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Something Not Right
Author: Bambi Fandango
Date: 07-25-07 12:00
While Saffron was getting something more comfortable for Kissy to lounge in while in the hospital wing, Bambi gathered up toothpaste, toothbrush, and a comb. She also looked around to see if she could tell what book Kissy's currently reading. There was one on Kissy's bedside table that had a marker sticking up halfway through the book so she grabbed that up.
Once in the hospital wing. Saffron and Bambi sat talking for a long while with Kissy. One of the topics that was inevitable to come up was that of Headmistress Harriet Snider. Bambi tells the other two, "The woman keeps coming around the library, looking at all I've done and asking questions about projects going on right now and future projects. There's something about how she stands there listening and asking question that is, I don't know, smug? Superior? But about what? If she doesn't like what I've done she should just say so."
Kissy, nodding in agreement, says, "And what about this switching classrooms business. Why can't she tell us her reasoning behind the room changes? Why only some of us like Severus, AJ, and me, but others like Aaron and you, Saffron, are left where you've been?"
Saffron leans forward slightly, her voice dropping. "I don't have anything specific but there's something odd with her. Every time she comes within five feet of me, which, thank Merlin, is not often, I get such a sense of foreboding. She drank some tea with me the other day. After she left I did a reading of her leaves. Portents of something negative, but again, nothing specific."
Kissy laughs briefly to say, "Portents of evil. Gloom and doom. Are you channeling Professor Trelawny? She was always seeing the bad." She quickly sobers, "Not meaning to make light of your sense of doom. Sorry. I understand what you mean. There's just something not quite right about that woman."
Bambi, in an atypical moment of uncharitability, quips, "You mean aside from her unibrow and mustache?"
Kissy laughs again and with her good hand throws a pillow at Bambi. Saffron grabs a pillow off the nearest bed and also hits Bambi with it. When Madam Pomfrey walks in a few minutes later, it's to find three of Hogwarts professors covered in feathers and several pillows unusually flat looking.
A Friendship Flourishes
Author: Eithne ni Domhnaill
Date: 07-25-07 14:30
"Oh, you're in your robes already," Francis said, dumping a cache of sweets on the train seat.
"Yep, thought I'd occupy myself constructively while you were chasing down the trolley. You should have let me know you had such a sweet tooth - I'd have gotten something for you while you were in the loo." Eithne eyed the cache and then looked outside the window for any telltale signs of Hogsmeade. "We'll be there soon - you should get ready too."
A rustling noise caused her to turn away from the window and she laughed as Francis' muffled voice from inside the fabric he had managed to get wrapped around his head allowed as how he was doing just that.
"Here, let me help. These close compartments can make things like this difficult." Eithne helped to unwrap Francis and then patted down his robe as he fastened it in front. She returned his smile when he turned to face her. "There, all better now."
"Thanks, Eithne." The pair returned to their seats, Francis pushing his pile of goodies aside. Eithne was strangely silent, staring through Francis but not at him.
"Hey!" Francis waved an arm in front of her face. "Sickel for your thoughts."
"Whoa - a whole sickel! I'm not sure they're worth that much," she laughed as she accepted the cauldron cake Francis held out to her.
"I was just thinking how much my Mamie seemed to like you."
"Yeah," Francis coughed, as he subconsciously felt his hair to see if it was flat from where she had ruffled it hours earlier. "She was pretty friendly."
"Francis, that was awfully nice of you to send that owl this summer. And suggesting we meet up at the Station. And asking after Audrey."
"Hey, what are friends for, " Francis blushed and bit into his Chocolate Frog. Eithne smiled coyly at him.
Avoiding People
Author: Sage Porter
Date: 07-25-07 15:46
Sage sits under a tree, gazing out over the lake, watching the giant squid languidly swimming back and forth. Every now and again, there is movement that Sage is fairly sure is a merperson. Earlier, Sage went swimming in the lake, the water cold even though the weather is still good. If it wouldn't have meant traisping up to the castle and Flooing to Cloud's Kiss, Sage would have gone swimming there instead.
Unlike Deak who chose to ride the train today to be with friends, Sage decided to come with Saffron and Aaron to the school this morning. It was around midmorning that he was forced to spend time chatting with Harriet Snider when Sage started wishing he'd either stayed at Cloud's Kiss longer or had gone to London to board the Hogwarts Express. Deak may have told Aaron and Saffron he wanted to ride the train to be with friends but he also told Sage that avoiding Professor Snider was part of his reason as well.
Sage had thought about taking the train. He simply hasn't been all that social. He finds that ironic since a major part of his argument with his father to attend Hogwarts had been for the social aspect. Sage thinks he probably would have been in the mood to ride the Express if not for a letter that came last night.
Sage had thought Aubrey was good and well behind him. He thought that she too had moved on, even after her last ditch effort at the end of term to make up with him. The letter was to let Sage know just what he's missing. Aubrey wrote at length about how the modeling is going in Milan and about all the guys she's meeting. All the dates she's been going on and about the fabulous parties and places those takes have taken her. The letter was a whole spiteful aspect of Aubrey that Sage could have done without seeing.
Sage takes the letter out of his pocket. He'd thought about writing a reply that said nothing of any consequence, something just to be polite. Taking the letter and ripping it to shreds, Sage gets up and goes in the direction of the pitch to find a rubbish bin. He'd thought of writing a reply but has decided there is no point. He won't play whatever game it is Aubrey's playing.
Depositing the shreds of parchment in the bin, Sage starts slowly walking towards the castle. It won't be long before he should change for the feast. Reaching the building, Sage goes to one of the courtyards to sit on a bench and kill a little more time. No sooner has he sat down then he cringes at making such a mistake.
"Mr. Porter! Eager for the feast?"
"Good afternoon, Professor Snider. Yes, I'm looking forward to the feast."
Sage isn't sure what it is about the woman that makes him feel instantly disgruntled. When she asks, "Tell me, does your father ever do private catering?" it's all Sage can do to not make some retort about how obvious the woman likes her food. Forced smile on his face, Sage keeps those private thoughts private.
"Yes, ma'am. There are occassions when he will consider catering for someone."
"Splendid! I may have a little do for some important people. I shall have to contact your father straight away and ask him his terms. Now, if you'll excuse me, there is so much I need to do before the other students arrive. The feast is going to be historic. I can't wait!"
"Historic, professor?"
Professor Snider smiles a smile that makes Sage want to shudder. "Why yes. A new headmistress for Hogwarts. That's definately historic."
Another of those weird, shudder inducing smiles - maybe it's the combination of mustache and one, long, overly shaggy eyebrow - and Professor Snider bustles inside. Sage waits long enough to give her time to be gone from the entry hall before going inside as well, down to Hufflepuff House to get changed into his uniform.
Nearing Time For The Feast
Author: Furnella Hodfuffer
Date: 07-25-07 19:21
Even though he's still got time to make sure his new classroom is ready for the first Ancient Runes meeting of the new term, AJ takes a walk around the room, giving a critical eye to everything.
The room Harriet Snider has had AJ take is smaller. There are six tables that seat three students comfortably but could hold four, sitting on the same side that is. If AJ were to have students one to a side, four would be no trouble. With the roster he has, AJ knows that four to a table won't be necessary. That won't be necessary unless AJ's next, updated roster is expanded. He can't see that being the case though if Snider has made him take a smaller classroom.
This room is draftier than the other. At least there's a small fireplace. When cold weather sets in, AJ is sure he'll make good use of the fireplace to keep things nice, warm, and cozy. Not too cozy, though. Can't have students getting all snuggled down and going to sleep on him.
Looking to the small pendulum clock on his desk, AJ notes that it's near time he should change for Start of Term Feast. Going to the door, AJ flicks his wand to lower the lights then shuts the door. He'll just swing by the hospital wing to see if Kissy needs anything, then check with that one House Elf about the mini-feast for Kissy, and Madam Pomfrey if she's interested. After that, he'll do a quick clean up and change. Thinking about dinner, AJ's stomach grumbles. The food, he's sure, will be excellent as always. It's the introduction of Harriet Snider as Headmistress to the students that will make or break the feast.
Almost There
Author: Ronan Eastwick
Date: 07-25-07 20:43
Ronan returned from the loo wearing his Hogwarts robes. He sat down next to Gaia Goyle who remarked, "Your tie is crooked."
"Thanks," Ronan said, adjusting his tie blindly before smoothing down the front of his robes. "Are we nearly there?"
She craned her neck to see over the head of a first year by the name of Ramona Mickle, who had somehow wound up in a compartment full of older students.
"I think I see the lights of the castle in the distance," Gaia replied, leaning back again. "Can you see it, Ramona? That's Hogwarts, your home for the next seven years of your life."
Despite being somewhat precocious, Ramona had said relatively little since the start of the journey to Hogwarts from Kings Cross Station in London. Ronan had managed to find out that Ramona had been separated from her sister, Sadie, after both had been thrown out of another compartment by their cousin Cornelia. She had used her silence to listen eagerly to everything the older students had said throughout the trip.
Ronan's share of the conversation had centered on his reunion with his mother, though he'd hardly wanted to talk about her in the beginning. He'd found, however, that expressing what was on his mind made him feel better about his situation. By no means did he reveal everything he suspected about his mother. His friends, old and new, didn't need to know how Enid might know something about the deaths of both his father and half-brother. That was something Ronan was still trying to figure out for himself, and after a recent discovery, he felt he had something to go on.
Just this morning, well before heading for Kings Cross Station, Ronan had found what looked like a journal in his mother's room. It was filled with newspaper clippings and photographs or familiars and strangers alike. Ronan hadn't had time to peruse it and had instead stuffed it into his trunk to read at his leisure while at Hogwarts. Somehow he thought Enid wouldn't miss it, and if she did, he wasn't worried that she would show up at Hogwarts to see it returned.
The train became slower and slower, and soon Ronan could see the outline of the buildings at Hogsmeade. As soon as it came to a complete halt, everyone jumped up and tried to leave the compartments at once, causing a great traffic jam in the corridor. Ronan grabbed his trunk and Merlin's cage and maneuvered through the crowd, eventually finding himself at a door. He came down onto the platform, Ramona at his heels.
Ronan gestured to an extremely tall, extremely broad man who was calling for all "Firs' years" and said, "That's Hagrid. He'll tell you where to go."
Ramona nodded and went off towards Hagrid, while Ronan went in the opposite direction, lugging his trunk and birdcage towards the horseless carriages that would take him to Hogwarts.
Owlery and then to the Great Hall
Author: Oreileah McCoi
Date: 07-25-07 20:49
It was almost time for the train to arrive, which means everyone else would soon be entering the Great Hall for the Start of Term Feast. Orei had the advantage of getting there early, because she'd only been in Hogsmeade, due to her Parents being away in Japan, and her not being in London to ride the train in.
She'd also managed to escape having a conversation with the unibrowed Headmistress Harriet Snider. Of that she was thankful, she'd had a faint dislike for the woman since she saw her picture in the Daily Prophet.
Orei headed down from the owlry, after sending off a letter to Mom and Dad letting them both know that she'd gotten to school safely and Brett, Aussie and Yuri all say hello...important things like that. She needed to head into the Great Hall, everyone else would be arriving soon, and she wanted to be there to greet her fellow housemates and classmates again when they arrived. Yes, needless to say Orei was looking forward to this year, not because it was her next to last, but because she was back in a place she loved...Hogwarts.
She'd brush by Sage Porter as he headed to Hufflepuff. "Hello Sage..." Brief greeting would be cast, not desiring to hold him up, so he could likewise get into the Great Hall before the start of the feast. This was going to be interesting...she wondered idly what Harriet Snider was like...then again, did she really want to know?
The sixth year Gryffindor slipped into the great hall and settled at the Gryffindor table, waiting now for the flood of students and professors to come.
L'Académie suisse de Magie (Euphemia Smythe-Jones)
Author: Harry Potter
Date: 07-25-07 20:56
Eloise Sylvia Jaccard self-consciously pats a stray hair into place. Behind the facade of Eloise, Euphemia wonders of making Eloise's hair flaming red like one of those infernal Weasleys was the way to go. As lovely as she thinks the hair looks, especially with the streaks of gray, it does seem an overly bold choice. Then again, Eloise is a confidendent woman, starting a new school. Bold isn't such a stretch for her really.
Eloise stands on a dias, waiting for the professors to arrive in the large room that they'd been told would be the grand feasting hall. They trickle in, questions of curiosity written on their faces. Carmella Flume. Bathurst Askew and Urmaleen Closterfob. Nina Whitehorn and Zinnia Marcasite. Bruno Pilliwickle. Phoenix Everard. Lawrence Masterson and Helveticus Moon. Elektra Warbeck. Augusta Spudmore and Theodosia Batuti. Bringing up the rear, with a knowing nod to Eloise is Ryland Yaxley
"Let me officially welcome all of you to L'Académie suisse de Magie. I've spoken with all of you over the past few days but I've not officially welcomed any of you. You have all been working tirelessly getting your classrooms in order. You are all eagerly anticipating the arrival of the students at any moment now."
Eloise pauses, letting her gaze move from smiling face to smiling face.
"Unfortunately, as you many of you have noticed, L'Académie suisse de Magie still has a number of renovations not yet completed. The environment is not one conducive to students. All the students are gathering at another location; one of the other schools of magic has graciously offered to host us. We will join them shortly via portkeys for a grand, welcoming feast. You will all be assigned quarters tonight and classrooms tomorrow for the interim."
Done with her speech, Eloise steps from the dias to go speak quietly, and alone, with Ryland Yaxley about the portkeys.
L'Académie suisse de Magie - Meeting Co-workers and A Few Interesting Twists
Author: Lawrence Masterson
Date: 07-26-07 03:20
Lawrence entered along with thirteen other individuals, into what would be considered the grand feasting hall...Great Hall (from his Hogwarts days). The building itself was going through dozens if not more so, renovations and was no where near ready for the term to start...So why were they bothering opening this term? Why not wait until the renovations were complete and open the following term or even next year?
Lawrence was currently standing next to Nina Whitehorn when Eloise began speaking. "Let me officially welcome all of you to L'Académie suisse de Magie. I've spoken with all of you over the past few days but I've not officially welcomed any of you. You have all been working tirelessly getting your classrooms in order. You are all eagerly anticipating the arrival of the students at any moment now." A brief pause in her little welcoming speech, before she continued. "Unfortunately, as you many of you have noticed, L'Académie suisse de Magie still has a number of renovations not yet completed. The environment is not one conducive to students. All the students are gathering at another location, one of the other schools of magic has graciously offered to host us. We will join them shortly via portkeys for a grand, welcoming feast. You will all be assigned quarters tonight and classrooms tomorrow for the interim."
Lawrence looked at Nina who shrugged her shoulders. "I wonder where we are going to be working in the interim." He whispered, looking over at Eloise who was now talking to Yaxley in what seemed to be a rather important, private discussion. "Where do you think we could be going?" He asked Nina. "There are several other schools that we could be teaching at in the interim, Beaubaxtons, Durmstrang, Hogwarts. Those are just the three most well known schools for magic." Nina answered, looking over the other faculty that would be part of the Swiss Academy of Magic.
Lawrence wondered if they'd be going to Hogwarts, he'd love to be back on grounds again, but then again there were so many memories there was he ready to deal with the lingering ghosts of Vera that wandered the corridors? A thought occurred to him..if they go to Hogwarts, he'd get to see Ariella again...which was always a good thing. However, they would be teaching Académie students so there should be no awkward moments. He'd never been to the other schools, it would be interesting if they were to go to Beaubaxtons or Durmstrang...he knew that is the school where Viktor had gone.
He joined in a quite conversation over possibilities with Nina, Elektra and Phoenix while they waited for Eloise and Yaxley to finish their conversation and the use of the portkeys to begin taking them to wherever their interim location would be.