|
|
Latecomers (Gage, Myra, Cassie)
Author: Phinfilius
Date: 12-05-19 20:00
Gage is poking at the steak and potato pie on his plate when Myra sits down beside him. "Not hungry?" she asks, reaching for a nearby Yorkshire puddings, looking around for the gravy to go with them.
"Sort of. I want it and it tastes good but I think I ate too many sweets. Are you just getting here or were you sitting with someone else for awhile?"
"Just got here. I was studying in the library then went to the Commons to leave the Secret Santa. Did you do yours yet?"
"Yesterday."
Gage has Daphne Ellis. She's a fourth year Gryffindor. Gage knows her only in the sense of seeing her around the Gryffindor common room. She's the sister of classmates Haley and Gavin so Gage had asked them both for information about Daphne that might help him choose a present for her. Armed with what they'd told him Gage then turned to Danielle. Dani might be a third year but he figured she's both closer in age to Daphne and a girl. He ended up sending a couple of pictures out of magazines to his mum to give her an idea of what to get Daphne. Phlagmelina's response was to send Gage the galleons he needed to pick something from a catalog himself. After even more thought, Gage got Daphne a red rose necklace and earrings jewelry set.
Another latecomer joins Gage and Myra. Though she's in Ravenclaw it's not unusual for Cassie to sit with Gage, Myra, or both of them at the Gryffindor table or for one or both of them to join her at the Ravenclaw table. "I fell asleep studying. I can't believe I did that when I wasn't even tired. Were you talking about Secret Santa?"
Myra nods. "Yeah, I just left mine before coming to eat."
"Yesterday," Gage repeats. "You've got lines on your face."
"Mine is in my bag. I was going to take it in earlier but fell asleep. I must have had my face mashed into the blanket or something." Cassie rubs her cheek where indicates.
Like Myra, Cassie has a first year for Secret Santa. Like Gage, she has an Ellis. Haley Ellis. She got Haley a cute cat purse. The cat is seen from the side, its back arched and its tail curls up over its back to form the purse handle. Cassie likes it so much she's been tempted to keep it for herself and give Haley something else. She just has no idea what that something else would be.
Cassie yawns. "I am so glad tomorrow is the last day of classes."
"Not for me," Gage tells her. "I've one on Friday."
"What you get for taking Fitness & Athletics," Cassie says with a giggle.
"Yeah, yeah. Put some of that chocolate cake on my plate, would you?"
Myra snorts. "Thought you were too full of sweets already."
"Too full for regular food. Never too full for sweets."
"So he says until he causes himself to upchuck." Myra shakes her head as she says this but she's smiling.
Gage smiles back then shovels some of the cake into his mouth, wishing it and other sweets were as good for him as the steak and potato pie still on his plate.
Competition
Author: Jolyon
Date: 12-07-19 14:44
This year, Jolyon opted for a different end of term proficiency route instead of the usual written and/or practical examination. He divided the class into two groups. The desks were pushed onto either side of the stables, and each contained a bell. The goal was to ring it the quickest and correctly answer a question. Students earned points for their own final grade but also for the team. Every student would at least earn a decent mark for participating.
Team one consisted of Adiran, Patty, Dave, Harley, Doug, Daphne, and Emily. Team two consisted of Lisa, Kearney, Noah, Selma, Gideon, Larkin, and Seth.
"What is the native range of a Hinkypunk?" Jolyon asked.
Seth, Noah, and Adiran rang their bells almost at the same time, but a magical 1, 2, 3 drifted into the air from the bells in the exact order they sounded.
"Seth?"
"Scotland," Seth replied.
Jolyon put a hash mark on the board behind him next to Seth's name. "Correct. In what century were porlocks classified as beings?"
ding ding ding
"Patty?"
"Fifteenth?"
"Emily?"
"Seventeenth?"
"Larkin?"
"Fourteenth."
Jolyon put a mark by her name. "That's right. What Ministry of Magic Classification do Puffskeins have?" He paused and watched the sequence of the bells, which were plentiful. Daphne narrowly edged out a handful of others. "Daphne?"
"XX," she said.
Jolyon put a mark next to her name. Team Two was currently winning, but Team One wasn't that far behind.
Jolyon thought it would be nice to end term with a game rather than something more serious. It was hard not feeling down this Christmas season. Arielle was doing better, but she still wasn't her old self again. It probably didn't help that she was living in a place that was under such scrutiny these days, but Jolyon didn't want her where he couldn't keep an eye on her.
Then there was the fact that this would be the first Christmas with Asher in prison. It made the holiday a hard thing to celebrate this year.
Jolyon had put his name in for Secret Santa, though. When he drew Carina Malfoy's name, he hesitated. Everybody knew that her father had a past association with the Death Eaters and had even been the warden of a community for nons. Despite the fact that Lucius Malfoy was not considered a criminal, Jolyon couldn't help but wonder if the man hoped that Asher would die a horrible death in prison.
Jolyon almost didn't write to inquire if it would be all right for him to get Carina a kitten for Christmas. Even though it wasn't stated in Mr. Malfoy's agreeable response, Jolyon had a feeling it wouldn't do to get Carina anything less than a purebred animal. Fortunately, he had an acquaintance who bred toygers. There were very few breeders in the world, and only one who also happened to be a wizard.
Included with the adorable, striped kitty was a bed fit for a little princess. The bed was wrapped and under the Christmas tree for Carina to find. There was also a note, informing her that the toyger kitten was being boarded at MacFusty's for the Malfoys to collect any time over the Christmas holidays.
Gift Giving (Adiran, Doug, Wallace, Jaclyn, Estella, CJ)
Author: Saffron
Date: 12-07-19 20:28
Adiran enters the commons, eyes going to a platter of sweets visible on the bar type counter where students can get hot cocoa and other refreshments. He's tempted to get a mug of chocolatey goodness and one of those large iced biscuits in the shape of a tree but as he's about to go to supper he supposes both will wait until after.
Approaching the massive, decorated Christmas tree where most place their Secret Santa gifts for the recipients to find, he wonders how often Tessa Filby has checked to see if there's one for her. He feels bad about waiting until almost time to leave Hogwarts for the holiday break but he'd been so undecided about what to give Tessa that he only just selected a gift and got it ordered. Thankfully, the boutique was able to owl order the item quickly. It arrived today at lunch and he was able to get the gift wrapped during the down time between Care of Magical Creatures and Arithmancy & Divination.
Adiran had narrowed down possible gifts for Tessa but had gotten stuck on which to actually give her. While she is a Hufflepuff like he is, she is a girl and two years ahead of him so he'd tried approaching the gift giving as he would if buying a present for Lilith. That helped him eliminate a couple of possibles from the narrowed down list but he still ended up asking Ingrid, a sixth year like Tessa, her opinion. Ingrid immediately pointed out a pink lacy top with the lace in a floral pattern. He'd asked, "Are you sure Tessa will like it or did you pick it because you'd want it?"
"I think she'd like it. I do like it and if you want to give me one or something similar, maybe in a different color so I'm not twinning Tessa, I wouldn't mind."
"You're sure she'll like it?"
"Absolutely. It's pretty. She can dress it up or down. Wear it with slacks or a skirt. If cold, she can swear a long sleeved shirt under it or a cardigan over it."
"Okay then, thanks." Adiran promptly owled off for the pink lacy top and as long as he was at it, he did order a similar style top with a different floral pattern and in a medium shade of something called chartreuse.
Adiran nearly conks his head into Doug Hyland's. "Hey, sorry."
"Yeah, sorry too. I'm seeing if any of these have my name. Does that one you just left?" Doug asks with a hopeful tone.
"Sorry. Tessa Filby. I got my gift already." Adiran points to the Hufflepuff themed trainers on his feet. "They're from a first year called Violet."
"I'm sure one for me is under there somewhere. I'm shite at summoning spells like Accio or I'd try that."
Adiran laughs, "If you were you might end up summoning an unwrapped present that you have no idea who it's from."
"True. Hadn't thought of that. I'm going to pass out from hunger. I'll look again after I eat."
The two turn to go, Doug telling Adiran, "I got Professor Somerset's name this time. Do you think it's lousy of me to have given him loungewear?"
Adiran thinks about it a few seconds then shakes his head. "No. If he likes sitting around reading the paper or listening to the WWN or something, he'd want to be comfy, right?"
"That's what I thought. It's a nice set and I got one for my dad but I... " Doug shrugs, shakes his head. "I don't know."
As they leave the commons, talking more about what constitutes a good gift, they pass Wallace Rex on his way into the commons, a tiny wrapped gift in one hand. Anyone seeing box with its gold and red striping might think from its size that it contains a ring or earrings. Wallace deliberately chose deceptive packaging. Inside is a pair of sturdy, light brown shoes that are good for hiking or other outdoor activities while being equally comfortable to just laze around in. He knows because he has a pair in black. He just hopes Rand Prinsloo, the Secret Santa recipient of this particular gift, likes this pair as much as Wallace likes his.
Gift delivered under the tree, Wallace hurries out of the commons, eager to get to the Great Hall for dinner. Little did Wallace know that as he placed Rand's present under the tree, his sister was on the opposite side of the large pine, also leaving a Secret Santa gift.
Jaclyn drew the name of a first year Ravenclaw, Alexandra Crumm. Thinking about how the Ravenclaw House common room and dorms are overall warm but are also drafty Jaclyn is giving Alexandra a warm pale blue throw with cute bunnies adorning it. Alexandra can use it when sitting on her bed reading, studying, or chatting with friends, or while in their house common room.
"I'm glad I'm not the only one just now getting to leaving a gift under the tree."
Jaclyn whirls to find Estella Finch smiling broadly at her. "Hi! Yeah, I don't know why I'm only doing this now. I've had the gift for days. Are you going to the Applewhites' party next week?"
"You know it! Mum says there's going to be a Secret Santa type exchange there but more of a white elephant variety. I have to pick out something to take for it."
"Same here. Mum won't do it for me. Should be easier though, don't you think?"
"Probably," Estella agrees. "Hopefully. Since who gets what gift is decided through some sort of game we don't have to try and match a gift to a certain person."
The girls continue talking about the upcoming party at the Applewhites, Estella glad that she didn't have too much difficulty in picking out a Secret Santa for Emily Ellis. She got Emily something she'd like herself, cozy flannel pajamas adorned with cute cats.
Leaving the commons just ahead of Estella and Jaclyn is CJ DeMarco with friends Joe and Alex. Even though wide awake and his stomach reminding him it's time to eat, CJ also has an urge to yawn every time he thinks about having to go to Astronomy tonight. He mostly likes the class but he thinks that as magic abounds at Hogwarts, they could magic an evening sky on a ceiling during the day so that he doesn't have a late night class once a week.
Like Doug had done a short time ago, looking for his name on a Secret Santa gift, CJ had been searching for his own name among the pile of presents. He'd left one for Gerry Martini-Blackwell only this morning so knows it's quite likely his Santa simply hasn't left one for him yet.
He hopes whatever he gets is as good as what he considers his gift to Gerry to be. Gerry is known around Hogwarts as something of a practical joker so CJ got for him some humorous edible items. There's the bacon breath mints, macaroni and cheese candy, lightening bug gummies, and two different candy sushis, and then one not so humorous but really tasty colorful sours.
CJ wouldn't mind at all of someone were to give him a bucketful of candy as a Christmas gift. Thinking of food, even if it is candy instead of something truly filling, spurs him to walk faster towards the Great Hall, forcing Alex and Joe to pick up the pace as well.
Gifts
Author: Tiberius Nott
Date: 12-08-19 03:08
Caligula felt he was practically on Christmas holidays. The only class he had today was Fitness & Athletics, which in his opinion couldn't be considered a real class because it did not involve being seated in a classroom and taking notes. He started to pack the things he would take with him home for the holidays. At first he was very patient and tried to fold his clothes in perfection, but no matter what his items didn't seem to fit in the trunk. He decided to use a spell to extend the capacity of his trunk, but all he could do was to turn all his items into miniatures.
Josh entered the dormitory and laughed. He picked up Caligula's Ravenclaw scarf that almost resembled a thread, and wrapped it around his pointy finger. The two boys decided to take all his clothing to the Great Hall and try to find someone who could bring them back to its normal size.
The miniature clothes caused some sensation among their first year colleagues. Georgie, Alexandra, Violet, Hannah, Myra, Haley, Cassandra and Gage, were some of the colleagues who stopped by to take a look at Caligula's miniature wardrobe. Some Slytherins came to check it as well, and Seymour Smithers teased Caligula asking if the clothes were meant for the dolls he asked for Christmas.
Not only first years had come to his table. Georgie's sister, Miranda also came to take a look. Miranda was Caligula's Secret Santa. For a long time he was clueless about what he should get her. He had inquired other girls from his year about what presents they would like to receive for Christmas, but each and everyone of them had provided him with a different answer. Girls could be very confusing. In the end Caligula opted to buy Miranda a silver bracelet, with a bead with the letter 'M' on it.
As she picked up one of his miniature underwear, and laughed, he looked at her wrist, to see if the bracelet would fit. He couldn't help thinking that Georgie's sister was very beautiful, something he had forgot to tell him, when he consulted him regarding what to offer his sister. Miranda noticed she was being watched and looked straight at him. Caligula looked away immediately.
Tiberius was watching the loud group of students circling around Caligula, as he had breakfast. Fall term was about to end and yet the boy was still a mystery to Tiberius. He was expecting that by now his identity would be clear to him, but he was not able to discover anything important or revealing about him. Tiberius was not a patient man and this riddle was starting to unquiet him. Tiberius wanted to take Caligula to his office and question him, but he knew he couldn't do so.
Another student approaching the boy's table to take a look was the second year Hufflepuff Joe Brecknock. He was Tiberius' Secret Santa. Tiberius knew Joe was actually a year older than his colleagues. He had contracted an illness that did not allow him to go to Hogwarts when he turned eleven. Despite this setback, Joe remained a pleasant student, which Tiberius liked to have in class. Tiberius bought Joe a wallet made of leather with the Hufflepuff colors.
Fulvia and Festus
Author: Griet
Date: 12-08-19 10:00
After breakfast, Fulvia went to Potions class along with Mira and Charlotte. She really thought it too bad that the three of them had three more classes to get through before the Christmas holidays officially started. Directly after Potions would be DADA, then lunch, and then Arithmancy & Divination in the middle of the afternoon. What a long last day of Fall Term it would be!
As in her first two years at Hogwarts, Fulvia participated in the Secret Santa gift exchange this year. Her recipient was Dave Croft, a Hufflepuff a year ahead of her. Taking the easy way out, even though Fulvia could have asked Dave's sister Harley for advice, she got him three different Hufflepuff drinking vessels. To make the gift slightly less lame, she filled them up with sweets, including peppermints, chocolates, and caramels.
Festus, who wasn't exactly the nicest kid around, surprisingly put a little more thought into his gift for Douglas Hyland. He really didn't know this Doug and only knew who the other Doug was because he was in Slytherin House and also played on the Quidditch team.
Based on the boy's name, Festus figured Doug H. had some Scottish blood in him. He looked for something having to do with the Hyland family but couldn't find anything suitable. In the end he went with a Douglas tartan, even though Douglas was his recipient's first name and not his last. It was just a flannel shirt, but it was a nice color and made of the softest fabric, but it wasn't so delicately made that it would wear out quickly.
Unlike his sister, Festus was completely finished with classes for Fall Term. He planned on doing absolutely nothing until sometime in the afternoon, when he'd probably start packing to go home for the holidays. The Flavershams weren't planning on traveling, which was fine with Festus. He wouldn't mind relaxing at home during the break from school.
Gift Wrapping (Sirius, Mira, James)
Author: Sirius Padfoot Black
Date: 12-08-19 18:18
James and Mira have come to their father's office to get some gift wrapping done. It gives them, and Sirius, a chance to wrap presents without worry of Reg or Zaria trying to "help" and a place to hide what they got their mother. Though third years, neither has mastered magical package wrapping so after using his wand to cut out the paper needed for a box containing a fancy, decorative bundt pan he asks, "Do you think Hagrid's going to like this?"
Sirius assures, "Hagrid will love it," and Mira, head bobbing, says, "You know how much he loves baking cakes." She looks to her father, "Did you get your Secret Santa present given?"
"I did but only this morning. Did you?"
"Before coming here. I meant to before now but even when I'd go to see if mine was under the tree I'd forget to take his."
Mira had gotten Caligula Nott's. In an amusing to them coincidence, James drew Tiberius Nott's name. As many different names as went into the Secret Santa exchange and they got the only two Notts currently at Hogwarts.
Mira's gift to Caligula is a Ravenclaw branded beanie and scarf set along with a Ravenclaw sweater. She tried to pick ones he wouldn't have already and hopes he likes her choices.
James, who'd left Professor Nott's gift under the tree a little earlier in the week, had noted that Tiberius Nott seems to be someone for whom appearance can matter. With this in mind he'd gotten the lower years Transfiguration professor a gray and black striped textured tie and a charcoal gray button-down dress shirt.
Sirius drew the name of a student he does not yet have but, Merlin willing, he'll teach in a few years: Dolly Gumble. One day while shopping with Drucilla he'd gotten her input on several headbands that Dru proclaimed pretty and a sweater she deemed to be cute.
He reaches for the last gift in need of wrapping. "You two about finished?"
"All wrapped up," James smirks at he places a bow on a board game for Reg.
Mira rolls her eyes at her twin as she replies to Sirius, "Nearly."
"Excellent. I don't know about you two but I'm ready for lunch. If we hurry, we can get something before they're done serving."
"What if we don't make it?" James is concerned about this as he's realized how hungry he is.
"Then we'll come back to my office and I'll bring food in or we can see what's on offer in the commons."
Leaving the pile of wrapped presents safely stowed in in the office, Sirius locks the door and they walk to the Great Hall, Mira moaning over having one more class this afternoon while James was done for the term when Defense Against The Dark Arts ended at 12:15. Her griping ends when Sirius asks, "What do you two think of me officially becoming Eternal-Black to fit in with the rest of the family?"
Summoning Courage (Rand)
Author: Declan
Date: 12-09-19 10:46
Care of Magical Creatures ended, Oliver, Grace, and Rand are finished for the term. They think it's too bad for them end of term means two in the afternoon. Strolling at a leisurely pace they're discussing whether they can all get together Sunday and where, and about holiday parties to attend over the next few weeks while off from school, and whether any of them will spend some of the break off somewhere visiting or vacationing. They're about halfway back to the castle when Rand spots Maud Montgomery laughing with Blair Hazelton. Impulsively summoning his courage he tells Oliver and Grace, "Be right back."
"Maud! Hey, Maud!"
Hearing Rand, Maud slows, looking his direction, an eyebrow arched in question. He reaches her, nodding at Maud and Blair. "Hi, um, I know this is short notice, but I was thinking, well," he gestures back towards Grace and Oliver, "we were thinking that is, of going to the Muggle Studies Club movies tonight. Uh, so, I was wondering if you'd, uh, like to go?" Suddenly aware that Blair might think him rude or something he hastily adds, "You too, Blair."
Maud's pleasant expression is unreadable as to whether she's happy to be asked or if she's miffed at having Blair lumped in with the invitation and knowing Grace and Oliver will be there. Before she says anything and before Blair responds Frederick Benwick, who'd been near enough to hear Rand, comes bounding over. "Yeah, Blair. Say yes and sit with me. We'll share a popcorn."
Blair grins at Freddie. "How can I say no to such a lovely invitation?"
Freddie guffaws, makes an elaborate bow. "I do my best. See you at supper and we'll walk to the Cloud's Kiss floo together."
Blair nods, "It's a date then." Freddie smiles and laughs again then dashes off calling out a wizarding chess challenge to another classmate.
Maud looks from Blair to Rand then to where Oliver and Grace are waiting for him. At length she offers him a small smile and Rand is fully expecting her to graciously, politely decline. He knows his relief at her, "Yes, that sounds like fun," must be visible on his face. His face flushing, hot enough to melt the snow around them he thinks, he suggests, "We can eat supper together and go from there." He hates that he sounds like he's copying Freddie Benwick but he's not sure how else to phrase "let's eat together" without it sounding like he's imitating Freddie.
Maud consents and they set a time then Blair and she continue on walking to the castle. Rand rejoins Oliver and Grace, flushing even more at seeing the way they're grinning at him. To cut them off from saying anything about him asking Maud on what might be construed as a date he blurts, "I need to go to the commons. I've been carrying around this Secret Santa for Viola Oliver for days."
Viola's brother Vincent is a classmate so even though she's a first year Rand had an idea of who she was after getting her name in the present exchange. Declan has Finley Prides name and got her a really nice antique looking watch. Rand had seen it and thought it something a girl would like but that something like it might not be the thing for an 11 or 12 year old girl. After looking at what seemed an endless variety of watches, Rand picked out one with a starry face. The some of the stars are in constellations and the stars even glow and twinkle. Zabrynna said she thought someone Viola's age would like it as would someone older.
Rand's confession about still needing to leave Viola's Secret Santa got Oliver and Grace talking about their own Secret Santas as well as what they've each got on their wish lists this year. Reaching the castle, they go in the direction of the commons, passing Declan coming out as they go in. Like Rand, Declan has been carrying around Finley's gift for days, for some reason being absent minded out leaving the present even when he's been in the commons.
Dinner and a Movie
Author: Minerva McGonagall
Date: 12-09-19 18:27
Although not a major Hogwarts feast, it was still the end of a term. The house-elves had made the final supper before those students going home for the holidays left in the morning extra special, with familiar Christmasy main courses and plenty of holiday-inspired desserts.
Minerva even gave a quick speech. She wished those students and staff departing Hogwarts happy travels and advised those remaining of the mini feasts scheduled to mark each holiday. As much as Minerva wanted to mention some of the more serious things going on, she let it be, especially as she was under the critical eye of the Smirts. They were, of course, present, observing the meal from the back of the room. Honestly, Minerva wasn't sure if they ever ate or if they were even human.
Filius suggested that she join him at Cloud's Kiss to watch the holiday films rather than sequester herself in her office. Minerva cut him a deal: she would for sure attend one of the films, but she couldn't promise to stay for the second one. She just had so much to do.
Before even setting out for the Floo conduit to Cloud's Kiss, Minerva made a stop to the Commons to stow the Secret Santa gift she had for Artie Weasley. Procrastination was not something Minerva was known for, and indeed, getting the gift had been on Minerva's very long to-do list. She'd simply run out of time.
The gift for Artie consisted of a large suitcase and a rucksack, each crimson and gold and bearing the Gryffindor shield. Minerva didn't know if Charlie and Hendrika planned on taking the kids on a winter excursion, but if so, then Artie had the perfect luggage set.
Once at Cloud's Kiss, Minerva sat down next to Filius, accepted some popcorn, and tried to get into How the Grinch Stole Christmas, but she found herself easily distracted. After all, there was an unopened letter from Asher Kent on her desk.
In The Great Hall
Author: Majandra
Date: 12-09-19 18:44
Just inside the door of the Great Hall Georgie shrugs when his mother asks, "Are you going to the movie?"
"I don't know. Maybe."
"You love Home Alone so I'm surprised you'd not want a chance to see it."
"I'm a little tired. I was thinking of maybe going to bed early."
"Early bed on a Friday night when there's an activity to attend. Are you feeling all right?" Majandra reaches out to touch Georgie cheek to see if he's warm.
Being 11 and in the Great Hall where everyone can see, he reflexively jerks away. "Muuuuuum."
Maj holds up both hands as if surrendering. "Excuse me."
The way she says it and how she's holding her hands is comical. Despite trying not to so much as smile Georgie can't help but laugh. When she asks, "Did you ever finish your Christmas wish list? Time's running out, you know."
Georgie had given Majandra and George only two items he's desperately hoping to get but as both are on the expensive side he promised he'd add to the list. He shoves a hand into a pocket, retrieving a somewhat crumpled piece of parchment. "Yes, here."
"And did you decide if you're riding the train or going to the shoppe in the morning?"
"I sort of want to ride the train with my friends."
"If that's what you want, that's fine."
"What's Randa going to do?"
"Your sister said she'd like to do both but as that isn't possible she's likely going to ride the train with friends. Miranda said something about some of them waiting to exchange gifts on the train rather than sometime today or having done it earlier this week."
"Then maybe I will ride but I don't know."
"You have until the train leaves to decide. Now, at the risk of sounding like I'm nagging, did you leave the Secret Santa present?"
"Yes, before breakfast."
Participating in his first Hogwarts Secret Santa, Georgie has Conrad Ellis's name. Normally, he'd likely not know who someone in a different house, Hufflepuff, and several years ahead of him, fifth to Georgie's first, but Conrad plays on the Hufflepuff House Quidditch team as a beater. Hoping that Conrad likes other games Georgie picked out a Muggle based one called Blokus. Conrad can play against three others at a time. There are four identical sets of shapes, each set in a different color. The object of the game is to play as many of your shapes as you can. It's a really simple game to learn but can be extremely challenging.
"Excellent. All right. You'd best go eat. If you do come to the movie, Dad and I will sit somewhere away from you."
"No snogging," Georgie waggles a finger at her.
"With students all around us? I think we can control ourselves," she chuckles.
"You better. Maybe see you there." Georgie walks rapidly away, wanting to eat but also because he'd been standing with his mum in full view of everyone for long enough.
Majandra waits a few more minutes for George to arrive then together they walk to the head table. They'd decided they were going to Aaron's movies so they'd eat together at the castle. Taking seats not far from where Celeste Quigley is sitting, Maj can't help but wonder if Celeste has found the Secret Santa gift to her from Majandra and if so, if she's opened it. Majandra made for Celeste a wool red plaid swing coat that has a vintage look to it.
Miranda also gave vintage looking clothes to the person for whom she's Secret Santa, Belinda McCourt. Majandra did most of the work on blouse and skirt but Miranda helped. The blouse is a pale pinkish purple with embellishments on the collar. The skirt is patterned with a matching belt and the belt is also embellished. She loves how the outfit turned out and hopes Belinda likes it as well.
Sitting at the Gryffindor table, Miranda paused in eating a bowl of tomato soup with half a toasted ham and cheese sandwich to listen to Professor McGonagall's short speech. As usual, she finds the food very good but she's also trying to save room for popcorn and other snacks at Cloud's Kiss during the movie. She wishes Professor Miller would have a weekly movie night but maybe it's good he doesn't or they wouldn't seem quite as special.