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(Susan) Club Day
Author: Wendy Mills
Date: 10-31-14 13:02
Since the day the announcement was pinned at the cardboard at the Ravenclaw common room, that Susan has been really excited with the Club Day at Hogwarts. Finally the day arrived and she was one of the first curious first years to check out the various booths.
Andrina was part of the Hogwarts Harmonies, the school choir sponsored by Professor Flitwick, and she insisted on Susan to join as well. Susan did what her sister asked, admitting it could be fun to be part of a choir, even if she was aware her voice would not give her any solos. Once Andrina had got what she wanted, Susan was allowed to explore the other booths. She was approached by older students, who just like her sister tried to lure her into join their own clubs. The sponsors were far less pushy and nicer. One of them, Professor Masterson who sponsored the Herbology club alongside with Susan's Herbology teacher Professor Ravenscroft, had just become a father, and he greeted all students with double enthusiasm.
Susan became particularly interested in the objects displayed at the Muggle Studies Club booth. They were all new and unknown to her and Professor Miller, which Susan knew was the Head of the Hufflepuff house, explained what some of them were for. Eager to learn more about the mysterious Muggle world, Susan decided to join the club.
Glad with her choice she continued to walk around the Great Hall. She recognized Charles Fairfax, one of the boys from her year and house at the Book Group booth. He was talking to another Ravenclaw boy who was helping out Mrs. Blackheart, the school librarian, at her booth. Charles, or Charlie like he preferred to be called, didn't seem to like the idea of having extra books to read. The older boy did not get upset with Charlie's words and instead he suggested him to check out the Gobstones booth. He too was part of that club, he explained. Charlie left, after exchanging some words with Susan, where he told her that so far he had only joined the Debate club. She decided to check that booth later even if the idea of defending a cause around other people left her really anxious. But first, she would take a look at the books she would have to read if she joined the Book Group.
"It's not about being forced to read a book," the older Ravenclaw boy explained. "The idea is to later discuss it with others. Share opinions and point of views. It's really interesting and fun."
"Will Mrs. Blackheart get mad if we are not able to finish the book?" Susan asked, hating the idea of having the librarian upset at her and removing points from Ravenclaw if she failed to read the book on time.
"Of course not! But I wouldn't worry about that. She only picks good books and some are very hard to put down!" he smiled at Susan and she couldn't help to smile back at him because of kindness. Ultimately she ended up signing up for the Brook Group as well.
"So I will be seeing you around…Susan Fricks," he told her after reading her name in the parchment she just signed. "My name is Caleb Quigley."
Susan nodded in recognition and then walked away. So this was Patricia's Caleb, the boy she talked about on that day aboard the Hogwarts express. She continued to walk around the Great Hall for a bit and then she returned to the Ravenclaw common room in order to finish her Potions' essay.
What Clubs To Join? (Ingrid, Rex, Bran, Kurt)
Author: Saffron
Date: 10-31-14 19:40
Ingrid had considered going around the Great Hall with one of her new friends or maybe Rex but then decided she could better go her own pace, lingering at club booths she's interested in, giving a brief glance to those she isn't, or even passing them by altogether if she were alone. With no set plans with anyone, she'd slept in, then lounged for a time in her dorm and then her house's common room before going to the common commons for a bite to eat. There, she'd also read a little while tucked into a snug, cozy chair. Feeling herself falling asleep, Ingrid took her book outside. She found a spot in the sun, thinking it must have rained some in the night or early morning because the ground was damp. This took her to a nearby bench to stretch out on rather than going inside for a blanket or something else to spread on the ground.
Outside in the sun, Ingrid once more started feeling sleepy. Giving in, she took a nap, not caring who might see her sleeping on the bench with a book over her face. She finally dragged herself awake and off the bench to return inside. After a trip to her room to deposit her book, Ingrid went and splashed water on her face, returned to her room long enough to grab a list of the school clubs then headed to the Great Hall, looking over the list along the way.
The first thing she does upon reaching the vast room is not to check out one of the club booths but to go over to a table to get something to drink and a half sandwich. Sitting down with them, she continues looking over the list. Rex takes the seat next to her, a plate filled with food.
"What did you join?" he asks before taking cramming almost a whole sandwich into his mouth.
"Nothing yet. I only got her a few minutes ago. You?"
Rex has the decency to chew his food and completely swallow it before asking. That or he simply couldn't speak with so much sandwich taking up space. "Pet Society, Charms Club, and Athletic Club. Thinking about Dueling Club and Photography Club, but I don't know if I should sign up for too many."
"There's always joining several to start then dropping the ones you least like."
"Yeah, good idea. Maybe I'll sign up for even more then and see what sticks," he says then promptly shoves another sandwich into his mouth.
"You know you can take smaller bites. You might even taste and enjoy what you're eating that way."
Rex makes a face at her that includes giving her a view of the half masticated food. Ingrid makes a face back, finishes off her drink and leaves him to take all of a minute or two to finish the food he's got and go back for seconds.
Ingrid roams the Great Hall in a systematic fashion, stopping at those clubs she's highly interested in and engaging the person there, be it adult sponsor or student member, in conversation about each club. At some other booths she gets information but doesn't linger for long. Some club booths, such as the Gobstones Club. Its sponsor, Professor Black, is nice and Ingrid likes him in class but though she does play gobstones from time to time, it's simply not something she wants to devote precious time allotted to a club.
Estella Finch had talked up the Dance Club so that's one she spends more time giving consideration to. There's also the Alchemy Society and the Art Club. Book Group. Band/Orchestra as she already plays a little flute. Drama Club and Yearbook. Handouts from each clutched in hand, Ingrid returns to the table where her seat from earlier is still vacant. After putting her things down she gets another drink and another half sandwich along with a fairy cake before sitting to peruse all the information, think about what was said in conversation with various people, and attempt to narrow down her choices.
She looks up once to return a wave to her brother as Bran and Kurt Blackwell look over the refreshment offerings. As Kurt ladles up a bowl of soup he tells Bran, "I think Brom is sick."
"Yeah?"
"I saw him with Lev and overhead him saying something about thanking Lev for agreeing to help him with Charms later."
"Brom?"
"Yes."
"Brom admitting to someone he's not the best at something?"
"Yes."
"You're sure it was Brom and not someone else."
Kurt gives Bran a don't-be-ridiculous look. "I know what Brom von Roon looks and sounds like."
Bran scratches his head. "Yeah, but since when does Brom not act like he's the one who could tutor or teach everyone else whatever's needed?"
"Maybe he's finally gotten it through his head no one buys it, especially after not making the Quidditch team again. He was so sure he had it this time and you'd be displaced."
Bran selects hand pie, wondering what's in it, before shrugging. "Or maybe Brom finds Lev unthreatening enough to be himself with."
Noting Kurt's expression he waggles the fried pie at his friend. "You're the one who's told me a few times you thought Brom felt threatened by me, more so after I made seeker last year and he didn't make the team at all."
Kurt's the one shrugging now. "You could be right. Give me one of those."
Bran selects one of the little pies to hand to Kurt before picking out something else to add to his plate. A couple of minutes later they take their lunches and sweets to sit down, now debating the merits of joining Debate Club.
Escape
Author: Ethan Somerset
Date: 11-01-14 14:11
Ethan writhed on the dusty floor of the cave, wishing he had enough self-control left to stop himself from crying out, but after nearly two months of torture, he couldn't help but suffer from both physical and mental exhaustion. He had no real idea how long he'd been the prisoner of his enemies. Ethan knew it was long enough for cooler temperatures to settle in and for the days to shorten more and more. His best estimation was the end of September.
Ethan's guess was based on the fact that the sounds in the village hadn't changed much, suggesting a Hogsmeade trip for students had yet to occur. He also thought it was nearer to the end of September because around a week ago, he had heard lots of cheering from a distance. Ethan knew it was still too early for a Quidditch match, so he guessed he had heard the tryouts taking place. Of course, perhaps he was all wrong and any cheering and loud crowd noises he had heard had come from the Humbatas stadium.
The curse finally ended, and Ethan felt the tension leave his body, though he still felt a painful, stinging sensation in his side. His mother took a step back from him and said, "I support corporal punishment, as I'm sure you understand. When a child misbehaves, I find it more effective to spank him than to simply make him sit in a corner and think about what he's done wrong. Of course, I didn't do that with you while you were in my care. I treated you like my baby, like a treasured jewel. Obviously, that was a mistake."
Ethan let out a strangled laugh and said, "Do you honestly think putting a hand on me would have made a difference?" He rolled around, wincing in pain, and carefully sat up to look at Maren. "I still would have broken the spell. Nothing would have changed."
Maren looked like she wanted to curse him again, but she stayed her hand and said, "Perhaps. I suppose we'll never know. It's a shame it came down to this. You were supposed to be special."
"I was," Ethan said. "Still am, I wager."
His mother looked down her nose at him and said, "No, Ethan. All you are is a disappointment." She turned them to leave him alone.
Ethan had watched the procedure for removing the barrier to the cave entrance a million times. He knew how long he had to break free, and he knew which member of his torture team he had the best chance of overtaking. As time had gone on, his kidnappers had gotten lax in keeping him magically bound. He had grown weak, both from torture and lack of sustenance. That was definitely the appearance, and it was not far from the truth, but Ethan wasn't as weak as they thought. Until now, he hadn't displayed any of his remaining strength.
Ethan waited for the right moment, and then scrambled to his feet as quietly as he could manage. He barreled straight into his mother's back, catching her off guard and causing her to lose her grip on her wand. They fell through the lowered barrier, but Ethan's momentum kept them moving forward to the edge of the cliff. He barely managed to stop himself from going over the side, and though he tried to grab onto the back of his mother's robes, she slipped through his grasp and screamed as she fell over the edge and onto the rocky crag below.
Researching… (Hartcrofte House)
Author: Nephele Mockridge
Date: 11-01-14 14:30
For the last few weeks, after Valeria's return to school, Nephele had busied herself during her waking hours researching Pip's curse. The hours upon hours she'd put into studying Cassandra's curse served her well, as she knew which books she didn't need to re-investigate.
Every so often, she took a break to work on her beloved potions, even including a few experimental ones that could potentially break certain curses. Or they could blow up spectacularly, but that was why Nephele was always cautious in the lab, using barriers and sealed rooms to protect the particularly volatile mixes.
"Well, I doubt it will be as simple a cure as Cassandra's curse," she mumbled to herself. It still surprised her that her joke about fairy tale remedies had actually been effective. Naturally, all of the old tales were rooted in reality for magicals, but it was still rare to find a curse that was broken in such a fashion.
Wrinkling her nose, Nephele closed the book she was skimming through, checked her potions one last time before heading in search of her husband. Perhaps it was time to get a little more detail on how the curse itself had been cast... If, of course, they didn't end up distracted, as all newlyweds are prone to do.
From the Great Hall to the Dungeons
Author: Cloris Mockridge
Date: 11-01-14 14:44
Cloris walked briskly among the booths set up for Club Day. Her boots clicked in a no-nonsense fashion along the stone floors and her eagle-eyed gaze watched for potential troublemakers. Not that she expected it, with the sheer number of faculty about, but it didn't pay to let down your guard when dealing with this many hormonal teenaged witches and wizards.
She smiled slightly when she passed her granddaughter, along with her great-niece and the Zabini boy walking through. The two girls were proving excellent students, and young Zabini's marks were definitely improving. She noted Valeria's glance toward young Avery, who was laughing at something with a group of Slytherin boys, and her busy mind was already pondering the potential usefulness of such an alliance. Naturally, she wouldn't do anything about it now, other than encourage Valeria at this point, but it was always good to be aware of such possibilities...
After a final turn, she headed out into the hallways, unsurprised when Severus fell into step beside her. The brooding Potions Master didn't look at her, but she had a feeling something was on his mind. "You seem thoughtful, Severus. Is all well?" she asked quietly.
"Of course it is, Cloris. I simply find the noise levels an adjustment come September," Severus responded in a low tone.
A hint of laughter escaped the older woman. "It is certainly that," she agreed. "Are you sure nothing else is bothering you?"
"It is nothing of consequence," he reassured. "But thank you, for being concerned."
"That is what friends do, dear boy. And I should think, after all of these years, we are certainly that."
His lips twitched in what might have been a smirk as she glanced up at him. Reaching the dungeons, they split ways, he heading toward his classroom and quarters and she to her own quarters. But she would continue to worry for him, and hope that he knew her door would be open if he needed it.
At the Club Day (Tamsin)
Author: Josie
Date: 11-01-14 15:37
I wrote down my name in a piece of parchment Professor Flitwick had put in front of me.
"It is good to have you back in the choir, Miss Branstone!"
I smiled at him and Penny dragged me away, before Flitwick would try to convince her once again to join any of the clubs he sponsored.
"Look Tamsin! Your boyfriend is over there."
"Jake is not my boyfriend," I told Penny as I looked towards the direction she had pointed out.
Jake was at the Athletics Club booth and he was exchanging a few words with Coach Krum. He must have felt he was being observed because he turned his brown eyes to my direction. I wanted to look away and pretend I wasn't looking at him, but Jake waved at me and I had to wave back. Then in only a few large steps, he crossed the Great Hall and stood in front of me. Penny suddenly became very interested in the Poet's Society booth, and she walked away, leaving us alone but still at a distance that would allow her to hear our conversation.
I cursed Penny in silence for leaving me alone with Jake Neilson. Last week, we had been assigned to patrol the school corridors together and once our duty was over we headed back to the Gryffindor tower. The common room was almost empty and Jake had wished me a goodnight, suddenly leaning forward pressing his lips against mine. I stood there completely frozen as he climbed the stairs that led to the boys' dormitories. For quite a long time I didn't move, as I stared at the stairs like a fool. My cheeks had turned red and my heart was beating a thousand miles per hour. This had been my very first kiss, and I had fallen asleep with a happy smile on my face. But then morning come, and I was haunted by a million of questions: What did this kiss mean? Did Jake really like me? Had he been upset with my lack of experience in kissing? Were we a serious couple now? Or was he just fooling around with me?
Penny had some theories about the whole situation. During the Charms class she believed Jake was madly in love with me. At lunch, she thought he was just a boy while I was a pretty girl and he felt like kissing me just because. Then after classes she opined that he did like me and this had been his way to see if I liked him too, sort of like a test. He was just being cautious. Ultimately Penny advised me that the best thing to do would be talking to him and ask about his intentions. At first I didn't want to do so, afraid of what he might answer. I didn't want to hear him saying that he had just been fooling around and that the kiss was meaningless to him. But the days had passed and I felt that I needed to know what was going on, whether I liked it or not.
Unfortunately, Jake was always with his friends, including some older girls from his year. I noticed the way one of them been seated against him at the common commons. I didn't want to approach Jake's group and ask him to talk in private. I was sure I would be teased. But now that I was face to face with Jake I suddenly lost the need to speak to him about that kiss. It was too embarrassing.
"I just signed up for the Athletics Club, " he told me, initializing the conversation. "How about you?"
"I joined Hogwarts Harmonies again and the Drama Club. I thought about joining a few more but I have my OWLs this year and I will need time to study."
"Of course. Study time is important. OWLs can be tough, so it's vital that you prepare yourself. My mother sent me more than a dozen of letters warning me about it. I only started studying at the very last minute and it wasn't pleasant. I managed to pull it off, thank Merlin, but I still advice you to study in advance."
"Thanks Jake. I'll do that."
"So…" he started, hesitating.
"So…" I replied, feeling a bit anxious, not knowing what he was going to say.
"Hey Jake! Come here, I want you to see this, it's so cute!"
It was the same girl I had seen leaned against him. She was calling Jake from the Hogwarts Pet Society booth.
"I'm coming, Sarah," he told her and then he turned himself again to me. "So…next Hogsmeade trip: Would you like to come with me?"
"Jake!" Sarah called once again.
"Coming! Let me know later," he said and then he joined Sarah and some of his other friends.
It didn't take long for Penny to approach.
"He invites you to a date but he can't even spend five minutes with you when she calls him."
"Do you know her?"
"Yes. Sarah Edwards. She's from my house. I find her a bit annoying. For the record I think you and Jake make a better couple. I would be careful about her, or she might steal you your boyfriend."
"Jake is not my boyfriend," I repeated.
Yet part of me felt like dancing, because he had asked me out on a date. And I really hoped that one day I would actually be able to consider him my boyfriend. I really liked him.
Not Much Interest
Author: Illyria
Date: 11-01-14 17:53
Illyria sat at the Astronomy Club booth and looked over the sign up list. The list wasn't very long, consisting mainly of students who considered Astronomy their favorite class or happened to be night owls. Illyria tried to make the club fun and different from her classes, but she supposed she couldn't blame students for opting out of joining when they were already enrolled in the class.
The club would meet every other Friday night and witness astronomical events like meteor showers and get hands on experience using tools like astrolabes. There would even be a few parties up on the Observation Deck. What better way to celebrate than under a night sky filled with shiny, twinkling stars?
Illyria checked the time and saw that the event was nearing its end. She doubted she would get many more names on her list. She smiled at the passersby and tried to coax a few over to her table, but nobody would bite. She should have trusted her instinct and brought the packages of cinnamon stars Erigone had sent to her after visiting Heidelberg, Germany on a business trip. Treats always managed to reel visitors in!
At this rate, she would probably just have a pity party back in her quarters and eat all the sweets herself. Just when she was picturing herself overdosing on sugary sweets, a pair of girls came over.
"Hi, Alice. Hi, Mulberry," Illyria greeted, putting on a big smile. "Interested in learning a bit more about Astronomy?"
Mulberry elbowed Alice, who said, "Oh, yes. We really like learning about… stars. They're… really pretty."
"They are, aren't they? Aren't constellations amazing to look at? Isn't it interesting how ancient astronomers saw the shapes and came up with stories for why they are the way they are?"
Mulberry elbowed Alice again, who nodded her head vigorously and said, "Oh… yeah."
Illyria looked between the girls and asked, "What are you two up to?"
Mulberry finally spoke up and said, "Nothing, ma'am."
"Nothing?" Illyria asked doubtfully.
Alice looked at Mulberry and then said resigned, "We saw you sitting by yourself with nobody stopping to say hello, so we thought we would visit. You're so nice. We didn't like seeing you look so lonely."
"That's sweet," Illyria said. "I take it you won't be signing up for the club, then?"
Alice and Mulberry shook their heads. "Sorry, Professor."
Illyria laughed. "It's all right, and you don't have to keep me company. Go check out the other clubs while there's still time."
The girls smiled and headed off to do just that. Illyria laughed to herself and waited for the clock to tick down to the end of Club Day.
Tired
Author: Sirius Padfoot Black
Date: 11-01-14 18:18
As sponsor of two clubs, Sirius had the Chess Club booth and the Gobstone Club booth set up side by side. Helping to make sure both booths are covered, Hagrid has helped some as have several students from each of the clubs. Despite the help, as the day has progressed, Sirius has wanting nothing more than to take a nap. Lawrence Masterson might be the newest parent on staff but there's also a new baby in the Eternal-Black family.
Regulus Rubeus Eternal-Black came at the end of August, a few days after his parents' tenth anniversary. Rubeus is for Hagrid. Regulus was, of course, Sirius's younger brother. There was a time that Sirius would never have imagined naming a child after his Death Eater brother, raised all too well by Orion and Walburga Black to hate Muggleborn and Half-blood pretenders to the Wizarding World. To describe Sirius as shocked upon learning his brother turned traitor, crimping Voldemort's plans of domination would have been would have been an such a vast understatement as to have been humorous.
Sirius, nor anyone else that he's aware, knows if at his death Regulus held dear those Pureblood values and views instilled in him by their parents. He may well have. He may well have also had a change of heart and mind. Whatever the case, he HAD defied Voldemort and that defiance and treachery caused him his life. None knew it at the time but it also would end up aiding the cause for which Sirius and others fought. Drucilla and Sirius thought it time Regulus's sacrifice be acknowledge and honored.
Selecting the middle name turned out to be easier than expected once they'd decided on Regulus as the first. Rubeus Hagrid was loyal to Albus Dumbledore even when others tried to sway him from that loyalty. He's been important to the Order of the Phoenix, has face his share of discrimination and hated, and has been a great friend over the years, even when others thought there was no cause to be. Hagrid had gotten emotional upon learning the baby's middle name.
The overly large, hirsute groundskeeper stands now with a cup of coffee looking tiny in his massive hands. Sirius accepts the cup. "Thank you, Hagrid. I'm starting to think I'm going to have to stretch out in my office before making the walk home."
"Dinnit sleep well?" Hagrid asks.
"I slept well when I got it, which wasn't often. Reg, Dru, and Mira aren't feeling well. The baby was up crying several times last night and with Dru sick, I got up with him each time. Mira woke up a few of those times and had trouble getting back to sleep. Zaria was cranky this morning so she might be coming down with it as well. James slept over at a friend's for a birthday party. As he wasn't sent home last night or this morning when I'd left, he must still be fine. I'm fine for the moment, just very tired."
"You need any 'elp, you let me know. Oi'll whip up some o' me famous soup."
"Thanks, Hagrid. I'll definitely call on you if we need a hand." Sirius doesn't mention that while Hagrid is known for his rock hard cakes, Sirius isn't familiar with this soup. He's sort of curious about it but maybe not enough to actually say something that would have Hagrid making a pot of it.
Sirius turns his attention to one of the first years wanting to know more about the Gobstones Club. Fitzwilliam Bates is also interest in Chest Club so after asking about one club he has a set of questions concerning the other. Sirius manages not to yawn in the boy's face but once free he does yawns several times. Sipping his coffee in between yawning, he's a little glad this year's Club Day is nearly done. Then again, Club Day being over means traipsing back to the village to a house of sick children and a sick wife who's been with those children much of the day. At least Tonks was going to look in on them. Maybe that allowed Dru a respite.
Feeling guilty for the fleeting thoughts of not wanting to go home, Sirius drains his coffee cup, then turns to greet another student interested in Chess Club.