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(Kate) Christmas Shopping
Author: Bronwyn Dewhurst
Date: 01-11-15 10:22
It had been decided among the friends that they would go about their Christmas shopping independently and then meet up at The Three Broomsticks around noon. Kate had gift ideas for all of her friends, but not only did she plan on shopping for them, but she also wanted to pick up gifts for her Secret Santa recipient and that of her half-sister Tessa.
Tessa, being unable to go to Hogsmeade herself, had pulled Kate aside in the common room yesterday evening and asked if Kate would help her out. Kate had readily agreed and asked for any ideas Tessa already had. Tessa didn't really have any thoughts on what to give her Secret Santa recipient, having drawn the name of a boy only a few years older than herself. Kate had assured her she would find something suitable.
Now Kate wandered around Hogsmeade dressed in her warmest cloak, a Hufflepuff colored scarf, and earmuffs. Because the weather was decent, albeit very cold, a number of stalls were set up along High Street with merchants selling all sorts of wares, like Christmas ornaments and woolen mittens. Kate looked over the various stalls, debating if anything would suit either her Secrets Santa person or Tessa's, when a green hooded scarf caught her eye.
The scarf wasn't exactly Slytherin green but a more earthy hue. It was rather simple-looking but seemed like something Kate herself would want to wear on a day like today. The scarf wrapped around the neck and the top of the head, keeping everything but one's face perfectly warm. She bought it, thinking if Tessa didn't consider it a good enough gift for Titus Nott, then perhaps Kate would keep it for herself.
She moved along High Street, now on task to find something for her own Secret Santa recipient, who just so happened to be her Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, Professor Weatherby. Kate wanted to give her something very pretty, like a silk scarf or a pendant for a necklace. She picked up a number of things only to put all of them back, when at last she settled on a teacup and saucer rimmed in gold and patterned with pink dogwood flowers.
The merchant carefully boxed up the cup and saucer for Kate, which she stowed in the same bag as the hooded scarf for Titus. Then it was off to find gifts for her friends and hopefully not get caught in the act, knowing they were all shopping in the village too!
Hogsmeade
Author: Tiberius Nott
Date: 01-11-15 13:45
The village was filled with teenagers. Most walked in packs covered with scarves, earmuffs and berets, their exposed cheeks rosy with the cold. Some searched for refugee at the warm pubs and restaurants, one of the most popular being The Three Broomsticks. Others had no time for resting, as they were driven by the traditional Christmas shopping spree, so typical of this time of the year.
Tiberius waited under a lamp for Titus, who appeared after a while, lonely as always. He didn't seem to mind to spend the Hogsmeade visitation day with his older brother. As a matter of fact, Titus was actually excited to see Tiberius. Last time they saw each other it had been during the Fall Fair, but the encounter had been brief and under the supervision of Casper and Cecelia. Tiberius felt the two Hobdays watching them at every instant, and Titus had no time to tell his brother everything he wished. But today was different and the two of them could talk to each other freely. Nevertheless, Titus looked around with precaution, afraid that their aunt and uncle might appear right around the corner. Tiberius guided his brother away from the crowd of students and took him to the Hog's Head where they would have some privacy.
They sat down at a table by a corner. Titus took off his gloves and the scarf, with the Slytherin colors on it. Tiberius asked for two butter beers. He wanted to drink a fire whiskey but he was trying to moderate his drinking habits. After taking a sip on his drink and making a grimace of disgust, Titus started to speak. He complained about Casper and Cecelia and how they tried to control his life.
"They wanted to know what time I usually go to bed, if I was eating properly, or if I was paying attention in classes. Apparently I can't do as I please, not even if I have good grades. Aunt Cecelia thinks that being part of three school groups is too much and that I should drop one at least. She says it consumes a lot of my time and that I should focus more on actual school work. But I can't give up any of them. I love the Herbology club, and the Photograph club is really fun! And I've been learning a lot of thinks at the Language club..."
Tiberius could understand Titus' reaction to Casper and Cecelia's behavior. Of course that they were acting like any concerned parent would, specially since Titus was not a brilliant student and most of the times he had a lazy attitude towards his studies and life in general. But truth to be told, that's how Titus had grown up. He was mostly raised by Osky, the house elf who did everything to please his master, since his parents were both imprisoned. Tiberius himself had done a bad job as his guardian, spoiling him with gifts and not giving him the attention and care any young boy needed. He had never worried about what time did his brother went to bed. He did not care if he ate ice-cream at every meal, or if he did his homework in a rush. As long as he did not cross the line and did not fail in school, then that was enough for Tiberius. Titus was used to live without any parental control, with no boundaries or limits.
Tiberius kept listening to his brother's complains in silence, pondering what he should do about them:
"...but that's not the worst part! Can you believe that they reduced my allowance? They don't give me enough money so I can't buy anything decent whenever I go to Hogsmeade anymore. Uncle Casper says I gain the same amount as most boys my age do and that if I want to buy something a bit more expensive I need to learn how to save money and be patient. It's ridiculous! I shouldn't have signed up for the silly Secret Santa. Ugh! Now I have to waste money buying a gift to someone I don't even know or care about."
"Secret Santa?"
Titus explained how the Secret Santa worked to Tiberius. He told him he had to give a gift to a Gryffindor girl named Tamsin Branstone who was a fifth year and one of the school's prefects. He also lamented that now he could not spend money on a package of chocolate frogs for someone named Susan. Tiberius had thought of staying firm and not lend money to Titus, but he just could not help himself. It seemed like his brother was having a bad time with all of this and Tiberius felt guilty. He was the one who killed their mother and thanks to that Casper and Cecelia had Titus' legal guardianship.
He went to his pocket and handed to his brother all the money he had brought with him. Titus thanked him, quickly filling his pockets with the golden coins, before his brother would change his mind.
"This is just a one time thing, Titus. I cannot keep giving you money like this," he warned. If this behavior was known then his odds to regain Titus' guardianship would be most likely be lost.
"I know. And I'm not supposed to tell anything to our uncle and aunt."
"Exactly."
"If they knew they would want to get the money back," Titus concluded. He stood up, without finishing his butter beer, and thanked Tiberius with a small, but very meaningful hug.
"Now I know what I'm going to get Tamsin!" he exclaimed leaving the pub.
He had seen many girls gathered around a shop's window admiring a dress. It was somewhat expensive but with the money Tiberius had given him he wouldn't have a problem to get it and offer it to Tamsin. Titus saw in the gift an investment. Maybe one day he might be into trouble at school and as a prefect Tamsin might cut some slack on his behavior, instead of giving him a detention or remove points to his house.
Meanwhile Tiberius, without finishing his butter beer as well, left the pub eager to leave the village infested with children and go back to the tranquility of his home.
(Arielle & Asher) Secrets and Secret Santas
Author: Jolyon
Date: 01-11-15 14:33
Arielle walked into Gladrags Wizardwear with the thought of purchasing an article of clothing for Amorica Wenlock, the person whose name she'd drawn for Secret Santa. Arielle didn't know anything about Amorica, other than she was in Slytherin House just like Asher, that she was a year older then they were, and that she was related to Professor Miller.
Arielle had thought about asking around for more information about Amorica, such as what her interests were and if there was anything she absolutely did not like, but in the end, she'd not asked anyone anything at all. She hoped her gut would lead her to the right gift and if not, then Amorica could use the gift receipt to make a return and get whatever she wanted.
As she turned down one side of a rack of clothing containing very chic winter coats and cloaks, Arielle heard new customers enter the clothing shop and realized that one of them was her own brother. Asher had also drawn the name of a girl for Secret Santa. He didn't know anything about Amanda Reynolds besides the fact that she'd been involved in a student's death last school year. That almost made her interesting… almost. Too bad he had no real desire to get anybody anything. He just wanted gifts for himself.
Arielle was in no mood to be accosted by her brother and his friend Malden, who was with him, so she remained hidden behind the tall rack of outer wear.
"What about underwear?" Malden suggested with a snicker.
Asher rolled his eyes and said, "I'm not buying any girl underwear. Besides, I'm pretty sure my dear old dad wouldn't approve."
"Neither would my great aunt," Malden quipped. "She'd put you in detention for the rest of the school year for sure."
"Yeah. Just how I want to spend my free time," Asher said, moving over to a rack of accessories. He looked at some belts and frowned. "I don't know what to get her. I don't know anything about what girls like."
"Why don't you ask your sister?" Malden asked. "She could probably give you an idea."
"No, thank you," Asher replied.
"I'll ask her," Malden volunteered. "Have you noticed how pretty she's gotten?"
Asher shot him a look. "She's off limits."
"What do you care?"
"She's my sister."
"And?"
Asher pulled a gray purse with a little bow off a rack and said, "That should be reason enough for you to look elsewhere."
Malden followed Asher to the checkout counter, where Asher paid for the purse and had it gift wrapped in silver paper with sapphire blue snowflakes all over it. Only when they left the store did Arielle emerge from behind the rack of coats and cloaks. Had she heard correctly that Malden liked her?
She wasn't sure what to think of it. Did he like her like her or just find her pretty? She walked off in a daze toward a rack of skirts and looked through them to see if any looked right for Amorica. In the end, Arielle selected a beautiful green skirt that she hoped Amorica would like.
Madam Puddifoot's Tea Shop (Tamsin)
Author: Josie
Date: 01-11-15 15:25
"Have you been here before?" Jake asked, as I looked around studying the decoration of Madam Puddifoot's Tea Shop.
"No, not really. My friend Penny and I took a look inside this place, on our very first trip to Hogsmeade. We made fun of the people inside, and then Madam Puddifoot's noticing us at the door, sent us away. I'm glad she has not recognized me," I confessed.
Two years ago, as a third year, couples holding hands and kissing was something I would find disgusting. I swore to myself I would not be the sort of girl that would enjoy being with a boy inside Madam Puddiffot's Tea Shop. But here I was now, with Jake Neilson at my side, our cups of tea untouched as we talked.
On the first trip to Hogsmeade of the year, Jake and I left the castle together but on our way to the village we were surrounded by his group of friends, which included that older Ravenclaw girl, Sarah Edwards. We were dragged to a game of laser tag and then a meal at Burger Wizard. Jake's friends were nice and it was easy to deal with them because of my experience with my older brothers. On our way back to the castle, Jake promised that next time he would make sure we wouldn't be caught by his nosy friends. And so here we were, in a refugee of gaudy tables and chairs, where no one was paying attention to their neighbors, so focused they were on their respective pair.
It was good to be with Jake alone, but I didn't know how to behave. Should I hold his hand and listen to what he had to say like the girl seated immediately at the table next to ours? Or should we not talk and just kiss? We have not kissed since that time at the Gryffindor common room but why else has he brought me here if not for a little bit of intimacy?
"So..." he started looking me in the eyes. But then his looks deviated to the bag at my feet. "What do you have there?"
"It's a pair of slippers boots. For my Secret Santa. She's a first year, Hufflepuff. Her name is Tessa Filby." I showed the slippers to Jake. "Do you think she will like it?"
"Yes, I think so. It's a nice gift."
The conversation died. Jake played with the tea spoon for a second. Then he took a deep breath and asked if I wanted to be his girlfriend. I felt like I was turning into butter, my heart racing, my cheeks flushing. I hesitated for a moment, just a second, and then I accepted. I liked Jake and he liked me. He smiled, clearly relieved I had said 'yes'. He confessed he was afraid I would refuse, that I might be interested in someone else instead. I shook my head, assuring him he was the only one I wanted to date. And ,to confirm that, I leaned forward ready to kiss him and turning myself into one of those girls that spend hours at Puddifoot's with their boyfriends doing more than drinking tea.
Christmas Gifts (Devon)
Author: Christopher Chant
Date: 01-11-15 20:14
Devon Abbott steps into the chill air, so close to the door of Clutch's & Trinkitt's that the door is pressing against her rear. She hastens to move, pulling her coat more tightly around her, fingers curled around the handle of the small bag from the shoppe she's just left.
In the bag are a gift for her Catriona Amherst. Cat helped Devon out any number of times last year since Christopher wasn't there for her to turn to. Assisting with Christmas shopping was one of those ways in which Cat was a help. Devon, as a second year, had to rely mainly on catalogs but Cat did pick up a few things for her here in Hogsmeade. Devon found a pretty bangle bracelet for Cat that's more than a Christmas present. It's also a thank you gift.
Devon also found a lovely antique looking barrette with what looks like garnet and topaz but most likely are neither given the affordable price she paid. As she's done the past two years she put her name in for the Secret Santa draw at school. This year she got the name of Patricia McCourt.
Patricia is a first year and in Ravenclaw but as her sister Sophie is one of Devon's roommates, she is more familiar with Patricia than she might otherwise would be. Devon likes how the younger girl often wears her hair and thought the barrette would be nice. That the red stone looks like Patricia's birthstone of garnet is a bonus.
Devon had spent quite a bit of time in Clutch's & Trinkitt's, finding any number of items she wouldn't mind having. Once she's visited more shoppes she may well return. It will depend on what success she has elsewhere of finding gifts for friends and a few family members.
Slowing as she reaches MacFusty's, she enters with a mind to find something for her dog Wort, whom she misses greatly while at school, and for her cousin Christopher's cat Beetle. Once she's looked around MacFusty's she'll continue down the lane to McBloom and McMuck. There is a pair of pumps her mother has had an eye on. Devon's father gave her enough money to get them for him. He thought if Devon got them and had them at school, her mom wouldn't be as likely to find out she's getting them. Loraine is practically a professional at sussing out where around the house and Edward's work any presents he has secreted away. She's almost as good at finding them out at her parents and at his mother's. Devon thinks having her help out in this way is an excellent idea. She's already received by owl two other gifts designated for her mum. They're wrapped and in the bottom of her trunk.
Devon's has suggested to her dad that rather than attempting to keep them hidden with her things once she's home, they should ask Christopher or Catriona to help. Catriona would be better because Devon has no doubt that her mother would somehow figure out that there were gifts for her hidden away at her sister-in-law's house.
Selecting a new collar for Wort and picking out a new toy and some chew treats, Devon turns her attention to a display of cat toys to find something for Beetle.
Shopping in Hogsmeade
Author: Amanda Reynolds
Date: 01-12-15 11:07
Amanda milled around the shoppes in Hogsmeade with Elliot looking for what to get for Azaelia Blackheart for the secret Santa.
"I know." She finally said as they entered a shoppe. Elliot looked at her with mock anticipation. "I'll get her a leather bound journal."
"That'll work." Elliot said. "I didn't sign up for this because I didn't want to have to think of something to get someone I probably didn't know anyway."
"Make sense...I guess." She said and walked over to where she saw some journals. She looked at all the journals and finally found a purple leather bound journal with a Celtic cross on the front. "I think that she will like this one."
"Who are you getting it for again?" Elliot asked.
"The school Librarian."
"Oh, fun. Okay. Well I am sure she will like that then."
Amanda made her purchase and had it sent up to the school Librarian and then the two headed over to the Three Broomsticks to get some Butter Beer and something to eat.
Shopping
Author: Cate
Date: 01-12-15 11:37
Cate had no idea what to get for 4th year Slytherin Callie Blackwell. She had searched through all the shoppes in Hogsmeade but had found nothing but some candy. Candy was good but was not going to suffice when it came to a Christmas present. Then she found a beautiful quill with a black feather and a silver shaft. It was beautiful and expensive. But it was all that she could think of to get her so she purchased the quill. It would have to do.
She entered the Three Brooksticks and looked around. Her eyes immediately fell on Amanda and Elliot and she groaned inwardly. She didn't want to see them. Then her eyes found Preston and he was with another girl. She was hanging all over him. Tears stung her eyes and she turned away and ran out of the pub just as Preston looked up at her.
Preston pushed the girl off of him and left the pub looking for Cate. He walked outside and looked around and found her. "Cate!" He called to her. She stopped and turned towards him tears still coming from her eyes. "What's wrong?"
"You and that girl..."
"Oh, her. I don't like her. I still am in love with you. She just thinks that I like her and all I want is you."
Cate stopped crying and wrapped her arms around Preston. "I still want you too. I love you, Preston."
"Will you come back inside with me?"
"Yes, but we are not sitting with that girl."
Preston chuckled, "okay." And the two headed inside the Three Brooksticks where it was warm.
Gossip at the Ministry
Author: Johanna Steele
Date: 01-13-15 15:09
"I don't like this one. Too brilliant," Edgar declared, taking off the yellow vest he had just put on.
"But Justin is a Hufflepuff, don't you think he would like the yellow one?" Johanna asked.
She had drawn out Justin Hodges' name as this year's Secret Santa. The only reason she knew Justin was because he was a prefect. Johanna had no idea what sort of gift he might like and she decided to go shopping with her cousin Edgar who had the same age as Justin and probably had some ideas about what gifts he might want. In return Johanna would help Edgar buying a gift to Etana Kohen, the Slytherin first year that was his Secret Santa.
"I'm a Gryffindor. Do you see me wearing red and gold all the time?" Edgar replied in a sarcastic tone. It was too hot and crowded inside the small shop and he was holding several pieces of clothing that Johanna has not yet made up her mind about and she didn't want to put them in the shelves in case someone else would take it.
Johanna ignored Edgar as she searched for more vests. Most of them were colorful and filled with odd patterns. Perhaps they were too extravagant for Justin.
"This one," Edgar told her, pointing at a simple black vest. Johanna touched the fabric. It was warm and comfortable.
Edgar passed all the clothes he was holding to Johanna and tried out the vest to show her how it looked like. He was serving as a model, pretending to be Justin.
"Yes, I think that's the one. Thank you Edgar!"
"You're welcome. Now what about Etana?"
"Shoes."
"Shoes?"
"Yes. These ones," Johanna told him, placing a pair of delicate green ballerinas in his hands. Edgar didn't even contest her. He knew Johanna was more apt to know what sort of things Etana Kohen might like.
After paying for their respective gifts they left the shop and they parted into different directions. Edgar went back to the castle, while Johanna went to meet with her friends at The Three Broomsticks. Felicia caught her on the way to the pub.
"You have no idea what happened..." she started with a cheerful tone that could only mean gossip. "I received a late owl this morning from Baltus. You know who got arrested?" she couldn't wait for Johanna to try and guess. "Mark!"
"Mark?! Our Mark?"
"Well he is not our Mark anymore. But yes, that Mark. The one and only Mark Farnon."
"What has he done?"
"Baltus doesn't know yet. But I already told him to investigate. He learned about Mark's arrest at the Ministry of Magic. He's doing some hours per week there, helping out the workers of the Magical Maintenance Department. Apparently that place is worse that Hogwarts in terms of gossip. Remind me to never work there."
"Don't worry, I will," Johanna assured her.
The two friends walked inside The Three Broomsticks. Kate, Hugo and Gus were already there. Felicia and Johanna joined their table and of course it didn't take long for Felicia to tell the news to the others:
"Hey, do you know who got arrested?" she started.