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Breakfast & Gifts
Author: Sophie McCourt
Date: 11-30-19 04:20
When Belinda came from the dungeons to the Great Hall, she found all her siblings waiting for her. It was her 16th birthday and they had come to wish her a Happy Birthday. She noticed Eileen had a gift on her hand and asked:
"Is that for me?"
"No. You'll get yours later. This is for my Secret Santa. I'm going to put it under the tree after breakfast."
This year Eileen got Louis Kegg's name. She didn't know who he was, but she had a lot of fun trying to figure it out. It was Alfred Acker who told Eileen about Louis. Like him he was a Hufflepuff but he was a year ahead of them. During the last Hogsmeade trip Eileen had gone to lunch with a group of third years to Burger Wizard, where Berenice and Alfred were included. She was surprised to see Patricia there. She was very well dressed and was having lunch with a boy who had a Gryffindor scarf. Eileen was quick to realize they were in some sort of date. She kept glancing at Patricia's table with curiosity. She has never been on a date, and so she was curious about it. Would they hold hands at some point? Would he lean forward and kiss her? Her constant staring started to become so obvious that the couple noticed they were being watched. They both sent her a angry look, finished their meal and left. Eileen wasn't surprised that Patricia would be mad at her but she didn't get why the Gryffindor boy had the same behavior because she did not know him. Then Alfred declared that he was one of his older brothers, Anderson, and Eileen realized he was not angry at her but his brother who had also been staring! They started feeling a bit concerned they had ruined their siblings' date and after sharing the guilt they started to talk about other things, Secret Santa included.
Eileen had bought Louis a miniature tank with jelly fish inside. He could feed them and watch their soothing movements, even in the dark.
"I'll go with you to the tree," Elmer said. "I also need to place my present there."
Elmer's Secret Santa was Libby Libby Copperpot. She was Belinda's roommate, so he had heard about her before. It hasn't been difficult to find a present for Libby. With four older sisters he sort of had an idea of what girls liked. Elmer had gotten Libby an elegant watch, with the Slytherin crest on it.
After the encounter with her siblings, Belinda went to the Slytherin table to have breakfast. There was no sign of Conrad yet, but she was hoping he would appear at any moment with a birthday present for her. There was already a gift on the table, with her name on it.
"It arrived a moment ago," Julia Vernon told her.
Belinda quickly opened the present, eager to find out what it was. Conrad must have woken up earlier to place it there, just for her. It reveled itself to be a black velvet choker, with a small emerald pendent on it. Could it be a real emerald, or was it a fake one?
"It's beautiful," Belinda said.
"A little bit heavy, don't you think?" Julia commented, but Belinda thought she was only saying so because she was jealous.
She felt the soft velvet in her fingers and she did think that such a gift didn't seem like Conrad's style. She picked up the wrapping paper and then she noticed the small card that came with it. It did not wish her a happy 16th birthday or anything of the sort. It only stated: To Belinda, from Maurice.. She felt a wave of excitement, because a Death Eater had actually offered her a birthday gift. It made her feel important and it also felt thrilling to keep this secret. But it was also odd that he offered her such a personal pretty present. What was going on? She quickly put the choker back in its box and put it away inside her pocket, before Conrad appeared and he started asking questions.
"It came from my sister, Sophie," she lied to Julia, happy she had not read the card. "Her family has exquisite tastes. I need to write and thank her."
Magnus was seated not far from Belinda. He had actually heard her comment about her sister.
"I wish I had some siblings," he told Ned. "Then I would get cool gifts for my birthday."
"You don't know what you're talking about. Siblings are awful. Take my sister Nelia, for example. Can you believe she wrote to me the other day demanding I would get her a cupcake from Briar's Bakery? I made the mistake of writing about the bakery to my mother and she must have shared it with the rest of the family. And she didn't want any cupcake! It had to be a chocolate one with a purple top. I really don't want her to come to Hogwarts next year and pester me."
Magnus had met Ned's sister when he spent a week at his house last summer and he didn't think she was that bad. He actually wished he would come from a wizarding family. He felt that being a Muggle Born these days was actually a disadvantage.
During the Hogsmeade trip he had met with Rita Skeeter at an alley. He was feeling quite happy because he had gathered a lot of information about Hogwarts that he believed she would like. He told her how he found out Professor Flitwick always slept with a sleeping mask, how there was a portrait at the castle that was supposed to represent a five year old Luxembourg princess, but she has not been spotted for almost a century by any of the other portraits. Magnus learned that a Gryffindor first year named Gage Hodfuffer was adopted, that Headmistress McGonagall despite supposedly being neutral would from time to time watch the Gryffindor Quidditch team practicing at the grounds, that Hagrid told Magnus he liked to bake cookies in his free time, that he saw Professor Somerset with a small box that might be a ring, early in December, or that according to a rumor, a fifth year Gryffindor boy was forced to drink a potion he had incorrectly brewed, by Professor Snape, and he had lost all his body hair, and also that there were some suspicions that Viktor Krum was being approached to train the Spanish National Quidditch team.
Magnus thought Rita would applaud his investigation efforts and urge him to gather more information. However all she did was to look at with with astonishment and tell him that all he had was mere gossip and it had no worth to her. She wanted to know things about Death Eaters, and other serious matters. She said she shouldn't have trusted a school boy to do a real report's job and she dismissed Magnus, saying their partnership was over and that he should perhaps dedicate himself to something else rather than journalism. Magnus felt he had been crushed by his idol, and that his pride had been hurt. He went back to the castle glad that he had already bought his gift to his Secret Santa, Professor Weatherby, because after the encounter with Skeeter all he wanted to do was to lay on his bed and sulk.
At first Magnus' thought was to buy her something for her new baby. But then he decided that it would be a little bit unfair and so he opted for something else. He bought Professor Weatherby a set of Christmas mugs and a box with several flavored bean coffees, and also some biscuits, so she could enjoy them in the rare relaxing moments that motherhood would provide her.
Midmorning
Author: Gerry
Date: 11-30-19 14:01
Gerry and Will gathered their belongings the moment Professor Knight concluded their class meeting, the second to last for term. Today's session had been a review for Wednesday's exam. Neither boy was particularly ready for exams, but at least they had some material to study from, if only they made the time to do so.
As Will didn't take Arithmancy & Divination, he parted ways from Gerry, taking their Charms books with him to the dormitory room. "I'll save you a seat at lunch!" Will called over his shoulder.
Gerry waved and continued on to class. He wasn't sure, since he hadn't paid attention last week, but he thought today's meeting would also be a review. If it was the exam, then Gerry wasn't prepared at all. Oh, well.
As he walked and wondered, he passed Kaycee, who was heading to DADA. He hadn't pranked her in forever, but even though he wanted to, he knew he couldn't or he'd face removal from the Quidditch team and possible expulsion from Hogwarts. Anyway, he heard that her cousin was one of the aurors patrolling Hogwarts, and Gerry for sure didn't want to get on his bad side.
Sometimes Gerry's own father patrolled the castle and grounds. When he was there, Gerry felt like his every move was being scrutinized. Fortunately, his dad didn't embarrass him or anything while on duty at the school.
Thinking about Kaycee brought another Hufflepuff to mind, Cornington Marchbanks. Gerry had drawn his name for Secret Santa this year. Rather than get something Quidditch related or something having to do with Hufflepuff House, Gerry opted for one of his own interests: prank items. Two he purchased at one of the temporary stalls, while the other he picked up at the joke shop in the village.
Gareth and James, meanwhile, had just entered the stables for Care of Magical Creatures class. From having walked there in the cold sunshine, the chill they had felt instantly evaporated. They shed their cloaks and other warm-weather accessories and took their usual places.
This year, Gareth's Secret Santa recipient was a professor and not one he had. It was bad enough that he had to find a gift for a teacher but even more difficult when the teacher wasn't someone with whom he had ever interacted.
While in Hogsmeade, he ended up asking his mother for advice, and she even took time out of her busy work day to help him choose a gift. They ended up purchasing a men's cardigan that could be dressed up or down. Gareth wrapped it himself and placed the package under the tree in the Commons with Professor Knight's name on it.
(Maud) Weekly Session
Author: Celeste Quigley
Date: 12-01-19 02:55
After Professor Kent dismissed the class, Maud quickly went back to the castle in order to meet Walter Phelps. Mr. Phelps was one of the school psychologists, and Maud had weekly sessions with him. The sessions had been imposed by her mother when she learned that Hogwarts was now providing this sort of service to all students and staff in the need. Maud didn't tell any of her friends she was seeing a psychologist. It would be extremely embarrassing if anyone discovered.
She entered Mr. Phelps' office, sat down on a chair, and put her bag with her books and other school supplies on the floor. She removed her scarf and gloves, enjoying the warmth coming from an inviting fireplace.
"Good afternoon Maud. How was your week?"
"It was all right. But it could have been better. Ravenclaw lost the match," she informed Mr. Phelps.
"I am sorry to hear that. Christmas is approaching, and this is our last session before the holidays. I was wondering if you have anything special you would like for Christmas?"
"Yes," Maud said. "But I can't tell you. You will reproach me."
"Tell me. You know that honesty is important if we want to make some progress."
Maud crossed her arms. She debated if she should say the truth or not, but she finally declared:
"I would like for Rand Prinsloo to ask me out…and for Grace to transfer to another school."
Grace had been the main reason why Maud had sessions with Mr. Phelps. Her mother believed she needed to put an end to her rivalry with her roommate and her constant obsession in wanting to be better than her.
"I thought things with Grace were better? You even helped to organize her surprise birthday party, if I am not mistaken. By expressing these wishes, it seems like you are going backwards. You know Grace will stay at Hogwarts, and we already acknowledged here that you should not take it as your life mission to be better than her. You are two distinguished young ladies, both with qualities and flaws. You should focus on living your life."
"Grace has no flaws…" Maud muttered.
She was sure Mr. Phelps had heard her comment but he pretended he did not listen to it.
"And as for Rand…maybe you should be the one asking him out. Have you ever thought about it?"
"Me? Oh, I couldn't…"
"Why not? What's stopping you?"
Maud had to admit Mr. Phelps was right. She could ask Rand out.
"But what if he refuses to go out with me?"
"Then you will know for sure he is not interested and you can move on."
The session continued. Maud told Mr. Phelps about other things about her week, including the gift she bought for her Secret Santa, Joshua Blackthorn. He was a first year Ravenclaw, the brother of the Ravenclaw chaser, Jordan. Maud decided to get Joshua a boat model. Not only Joshua would be able to built it, but she learned that the boat could be set into the water and be controlled by a wand. Maybe Joshua could test his construction at the school's lake. The boat included a set of cannons that he could also fire using magic. If someone else had a similar boat, then some naval battles could done on the lake.
The session ended, with Mr. Phelps wishing her a Merry Christmas, and urging Maud to keep working on her feelings towards Grace. He also told her to think about what he suggested about asking Rand out. It was a lot to process and to think about and Maud was actually relieved that next week she wouldn't have to meet with Mr. Phelps so he could ask her if she had done some progress.
Office Hours
Author: Marzipan
Date: 12-01-19 09:00
Marzi flicked her wand at the wireless device on a top shelf in her office and turned the volume down low. One of the stations played nothing but Christmas music for the entire month of December. Right now, a classic song sung by a choir was playing. Marzi hummed along and sifted through the parchmentwork on her desk.
She needed to mark the homework assignments the fifth year students had turned in this morning. They'd had a review for the exams taking place later in the week. The older students, however, would each get a two-part exam. First a practical during the double class, and then a short written exam to be concluded during Friday's meetings. Marzi felt a little bad about testing her students on the very last day of school, but it was necessary.
She dug out the morning copy of The Daily Prophet, which was folded over to a brief article in the middle of the newspaper. Marzi always looked for news about the communities for nons, ever since their resurgence in popularity starting with the 10-year anniversary of their disbandments and now that one of them had been turned into a tourist attraction.
The article was about The Mews and talked about how many visitors had been there since the opening in November. It seemed that the majority were looky-loos with a morbid curiosity about what essentially had been a prison. There were a few bold individuals who spoke to the press about how necessary the communities were, and then others who loudly objected to the whole establishment. At least one protestor was arrested for using the fire-making charm on the ticket booth.
Early projections suggested the hubbub would die down after the holidays, with a possible renewed interest come the summer. At least according to the article, no decision would be made to open another community for nons to the public until after the summer season.
Frankly, Marzi was sorry the protestor didn't manage to burn the whole place down. She also hoped people would stop visiting so that no other community for non would ever open as a tourist attraction.
She shoved the paper away and picked up her shopping list. She had not managed to buy any Christmas gifts yet, except for that for her Secret Santa. This year she had Bertie Nutcombe, one of the fifth year students she'd had in class in the morning.
She bought Bertie something interesting (in her opinion) and something tasty. She got him a small pot with many venus flytrap plants and a Christmas cookie tree.
Dinner & Gifts
Author: Illyria
Date: 12-01-19 16:08
The Great Hall was buzzing, it being the last week of Fall Term. Even though many professors were scheduling tests this week, the majority of students seemed less stressed and more excited about the coming winter holidays.
Alexandra, seated between Haley and Cassie, helped herself to roasted chicken, followed by potatoes and carrots. Like her classmates, she looked forward to the end of term. On Saturday, she would be boarding the Hogwarts Express for home. Alexandra hadn't seen her parents or younger sisters since term began. She couldn't wait to see them again.
This had been her first year participating in Secret Santa. Alexandra had gotten a boy named James Eternal-Black, who was Professor Black's son. Professor Black was not one of Alexandra's teachers, so she didn't go to him for advice. Instead, she asked her aunt, who was James' teacher and also the mother of two boys. Alexandra was the oldest of five girls, so she didn't know anything about what a boy liked. She supposed she could have asked her dad, but he wasn't around to ask.
After giving Alexandra some suggestions, Illyria picked up the gifts for James during a trip to Hogsmeade. His package contained three things in a red plaid pattern that worked well for Gryffindors: flannel pajama pants, sherpa-lined slippers, and a comfy blanket.
Illyria herself also looked forward to the holidays, but she had four nights of late classes to get through first. She wouldn't be lecturing, though. All her class meetings would involve tests, starting with the first year Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs and then the third year Ravenclaws and Slytherins tonight.
Illyria sat at the High Table alone. Nathan, Ian, and Nicholas all had slight colds and had decided to stay in the family's quarters rather than spread their germs to all of Hogwarts just in time for Christmas.
Illyria's Secret Santa recipient this year just so happened to be her niece's friend, Cassandra Flefferfore. While in Hogsmeade picking up the gifts that Alexandra wanted for James, Illyria found a gorgeous necklace at a good price. It had a silver half-moon pendant with two stars, one silver, one a teal-colored gemstone.
After finishing her supper, Illyria popped into her chambers to check on her three guys and then went up to the Astronomy classroom to prep for her two classes.
Cauldrons, Cauldrons, Cauldrons [Sylvestor]
Author: Georgia Copperpot
Date: 12-02-19 19:37
Sylvestor slides onto the seat next to Fitzwilliam. "Anything good today?"
"Where'd you go? You learn how to apparate and didn't tell me and then figure out a way to get around the anti-apparition spells?"
"You didn't hear Margaret call my name?"
"Nope."
"Some things had fallen out of my satchel. Good thing she let me know. I'd have gotten to Potions without an essay due today. As I was repacking the satchel with my mind on this afternoon's Potions class I realized I'd not put the Secret Santa present under the tree. As long as I was still in the commons, I went on and left it."
"The same gift you told me about or did you change your mind? If it was me, I'd chicken out and go with something dull and safe, like a knitted scarf or warm socks."
Sylvestor shrugs. "I don't see why you think he'll be mad. Maybe he won't find his present funny but why would he be mad?"
"Hello? You do know Professor Severus Snape, don't you? Permanent scowl. Dislikes everyone. Only enjoyment in life is scaring the bejesus out of students."
"Doesn't mean he'd be mad at what he's getting for Secret Santa."
"Whatevs, mate. Been nice knowing you."
"Yeah, yeah. Pass that platter of meat pies, would you?"
He doesn't think Professor Snape will be mad at him for the Secret Santa gift Sylvestor's gotten him but he is a little nervous, something he's not about to admit to Fitzwilliam, that Snape will be displeased, not liking any of the items in the silver wrapped package with a green bow. There is a cauldron shaped coffee or tea mug, cauldron shaped cupcakes, chocolate cauldron candies.
Violet Femmes
Author: Hermione Granger
Date: 12-03-19 16:03
None of the first year Gryffindors had classes on Tuesday afternoons, so after lunch, a group of them went to the library and booked one of the larger study carrels, where they took turns quizzing each other on the subjects in which they still had exams. At first, it was just Violet, Myra, Cammie and Hannah, but Gage and Georgie later joined them.
Violet was so very glad that she had made a large group of friends right from the start. Having grown up an only child who was also homeschooled, she'd had limited contact with other children and had often "hung out" with other adults, who were usually friends or colleagues of her parents.
In addition to the large group of Gryffindors, Violet was also very friendly with many of the Ravenclaws, like Alexandra, Joshua, Caligula, Haley Ellis and Cassandra Flefferfore. Her favorite classes were Charms and Transfiguration, the two Gryffindor shared with Ravenclaw.
As it happened, the studious Ravenclaws also went to the library after lunch and booked the neighboring study carrel. Unlike the Gryffindors, they had another class before day's end: Astronomy.
When it was time for dinner, the two groups exited the library en masse, keeping quiet until they were in the hallway.
"I realized something," Gage began.
"This ought to be good," Georgie quipped.
Gage pointed at Violet. "Your name is Violet."
Violet and a few others laughed. "Yes?" Violet asked.
"And your middle name is Violet," he went on, pointing at Myra.
Myra rolled her eyes. "Yes, that came up the first time we met."
"You two should either go into business together when you're older or form a band," Gage said. "The Two Violets."
"I don't know how to play any instruments," Violet said.
"Me either," added Myra.
"You could learn," Cassie said. "My brother joined his band after he transferred to Hogwarts in his fifth year."
"There's a Muggle band called Violent Femmes," Caligula revealed. "You could be the Violet Femmes."
"I love it!" exclaimed Cassie, and the others murmured their agreements.
Violet and Myra exchanged grins.
"Oh, I almost forgot my Secret Santa gift!" Violet suddenly exclaimed.
"Is it for one of us?" Georgie asked, looking hopeful.
She shook her head. "It's for Adiran Balfour. I almost wrote 'Adrian' on the tag."
She got Adiran a pair of Hufflepuff shoes. They were neatly wrapped, but the package was still under her bed. She decided rather than go to dinner and once again forget to retrieve the package and put it under the tree, she would just take care of that now and then meet up with her friends in the Great Hall.
Flying Sled (Artie & Schuyler)
Author: Charlie Weasley
Date: 12-03-19 19:21
Schuyler plops down on the arm of the chair Artie's sitting in, reading a book. "What's that?"
"Did you know Professor Hodfuffer has a series set here at Hogwarts and in each a different students solves a mystery?" Artie holds up a copy of Gryffindor Gumshoe.
"Yeah. I've read that one and the Hufflepuff one. I keep meaning to read the other two but lately it seems that every time I get a book to read for fun I end up with something about Quidditch."
"Did you know that the student in this mystery, Bailey Gray, is the brother-in-law of one of the Ravenclaw first years? The Cassie girl who's brother is Phin from Dynamic Duo."
Artie and Schuyler are familiar with Phin because of his mother being one of the Crown & Cauldron's owners and because he's in a band, Dynamic Duo, that like their father's band, Dragon, plays at Emrys Fest every year.
"Huh. Did not know that. I've not read it yet but I know the one in the Ravenclaw book, Ravenclaw Rescuer, is Coco Nutt, you know the vet healer who works at MacFusty's."
"Really? That's wicked. I wonder who the other two are. What I mean is I wonder if we know them or know people who do." Artie shuts the book and moves to get up. "I'm going to take this to my room and get the Secret Santa gift. I keep forgetting to put it under the tree."
"I should do that too."
They start for the boys' dorms together, Artie to the second years' room and Schuyler to the thirds'. They return to the common room together, Schuyler with a gift wrapped in red and gold, colors not uncommon at Christmas but also Gryffindor colors. As they reach the portal, Schuyler checking to make sure his Secret Santa recipient Tristan Hanham-Price isn't within earshot, asks in a hushed tone, "Are you certain he'll like this?"
"Yeah, or I mean I think he will."
Schuyler briefly glares at Artie. "He's your roommate. I picked this out because of what you told me." Based on things Artie had told him about Tristan, Schuyler had gotten Tristan equipment for a Muggle sport called cricket. "If he hates it, you're paying me back."
Artie scoffs at the threat. Schuyler would smack his brother upside the head but for Alice Acker, the seventh year girls prefect, walking a short way behind, likely on her way to the Great Hall for supper.
Artie would stick his tongue out at Schuyler for the threat of paying him for Tristan's Secret Santa present but with a prefect right behind them he's not sure he should. Is tongue sticking out a prefectable offense? Is prefectable a word? Mentally shrugging he instead asks, "Did you give Mum and Dad a wish list yet?"
"Yeah, when they asked. You?"
"A few things but I have more to add. I had to think what to put down and what not to bother with."
"Like a flying sled."
"I can't help that I think that would be a bloody wicked way to get around."
"You've been listening too much to Grandpa's flying Anglia."
"I don't see why a flying sled is too much. Think how much fun to fly to the top of a hill, ride the sled down the snow and ice, then do it all over again."
"Does sound fun," Schuyler admits, "but they're not getting you one."
"Maybe I'll figure out how to charm a sled on my own."
"If you do, I want a ride but only after you've tried it out without accident."
They spend the rest of the walk to the Commons to place their Secret Santa gifts talking about other items that might be fun to have charmed. Under the tree in the Commons Artie places a box wrapped in paper covered with a variety of shades of poinsettias. He thought the flowers were a nice touch given he drew the name of one of the Herbology professors, Marzipan Ravenscroft. The gift itself is an art deco necklace of daisies. He really hopes she likes it!
From the Commons to the Great Hall, Schuyler and Artie talk more about Christmas gifts, Schuyler declaring he'd love a shed in the backyard that actually had a quidditch pitch inside to which Artie laughs, "I've more a chance of getting that flying sled than you do of getting a quidditch pitch shed."
Schuyler thinks the opposite is true but by that time they're in the Great Hall and he's famished so he lets the subject of gifts drop for the time being, the better to concentrate on food.
Holiday Movie Night
Author: Aaron Miller
Date: 12-04-19 20:45
Entering the Great Hall I see I've missed Saffron. She has a conference with a parent and had said she'd most likely eat early. I had several delays so am a little later than usual for lunch on a Wednesday. One of those delays was making flyers announcing a Muggle Studies Club sponsored holiday movie night at Cloud's Kiss for Friday and then distributing the flyers around the castle. I pause in my progress to the head table to send one of those flyers to join a few others, the blinking, twinkling Christmas lights on it hopefully making it stand out from those others.
The movie night is a last minute decision. I've chosen the classic animated How The Grinch Stole Christmas as well as Home Alone. There will be popcorn and other refreshments. Should be a lot of fun and I hope there's a good turnout.
As I take a seat next to Filius Flitwick the diminutive teacher smiles at me. He'd seen one of the first movie announcement flyers I'd put up a little earlier. "I'm rather excited for this movie night of yours. I've seen a book about that Grinch fellow."
"I'm glad you're coming. I think you'll enjoy both movies," I tell him, ladling what looks like a thick, hearty cabbage stew into a bowl.
A student coming up to ask Filius a question gives me a moment to grab a piece of hot, crusty bread to go with the soup and to see what the other lunch offerings are. As I butter a piece of the bread I look up and nod when the student finishes with Filius and says goodbye to me as well before walking away. Looking back to Filius when the Charms professor asks me about the Home Alone movie, I catch a glimpse of Violet Verona, the first year Gryffindor whose name I'd gotten for this year's Secret Santa.
I'd struggled with what to get Violet. I finally had the somewhat lame idea to give her a violet themed gift. Make that gifts. There is a backpack, a dress, and a resin bracelet, all with violets. I can practically hear her eye roll and since I've only just put the package under the large Christmas tree in the Commons, she's not even received the gift yet much less opened it.
Giving my full attention back to Filius, I do my best to answer his questions about Home Alone without taking away from his enjoyment of the movie when he sees it Friday night.
News
Author: Fritz Schnackenpfefferhausen
Date: 12-05-19 15:16
Fritz leaves his office after marking exams and makes a stop at the Headmistress' tower to turn in the final marks for Fall Term. He only stays briefly in Professor McGonagall's office, because not only does she appear to be busy, but she also seems a bit frazzled. Fritz can't say he blames her. It's been a rough term, and things don't seem to be getting any better.
After leaving Professor McGonagall's office, Fritz makes his way through the castle for the front doors, and then he crosses the grounds to the gates of Hogwarts. It was a nice day, albeit a cold one, but now the sun is down and since it's clear, it has grown very chilly. Fritz pulls up the collar of his cloak and stuffs his gloved hands into his pockets.
All of the windows in Hogsmeade are lit up. Some are decorated with Christmas wreaths or garlands. There are even a few Christmas trees in the village, including a big one in the park. Fritz walks past everything at a steady pace and arrives at the Crown & Cauldron before he's feels totally frozen.
He indicates to the hostess that he's meeting someone and finds Otto and Gertrude at the bar. Gertrude, smiling, eases of her stool and says, "I'll let you two talk. I need to run an errand or two, and then I'll stop by the clinic to see if Coco is ready. See you both soon."
She heads off, and though she's careful not to flash the new piece of jewelry on her hand, Fritz notices it right away. He waits for her to be out of earshot before turning to his cousin and asking, "Is that why you asked us to dinner? To tell us you and Gertrude are engaged?"
Otto grins from ear to ear and replies in their native German, "I asked her at lunch. I wasn't sure she would agree, since we've only been dating since March, but she didn't hesitate when she gave me her answer."
Fritz gives his cousin a playful punch in the arm. "Hey, congratulations. Did you tell my parents yet?"
"Not yet," Otto responds. "I will call them tonight and give them the news, but I'm afraid your mother will have something to say to you after she hears about it."
Fritz smiles wanly. He's been engaged for 4 1/2 years, and that's in addition to the ten years they dated before he asked her to be his wife. Neither has been in a hurry to make things official, and though dates have been tossed around, they never did truly settle on anything.
"You're not wrong," Fritz finally admits, but he shrugs good-naturedly.
They talk a bit more about the engagement and any thoughts they have about their respective weddings, and then talk shifts gears to the holidays. Fritz tells Otto about the Secret Santa gifts he bought for Deborah Dippet.
Deborah is a first year Hufflepuff student, so she's not one of Fritz's students. One of the gifts for her is something he chose himself, a silver necklace with a cauldron pendant on it to symbolize the subject that had been his favorite while a student at Hogwarts and the course he now teaches, Alchemy. The other gift Coco helped him choose. It's a modest black party dress with a pattern of gold stars and filmy sleeves. The gifts have been under the Christmas tree in the Commons since Monday morning.
Fritz and Otto remain at the bar until they are joined by their fiancés, who arrive together after Coco finishes her workday. When their table is ready, the four sit down, peruse the menus, and celebrate the newly engaged couple.
Running Into Myra (Joe & Myra)
Author: Phinfilius
Date: 12-05-19 19:01
Wanting to be sure to get a book returned to the library before he's due to leave school Saturday morning, Joe takes the novel to the counter. Thinking what books he has at home he decides to see what Quidditch related fiction available to take home for the holidays. On his way to the correct section he spots Myra alone at a table, head down over what appears to be a textbook.
"Myra, hey. Studying by yourself?"
"Hey yourself. Yes, for now. There's a big group of us who do study together a lot but sometimes I need to be by myself."
"I know what you mean."
"Are you here to study?"
"Returning a book and looking to get another to maybe take home."
"You mean three or four."
Joe grins. "I can't help I like to read."
"I know. Same here. I blame Aunt Bambi," Myra says of their librarian aunt who was even once the Hogwarts librarian.
Joe's grin gets bigger. "If I thought she'd be annoyed at you for saying that I'd tell her."
Myra pokes her tongue out at him but grins in return. Her grin turns to a bewildered frown when Joe asks, "After I pick out a book or two, you want to walk to supper together?"
"Supper? Is it that late already?"
He shakes his head. "The way you lose track of time when doing homework I swear you would have made a good Ravenclaw."
She sticks her tongue out at him again followed by a small laugh. "To answer you, yes, I'll go down with you."
Myra packs up her belongings, ready to leave well before Joe is. She ends up joining him in perusing some of the fiction shelves. After they've each found books, three for him and two for her, and are walking to one of the staircases Myra pats her bookbag. "Before I forget again I need to drop off my Secret Santa."
"I only put mine under the tree this morning. Have you gotten one yet?"
"Yes, from Belinda McCourt, you know, from the Slytherin Quidditch team." Knowing he's going to ask what Belinda gave her Myra reveals, "I've not opened it yet. I think I'm going to wait until Friday night, maybe even Saturday morning."
They detour to the Common Commons where Myra leaves a Secret Santa gift for another first year, Philippa Hainault in Hufflepuff. She'd gotten Philippa a dramatic yellow hooded cloak. Joe and she had actually picked out Secret Santa gifts together. The gift Joe left this morning is for another of the McCourts, Patricia. As she's in Ravenclaw, the cloak Joe got for her is blue and while similar to the one Myra's giving Philippa, it's not identical.
Despite being on their way to supper, before leaving the Commons, Joe snags a couple of frosted sugar biscuits shaped and decorated like Christmas wreaths.