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A Happy Thought
Author: Coco Nutt
Date: 10-21-07 17:27
Getting up Monday morning was something Coco didn't mind very much, even with the cold. The first thing she did after getting ready for the day was to wrap the gift she'd gotten for Griet Vanderbilt. Coco had drawn Griet's name in the Secret Santa gift exchange. On Saturday, with Fritz, during their limited time in Hogsmeade, Coco had found a present she hopes Griet will like.
Coco had talked with Griet's younger sister, Aleydis not Cornelia, and gotten enough information to buy something Griet is more likely to enjoy. Aleydis told her that two of Griet's favorite things are Quidditch and geneology. Coco got Griet a book that will allow Griet to record her family history and there's even spots for photos as well. Coco also got Griet a selection of marzipan shaped into fruits, flowers, and cute little animals.
After leaving the gift under the tree that went up over the weekend in the common commons, Coco met up with Fritz for breakfast. After that, since their first class wasn't until 10, they headed to the library to get some work done toward their OWLs. Now, they're walking to the greenhouses for their first class of the week, Herbology.
Professor Fitzroy gathers up their homework then starts the day's discussion on the tickling tendril. Coco had read the assignment so is able to contribute when the professor asks questions. Fritz and Coco pay close attention to the next part of class, Professor Fitzroy demonstrating how to properly trim the tickling tendril. Once the students start trimming their own tickling tendrils, Coco and Fritz talk quietly, doing what so many others are doing these days: speculating what new rules, regulations, or privileges for Pures are next to be announced.
The time passes quickly. Before Coco knows it, Professor Fitzroy is giving their next homework assignment, an essay comparing the various species of tickling tendrils. Coco packs her notebook, quill, and ink into her book bag then walks with Fritz outside where they let Pea stretch his legs and do his business.
Next is lunch followed by History of Magic at 1 o'clock. Coco's done for the day after that but Fritz has Arithmancy at 2. Coco decides that when they split up after History she and Pea will pay a visit to Hagrid and Fang. Hagrid does have a class today but not until 3:30. Coco will see if he wants or needs any help preparing for that class or any others this week. At the very least, she'll be right there to visit her winged horse Hazel. Just thinking about it puts a skip in Coco's step.
Fritz, finding her lighthearted, springy step contagious, laughs and does a humorous hop step beside Coco the rest of the way back to the castle.
Talking Before Class (Deak & Jack)
Author: Kody
Date: 10-21-07 21:45
"You got Hunter's gift on Saturday, right? At Windweaver's?" Jack asks Deak.
Deak ever so slightly shakes his head. "No, that was something for Drake I got at Winderweaver's. Hunter's I got at Dervish and Bangs."
Deak had gotten his "cousin" Hunter Rabnott's name in the Secret Santa draw and on Saturday while in Hogsmeade had picked up a Snitch for Hunter, something the younger boy had mentioned wanting when they'd been talking Quidditch a couple of weeks ago.
Deak looks through the classroom doorway to see what Yaxley is doing, as they are currently in the hallway each getting ready to go to their respecitve Defense Against the Dark Arts classes. Seeing that Yaxley is still talking to someone and hasn't begun calling class to order Deak asks, "Did you wrap Ms. Bambi's gift or did you get someone to do it for you?"
"Cora did it for me. Looks better that way."
Jack had gotten Bambi Fandango's name in the draw. Like Deak, he'd shopped on Saturday with the plan of asking his mum to get the librarian something if he couldn't find anything he thought was all right or if he ran out of time what with the deadline he was under as a Non. He'd gotten her an angel pin though whether she likes such things Jack has no idea.
Deak hears Yaxley calling his class section to order then hears. "Bennett, is there some reason you're lingering in the hallway."
Deak hurries into the classroom explaining, "Sorry, Professor Yaxley. I was asking someone for a quill to borrow. I broke three during my last class and don't have more with me.
Yaxley smiles a smile that looks genuine but still also looks like more of a grimace. "I have one you may use but if it breaks, you'll need to give me a replacement."
Yaxley goes to his desk and gets a quill for Deak with Deak trialing behind. He hopes Jack wasn't late for Professor Isuki's class. He'll ask later, before or after lunch and if Jack did get in trouble, he'll explain to Professor Isuki it was his fault Jack was late.
Butterbeer With Ron
Author: Harry Potter
Date: 10-22-07 16:52
Harry waves to Ron when he sees his friend entering The Leaky Cauldron. The tall, lanky redhead weaves around tables, reaching the one occupied by Harry in a back corner. "I've already got the first round of butterbeer," Harry tells him as soon as Ron is within easy earshot.
Ron sits down, reaching immediately for the bottle Harry's indicated. "Thanks! I am a bit parched."
"Do you have days you wish you could drink on the job?" Harry laughs.
"You know it!" Ron chuckles, holding his bottle up to clink with Harry's. "All in all I love my job but there are times it makes me want to pull my hair out."
"I know what you mean," Harry sighs, taking a swig of butterbeer. "I'm starting to have doubts about this job."
"Not what you expected? Is it boring?"
"Parts of it are exactly as I expected. Some isn't. It can be boring and tedious but other times are really interesting, sometimes even exciting. One thing I wish is that I could do something about what's happening at the Ministry."
Ron glances around then nods in the direction of Diagon Alley. "How about we talk more at my flat?"
They gulp down the rest of their butterbeers then walk to the flat above the Weasley twins's first shop location. There Ron produces another butterbeer for them both. Harry asks, "Ginny around?"
"She said something about a study group this evening."
Taking a huge drink from his butterbeer, Harry swallows it down then says, "I don't like not telling you everything. There's more to my job than you know, Ron."
Over the course of the next hour, Harry tells Ron all about his job and how he's sure he'll be fired once the Ministry realizes that its black ops division has Harry Potter working for it, a persona non grata at the Ministry.
Bothered Again
Author: Alex Whitmen
Date: 10-23-07 17:05
Alex wrapped and placed all the presents in his trunk and wondered how anyone was going to be able to move it. He headed out to the lake to see Cailyn. The closer it got to Christmas, the more excited he became. The thought of having all his family around made him grin even when he was being bullied. He couldn't care less what they did or said right now. Alex sat down and looked at the lake. He wished his father was alive and could be around, but no matter how hard he wished, it wasn't going to happen. Even his mother had said so earlier in the week.
"Looky here. If it isn't good old Alex Whitmen," Peter called behind him. Alex sighed. He was really getting tired of Peter and Crispin bothering him.
"Yeah, that's right," Alex replied turning around. Peter smirked and Crispin shook his head.
"Someone is a bit testy today," Crispin said stepping forward. Alex didn't move. He was determined to stand his ground.
"Maybe we should teach him a lesson," Peter added in. Alex huffed and checked his watch.
"Can we hurry this up? I'm going to be late," Alex said getting irritated with them. The two exchanged odd looks and smiled, then turned back to him.
"You'll just have to be late today, Whitmen," Crispin replied. A door opened near them and he was relieved to see his mother.
"What's going on here?" she asked looking at all three of the boys.
"Nothing," Peter and Crispin said in unison. She eyed them then looked at her son.
"Get to class all of you. If I catch this going on again Mr. Allen and Mr. Cooke, you will be in detention. Is that understood?" she said. They nodded and walked the opposite way. Alex's mother smiled softly at her son, then returned to her class. Alex checked his watch and ran to his next class. He was going to be late again.
Talking With Jane Before Class (Daria)
Author: Blossom
Date: 10-24-07 20:17
"I can't decide whether to put this present under the tree in the common commons or in the Pures only commons; or for that matter just to send it to the girl's dorm."
"I've got Ariella Beck in the Secret Santa," Daria tells Jane, her voice dropping as she looks around to make sure Ariella isn't nearby to hear. "I think she'd prefer hers under the common commons tree, if I put it under a tree that is."
"Mine's a little Slytherin though one of the nice ones. One of those cousins of Professor Miller's, Alexa Wenlock. I hope she likes it. It's a new bookbag in Slytherin colors, with the Slytherin crest, and has Alexa's name on it."
"I'm sure she'll love it," Daria assures. "I got Ariella a book on inventors, both Wizarding and Muggle. It's really well written and interesting from what I can tell."
"Ariella will like that, I'm sure. If you have it with you, we have time before Potions to put it and mine under the common commons tree."
The two seventh years alter their direction and head to the common commons, going in to place the two Secret Santa gifts under the large tree. As large as this tree is, though, the one that's in the Pures only common room makes this one look like a sapling.
The presents dropped off, Jane and Daria resume the walk to the dungeons for Potions. Daria asks, "What did you think of the homework due today?"
"Actually fairly interesting for once. Professor Spudmore's assignments are usually such snoozes."
"Yeah, I feel the same way. I never thought I'd say I miss Professor Snape. Second year without him and I find myself wanting to walk down to his classroom and sit in. Maybe I'm just biased because Professor Spudmore is one of them."
"She's not as bad that way as some," Jane says. "I still can't tell if she really agrees with everything taking place or if she hates it all but unlike one of the new professors doesn't openly voice her dislike."
Daria knows without asking which new professor Jane is referring to. Also without naming a name she says, "I can't believe that professor hasn't gotten in trouble for saying things."
"Maybe something has been said or done and we just don't know about it."
Daria nods, "Yeah, that could be it."
Elizabeth Ross catches up with them then, asking a question about the Potions assignment. A few minutes later they're all three entering Augusta Spudmore's classroom - formerly Severus Snape's classroom - homework out and ready to turn out.
Putting Gifts Under the Tree
Author: Jared
Date: 10-25-07 12:42
Jared stares intently at the Christmas tree in the common commons. He'd come down to put a Secret Santa gift under it but now he's chickening out, sort of. He did put the one from Etta to Gabby Delacourt under the tree. Etta got Gabby what Etta describes as a funky handbag. She'd ordered it after drawing Gabby's name for Secret Santa. It came by owl last night. Jared saw the bag before Etta wrapped it and thinks it's nice... for a purse that is.
Etta was on her way out of the Great Hall after breakfast when she remembered she'd meant to take the present and put it under the tree. Not wanting to carry it around with her until lunch or until after her last class today at three, Etta had shoved it at Jared as she got up to leave for DADA, asking him to take it to the common commons for her.
Jared had thought that as long as he was delivering Etta's gift for Gabby he'd put his Secret Santa recipient's present under the tree as well. Now he's thinking maybe he should get her something else.
Jared was shocked when he drew Alanna's name. Of ever person taking part in Secret Santa, what were the odds he'd get Alanna? Jared agonized for ages on what to get her, finding what he thinks is perfert. Alanna loves butterflies and Jared found a very nice, very pretty cloisonne box with a butterfly on top. Now though he's thinking he should have gone with something safer like gloves or earmuffs. Something that wouldn't indicate how much thought he put into a gift for someone he's had a crush on for years.
Taking a deep breath, Jared forces himself to put the box under the tree. It can't be any worse than the times he's gotten her a birthday gift now can it? It's not as though she won't like it. Jared is positive Alanna will. It's just... Jared lets the breath out then takes another deep breath. He doesn't know what it is. He's just being stupid.
With time left to read over his Herbology homework and to reread today's assignment - this week has been the Angelica and Evergreen trees - Jared grabs a cup of hot cocoa and settles down at a table near the door.
About Time
Author: Charisma Stone
Date: 10-25-07 18:29
'Della, Isma, Blake and Eric (the usual foursome) currently were sitting on the steps that lead up to the Great Hall talking and sharing a box of cauldron cakes that 'Della's mum had sent earlier this morning. They were on break between classes, it was just after noon, and they had a little less than an hour before Potions was going to start.
"I am seriously looking forward to the end of term. I want a chance to get out of here for a little while. Being cooped up with all these new bloody rules and regulations are starting to drive me batty." Blake said, finishing off a cauldron cake.
"I know what you mean, but life in the world beyond Hogwarts isn't going to be much better as these changes are wizarding world wide." Isma said with a sigh. "I mean, seriously, the Minster of Magic is a snobby bitch and I don't like her." Isma spoke in hushed tones, knowing that she could and most likely would get in trouble if one of them or one of Snider's spies were around and heard her talking about the Minster and her policies.
"Isma! Watch it." 'Della chided swatting the girl on the leg and shaking her head. "Seriously, though. I think break is going to be a nightmare because of all the new rules and restrictions placed on the nons."
"Crap! I'll be right back. I left my potions assignment on my bed with my book. Don't head to the dungeons without me?" Eric said.
"I'll come with you." Isma said, brushing a few crumbs off her robes and getting up, grabbing her bag. She wanted to drop something off before she headed to class anyway.
Eric waited until they were out of sight of the other two before he turned and looked at Isma. "I..." He stammered a bit, blushing furiously. "I just wanted to..." He shook his head, this wasn't going to work. He did the next best thing, leaning over and lightly kissing her on the cheek. "I like you Isma, I like you a lot."
The kiss caught her off guard, quite a bit actually. "Eric..." She said his name, barely above a whisper, before ducking into an alcove in the hallway motioning him to follow. "I like you too Eric..." She kissed him lightly on the cheek. "Alright. Let's get going. We've only got about twenty minutes to get your stuff and get back to the others before we have to head to the dungeons for potions."
Laughing, the two quickly made their way to Gryffindor Tower, Isma waited in the common room while Eric went up and got his book and assignment. "Let's go." He said, coming back down and slipping an arm around Isma's shoulders, and dropping a small gift into her backpack for her to find later. He'd finally done what Blake had been telling him to do since like the first week of classes.
"Everything alright?" Blake said, casting a knowing glance at Eric, when the pair returned with an arm wrapped around Isma's shoulders.
"Yeah, everything is fine." Eric said, shooting Blake a grin and heading toward the dungeons, leaving 'Della to stare at Isma for a moment before finally getting the clue. "Well, about time!" She said grinning, moving along side Blake and slipping an arm around one of his and walking with the other three toward the dungeons.
A Full Day - And Only One Class
Author: Oreileah McCoi
Date: 10-29-07 18:51
Orei was quite glad to be able to come into the warmth of the Castle once herbology was over. She had ducked into the Great Hall, grabbed a bite to eat and then headed to the library. Herbology was her only class that day and she intended to spend the rest of the day working on homework and getting ahead for next week. Her friends knew where she'd be if they needed her. Tomorrow would be another cold day because it was the Hufflepuff vs. Ravenclaw Quidditch match. There was a lot that she had to do, but she was quite glad that the term was almost over.
She'd gotten an owl from Mom that morning, Dad was not going to be home for Christmas. He said they could go join him if they wanted. Mom was going, she was going to leave Orei to her own decision. Sighing she didn't know what she was going to do for the holiday now. She could spend it in Hogsmeade with Brett, Aussie and Yuri, or she could just spend it in London alone, or go with her mom to Japan to be with her Dad. Shoving a hand through her hair she would duck into one of the study alcoves allowed to the pures (which were a large majority of them). Bag set at her feet and she quickly pulled out stack of textbooks she'd brought with her that morning. Herbology, Potions, Arithmancy and Ancient Runes she'd work on for now.
Arithmancy would be first, finishing up an assignment on Gematria, and then beginning working on Chinese Numerology. She was making a Tree of Life based on the Gematria from the Kabbalah it was the final piece of her assignment before she started working on the Chinese Numerology. She finished of the scroll on mystic gematria.
The mystical Hebrew numeric system notes that the missing final five letters of the numeral system match exactly with the five 'sofit (word-final) alternate forms of the Hebrew letters.*
Rolling the scroll up, and setting it aside she would start working on the Chinese numerology assignment. The first thing that needed to be done was to create their own copy of the key that would be used to decipher things. The easiest to use, was the Cantonese and that would be what she needed to use according to Professor Everard. Finishing up her key, she would set that aside, notebook put away as Arithmancy was done for the time being. She needed now to start working on her scroll for potions. She hated to say it but she missed Snape. She couldn't quite put her finger on why...Oh wait, it was his scathing wit and dry bluntness that she missed during Potions.
Fatiguing Fusion Potion. That is what they are working on for the last two weeks of the term. They had to have a scroll in on Tuesday about the potion and list of ingredients. Her potions text was helpful in providing some information, and she'd found a book on it in the library. She was quickly filling the scroll for her assignment and soon enough it was completed. Two twelve inch scrolls on Fatiguing Fusion Potion, and her potions assignment was complete. They were going to start working on making the potion in class on Tuesday, but they had to have all their ingredients gathered by Monday evening.
She was now looking for books on the Apple tree. She would do her sketch from one of the books in the library, quite simply because it meant that she didn't have to go back out into the green house, and be in the snow. That was something she was trying to avoid as much as possible right now. She was already starting to feel ill, and spending more time out in the cold than necessary would only worsen her more than likely. She had no desire to spend the weekend, or the final week of the term trapped in the Hospital wing because she had the flu.
Finishing up her sketch on the Apple Tree. She would tuck it away to be turned in next week, and then turn her attention to Ancient Runes, the last subject she'd decided to work on today. They were on the introduction to Ogham. They'd just finished working on short-twig runes, and their counterparts long-twig runes. All of which were somewhat easy, but all together complicated if one had no idea what they were working with. But, Orei had a knack for languages and translating most of the runes was easy for her. Though from the looks of it Ogham is going to be a bit tricky. Finishing up the introduction she would slip a hand through her hair, notes taken in her notebook of things she wanted to ask Professor Closterfob. That woman was dull. If Orei hadn't had such a passion for languages, she'd have completely hated taking Ancient Runes again.
Alright, that was done, she debated working on her homework for Astronomy, DADA, Transfiguration and Charms, but she needed a break first. Perhaps a stroll around the castle would do her good before she shut herself back in the library. It was like she was a seventh year already stressing majorly about her NEWTs at the end of next term. She grabbed her books, putting them and her assignments away she headed to Gryffindor tower and dumped them on her bed before she'd start walking about the castle, merely wandering here and there. She'd be caught off guard as an owl nearly landed atop her head with a letter from her Dad.
Dearest daughter,
I miss you terribly, I do hope you know that. I am sorry I will not be able to be home for the holidays. Mom has been keeping me updated on the changes of the Ministry. Minister Smythe-Jones needs to, well never mind, I'm certain you've your own ideas on the situation.
As you probably already know, Mom is going to be coming over here for the holidays. You are under no obligation to join her, you are welcome to stay at home in London, go home with a friend or even spend the break in Hogsmeade with Brett and his sister. Just know that no matter your decision we trust your judgement and know that you will be safe and not get in trouble.
Along with this letter is a black, Akoya pearl necklace. An early Christmas gift.
Love you,
Dad
The pearls were beautiful, and she quickly slipped the necklace on smiling lightly as letter and box were tucked in her small pack that was drapped over her shoulder. She'd have to write a letter back to Dad tonight, and send one to Brett to figure out what she'd be doing for break. She might just spend time in the house in London by herself. But, she'd get terribly lonely...she didn't want to spend the holiday in Japan, she wanted to stay in London. Though...No. She shook the thought from her head. Alright, heading back toward Gryffindor Tower she would settle on her bed and quickly pen a reply to her Dad, which included a big thank you for the pearl necklace.
Friday and Snow
Author: Lawrence Masterson
Date: 10-29-07 19:15
It was Friday, which means it would be the last time he saw his third through seventh years until Monday. His sixth year class had gone well enough, he hadn't had to take points away, but then again there hadn't been any to give either. His seventh years were going to be getting a lecture on Cuckoo-Pint, and allowed to bounce a few ideas off of him for their assignment that they'd need to work on this weekend.
He was going to try and keep the lectures short, which would keep the class short because the weather was going to make it unbearable to be within the greenhouse for too long despite warming charms that were cast. He handed back a few assignments to his seventh years.
He kept to his word, the class was done within forty five minutes so that the students had time to warm up before they headed to their next class which would no doubt all be inside as Astronomy was only held at night and Herbology and Care of Magical Creatures were the only classes that were held outside.
He quickly got things ready for his third years and soon enough, the fifteen minutes that had elapsed between the end of his seventh year class and the start of his third year class. The third years huddled in, the warmth doing a little to ease the chill of the snowy weather outside. He kept his third year class as short as his seventh year, and did the same for his forth and fifth year classes as well. Thus his day ended at three forty five instead of four. Which was good, because he wanted to get inside and have a steaming mug of cider.
Lunch in The Pures Only Common Room (Basil)
Author: Jared
Date: 10-30-07 19:57
"I can't believe I'm saying this, but I hate Fridays," Ivan gripes to Basil as they enter the Pures Only Common Room.
"Mondays are worse," Basil shrugs, "but yeah, Fridays are pretty bad."
A House Elf hastens over to the table where Ivan and Basil have plopped down. "The Masters wish refreshment?"
Without glancing over at the House Elf, Ivan orders, "Ham on rye, light mayonaise, thick slices of tomato, pickle spear on the side, cheese crisps. Fruit punch to drink."
Basil takes a few seconds longer before deciding upon, "Broccoli cheese soup and half a chicken salad sandwich. Fruit punch as well."
The House Elf scuttles away, going to a service bar then almost immediately hurries back with the boys' lunches and drinks. Ivan slouches in his seat, getting comfortable as he munches on the mound of cheese crisps from his plate. "I'm glad you suggested eating here. Wasn't in the mood for the noise of the Great Hall."
Basil sucks down his drink then snaps his fingers for another before snottily saying, "Snider should make a rule about Nons being able to talk during meals." He takes a bite of sandwich then says around the mouthful, "I wish they had to eat somewhere else entirely. Turns my stomach to watch them."
"Me too!" Ivan concurs.
Ivan's eyes stray to the Christmas tree that makes the one in the regular common commons look like a sapling. "I wonder if my name's on any of those presents."
"Only one way to find out," Basil says around another mouthful.
Shoving a bite of his own sandwich in his mouth, Ivan gets up to go look. Before he's fully out of his seat Basil shoves a gift at him. "Long as you're going over there, put this under it."
"What is it?"
"I wanted an extra gift so I signed up for that Secret Santa thing. Only drawback is it meant getting a gift for someone else."
"Who'd you get?"
"Jill," Basil replies in reference to their classmate Jill Prewitt.
Ivan gives the wrapped package a hard shake. "It's not breakable is it?"
"Nope and good thing too or you'd probably have broken it just now. It's a scarf. I owled Mum who asked my aunt to ask Etta what Jill might like, Etta and Jill being such good chums. Jill needs a new school scarf."
"You got her a Gryffindor scarf," Ivan says with obvious distaste.
"Yep, that's what I got her," Basil nods "Now hurry up or you won't have time to finish your lunch. have a sweet or two, and finish your Transfiguration homework before it's time to head to class."
Mouth turned up in a sneer at the box for Jill with the Gryffindor scarf, Ivan goes over to put the gift under the tree and to see if any of the presents there are addressed to him. By the time he's back at the table, Basil is done with his soup and sandwich and is eating a thick slice of lemon cake.