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True Owls
Author: Jolyon
Date: 07-20-11 17:59
Last Tuesday, Jolyon's third years had met at the Owlery to begin a month-long discussion on owls. Owls were probably the most important animals in the wizarding world, since they served as mail carriers for the entire population. They were also one of the most common magical creatures, serving not only as postmen but as family pets.
Jolyon had announced to his students the week prior to the meeting at the Owlery that they would hold class there and not at the barn as usual. Knowing that some students could be forgetful and that they probably didn't study the syllabus every week, Jolyon had posted a note on the barn doors as a reminder. Only a few third years had come to the Owlery a bit late. At the close of the hour and a half allotted for class, Jolyon had reminded everyone that they would meet back at the barn next time, even though the discussion on owls would continue.
When 3:30 rolled around this afternoon, every single one of his third years was present and on time. Jolyon was pleased that everyone had remembered to come to the barn today, rather than the Owlery.
"Good afternoon, class," he greeted them. Because it was a warm, sunny day, everyone sat outside on the picnic benches.
A few wooden perches had been arranged in the grass, occupied by a handful of owls.
"I hope you all enjoyed last class."
There were some murmurs of assent. Professor Kent was well-aware that field trip lectures tended to yield more interest than classroom lectures. Hopefully, the continuing subject-matter and live specimens would hold his students' attentions.
"We're going to discuss True Owls today. Who can remember what the term True Owls refers to?"
Kate Dewhurst raised her hand. "True owls are also known as Typical Owls, their Latin name being Strigidae. They compose of all species of owls except for barn owls."
"Correct. Five points to Hufflepuff," Professor Kent said with a smile. "There are 189 living species of True Owls, compared to only 16 living species of barn owls. Who remembers what the smallest species of owl is?"
Felicia Flaversham said, "The Elf Owl."
"Yes, two points to Slytherin. And the largest?"
Charisma Stone offered, "Blakiston's Fish Owl."
Jolyon nodded. "Yes, two points to Gryffindor. Fish-owls look remarkably like this fellow here," he went on, moving to stand beside a rather large, brown owl, who sat patiently on one of the perches and swiveled its head around to follow the movement of the students watching it.
"This is Godric," Jolyon introduced. "Some of you may recognize him, as he is one of the owls here at Hogwarts. Godric is an Eurasian Eagle Owl, which is often mistaken for the largest owl species in the world. It is, in fact, slightly smaller than the fish-owl."
Professor Kent turned away from Godric to address the class. "Most True Owls are arboreal. Can anyone name a species of owl that is not?"
Gus Hodfuffer raised his hand. "Last class, you mentioned a Burrowing Owl."
"I did indeed," Jolyon replied with a smile. "Two points to Hufflepuff. Burrowing Owls don't nest in trees. They nest in burrows on the ground."
He turned then to another of the owls perching nearby. "What kind of owl is this?"
"That's a tawny," replied Johanna Steele.
"Yes, this tawny is called Tandy. She is also an owl here at Hogwarts. Two points to Slytherin."
"And this?" Professor Kent asked, indicating to a tall owl with beige stomach feathers and darker speckles all over.
"A long-earred owl?" Gus Van Tassel asked, not quite sure of his answer.
"What gave it away?" Jolyon asked.
"Its long ears," Gus admitted.
Jolyon grinned. "Right you are. Two points to Slytherin. Barry is, in fact, a long-earred owl. There are also short-earred owls that are native to this part of the world."
Professor Kent talked more about the characteristics of True Owls until the end of class, when he handed out a homework assignment: to write an essay on a True Owl of the student's choice. There were some groans about having to write an essay for homework, but Jolyon really didn't think the assignment was all that bad. His students could pick any owl species they wanted, with the exception of barn owls, of course.
"See you next week!" he said, as the third years got their things together and headed for the castle. A few lingered behind to stroke the soft feathers of the owls and to feed them treats.
Jolyon talked with the stragglers until they also left. And then, as if they were aware their presence was no longer needed, the owls took flight and headed back to the Owlery until nightfall.
Are You Insane?
Author: Harry Potter
Date: 07-21-11 09:33
With slight trepidation Harry knocks on the Lupins' front door, running over and over in is mind what he's going to say to Remus. When the door opens it's Remus standing there, steaming mug of coffee in hand. Before Harry can say a word Remus calls back into the depths of the house, "Back in a few, honey!"
He sets his coffee down on a stand near the door then steps out, pulling the door shut behind him, needlessly saying, "Dora hasn't yet left for work. Let's walk."
Remus is already off the porch and on the walkway so Harry turns and trots along to catch up to Remus's longer stride. Out on the lane Remus turns in the direction that will lead them the end of the street. There's meadow and forest beyond. Harry casts a sidelong glance, trying to gauge Remus's mood. Remus has a dark scowl but Harry can't determine if it's because Remus is still angry or if it's because he finds this whole thing distasteful or perhaps a combination of both. It could even be something else altogether, such as annoyance, which is different from anger, and disappointment that Harry would have kept information on Peter Pettigrew from him.
Harry ventures to speak, "About Monday,"
"What are you thinking, Harry?" Remus asks with obvious irritation.
Harry decides to push on with what he had been going to say. "I've never seen you that angry. More like livid. In a rage. I've seen you angry but nothing like that."
"It's Pettigrew," Remus replies as if that's all the explanation needed. In a way, it is.
"Yes, but in the past, when I was a third year for instance and we found out that Ron's rat Scabbers was really Pettigrew, you were angry sure, but rational, a voice of reason. You were the one who kept Sirius from killing Pettigrew on the spot."
"Because I didn't want to see Sirius suffer even more than he already had."
By this time they've left the lane and are on a trail that winds through the trees. "Still, Monday you seemed out for blood."
"Monday was the full moon but even if I hadn't been faced with a transformation I would have reacted that way. All the things that man has done even since he escaped us the day at Hogwarts... I cannot believe you'd shelter him. He helped kidnap you and brought Voldemort back to a full body. Do I really need to tick off all the other things we know he's done? Merlin knows how many other things there are that we don't know about. But even without all that, he betrayed James and Lily. He killed them as surely as if he'd done the deed himself."
Remus's voice had been steadily rising as he spoke, his face going taut and red. In response Harry practically yells, "You don't think I know that? Young as I was I shouldn't remember any of that night in Godric's Hollow but I do. I have relived it countless times. And I was there when Pettigrew brought Voldemort back, there to see Cedric Diggory die! I KNOW what Pettigrew's done."
Remus grabs Harry by the shoulders, shaking him. "Then why the hell are you giving him shelter? Tell me where he is!"
Harry jerks away and stalks over to a tree, which he leans one handed against, breathing heavily. He's facing the tree trunk, head down looking at the ground.
"Tell me, Harry."
"No."
Remus comes up behind Harry, spinning him around. "Why?"
"I don't know why, Remus. I don't know why I'm helping him. I feel like there's something I'm supposed to find out from him and if I tell you where he is you'll do something we'll both regret and I'll never get out of him whatever it is I'm supposed to. That definitely holds true for Sirius."
"What if I promise not to do anything rash? Just let me see him, talk with him."
"You won't tell Sirius?"
"Not unless you force my hand."
"Which means take you to see Pettigrew or you tells Sirius and gang up on me."
"In a nutshell."
Harry scrubs his hands across his face. Never had he thought he'd be at such odds with one of the best men he's ever known.
"All right. Fine. On my terms though."
"Of course."
"What's your schedule today?"
"I've a few classes, office hours."
"Are you free at five?"
"For this, yes."
"Come to my house."
"You've got Pettigrew at your house? Are you insane?" Remus roars.
"No, he's not at my house, Remus. I'm not that much of an idiot."
Somewhat mollified Remus nods, "Five it is then."
"I need to get to work.
"I have to leave for St. Emrys soon myself."
Without another word Remus turns and follows the path back to West Lane. Harry remains where he is, feeling somewhat lost and small and alone. When Remus is no longer visible through the trees, Harry disapparates. It's going to be one damn long day at the Ministry.
Another Date (Daria)
Author: Blossom
Date: 07-21-11 14:44
Walking into the restaurant Daria does quick scan of tables to see if there's anyone resembling the person she's there to meet. Not finding him she tells the maitre'd, "I'm meeting someone but I don't believe he's here yet."
"Would you like me to seat you and show him to your table when he arrives?"
"Yes, thank you," Daria replies.
She's shown to a table with a good view of the entrance. It's only after she's seated that she spots Drake and Ophelia Bennett and Kody Reese-Emerson at a corner table. How could she have missed seeing them when she was glancing around the dinning room a minute ago?
Daria moves to open the menu to obscure her face but it's too late. Ophelia's seen her and is waving. Daria can't very well be rude and pretend she's not seen her friend when Ophelia knows Daria's aware she's there. Dropping the menu back to the table Daria waves back at Ophelia who's now making a come here gesture. A glance at the restaurant's entrance lets Daria know that no one's walking in just now so Daria pushes her chair back and walks over to the corner. She hopes hte forced smile on her face doesn't look to them as being forced.
"Hi, how are all of you?" she asks, unable to keep herself from checking the front of the restaurant again.
"I'm good, how are you?" Drake asks. "Hi! I'm great, thanks," Ophelia says at the same time.
When Kody doesn't immediately say anything Daria looks to Drake. "I'm good. Thanks for having me over the other night," Daria's look now encompasses Ophelia as well.
Daria's eyes slide back to the entrance and as they do Kody speaks for the first time since she came to the table. "Expecting someone?"
"Yes, actually, I am."
Ophelia brightens. "Anyone we know?"
"I don't think so but maybe. Cillian Geraghty," she reluctently tells them.
Drake and Ophelia shake their heads no. Kody also shakes his head no, shrugs then says, "No, doesn't sound familiar."
"Is he a friend or a friend?" Ophelia asks, her eyes twinkling.
"I don't actually know him," Daria admits.
"Blind date?" Drake asks.
"Yes, something like that." No way is Daria going to admit it's a fix up through the Magical Match dating service. Movement at the corner of her eye has her looking in the direction of the entrance once more. "I think that might be him coming in. It's good to see all of you."
After Ophelia extracts a promise from her to have lunch with her within the next couple of days, Daria hurries back to her table. Cillian looks much like the profile picture she was shown and he's got a dazzling smile with dimples that could rival those of Twice Told Tales co-owner Julian Valentine. This initial meeting with him would be a little awkward for Daria anyway but it's more so knowing that Ophelia, Drake and Kody - KODY! - are probably watching. If she were to take Cillian by the arm and steer him right back out the door, they're all intelligent enough to discern it would be because she doesn't want them looking on, which would lead to questions and possibly hurt feelings. She's just got to suck this up and hope they are near to being finished with their meals.
Cillian seems nice though only time will tell. Now, if Kody would just stop staring over this way... but then again, maybe him staring this way is a good thing. Maybe he'll remember Daria's apology and realize he's the one who needs to take the next step. But no! This whole Magical Match thing was to meet new people, have a social with dates that does not include Kody Reese-Emerson. They are just friends. Nothing more. Yes, just friends. Daria tells herself to stop hoping he'll keep looking this way and get jealous of seeing her with someone else.
Suddenly feeling extremely frazzled even though Cillian's not been here above three minutes, Daria wonders if it's too early to knock back a strong drink or two and whether she could do it without Cillian thinking she's a lush.
DADA Study Guide
Author: Kissy Isuki
Date: 07-21-11 16:51
"Take your seats," Kissy instructs the fifth year class of Gryffindors and Slytherins as she walks from the doorway to the front of the room. To save time she marked names off the roll as students passed her on the way into the classroom so now she's ready to get down to business.
"As I pointed out on Monday, OWLs are nearly here. You should have worked on answering questions from the study guide I gave out. Are there any questions so far about it?"
Basil Wynbourne's hand shoots up. "The practice books give different answers to this so I'm wondering what your opinion is. Is there a certain percentage of information on both parts of the exam for each year, like say twenty percent of questions are first year information, twenty are second year, like that?"
"Excellent question, Basil. Three points Slytherin. While there is a balance of questions based on years of past exams I would say there is a slightly higher percentage of more recent knowledge. Yes, Wiggy?"
"If the IQT championship match is somewhere else, how will being away and missing a day or two of classes affect those of us on the team?"
"With five of you in this class and two in the other on the Quidditch team, that's an excellent question as well, Wiggy. Three points to Gyrffindor. You have the study guides and are expected to keep working on them. If you have questions or need help, I will be available before and after you return from the championship match should Hogwarts be participating in it. As for any time missed in class getting ready for the practical, the practice rooms are available and again, I will be available to help as needed."
As no one seems to have any other pressing questions at the moment Kissy says, "Angus, tell us what you wrote for question number one."
Homework and Dinner
Author: Karma Davyd
Date: 07-22-11 16:51
Some time ago I'd brought home a pair of kittens from McFusty's in Hogsmeade, and it had been the best purchase she'd made since moving to London. The little kittens were absolutely adorable - a pair of ocicat kittens. One was orange and white speckled while the other is a brown, grey and white speckled. At the moment, they were running about the legs of the table and chairs of her dining set while I worked through some of my homework.
"Avani and Jag...please go settle in your beds or crawl along the kitten condo thing that I brought home." I said, slamming my quill down upon the table and startling both of the kittens.
Avani quickly scampered up into my lap and nudgingly demanded pettings while Jag batted at the hem of my pants. "I swear, the two of you could get away with murder you are too adorable."
I pushed myself up, and with a baleful glance at my homework, padded into the kitchen with a kitten trailing after me attempting to pounce on my feet. "Right, dinner time for the pair of you, and then I think I'm going to put in an order for take-away." She dropped Avani to the floor and opened the canned food and set it before each of them in their bowls that were labeled for each kitten.
While they ate I looked over the take-away menus finally settling on curry. That done, I headed back to my homework until the delivery showed up.
Who?
Author: Illyria
Date: 07-22-11 18:31
Illyria had just gotten up from her desk at the close of her office hours to do some prepping for her late-night classes and then to grab dinner in the Great Hall, when her youngest sister Urania materialized in the doorway.
She had the most blissful expression on her face and seemed to be walking on air.
"Am I interrupting anything?" she asked, hoping that she wasn't.
"Not at all," Illyria replied, taking in her sister's appearance with great interest. She'd hardly seen Urania since Olympia's wedding at the end of April. Both had gotten wrapped up in work and hadn't been in touch as frequently as was usual for them.
"I was just heading up to my classroom for a little while. Want to come?"
"Sure," Urania replied. She followed Illyria to the classroom in the Astronomy Tower and sat down in one of the lecture hall-type seats.
Illyria started laying things out on the desk in the classroom. "So, what brings you to Hogwarts, Urania?" she asked her sister.
Urania took a moment in answering. When Illyria glanced her way, she noted that her sister was smiling, and that she looked to be somewhere far, far away.
"Urania?"
Urania looked up, still smiling. "I've met someone."
Illyria smiled. "I think I guessed as much. You can't stop grinning."
"He's so... wonderful. Handsome. Kind. He has a good job and a great personality. He's just... well, in a word, he's perfect."
Illyria turned back to her desk to get things in order for tonight and said, "Where did you two meet?"
"At Olympia's wedding, actually."
"Really?" Illyria asked. "I didn't notice you talking to anybody."
"That's because you were busy being maid of honor," Urania replied.
Illyria laughed. "Okay, maybe that's what it was." She turned away from the desk and raised her wand to the ceiling, charming it so that the constellation Boötes appeared.
Urania raised her head up to admire the faux night sky.
"Actually, you may have left for that festival thing before we started talking," Urania amended, after giving it some thought.
"The Spring Social, you mean?" Illyria asked.
"Yeah, that. We started talking over glasses of champagne, and one thing led to another and the next thing I knew, we were leaving the reception together. We had the best night together, and we've seen each other almost every day since. The only reason I'm not with him tonight is because he's got a major meeting this evening that's supposed to last all night. I think it involves international clients..." Urania shrugged and then looked down at Illyria, who'd finished setting everything up and had simply been watching her sister talk.
She was glad to see her sister so happy. Urania hadn't really dated anybody seriously since Caden Eastwick, and that had ended quite badly.
"So, what's Prince C harming's name?" Illyria asked.
Urania sighed deeply and said, "His name is Nathan."
Illyria blinked. "Nathan?"
"Yes, Nathan."
Illyria had been leaning against her desk, but she stood up and turned around to fiddle with the parchment on her desk. Why did she suddenly feel so jealous? If Urania was talking about her Nathan, who wasn't really her Nathan at all since they only ever got together once every two years, then why should she be jealous?
She really couldn't understand what had come over her.
Urania didn't seem to notice.
"I guess one of these days, I should have a dinner party so that you can all meet him."
Illyria turned around, hoping she looked completely normal. "Only if you want."
"I want. I want to very much."
"Speaking of dinner," Illyria said very quickly, "I'm hungry. Want to grab dinner with me in the Great Hall, or do you want to go out somewhere?"
"Great Hall is fine. I love the food at Hogwarts and really miss it sometimes."
"Let's go then," Illyria said. She swept out of the classroom, pausing only to see that Urania had gotten up to follow. It bothered her that Urania being with Nathan affected her the way it did. It shouldn't have. Not in the slightest.
Illyria knew it would be hard to ignore Urania's obvious pleasure in having found Nathan, but maybe she could keep the topic of conversation over dinner on some other subject entirely!