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Flying & Quidditch Workshop
Author: Gerry
Date: 11-12-14 13:27
For Gerry, missing out on a trip to Hogsmeade wasn't a big deal since he lived there and already knew the village's ins and outs. His friend Will, however, bemoaned the fact that they couldn't leave the Hogwarts grounds and wouldn't be able to until their third year.
"At least there's this flying thing to keep us entertained," Will said, as he and Gerry made their way to the Pitch, "or is it nothing exciting in your opinion, since you so happen to be a member of the Gryffindor Quidditch team?"
Gerry didn't want to admit that attending the flying and Quidditch workshop didn't seem like a novelty, since not only had he participated in every single first year flying lesson last month, he'd also already had several practices with the Gryffindor team. He didn't want to sound like he knew absolutely everything about flying and Quidditch though, so he shook his head.
"No," he said. "It's good to get extra practice in. Besides, I heard that some professionals will be there, just like at the tryouts."
"Cool!" Will exclaimed.
"Yeah," Gerry agreed.
They got to the Pitch and stood around with some other younger students while waiting for the workshop to start. Eventually, Coach Krum blew a whistle to silence the chitchat and gave some instruction on what would be taking place. He also introduced his helpers.
The students attending the workshop who didn't have their own brooms, which was all the first years since they weren't allowed to have brooms at Hogwarts, were then told to pick out a broomstick. At least the stock of broomsticks had improved tremendously since Gerry's parents had been students at Hogwarts. Gerry found one that looked pretty good and mounted it when one of Krum's assistants instructed him and a few others to do so.
It wasn't long before they were doing sprints. The air was crisp and cool, and the quick, high flying didn't do much to keep Gerry's cheeks from turning pink, but at least the sun was shining brightly. It was definitely a nice day to be outside.
Big Step
Author: Declan
Date: 11-12-14 15:02
Emerging from Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes II, better known in Hogsmeade as Zonko's, Declan reaches for Zabrynna's hand. "What do you think?"
"I wasn't sure what to expect given it's above a joke shoppe but it's very nice, just as Majandra said."
"I like it too. Soooo ?"
"It's a big step."
"If you're not ready," Declan gestures behind him, "we can go back now and tell George."
"I've been ready for years it seems but now that we're actually to this point it all seems a bit surreal."
Pulling Zabrynna closer to slide his arm around her shoulder he agrees. "I know what you mean. There was a time I didn't think I'd ever be anything more than cordial to you and only because I more or less had to be."
"Professor Douglass!"
Turning to look as fifth year Natalie Jones comes jogging over, Declan's arm slides off Zabrynna's shoulder, his hand finding hers once again. "Morning, Natalie."
"If you a second I've a question about the essay assignment from Thursday."
"Yes, certainly. How may I help you?"
"Can the witch or wizard I choose be from any country or does it have to be Italy?"
The essay for the fifth years is to select a witch or wizard who made at least one contribution to the burgeoning Renaissance occurring in the Muggle World. Declan shakes his head. "No, anywhere as long as it fits the time frame I gave."
Natalie smiles broadly. "Thank you. Sorry to have bothered you."
"No bother at all, Natalie."
Her smile, somehow, gets even bigger. "Thanks. Have a great day."
"You too."
As Natalie starts off in the direction from which she came, Zabrynna squeezes Declan's hand. "All right. Let's do it."
"You're sure?"
"Positive but if you're not, then we can wait."
"This was my idea."
"But you've had time to think since then."
"I've not changed my mind and we've both agreed it's not a good idea for you to stay over at the castle."
Zabrynna turns her body slightly to the shoppe behind them, lightly tugging Declan along. "Then let's go tell George yes."
A quarter hour later the couple emerge once more from the joke shoppe, a signed copy of a lease for the upstairs flat freshly signed. Declan points one direction down the street. "How about we go pick out the cat we've been talking about getting?"
Zabrynna grins, "Only if we get something to eat first. I've not had breakfast and am suddenly famished."
Deciding on the Crown & Cauldron for a proper sitdown breakfast, Declan and Zabrynna stroll down High Street tossing about potential names for the cat in between making a list of what they'll need if taking one back to Declan's Hogwarts flat before he's due for his patrol shift later today or Zabrynna takes the cat home with her until they move into their new place above Zonko's.
Good Mood
Author: Lysander Stratford
Date: 11-13-14 13:40
All hands were on deck at Twice Told Tales for the first Hogsmeade trip of the school year for Hogwarts students. Lysander currently manned the counter, where he kept a box of giveaways at his feet. Instead of the leather-bound journals he and Julian often gave away to students making purchases in their store, they had settled on high quality bookmarks. The open box at Lysander's feet contained metal-charmed bookmarks in the shape of feathers, dragons, and merpeople, or were patterned with designs like flowers or stars.
He handed a bronze-colored bookmark that looked like it had ivy leaves on it to a girl with blonde hair pulled into a side ponytail that draped over her shoulder. "Thanks for shopping with us, and enjoy your gift. Have a nice day."
The girl smiled at Lysander and then hurried off to join her friends waiting at the door.
In the all too brief lull between customers, Julian found his way over from the stacks and said, "You seem awfully chipper. Did you switch bodies with somebody?"
"Ha," Lysander remarked, knowing full-well that he was moody more often than not. He swept a few unwanted books off of the counter and stuck them onto a book truck behind him for restocking at a later time and said, "I guess I woke up on the right side of the bed this morning."
He'd woken up alone, but only because Astrid had left before sunrise. She had surprised him with a visit in the middle of the night wearing nothing but a fur-lined cloak. Lysander found himself grinning at the memory.
"Hmm. Definitely a body switch," Julian said. "Want me to take over?"
"Sure, why not?" Lysander said. "I'll check the status of the shelves."
It never failed that books wound up all over the place after a Hogsmeade trip. Lysander took the book truck from behind the counter to refill items and picked up anything else he saw along the way. He bent to pick up a thin red book off the floor when he felt somebody pinch his rear. Lysander turned, expecting to find a bold student behind him, but it was only Astrid.
"Hey, stranger," she remarked with a seductive grin. "Have time for a break?"
Lysander peered around the shelves to check on Julian, who now had a small line formed in front of him. Standing at the back of the queue was Astrid's husband.
"You're not serious, are you?" Lysander asked, turning back to Astrid. "Axel is here."
"I know, silly. We came together."
Lysander debated for half a second, weighing everything that was wrong with the scenario with the little that was right. "Hang it all," he finally decided, stopping short of reaching for Astrid's wrist. They weren't alone in the aisle anymore, and the store was very crowded.
He indicated for her to follow him to the back room, where some unopened crates of books were kept. A quick search of the storage room showed it was empty save for Dexter, who bolted when Lysander prodded him toward the door with the toe of his boot. Lysander hastily shut the door and pushed Astrid against it, making quick use of the little time they had together.
(Anthony) Patrolling the Village
Author: Beck
Date: 11-14-14 17:26
Anthony leaned against the corner of the Owl Post Office and scanned High Street for any sign of foul play. He was on duty to patrol Hogsmeade while Hogwarts students visited the village. So far, everything seemed nice and quiet––not literally, perhaps, since groups of teenagers didn't know how to be be quiet––but at least there didn't seem to be any Death Eaters or other baddies hanging around Hogsmeade.
He was dressed warmly because of the fall chill in the air, but Anthony also wore sunglasses to combat the bright sun. He sipped coffee from a thermos and nibbled on a fruity danish he picked up from the bakery.
"If you're trying to be inconspicuous," came a familiar voice from his right, "then I should tell you it's not working."
Anthony turned his head with a wry grin and said, "Hello, Katherine. What brings you to the village?" Then he noted the camera around her neck and said, "Ah, work."
"I'm guessing it's the same for you," Katherine said. "Patrolling in case there might be trouble?"
"Yeah. Photographing the students?"
"That, and if anything else happens, at least I'll be on hand to get it on film."
"If you don't mind, let's hope for a nice, quiet day," Anthony said.
"I guess that'll be okay…" Katherine's attention drifted away from Anthony when she noticed somebody emerge from one of the stores. Anthony followed her gaze and lifted both eyebrows. Katherine was staring at a very tall, handsome wizard, who was soon joined on High Street by a pretty witch.
"He's no good for you," Anthony said.
"What?" Katherine asked, turning back to him. "Why?"
"The bloke's with someone, obviously," he said, "and besides, I'm pretty sure that's a friend of Bronwyn's."
"Yeah, I know. She was at Ariella's baby shower. We also work together. All three of us." Katherine shrugged and looked back at the couple. "There's no harm in looking."
Anthony also shrugged and said, "As long as that's all you're doing."
Katherine snorted and said, "He doesn't even notice me. He's so in love with his fiancée. Um, looks like there is trouble." She pointed past Anthony, where one boy had another in a headlock. With no teachers in the vicinity, Anthony stepped forward to break up the fight, but not before handing his coffee and partially eaten danish to his half-sister.
After sending the boys off in separate directions, Anthony rejoined Katherine, who gave him back his sustenance. "Where were we?" he asked, taking a bite of his pastry.
"Just talking about my pathetic lack of a love life," Katherine remarked. "I could try Magical Match, but I'm not sure I want to."
"So don't. Someone's bound to notice how great you are."
"Thanks," Katherine said, smiling. "I'm glad we found each other, Anthony. If we hadn't, then I wouldn't have anybody right now."
Anthony polished off his danish and then put his arm around Katherine. "I'm glad we found each other too. I just hope the next half-sibling we discover turns out to be a brother. Toby and I are severely outnumbered!"
Katherine laughed. "Now you're being silly." She gave him a squeeze and then stepped out of his one-armed embrace. "I better go take some pictures, or it'll be nightfall before we know it. Catch you later?"
"I'll be here," Anthony said. He waved at Katherine, who he noticed walked off after the guy she liked. He shook his head and resumed scanning High Street for problems.
Early Christmas Shopping (Hydrangea)
Author: Phinfilius
Date: 11-15-14 10:16
Calliope Quinn knocks into Hydrangea as Hydrangea is coming out of Gladrags. The few bags Hydrangea is carrying go flying as Calliope exclaims, "Sorry! Sorry!"
Calliope helps her friend and roommate gather up the bags. "Is that everything?"
Hydrangea takes stock, looking careful through each bag before nodding. "Yes, thanks."
"Find some good buys?"
"Some, mostly for other people. I know it's only October but with the size of my family, I've gotten to where I try to keep my eyes open all year around for Christmas and birthday presents."
"I don't even had a Christmas list put together yet much less thinking about actually buying anything. I still rely a lot on my mum for certain gifts."
"I do for some still. I never know what to get for some people, like one of my grandmothers. She's so particular."
"I have an aunt like that. Never cares for anything someone else gets her and doesn't even bother pretending she likes whatever it is as she grits out a, 'Thank you.'"
"That's just rude!"
"Everyone in the family, including her husband, has gotten to where they give her money or gift cards so she can get exactly what she wants."
"I like money and gift cards but I don't think I'd be obnoxious enough about presents to cause everyone to start doing that with me. I'm thinking of grabbing a snack. Want to come along?"
Calliope readily agrees and soon the girls are at the Crown & Cauldron where Hydrangea's Aunt Furnella is showing them to a table. After ordering, Hydrangea shows Calliope what she's bought so far, except for one item she holds back, a pretty little flower charm she got with Calliope in mind.
Madoc and Malden in Hogsmeade
Author: Minerva McGonagall
Date: 11-15-14 12:22
Madoc wandered through Rosa Lee Teabag in search for a gift for his great aunt. He had no idea how old she was, but he knew that today was her birthday. He had successfully avoided her all morning, which was no easy feat since even as Headmistress, she stood in the castle courtyard and accepted permission slips from students wishing to go to Hogsmeade. Madoc had gotten in Professor Flitwick's line instead and slipped past his great aunt before she ever noticed his presence. He planned on wishing her happy birthday and surprising her with his gift all at the same time… if only he could find something suitable!
What did one get the Headmistress of Hogwarts that she didn't already have or couldn't get for herself? Maybe something homemade was the best course of action for Madoc, but he wasn't very artistic or crafty. The only thing he was really good at was Quidditch, and as much as he wanted to gift his great aunt with a win during next month's match against Slytherin, Madoc couldn't make any guarantees.
He ended up selecting a black walnut tea box that came with sealable compartments and matching measuring spoons. The sales clerk also gave him a few tea samples, including a featured blend of dragonfruit and herbs. It smelled really good, but Madoc got the feeling his great aunt was probably a traditionalist when it came to drinking tea.
Madoc stepped out of the shoppe just as his brother Malden and Malden's friend and roommate Asher Kent emerged from the pet store diagonally across High Street. Malden laughed out loud at the sight of Madoc alone and carrying a sack from the tea shoppe. Madoc got along great with his roommates and classmates, but he was just as happy being on his own. Sometimes he even preferred it.
Malden was the opposite. He thrived on friendship, especially because it was more fun conducting mischief with a friend than on one's own. Madoc noticed that Malden carried a small plastic container used for transporting critters. Inside was a toad.
Madoc's eyebrows shot up, because everybody knew that toads were the sort of pets kids were ashamed to admit they owned. Malden having one could only mean he was up to no good.
Madoc walked over to his brother and asked, "Why do you have that toad?"
"What business is it of yours, Madoc?" Malden asked defensively.
"Is it your pet?" Madoc demanded to know.
"Yes," Malden replied with finality. "For your information, it's a fire-bellied toad native to the Continent."
Madoc narrowed his eyes. "What's it's name?"
Malden shrugged. "Just got it. Haven't got one picked out yet."
Madoc still felt in his gut that Malden was up to something, but Malden did seem to be acting like he truly wanted the toad.
Malden eyed the tea bag and asked, "Having a tea party later? Just for one, I presume."
"It's our great aunt's birthday. This is a gift for her."
"That old hag. Wonder how old she is. 100?"
Asher laughed out loud.
Malden laughed too and said, "Come on, Asher. Let's go."
The third year boys walked off, leaving Madoc standing outside the pet store. He watched them for a long moment and observed Malden carrying the plastic box containing his toad with care. Still dubious about his brother's intentions despite all appearances he shouldn't feel that way, Madoc finally turned and entered the pet store to buy some kitty treats for Precious.