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(Caleb & Maud) Monday Morning
Author: Celeste Quigley
Date: 11-23-18 06:59
Caleb was having breakfast at the Ravenclaw table. Mondays were long days with Transfiguration, Muggle Studies, Potions and Alchemy. He was not in a good mood because Sophie had dragged him on Saturday to a shopping session at Hogsmeade and he ended up spending more time in the village than he had predicted. He tried to catch up on his studies on Sunday but there were some things he still wanted to study, but he did not have the time to do so.
During their shopping session, Sophie kept calling Caleb's attention towards a few girls. She was determinate to find him a girlfriend. She claimed that since she became engaged to Jasper, she wanted others to feel the same happiness she felt. Caleb was starting to loathe Sophie's attempts to pair him up with someone, but he couldn't really stop her, or he would have to tell her all about Patricia.
He was aware it hasn't been the best way to broke up with her, during Emrys Fest and after offering her a few drinks. He had been a coward to have done things this way, but he just wasn't brave enough to face a sober Patricia in private. He felt the need to break up with her because he was feeling somewhat smothered by her presence. She wanted to be close to him all the time, and yet everything had to be done in a secret way because of Sophie and her other sisters. He did not lie when he told her he wanted to focus on his studies but at the same time he just didn't want to have her around him all the time. Nor any other girl for that matter.
The only positive thing of their shopping trip was Caleb Secret Santa's present. This year he got fifth year Hufflepuff Cornington Marchbanks. Caleb knew Cornington because he was a prefect and they had made a couple of corridor patrols together. Cornington had revealed to Caleb that he disliked being called 'Corny', a nickname some Slyhterins used to annoy him. He also knew Cornington was a chaser for his house team and he was Leo's brother. It took a while for Caleb to figure out what to offer Cornington. Caleb disliked Quidditch and he didn't want to offer something related to the sport to Cornington. He decided to think outside the box and offer Cornington something he would never buy to himself, but which Sophie had approved as a nice gift. Caleb bought Cornington a sleeping bag in the shape of a pizza slice. The pillows were in the shape of pizza toppings, such as mushrooms and olives.
Maud was also having breakfast at the Ravenclaw table. Unlike Caleb she had a fun day at Hogsmeade. She too went to buy a gift for her Secret Santa, the second year Gryffindor James Eternal-Black. James was Professor Black's son, and that was all Maud knew about him. But still she thought she had been able to find something that might please James. She had bought him a magical backpack that changed colors according to its owner's wishes. It was as if she hadn't bought one, but several backpacks to James. Hopefully he would never get tired of it.
"Good morning Maud," Grace said, sitting next to her. Jaclyn greets her as well, sitting on the other side of Grace.
"Hello. Did you sleep well?" Maud asked.
"Yes," Grace says.
"I had a funny dream," Jaclyn confessed.
"Tell us!" Grace demanded.
Jaclyn remained quiet for a moment, as she added some milk to a bowl, creating some mystery. Maud and Grace waited with anticipation. Finally, Jaclyn told them she had dreamed that the school had been reallocated to the seaside and the students were allowed to go to the beach. Jaclyn dreamed they had spotted Professor Snape on the beach, wearing sunglasses and applying some cream on his arms. The three girls laughed, and Maud smiled. Somehow, during this school year, part of her hostility towards Grace had vanished and she was now able to hang out with her without seeing her as an enemy.
(Azaelia) Wrapping a Present
Author: Isolde
Date: 11-23-18 08:34
Azaelia sat in the back office in the library and kept a watchful eye through the window to see if someone needed her assistance at the counter. Because it was early in the morning where most students were either getting ready for the day or in the Great Hall having breakfast, Azaelia didn't expect many visitors. In fact, the library was deserted at the moment.
Taking advantage of being alone, Azaelia wrapped the Secret Santa gift she had purchased for Mira Eternal-Black. She'd picked it up in Diagon Alley rather than Hogsmeade, thinking there might be less chance of picking out the same gift as someone else, especially this past Saturday when the village had been flooded with students and staff alike.
The gift was a very pretty green dress with a sweetheart neckline. The dress had a sheer black overlay ornately embroidered with flowers. The sheer overlay extended beyond the green hem of the dress and also above the neckline, actually making the dress sleeveless rather than strapless. There was also a keyhole in the neckline.
The dress was the sort Azaelia herself would have liked as a young Slytherin girl. She might have worn it to the Snow Ball with Robert rather than the dark teal, velvet robes she'd worn instead. How could something that took place nearly seventeen years ago be so fresh in her memory? Because she'd shared that night with Robert, her first love and the wizard she eventually married.
She was completely over him now and was thankful that she hadn't heard from him at all since their divorce was granted. She hadn't heard from his mother either. She had heard from hers, though. Nimuë Bramble had written her daughter yesterday afternoon, wondering if they could meet for lunch today. Azaelia hadn't immediately responded, deciding she would answer based on how she felt this morning. As she wasn't dead-set against the meeting, she decided she would send off a response in the affirmative a little later this morning. She figured her mother hadn't made any other plans in the meantime, and if she had, then oh well.
The dress for Mira was carefully placed into a large green gift box, which Azaelia secured with a pretty red bow. She inserted a card under the ribbon and then stepped back to admire her handiwork. After deciding the box was fit to set under the Christmas tree in the Commons, Azaelia scrawled a quick note to her mother. She departed the library then to drop the gift off and send off her letter.
(Titus) Confrontation
Author: Tiberius Nott
Date: 11-24-18 10:42
Titus had taken a shortcut back to the Slytherin Common Room. He had just had his last class of the day, Potions. He decided to relax a little bit by the fireplace before doing some homework. Unfortunately, his thoughts of a break were broken when Malden and Asher intercepted him. Malden wasn't displaying a friendly face.
"Hello Titus."
"Malden, Asher..." he greeted.
"Unfortunately, I did not detect your presence on our Saturday meeting," Malden declared.
"You were missed," Asher added.
Titus had deliberately skipped Team Delta Echo's meeting on Saturday. He had gone Christmas shopping for his Secret Santa, Professor Black. Titus had classes with Professor Black before. He did not know him personally but like everyone else he knew his story. Titus identified himself a little bit with Professor Black, because they both came from ancient pureblood families and had lived in luxurious homes. He decided to offer Professor Black an elegant briefcase.
It had been a bit expensive, but this was Titus' last year at Hogwarts, which meant this was his last Secret Santa. Last year he almost had to beg Tiberius for money. But now he had some savings from his work at Florians, which allowed him to buy the briefcase. Of course, he could have been able to buy something better for Professor Black if their family hadn't been ruined. Titus often felt that part of his identity as a pureblood wizard had been lost without the family fortune. After shopping he helped Filch controlling the comings and goings of the students at the gate for a while. When the time arrived for theTeam Delta Echo meeting he just simply decided not to go.
"I doubt so," Titus replied.
"Asher isn't lying," Malden insisted. "You see, not only we noticed you did not come but we are also concerned about your lack of commitment towards our little group."
"I have better things to do than to pretend I am in a band."
"Oh, that's right. Mr. Headboy here has a lot of new duties now, Asher." Malden teased.
"Oh no! Is he going to give us a detention?" Asher asked.
The tension was rising. Titus did not feel intimidated by Malden or Asher. Yet he did not want to confront them because he was outnumbered. Nevertheless, he held his wand on his pocket. A group of giggling girls passed by them, and for a moment the three of them pretended they were just having a friendly conversation. Once the group was gone, Malden turned once again to Titus.
"You better show up at our next meeting, Nott. You clearly do not realize how serious this is."
"I doubt it's that serious. How many of us have received the dark mark or actually had contact with a real Death Eater? Who exactly is your friend Sam? And why are you the leader of this group?"
"Careful now..." Asher advised, he pointed his wand at Titus. Titus drew out his wand as well, and he pointed it back at Asher.
"Let him speak," Malden said.
"You have no credibility as a leader Malden. You don't even know that well what Maurice is up to or offer any guarantee that You Know Who is alive. You just keep feeding us with false hopes. People will soon get tired of that. Besides you are a McGonagall. Your great aunt is known for fighting Death Eaters. What makes you think she doesn't have a clue of what is going on in her school?"
Titus knew he might have gone too far. But he had wanted to say this for a while.
"You are just jealous you are not the leader," Asher said.
"I agree Asher. Titus here thinks just because he has a pretty surname, he is entitled to question my leadership." Malden also drawn his wand from his pocket. He pointed it at Titus' neck. Asher pointed to his chest, while Titus pointed his own wand at Malden's cheek. "Sam warned me about this you know? Good leadership is often contested by those who think they could do better. You are a proud fellow Nott, with good family background and impeccable lineage. But let's face it: your family no longer has influence or power. You cannot lead but follow. You should be grateful I chose you to join us."
Another group of students appeared. All the wands were quickly drawn out and Malden smiled. Asher pretended he was laughing at a joke. Once the students were gone, the confrontation carried on.
"You have a weakness Titus: you are a loner. You have no friends and you don't get along with many people. We could duel, and I believe it would be a tie. But I have Asher at my side and so you don't have a chance. I can summon the entire Team Delta Echo and we would finish you off in a moment. But I'm going to give you a chance. Let's just say you had a nasty cold on Saturday, and you were not up for our meeting. It's understandable." Malden patted Titus' shoulder. "I hope you are feeling better now. I'll see you on our next meeting."
Asher and Malden walked away. Titus was trembling in rage. He knew that at least for now, he had to show some commitment to the Team Delta Echo group or he would be in trouble.
Office Wrapping "Party"
Author: Majandra
Date: 11-24-18 14:38
In preparation of Miranda's arrival to her office Majandra has Christmas paper, scissors, and tape at the ready. She also has an assortment of ribbons and bows for when Miranda's Secret Santa present to Vincent Oliver is wrapped. They were going to meet Saturday after Miranda was finished at Viktor's workshop but after her patrol shift in Hogsmeade Majandra had ended up covering for George at Weasleys'.
On Friday Georgie was down with a stomach bug. By mid-morning Saturday George had taken ill as well. With the holiday shopping begun and it being a Hogsmeade Saturday for Hogwarts students, Majandra took George's place at Weasleys'. The shoppe has Sunday hours, lengthened for the Christmas season so Majandra again covered for George, this time at the Diagon Alley location.
As Maj hadn't been able on Saturday to pick up the gift from Miranda to Vincent, she'd gone during her lunch break between the second year Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw class and then third year Gryffindor and Slytherin class. Finding what to get was not an issue. Miranda had picked a pair of tan and black shoes, for some reason described in the catalog as boots, for Vincent. If McBloom and McMuck didn't have those particular shoes in stock, Miranda had selected a second and a third choice. If none of those were available, Maj would have ordered the first selection made.
If she'd not been diverted from shopping on Saturday and Sunday Maj would have gotten in some of her own including for Finley Pride, whose name Majandra drew for Secret Santa. It was while at McBloom and McMuck today that she saw a pair of ankle booties she thought cute. They were one size off from what she has listed for Finley but the shoppe was happy to do a quick adjustment. The ankle boots, or booties as the shoppe has them described, are a pale beige with lacy looking cutout details. She hopes Finley likes them.
Maj has just cut a section of glossy blue wrapping paper with bright white snowflakes for her gift to Finley when Miranda arrives. "Hi, Mum!"
With no one to witness Miranda isn't shy or annoyed about having Miranda kiss her cheek. "How's your day been, poppet?"
"Other than a certain Potions professor handing out studying guides for a big exam next week, it's been good for a Monday," Miranda says with a cheeky grin.
"Hmmm, well, be glad of that study guide. Some Potions professors aren't as generous."
Miranda laughs, moving to the desk where the two boxes are shoes are stacked. She grabs the top one and looks in even as Maj tells her, "Vincent's is the bottom one."
"Ooooh. These are cute! Are they for me? No. Wrong size. Drat."
"If they were for you I'd not have them sitting in plain view or you to peek." What Maj doesn't say is that she's glad Miranda likes them as she's ordered her a similar, though not identically detailed, pair but in a pale violet, one of Miranda's favorite colors. "Scissors are there and you've a selection of gift wrap."
"The green with dancing snowpeople I think."
As they wrap the gifts and select ribbons and bows Miranda tells Maj about more of her day. After they've each put a name tag on their respective presents and are walking to the Commons to put them under the tree Miranda asks, "How's Dad and Georgie?"
"Georgie's entirely over it. He'll go back to school tomorrow. Dad's almost there but not quite."
"Are you going home then after leaving Finley her gift or having dinner here?"
"Here I think but I'll go home right after."
"Give them kisses for me. Wait. Don't. You might get what they had. Just tell me I said kisses."
Maj laughs. "I'll do that."
McGonagalls and Secret Santa
Author: Minerva McGonagall
Date: 11-24-18 15:42
Minerva entered the Common Common Room and crossed over to the festively decorated Christmas tree, underneath which were many packages and gift bags. She added a large box to the pile. It was addressed to Rex Applewhite and contained a handcrafted, leather, bedside steamer trunk.
Stashed inside the top compartment was a Hogwarts journal, eagle-feathered quill, and small bottle of black ink. Minerva often found that some of the best ideas came at night, so having a writing implement and something to write on close at hand was a very good thing. The journal could also be used to record dreams, if Rex wished.
The middle drawer contained a three-pack of fuzzy socks in different colors and patterns, the type Minerva herself liked to wear when she was alone in her quarters. The socks were perfect for padding around on a cold day or even to keep feet warm during the night.
Finally, the bottom drawer contained a yellow and black plaid flannel blanket. It was soft and warm but thin and lightweight. Minerva hoped that Rex would like the assortment of gifts. She exited the Commons the same time her great nephew Malden entered it.
Malden could only think about two things: the Team DE meeting that took place in Hogsmeade over the weekend and the confrontation he'd had earlier with Titus.
Maurice had grown increasingly jealous of Maurice's exploits as an adult member of the secret group, despite the fact that Maurice seemed to be a glorified gopher more than anything else. At the meeting, the Hogwarts graduate spoke of learning new dark spells and of practicing stealth and using disguises. Maurice had just gotten a job in the mail room at the Ministry of Magic and was already using some of his new skills to eavesdrop on conversations. Although not yet granted the honor of visiting the headquarters of the Death Eaters, he had allegedly met one or two disguised ones. In his jealousy, Malden felt that it hardly counted since Maurice didn't know who they really were.
He should have felt satisfied with the knowledge that Maurice hadn't yet earned enough points with the Death Eaters to know them or officially join them, but the simple fact that Maurice could do more than Malden made him feel extremely jealous and moody. It didn't help that Titus questioned his authority and didn't think the meetings amounted to much. Malden might almost believe Titus was right, if not for the hope that something more would happen once he graduated from Hogwarts.
Titus should have been at the meeting. Listening to Maurice might have been an inspiration. At any rate, Malden hoped that he and Asher had put the fear of Voldemort in Titus and that he would attend each forthcoming meeting faithfully and never again question what they were doing.
Malden was in such a foul mood lately that Arielle was starting to get annoyed with him. She followed him into the Commons and moved to an armchair while he continued on to the Christmas tree. Malden had drawn Rand Prinsloo's name for Secret Santa this year. All Malden knew about Rand was that he was the ward of Professors Douglass and Ravensdale, or was that Douglass and Douglass now? Rand was also a Gryffindor, like Arielle.
It was actually Arielle who'd given Malden the idea of what to get Rand. She'd gotten a Christmas gift catalog via owl post and had let him look at it after flagging different things she herself had an interest in, either for herself or for others. One of the things that had caught her attention was a skateboard. It was magical in the sense that it could roll on forever if the person standing on it didn't feel like kicking the pavement every so often, but it could be used the Muggle way too.
Malden was glad for the idea, but he actually liked it and considered getting one for himself too. He only ordered the one, though, and it was a nice red color with black wheels. He slipped the rectangular box under the tree, grabbed two hot cocoas from the bar, and then went to join Arielle. How strange it was to be getting on better with Asher these days than with Arielle. She accepted the mug without a word and turned back to the open book in her lap. With a scowl, Malden sat down in the adjacent armchair.
Between Classes
Author: Gerry
Date: 11-25-18 14:03
"I swear to Merlin, History of Magic will be the first class I drop when I get to sixth year," Gerry told Will. "What a bore!"
Will was smiling good-naturedly and had obviously not heard a single word Gerry had said. The two boys had departed from class with Tessa and Blakeney, but then the boys and girls had split up. The boys had DADA class next, while the girls headed off for Potions in the dungeons.
"Really?" Gerry asked. "I'm your best friend. Bros before––"
"I heard you, all right?" Will said. "History of Magic is boring. I'm with you there." He shook his head and mused, "You really need a girlfriend. You should ask Grace out."
"What? No. I don't like her like that."
Will gave Gerry a pointed look but didn't say anything else on the subject. Instead he said, "We're running out of time to get our hands on a quod. The match is this weekend."
"I know, all right? I know." Gerry sighed. "If we can't get one for this match, then it'll just have to be for another. I'd just prefer it if it's not in a match I'm also playing in."
They fell silent as they navigated a moving staircase that happened to be crowded with other students. One was the boy whose name Gerry had drawn for Secret Santa. He knew who Bran Hyland was because of Quidditch, but rather than get something related to the sport, Gerry got him a Skivving Snack-Box. Gerry wasn't entirely sure Bran was into pranks, and being a Ravenclaw, he couldn't quite picture him skipping class for any reason whatsoever, but maybe he was wrong about that.
Gerry also passed Gareth on the stairs. Gareth's Secret Santa recipient was another person known only because of Quidditch, though Gareth himself didn't play. He chose an easy gift, like Gerry, but his was a lot more useful and would probably be better liked by the recipient. Gareth had gotten Sylvestor Trainor a pair of Slytherin trainers. Both gifts were already wrapped and under the tree in the Commons.
(Tristan) U-No-Poo
Author: Griffin Price
Date: 11-25-18 14:44
Leaving Transfiguration Tuesday morning for Defense Against the Dark Arts Tristan gave himself a mental nudge to remember to go by the commons after his third class of the morning, Herbology, to deposit a Secret Santa gift. He'd gotten the name of none other than the Hogwarts headmistress Minerva McGonagall. He'd put a lot of thought into what to get someone her age. She's older than even his parents!
What would she want or need? She's probably been part of every one of this gift exchanges Hogwarts has ever had - well almost every one of them. Tristan knows that Minerva McGonagall was with his mum and great gran at a place called Goen Bren. It wasn't called a prison but that's what it was.
After thinking and thinking about a present for Professor McGonagall, Tristan had written his mum to ask a question. Carys had agreed and sent Tristan a certificate for a free portrait from Hanham Photography. Liking the idea of being able to do something as nice as a professional portrait for the headmistress Tristan also felt a little guilty at such an easy out. He was given some Secret Santa spending money by his parents so he decided he'd get a little something more.
After additional thinking and flipping through page after page of catalog after catalog strewn around the Commons and about Gryffindor House Tristan ordered a set of note cards monogrammed with the letter M and a set of stationary with four designs and colors and with matching envelopes.
After Herbology Tristan walks with his classmates back to the castle and straight to the Great Hall for lunch. It's only after he's seated and reaching for a ladle to put cheesy potato soup into a bowl that Tyler saying, "Gotta go to the commons after we eat. Secret Santa gift."
"Me too. Pass those sandwiches, would you?"
"Long as we're in the commons, up for a game of some sort? Maybe chess?" Tyler asks, handing the requested plate to Tristan.
"Yeah. You get me for Secret Santa?"
"Nah." Tyler rolls his eyes and says with disdain, "Filch. You get me?"
"Professor McGonagall," Tristan replies with a shake of his head. After casting a look about to see who might be listening and lowering his voice he tells Tyler about the headmistress's gift.
Tyler, also making sure he's not overheard, confides, "Had no idea what to get the man. I had about decided to get him a sweater vest when I saw a sale ad for a small cat tree. Thought he'd prefer something for Miss Ophelia anyway."
"Probably right."
"You getting me anything for Christmas."
Tristan laughs as they've always exchanged presents for as long as they've been friends. "Maybe. Was thinking about some of that U-No-Poo."
"Funny. Was going to get you the same thing." Tyler's amused smirk matches Tristan's own.
The two friends exchange jokes and jibes the rest of lunch, continuing their snickered conversation afterwards as they walk to the commons to leave the Secret Santa gifts.
Charlotte and Sophia
Author: Lysander Stratford
Date: 11-27-18 18:40
Charlotte, Mira, and Fulvia exited Charms class together and made their way to the Great Hall for lunch. The double class had passed quickly thanks to the practical exercise Professor Flitwick had had them do, but they felt extra hungry after expending all their energy on spellcasting.
They sat down at the Slytherin table and immediately helped themselves to the various offerings on the table. Charlotte went for a bowl of stew and a thick slice of warm, fresh out of the oven bread.
"Who did you get again?" Mira asked, referring to Secret Santa, which Charlotte somehow knew even without it being said.
Although the girls hadn't had many playdates growing up, they'd known each other forever from being fellow Hogsmeade residents, and of course both had gone to the primary school too.
"Amethyst Hodfuffer," Charlotte answered, using a napkin to wipe up some broth that dribbled onto her chin.
"Oh, yeah," Mira said. "The purple skirt, right?"
"Shh!" Charlotte said, looking around to make sure the younger Slytherin girl wasn't within earshot.
Mira smiled sheepishly. "Sorry."
"She might have already opened it since you put it under the tree," Fulvia pointed out, "so it might not even be a secret anymore."
"She might have," Charlotte said, "but in case she hasn't, let's not openly converse about it, all right?"
Amethyst's roommate and Charlotte's cousin Sophia was also sitting at the Slytherin table, along with Allison, Cecilia, and Amethyst herself. They were far enough away from the second year girls to avoid overhearing their conversation. They had just come from Potions and were talking about the foul odor that had occurred after another student in class botched the in-class assignment.
Prior to coming to the Great Hall for lunch, the girls had spritzed themselves with floral-smelling body spray in the dorm room. None of them had gotten tainted by the foul-smelling potion while in class, but it had overwhelmed their nostrils and made a lasting impression.
Sophia wrinkled her nose, just thinking about the horrible smell. She decided to pour herself a cup of fragrant tea, which she held in her hands for warmth and sniffed appreciatively. The tea made her think of the Secret Santa gift she had gotten for Professor Weatherby. Professor Weatherby was not one of her teachers, but Sophia soon learned all about her. She was especially pleased to discover that Professor Weatherby was Japanese. Sophia herself was half-Japanese.
Deciding to go with something pretty, practical, and relating to their joint heritage, Sophia owl ordered a Japanese tea set. It came in a box and contained one kettle and two cups. It was the sort of thing Professor Weatherby could keep in her office and use while marking papers or meeting with students.
Sophia's thoughts were interrupted when Allison exclaimed, "I still smell it. How is that possible?"
"Are you sure you didn't get any on you?" Cecilia asked.
"I was across the room. Do you think the stench is in our hair?"
"No," Sophia said. "It just got stuck up our noses. It'll go away eventually." She sniffed her hair just to be sure, though.
XYZ (Alectrona)
Author: Harry Potter
Date: 11-28-18 10:59
"Alectrona."
"Al."
"Alec."
"Allie."
"Trona."
Alectrona looks up from the parchment, quill poised to complete a sentence. "Trona?"
"Got you to answer. You coming to supper?"
"When I finish this essay. Nearly done."
Ruth pulls out a chair. "Chloe's gone ahead. I'll wait for you. Need to read a little more History of Magic for tomorrow."
Just under three minutes later Alectrona announces, quietly as they are in the library, "Finished."
Ruth shoves her history text into her bag and waits for Alectrona to pack up before asking, "You got the gift put under the tree?"
"Part of it."
"Why only part?" Ruth quickly shakes her head. "Never mind. Can't put a living thing in a box under the tree unless you know it will be opened right away."
Alectrona smiles at her. "Ever astute, Ruth."
"Hey, I know I don't always show common sense but I do know what astute means. Also, I'm changing my name to be more unusual. Something that starts with a Z."
"Still on the name thing? Why a Z?"
"There aren't many of them so that would make it more unusual. I'm thinking Zirconia or Zephyr. Zoltan is neat but sounds too mannish."
"Zip, Zoo, Zebra."
Ruth makes a face at her then continues, "There's Zipporah but I'm saving that for a daughter."
"What if you only have sons?"
"Ummm, Zippor?"
"Now who's being funny?"
Grinning at each other they spend the rest of the walk to the Great Hall coming up with Z names as well as Q, X, and Y names, some serious but mostly not. Entering the Great Hall just ahead of then is the second year boy in their house whose name Alectrona has for Secret Santa.
In trying to determine what would be a good gift for Jordan Blackthorn she'd gone to someone she thought would be helpful, his aunt Saffron Sacheverelle. The Arithmancy & Divination instructor had given Alectrona a number of ideas, including the fact that Jordan's been wanting a cat. She'd doubled checked with Jordan's parents that such a gift would be all right with them. She'd then given Alectrona the okay if that was what Alectrona wanted to do.
Alectrona did.
She thought that many who knew her would expect her to give some Muggle item. A cat would not be expected by anyone seeing her name on the from portion of a Secret Santa gift.
The part of the gift she'd told Ruth shed put under the tree in the Common Commons is a cat bed in the shape of a shoe and a tower of tracks cat toy.
In the box with the bed and toy is a card with the photo of an orange and white kitten. When Jordan sends that card to McFusty's, the she will be delivered to wherever Jordan is, be it Hogwarts or at home. Depending on when he checks for his gift and then actually opens it, Jordan Blackthorn might have a cat before he goes to bed tonight or at anytime between now and Christmas.
Jordan moves past the spot at the Ravenclaw table where Chloe is sitting. Ruth and Alectrona join their friend who immediately asks, "What are you two laughing about?"
Reaching for a picture to fill her glass Alectrona replies, "Ruth is changing her name to Xymeria Yarrow Zirconiah or XYZ for short."
Oliver and Ethan
Author: Ethan Somerset
Date: 11-30-18 08:10
Oliver, Rand, and Grace were in Care of Magical Creatures class, which was mercifully held in the warmth of the cozy stables rather than outside in the blistering cold. As it was just after lunch, Oliver felt a bit sleepy, and the comfortable conditions in the barn weren't helping him stay awake either. He tried his very best to stay alert, because he'd gone all term without losing any points or getting reprimanded by a teacher, and he didn't want to ruin his perfect record. He blinked is eyes in rapid succession, as if doing so would prevent them from falling completely shut.
"Everything all right, Oliver?" asked Professor Kent, suddenly noticing the boy's fierce blinking.
Oliver stifled a yawn and said, "Yes." Then, he added, "It's a bit dry in here," which wasn't untrue.
Professor Kent realized what was afflicting Oliver and suggested he step forward to demonstrate how to groom a puffskein. Oliver, actually glad to get out of his seat, got up and did as instructed.
This year he had drawn a professor's name for Secret Santa. Oliver had so wished to have gotten his uncle or even someone like Professor Kent, but no, he had gotten Professor Snape instead. Oliver wasn't in Snape's classes yet, but even he knew all about the stern, kind of scary wizard.
Having grown up in the Muggle world, Oliver knew that Potions was basically like Chemistry. He also thought that people who excelled at chemistry or potions were probably decent cooks, too. Oliver had told his mother what he wanted and she found just the thing, a spice rack in flasks and test tubes with fake chemical symbols to indicate the spice, such as "Pe" for pepper.
Oliver had come up with the gift idea all by himself and admittedly had serious doubts about it, but it was too late now. He probably should have asked Uncle Ethan what to get Snape. Uncle Ethan and Snape had worked together for years and Snape had also helped his uncle deal with things, like Project 25. Oliver didn't think they were friends or anything, but Uncle Ethan could have probably given him good advice on what to get Snape.
Ethan, meanwhile, was reviewing his second year Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw students on the dark creatures they had studied, such as the vampire bat. His Secret Santa recipient was CJ DeMarco. While conducting Christmas shopping for his Muggle nieces and nephews, Ethan had seen an elaborate model train display, which had given him an idea. Back in the wizarding world, he'd found a model Hogwarts Express, which did not require batteries or electricity like the Muggle counterpart. Instead, it ran on magic.
Ethan included a set of tracks and a model of Hogsmeade Station, as well as a gift certificate for CJ to pick out a few other things to build his train display. The whole gift was under the Christmas tree in the Commons as of this morning. Ethan had been tempted to charm the train on tracks around a smaller box containing the rest of the gift, but that would have ruined the surprise.
Dirty Santa
Author: Dante Knight
Date: 11-30-18 19:42
Entering the restaurant Dante spots his sister before the hostess even has a chance to greet him. "I see who I'm meeting," he tells her. With a group of six coming in on his heels, she smiles and nods at him then gives her attention to the party behind him.
Reaching the table where Tamara sits perusing a wine, beer, and cocktail menu, Dante apologizes. "Sorry for being a little late." A peck on the cheek and then he takes the only chair available at the two top, which is opposite her.
She chuckles. "All of two minutes past. I asked to be seated because I twisted my ankle leaving work. It's not swelling or bruised but for now it is sore so I wanted to get off it and the bench out in the entry was occupied."
"You're sure your ankle's okay? We can go to your place or mine so you can elevate it, maybe put ice on it. Or go to St. Mungo's. Or at Hogwarts I could ask Poppy to have a look."
Tamara laughs again. "To go to Hogwarts to your flat or to see the nurse would require a lot of walking."
"I could carry you. Piggy back."
"Like when we were children only I carried you then."
"That's what you get for being born before I was."
"Yes, because that's such a choice. I'd have been older than Rocky if it were that easy. He'd not have been able to claim eldest and therefore the boss status."
"And I'd still be the youngest to be ordered about."
"Of course. I'm feeling tropical. I'm going to have a Piña Colada."
Dante had been looking at the drinks menu as they talked. "I'm getting a Bramble*. Something with blackberries sounds good for some reason."
After deciding to share a starter of stuffed mushrooms the go quiet for a few minutes as each debates what to have as a main course. Setting aside their menus at approximately the same time, the waiter suddenly appears at their table as if the act of simultaneously setting menus aside magically called him there. They order and in the span waiting for drinks and appetizer they discuss the ongoing legal issue.
"I still can't believe they're appealing." Tamara's tone is one of disgust.
"If the appeal is successful and they get us into court and somehow win, that will be an invitation to anyone else with a grievance against Mum and Dad also will try to sue."
"If they win, it won't matter how much they're awarded. None of us have jobs that rake in the galleons. After paying them whatever paltry sum we scraped up there'd be little if anything left for others."
Dante waits to reply as the waiter brings their drinks and, surprisingly fast, their starter. "They think there's hidden money and other valuables. Are there?"
"How should I know?"
"You were with Mum and Dad for years when I wasn't."
"I don't know of any but, if I did I don't think I'd say while we're out in public like this."
Dante nods in acknowledgement of the stupidity of asking her such a think here in the middle of a restaurant where who knows who might overhear. "Sorry. You're right."
"Change of topic then. My department is doing one of those Secret Santa things. We're also to buy a gift for a game at the office holiday party. Or gifts actually. If I take a date, I'll take a second gift. I'm told there are variations on the game but the way we'll play is everyone at the party will get a number. Whoever has #1 goes first. Picks whatever gift under the tree he or she wants as long as it's not one that person brought. Opens the gift for all to see. Second person may take that gift or pick a wrapped present under the tree. And so on."
"What if the first person's gift is taken by the second?"
"First gets to choose another wrapped gift."
"Can it be taken by someone else?"
"Yes. Let's say the third person likes that gift, third person can take it rather than open one. Or third person can take second person's gift. I'll send you a copy of the 'rules' that we were all given."
"Does the game have a name?"
"One coworker called it Dirty Santa but another called it White Elephant but the one calling it Dirty Santa said White Elephant can be a misnomer for the version we're doing. She said with a true White Elephant version all the gifts are silly or tacky or both. For the one we're doing gifts can be either of those as well as practical, decorative, or whatever. Oh, and we do have a spending limit."
"Sounds like it might be fun. Maybe I should get my own colleagues to consider it for a staff and plus one holiday gathering." Dante cuts the last of the stuffed mushrooms in half, leaving the rest for Tamara. Good timing with finishing the appetizer as he sees their waiter wending his way from the kitchen with their entrees. "You said you're also doing Secret Santa?"
"Yes, and it's sort of another game. Anytime over the next two weeks I'll anonymously deliver a present to the person whose name I drew. That person will then try and guess who sent it. Names go on a big board. At the end of two weeks we all reveal who sent what to whom. Anyone guessing the correct secret Santa gets put in for a drawing for yet another gift. We don't know what it is yet but we're told it's rather fantastic so speculation is a trip."
"Have you gotten anything yet for your person?"
"You remember meeting Hollis?"
"Tall, sort of Roman nose, mustache like a bristle brush?"
"That's Hollis. He's recently taken an interest in learning to cook and is interested in using fresh herbs so I got him a counter top starter herb garden. One of those where you grow the herbs in little pots."
"Sounds like something he'll like. What about this Dirty Santa game gift or will you need two because of having a date?"
"I do have a date but only need to bring one as my date is Hollis and he'll bring his own. What about your own secret Santa at Hogwarts? Are you taking part this year?"
"I am. There is even a gift with my name on it already."
"Let me guess. You've not opened it yet."
"I get few Christmas gifts so, you're right, I haven't opened it yet. I'll save it for when we're together Christmas afternoon."
"Fair enough though I don't know how you have the restraint. What of the gift you have to give?"
"I got the name of one of my colleague's children. You remember Majandra, one of the Potion's professors?" At Tamara's nod he continues. "I have her daughter's name. Miranda is a first year so not one of my student's yet. Majandra gave me a few ideas, one of them being a vintage style swing coat Miranda saw in a catalog and put on her wish list."
"Sounds nice. What color is it?"
"A pale pink with darker pink flowers and green leaves and stems." Dante pats his coat pockets. "I think I have the catalog page. I took it with me when I went to the shoppe so I could be sure to get the right one."
Tamara studies the catalog page the laying it on the table for Dante to see taps another of the images on the page, this of another swing coat but of an almost apple green. She grins, "I wouldn't mind this one showing up under the tree for me on Christmas."
Secret Santa: Finley and Eirene
Author: Finley
Date: 12-02-18 09:37
Finley sat in Arithmancy & Divination class and observed Phoebus out of the corner of her eye. He'd worn a goofy look on his face ever since learning that Eirene had a crush on him. Finley had expected Phoebus to take the news in stride, since he was a go-with-the-flow, happy-go-lucky sort of guy. She hadn't anticipated that he would actually welcome the news, particularly since she knew the feeling hadn't been mutual.
Apparently now that he knew, Phoebus saw Eirene in a whole new light. They weren't a couple, though, and as far as Finley knew, they weren't even socializing any more than usual. It was just more of the same––quick glances or blatant staring, flushed cheeks, and ear-to-ear smiles––except now it was two-sided. Frankly, Finley didn't know what was keeping the two apart, but she wasn't going to push them together herself. They just needed to figure it out or get over it.
The other thought on Finley's mind was Secret Santa. For the second time since starting at Hogwarts, Finley was participating in the annual gift exchange. She'd almost not submitted her name, but her mother had asked about it and insisted she take part again. This year Finley drew Wallace Rex's name. She knew who he was because he was Slytherin's keeper, and they had played against each other in the first Quidditch match of the season.
For Wallace, Finley picked out a Slytherin backpack with patches on it, including one for Quidditch.
While Finley was in Professor Sacheverelle's class, Eirene was in the library studying for next week's exams. She, too, was participating in Secret Santa again this year and just so happened to get the name of the professor whose class Finley and Phoebus were currently in.
For Professor Sacheverelle, Eirene found a lovely crocheted infinity scarf. She was sure she could have learned how to crochet it herself because Eirene could figure out and master whatever she set her mind on, but she instead wanted to devote her extra time to studying. In reality, she spent a great deal of her free time thinking about Phoebus and wondering if he felt the same way about her. She'd noticed a change in him lately but she had no idea what he was really thinking, because she didn't dare ask.
A Memory (Alex)
Author: Plum
Date: 12-02-18 14:28
Alex and his friend Dolly had been in the library getting in some studying for the first of their end of Winter session exams next week. With Hufflepuff playing Ravenclaw tomorrow they knew there would be a big chunk of the day devoted to the spectacle, unless one of the seekers, preferably Albert Nutcombe, captures the snitch early on. Now, Alex is waiting in the corridor for Dolly who wanted to check out a book before they go down for supper. Standing there looking up at one of the many paintings that line the Hogwarts hallways Alex has another fleeting memory.
He's higher up, in someone's arms. She's laughing with someone. Alex isn't paying attention to know who remember that someone's face but he thinks the woman who holds him is his mother. Alex's attention is on one of the paintings.
Trying to find which one, viewed now from a different perspective, he slowly moves from one to another. There! The dog in the painting woofs and wags its entire body. When little and living in the castle Alex had always wanted to pet that dog. Even now a hand reaches out to stroke what looks like soft, silky fur.
The woman in the painting, in flowing peach robes fashionable at least three hundred years before, looks up from the tapestry she's embroidering. "We've wondered when you'd finally stop to give Flossie a pet."
Surprised, his hand freezes half an inch from Flossie's pale corn yellow fur. "You remember me?"
"Course we do. Just a little sprout then but we know who you are, Alex Lancaster, but we'd decided you being so small then you'd forgotten us. Hadn't we, Flossie."
Alex's fingers have moved to the painting without him noticing. Fingers tracing the painted lines of Flossie's fur. "I'm sorry. I had forgotten until a moment ago. I'm remembering things in bits and pieces."
"Well now you remember us, be sure to stop now and then to speak. Flossie does love the attention. Here comes your friend. Don't forget to take the gift peeking out of your pack to put under the tree."
At Alex's confused expression she says, "Heard you telling your friend on the way into the library that you've been forgetting all day to put a present under the tree."
Alex grins. "Yeah, I did, say that. I was going to forget again. Thanks. I'll see you two later. Bye!"
When he joins Dolly she asks, "Were you just talking to that painting?"
"Waiting for you I remembered it from when I lived here. I was always wanting to pet the dog Flossie. I don't want to forget going by the commons before we go eat."
"I need to leave my Secret Santa too but I haven't wrapped it yet. I'll do that tonight and leave the gift in the morning before breakfast."
"Still not going to tell me who you have?"
"Nope." Dolly's smile is mischievous.
Alex doesn't know if she's withholding just for the fun of annoying him or because she got his name. He has the name of another first year, Gryffindor Cecily McCallister. She earned a beater position on her house's team so Alex got her a Gryffindor Beater t-shirt and because he's heard that Cecily's family has something to do with thestrals, he got her another shirt with a thestral on it.
Present for Cecily, wrapped in snowy paper with reindeer flying about, left under the tree in the commons, Dolly and Alex make their way to the Great Hall, speculating what's on the menu for this evening's meal.