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Secret Santa Gifts
Author: Jared
Date: 10-06-08 19:30
Jared walks into the Great Hall, halfway wanting to go back and crawl into bed to finish the nap he'd been taking. It's only his rumbling stomach that brought him to the Great Hall and the knowledge that with Astronomy at midnight, he's going to need more than a snack later to sustain him.
Clutched under one arm is the Secret Santa gift he needs to place under the tree where everyone's been leaving Christmas presents. Whenever he's gone to the commons area, Jared's forgotten to take the wrapped package for Professor Jolyon Kent.
Abigail, Jared's mum, had purchased this gift and the one for Etta's Secret Santa recipient, but Jared had owled his mum some suggestions. He'd requested that Abigail either get Professor Kent a plush, warm robe (something Jared never wore much before this overly cold autumn and what's sure to be a colder winter) or a nice shirt. Stumbling across a small clothing shoppe going out of business, Abigail had gotten both a robe and a dress shirt for less than the budget she'd alotted each of her children for their Secret Santa gifts.
Jared reaches a table where Sage is already eating and where his sister is so busy in conversation with her friends Alexa and Jenny that she doesn't even notice when Jared says hello. It's only when he plops the wrapped gift onto the table next to her that Etta looks his way.
"Don't speak," she teases.
"I did. You were nattering away with your chums and didn't hear."
"What's that?" Etta asks with a tilt of her head at the gift.
"Secret Santa."
"Who'd you get? Oh, or can't you say?"
Etta's eyes sweep around the table, seeing who else is sitting there.
Jared is the one teasing now. "I can say, but do I want to?"
"I have Professor Isuki," Etta informs him, giving Jared an expectant look.
"Just because you told me who you have, doesn't mean I have to share with you in return," Jared chuckles, reaching for a platter with grilled fish of some sort.
"I'm giving her a pretty dark pink sweater and a gorgeous black dress," Etta announces.
"Mum got your Secret Santa gifts from the same place she got mine, sounds like."
"So?"
"Yeah, what's in the box, Jared?" Etta's and Jared's cousin Basil nosily asks, coming up behind them.
Jared fixes Basil with a stare. "You don't even know who it's for. What if it's for you?"
"Then I can tell you if it's something I want and if I don't, you have time to get me something else," comes Basil's snarky reply.
"It's not for you."
"Don't care then," Basil shrugs, already walking off. Reaching another table, Basil takes a seat across from friend and roommate Ivan Grimsby. It's only after he's got his plate filled and is busy shoveling food into his mouth that he realizes he let a perfect opportunity to spoil the surprise of a Christmas gift go by.
Sitting at the same table as Jared and Etta is Sage Porter, the person to whom Basil's own Secret Santa present goes. It would have been fun to accidently blurt out what he'd gotten and for whom. He supposes he could still do it but now it wouldn't seem accidental at all.
Oh well.
At least Basil still gets to have a laugh that while he got Sage a decent gift of a warm hooded shirt, it's in shades of green, including that of former Slytherin House, of which Basil was a proud member.
Nearly Done (Hadrian & Daniel)
Author: Aaron Miller
Date: 10-07-08 13:44
Hadrian, still rubbing his hand from where Professor Yaxley had smacked him with his wand - the professor's wand, not Hadrian's - for not being quick enough to suit the professor during the one-on-one practical portion of the end of term Charm exams, enters the commons, glad to be done with Yaxley's class for a few weeks. Done with that bastard Carrow's Potions class as well for awhile.
Going straight to the Christmas tree, Hadrian deposits a gift for AJ Hodfuffer under it. He'd drawn the Ancient Runes professor's name for Secret Santa. Suprisingly, Hadrian found a gift on his own without once having to ask for help or advice or get someone else to do the buying. It's not much, just a simple zip up sweater but Hadrian is strangely proud of himself for getting the present all on his own.
Hadrian's already pick up the gift from his own Secret Santa though he's not opened it yet. He'll wait and do that either Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Making for the nearest table, Hadrian sits, too lazy now to go to the Great Hall for lunch. The House Elf who appears at his elbow is nicely requested to get him a couple of sandwiches, any sort will do, some cheesy crisps, and a glass of milk.
"Me too," Hadrian's cousin Daniel says, sitting down opposite him. "That was a bloody difficult test."
"Yeah," Hadrian concurs, unconsciously rubbing the spot on his hand whacked by Yaxley.
"How'd you know I came here instead of the Great Hall," Hadrian then asks.
"I didn't. I needed to put Deak's Secret Santa gift under the tree," Daniel replies, referring to cousin by adoption Deacon Bennett. Daniel had heard Deak mention a pair of self heating gloves he'd like to have so had gotten those for Deak and also a blue sweater that puts Daniel in mind of Ravenclaw, even if Ravenclaw House no longer exists.
Unlike Hadrian, Daniel not only retrieved the Secret Santa present given to him by Cornelia Vanderbilt but he'd opened it on the spot. Since then, Daniel's used the chess set a few times and once classes are over today, he hopes to put the chess set to great use. He likes it so much, Daniel even wrote Cornelia a thank you note and left it for her without his mother once having to tell him to do so.
Their lunches arrive so Daniel and Hadrian dig in while talking about their remaining three classes: Herbology, Transfiguration, and History of Magic. After hearing about getting to eat and drink sweets while taking the History exam, for once the two boys don't mind going to that class so much and having a test. They avoid talking again about how Christmas this year won't be as cheerful and fun what with a number of family members missing, including their own age cousins Jill and Alastor.
All too soon it's time to bundle up against the bitter cold for the trek to the greenhouses for Herbology.
Studying Potions Over Lunch (Gus)
Author: Phinfilius
Date: 10-07-08 16:56
With Astronomy only on Monday nights, both Herbology and Fitness & Athletics over for the term, and Charms, History of Magic, and Transfiguration behind him by lunchtime, Augustus can't wait to get Potions and Defense Against the Dark Arts over with. Defense Against the Dark Arts is both fun and interesting and he really likes Professor Isuki, so if the first years' class were to go over the alotted time today, Gus wouldn't mind overly much. Potions is another story. Just thinking about the upcoming exam under Professor Carrow's snotty glare is enough to make Gus shudder.
Much as Gus hates to think about Potions, he pulls out his notes and textbook to prop open and read over as he eats. He notices Caerwyn Valentine doing the same.
He asks his roommate, "You ready?"
"I guess. I'm never sure when it comes to Carrow's class," Caerwyn shrugs.
"Same here. Pass the mashed potatoes."
Accepting the bowl of potatoes, Gus asks, "You think we'll have a big feast-like dinner tonight?"
"As a holiday type thing for those of us leaving tomorrow?"
"Yeah."
"Might. Haven't heard anything though."
Two boys, being a little on the loud side, sit down at the same table. As one laughs uproariously at something the other has said, Gus sees that one is third year Basil Wynbourne. Gus doesn't know the older boy very well but what he does know he doesn't like much. It made picking out a secret santa gift for Basil harder than it might otherwise have been. Having heard how much Basil loves sweets, Gus ended up getting Basil a candy of the month membership, lasting for a year.
Doing his best to tune out Basil and the other boy who continue to talk and laugh louder than necessary, Gus gives his full attention to eating lunch and reading over his Potions notes, occassionally asking something of Caerwyn or answering a question that boy has. As 1 pm approaches, Caerwyn and Gus reluctantly pack up their Potions texts and notes to make their way down to the dungeons for the Potions mid-term exam.
(Urania) Lunchtime Discussion
Author: Illyria
Date: 10-07-08 18:22
Urania slid onto the hard, wooden bench in the dining cabin and set her tray down on the uneven table. The lunch menu consisted of a couple of unidentifiable dishes, none of which looked appetizing in the least. Urania nonetheless forced herself to eat, wanting to satisfy the burning hunger in the pit of her stomach and hoping to warm herself up, even if just a little bit.
She had just taken another body to the Death Zone. An elderly resident had died of hypothermia, the second such case in as many weeks. With temperatures sinking even lower with every passing day, Urania didn't doubt that a lot of residents would perish before winter's end. No one at Goen Bren was the picture of health. Everyone was susceptible to the extreme conditions, even she.
Urania ate half the food on her plate before turning to the figure seated next to her. Minerva ate slowly, finding it difficult to swallow down every bite. By no means was she a connoisseur, nor was she a particularly picky eater, but there were just some things she could not willingly eat.
Minerva's left wrist and hand was bound in a bandage made from her bedding scraps. Urania had been in Building A when Minerva and Carys had come in together yesterday evening, Carys walking with a protective arm around the older woman's shoulders, Minerva cradling her wrist with her other hand. Together they'd told Urania and their other roommates about the dementor's attack.
Urania had never in her life seen a dementor before and hoped she wouldn't ever. She could only imagine what the attack had been like and unfortunately came to the realization that it could happen to her too.
Urania thought to ask a question she hadn't asked last night. "What was Carys doing outside past curfew last night?"
Minerva shook her head slowly. "Perhaps she was finishing a chore in the kitchens," she replied. "Don't we all occasionally have duties that extend past nightfall?"
"Perhaps," Urania answered, nodding. "What's most odd is how the warden protected you both from the dementor."
"I think he was protecting himself. He seemed to indicate that the dementor was disobeying orders. Perhaps it would have turned on him after it finished with us," Minerva replied. She winced, as her wrist ached terribly and hadn't seen any sort of medical attention.
"That does make sense," Urania murmured. She picked up her fork and prodded the remaining food on her plate. "Does this mean we need to be extra cautious when we're out and about now? Could a dementor attack us at any time?"
Minerva looked at Urania evenly. "Yes, I very much think so."
Talking With Sassy
Author: Saffron
Date: 10-08-08 12:51
Sasafrass holds out a wafered sandwich cookie with a mashmallowy center to her two and a half year old son Jordan at the same time she asks her sister Saffron, "Has Snider let you know if they'll let you leave the grounds for Christmas?"
Standing at the small stove in her school flat, Saffron stirs the pesto sauce she's making. "I've asked four times now and have yet to get a response, even a no."
"You should just leave."
"If I did that I'd have to flee."
"Would that be so bad?"
"With Sage and Deak still in school, yes."
"What if they simply don't come back after the holiday?"
Spoon in hand, Saffron turns to look at her sister. "You know what happened last time that was tried," she reminds. "I have been told more than once that if not for Da being such friends with the Minister, I'd have been arrested."
"I've never understood why. There is no proof you knew what Aaron was doing."
As soon as the words are out of Sassy's mouth, she rolls her eyes at herself. "That was a stupid thing to say. Who needs an excuse these days?"
Saffron's mouth turns up in a rueful smile. "Once Sage graduates, if things are as they are now, or worse, we can revisit this. It would be much easier getting just Deak out." Saffron adds with a sigh, "Though I would hate to leave the four Wenlock cousins still here."
Sassy ticks off on one hand, "Alexa, Daniel, Hadrian, and Hunter? Is that right? Or am I mixing them up? There are so many to keep track of."
"Those are correct, and yes, there are a great many Wenlock cousins." Saffron's attention goes to Jordon who's reaching to pull a green bow off a green, white, and red wrapped gift. "No, no, Jordon. Here, take this instead, sweetie."
To Sassy she says, "That's a secret Santa gift." She taps the necklace she's wearing. "This is the secret Santa I received this year. Rivalen Farnon, who's teaching Herbology, drew my name."
"Did you get a student or an adult?" Sassy asks, handing Jordon a second cookie, firmly telling him, "No more biscuits until after supper."
"A student; a first year at that. His name is Caerwyn Valentine. His father is Julian Valentine, one of the co-owners of Twice Told Tales in Hogsmeade."
Sassy gives a rather lascivious grin. "Ah yes, the two gorgeous bookshoppe owners. Not that I notice such hot men, being the married woman that I am."
Saffron laughs, "Of course not."
"So what did you get the boy? Caerwyn you said?"
"Yes, Caerwyn. I got him two shirts that are charmed to change color in sunlight or with heat. Here, let me show you the one I got myself."
Saffron fetches the white t-shirt with what looks like a quill an ink drawing, in blue ink, of frolicking dolphins. Holding the shirt near the fire for the heat required to change the design from a monotone ink drawing to a colorful picture, Saffron shows off the shirt. "One of the ones I got for Caerwyn has a dragon and the other has salamanders. I need to take his gift down to put under the tree in the commons by tomorrow morning."
Reaching for her wand, Saffron sends the gift from her flat to the common room Christmas tree, the conversation with Sassy moving to what they will do for Christmas dinner if Saffron is stuck at Hogwarts.
Make the Season Bright
Author: Hermione Granger
Date: 10-08-08 18:26
Hermione walked briskly from the small commercial area near the safe house in Créteil, carrying several shopping bags. She wore the coat Ron had given her for her birthday, thankful for the insulation. It kept her warm in the cold, winter air. The sun had nearly gone down, taking with it the last rays of light. Streetlamps lit up overhead, and lights shone in the windows of the houses she passed.
She eventually came to the house and veered off the sidewalk to the driveway. She crossed it to the front door and let herself inside, where a number of the members of the Order sat in anticipation of supper followed by a meeting.
Ron met Hermione in the living room, kissed her on the cheek, relieved her of the shopping bags, and then took her coat.
"You should have let me come with you."
"I was perfectly safe," Hermione replied reassuringly. "Besides, you were too engrossed in that chess match against Lupin to even notice my telling you that I was leaving. Did you win?"
Ron smiled sheepishly. "Of course, but he played a good game." He sobered quickly. "It's just that after what happened with Harry, I think it's always a good idea, no matter where we are, if we pair up when we go out and about. I don't really anticipate any trouble here either," he went on, "but it's better to be safe than sorry."
Although both were thinking the same thing, neither mentioned how Harry had been paired up with somebody––Ron––when he'd been captured.
Hermione nodded complacently. "Very well. Next time I won't go alone."
She looked over at the tiny Christmas tree Arthur had brought over earlier in the day. It stood barely higher than the middle of Hermione's thigh, but had a healthy amount of green boughs and looked just darling. Molly had decided the house needed some holiday cheer, even if only a little bit.
After Arthur set up the small tree, Hermione had the idea to get some decorations since there weren't any in the house. She bought some ornaments in red and green, silver tinsel, and a strand of blinking Christmas lights. She also found an angel to set on top of the tree.
"Do you want to help me decorate?" Hermione asked Ron. She went to the tree and kneeled down in front of it.
"Sure," Ron said, "but I reckon it won't take long, this being a midget-sized tree and all." He picked up the shopping bags and carried them to Hermione and then knelt down beside her on the rug.
"Oh, stop," Hermione protested, playfully swatting his arm. "It's cute."
"It's pathetic."
"No, pathetic is short and bare. This tree has lovely branches."
Ron shrugged. "I like trees so tall they touch the ceiling."
"Well, when you run your own household, you can get a Christmas tree that touches the moon for all I care!" Hermione exclaimed, grinning. She opened one of the shopping bags and took out the string of lights.
Together, she and Ron decorated the tiny Christmas tree and silently wished that Harry was there to help them.
Temporarily Flying The Coop
Author: Coco Nutt
Date: 10-08-08 19:13
With dinner over and the evening head count done, Coco slips into the deep shadow along one section of wall, the growing lateness of the hour ensuring darkness and gloom over Happy Haven. Transforming into her animagus form of a small, blue bird, Coco takes flight.
She is so very tired but every night she can sneak away goes toward helping the others imprisoned at Happy Haven. The first few times Coco went flying after deciding to take the risk, she flew in ever increasing circles, getting a feel for the lay of the land and looking for any landmarks to help indicate where exactly Happy Haven is.
Twice now, Coco has ventured all the way to the Wynbournes' residence. Each time she saw Pea, spent as much time as she dared with her beloved little dog, but didn't let Abigail or Gawain know she was there. The first visit, Coco was shocked at how miniscule Pea looked. The already tiny dog looked sunken in on himself.
Talking quietly with Pea, Coco learned that Pea was wasting away because of fear and concern for Coco. She also learned that Abigail had taken Pea to Papa Wal's but for reasons Pea couldn't fully understand, she didn't leave him there.
Coco had nearly flown home the next time she went out after that first visit with Pea. The only thing holding her back was the knowledge that if she were to be discovered missing, one of the first places they'd look is Papa Wal's.
The second visit with Pea, the teeny poodle looked much improved. Coco is going tonight for a third visit and this time she just might take the huge step of leaving a note for the Wynbournes, maybe even draw a rough map of the route from Happy Haven to their house.
If she does take that courageous step, Coco is going to have to plead in writing for them not to let known they'd have contact with her, at least not until there's a way to get all the Happy Haven kids out safely at the same time.
With a tail wind behind her, Coco makes good time to the Wynbournes, changing back to her normal girl form, though the head of blue hair is now as much dark brown as it is blue, Coco double checks to make sure the Wynbournes are either out or asleep before creeping into the wonderful warmth to be greeted by an estatic Pea.