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Checkmate
Author: Mildred
Date: 11-22-11 13:27
At first Mildred decided to stay at the library and work on her homework instead of visiting the Club Day at the Great Hall. However the curiosity won and soon she found herself in the middle of the crowded room, exploring the great number of clubs Hogwarts had to offer to its students.
The little witch approached each booth with shyness, sometimes blushing when a teacher or a sponsor turned their attentions to her. She was polite and listened carefully what they had to say, later admitting to herself she had been a fool by wanting to skip the Club Day.
Mildred wished she would have her colleagues there with her, just to hear their opinions on each club. But the other first year Gryffindors finally seemed to realize Mildred preferred to be alone than hanging out with them and so they stopped inviting her for walks at the grounds, chess games and study groups. Mildred was thankful but at the same time that hurt her.
Deep down she wanted to have friends, she didn't like to be alone. The worse part of all this was she knew the other girls spoke about her when she wasn't present. Whenever Mildred entered her dorm all the other girls would abruptly end up their conversation. All of them would look at her and then back to each others as if they were confirming something. The little witch could guess they were probably commenting with each other how odd she was.
"Interested in learning more about chess, Miss Campbell?" Professor Black asked, bringing her back to reality. She was in front of his booth, and soon her cheeks turned red. Despite the fact she had Transfiguration classes with him, she still felt really shy when he asked her a question. Mildred thought for a bit before she nodded. She did like playing chess. Professor Black gave her some information about the Chess Club but Mildred only half listened to him. She was trapped in a memory of her father, way before he was arrested and sent to Azkaban.
Mildred was about five years old. She was in the living room of her house with her father. It was the end of the afternoon and the sunlight gushed in from the wide window. Mildred was sat in her father's lap, her eyes studying the funny pieces of chess as he played against her mother. Mildred remembered when her tiny hand moved towards the queen. She wanted to play as well but she didn't know the rules and so she randomly made a move with that piece. Her action was enough to make her father lose the game. However he didn't get mad at her when his wife used her bishop to end the game. Mildred understood she had been the cause of his defeat and she was on the verge of tears when her father assured her it was all right. He told her he was going to teach her how to play so the next time they played Mildred would know what to do with the queen.
Alexander kept his promise. He would come every day after work and the two of them locked in his study. Her father was a good teacher. He was patient with her and she knew she could ask him the silliest questions about chess that he would not get mad at her. He said he wanted Mildred to learn and sometimes the silliest questions where the most important of them all. There would be occasions they would almost forget dinner time and Mildred's mother had to use her wand and threat them with a jinx if they didn't hurry to the table.
But there was this one day her father was late. Mildred waited and waited on the sofa, her eyes always on the door as if at any minute her father would enter, apologizing for his delay. Then she heard someone crying from the kitchen. Mildred gave slow and hesitant steps towards the tiled division. Her mother was sat by the table, crying. She was holding a letter in her hand. Knowing that something was wrong the little witch went to hug her mother. In her ignorance she told her mother her father was coming back home soon and he would fix whatever was wrong. That only made her mother cry even more. That was the moment Mildred realized her father wasn't going to come back.
"So interested?" Professor Black's voice ended up with Mildred's memory. She nodded and signed her name in a scroll. She wanted to keep learning chess. Her father would be proud.
Sponsoring Two Clubs (AJ)
Author: Furnella Hodfuffer
Date: 11-22-11 19:32
AJ's got the tables for the two clubs he oversees forming a right angle. That way he can more easily keep up with both. Mariposa is here to help even though AJ had told her she didn't have to come. That she wanted to come and help and seems to be enjoying herself as she interacts with inquisitive students is just one of the things AJ loves about her.
Of his two clubs the Poet's Society has gotten the lesser number of interested students. That's to be expected. The Poet's Society simply isn't one of those clubs that has students flocking to join and unless poetry suddenly becomes all the rage, it's never going to have a very large membership. That's fine with AJ though he does think students are missing out on learning more about a literary art form.
The Poet's Society meets once a month. They've got a cozy little club room perfect for poetry readings. Some of the readings are published works but members brave enough are encouraged to share their own poems. Critiques are given though one hard and fast rule AJ sticks to is that any comment made about another member's poem must be constructive in some way. AJ has been known to take house points from those who forget that. They discuss things like poetry styles and form, meter, rhyme, aesthetics and they analyze poems for all those things they've discussed. AJ also helps with tips on writing poems. AJ thoroughly enjoys the meetings and each year having a few members sign up to to participate again lets him know he's not wasting time with it.
The school newspaper, unlike the Poet's Society, takes time and dedication. The Hogwarts Herald has a core group of members but for each edition AJ has no problem accepting submissions from students who had something to contribute but who don't want to be on staff. Such students generally only write one or two articles over the course of the term. AJ doesn't count them among those who write letters to the editor. There is a small number of students who constantly write letters to the editor about a huge range of issues. The bulk of the letters the newspaper receives, not that there are every very many in total, aren't from serial writers. Rather, they are by students who wish to voice an opinion or raise a question on one particular topic.
Every two weeks a paper is published. The focus is on news from around the school or on issues that directly affect the students. There are articles about club goings on; house Quidditch teams; a column with advice and sample questions for the OWLs and NEWTs; features on courses, school staff, and students; and a variety of other topics. There are the letters to the editor and editorials. There's a sports section with not only the school news but sports beyond the walls of Hogwarts. There are usually news blips on the major events going on in the world as well because many students don't take The Dailey Prophet, though AJ knows they could just be getting their news from the WWN.
The first paper this term had had a two week weather forecast that got positive feedback. A kitchen house elf is also providing a listing of what the kitchen plans to make for breakfasts, lunches, and dinners over a two week period. The list is published with the understanding that the kitchen might make changes. It does, at least, give the students, and staff, an idea of what to expect as meal options each day. There's a section with a crossword and a few other word and number challenges. AJ would like to see a talented student submitting a regular comic strip, but so far none have volunteered.
What the Hogwarts Herald does not offer is a gossip column. AJ wants no part of unsubstantiated gossip passed off as news. He knows of a few students who'd love to see such a column but AJ is sticking firm. He won't have the Hogwarts Herald turned into a miniature version of The Quibbler.
As another student stops by to ask about the newspaper, AJ sets his cup of tea down and gets up to answer any questions the newcomer might have.
Can't Believe I Nearly Forgot
Author: Plum
Date: 11-23-11 14:40
Clementine hadn't be at Plum's long when Plum had gone wide eyed and exclaimed, "Club Day! Bloody hell, I'm going to be late!"
"Club Day?"
"At Hogwarts. I sponsor the Language Club and today is a day specially set aside for clubs to recruit new members."
One of the main reasons for taking Alex to Blossom's this morning has been because Anthony was on the schedule to work and Plum had Club Day to attend. When she'd gotten home from taking Alex she'd gotten distracted with Anthony and then because there was time to kill after he'd left she had gotten distracted with trying to figure out things to wear to parties the coming week, to pack for her honeymoon, and what to change into at the wedding reception.
"I'm sorry, but we'll do lunch tomorrow, all right?" she'd said to Clementine while grabbing the lacy cream blouse to go with the red pencil skirt she had on.
"Yes, of course. Is there anything I can do to help?"
"There's a box in the hall closet labeled Language Club. Will you grab it for me?" Plum requested, grabbing an unladdered pair of nude tights from a drawer.
She'd hastily finished dressing, smoothed her hair, added a touch of lipstick, then grabbed the box from Clementine and disapparated on the spot. She trusts Clementine enough to have let herself out. Plum had apparated as near the school gates as she could, briskly walking the rest of the way to the castle. Luckily, the event had not officially started though she was only spared from being late by 59 seconds.
A table was already waiting. It just needed the Language Club banner Plum and some of the club members had made and rest of the contents of the box neatly arranged on the table top. There's a sign-up sheet at each end of the table along with ink and quills with information on the Language Club fanned out in between.
Having nearly forgotten about Club Day and then arriving well after she should have been there had Plum feeling frazzled before things even began. She'd grabbed a cup of tea, taken a few deep, calming breaths and told herself she'd made it on time, even if barely, and that's all that mattered.
Since then Club Day has gone well for Plum with a number of students asking for information and quite a few signing up, with a number of them new to the Language Club. When things wind down she thinks the Language Club will have done nicely overall, though she doesn't expect every single student who signed up to stick with the group for all of term. It's very common for students to sign up for a lot of clubs, attend the first few meetings, then decide which ones are actually the most appealing and interesting, dropping the rest of the clubs after that.
After Club Day is over, Plum will repack the box and carefully fold up the banner then walk into Hogsmeade to collect Alex. She'll get him home and spend some time with him then get him bundled off to a friend's for a sleepover. After that it's get ready to go out. Plum's hen party is tonight. She has no idea if Anthony's stag party is tonight or not. He's been somewhat tightlipped about it but then, all he knows of Plum's plans is that she's getting together with some of the girls. She has not specifically said it's for the hen party but this being the Saturday before the wedding, he might very well have figured that out all on his own. At either rate, she will be sure to tell him what she and the girls are doing tonight before she goes to meet them.
Another student approaches the Language Club table so Plum sets aside what must be the twentieth cup of tea she's had today to answer any questions the young man might have.
Astronomy Club
Author: Illyria
Date: 11-23-11 17:55
The idea behind Astronomy Club was to give students a chance to study the night sky without the burden of paying attention to a lecture or being assigned homework. Astronomy class met only once a week and didn't always allow for stargazing.
"So," Hugo Hathi said, "Astronomy Club is basically an opportunity for us to use the telescopes on the Observation Deck?"
"That's it in a nutshell," Professor Jones replied with a smile. "I know it doesn't sound very entertaining or like very much, but I promise you, stargazing can be a lot of fun. And it's not just stars you might see. Planets, entire solar systems… maybe a comet or a shower of asteroids."
Hugo seemed to waffle about whether or not to join. After a long pause he decided to come back later.
Illyria didn't feel too disappointed. She had a decent amount of names on her sign-up sheet. A handful actually belonged to sixth and seventh years who weren't taking Professor Quigley's N.E.W.T. level classes. Some of those students had expressed that they missed looking at the night sky through telescopes (but they didn't miss anything else about Astronomy class).
Since it didn't look like anybody else was heading her way, Illyria got up from her table to get a snack from one of the food tables. As she poured herself a cup of tea, she saw a wizard out of the corner of her eye and stiffened. For a moment, she thought it was Nathan, but when she turned her head to look, she saw that it was only Declan.
He noticed the odd expression on her face and asked, "Something wrong?"
"No," Illyria replied, smiling. "I think I'm just a little tired. Did you want a cup?" she asked, holding up the teapot.
"Please."
Illyria poured him one and then set down the teapot. She passed him his cup. "Have you received many sign-ups for the Debate Club?" she asked him.
"Not a tremendous amount, but a few. How about you?"
"A decent number," Illyria answered. She sipped her tea. It was nice and hot.
"Good! Just one name is better than none, I would say." He glanced across the room and then quickly added, "I think I see somebody heading to my table, so I best be off."
Declan grabbed a handful of lemon biscuits and then hurried back to his table.
Illyria also took one of the biscuits and nibbled on it. She walked back to her table in a leisurely manner, trying not to, but failing miserably at thinking about Nathan. She'd seen him a few times since their kiss, but it had always been in the company of Urania. Neither had said anything about what had happened in Diagon Alley. Illyria both liked it that way and felt guilty for lying to her sister. It also didn't help that Illyria did have feelings for Nathan. She knew that without a doubt.
She sat down at her table, biscuit eaten but tea unfinished. As long as she and Nathan didn't slip up again, which probably meant that they could never, ever be alone together, then perhaps everything would be all right. At least as far as Urania was concerned.
With a heavy sigh, Illyria sipped her tea and thought some more about her predicament until a group of students stopped by her table to inquire about the Astronomy Club.
Gobstones & Chess
Author: Sirius Padfoot Black
Date: 11-23-11 17:59
Like others sponsoring two clubs Sirius has his set at right angles, forming a corner of one aisle. He prefers this angled set-up to having them in a line side by side for those times he's at the tables alone. Drucilla had been going to come today but was the sort of tired that goes with being eight months pregnant and having very precocious twins. The twins, already expecting to get to come to Hogwarts today, weren't in the slightest upset that Mummy wasn't coming with them. For the most part they've stayed in the relatively new Hogwarts daycare though periodically one or both has come and joined Sirius at the Great Hall or on a break he's taken from the Gobstones and Chess Clubs' tables.
A couple of students who were both in the Chess Club last term have spelled Sirius off for those times he's taken a break, even the Gobstones Club table. For their help, Sirius is giving them each a new Quidditch themed wizarding chess sets.
"Hi, Professor Black," first year Hufflepuff Edgar Zhou says in greeting when he walks up to the Chess Club table.
"Hi, Edgar. Interesting in chess, or gobstones, or both?"
"Both but I've already signed up for a couple of other clubs."
"You're welcome to sign up for either or both and if you find you don't have time, it's perfectly all right to drop out."
"How often does each meet?"
"Every other week and they are in alternating weeks."
"Okay then, I'd like to sign up for both."
Sirius gives Edgar both sign-up sheets before greeting another inquisitive first year wanting to know more about both the Gobstones and Chess Clubs.
Club Day - Herbology Club Co-Sponsor
Author: Lawrence Masterson
Date: 11-23-11 18:57
Lawrence and Marzipan spent the morning chatting about potential events for the Herbology club when things got into full swing, including the planting of a winter garden. The list had become somewhat decent from herbs and various other items to even some flowering plants and shrubs to brighten the expanse of the garden and the soon to be snow-covered landscape as the winter months trudged on.
"What kind of flower is this?" Came the timid voice of a first year Gryffindor girl that Lawrence wasn't yet familiar with but she attended Marzipan's class.
"That, is a cocker spaniel dog flower. It's a rather playful flower, and can get rather loud and excitable at times." Lawrence said, a light smile on his face as he spoke to the girl a bit more, and ultimately, she decided that she would sign her name on the sheet. Taking up some information she began heading toward the snack table.
"I think I'm going to grab a biscuit or two and a cup of tea. Want anything?" Lawrence asked once they were alone again at the table.
"Please." She said and Lawrence slipped away from the Herbology table, just as two fifth year Ravenclaw students headed toward the table to play with the cute flowers that they had displayed on the table.
Lawrence returned and answered a few questions along with Marzipan after setting down the tea and biscuits. They talked to several more individuals and they had a few signatures for the club, and Lawrence and Marzipan once more turned their conversation to club activities for the duration of the year.
New Recruit
Author: Aaron Miller
Date: 11-23-11 19:29
"Hi, Uncle Aaron. I mean, Professor Miller."
I offer Marion DeMarco a smile. "Afternoon, Marion. Finding some clubs you want to join?"
"Too many. Callie, Hope, and Katherine are having the same problem."
Used to seeing Marion with at least one of those three I'm a little surprised she's not with one or more of them now. As if knowing the direction of my thoughts Marion gestures in the general direction of the snacks table. "They're getting something to eat. What's Yearbook?"
I hand her a copy of the Hogwarts yearbook for the 2004-2005 term so she can flip through it. "It's a book that records the people and events of a given year, in this case a given school year."
"Is it hard to be part of the club?"
"There are some challenges to be sure. Deciding on whether to have a theme, picking an layout, font types and sizes... Even sorting through hundreds of candid photos to pick the ones for the yearbook can be difficult."
"Because you want to pick more than you have room for?"
"Exactly."
"First years can join?"
"Absolutely."
"Good! I want to sign up for Yearbook and I came over to sign up for Muggle Studies Club so where is the sign-up sheet for that?"
"Here are both. Welcome aboard."
(Anthony) Pre-Party
Author: Beck
Date: 11-24-11 07:48
Ever since the resolution of the Summer Solstice Murders case, work hadn't felt quite as hectic as it had the previous year. With Anthony's rapidly approaching wedding, less stress at work turned out to be very much a good thing. Tonight was his stag party. Toby, his best man, had made all the arrangements. Anthony didn't know who all would be there but he assumed Deak, Kody, Phin, Jared and Lawrence had at least been invited.
Toby had been pretty tight-lipped about what the stag party would entail, but Anthony guessed a trip to Petals in Hogsmeade was on the list of venues to visit. Maybe he guessed wrong, but he could totally picture Toby buying him a lap dance, whether he wanted one or not.
Anthony was glad the wedding was so near. He and Plum had dated a long time and had acted like a married couple for quite some time as well. They already were a family, and although Alex wasn't their son, anyone not knowing any better always assumed he was. The wedding would just make everything official.
With Plum gone all day, Anthony had felt rather stir crazy, waiting for Toby to pick him up for tonight's party. He wound up strolling up and down Diagon Alley for several hours to pass the time. When he arrived back home, he found Toby sitting on his doorstep.
"You're early!" Anthony exclaimed, as Toby got up so that Anthony could get the door. "Have you been waiting long?"
"Just a few minutes, actually," Toby replied, grinning. He held a thin paper bag in his hand. "Thought I would pop by so that we can get a head start on the festivities."
Anthony chuckled and led them into the flat. "What did you have in mind?"
Toby reached into the sack and pulled out a brand new bottle of Ogden's Old Firewhiskey. He waggled his eyebrows at Anthony. "Care for a drink?"
Anthony chuckled some more and went into the kitchen to grab two glasses. He set them down on the coffee table, joining Toby on the sofa.
"Does Bronwyn know you're going to a strip club tonight?" Anthony asked, while Toby opened the whiskey bottle and poured them their drinks.
"Nice try, little brother," Toby responded with a grin. "I'm not telling you anything." He raised his glass and clinked it against Anthony's. "Cheers."
"Cheers!" Anthony exclaimed.
While he was very curious about what Toby had cooked up for tonight, he knew he wouldn't be in the dark for very much longer. Maybe sooner if Toby got drunk enough!
(Ariella) The Day So Far
Author: Beck
Date: 11-24-11 09:29
Ariella had spent the early morning hours at Briar's Bakery to help prepare some treats for Club Day at Hogwarts. Briar was always very generous when it came to donating snacks to Hogwarts for its various events. Ariella had no doubt that students and staff greatly appreciated it. Briar's baked goods were the best around!
After her shift ended, Ariella went back to the castle for a nap. Tonight would be a late night for her. Plum's hen party was this evening. All of her future sister-in-laws had been invited, not to mention all of her friends. Ariella couldn't wait. She'd been the last of the Beck siblings to get married. It was about time another one did!
Ariella woke up sometime in the early afternoon, hungry because she'd missed lunch and because she'd eaten breakfast incredibly early. While she had snacked on a couple of misshapen biscuits at work, it hadn't been enough to hold her over all day. She quickly freshened up and then went down to the Great Hall to see if lunch was still available. Luckily, there was a table full of sandwiches and bags of crisps. Ariella helped herself to a turkey sandwich on rye bread and a bag of cheesy potato crisps. Then she wandered over to visit with her husband.
"How's it going?" she asked, bending to kiss his cheek. She smiled over at Marzipan.
"Well, I think!" Lawrence exclaimed with a smile. He exchanged a look with Marzi, who nodded.
"We can't complain," she said.
Ariella knew that Lawrence felt pleased to be included as the Herbology club co-sponsor this year, although he would have a very full plate! Term at St. Emrys was just a few short weeks away.
"Did you have a nice nap?" Lawrence asked. He got up so that Ariella could take his seat while she ate.
"Slept like a rock," Ariella answered between mouthfuls of sandwich and crisps. "I just hope I can stay up tonight."
"Do you two have big plans tonight?" Marzi asked with interest.
"We've each been invited to parties," Ariella answered. "My brother is getting married next week."
"Congratulations to him!" Marzi exclaimed, smiling. "Sounds like you two are in for a lot of fun, then."
"I have no doubt of it," Lawrence answered. He started petting one of the dog flowers. It wagged one of its leaves contentedly.
Ariella quickly polished off the sandwich and crisps and then gave her husband back his seat. "I'm going to wandered around and see what there is," she announced. She was also thirsty, so her first stop was back to the food table to get a beverage.