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Dueling Club
Author: Ethan Somerset
Date: 10-26-15 18:32
Ethan stood next to Kissy at the booth for the dueling club and thought about how the one year anniversary of his adoptive mother's death was tomorrow. He could still remember the day as if it had only just happened. One moment, she was lowering the barrier to his cave prison, the next he rammed her so hard, she fell off the side of the cliff.
Despite all the lies and abuse he endured from Maren Somerset, Ethan couldn't help but feel sorry about what he'd done. It had been an accident, and even one year later, her death was a burden he had no choice but to shoulder.
He thought about how his adoptive father was faring one year later. Dorian Somerset was a wanted wizard living on the lam and in Adriana Fairchild's following. Ethan wondered if Dorian had the Dark Mark on his forearm, after all these years of quiet loyalty to the black arts. Had his adoptive father been at the Ministry of Magic not quite one month ago?
Ethan was fully recovered now, but his arm had been in a sling for a week after the attack from taking a stray spell after it ricocheted off a wall. With a large number of gravely injured and not enough potions to heal everybody lickety-split, Ethan and many others with lesser wounds had had to wait for treatment.
He spotted his nephew Oliver making his way to the booth with Grace. The first years each carried a sack with goodies. Ethan saw chocolate wands sticking out of the sacks and wondered what teacher or parent had brought the lure for their table. Food, especially chocolate, was always a big draw. Ethan and Kissy did have a giveaway of sorts. They had a raffle for tickets to see an international dueling tournament over the Christmas holidays. This year's competition would be held in Costa Rica.
"Hi Oliver, Grace," Ethan greeted. "How are you two enjoying Club Day so far?"
"It's okay," Oliver said, while Grace answered, "It's good." Her father was in the Great Hall as sponsor of the Drama Club.
"Are you two interested in the Dueling Club?" Ethan asked. "We have regular meetings where you get to practice spells on dummies and each other, and every so often, there are competitions."
Oliver looked at Grace and said, "You should definitely sign up." He was thinking about what happened over the summer with Grace's aunt Vanessa.
"So should you," she said. "You were saying the other day how you feel like you don't know as much as those of us who grew up in the wizarding world. Dueling Club will help you learn."
"And it's fun," Ethan put in.
Oliver nodded and said to Grace while signing his name onto the parchment on the clipboard, "You're so smart. It's no wonder you landed in Ravenclaw."
Grace beamed. "You should also sign up for Charms Club."
"And Herbology and Potions, right?" Oliver asked, grinning. "If I do all that, then I won't have any time for doing nothing in between clubs, classes, and homework."
Ethan chuckled. "You can always drop some clubs later on if you find yourself getting overwhelmed."
"Yeah, I might do that," Oliver said. He looked at Grace. "Ready to move on?"
"Ready. Thanks, E––Professor Somerset," she said.
"Yeah, thanks Uncle––Professor Somerset," Oliver said.
The kids moved on the Gobstones table manned by Professor Black. Ethan and Kissy, meanwhile, turned their attention to other students wanting to learn more about the Dueling Club.
Debate Club And Debating What Clubs To Join
Author: Declan
Date: 10-26-15 19:32
With Club Day still in its early stages and this being a Saturday, the Great Hall isn't as busy as it might be later with students milling around, checking out the various clubs, and mulling over what to join, what to possibly drop, or wondering why they bothered coming when they know they aren't going to do anything different this year from last. Declan heads over to a table with a number of drink choices to get a cup of coffee, adding just a splash of cream.
When he returns to the Debate Club booth he steps back for a moment giving it a critical eye. Debate Club isn't one of the more popular clubs such as Dueling Club, Muggle Studies Club, and Drama Club, but Debate does get sign-ups every year and most of them have stuck with it for the year. To be sure there are sign-ups followed by drop outs as students realize Debate Club isn't for them or they are overwhelmed by the number of clubs they joined while trying to keep up with coursework and studying.
Satisfied the booth looks appealing even if debate isn't for everyone, Declan adds more caramel popcorn balls to a bowl. Zabrynna and he had had fun making them together though he ate enough while making them he doesn't think he wants caramel popcorn again for a long while. Even as he thinks this, Declan unwraps one of the balls and is munching on it when Rand meanders up.
Declan and Zabrynna have hidden their frustration well at Rand's grandmother turning her back on him, the continued inability to locate his grandfather as well as being unable to find the exact location of Melanie and the group she's with. Rand isn't much help with that because it was rare he got to go into a village or town and when he would get to, none were ever the same twice. He remembers one where he thinks French was being spoken but in another place there was English and in yet another what might have been German. There are a few places he remembers over the years where he had no idea what was spoken.
Rand had slept in late enough this morning he missed breakfast. At least one other in his dorm was still in bed when he dragged himself out and based on the number of others in the common room who looked not even half awake, he thinks a number of others are being slow this morning.
Once in the Great Hall he considers going to see what's on a table he spots with food. After only a few steps he rethinks, deciding to seek out Declan to say hello, and maybe grab a popcorn ball Declan had said he was bringing, before seeing if there's anything breakfasty on that table.
The Debate Club booth has photos of debates the members have participated in, some among the club and others against other school's clubs or teams or whatever they're called. Looking at one photo taken at another school Rand looks to Declan. "Clubs go other places?"
Declan finishes chewing a bite of the popcorn ball he'd been eating, nodding as he does. "Some do. It depends on the club and of those that do take trips, some are more like field trips rather than visiting another school. What are you interested in?"
Rand shakes his head. "I don't know. I only just got here. May I have a popcorn ball?"
Declan starts to say, "Don't be silly. Of course you can," but then catches himself. Rand is still very unsure of what's what in his life and he's been learning that the way he's grown up to this point is not like the lives of most of the friends he's been making. Since coming to live with Zabrynna and he weeks ago, Rand has shown unfailing politeness, even asking if it would be all right to get a drink of water. It took awhile before they got him to stop asking if it was okay to get a drink whenever he was thirsty. They both tried finding out more about why he feels the need to ask but he's not said much beyond his mother taught him to be polite. They've speculated that the group was so rigidly controlled by this person called Father that children did have to ask even for a single sip of a drink much less an entire glass full.
Declan instead says, "Yes, take two if you'd like. In fact, check with me at the end of the day and if I have any left over, you can have most to take to your dorm with you."
"Thank you, Declan. Sorry. I mean Professor Douglass."
Rand asks more about what Debate Club actually is. He thinks it sounds interesting but isn't ready to sign up for anything yet as he wants to see what else appeals to him. He sounds so apologetic about that Declan has to reassure him that seeing what other clubs sound interesting and then narrowing the choices down is a great idea.
When Rand leaves he walks to the food table, looking around as he walks for friends. At the table he chooses a banana walnut muffin then gets some pumpkin juice to drink with it. He finds a spot to sit to eat, wondering what he'll have signed up for by day's end. Last week he'd watched the Quiddith trials, finding them exciting, but didn't tryout. Until the first flying lesson, Rand had never been on a broom much less played Quidditch. He'd heard matches on the wireless but never seen in person the game being played.
Nothing left of the muffin but a few crumbs and his cup of pumpkin juice drained, Rand goes to the nearest booth and from there works his way around the Great Hall, eventually running into friends Oliver and Grace who by the looks of all they carry have been here awhile. Glad to have someone to discuss the different clubs with, he falls into step with them and they, in turn, are happy to revisit various booths so that Rand can learn for himself about those clubs.
Art, Books, Dueling and Muggle Studies
Author: Araxie Loren
Date: 10-27-15 06:47
Nichole and Araxie had gotten up early, eaten breakfast and then hung out in the Commons for a little while before heading back into the Great Hall for Club Day. Each already knew what clubs they intended on joining, and so it made the day a little less hectic.
However, despite knowing what clubs they were going to join did not mean that they weren't going to spend as much time in the Great Hall as possible munching on goodies and all in all enjoying a break away from homework and studying in general. Chances are Araxie would find a quiet place and sketch a bit while Nichole wandered - it was pretty much their standard at Club Day.
"So you are signing up for what again?" Araxie asked as they wandered past the booths, looking for the ones that they needed.
"Book Group and Dueling for me, and you were signing up for Art and Dueling right?"
"Yeah, I'll have to probably double and triple check my schedules so I can make the meetings but I know the schedules were good last year so it shouldn't be too bad this year."
"True, but your classes are at different times this year so we both definitely have to check our schedules."
Araxie nodded as they passed the Debate club booth, neither girl had any true interest in joining the club however they did take a few moments to speak with Professor Douglass about the club and walked away with a caramel popcorn ball each.
Nichole had considered joining the Language Club, however learning multiple languages didn't really interest her very much to be certain. Either way, they were going to enjoy spending time learning about the different clubs and the activities that are available for being part of each club. They were both seriously considering the Muggle Studies Club as well, but that one they were still debating on because they didn't want to overwhelm themselves - however the could always drop a club if they became too overwhelmed with activities and classes.
Ultimately they both decided to join the Muggle Studies Club giving them each three clubs. Two of which they would have together.
(Titus) Hogwarts Harmonies
Author: Tiberius Nott
Date: 10-27-15 15:11
Titus had planned to make a quick trip to the Great Hall, reenroll in some of the clubs he had belonged to last year, and then go back to the Slytherin common room. He had a lot of homework to do, because he had been procrastinating since Wednesday. Despite being a Saturday morning, the Great Hall was somewhat crowded. Titus walked fast, trying to avoid an enthusiastic third year, who wanted to recruit him to the Chess Club.
He approached the Photography Club and wrote down his name in a parchment, greeting Ginny Potter and Carys Hanham-Price. His next stop was the Herbology Club. He couldn't help to notice that despite her warm smile Professor Ravenscroft still looked sad. The students were informed that she had lost her husband during the attack to the Ministry of Magic before their first Herbology class of the year. Feeling a bit awkward in the presence of the teacher, he quickly confirmed his presence at the club meetings and walked away.
His last stop would have been the Language Club booth, if Susan Fricks hadn't called him out. Titus reluctantly approached the booth ran by Professor Flitwick, where people were invited to be part of the school's band, the Dance Club, or even the choir named Hogwarts Harmonies.
"My sister and I are helping Flitwick to promote his clubs. We both belong to the Hogwarts Harmonies" she told him. Titus noticed Andrina, Susan's older sister, holding some pamphlets. She didn't seem very happy to see him. "We are supposed to recruit new people. Are you interested? If you can't sing, then maybe you know how to play an instrument. Or perhaps you would like to learn how to dance?"
"I don't think so. But thank you," Titus replied.
Susan looked at him with disappointment, but Andrina smiled with triumph. It was clear she didn't want him in the same club as her or her sister. However Susan was not going to give up that easily and she gave Titus a pamphlet with a list of songs they sang at the school choir. The only one he recognized was the Hogwarts school song. He thanked Susan again, and has he started to step away he started to sing the song for himself, because seeing its name printed on the pamphlet made the song to get stuck in his head.
"Hogwarts, Hogwarts, Hoggy Warty Hogwarts, teach us something please"
"Please wait a minute, Mr Nott!" Professor Flitwick called from his chair. Titus obeyed with reluctance.
"Yes professor?" he asked.
"You never told me you were a tenor, Mr Nott."
"A what?"
"It doesn't matter. You will learn next time the choir meets. Please sign Mr. Nott in the Hogwarts Harmonies, Miss Fricks."
Before Titus could protest Susan wrote down his name in the sign in parchment. Titus was not the only one feeling revolted with Flitwick's invitation: Andrina had turned to the professor and she started pointing out that Titus had no interest in being part of the school choir. She said they shouldn't force members to join a club and that Titus would not be of any use to the choir, because he would not be committed like the rest of its members. For the first time ever, he found himself agreeing with Andrina. But Flitwick didn't accept her arguments and he turned away in order to get the attention of a couple of curious first years. Andrina was furious, and she looked at her sister with irritation. But Susan didn't seem to notice, as she smiled with joy, glad Titus had joined the choir.
Knowing there was nothing else he could do at the moment to tell Professor Flitwick he did not wish to make part of the Hogwarts Harmonies, Titus walked away. He wasn't upset because he wasn't counting on appearing in the rehearsals whatsoever, and seeing Andrina panicking had been priceless. He left the Great Hall as soon as he could, forgetting to check the Language Club booth, just in case someone else would force him to join an unwanted club.
Alchemy Club
Author: Fritz Schnackenpfefferhausen
Date: 10-28-15 18:30
Fritz stands next to his table for the Alchemy club and once again finds himself in a situation he can hardly believe is real. Not only does he have a few weeks of teaching under his belt, he is now the staff sponsor of a Hogwarts club. Unlike Alchemy class, which is only open to sixth and seventh year students, Alchemy club is open to anyone interested in learning about alchemy.
Fritz plans on having monthly meetings, though at this point he's not sure if the meetings will always take place on the same day every month or if they might change. It will all depend on his schedule at St. Emrys. What he knows for sure is the October, November, and December meetings will take place during lunch on the first Friday of the month.
"Is Alchemy the same thing as Potions?" asks a first year who is so small, Fritz can hardly believe she is eleven years of age.
"Not exactly, but there are some similarities," Fritz explains, "along with Muggle chemistry." He gives the girl a brief explanation of the differences without getting too technical. She seems bright and interested but at the same time, Fritz doesn't want her eyes to glaze over from too much detail.
"Does it mean we won't get to eat lunch if we attend your club?" asks another young student.
"No, of course not!" Fritz says. "You can bring food, but a light lunch will also be provided. The first meeting will probably not involve a lot of hands on activities, but future ones will. You'll be able to eat and experiment at the same time."
"Thanks, Professor Snackypfooferhosen! I'm going to sign up!"
Fritz smiles politely and holds out a quill, which the student takes to jot down his name onto the sign-up parchment. As a new student, Fritz remembered a few professors stumbling while pronouncing his name, but they all could say it perfectly by the time he left Hogwarts. His school friends hardly ever had to use his last name, so mispronunciations were rarely spoken.
Being a professor is a completely different situation. He is Professor Schnackenpfefferhausen, not Fritz. His students struggle far more with his name than his teachers ever did. Perhaps he should go by Professor S for short.
The student gives the quill back, beams a smile at Fritz, and then bounds off to check out the table next door. Fritz looks over his growing list and thinks for the millionth time how weird it is being back at Hogwarts as a club sponsor instead of member.
Going It Alone (Jaclyn)
Author: Saffron
Date: 10-28-15 19:46
Jaclyn enters the Great Hall, hesitating just inside the door as she looks around, trying to decide where to begin. She'd kicked around the idea of palling around with a friend or two or seeing if she could tag along with either Savannah or Rex. She nixed the second idea because Savannah and Rex would probably make the round of booths with one or more of their friends. Jaclyn didn't want to be the firstie trailing along after older kids whose conversations probably would be of little interest to her.
She discarded the idea taking in Club Day with a friend or two. If she went from club to club with someone else or several someone elses she thinks she might end up joining clubs simply because her friends were interested in them and not because she actually wanted to sign up.
No, it's better to go it alone, at least initially, and take everything in, seeing what's what, and making a list of clubs she finds appealing.
She does a cursory overview to see if she could tell if there is some sort of order to how the booths are set up, such as alphabetical. She sees nothing obvious. If set up by when or how often a club meets, she can't tell just by looking so doesn't know if there is a rationale or not.
After getting a cup of grape juice Jaclyn randomly picks a club for an up-close look. Drama Club. Could be fun. Get to be in plays, some in interesting costumes based on the photos displayed. Learn how to make those costumes and build sets. "Is that Professor Weasley?" she asks the club sponsor, Julian Valentine.
"Yes, she gives invaluable help with the costumes and she helps in other ways."
Jaclyn's next question has nothing to do with Drama Club. "You're Grace's father, right?"
"Yes, that's right."
"I'm one of her roommates. Jaclyn. Jaclyn Rex."
Mr. Valentine is nice and spends time answering more questions, these being Drama Club related. When she leaves to check out another club, she's snacking on an iced ginger biscuit in the shape of a comedy mask that he said Grace's mum had made. The biscuits is tasty, as has been everything she's ever eaten from Briar's Bakery or Ms. Rose's other bakery in Diagon Alley. The biscuit gets Jaclyn to wondering if there is a Baking Club or Cooking Club or whatever it might be called. She'll have to be sure she doesn't skip looking at everything just in case. If there isn't one, she thinks there should be.
Because of just having been looking at Drama Club photos that include Majandra Weasley, Jaclyn's feet carry her to the Potions Club booth. As before, she asks some questions and gets a general impression of the club. As before, she moves on without signing her name to the sheet, not because she isn't interested but because she's determined not to sign up for too many clubs straight away.
After making all the rounds, and finding that there is not a Baking or Cooking Club, Jaclyn gets something more substantial to eat than the goodies she's had at various booths and those she has stashed in a bag for later. She takes her plate and refilled cup of grape juice and sits mulling over those clubs she most likes, which include but are not limited to Drama Club, Alchemy Club, Dance Club, Book Group, and Pet Society.
Libby In Need Of A Time Turner
Author: Georgia Copperpot
Date: 10-29-15 18:56
Edwina stands before the Athletics Club booth. "You're signing up?" she asks Bertie Nutcombe.
"Yeah. Will be fun."
"Would you like to know more about the club, Edwina?" Professor Krum asks.
"Sorry, but no. I'm not sporty. It's why I'm not taking your class."
"You've done very well with the flying lessons."
"Luck."
"More than luck, I think. You've got some talent."
Edwina has an urge to preen at the compliment but then wonders if he's only saying it to get her to sign up. "I don't know. Maybe I'll think about it."
"You're always free to come to a meeting to see for yourself. Albert has the schedule."
"Okay. Thank you."
Feeling awkward now, Edwina moves on, leaving Bertie talking with Professor Krum. The club that has an athletic type element to it that she could see herself joining is Dance Club. Edwina did sign up for Alchemy Club and is considering Astronomy Club but she also likes the look of the Pet Society and the Language Club.
Edwina sighs as she thinks also that the Band and Orchestra might be fun. Learning to play an instrument might take a lot of work but she does like music and loves the idea of being able to play it on something. A violin. Or a flute. Not a trumpet though. Oooh. Or the harp. Is that one of the instruments Professor Flitwick has available?
She heads back in the direction of the booths the tiny professor overseas, wanting to ask about the different instruments available. One second she's alone and the next Bertie is beside her. "I'm going to sign up for Gobstones too. Maybe Chess."
On his other side, just as suddenly as he'd popped up by Edwina's, Libby announces, "I've signed up for Potions Club and Alchemy. And Dueling."
"You're doing dueling?" Edwina asks though she's hardly surprised.
"It will be fun! We only get to do a little in Defense Against the Dark Arts. This is nothing but and I think I'll be able to learn some advanced spells before we ever get to them in class, maybe years before."
Edwina and Bertie shiver, imagining Libby proficient at spells used in dueling well before they are taught to their class year. This goes unnoticed by Libby who says, "I might join Herbology Club and Charms Club too."
Bertie wonders aloud, "Isn't that too many plus classes and homework?"
Libby shrugs. "I can drop something or I heard about something called a time turner. Maybe I can get one of those."
"Do you even know what it is?" Edwina asks.
"No, but the name is time turner. Turning time. I could do everything!"
Edwina and Bertie exchange another glance. With Libby, such a thing would not be good but then Bertie has a bright spot. "If I had something like that, I could keep turning time back to sleep in longer or eat, turn it back, then eat again only eating what I didn't have the first time. Think of all those sweets!"
Libby grins broadly at the idea and nods along with Bertie then asks, "Where are we going?"
Edwina tells her, more than half expecting Libby to make some cutting remark about Band/Orchestra. Much to her surprise she's enthusiastic, saying maybe she'll sign up for that one as well and learn to play the tuba or the drums! This gets Bertie thinking about drums as well so he also doesn't disagree with the destination.
Seeing the three of them approach, Professor Flitwick beams, eager to answer any questions they have about the different clubs he sponsors.
Herbology Club
Author: Marzipan
Date: 10-29-15 19:14
Marzi sat in a chair behind the Herbology table and let Lawrence tell a group of students about how the Herbology club differs from Herbology class. She had done her share of promoting the club run jointly by the Herbology professors, and while she did show enthusiasm, there was also an understated lethargy to her demeanor.
She had returned to work the week following Weston's funeral. It hadn't been easy, falling back into routine, but she managed much better than the previous week. There'd been days when she thought maybe she should have Wilhelmina take over another day of classes or even just for an afternoon, but Marzi worked through her grief and each day got a tiny bit better.
She looked over at Lawrence, who had gone through a stressful period for much of the year only to have it finally, successfully resolved. Marzi was happy he had gotten his little girl back, but she knew a happy resolution of her own problem was impossible. Weston was gone forever.
Carter and Vallon knew their father wasn't ever coming back, but they were young enough not to truly comprehend why or really believe that they wouldn't see him again. Marzi hadn't reenrolled them at Dartford Prep; instead, they went to the daycare in Hogsmeade. She would have stuck them in the daycare at Hogwarts, if only to keep them close, but she knew if they were in the castle then she would visit them constantly. She didn't want to smother them.
Not having them close also meant she could spend her time away from class and office hours very much alone, which was sometimes exactly what she wanted and needed. Sometimes she lay in bed and stared at the ceiling, thinking. Sometimes she curled in a ball and cried. She always felt better afterwards.
"Marzi?"
She snapped out of her daze and focused on Lawrence. "What?"
"I asked if you wanted some tea. I'm going to get a refreshment for myself."
"Oh, yes, thanks. Something fruity."
"Okay, I'll be right back."
He left, and for a brief moment, Marzi was happily alone at her table.
(Azaelia) Book Group
Author: Isolde
Date: 10-30-15 08:27
Azaelia was pleased to see familiar faces return to her table and sign up for Book Group and even more pleased to have new names on her sign-up list. Book Group met twice a month, on the 2nd and 4th Thursday at noon. She had a stack of copies of the first book the club would discuss, Toe of Frog by Elliot French, and bookmarks with the meeting dates and future books on it for those wanting to get a headstart.
All this time, Azaelia had heard nothing from or about Robert. Although the Ministry of Magic wasn't yet completely put to rights, it was believed that all bodies had been recovered from the rubble. Robert was not the only missing person who'd been at the Ministry when Death Eaters attacked last month. There was a theory that the dark wizards may have kidnapped some of the missing. Azaelia didn't like to think of Robert as being held captive by the Death Eaters. If they had him, was he being tortured? Was he even still alive?
Little did she know that at that very moment, Robert was walking onto the field for a Craster Rovers match against the Rothbury Reserves. His teammates hadn't seen him since the attack and were flabbergasted at his appearance. Robert had missed the first two games of the season, both losses. The Craster Rovers wouldn't redeem themselves today, even with one of their best players back on the field. Perhaps it was the team's surprise at having their lost player mysteriously return, or maybe the Rovers were set to have another bad season.
Azaelia didn't know that she would be reunited with her estranged husband tonight. She didn't know that she would accept him back into her life as if that which had estranged them had never happened.
She tried not to think about him while she promoted the Book Group at Club Day, but when there was a lull at her table, he inevitably slipped into her mind. Azaelia didn't want to be another recent widow on the Hogwarts staff, but she realized it almost wasn't fair that Marzipan had lost the husband she had loved so dear, while there was always the possibility that Azaelia's estranged husband might return. She tried not to get her hopes up, though. The more time passed, the less likely it was that he would come back to her.
Or so she thought.
Astronomy Club
Author: Illyria
Date: 10-30-15 12:57
"What's that?"
Illyria looked at the object at which the first year student pointed. It was a box with a clock face, but it looked much more complicated than ordinary clock. For starters, it went to twenty-four instead of twelve. There was also a second set of numbers inside the first that went one to twelve two times consecutively but didn't seem to line up with the outer set of numbers at all. There was a much smaller circle offset from the bigger one and set with symbols the student didn't recognize.
"This is a type of astronomical clock," Illyria explained.
She rested her hand on a similar box with multiple sets of numbers, but this one had more commonly used astrological symbols on its face.
"Astronomical clocks not only show the time but astronomical information, such as the position of the sun or moon, constellations, and the planets."
"What's that?"
This time student pointed at something that looked like the skeleton of a globe. It was made of brass and sat on a hexagonal wooden base.
"That's an armillary sphere. It has rings that show the position and distance of objects in the sky with either the Earth or the Sun as its center. You'll learn about these astronomical tools and many others if you join the Astronomy Club. Are you interested?
"I'll think about it."
The student moved on, though he gave a lingering glance at a telescope perched on the edge of the table. If Illyria had to guess, she would think he would eventually make his way back and sign up for her club.
She straightened a few cards listing upcoming celestial events and looked around to see if she could catch the eye of another student or group of students. When none immediately came, she decided to take a break and get something to eat.
One of the snack tables had star-shaped butter biscuits. Appropriate for her purpose for being at Club Day, and tasty besides, Illyria put a few in a napkin and carried it and a cup of tea back over to her table. A student now there had picked up a suncatcher and was holding it up to the ceiling. The enchanted ceiling depicted a blue sky with fluffy white clouds, a bit different from the more overcast sky outdoors.
Illyria smiled and said, "I'm afraid that won't work in here."
"It is pretty," the girl said, as she set it back down on the table.
"Prettier in the sunlight, I promise you," Illyria said. "Can I interest you in signing up for Astronomy Club?" She was half-tempted to offer up her star-shaped biscuits as a bribe.
The girl thought for a moment and then said, "Okay." She picked up a midnight blue, almost black quill and put down her name.
"Meetings are every other Friday at midnight. First one is October 2nd. See you there!"
Club Day
Author: Celeste Quigley
Date: 10-30-15 15:55
As usual Celeste sponsored the school's Art Society, and she was at the Great Hall giving information to any interested students. Lucy Lehane was helping her, and Celeste knew she would miss her company next year, once she graduated from Hogwarts.
She noticed Maud with other first years, checking a nearby booth. Celeste knew her niece has been avoiding her: last weekend she had invited her for tea, and Maud politely refused, writing her a note thanking Celeste for the invitation but excusing herself with homework. Next time she would excuse herself with any club duties she might have, Celeste thought. Caleb however had appeared for tea, and she had a pleasant time with her nephew. She was hoping to present Caleb to Maud during the encounter, but since she did not show up, such chance hadn't happened yet.
Meanwhile, Maud was trying to avoid the Art Society booth, where her aunt was. She, Blair and Blair's friend, Georgiana, decided to go together to the Club Day and so far no one had showed any interest in checking out her aunt's booth. When she received the invitation to have tea with her aunt, she panicked. Besides their encounter at Diagon Alley she didn't have any contact with her aunt over the past years, and the idea of going to her living quarters and have tea with a stranger adult, left Maud uncomfortable. She had written to her mother who helped her to compose a polite reply to Celeste's invitation and they both agreed to omit this episode to her father.
So far Maud had signed up for Debate and Dueling Club. Due to what happened at the Ministry of Magic, she thought it would be useful to learn everything she could about dueling. Blair on the other hand, was now a proud member of the Drama Club and the Athletics Club. Georgiana had not made her mind yet, but she seemed really interested in writing for the school's newspaper, and she was playing with that idea out loud.
"Interested in Gobstones?" a fourth year boy with brown hair asked, at the Gobstones booth. All the girls shook their heads and moved away.
Caleb watched Maud and her friends walking away, clearly not into Gobstones. He was helping out Professor Black running the booth and tell the students how it was like to be part of the club. Sophie had passed by earlier, but now she was gone. She had gone outside to the grounds with Estine and some other people, Mickey Moon included, to play a little bit of Quidditch. Caleb had compromised himself at the Gobstones booth and as much as he would want to join the others he knew he would not feel comfortable playing Quidditch with Mickey Moon. Just like Sophie, he had made to one of the school's Quidditch teams and Caleb noticed how he was spending more and more time with Sophie, talking about the sport. That was one thing Caleb couldn't compete with, since he was no Quidditch fan. He could talk about Gobstones for hours, but Sophie wasn't interested on it. He asked her to join the club this year, but she refused.
For his surprise both Sophie's sisters had signed up. Belinda seemed to be into the game, having her own set of marbles, while Patricia admitted she never played it, but she was eager to learn. She kept asking him questions, even wanting to know who was part of the club. She seemed pleased to know Susan Fricks didn't belong to the club. Caleb was in the Book Group with Susan and Patrícia last year, but Patricia had given up after a few group meetings. He had signed up again for Book Group this year. He liked to be able to talk about his favorite game to Patricia, who paid attention to everything he said, unlike Sophie and he almost ignored another first year who also had some questions about the club.