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Cornelia, the Personal Shopper
Author: Griet
Date: 10-14-07 10:47
Because there'd been a full moon last night, Griet felt too ill to go into Hogsmeade today. She really wanted to go, even with her limited time there because she had some errands to run. She had been assigned Professor Miller for the Hogwarts Secret Santa gift exchange and wanted to find a present for him. Her cousins Sadie and Ramona had also enrolled in the event and had asked if she could find something for their appointees Georgia Copperpot and Professor Hodfuffer, respectively. Even sister Aleydis, who was still too young to go to Hogsmeade, wanted Griet to pick up something for Daniel Gelson. In the end, Griet had relayed everything Cornelia, with the hopes that Cornelia wouldn't screw over the three younger girls, whom Cornelia didn't like very much.
Cornelia herself had Ronan Eastwick. She didn't know him at all, besides him being the keeper on Gryffindor, whom, she was glad to remember, Slytherin had smoked at the last Quidditch match. Rumor had it Ronan's mum had recently gone to prison. That almost made Ronan cool by default, but then again, he was still a Gryffindor. Because she really didn't know what to get him, she wandered into Windweaver's and perused the various Quidditch items for sale. She picked up a pair of Quidditch goggles and a figurine of Oliver Wood, keeper for Puddlemere United and former keeper for Gryffindor, just like Ronan.
She figured Daniel Gelson, whom she didn't know personally but was a boy and probably liked boy things like sports, would probably go for something Quidditch-related too. She chose a poster of the Hogsmeade Humbatas for him. If Aleydis didn't like it, too bad!
Cornelia went to Twice Told Tales after leaving Windweaver's, hoping to find something for the two professors on her list. She'd never had either teacher and didn't really know what their interests were, other than Muggle Studies and Ancient Runes. She really didn't care what Ramona might get Professor Hodfuffer, but Cornelia wanted to try to find something good for Professor Miller on behalf of Griet. She knew that Professor Miller had an estate where he taught his Muggle Studies classes. She'd also heard mention that it was very nice, but she wondered if Professor Miller might ever want to fix it up more or expand to it. She perused the shelves, and with Mr. Valentine's help, found a DIY book that she felt sure for which Griet would show her approval.
It took her half a second to find something for Professor Hodfuffer, a book on the Elder Futhark that he might have in his collection already, being an Ancient Runes professor and all. Not that Cornelia cared. It was Ramona's gift to him, after all, not hers.
After paying for her books, Cornelia went to Gladrags to see what she could find for Sadie's Secret Santa recipient, Georgia Copperpot. Georgia was another witch Cornelia didn't really know, nor did she care to get to know. She just figued that Georgia was the girly type who would probably be happy with some new clothes. There happened to be a sale on scarves, so Cornelia grabbed a random one and paid for it before leaving to finally do something for herself. She had a lot of extra change in her pocket, from the leftover money her cousins and sisters had given her. She could probably make good use of it now!
(Kate) Going to the Workshop
Author: Bronwyn Dewhurst
Date: 10-15-07 08:59
Kate bundled herself up in a warm coat, tied a scarf around her neck and slipped on a pair of mittens and a woolen hat. Other students were doing the same in the entrance hall of the castle. It was crowded and toasty from the body heat, not to mention the extra layer of clothing everyone donned. But each time the front doors open as students left the castle for Hogsmeade or the Quidditch Pitch, Kate felt a chill go down her spine. It was cold, unpleasantly so, and it looked like it might snow.
Once dressed for the weather, Kate went outside and walked briskly to the Quidditch Pitch for the flying workshop. Kate had debated staying inside because she hated the cold and didn't want to go outside today if she could avoid it, but then again, she'd had fun at the last workshop and knew she'd be bored if she stayed indoors all day. So, she decided to brave the chilly weather and go have some fun.
Earlier in the morning, Kate had written a letter to her father, asking him to purchase a gift for a boy whose name she'd drawn for the Hogwarts Secret Santa. She didn't know the boy personally, but after asking around learned that he was a third year Ravenclaw and that his cousin used to be at Hogwarts and played in that band Dynamic Duo. Kate knew a little bit about Dynamic Duo, because her cousin was married to the brother of one of the other band members.
Still, with all that knowledge about her appointee, Kate had no idea what to get him. Did he like Quidditch? Did he like music like his cousin? Did he have any special interests? She simply didn't know and no one she asked had much to say either.
Some of the other students in her house had been perusing through catalogs lately, probably because it was Christmastime and they wanted to put in their orders as soon as possible. She'd borrowed a few and looked through them, making a list of possibilities. She'd spent a good time after that crossing things off the list, until she finally had one thing left. In her letter to her father, she asked specifically for it but added in a few of the other possibilities, just in case he couldn't procure what she wanted.
She hoped Jack Emerson would like a music box. She'd found one that was Italian-made and able to be charmed to play any music one wanted, like anything from Dynamic Duo's catalog.
In Hogsmeade
Author: Jet
Date: 10-16-07 17:49
Strolling along High Street, trying to locate a Secret Santa gift for Jane Hillier, Jet works hard not to dwell on something that happened shortly before he left school to come into Hogsmeade. Professr Snider had caught up with Jet just after he'd come from Hufflepuff House with his coat, gloves, and Hufflepuff colored woolen scarf.
"Ah. Mr. Obsidian. A word please."
Unable to think of a reason why Snider would personally pull him aside, Jet had followed the headmistress to her office. Once there she got right to the point.
"I've been going over a few records. Something with yours caught my eye but it's rather sparse. Tell me what you had to do with the caves near the lake during the term prior to your disappearance."
"There isn't anything to tell that isn't in the records that I know of," the puzzled Jet had replied.
"Humor me," Snider had instructed, a smile that Jet thought was rather malicious playing on her lips.
He'd shrugged. "I found some spelled stairs and a secret chamber."
"That's all?"
"That's all," Jet lied.
"I believe I shall peruse over the information in your file and come up with some questions to ask you that will bring forth more facts. You may go for now. Enjoy the village."
Jet had left, hurry to get away from school grounds before Snider changed her mind and called him back in to her office to start asking whatever questions she thought of on the spot. If not for the fact that it would probably serve to make her more curious, Jet would tell her that the information in his file is all she needs to know. Anything else isn't her business. He really can't think of why she's even interested other than the dark magic that was involved in that whole ugly affair. That and an intense dislike of the woman is why Jet doesn't want to go into more details with her.
It's times like this morning that Jet hates even more the fact that Snider was a Hufflepuff.
Pausing in front of one shop, Jet sees a photo album with an interesting design on the cover. Stepping in to take a closer look, Jet decides a photo album of some sort along with a selection of teas from Botanicals & Beyond will make a nice present for Jane.
Short Time in Hogsmeade
Author: Fritz Schnackenpfefferhausen
Date: 10-16-07 20:14
Despite only having a short time in Hogsmeade, Fritz and Coco try to make the most of it, as they have plenty of Christmas shopping to do. His parents, Otto, and Coco herself are just a few of the people on his list for whom to shop. He also needs to find something for Olive Green, the witch he got assigned for the Secret Santa. Fritz doesn't really know Olive, but he knows her sister Emerald, who's in some of his classes.
He considered asking Emerald for advice on what to get her sister but never got around to it. Now he's relying on Coco for help, since she probably knows a thing or two about what young girls like. They wind up at Gladrags, where a number of girls are shopping for clothes––probably for themselves in many cases. Fritz doesn't know a thing about fashion, especially women's fashion. Coco points out a lot of nice things but in the end, Fritz makes his own choice. Olive's a Slytherin, so her house color is green. There's that chance that she doesn't care for the color, but Fritz really hopes not. He picks out a crochet cap in soft green with a white fringe. If anything, Olive can probably get some use out of it this winter.
The trip to Hogsmeade is far too short. Fritz does manage to get the rest of his shopping done, though: an assortment of tea for his parents, plenty of sweets for Otto, and a cute knitted handbag for Coco that has plenty of compartments for things like doggie treats for Pea.
Back at Hogwarts, Fritz wraps his gifts but keeps them in his dormitory room for now. He meets Coco back in the common room, where they carry out the rest of their day playing games like wizard's chess and Exploding Snap.
Déjà vu
Author: Drucilla Eternal
Date: 10-16-07 21:55
“Dru? Drucilla? Oh gawd, did you hit your head again? Drucilla?”
I opened my eye slowly and groaned. A dull throbbing on the back of my head confirmed that I had indeed hit my head. Again.
“Do you remember anything? Do you remember me? Do you remember you?”
Through my pain I managed a glare as I sat up slowly. As Sirius scrambled out of the fireplace and crawled next to me on the floor, I could see the look of worry on his face.
“What do you remember?”
My annoyance melted away as Sirius continued to stare at me, the guilt clearly etched on his face. Keeping my smile hidden I let my hair fall forward as I dipped my head. Unfortunately, the slight movement brought a sharp pain through my skull as another moan unwillingly escaped my lips. Gawd, did my head hurt!
“We need to bring you to St, Mungos. I’ll get Thelma and ask her to look after the twins. The college will understand.”
“Sirius…”
“And if they don’t like it, they can fire me.”
“Sirius.”
“Hell, maybe I’ll just quit.”
“Sirius!”
Sirius looked stunned for a moment, and then said with a boyish grin on his face, “You remember my name.”
This time I let him see my smile. His hands came up slowly and brushed the hair away from my face. Then he gently examined the back of my head. I didn’t need to hear his curse to know that a huge lump was slowly forming on the back of my head.
“I’m so sorry Dru. I didn’t mean to startle you.” He helped me to my feet. With his arm around my waist he guided me to the couch where I sat cautious on the edge of the cushion.
“What were you doing?” I asked feeling completely baffled as to why Sirius had been sticking his head through the fireplace earlier, which had led to me stumbling over in shock (I had been dusting the fireplace mantle at the time) and hitting my head on the edge of the desk in the study.
Cursing to himself, he finally mumbled, “I wanted to see you and the twins.”
I stared at him not knowing what to say.
“I was having a bad day at the college. Things are getting worse there, and I just wanted a moment to escape it all. I thought if I stuck my head through, I might catch a glimpse of the twins playing. I know they like to play in the study…”
“And instead, you scared the skin off of me and almost took me back to square one again.” I kept my tone light as I scolded him.
“I’m really sorry Dru.”
Sirius was clutching my hands, absently rubbing his thumb over the top of them. Sitting this close, I could see the slight paleness on his face that showed his true feelings – his fear.
“I’m okay, Sirius. Honestly. You really ought to get back to the college. You still have students to tutor. The…” Pureblood students. I couldn’t get the words out without feeling sick to my stomach. New rules were popping up all the time, and one of them concerned the “needs” of the pureblood students. Apparently, all staff were pretty much on the beck and call of these students if they needed help with their courses. This included weekends. I was worried it may include holidays as well.
“They’ll just have to learn to do something on their bloody own,” Sirius spat out in disgust. Softening his voice he repeated, “We really should have that lump looked at. I don’t want any setbacks. We’re doing so good now…” He blinked once and then stood abruptly.
“Sirius…”
“I’m going to grab the twins and see if Molly will keep them.”
“Sirius.”
“We need to get to the hospital.”
“Sirius!”
“It can’t wait.”
Watching Sirius’s retreating back, I sighed softly to myself. He was right, of course. I really needed my head examined. But I had to wonder if it was the inner part that needed probing, rather than the outer.
Another ghostly rescue
Author: Cailyn Spicer
Date: 10-17-07 12:53
It was only when, Cailyn reached the hallway did she stop and look down at her annoying kitten. She smiled and came down to it. Cailyn, petted the kitten gently as it purred contently. “Snowball, you must have had a big day today, as you have so much to tell me.” She said surprised that the kitten didn’t meow right back at her.
As she turned a corner, Cailyn found herself colliding into Eoin and Axel. She let out a small yelp of surprised, while her packages and kitten fell out of her arms. The kitten gave a frighten cry as it hit the ground along with Cailyn’s packages.
“Look at what we have here.” Eoin said flicking his wand out and lifting Cailyn’s chin up with it.
“A half blood lover.” Axel said in the same taunting voice that Eoin said.
“And an empty hallway.” Came Eoin’s surprised.
“An Empty Hallway with an unfriendly ghost.” A musical, familiar, voice said softly from behind Eoin.
Cailyn looked up behind Eoin to find the ghost that had saved her the last time Eoin and Axel had tried to hurt her. Cailyn smiled wickedly at Eoin.
“How many times do I have to warn you boys to stay away from my great, great, granddaughter?” The ghost asked as Eoin turned around and glared at her.
“I’m not afraid of a little old ghost!” Axel said whisking out his wand. “ All I need to do is a banishing spell.” Before he could even flick his wand, Cailyn’s great, great grandmother threw some very angry and slightly annoyed energy towards a vase. The energy made the vase fly towards Axel and Eoin. This scared the two Slytherins so much that they ran down the hallway, with the vase flying after them.
Cailyn smiled up at her grandmother as she stood up and brushed her clothes off. Before Eoin and Axel could reach the end of the hallway, she quickly pulled out her wand and did a binding spell on the two. She grinned wickedly at them as the vase flew at Eoin and Axel and broke into a million pieces near their feet.
“That will teach you to not mess with a Spicer.” Cailyn said.
Watching The Workshop
Author: Gabrielle Delacour
Date: 10-17-07 17:58
Sitting huddled in the stands with Estella and Rosalinda, Gabby watches the flying and Quidditch workshop. Part of Gabby's punishment for what she did over the summer is being restricted to school even on a Hogsmeade weekend. Estella and Rosalinda had gone in to the village to use what little time they had as Nons to get some holiday gift shopping done. While they were gone, Gabby had come down to the pitch to join the workshop.
Gabby's now in the stands because during one flying exercise, a first year smashed into her. Gabby ended up going to the hospital wing where Madam Pomfrey informed Gabby that she'd broken two fingers. After strapping up the fingers and giving Gabby some Skele-Gro, the nurse had allowed Gabby to leave the hospital wing on the promise that Gabby would be careful of her fingers until tomorrow.
Despite the cold out, the three girls decided to go watch more of the workshop. They decided they'd do that until they were too cold to sit and watch any longer and then they'd return to the castle to get some studying done for their OWLs. Gabby also needs to make a selection from several catalog items she's deciding between for the Secret Santa gift she's giving this year. She drew second year Ravenclaw Alastor Jenkin's name. Gabby spoke to some of his cousins, including Professor Miller, to get some ideas on what to give Alastor. Of the items she's picked in an owl order catalog, Gabby's leaning towards a trivia game that one of the cousins, Daniel Gelson, had said he'd liked to have after playing it at a friend's.
Rosalinda pokes Gabby in the side. "Time for hot chocolate, maybe some lunch, and then studying."
Estella's already on her feet and Gabby, reluctently taking her eyes off her future husband Viktor Krum, stands and follows. Now that she's moving, Gabby realizes just how numb her legs had gotten. Much as she hates to leave watching Viktor, it's probably a good idea to go inside now.
Christmas Shopping
Author: Ariella Beck
Date: 10-17-07 19:24
Ariella and Alanna had gone into Hogsmeade together but had parted ways early on to do their respective Christmas shopping. With each other on each other's lists, they didn't want to ruin the surprise of their gifts. Ariella actually found Alanna's gift first, at Scrivenshaft's. She bought a nice stationary set that featured butterflies, one of Alanna's favorite things. She bought a few things for herself (with NEWTs coming up, she'd broken several quills and needed replacements) and a few things for some of her other family members as well.
The real challenge was finding something for Lawrence. She didn't want to think that their relationship had stagnated since finding out that he was her teacher or that it even took a set back during the detention incident, but she knew both had taken place. It was hard having a relationship when a major barrier, like the student-teacher status stood in the way. She just had to remind herself sometimes that the situation wasn't permanent. In half a year, they'd both be free to do whatever they wanted.
She'd wandered out of Scrivenshafts but had ultimately gone back in and purchased a portable writing desk, one that could be opened to store parchment, quill and ink inside. The quills that came with it were shaped like a stylus and were made of bamboo, just like the desk itself. Ariella hoped Lawrence would like his gift.
Another important purchase was for Hank Hillier, whom Ariella knew from classes and for whom she'd also gotten a gift last year for the Hogwarts Secret Santa. He was a seventh year Ravenclaw. Ariella asked his sister, Jane, for advice. Her exact quote as to what he generally liked was:
"Girls, himself, chess, himself, odd hats, himself."
That had produced a laugh from Ariella and had her decide to get him a chess set, but when she got to Dervish and Banges, she found herself carrying a mirror to the checkout desk. It wasn't just any mirror though. It was purported to be a "magic mirror" but what exactly it did beyond the usual mirrors in the Wizarding World, Ariella didn't know. She supposed that was something for Hank to find out.