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Post by Headmistress Isadora Gunvald on Apr 28, 2023 19:51:14 GMT -8
As students enter the Great Hall, a dark haze descends upon them. As they enter deeper into the hall, the smokey haze dissipates to reveal a spooky wonderland. The walls are decorated with jack-o'-lanterns of all sizes, casting eerie shadows on the long tables covered with black tablecloths. Ghosts float around the room, dancing and chatting away.
The atmosphere is electric with anticipation, as students and staff alike are dressed in their Halloween best. Some wear intricate costumes, while others sport simple accessories like witch hats and cat ears. A full moon outside can be seen through the tall windows, casting an eerie glow over the proceedings.
As the night goes on, there are several entertainment features that add to the festive atmosphere:
The first is a haunted house in one corner of the hall. It is dimly lit and decorated with cobwebs and spiderwebs. As brave students make their way through, they are greeted by ghosts and ghouls who jump out at them from hidden corners.
In another corner, a group of students has set up a fortune-telling booth. Here, students can have their palms read or have their future predicted by a crystal ball.
There is a long table at the front of the room where students can place the meals, treats, and drinks from their homeland…
(ooc: the events will be semi-facilitated. This is more of an open post for students who wish to join in Halloween festivities. You can add any creative elements you might like to see)
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Post by Professor Dragomir Ghica on Apr 29, 2023 10:03:48 GMT -8
Drake enters the Great Hall, greeted by haze that blocks the room initially from view. He slips through into the elaborately decorated room. He smiles, knowing Isadora had everything to do with the initial plan and layout. He took in the room; it could be a fun night. He was supposed to be here as a chaperone, to make sure the kids stuck within the rules. But his thoughts were elsewhere, torn between the events in the Great Hall, Isadora (who would gratefully be in attendance), and Viktor. The full moon shining through the window gave him pause. He wondered if he should go check on Viktor, or at least check to make sure he was secure if nothing else. But with the students here in the Great Hall, at least they would have that level of protection. He’d set Mal, and a few house elves to scout the entrances to the castle. They would alert him if something or someone out of the ordinary approached. He hoped Mal understood that tonight Viktor was not an ordinary part of the staff. He’d also set a couple of magical wards on the grounds, specific for Viktor if he got too close, he would also be alerted. The good news is that with his scent all over the grounds, it would keep any random ones in that might have entered the forest well away from the castle. As long as Viktor proved completely harmless, his presence on staff would actually have some benefits in the castle’s basic protections. He’d already seen three young werewolves running around the room. Somehow the full moon at a Halloween feast brought out the wolf in many. He hoped the older students wouldn’t join that costume ideal or get to creative with it. He spotted Isadora and started towards her, but his gaze fell on a couple of vampires, fake blood let to run from their fangs. He stopped before them, shaking his head lightly. “No vampire worth their fangs would waste that much blood.” He winked at them and continued towards his destination. He slipped up beside Isadora, deliberately clasping his hands behind his back. He winked at her and smiled. “Everything going alright so far?” The question was twofold, both professional and personal. He hoped that being in the room with everyone else might quell some nerves but knowing her it just heightened her concern and awareness. At least if the students had been in their dormitories, there would be less chance of any issues. He was actually glad she’d kept this scheduled event, she could have pushed it off a couple days or canceled it all together and the students wouldn’t have known the difference.
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Post by Heather Nicholson on Apr 29, 2023 12:51:50 GMT -8
Heather strolled into the Great Hall and couldn't keep a smile off her face. Halloween was her favorite. She adored the entire aesthetic, the costumes, the delicious food. Ugh. She just loved every moment of this time of year. She knew the Great Hall would be decorated completely, but she was still so impressed by it every year. They really pulled out all the stops. The pumpkins, the ghosts -- who were a familiar sight, but there was something about them just being in their element that she loved, -- the bewitched sky above her... she knew she'd chosen a sexier costume this year and giggling probably was not the vibe to go with what she wore, but she couldn't help herself. The joy of this event was overwhelming.
She spotted the haunted house in the corner. Oh she just had to see what was in there. She could only imagine it would be so good. But...maybe going in alone wasn't the greatest idea. She'd wait until her friends showed up. There was strength in numbers, after all.
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Post by Beowulf Wolf Woodrow on Apr 29, 2023 12:53:37 GMT -8
Wolf entered the hall, completely spooked and mystified. It felt creepier than 125th station at 3 am. Ghosts swirled around him, one almost moving through him. He grinned. Beowulf had loved the holiday as a child. Halloween allowed every kid to take on a new character for the night and to imagine a world of magic. Beowulf thought back to one of the first times he knew he was different from his parents and sister, Emilie. An eight year old Wolf had levitated one of the plastic skeletons on the front porch of their brownstone to scare a bully away. His mother had never looked at him the same after that. Her wishes for him were more contemporary muggle-scientist oriented. Something that he would never fall into, at least not since learning that he was a wizard.
He had enjoyed Hogwarts from the start. His place was here, in this world. The atmosphere of the hall drew him in deeper. Beowulf had started to make some friends amongst the various houses. He truly was a lone wolf from the jump, but he was forming a small pack. Wolf liked a few of the couples he had met at the Homecoming Dance and after party; Loce and Anneli, Ezra and Aracely, and Theo and Isla. He thought to Ameryn for a moment. She was the first girl that had caught his eye...but someone else had captured his mind. Cordelia Burke. A Slytherin girl he had the honor of kissing twice through a spicy game of truth and dare.
Wolf shook his head as he sauntered through the room. There was no way a girl of her league or status would be into him. He wasn't even sure she had felt the sparks in their kiss. Beowulf headed to the potluck table carrying a platter full of large, salted pretzels. Each pretzel had been formed into different shapes. One was of a bat and another a coffin. "That should do it." Wolf hadn't made them, but was friendly enough with the kitchen House Elves to make the request. Salted pretzels were on almost every other corner in New York City. Beowulf wanted to bring some of America to the table.
He turned, scanning the room with his hands in his pockets. Wolf was in all black, aside from a tie that was patterned with tiny black bats. It was enchanted so that the bats flew all around his tie as he walked. He wondered briefly who might show up, he was fairly early to the event...Wolf hoped for Cordelia secretly, though knew he probably would need to make the first move there.
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Post by Loce Vaisey on Apr 29, 2023 19:01:14 GMT -8
Loce and Anneli strolled down to the Halloween festivities together, hand in hand. He paused in the middle of the haze which seemed to enshroud them and gave the illusion of being completely alone in the vast room. He turned to Anneli and pulled her to him, kissing her long and deep. Honestly, not caring if anyone wandered by. “Lets get this party started right.” He said giving her a playful wink. He whistled appreciatively as they slipped through the haze and into the transformed Great Hall. He was impressed at the transformation. He had thought he might be homesick, this being one of his favorite holidays, but with Anneli here, he was home, and that seemed to cure any desire to be back in the states. Ilvermorny be damned, this was where he belonged. As they walked through the hall, he overheard Drake correct a couple of younger kids and smirked. Vampire, werewolf and witch/wizard would have been off the table for costumes as far as he was concerned. But he was beyond dressing up anyway. He opted instead for his street clothes, jeans, white T-shirt and brown leather jacket. He supposed he could have managed an “American 50’s” vibe if he rolled his jean cuffs and wrapped a pack of smokes in the sleeve of his T-shirt. He laughed at the thought. He glanced around noting that they were early, no other Slytherins had made it down yet, well none he knew or cared to know anyway. He spotted Wolf over by the food and decided to collect the honorary Slytherin. Other than him being muggle born, he didn’t know how Wolf ended up in Hufflepuff. “Hey Wolf, what’s up?.” He said stopping in front of him. He glanced at his all black shirt and smiled. “Hey, can I ….. enhance… your shirt?” He asked, knowing exactly what he wanted to do, if Wolf was game.
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Post by Beowulf Wolf Woodrow on Apr 29, 2023 20:32:38 GMT -8
Wolf grinned as Loce and Anneli approached him. They were the couple he looked up to the most in a way. Beowulf wanted what they had, but wasn't envious of it. Their relationship seemed so secure for their age. It was almost natural for them, whereas Wolf had struggled to talk to many girls. He thought about Cordelia again, pushing the thought out of his mind. There was no way they could end up going on a date, let alone being together. "Hey Loce, Anneli!" He greeted, smiling at the pair. Wolf conjured a chalice of pumpkin juice, drinking it merrily. This was his favorite version of the Great Hall yet. Beowulf peered down to his tie, a smirk crossing his face. He trusted Loce and Anneli, despite Slytherin's long-standing reputation at the school. "Give it a go, dude." He agreed, lifting his arms up in a shrug. Wolf was curious as to what this enhancement might be.
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Post by Loce Vaisey on Apr 29, 2023 20:57:35 GMT -8
Loce grinned as Wolf gave him permission. He turned and winked at Anneli before nodding to Wolf. He pulled his wand out of the sleeve of his jacket and pointed it at Wolf’s chest. He mutters a couple of spells, adding the word “Slytherin” in sliver down his left sleeve and adding an animated Slytherin green snake to his torso. The snake is outlined in silver to make it stand out as it slithers around his body, never stopping and not circling in a random pattern. “There, that suits you better.” He says nodding. “So, anything good to eat around here?” He asks, wondering if Wolf had tried anything yet.
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Post by Cordelia Burke on Apr 29, 2023 21:54:07 GMT -8
Cordelia stepped into the Great Hall. The Halloween decorations were impressive, with floating jack-o-lanterns and cobwebs adorning the walls. The scent of pumpkin pasties and roasted meats wafted through the air, making her stomach growl with anticipation.
Cordelia had debated on skipping the event entirely as she had a paper due in arithmancy… but in the end, she figured she only had so much time left at Hogwarts… she should be enjoying it. She had pulled together an outfit to wear for the occasion. A white ethereal dress she hoped would channel old Hollywood glamour. That was the vibe she was going for.
As she walks around the hall she takes notes of the different activities. It was a nice event the headmistress put together, and so close to the dance. The dance. Thoughts of the night enter her mind… the after-party. She’d drank too much that was for sure… but she wasn’t sure if she could attribute any of her actions that night to that. She had enjoyed herself, that was for sure. Cordelia’s eyes search the crowd, mostly for Anneli… but she spies Loce first and wherever he was she was sure to be.
She turned and headed through the crowd of students in their direction. Then she saw Wolf across the room, standing there with them and speaking with Loce. She felt her body pause, hesitant. She wasn’t sure exactly how to proceed when it came to Wolf.
She moves forward, trying to ignore the jolt of electricity that runs through her at the sight of him. They had shared not one but two passionate kisses at that party… and she wasn't sure where things stood between them. She had always been determined to focus on her schoolwork and do what her parents expected of her… but she couldn't deny the chemistry between them.
“Hope you're all enjoying all Hallows' Eve.” She greets, taking in the sight of Wolf last. He was dressed in a nice black suit, his arm adorned with the word Slytherin and his body a snake. Her mouth twitches into a half-smile, “You’re repping the wrong house...” She says, “Or is your costume tonight that of a Slytherin student?” She quirks her brow. He looked good.
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Post by Wesley Thorsen on Apr 29, 2023 22:31:02 GMT -8
Wesley was excited as he made his way to the Halloween Feast. The Great Hall was decorated with spooky decorations. The place always looked great, always had a festive atmosphere. As he looked around, he couldn't help but wonder where Heather was.
He'd known Heather for a short while now, and he had been looking forward to spending the evening with her. As he weaved his way through the crowd, he searched for her familiar face, her long red hair, but he couldn't spot her anywhere.
Just as he was about to give up hope, he saw a familiar vision of red. Not just her hair either. She was dressed in a stunning devilish costume, one that that accentuated her curves in all the right places. He chuckles a bit to himself, looking down at his own clothes. He hadn't exactly gotten a costume, but, they still kind of matched-- that must be a good sign, right?
Wesley's heart pounds with anticipation as he approaches her from behind, he leans close to her ear, "You going into the haunted house?"
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Post by Headmistress Isadora Gunvald on Apr 30, 2023 2:41:23 GMT -8
The Headmistress stood at the edge of the Great Hall, smiling to herself as students began to fill the room. Their delighted faces made her heart swell. Isadora wanted to bring an experience to her students that let their imagination wander. It was important for her to bring a steady, stable environment to each of them. She had not been granted such an experience. Her time at Hogwarts had been a period of tensions between good and evil. She frowned thinking of the battle. The Great Hall was magnificent tonight. Her mind would focus on that instead. She glanced toward the moonlight that poured into the room. Viktor had promised to withdraw to some vague location in which he would self-isolate. In exchange, Isadora had promised additional hospital aid if he should suffer any injuries in the night. She had mixed feelings. On one hand, she thought Viktor had been a positive addition to her staff. He seemed On the other hand, Isadora had little room for werewolves in her life… Isadora spotted Drake with little hesitation. He stood out in the room, despite the variety of colorful outfits and dresses. His presence was relieving in many ways. She exhaled, smiling warmly as he approached her, “Even better now.” Isadora said softly, just loud enough for him to hear. She wore a sleek dress with dark red lipstick. It felt right for the mischievousness that clouded the night. She had received enough slack from Peeves during the set-up as is. Isadora hoped the rest of the evening might go by as smoothly as the dance. “Do you think we’ll see any mischief tonight?” She asked, a curious smile at her lips, “Well, besides our own?” Isadora laughed, gazing at him. If she knew anything, it was that both were prone to straying outside the lines of rules that were made to be broken. It was contrary to each part of her, but it also felt more natural to her. She straightened then. It would be challenging not to reveal the natural tenderness between the two in front of students. Teenagers they may be, she knew they were perceptive. Professor Gunvald looked around the room, it would be a curious night indeed...
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Isla Reinhardt
Gryffindor
5th Year - Gryffindor Seeker - Prefect
Posts: 116
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Post by Isla Reinhardt on Apr 30, 2023 3:42:23 GMT -8
Isla entered the room, her eyes gleaming with excitement. She didn't love the holiday as much as Christmas, but it still held a home in her heart. It was a night of adventure, one that would hopefully bring all her friends together again. Isla thought to Gwen, upset that she needed to lie to her about where she went after the Homecoming Dance. It was challenging to be untruthful to her best friend. At times, nearly impossible. The after party had created new bonds between the houses. At some point, Gwen was sure to notice them.
She looked around the room for Theo. Isla hadn't strayed too close since the after party in an effort not to show her eagerness. He was all she had thought about aside from the situation that was now brewing back at home. She noticed Loce and Anneli but couldn't show too much interest there yet. Not with Fergus around. Isla moved to the potluck table, bringing with her a cake that she had baked just for the occasion. A favorite from home. A black forest cake, chocolate sponge with cherries. Isla swayed in a black dress burrowed from home. It went perfectly with the enchanted bats above them. She glanced toward the Headmistress and Professor Ghica. They seemed to be getting along nicely. He seemed less intimidating in this atmosphere next to Professor Gunvald. Isla moved to the Gryffindor table, taking up a platter full of different foods. She sipped a cup of tea, wondering who might show up next.
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Post by Professor Dragomir Ghica on Apr 30, 2023 7:44:06 GMT -8
Drake smiled at her comment, nodding. “I set up a few extra precautions this evening. If you happen to see Mal wandering around, he is part of the detail. Unless he tries to get your attention, he’s just doing his job.” He says softly. He half wished he was out patrolling the grounds, but honestly knew Viktor would keep his word. One didn’t accept a position like this if they didn’t know they were completely harmless to the students. Still… it was untested territory. Then again, so was he in similar respects. But he at least had the history of teaching at Durmstrang for over thirty years without incident, and it helped that the Headmistress wasn’t afraid of him. He glances around, the students left a pretty good buffer around the chaperones, but still he dropped his voice to a level only she could hear. “You are absolutely stunning tonight.” He said, taking in everything about her. He motioned to his own costume. “So… do you think if I walked into Gringots and declared myself their king, they would fall for it?” He laughed, the muggles had an interesting take on magical creatures and the truths about them. He for one admired some of their outlandish ideas. “They left the dance alone, do you think we will get through two events without some mischief? Then again, the fireworks display was not authorized, so perhaps we will get a pass from the students for tonight.” He winked at her, finding the balance a little harder to come by tonight. Some unauthorized mischief might follow the festivities, if he had any say in the matter. But he pushed that idea aside for now. “Would you like something to eat or drink?” He asked, thinking that perhaps that would provide something mundane to talk about while they surveyed the room.
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Oliver Seán O'Shea
Gryffindor
5th Year - Slytherin Captain/Beater - What's it ter yer?
Posts: 89
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Post by Oliver Seán O'Shea on Apr 30, 2023 16:00:13 GMT -8
Oliver ran down to the Great Hall, having just enough time to change from his Beater gear. His shins and elbows were bandaged over and bloody. Unofficial Gryffindor practice had been particularly fun that day. He wondered if the Professors were letting them get away with it knowingly. That would be amazing if so. He entered the hall with confidence. Oliver had little time to overthink much of anything. It was the moment he lived for, and tonight was Halloween. A special event for his family back home. He thought to the Festival of Fire that would be held tonight in Wexford. As children, Niamh and him were told tales of Samhain. The transition between seasons were when the boundaries between the worlds were at their weakest. The night signified a weakened boundary between our world and the world of the dead. This one night that spirits and fairies could easily cross into our world. He had scoffed at the idea as a boy. Oliver was one for fishing, hunting, sport, the stables and boxing. Not dancing around fires as Niamh would do with their Mother and Aunts. Though, he couldn't deny the possibility of a veil between this world and another being weakened for the night... Oliver stopped just as he entered the room, lowering his head. He needed to complete a ritual before digging in. The words flowed from his lips, just under his breath: "Anocht tugaim onóir do mo shinsir. A spioraid m'aithreacha agus mo mháithreacha, glaoim oraibh, agus fáilte romhat a bheith páirteach liom don oíche seo. Bíonn tú ag faire orm i gcónaí, mo chosaint agus mo threorú, agus anocht gabhaim buíochas leat. Ritheann do chuid fola i mo veins, Tá do spiorad i mo chroí, tá do chuimhní i m'anam..." ------------------------------- Tonight I honor my ancestors. Spirits of my fathers and mothers, I call upon you, and you are welcome to join me for this evening. You always watch over me, my protection and guidance, and tonight I thank you. Your blood runs in my veins, your spirit is in my heart, your memories are in my soul. He grinned as he entered deeper in the hall. A dark fog descended upon him, opening to a spooky scene of pumpkins and ghosts. "Nigh this is a true 'alloween feast!" He laughed openly. Oliver's tall frame and boisterous air attracted some local attention. He smirked and made way to the potluck table. Niamh had been quite helpful in helping him cook up some of their favorites from home. A simple Irish stew that his mother made in their fireplace during old rainy nights in the hills. An inexpensive option that would barely make it through the night between him and his four siblings. A mix of mutton, onions, carrots, potatoes and herbs. An offering of sorts. A traditional he couldn't pass up despite the usual gender roles back home. Oliver wore his grandfather's black suit and deep auburn shirt underneath. He ran his hands through his hair, taking in the room. A girl in a Satan costume caught his eye. Oliver smirked, knowing that outfit would be unacceptable for a girl back home. He noticed Loce Vaisey. It would be challenging to coexist with such a git. But Oliver had reflected. It wasn't worth it. At least unless Loce attempted to be anymore intolerable. Oliver made sure not to let his eyes linger on Anneli Oden for too long. She was like a flower he wanted to keep a gaze on. But he knew he couldn't, if not for Loce, then for her own sake. Oliver had cursed his hormones. He smiled as he noticed Isla. "'Ey teammate. Yer look beautiful tonite. An' oi mean dat strictly as lads, trust me." Oliver laughed heartily, "Missed yer after de dance. Where did ye an' Theo run aff ter anyway?" Oliver asked, smiling but rubbing the back of his neck. He thought of Isla as a sister and Theo as one of his blood brothers. The team mattered more than almost anything to him. There would be no sacrificing their cohesion. But did the rest of the team feel like that? He frowned, scanning around. He hoped tonight might be fun.
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Post by Beowulf Wolf Woodrow on Apr 30, 2023 18:50:19 GMT -8
Wolf grinned as he picked up his tie. Not at all what he had expected. He beamed with silver and green. Beowulf felt a connection to his house being their Keeper and all, but Loce had welcomed him in. He felt a friendship between them that had not been found in his own house. Wolf shook his head, "Thanks mate," He laughed, "Not too sure the team will be happy to see this, but I feel part of my has always been Slytherin anyway." Wolf shrugged. His dark hair and suit matched the environment perfectly. For a Hufflepuff, there was an air of mystery around Beowulf. He was completely out of his element yet completely in it all in one. "Grab a New York pretzel, Boston kid." He chuckled, hoping Wolf might be welcomed deeper into their tight pack. Beowulf nodded to the potluck table. Back at home, Loce and him were complete opposites as well. If they were following tradition, they might even be rivals. But Wolf didn't feel any animosity here. "Happy to see you both. Easily the best looking couple in school." He said honestly, patting Loce's back and smiling wide. Wolf was beginning to feel more comfortable with the group. Beowulf turned as Cordelia approached. His heart caught in his throat, but you couldn't notice it on his face. He maintained as much of his nonchalant façade as he could. Wolf looked toward Anneli instead to distract him from his nerves. She was beautiful too, yes, but gave him an entirely different feeling. Cordelia felt right to be around, even if she wasn't giving off any outward signs. His gaze was torn from Anneli as Cordelia spoke. Wolf grinned. "Happy Halloween, Cordelia," He said, all too happy to say her name. His gaze fell on her. He smiled. She looked like an angel. Wolf pulled back a little, laughing, "I suppose I'm in costume as one of you tonight, thanks to Loce. Not that I mind...maybe we can be two things as once." He said, smiling at her. Beowulf wanted to compliment her. He knew it was only right seeing as stunning as she was. But it was too soon and Wolf was too hesitant yet. "So uh, would you guys mind if I sat with you?" He asked, eyeing the table that was usually meant for the Slytherin house alone.
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Post by Gwendolyn Shaw on Apr 30, 2023 19:12:36 GMT -8
Gwen walked into the Great Hall, her eyes eagerly scanning the room for a familiar face. As she walked, she carried a large dish of her mother's ratatouille, the comforting aroma of garlic and herbs wafting behind her. Gwen had been looking forward to digging into this meal, savoring the flavors that brought her back to childhood summers in Provence. It was most commonly a summer dish, but Gwen figured it could bring some color and vibrancy to the halloween spread.
Upon entering the hall, Gwen scanned the sea of costumes and decorations, smiling at the displays of spooky creativity. Her eyes soon settled on Isla, her good friend, dressed beautifully in a black dress and chatting with another student, a fellow Gryffindor, Oliver. Gwen set the dish down on the table and then made her way over to Isla.
It was a lively and festive atmosphere, and Gwen felt hopeful for another good night. She was happy to have the opportunity to dress up again. She wears a red renaissance style dress with long draping sleeves and a corset bodice. A medieval forehead crown is entwined in her hair, which is pinned with bouncy waves and curls. She also adds to her outfit the beautiful diamond necklace Fergus had gifted her at homecoming. Overall, her costume this year had been inspired by the English Folklore of Robin Hood.
"Hello Isla!" She reaches out and give her arm a light, excited squeeze in greeting, before politely nodding her head toward Oliver as well. "What are we talking about?" She asks, hoping to slip into the conversation seamlessly... not intrude.
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