude?: All in all, Mairead is crass.  She's definitely rough around the edges - to many people, this would be considered rude.  However, with those she doesn't like she can be quite rude.

Greatest flaw: Mairead can be remarkably stubborn and tenacious.  When the mood or situations strikes her, she has been known to be confrontational for the sake of being confrontational.   

Best quality: Her resourcefulness.  As a byproduct of her upbringing, Mairead can generally find a way to make do in any number of situations with limited resources.  She's capable of making do with as little or as much as she has at hand. 

Mairead's short-term goals in life: Virtually non-existent.  Mairead is a person who's very in the moment.  Her short-term goals change with the day, time and her mood.  For the time being, the immediate big goal is to get a wand and get to Hogwarts, but at times, even that seems a debatable goal.

Mairead's long-term goals in life: In the past, they've been surprisingly less non-existent than the short term goals but, largely, because they haven't been her goals to create or live by.  They are dictated, primarily, by cultural norms of her society.  Because Travellers live a migratory lifestyle which makes creating long term relationships outside the group difficult, arranged marriages are not uncommon occurrences.  Therefore, though she gives it little conscious thought, Mairead has always accepted getting married and traveling with her husband as the long-term goal.  Her mind hasn't caught up enough with recent events for her to consider that these recent changes might change these long-term goals.

How does Mairead see himself/herself?: Until recently when she knew little beyond the world she lived in, Mairead was quite content with herself and her situation.  Surrounded by others who were, likewise, uneducated and impoverished, she accepted those states at face value.  She merely created a mental division between those of her status and those above it.  Through a largely discriminatory "Us and Them" mentality, she was able to keep her chin up despite her disadvantages.

How does Mairead believe she is perceived by others?: This "Us and Them" mentality tends to influence much of Mairead's perception of herself and others and how they view her.  To those she, for whatever reason, perceives as being like her, she believes they see her as being bright, tough, resilient and far from a pushover.  With those that she believes are from "the other side of the train tracks" she fully believes they see her in the same derogatory way that many see those of her culture: as unintelligent, untrustworthy, dirty, crass and generally of lesser status.  So far, her experiences in the wizarding world have taught her that this polarity exists here as well, though there may be other reasons for it.  Though she doesn't fully understand it, she's finding there are some "others" who perceive her in much the same way but for a new and different reason.

How self-confident is Mairead?: Her recent integration with those she viewed on "the other side" has raised her self-awareness of her disadvantages and short comings.  An insecurity that was perviously subdued with reverse discrimination towards the privileged class has become more overt.  Her upbringing has left her with limited abilities to reasonably address or face these insecurities, especially while surrounded by those she still frequently, stubbornly views as being of the other side.

Does the Mairead seem ruled by emotion or logic or some combination thereof?: Mairead is quite capable of logic but the logic is quickly and readily overruled by emotion.

What would most embarass Mairead?: Her lack of education and inability to read and write, outside of her social circle, has always been a source of embarrassment.  For most other things, Mairead can be pretty thick-skinned about.  Even the traits that are frequently criticized by other people are, rarely, a source of embarrassment.


Spiritual Characteristics
 

Does Mairead believe in God?: Yes - though what God is to her, she isn't quite sure of

What are Mairead's spiritual beliefs?: Like most Pavees, Mairead was raised Roman Catholic. 

Is religion or spirituality a part of Mairead's life?: Yes

If so, what role does it play?: At home, she attends mass regularly, especially around holidays.  There is a sprinkling of old Irish beliefs and traditions in their religious practices as well, though.  Mairead's mother believes deeply in the old Irish Land of Eternal Youth, Tir na nOg and many of the old stories, songs and legends remain interspersed in the religion.


Favorites

Color: Soft, heather grey
Animal: Horse
Food: Shepherd's Pie
Drink: Orange Juice
Movie: Back to the Future III
Band: Planxty
Song: Love and Freedom
City: Kilkenny, Ireland
Place: Donegal beach
Instrument: Flute
Piece of clothing?: An old, worn, traveling cloak made from a heather grey tweed.


Additional Notes on Mairead

	She is intrigued and mystified by trains though she's had limited opportunities to ride them
	Mairead has a tendency to assume all musicians are trustworthy.
	Mairead doesn't consider herself a daredevil, but she is definitely already afflicted with the teenage belief of invulnerability. She's always been known to scramble on rocks or head off on her own.  She is very likely to engage in activities with little thought to its relative intelligence or safety.  In addition, the more out of control of her own world Mairead feels, the more prone she is to engage in reckless behavior.
	Mairead considers her feet her best physical characteristic.  They are small and not imposing (as feet go), but her toes are long - making them of some use when scrambling on rocks or wading through mud.
	Mairead has a distinct soft spot for dogs and, if there's one around, the soft spot is quite noticeable to the casual observer.
	Mairead's first memory is sitting next to Lough Neagh in Ulster, watching a frog's eyes reflect in the light from a burning stick from the fire.  They'd told a story of a giant that roamed Western Ireland that night and as she was falling asleep, Mairead had heard the deep, rhythmic sound of the frog croaking.  Her mind had started to run wild about giants in the water but she was too embarrassed to wake Tito or anyone else so had crept towards the sound, holding fast to the burning stick.
	Oisin Murphy is the person Mairead admires the most.  He is the oldest member of the group, Oisin has travelled extensively in both the UK and America.  He's got a broad repertoire of old stories and songs and is respected among Travellers as an accomplished instrument builder and musician.  It isn't exactly a deep secret, but she's always admired the old man.
	Mairead can see thestrals.  She was in the wagon when Glenn's mother passed away during childbirth.
	Mairead has never seen a snake.
	Of their various animals, two are considered to belong, primarily, to Mairead though she doesn't regard them as pets: her dog and her horse.  Since coming to England, she has since acquired a purple puffskein.
	Though she knows nothing about the names and constellations, Mairead loves to star gaze.  She is especially fond of standing on one of the cliffs along the west coast of Ireland, watching the stars come out over the water.
	Mairead's Amortentia is leather, long dry grass, wood smoke and baking bread.
	Mairead's patronus would be a grey seal.
	Mairead has very few personal possessions but her one most prized possession is her flute.  She has a rosewood Low-D tuned simple system flute that was crafted by Oisin Murphy and which her father decorated with ornamental carvings.
	Her erised would be an image of herself, grown, as the most successful and influential horse traders in Ireland.
	Having grown up with only other boys, Mairead is awkward and uneasy around other girls.  Most of the girls she's interacted have regarded her as tomboyish and such, leaving Mairead much more at ease with boys then girls.
	Mairead is right handed

	Strange New World April 30th - 6:30pm	Mairead arrives in the wizarding world at the Leaky Cauldron with her mother and sneaks out to explore Diagon Alley.  She runs into Margaret Groust  and lets loose a stampede of puffskeins and steals one before exploring the alley with a less than thrilled Maggie as her guide.  When they reached the Magical Menagerie, Maggie learned of Mairead's illiteracy.  Unnerved by the woman's response, Mairead runs off, leaving Maggie bewildered.
	Galloping Shananigans May 1st - Early Morning	Mairead arrives at Hogsmeade with her mother where they are supposed to meet up with Ophelia Grimlish, who will be mentoring Mairead over the summer.  While waiting for Opie, Mairead meets Anastacia Rowiian and both head into the candy store.  When the shop owner catches Mairead helping herself to candy, she makes a quick exit.
	Ready Your Paintbrushes and Wands: the Mural Has Begun! May 1st - 1:00pm	While exploring the Great Hall, Mairead investigates the signs announcing the mural painting and the armor that is supporting the sign.  The suit of armor falls over on top of her, drawing the attention of most in the hall.  Fauna Blake helps her up and encourages Megan Ruiz to help her get started with the painting before setting off to give Atticus Pennyapple grief for being late.
	Trolling the Dungeons May 3rd - Early Afternoon	While being chased through the castle by an overly chivalrous Sir Cadogan she gets lost in the dungeons.  Hufflepuff Miles Faraday comes to her rescue and tricks the painted knight into going elsewhere.  As they make their way to the entrance hall, Mairead learns about him and the school and they make a brief side trip into the kitchens.
	Bonfires, Storytelling and Cold Bums May 3rd - 7:30pm	Mairead wanders out to the stories being told around the bonfire.  She runs into Margaret Groust again, but doesn't want to pester the woman, again, so she moves off to a new spot.  Margaret follows her to make sure everything's alright.
	Remembering Day Party - Adults only! May 6th - 12:15 AM	The night before returning to London, Mairead is staying in Hogsmeade.  While there, she sneaks into the adults only party for free food.
	His Own Game May 6th - 12:30pm	While passing the time in Hogsmeade, Mairead comes across a small bag of coins Jimmy Haliwell and pockets it.
	Tealeaves and Tarot Cards May 6th - 4:00pm	After the Remembering Day festivities, Mairead returns to London to meet up with Ophelia Grimlish, with whom she'll be staying with for the summer.
	You who quote the legends May 19th - 11:00 AM	While exploring Diagon Alley, Mairead goes into Ollivander's to look at the wands.  While there, she runs into fellow first years Adley Rothwell and Euphemia Grissom-Dolohov as well as Rocio Adair.
	Too Good to Be True May 20th   Time	Following the incident in Ollivander's, Mai returns to the wand shop to select her own wand.  While there, she runs into a couple other first years.
	Taking Chase June 15th   10:41AM	To Be Added
	Just a Little Lost and Out of Place June 10th   - 2:00 pm	Mairead wanders curiously down Knockturn Alley and Niobe Thursby stops her from reaching into a bin of spiders.
	The Hogwarts Quidditch Cup: In the Stands June 12th	Mairead goes to the Quidditch game and sits next to Keegan.
	But Is It Child-Friendly June 14th   - afternoon	Mairead meets Aberdeen Spencer, an Auror, while visiting the Magical Menagerie.
	Sometimes the questions are complicated ... June 19th   - afternoon	Mairead meets up with Maggie in the park for some reading and writing tutoring.
	Third Time's A Charm July 2nd   - 2:43PM	Mairead goes to Diagon Alley to try, again, to get a wand.  She runs into Adley there who follows her in and watches as she gets her wand from a Pavee wandmaker
	Hogwarts Express - Car 2 - Compartment 3 August 31st   - midmorning	Mairead meets some other students on the Hogwarts Express to school.  She has a run in with Eirene who claims she can't bring a dog but Figaro stops by to try to con them out of money.
	Sit Down, You're Rocking the Boat August 31st  - evening	After getting stuck in a boat with Eirene, Mairead rocks the boat, making both of them fall into the water.
	Opening Feast and Sorting Ceremony 2008-2009 August 31st   - 6:00PM	After dumping Eirene in the lake, Mairead arrives at the Opening Ceremony a little damp.  She's sorted into Gryffindor house.
	Charms, Lesson 1 September 1st   - 8:00am
	History of Magic, Lesson 1 September 1st   - 9:00am
	Transfiguration, Lesson 1 September 1st   - 10:00am
	Potions, Lesson 1 September 2nd   - 8:00am
	Herbology, Lesson 1 September 2nd   - 9:30am
	DADA Class - Lesson 1 September 2nd   - 1:00PM	After her rough first couple days, Mairead dashes out of DADA before even getting in the classroom.
	Skipping Out and Keeping Secrets September 2nd   - 1:15PM	After running out on DADA, Oliver follows Mairead to the Room of Requirement.
	Skipping Pinecones and Classes September 2nd   - 5:00PM	While she's supposed to be in flying, Mairead is hanging out in a tree.  Her head of house finds here there and encourages her to try harder in class.
	The Humility of Apologies Is Almost Impossible September 3rd   - 7:00PM	After skipping out on her first DADA class, Mairead goes to her detention.  Professor Mainwaring helps her get her wand to work and then they go booger boggart hunting.
	Correspondences to Maggie September 14th	Mairead writes Maggie to tell her about her first few days of classes.
	Astronomy Class - Lesson 2 September 17th   - 11:00PM	Mairead attends Astronomy class with their new Astronomy professor.
	Flying Class, Lesson 3 September 18th   - 5:00PM	Mairead attends the third flying lesson.
	Letters and Words and Sentences, Oh My! September 24th   - 7:00PM	Nico meets with Mairead after class to help her with her reading and writing.
	If Trouble Can't Find You, You Find It September 27th  10:30 - AM	After getting restless, Mairead treks off into the woods to have an adventure.  She's followed by Eirene, Pax and two older girls.
	Transfiguration, Lesson 16 October 6th - 10:00AM	Mairead tries to turn a feather into a flower.
	Not just witches on broomsticks October 7th - 6:00PM	On her way back to the castle after flying class, Mairead discovers seventh year Gryffindor Seeker Grace Eddy has been watching her.  Impressed, Grace offers to help Mairead learn how to play the position so she can try out for the position next year.
	Come one, come all, from Gryffindor house... October 8th - evening	While relaxing in the common room, Mairead chats with Hannah Harper.
	When There's Better Things To Do Then Study October 19th - 9:30AM	Before heading out to practice flying with her broom, Mairead tries to get some studying out of the way with Grace's help.  While not the most dedicated scholar, Mairead is trying to impress Grace.
	Flying for First Years: Field Trip October 28th - 5:00PM	The first years head to Quality Quidditch Supplies in Diagon Alley on a field trip.  Though she's highly fascinated by the brooms, she's equally as tempted by the opportunity to wander Diagon.
	A Night in the Enchanted Forest – The Halloween Ball! October 31st - night	Mairead attends the Hogwarts Halloween Ball.  Her costume is an impersonation of Eirene.

Key:
Closed, Finished Threads
Inactive Threads - PM if you are interested in finishing/restarting
Current, Active Threads

Aries is the first sign of the zodiac, ruled by Mars.  It represents offensive power and begins at the spring equinox.  In Aries we move from the potential to the actual; from dormant to active participation. Desire, initiative, courage and action are words which best describe Aries.  Personal traits of an Aries person are openness, enthusiasm and individualism.  They are outspoken, alert, quick to act and speak.  They prefer to speak than listen.  Arians are ambitious, with lots of drive and a strong desire to lead.  They make poor followers. Fiercely independent, they usually take the side of the underdog in any controversy.  They are champions of lost causes and losing battles.  This trait is due to a strong belief in their own abilities to turn any situation around.

Arian values are more intellectual than spiritual.  Primarily people of action, they demonstrate little subtlety or cunning.  Frank and amiable, they make quick decisions, and grasp ideas just as quickly.  Quick of mind, and just as quick to anger, Arians are known for their impatience, and are prone to be arrogant.  Aries have a strong self image, the ability to think fast and size up most situations in an instant.  Arians calculate risks with lightning speed and make decisions accordingly.  An adage that fits the Arian well is 'A straight line is the shortest distance between two points'.  Arians don't waste time and energy beating around the bush, they come straight to the point, and leave the bodies where they fall.


Pisces/Aries are sometimes elusive, refusing to show their real selves. They are thoughtful, sometimes displaying remarkable musical talent. Yet, they also tend to want what they want, when they want it. The ego that can manifest itself in Aries causes some Rams and Ram cusps to feel that they are the center of the universe.  The great strength of the Pisces/Aries-born is in their compassion, energy, initiative and courage. They reach out to others more skillfully than most other signs, and they especially enjoy helping others reach their fullest potential. Their natural sensitivity makes them one of the most understanding characters of the zodiac.

In their leisure time, Pisces/Aries play as hard as they work at the office. They greatly enjoy athletics, as sports give them a positive and healthy outlet for some of their natural aggression and emotional stress. They appreciate both individual challenge, especially aerobics, as well as the group challenge of football and soccer. They especially enjoy sports that bring them into contact with the element of water, such as swimming and sailing. They are very artistic and may excel at music and drama. In love relationships, Pisces is playful, devoted, and romantic.


The Gryffindor Aries is extremely idealistic, and has a tendency to fight hard for many causes - the more lost, the better. Gryffindors born under this sign will also have very short fuses, and can be expected to fight regularly with other students, over ethical questions or over anything else that makes a good excuse. Since Mars is a planet that encourages war games and competition and bursts of hard physical activity, there may be many Quidditch players born under these aspects. A Gryffindor Aries is an open book; a truth potion would never be needed on one, because they are hopelessly honest and open. These wizards will display uncanny charisma and leadership ability, and will be among the most popular within their class.

Physical Goal - To be aware of the unique quality in self and in others. Mental Goal - To utilize something that was previously overlooked Spiritual Goal - To offer spiritual aid and protection in a dipsute ... to let inutition be the guide Ogham Association - Fearn Polarity - Masculine Color - Crimson Magical Properties - Spirituality, Teaching, Weather Magick, Duty and Mental Prowess

    In general, Alder individuals are powerful, adventurous people prepared to make their own way in the world, often leaving friends and family behind.  They have a restless spirit and, on occasion, can be foolhardy in pursuits due to their sense of adventure.  Alder people are inclined to break down barriers and explore new territory. Their enthusiasm and bravery makes them excellent leaders. They can, however, be selfish and display a quick temper which may earn them enemies. The Alder individual has a well-honed sense of humor (sometimes considered to be barbed or even satirical) and will often "play the clown" when in the midst of a group. Being extremely physical people, Alders are full of energy and have a deep-seated need to be active almost 24 hours a day.

Alder individuals are often flamboyant and frequently attracted to dangerous occupations. In friendship, their personal ego rides high but they possess a need for recognition which often makes them vulnerable.  Psychologically, the Alder is uncomplicated and will usually express any opinion quite openly. With a passionate nature and an inherent desire for love, they are apt to marry quickly but usually make better sweethearts than they do spouses, given their need for personal freedom. As parents, however, they rank among the best than can be found. It is important for Alder individuals to learn the art of diplomacy or they are prone to waste energy in fruitless disputes.


The Life Path 6 suggests that you entered this plane with tools to become the ultimate nurturer, and a beacon for truth, justice, righteousness, and domesticity.  You are idealistic and must feel useful to be happy. The main contribution you make is that of advice, service, and ever present support. You are a humanitarian of the first order. This is the Life Path related to leadership by example and assumption of responsibility, thus, it is your obligation to pick up the burden and always be ready to help. In romance, the 6 is loyal and devoted.  You may have a tendency to become overwhelmed by responsibilities and a slave to others, especially members of you own family or close friends. It's easy for you to fall into a pattern of being too critical of others; you also have a tendency to become to hard on yourself.


In China, Rats are very highly prized. You are power hungry and know instinctively how to reach the top. Once you get those Rat claws firmly around an honored position, you hold on for dear life. Leadership becomes you. People respect you. You seem so cool, you are fun loving and sociable. But your private self is often fidgety and nervous. You need to talk problems through. Getting anxiety off your chest is as good as putting it out of your mind. Some accuse you of talking too much, let's just say that you talk a lot. You are not a willing idler. You're quick-witted, you speed through work to have plenty of time left to meddle in what others are up to.  An odd mix of profligate and thrifty, saving everything from worn-out rubber bands to frayed shirt collars, just in case, then spending like a bandit on some costly bauble that you deem essential to your well being.


Performers have the special ability to delight those around them with their warmth, their good humor, and with their often extraordinary skills in music, comedy, and drama.  Performers are exciting and full of fun.  Born entertainers, they love the excitement of playing to an audience, and will quickly become the center of attention wherever they are. Performers aren't comfortable being alone, and seek the company of others whenever possible-which they usually find, for they make wonderful playmates. Performers are smooth, talkative, and witty; they always seem to know the latest jokes and stories, and are quick with wisecracks and wordplay-nothing is so serious or sacred that it can't be made fun of.  Like the other Artisans, Performers are incurably optimistic. 

Turas Go Tir Na nOg - Me mum sings me this lullaby a lot.  She really likes the Tir na nOg tales.  I always assumed it was a fairy tale, since I didn't think magic was really - you know - magic.  But, who knows.  I don't have the words in Irish.  I can't write in Irish or English, yet, but I did find the translation. 

The wind of the country is blowing
And the birds are going to rest.
The otter is going to lie in the meadow.
From the rusty face of the mountain
Comes the bleating of the lambs
And the sound of the running streams laments upon the strand.
There is loneliness in my heart.
The night seems long to me
My spirit longs to move with the sun
From this worry which is on my mind
From the treachery of the world
To a country where I could get relief from my pain.

Oh, and I am being called into the West
And the sound of the call is pleasant.
The gentle blackbird is whispering over the harbor.
Oh, I will go to my ship
And unfurl the sails
And my safe arrival yonder be granted.
Not the many lighted land of the lays would I prefer
But a land full of charity would suit me
Where there dwells generosity of heart
Between houses in peace.
There is where my affection lies - for the Land of the Ever Young

Turas Go Tir na nOg - sung in Irish by Danny Carnahan

Accepted! ~Elle

Character Name: Mairead ó Fearghail
List your other characters, if applicable:  Cináed Tawse, Tulojow Nagde, Sasha Schlagenweit, Dennis Creevey
Please provide a link to your Application: Bio
Age: 11
Special Ability: Parselmouth
When did your character master this ability?  How long have they had it?: Since birth though it has not, as of yet, surfaced

How did they acquire this ability?:  In 1978, the Ayre family was at the height of their rise to power.  Viewed by the family as a source of pride and innate power, the ability to speak to serpents has been passed along the family line for generations.  Though no official proof has ever existed, the family always used the presence of the parselmouth ability in their family lines as well as their family tradition of being sorted into Slytherin as proof that the family traces back to a thought defunct bloodline of Slytherin.  As the family entered in the first wizarding war in unquestioning support of Lord Voldemort, there was still no concrete proof as to the source of the parselmouth gene.  

For almost a decade, the Ayre family contributed heavily, financially, to the Dark Lord's rise to power and their eldest son, Ashby Ayre, had been a heavily active Death Eater since the group's early days.   Following in her family's footsteps, Ashby's eldest daughter, Annie had been a loyal Death Eater until the birth of her daughter.  Even after the after the birth, Annie left the child rearing to the nanny and concentrated her efforts on the raging war.  When the Dark Lord's reign came to an abrupt end, many members of the Ayre family were arrested and incarcerated.  With the baby in hand, Annie fled into Ireland.

She found herself, briefly, in the company of one Lochlan Quinn and spent several months with the Traveller and her daughter.  Her daughter appeared to be showing no signs of magical ability.  When the Ministry finally caught up with her, Annie Ashby was forced to flee again, leaving the squib baby, Clar Quinn, with Lochlan.  The magical abilities, including the ability to speak to serpents, remained dormant in Clar, leaving her, as a child, oblivious to her dormant magical abilities.  It wasn't until the birth of her own child, that the abilities resurfaced.

Describe how the Special Ability influences their life.  What do they use it for?:  Having been raised in Ireland, Mairead is not yet aware of this ability.  

Write a description of what happens when your character is exhibiting this Special Ability:  Though the ability has, yet, to surface, if Mairead were to find herself in the vicinity of serpents, she would display simple, straightforward parseltongue.  While communicative efforts would appear like normal language to her, to others it would sound like a lot of hissing and spitting.  

Special Title Request
Character Name: Mairead ó Fearghail
Title Applying For: Gryffindor Quidditch Assitant Captain and then Captain
Character Biography: http://absitomen.com/index.php?topic=849.0

What Experience has Prepared You For This Honor?:
Very shortly after arriving at Hogwarts, Mairead found her niche on a broom and in the sky.  She's a dedicated and competitive player who loves the game, the strategy and the energy.  Her rough and ragged upbringing imparted a healthy dose of both grit and creative problem solving that can be advantageous not just as a player but as a captain who calls plays and develops strategy. 

Her first year, she started learning the ropes of the game with Grace Eddy, who gave Mairead her first (and current) broom.  By the end of the year, she'd played in her first game, albeit by commandeering a Hufflepuff uniform and sneaking onto the team for a game.  Though she has played Seeker since joining the Gryffindor team her second year, she does have experience as a Beater thanks to the Hufflepuff game. 

What Do You Think the Most Important Aspect of This Job Is:?
Mairead assumes, knowing and understanding the game are the crucial aspects of being captain.  What she will quickly learn as, initially, assistant captain and later as a probationary captain is that the real importance of the position lies in connecting with, supporting and motivating the team.  These are, arguably, just as important off the field and would be valuable lessons for Mairead to learn. 

Tell a Story From Your Past That Has Proven Your Mettle: 
Few would argue that Mairead possesses the skills and dedication to Quidditch necessary for the game.  If loyalty to the game, alone, were all the reason she needed, she'd have been handed the position without a second thought.  Unfortunately, her list of accomplishments outside of Quidditch are much less impressive. 

After the graduation of many senior players, Mairead was appointed assistant captain in hopes that she could not only learn some leadership skills, but also in the hopes that the potential of being appointed Captain would give Mairead some motivation to perform better outside the Quidditch pitch.  This wouldn't be the first time Quidditch has been used as a motivating tool for Mairead. 

When the original appointed Captain was injured during the first game on 8 October, Mairead was given the opportunity to fill the role on a probationary status.  She'll be given the year to show her mettle, both on and off the field, and her performance will be evaluated by both members of the team and the Gryffindor Head of House.