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But You Will
Author: Furnella Hodfuffer
Date: 09-11-19 18:38
Cassandra, Cassie to friends and her father but always Cassandra to her mother, strolls around the Great Hall though so far she's not stopped at any of club booths. She's looking for Gage and is starting to wonder if he'd stumbled back to bed after basically sleep eating through breakfast. It's times like this she wishes they were in the same house.
She's about to give up on him and start going around to booths on her own when he comes bounding up. "Sorry! I was winning at chess and lost track of the time."
"I thought you'd gone back to bed."
"Nearly did." He hooks a thumb over his shoulder. "Want to check out the Athletics Club booth?"
"You have to ask?"
"Only because it's right there and I want to join. You choose next."
"Even if it's," Cassie whirls around, taking in the signs over the tables, then consults a list she carries in one hand, "Dance Club?"
Gage rolls his eyes. "Yeah, all right."
At the Athletics Club booth Gage tries to get Cassie interested in signing up too even though he knows it's a hard sell. "Look, there's swimming. You like swimming."
"I can swim without having to be in the club."
"There's " "Stop. Not going to happen," Cassie cuts him off.
Information packet containing details such as dates and times of Athletics Club meetings in hand, Gage follows Cassie to the Dance Club table. "Then don't expect me to join this one."
Cassie shoots him a knowing smile. "But you will."
"Not interested in dancing."
"Maybe not yet but you, Gage Gordon Hodfuffer, are already something of a flirt. I'm betting most Dance Club members are girls. Girls who would prefer a boy for a dance partner. There will be a school dance at some point and because you will have been learning dances you will be popular with even more girls."
Gage makes a face at her but then acknowledges her point in a round about way. "I understand more each day why the hat put you in Ravenclaw." After a beat he asks, "What other clubs will I want to join?"
Cassie laughs and, now that they are at the Dance Club table, reaches for a quill to put both their names on the sign up sheet.
(Malden) Isolated
Author: Minerva McGonagall
Date: 09-11-19 18:46
Maurice's grandfather's house was quite big and sat on an expanse of land seemingly in the middle of nowhere. The few Death Eaters who had no homes of their own resided in the house, with the master suite reserved for Lord Voldemort himself. Malden was not a Death Eater yet, but he had no where to go and was allowed to stay in the house, though his bed was literally a pallet located in a large pantry off the kitchen.
He couldn't believe he was a wanted wizard with posters plastered in every wizarding hub around Britain. Of course he knew it could be a possibility someday, but he didn't think it would happen before he ever got his Dark Mark. Malden was on the lam, and he wasn't even a real Death Eater. Pathetic!
Malden had Asher to thank for his position. He should have known that his on-again, off-again best friend would betray him in the end. And for Arielle?! Ugh!
At least Asher was rotting in Azkaban, where he belonged. Malden had learned about the arrest and imprisonment through reports brought to the house by the Death Eaters who could come and go freely, including Maurice himself who worked at the Ministry of Magic, but he had also read about it all in The Daily Prophet.
Sadly, Malden didn't really feel like he had any freedom either, even though he wasn't trapped in a tiny cell. With few exceptions, like to witness the trials of Titus and Bruno, Malden never ventured off the grounds. Sometimes he didn't even leave the house.
He wiled his time doing chores. Since his bedroom was in the pantry, Malden became the de facto cook for the Death Eaters. He'd never, ever prepared a real meal before, but there were cookbooks to guide him and Malden was capable of following directions. After weeks of practice, he'd grown more comfortable with the task and even went so far as to create shopping lists for supermarket runs. He must have been doing all right, because he rarely heard complaints and hadn't gotten tortured or maimed for not cooking a good meal.
When he was in the kitchen, he thought about his mother. She'd tried to teach him and Madoc how to cook their favorite meals, but neither had bothered to take the time to learn. Madoc still had the chance, but Malden never again would have the opportunity. His parents were surely disappointed in him.
Life was lonely, but Malden tried not to show how isolated he felt. Not only was he not a Death Eater, but he was never invited to join Voldemort and the others at the dinner table. He really was just a servant, a second class citizen.
Hopefully all that would change when––if––he earned his Dark Mark.
Club Day
Author: Finley
Date: 09-13-19 09:57
"I don't understand you. I really don't," Phoebus told Eirene, after watching her sign up for yet another club. "You're in NEWT level classes now. Are you sure you want to burden yourself with more work?"
Eirene shot him a look. "Clubs aren't work. They're fun. But yes, my selections are deliberately those that will complement my classes." Already, she had signed up for Alchemy, Astronomy, Charms, Dueling, and Herbology. She was eyeballing Potions next.
Phoebus looked at Finley. "My girlfriend is really weird."
Both he and Finley had no plans to join more than one club, if any at all. Phoebus was considering one of the games clubs, either Chess or Gobstones, or perhaps even Athletics. Finley was thinking something more therapeutic, like the Art Society.
"You both should really consider the extra lessons," Eirene retorted. "You don't want to fail your NEWT exams."
"True," Finley said, "but we also don't want to overwhelm ourselves with extracurricular activities and fail because we didn't have time to truly study."
"Oh? Does that mean you're going to quit Quidditch, Captain?"
Now Finley shot Eirene a look. "Sometimes you're impossible."
"I only want you to be your best." Eirene saw somebody across the room and said, "Hard work isn't the only thing that will help you succeed. Believe it or not, you do need to have a little fun. Iago, over here!"
Iago Zaid wandered over. "Yeah?"
"Finley, this is Iago."
Finley rolled her eyes. "I know who Iago is. We've had classes together going on seven years now."
"Great! Come on, Phoebus." Eirene yanked on Phoebus' arm and led him away from Finley and Iago. As he was dragged away, Phoebus looked at Finley apologetically.
Finley turned to Iago and said, "Sorry. I don't know what Eirene is thinking."
"I'm pretty sure I do," Iago said. He shoved his hands in his pockets. "Want to make the rounds with me? I haven't decided on any clubs yet."
"Um, sure."
They went through all the booths, and this time Finley did put her name down for the Art Society.
Drama Club
Author: Julian Valentine
Date: 09-13-19 19:11
A girl who introduces herself as Cammie then adds, "I'm a first year," looks at Julian's carefully arranged Drama Club display, giving much of her attention to the information about the year's upcoming productions, all of which are based on folktales, fables, and myths from the Far East. Turning to look directly at him she grins. "My last name is Ling. I think I need to try out for at least one of these. Do I have to be a member of Drama Club?"
"No, not at all. Casting is open to anyone interested. Where Drama Club comes in is that members learn acting techniques, tips, and even tricks. Every now and then we even take a field trip to see a play."
Cammie looks at the photos of past productions and costumes then again to the information on upcoming ones. "Where do I sign up?"
Julian slides one of the sign up sheets and ink bottle to her then hands her a quill. "Happy to have you with us." He gives her a schedule of club meetings and a copy of the first production, for which auditions are tomorrow. "If you want a part and know what character you'd like, practice the highlighted lines for that character. You don't have to memorize the lines."
She accepts a comedy mask frosted sugar biscuit from him, nibbling on it as she flips through the script trying to decide what part she'd read for. By that time another student new to him has come up. "What's this about costumes?"
"Our wardrobe department has enough costumes now that we've decided anyone wanting to sign something out to have fancy dress for any costume event such as the Halloween feast."
The boy's status as a first year is evident when, face scrunched, he asks, "There's a Halloween feast with fancy dress?"
"Yes, there is a feast at Halloween. Yes, you are allowed to wear fancy dress. Costumes haven't always been allowed but for a number of years now they are."
"So if I owl home asking Mum and Dad for a costume and they say no, I could come get one from Drama Club?"
"Yes, if you found one you liked."
"What if I like one but it's not my size?"
Julian produces his wand. "Then we make it fit. Or, most like Professor Weasley would. She's better with that sort of magic than I am."
"Potions Professor Weasley?" he turns to look at the nearby Potions Club table.
"Potions Professor Weasley, unless Hogwarts gets another Professor Weasley between now and then who is good with fitting costumes."
The first year grins. "You're funny."
"Thank you. I work hard at it."
By the time the boy leaves, he too has signed up for Drama Club and is also happily eating a theatre themed iced sugar biscuit.
The next person to approach is not a student but Kissy Weatherby. She nods down at the infant she carries. "It's almost time for Valentine to eat so I'm taking a break from Dueling Club. I thought you might like to see him before I feed him."
"Wow! He's grown so much already." He accepts the bright eyed baby from her. He'd missed being around Grace regularly when she was this age. He'd seen her from time to time, sure, but it was before he knew she was his child. Thanks to Afton and her secrets, he'd missed all of Caerwyn's infancy and early childhood. Jasmine and Xavier were already six months old when he made the deal with his sister to raise them. Julian loves being a father and feels a longing to be there for a child from birth. Hell, through an entire pregnancy.
Giving himself a mental shake he smiles at Kissy and hands Valentine back as she says, "Thank you again for helping as you did."
"You don't have to thank me every time you see me," he replies with amusement. "Thanks for bringing him over. He's amazing."
"We think so," she smiles back.
When Kissy and Valentine leave, it's a few more minutes before another students stops by to find out more about Drama Club. Julian fills those minutes wondering what's come over him thinking about babies and what he's missed. Maybe his mother's right and it is truly time for Julian to get serious with someone and finally settle down, maybe even married.
(Hannah) Charms & Quidditch
Author: Nathaniel Ross
Date: 09-14-19 04:21
Hannah went to visit the Club Day at the Great Hall with several other Gryffindor first years, including Violet Verona, Gage Hodfuffer, Cammie Ling, Georgie Weasley and Myra Brecknock. They ended up splitting as each went to check out the different booths. Hannah was still adjusting to her new life at Hogwarts, the daily routine and classes. She missed her parents and siblings, but her mother wrote to her all the time and that helped to mitigate the distance.
"Hey Hannah! Interested in Charms?" Kearny Powell called.
Kearney was a member of the club and was helping Professor Knight at the booth. He was Hannah's cousin and a Slytherin, currently on his fourth year and called out her name when he saw her passing by.
She nodded and approached the booth. Kearny started to explain her how the club worked, and offered her a pamphlet that kept changing color and shape on her hand. He told her she could learn the charm that did that to the pamphlet and a lot more if she joined the club. Hannah's interest sparked and she decided to sign up. Kearny congratulated her and he turned to Professor Knight with pride, because he had just been able to add a new member to the club.
Hannah walked away happy with her choice. She was joined by Cammie Ling who announced she had just become a member of the Drama Club. She was telling Hannah about it, but Hannah's mind was on the Quidditch Trials. Soon the new team members would be announced and she was wondering if by any chance she had made the team.
Hannah had tried out for seeker. She had walked into the pitch with confidence. She doubted she would make the team, but she was sure she would at least be able to stand on a broom. She knew how to fly since she was little, as she learned by using her father's old broomstick. She didn't brought it to Hogwarts with her and so she used one of the available broomstick provided by the school. There had been some warm up drills, where Hannah had to fly around a circuit and those trying out for seekers had to catch in the air small white balls, which Hannah learned were called golf balls by the Muggles, instead of a real snitch. She only started to become nervous when the scrimmages started.
She was called to participate on the third scrimmage. She pushed her feet hard against the grass of the pitch to boost her up and she watched as the quaffle was being disputed by the chasers. For a moment she watched the battle below, but soon stopped doing so, her grey eyes looking around the pitch for the golden snitch. She started to fly around the pitch, in circles, like a vulture around a dying animal, waiting for the right moment to strike. Unfortunately she did not find the snitch. The little golden ball had been first spotted by the seeker of the other team, a fifth year girl with blonde hair. She moved fast, and Hannah took a moment to process what was going on, but indeed there it was the golden snitch. She darted on its direction, and she was side by side with the older girl. Hannah risked and leaned her arm forward, hoping to catch it first. She felt the tip of her fingers brushing against the metal, but she wasn't able to grab it. The snitch turned to the left abruptly and then down. When the girls changed their course it was too late and the ball escaped their eyesight.
Her first scrimmage had frustrated Hannah, but so did the others, where the snitch was not catch by anyone, or she had confused the golden glint of the snitch by the reflection of someone's watch.
At the end she left the pitch happy she was able to go trough all her scrimmages without falling from her broomstick or making a fool of herself, but she was unsure she had done enough to earn a spot in the team. Only time would tell.
She continued her tour around the Great Hall with Cammie, curious about what clubs her other housemates had decided to join, if any.
(Magnus & Eileen) Free Cookies
Author: Sophie McCourt
Date: 09-14-19 07:47
Magnus was at the Hogwarts Herald booth trying to recruit new members to the school's newspaper.
"Just think about it..." he was telling a first year girl. "You could be the next Rita Skeeter."
"My parents say Rita Skeeter is nothing but a liar," the girl declared, marching away from the booth.
"You are terrible at this," Ned said, laughing at Magnus' performance.
"I don't know what is the problem with Rita Skeeter. She's brilliant!"
After Ned told Magnus about what was going on in the Wizarding World and at Hogwarts, Magnus decided he should start being more informed about things. He subscribed to The Daily Prophet and got completely hooked on Rita Skeeter's articles. She seemed to know everything about everyone and the fact that she wrote about Hogwarts made things even more interesting. He liked the way she was able to capture the reader's attention and he found himself looking forward to her next article. He didn't believe she could be a liar. She wrote for The Daily Prophet so Magnus thought her articles were credible. He hoped one day he could be as popular as her and have so many readers around the United Kingdom.
"And what else can I say? It's not like we have free cookies like the Baking Club or some cool experiments like Alchemy Club..."
"Have you heard anything about the Quidditch teams?" Ned asked looking at Coach Krum who was a few booths away, sponsoring the Athletics Club.
"Not yet. But I will let you know if I hear something about it." Ned had participated on the Quidditch trials. He was hoping to replace Asher Kent as a beater for the Slytherin team.
"Thanks. Well I am going to get a free cookie," Ned said, leaving Magnus back to his tentative to recruit more members to the school newspaper.
Eileen was signing up again for Baking Club when Ned arrived to get the free cookie. He pretended to be interested on what one of the sponsors, Briar Rose, was saying, just so he could have some free food.
"Miss McCourt why don't you tell Mr. Wolfcastle about the baking club? Miss McCourt joined us last year and I am pleased to see she is coming back," Briar said, smiling at Eileen.
Eileen smiled back but she was not pleased at all to talk to Ned about the Baking Club, because she knew he was not interested at all. Nevertheless she did what she was told and she started telling Ned about it. She and Ned shared the same electives, Care of Magical Creatures and Muggle Studies. By an unfortunate coincidence they found themselves seated together on those classes. She used to always sit next to Bernice or Cheyenne but since neither of them had chosen these electives she had gone alone to these classes. Ned was alone too because his friend Magnus with whom he hang around the most, had chosen the same electives as Bernice and Cheyenne. So they had sat together but they ended up revealing themselves very incompatible. Eileen thought Ned was lazy but that at the same time he had a very cocky attitude thinking everything was easy and that he did not have to make any effort in class to do well. Ned on the other hand thought that Eileen considered herself a perfectionist, always following the rules and doing everything she could do impress the teachers.
"It mustn't be that hard to bake a cake, " Ned said, after he was sure Briar wasn't listening, with the intention of hitting Eileen's pride. "Even house elves can bake, so I don't really see why someone would want to join this club."
"You wouldn't be able to bake anything, Wolfcastle," She told him. "It requires patience and precision, qualities the you lack." Eileen was a good hearted girl but Ned often pushed her buttons and turned her into a mean person.
"Oh I could easily bake," he declared with his usual confidence.
"I don't believe you."
Ned picked up a quill and wrote down his name, house and year, right below Eileen's own signature, on the sign up parchment.
"We will see about that."
Eileen watched him walk away horrified.
"What happened?" Bernice asked. She had just returned from the Debate Club booth, which she had joined.
Eileen explained the situation to her. Bernice laughed trying to imagine Ned baking. For a moment she even considered also join the Baking club to witness such a thing. But Eileen wasn't amused. She should have known better not to mess with the pride of a Slytherin.
Potions Club Booth
Author: Majandra
Date: 09-14-19 14:10
"Hi, Mum. Need a break?"
Majandra's mouth quirks upward. "Yes, thank you. I won't be long."
Leaving Miranda to watch over the Potions Club booth Maj makes a quick trip to the loo and then once back in the Great Hall takes a turn by the refreshments table. At the Potions Club booth once more she asks Miranda, "Did you have a good time last night?"
"It was great. Most of the bars I made are already gone." Friday night the Baking/Cooking Club made a variety of sweets for the club's booth to have today and for a few other clubs whose sponsored had asked. Majandra had considered asking but decided to make what she's handing out today as she'd done last year. She'd also made some for Drama Club but Briar was also seeing to some, which most likely were done by the Baking/Cooking Club as Briar is one of its sponsors.
"Yours were the cherry coconut ones?" At Miranda's nod she continues, "I had one this morning when everyone first set up. It was delicious."
"I signed up for Book Club. Do you think I could add another? I want to learn a language."
"Join if you wish but as I said last year, don't overextend. If your grades start slipping you'll have to drop something or several."
Before she says more Miranda holds up a hand and gives her a look. "I know. I know. I couldn't hide bad grades from you so don't even think about it if my grades so slide. That's one of the bad things about having a parent who works here."
"There are other bad things?" Maj asks, humor in her tone.
At Miranda's eye roll, Majandra laughs, eliciting a, "Muuuu-uuuum," from her soon to be teenager. Thinking of Miranda becoming thirteen soon prompts Maj to remind, "Don't forget to come to my office after Fitness & Athletics Friday."
"Will there be presents?"
"Most likely."
Neither had noticed Georgie walking up so both start a little when he chimes in, "The really important question is will there be cake?"
They both laugh, Maj nodding at her son. "Also most likely. Have you signed up for anything yet?"
"Still deciding and I haven't looked at them all yet. Aunt Ginny says I have a good eye so maybe I'll join her club. I like dueling." His eyebrows knit together. "Is there a history one?"
"No, but if you like history enough to want to have one I bet Professors Ravensdale and Douglass would love to plan some activities for you."
Miranda asks, "If they're married how come they have different names? Same for Professors Miller and Sacheverille."
"Easier for students to keep straight who's who." Maj notices Georgie rubbing his elbow. "Does it still hurt, sweetie?"
"Muuuu-uuuum! Someone might hear."
Miranda rolls her eyes at him but also can't blame him. Mums can be so embarrassing in public with endearments and ruffling hair and kissing cheeks. In answer to Mum's question Georgie says, "It's stiff but doesn't hurt. Not really."
Last Saturday Georgie had tried out for the Gryffindor Quidditch team. In his second scrimmage, playing one of the chaser positions, another chaser had caused a collision when trying to incept the quaffle when it was passed to Georgie. Georgie had taken a tumble, breaking both of his right lower arm bones at the elbow. That had ended his first Quidditch tryout. He still thinks it unfair that the one causing the collision didn't get so much as a scratch.
Two students come up to the Potions Club booth then so Georgie takes the opportunity to go off before his mum gets all mushy with him. Miranda stays, helping with the booth for a little bit, able to talk it up as someone who is a member. He shoots her a smile as he leaves, snagging one of his mum's versions of a cauldron cake as he heads for the Chess Club table to see what "Uncle" Sirius has to say about that club's events.
Herbology Club
Author: Philippa Hainault
Date: 09-15-19 04:16
The Great Hall had many booths set up for Club Day. Philippa visited them all, wanting to sign up for a lot of them, but knowing she could not. There had to be time to study and homework. Philippa had been homeschooled by her aunt Margaret alongside her siblings. She had been a demanding teacher, and low grades were not allowed. Philippa knew she had to work hard and apply herself. She was not a bright quick witted witch, and she easily gave in to laziness if not motivated. If she joined too many clubs she would easily set her studies a bit aside.
Philippa returned to the Herbology club booth, ready to sign up. She liked the possibility of spending more time at the school's greenhouses. The smell of the plants and the dirt reminded her of her family own greenhouse. When playing hide and seek with Richard and Isabella she often used to hide there, under the big wooden working table. Inside the greenhouse it felt like you were being inside a protective bubble. It was quiet and harmonious.
"Hi Philippa! Herbology club? I signed up as well!" It was Nelson Amadopolis one of her housemates.
"I'm glad! Have you seen Deborah or Octavia? I wanted to know what clubs they have joined."
"No clue," Nelson replied.
Philippa thanked him.
"You watched me at trials last week. Do you think I have a shot?"
Nelson had participated in the Quidditch trials. Philippa just remained at the stands, watching him and some other fellow first years trying out. She thought about giving it a try at first. Her flight skills were reasonable and she knew she had it in her blood because her grandfather Ferdinand had been a beater during his days at Hogwarts.
The vision of older students at the pitch frighten her and earlier when she communicated by letter to her aunt that she was considering joining the team she warned Philippa about intense Quidditch practices, particularly during winter. She had no clue that Quidditch matches at Hogwarts were rarely cancelled when it was raining or snowing. Philippa might be prepared to deal with bad weather but she got scared with the possibility of being violently hit by a bludger. But what ultimately made her give up was when she saw Georgie Weasley breaking some bones, after a collision. It had been a nasty thing and she had become paler than Georgie himself after witnessing it. Thank Merlin that Georgie seemed to be doing just fine.
"Maybe. I hope you make it Nelson! It would be really cool. You would be the first Quidditch player I would know."
Encounter
Author: Rowan Westwick
Date: 09-15-19 11:15
It was strange being back at Hogwarts, this time as a member of law enforcement. It wasn't all that long ago that Rowan was a student wandering through the Great Hall, debating which clubs to join. Now she was an auror, keeping an eye out for trouble.
The reason she was there was because the Death Eaters had recruited Hogwarts students to the cause. Rowan wondered why it hadn't happened years ago, or maybe it had and she'd just never known. One might think she and her siblings would have been prime targets, given their parents affiliation with the Death Eaters.
Then again, the Death Eaters had pursued Ash. She wondered why they hadn't gone after herself and Willow too back then, but she knew why they hadn't tried lately. It was the whole reason why Ash was now living out the rest of his life in hiding under a new identity, one that Willow was afraid she'd exposed.
Willow had mentioned suspecting she might have been overheard while telling Justin the truth about Ash, but the noise in the brush could have been an animal, too. In the time since the revelation, there did not seem to be any threat to Ash, though he'd been warned about the possibility and remained vigilant.
Rowan had not visited Ash since Easter and had not written to him since Willow's worry began, just in case the family was indeed being watched. For her part, Rowan thought Willow might just be acting paranoid, but it was better to be safe than sorry.
Rowan leaned against the wall in the Great Hall and observed Club Day. She watched groups of children enter and exit the dining chamber together. Nobody seemed to be acting suspiciously, but knowing everyone was under greater scrutiny these days probably had the would-be Death Eaters proceeding cautiously.
She suddenly felt a presence by her side and saw a creepy man standing next to her. He looked at her through his tiny spectacles and asked, "And you are?"
Rowan quirked an eyebrow. "Rowan Westwick, auror. Who are you?"
The man muttered, "As I thought," and jotted something down on his clipboard.
"Excuse me?"
"A daughter of Voldemort loyalists working security at the latest breeding ground for Death Eaters," the man stated. He tsked tsked.
"Who are you?" Rowan asked, a tinge annoyed.
"Eugene Smirt, consultant," Eugene Smirt dryly replied. "Did the Headmistress hire you or specifically ask for you to patrol her school?"
Rowan narrowed her eyes. "She did not."
"The Minister, then?"
"I doubt he would trouble himself with such matters," Rowan replied.
"Hmm," Smirt said, jotting more notes down on his clipboard.
"If you truly know who I am, then you would also know that my parents defected and were cursed as a result. We all were."
"Yes, and your dead brother was a Death Eater, was he not?"
"He wasn't," Rowan angrily replied. "He was an undercover operative for the Ministry, and he died trying to expose the Death Eaters. What exactly is your problem?"
Smirt said, "It would seem that some very bad decisions have been and continue to be made at this school. Good day, Ms. Westwick." He turned on his heel and gravitated towards the Potions Club booth.
Rowan exhaled deeply and tried to calm herself down. She was supposed to be keeping watch and avoiding distraction, but this Mr. Smirt was not making it easy for her.
Making The Rounds
Author: Georgia Copperpot
Date: 09-15-19 18:54
Though Sylvestor has no plans to drop out of any of his clubs or sign up for one he's not been a member of before, he makes the Club Day rounds in the Great Hall. When Fitzwilliam taps his arm and jerks his head at one booth saying, "I'm signing up."
"Poet's Society?" Sylvestor can't hide the disdain the question.
"Yeah, Poet's Society. I discovered poetry over summer hols and want to know more about writing poetry."
Sylvestor chokes back a sarcastic reply, instead saying, "Yeah, whatever," then waits for Fitzwilliam to sign up, talk with Professor Hodfuffer, and get a new member packet. As they resume their slow walk around the hall Fitzwilliam informs Sylvestor, "One crack out of you, one negative word, and I'll hex you in your sleep."
He rolls his eyes but says again, "Yeah, whatever." He nearly immediately does just what Fitzwilliam warned about when he sees Edwina at the Poet's Society table and writing on the same parchment Fitzwilliam had put his name on when signing up and starts to sarcastically blurt, "Maybe you and my sister can bond over poetry and become besties," but catches himself just in time.
Oblivious to her brother's dilemma of wanting to make fun of Fitzwilliam's revelation of liking poetry, Edwina speaks for a few minutes with Professor Hodfuffer about Poet's Society then rejoins Bertie and Libby. "What did you decide?" she asks of Bertie.
"To join," he says of the Photography Club. Bertie's been long thinking of asking for a camera for Christmas. He's thinking that between any camera he can use from the club and when he finally gets one of his own, he can take candids around school that Professor Miller will want to use for the yearbook.
Edwina asks him and Libby, "Pet Society next?"
They agree with her and start that way but halfway to the Hogwarts Pet Society booth Libby abruptly says, "Be right back," and heads back the direction that'd just come. Libby has been thinking about joining the Debate Club. Debating to join. She grins at her own pun, bad as it is. As she'd already spent between five and ten minutes talking with Professor Douglass about the club, she doesn't need long to add her name to his list.
Hurrying back to where she left Edwina and Bertie, Libby spots them already at the Pet Society table. Reaching them Edwina says, "We went on and put your name down. Where did you go?"
"Thanks. I went back to Debate Club. I decided to give it a try."
Making a face at Bertie when he quips, "Gee, Libby, I can't imagine you arguing and winning in a debate since you never win regular arguments," and then laughing at him, Libby gives her attention to the list of Pet Society meetings Edwina's thrust at her, hoping none conflict with her other groups.