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(Willow) Browsing the Booths
Author: Rowan Westwick
Date: 10-15-17 08:17
Willow and Amorica walked around the Great Hall and looked at the various booths promoting Hogwarts clubs like the Art Society and Yearbook. It was Club Day at Hogwarts, and staff sponsors and student members were hoping to inspire new recruits.
Willow herself was merely looking. She didn't think she wanted to devote any time to clubs this year, even though it would be her last opportunity to do so. With it being her seventh year, which would culminate with the N.E.W.T. exams, Willow thought she would be better off using her free time to study. The N.E.W.T.s were why she had also decided to give up being the Quidditch Commentator.
She had been a bit sad when she'd told Professor Krum her wish, but he'd been understanding and hoped she would at least watch some of the Quidditch matches. It was important to have some fun in between studying, after all.
The other thing Willow wanted to concentrate on this year was figuring out what she wanted to do after Hogwarts. She thought she might attend St. Emrys University, but she had no idea what she might like to study. Ash had forgone university altogether to work in the Wizarding Audit Office at the Ministry of Magic. Rowan was in the Auror Program at St. Emrys. Willow didn't care about money (other than having it), and she wasn't interested in law enforcement, though frankly she was surprised by Rowan's career choice. She wondered if it was inspired by their family's history.
Nothing stood out to Willow yet, but hopefully she would figure something out before the end of the school year. She was a bit nervous about life post-Hogwarts, if only because it seemed so very uncertain at the moment.
Astronomy Club
Author: Illyria
Date: 10-15-17 13:40
The Astronomy Club table was covered in a midnight blue tablecloth patterned with shimmery, silvery stars. The three-panel display board set up along the far side of the table had a brief description of the club, a posting of meeting times and topics to be discussed, and photographs of previous years' club members and astronomical events like meteor showers.
On the table itself was an old-fashioned brass telescope and a small, but extremely decorative astronomical clock. There was also a clipboard with parchment serving as a sign-up sheet, several quills and an ink bottle, and a large basket of a Muggle treat called a Moon Pie. Nathan had told Illyria about Moon Pies, after learning about them through a work colleague originally from the American south.
After Illyria made a slightly facetious request to offer Moon Pies to prospective Astronomy Club members, Nathan arranged for a huge box of the marshmallow, graham cracker, and chocolate treat to come in from the United States. In the short time she was in the Great Hall, Illyria began to think her idea to offer Moon Pies was a mistake. She'd eaten several already and showed no sign of stopping.
When a trio of first year Hufflepuff boys wandered over to her table, Illyria, sensing she had chocolate smeared on her face, quickly dabbed a napkin around her mouth. She stuffed the soiled napkin into the pocket of her robes, which were as spangly as the tablecloth on the Astronomy Club table, and smiled at them.
"Hello, boys!" she greeted. "Are you interested in learning more about the Astronomy Club?"
Alfred Acker, the only one of his siblings to not be in Gryffindor, looked at the moving pictures on the display board. "Is it different from Astronomy class?"
"Yes, and no," Illyria replied. "There are no tests or homework, but you do learn Astronomy. A lot of the activity is hands-on, though, so you don't have to worry about sitting in on another lecture. You'll get to do things like handle different types of astronomical equipment, view meteor showers and other astronomical events that won't happen during class-time, and there will be parties and refreshments. Can I interest you in signing up?"
Illyria nudged the clipboard forward with a smile.
Decision Made
Author: Sirius Padfoot Black
Date: 10-16-17 19:23
James enters the Great Hall by himself. James had gotten up and eaten breakfast and then, because he still didn't feel awake, he'd gone back to bed. Schuyler had tried to get him back up to go to Club Day from its start but as it's an all day thing James told him he'd meet him there. The room was quiet when he left so he guesses all his roommates are here in the Great Hall or somewhere like the commons.
James knows about some of the Hogwarts clubs but has no idea of all of them. He doesn't even know where to start. What he does know is it's probably best to avoid Mira for as long as possible. He has no doubt she's not only here somewhere but has been here from the second Club Day began.
If he goes around with Mira, James is sure he'd end up joining a few he has little interest in but that she's wanting to do. Mira is, as Dad and Mum have said about her, a force of nature. When she wants something she can be difficult to tell no.
James decides to start at a club he already knows about and is sure he wants to join. His dad oversees the Gobstones Club. James loves playing Gobstones but doesn't get to as often as he'd like because if Mira is around, which is a lot, she insists on something other than those smelly rocks. James has the Gobstones Club booth in sight when he slows. What if there are other clubs he'd like even more? He can't join all of them? Or he could but then he might have to give up some classes to keep up with the clubs.
Give up some classes.
There's a thought. A good thought. Just do clubs. Too bad he didn't make the Gryffindor Quidditch team but he is only a first year. Clubs and Quidditch with a feast or other fun things would make for a bloody wonderful first year. Much more interesting than going to classes.
Seeing his father in conversation with someone else interested in the Gobstones Club has James sighing. With a parent on staff there's no possibly way he could get away with only doing clubs and Quidditch. In truth, even if Dad weren't on staff he probably couldn't get away with it. Too many know him, even professors who aren't his teachers yet. Even Professor McGonagall. Heck, even Hagrid. Hagrid would tell. Why did Mum and Dad have to be such friends with Hagrid to name Regulus after him? Regulus Rebeus as in Rebeus Hagrid.
Turning from the Gobstones Club, deciding to save that for later, James spots the Hogwarts Pet Society and heads for it. The family cat didn't come with Mira and James to Hogwarts but James has asked for a cat for Christmas. He'd like to learn more about types of cats and about other pets and he can't take Care of Magical Creatures until third year.
A decision made, James approaches the Hogwarts Pet Society Booth, recognizing Indigo MacFusty from his shoppe and veterinary clinic in Hogsmeade and Professor Kent, whom he knows even though he doesn't have him yet. Is knowing who all the professors are even those whose classes he doesn't have a perk of having his dad work here or is it whatever the opposite of a perk is called?
Guess he'll figure that out soon enough.
Eager to sign up for his first club, James quickens his step. A few minutes later, having learned more about the club and now carrying a schedule of meetings and a few other things Mr. MacFusty gave him, James turns his attention to deciding on another club to join.
Alchemy Club
Author: Fritz Schnackenpfefferhausen
Date: 10-17-17 18:05
Fritz is back at Hogwarts for Club Day, where he is promoting the Alchemy Club. Alchemy Club meets in the evening every other Monday. Unlike Alchemy class, the club is open to students of all ages. A few of the meetings will involve discussions, but most will involve experiments which should prove interesting to everybody. Fritz is exciting about the club, particularly since not everybody is eligible to take his class.
His table is covered by a gold cloth. He got the idea because one of the main alchemical ideas is creating gold out of other substances. He's got a couple of book stands on his table showing elaborate illustrations and diagrams from alchemical texts. There's also a multi-tiered flyer holder with information about the club, information about Alchemy, and suggested books for those wanting to read more about the subject.
The main attraction on the table is a complicated looking laboratory device. There's glassware, and hoses, and other interconnected things. The glass has colorful, bubbling liquid inside, and the bubbles are also traveling through the tubes.
Fritz has already managed to get a few students who aren't already in his Alchemy classes to sign up. He feels pretty good about that. Those who have hesitated worry the club is too much like Potions class and that they will be stuck learning instead of having fun. Fritz has suggested to them that they come to one of the sessions involving an actual experiment. He's got a schedule of meetings, along with what those meetings will entail.
"That looks dangerous," remarks Mona van Houten. She's studying the contraption on the table with a critical eye.
"It can be, if you don't take proper precautions," Fritz says. "When performing alchemical experiments, you want to make sure you follow directions closely, while also wearing protective gear like goggles and gloves."
"Has anyone ever died performing an alchemical experiment?" Mona asks.
"I'm sure someone has somewhere in the world, somewhere in time," Fritz says, "but you don't have to worry about that happening in the Alchemy Club." He smiles assuredly. "Our experiments are basic and will be properly supervised! Can I interest you in signing up?"
Mona eyes the glassware and hoses skeptically and then says, "Let me think on it." Then, she wanders away to check out the other booths.
Fritz can't help but grin. He's never once had a student ask about safety, but there's a first time for everything.
(Azaelia) Book Group
Author: Isolde
Date: 10-18-17 18:20
Azaelia was at Club Day with the other sponsors. She was promoting the Hogwarts Book Group, which she had run since 2003. Azaelia could hardly believe that 8 years had passed since she'd first started as Librarian at Hogwarts. Where had the time gone?
She leaned over her table to straighten a stack of books, which were for students interested in joining the Book Group. They were all the same book, Borlath and the Hebridean Black, which the Book Group would meet to discuss on October 13th during lunchtime.
There was a lull at her table, which resulted in Azaelia's thoughts wandering inevitably to the thing that was always on the back of her mind. Her husband was still being secretly investigated by the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, and Azaelia was still having to pretend as if nothing were the matter.
It wasn't easy feigning as if things were good between them, especially since they really weren't and hadn't been for a very long time. Robert must be extremely distracted to not notice how Azaelia was faking at being happy, or he didn't care or wonder why. Worse, he was as suspicious of Azaelia as she was of her… but she didn't think so.
She did fear that he would one day discover her collusion with the Ministry of Magic, though. It was for this reason that Azaelia hoped aurors would arrest Robert already and get him out of her life. With the case closed, she could confide in those she cared about, like Isolde and Pyrrhus. She couldn't even say anything to Professor McGonagall, which made Azaelia feel guilty, since Hogwarts was supposed to be a safe place for everybody.
The wizard in question was currently playing in a football match. The league had resumed after summer break, and the Tweedmouth Rangers had suffered a terrible loss on their first go. Last weekend's match had been the exact opposite, a blowout win. What Azaelia didn't yet know was that the match today would end in a bad loss. Robert would wind up furious.
She put all dark thoughts from her mind when a group of students finally came over to inquire about the Book Group.
No Gobstones Club For Mira
Author: Sirius Padfoot Black
Date: 10-18-17 18:35
So far most of the former Gobstones members have signed back up for the club and a few new to the group have signed as well, including Sirius's son James. For those who are past members, Sirius has a special gobstone for each to add to his or her own set. For the newbies, he has a special Hogwarts edition of the stones. There are four stones in the set, one each with one of the four Hogwarts house colors and a stone with the Hogwarts crest on it. In edition to the gobstones he's given out, for anyone who has come over to ask just a single question or even just to look the booth over there are truffles that have a gobstone look about them, and even have a "squirty" filling though without the odiferous aroma of an actual gobstone.
A blonde headed girl who looks a younger doppleganger of her mother comes skipping up. "Can I have some of the candy, Dad?"
"May."
If a child could roll her eyes with her voice alone Mira manages it. "May I?"
"Of course. I thought you might want some so I put some in a box for you."
Mira beams at him. "Thanks, Dad."
"Have you signed up for any clubs?"
"Dueling."
"Any others?"
"Alchemy." Mira peers into the ceramic cup in front of Sirius, her nose crinkling. "Coffee. No tea?"
"I do happen to have some tea. I take it you want some."
Mira starts to say yeah but remembering who she's talking with and that if she says yeah she'll be corrected she goes right to, "Yes, please."
Sirius takes a thermos from under the booth and pours her some in a cup he summons from the refreshments table as Mira asks, "Why are you having coffee if you brought tea?"
"I was a little sleepy and wanted the caffeine."
Not understanding the whole caffeine helps you wake up thing, Mira drops it and says instead, "I also joined the Language Club. I'm thinking about what else."
"Don't overextend yourself. You don't want so many clubs to keep up with that you have trouble keeping up with your coursework."
"I know, Dad."
"If you do join something else, maybe Hogwarts Harmonies. You have a pretty voice."
"You have to say that because you're my dad."
"I say that because it's true."
"What if I join the newspaper instead?"
"I'd say if you are interested in it and would put an effort into whatever assignments you're given, then, sure, it's a good one to join."
"You're not mad I don't want to join Gobstones Club, are you?"
"No, not at all. It would be great if you had an interest but you never have and there are too many other choices for me to even think about forcing you to join simply because it's the club I oversee. Not that I would force you even if it was the only club at Hogwarts."
Mira beams at him again. Tea in hand she prepares to walk off, not skipping this time so as not to slosh her tea. "I'd kiss you bye, Dad, but you're in teacher mode right now."
Sirius chuckles. "A see you later will do."
"See you!"
A short time later Mira notices the Dance Club for the first time, wondering how she missed it when it's right to one she's already visited, the Hogwarts Harmonies booth. Both are headed by Professor Flitwick. Sipping her tea, she studies the Dance Club displays, thinking this club looks interesting.
All Of Them
Author: Furnella Hodfuffer
Date: 10-19-17 19:53
AJ is pleased with how Club Day has shaped up so far. He has a few new staffers for the Hogwarts Herald, the school newspaper he sponsors, and he's had more interest in the Poet's Society than he has in on past Club Days. Those who've signed up for the Poet's Society, whether new or returning members, receive a book of poems by highly acclaimed poet Elsinore Juhl, an English with with Danish roots, as well as a journal for jotting down their own poems or thoughts on whatever inspires them.
Those new to the Hogwarts Herald get a lapel pin in the shape of a finely plumed quill. New and returning members get bound notebooks for writing story ideas, thoughts, suggestions, and whatever else comes to mind that could potentially improve the newspaper.
Any student coming to the double booth is welcome to take one of the snack selections AJ has out, which range from biscuits shaped like quills and punch served in what look like ink bottles.
One of the newest members to the Hodfuffer clan approaches for the second time today. Danielle had been by earlier, shortly after arriving at the Great Hall. He holds a tray of biscuits out to her. "Hi, Dani. Have you decided on anything?"
Selecting a rectangular biscuit decorated to look like a book of poetry, Danielle sighs. "There are too many."
"Which ones are you interested in?"
She waves a hand to take in the entire Great Hall. "All of them."
"Every single one?"
"Yes."
"I had no idea your interests are that varied."
"It's not that so much. I don't know anything about some of them but what if, I join a club for one of those, like Debate, and I turn out to be really good at it?"
"I see."
"I can't join them all, can I?"
"I don't see how that would be possible for you to attend meetings for all of them, even if some of them do only meet once a month, and have time for classes, for homework."
"I know. What I don't know if which clubs to join and I keep thinking of other clubs Hogwarts could have."
"Like what?"
"One for history. And transfiguration. There are ones for astronomy, potions, charms, and even herbology. That dueling one goes with Defense Against The Dark Arts."
"You have a point. You should say something to Professors Ravensdale and Nott if you think you'd like clubs based on their courses."
"Me? You should. You're a professor."
"We both could. Now, if you had to pick one club right this very second or lose the chance to join, which club might that be?"
Dani quickly answers, "Either Art Club or Drama Club."
"There you go. Two clubs deep down you most want to join. Go sign up for them."
"Thanks, Uncle AJ. Um, I mean, Professor Hodfuffer."
AJ returns the smile Dani gives him then turns to answer a student's question about the Hogwarts Herald. With two clubs she now knows she's got more of an interest in than in some of the others, Dani returns to the Drama Club and the Art Clubs booths to sign up for each.