InsaneJournal

basics
Full Name: Michael Adam Hamel
Nickname(s): He'll answer to just about anything.
Age: Twenty-Three.
Date of Birth: 10 November, 1988.
Zodiac: Curiosity killed the cat; satisfaction brought it back. If ever a wizard exhibited a danger of self destruction from too much knowledge, surely it was a Ravenclaw Scorpio. It doesn't matter whether the pet obsession this week is botany, Muggle pop music, or the history of the Necronomicon, if a Ravenclaw Scorpio wants to know about it, then he will, and damn the consequences: full speed ahead. Indeed, just mention that a subject is "forbidden" and you'll see a peculiar light shine in their eyes. They sneak into locked rooms after dark, and forge passes to the restricted library sections. The lust for arcane knowledge is both the greatest strength of these wizards, and the Achilles heel. It's best to indulge them whenever possible and let the obsession burn itself out; and, when this is not possible, to explain in great detail and absolutely *no* patronizing why the subject must not be explored. These Ravenclaws are quiet and secretive, but don't be fooled by that calm and placid exterior; they have hidden depths.
Sexuality: Heterosexual, but his commentary to his male friends might make you think otherwise
Blood Status: Half.
Career: Developmental Research in Psychological Studies, St Mungo's

hogwarts
House: Ravenclaw.
Years: 2000-2007
Wand: 10 3/4" Blackthorn, Peacock feather (not tail) core- said to denote self assurance and dignity, and to be good for charmwork (while the tail feather would indicate pride and arrogance)
N.E.W.T. Courses: Muggle Studies, Potions, Ancient Runes, Charms, Transfiguration, Dark Arts
Clubs: Astronomy, Chess, Dueling.
Quidditch: Keeper.

personality
First Impression: Cocky son of a bitch, isn't he?
Likes: Crossword puzzles, chess, sarcasm in abundance, belittling the intellects, mocking pureblood ideals, proper use of grammar, astronomy, Quidditch (but merely as a spectator), flying in general, anything that goes over 250kph, golf
Dislikes: Most sweets, complex explanations, clowns, authority figures, esoteric interests, exploding snap, any form of schoolwork that isn't hands-on participation, pureblood ideals, girls who kiss on the first date.
In-Depth: Michael could be considered something of a wit. Friends and foes alike are subjected to frequent quips and facetious remarks - whether it be to mock someone's esoteric interests, or deride someone's flair for the dramatic. It's true that he likes to abuse sarcasm, as he tends to use it in both offensive and defensive situations. Words are a strong point interest in general to him, and he has been known to correct people from time to time, especially when it comes to proper grammar. His biggest annoyances are when people end sentences with prepositions, and when people use who when they should be saying whom.

On more than one occasion has a teacher used the phrase "attitude problem" when discussing Michael. Even as a young child he has had a problem with authority, and his sometimes blatant disrespect can be quite galling to those in charge. In his eyes trust must be earned before respect can be given, and until he sees the proof his attitude remains casual (to the point where he has even received detentions for calling professors by their given names). Once a superior has proven their worth to Michael, his respect and loyalty toward them go hand in hand. It should be noted that Professor McGonagall is the only professor with whom his attitude has always been circumspect, though that might have less to do with feelings of respect and more to do with fear.

Michael has had his share of girlfriends over the past few years, some merely summer flings, some actual school romances. He's fond of the fairer sex, to be sure, but holds them in higher regard than he actually acts. He has been known to throw around mildly sexist comments and resort to gender stereotyping, which he says as a test of character. Strong women appeal to him, one who can hold her own against him- who gives as good as she gets.

And it can be safely said that Michael is loyal. He has a strong sense of the word family, and that extends beyond blood ties. Thorence & James(?) are as much like brothers to him as Rafe and Gabe. He has no qualms about teasing them or calling them out on their shit, but if an outsider should attempt the same he will defend them to his dying breath. Having grown up with almost a handful of siblings, he would like to raise a nice sized brood himself one day. Along with a house and a yard (maybe a dog or two) and a wife who will keep life interesting.


background
Place of Birth: Chatham, Kent
Current Residence: Chatham, Kent
Economic Status: Lower Middle Class
Parents: Lydia Duke & Aaron Hamel
Siblings: Gabriel, Rafael, Evelyn

History: A Hogwarts Alumni, Lydia Duke was the first member of her family to represent the house of Ravenclaw. She was also one of very few who dared defy her parents at the expense of being disowned, when she decided to marry a muggle. She met Aaron Hamel at King's Cross when the dark haired pilot (who hated flying) missed the train back to Durham. It was lust at first sight, filled with a night of passion that should have been the end of it, had she not become pregnant. When she could no longer hide the fact from her parents, nor was she willing to rid herself of "the burden", she left her childhood home.

Since that fateful night they spent together Aaron Hamel had been searching for the young woman, but to no avail. It seemed that she had disappeared, like magic. He was ecstatic when Lydia showed up on his doorstep. They married in a civil ceremony five months before their first child, Gabriel Adam, was born.

Like all couples (especially those where one member is keeping a large secret like magical heritage from the other), Lydia and Aaron had their ups and downs. The witch was far more practical than her romantic husband, who would more often than not splurge on a night on the town before paying the bills on time. It took her a few years to fully settle into domesticated muggle bliss, but by the time their second son, Raphael Matthew, was born, Lydia had become the happy homemaker with a part-time job as a clerk at the local Jenners. It was just before their daughter, Evelyn Mary, was born that the other shoe dropped. Gabriel had already shown signs of magic, but it was subtle enough that Aaron passed the incidents off as coincidental, at least until they received the first letter from Hogwarts.

Lydia had grown up with Muggle prejudice, but she never thought that Wizards would be looked at in the same way. Aaron called his wife every dirty name under the sun before leaving. It would be six month before he returned, and at first only for the sake of their children. He felt betrayed by her, that she didn't love or trust him like he did her. It was a grudge he held for almost three years.

Aaron's acceptance of magic came before he forgave his wife. Raphael had ignored warnings about the Whomping Willow during his first year at Hogwarts, and spent a week at St Mungos. The evening that they sent him to the hospital was Aaron's first encounter with a fully magical facility. He spent a long worried night holding Lydia's hand. They talked, they cried, they reconciled.

Nine months later, Michael Adam was born. He was the product of new beginnings, and a life of attempted tolerance. Which wasn't to say that Lydia and Aaron didn't still have their fights. But now the children didn't feel that those fights would mean the end. There was compromise. For the most part, they became a well adjusted household, with the average problems that muggle families face.

Michael would be the glue that held the Hamels together. Even as a baby he had a strong relationship with his older siblings, especially Gabriel, who graduated from Hogwarts a few months after his youngest brother's birth. He returned to Muggle society, opting to join the Navy, and returning to his parents house whenever he was on leave.

Aside from homework assignments and the very rare reparo spell, the Hamel household remained relatively magic free during the first seven years of Mike's life. He grew up understanding that these powers would be available to him one day, but they weren't an excuse to be lazy, or a crutch to keep from standing on your own two feet. His childhood consisted of basic education, video games, and camping trips with the neighbourhood kids, or a weekend in London to see a rugby game with his father.

In the early winter of 1997 tragedy struck the Hamels. Driving home from a dinner party, Aaron and Lydia were killed. Ice on the road had caused the vehicle to slide uncontrollably into a tree, and the whole incident was ruled as accidental. After an initial debate from Aaron's parents, the custody of Michael and Evelyn was granted to Gabriel and his new wife, Regina. It was only thanks to the life assurance policy through the airline Aaron worked for, that Gabe was able to decline the money offered to him by Lydia's brother, Charles. He hated the idea of feeling indebted to anyone from his mother's family, knowing how they felt about his muggle heritage.

At the behest of their muggle grandparents, Evelyn and Michael were both placed in therapy after the death of their parents. While Evie's term lasted only a few month, the youngest Hamel has continued to his sessions with Marigold Heathcote at irregular intervals since. His main issues are the problems he has in expressing fears and doubts, particularly in regards to himself. While never having to be admitted, or prescribed any medication for psychological issues, his family continues to believe that his meetings with his therapist are nothing but helpful. The arrangement is a well guarded secret, with only his closest friends being privy to the details.

While Gabe had been a Gryffindor, and both Rafe and Evie were in Hufflepuff, Michael entered his mother's house of Ravenclaw when he entered Hogwarts in 2000.



out of character
Player: Jenn.
Played-By: Penn Badgley.