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Revelations
Author: Johanna Steele
Date: 11-19-12 01:21
Johanna adjusted the prefect badge on her robes. The platform nine and three quarters was filled with old and new students, mothers, fathers and grandparents, as well as young siblings eager for their turn to board the red train to Hogwarts.
Felicia had already gone to find a carriage with Baltus and Johanna was waiting for Gus so they could go together to the prefects' carriage for the scheduled meeting. There was no sign of Mark and Kate and she wondered if they were already inside the Hogwarts Express.
Finally Gus appeared far away and he smiled. Johanna could not help to feel some butterflies in her stomach. His hair was longer than usual and since she hadn't seen him all summer it seemed that he looked somewhat different. Johanna smiled back to him but then she felt like a completely idiot because she realized that Polly Potts was nearby Gus and his smile was meant to her. She watched as they kissed each other and she decided to look away, trying to spot a familiar face to chat with.
"Hey there, Johanna!"
She turned around. Colin Hawke was in front of her wearing muggle clothes and with a trunk and a cage with a brown owl at his feet. She greeted him. He seemed really excited to attend the school and he was looking forward to meet the students of his age. Johanna was half listening to him, her eyes set on Gus and Polly. Jealousy was taking over her and she was happy that Polly hasn't been made prefect or she and Gus would spend the whole journey to Hogwarts together. Colin followed her eyes.
"Well, that is odd…"
"What?"
"That girl…I made out with her."
"I'm sorry?!"
"It's her with no doubt. Her name starts with a 'P'...what is it? Hum...Paula, Penny…"
"Polly."
"Yes, that's it!"
And then Colin started to explain to Johanna that he had went to the Emrys fest with a friend of his named Phillipe, who attended Danal de Magie Académie. They met Polly there who presented herself and started a cheerful conversation. Then ,as Philipe went to the bathroom, she started to kiss him. Once Philippe returned Colin offered to go and fetch some drinks and invited Polly to come as well so they could spend some time alone. But she refused saying she wanted to hear the band that was performing.
"And when I comeback she and Philipe were gone. Later he wrote to me saying she had kissed him as well...I didn't really believe him, he is a bit cocky."
"Are you sure the girl was Polly?" Johanna asked as Gus was passing his arm around Polly's shoulder.
"Yes. I would recognize her anywhere."
Johanna was about to ask him another question but the sound of the train warned everyone it was almost time for its departure. Colin said goodbye to her and entered the train. Johanna moved towards the door as well where she met with Gus and Polly. The Gryffindor girl muttered a goodbye to her boyfriend and as she walked away, Johanna's eyes pierced her back.
As Gus and her directed themselves to the prefects' carriage and he spoke about his holidays, Johanna was trying to think what to do with the information Colin had just given to her.
Nervous Firstie
Author: Valeria Mockridge
Date: 11-19-12 12:44
The morning of September First was a busy one in the Mockridge TownHouse. Both Kirley and Nephele were making plans for after the train's departure, wanting to stay busy as it would be far too quiet with Valeria at Hogwarts. They'd had a nice breakfast, which Cloris had joined them for, and then they had headed up to make sure Valeria had her trunk packed properly.
Merope was ensconsed in her carrier, and not exactly happy about it either, but she had blankets and a few other things in with her to keep her comfortable on the trip. Nephele went back through the booklist, an updated copy of which had arrived just a few days before, making sure that her niece had all her required texts. Kirley placed the books in the trunk as Nephele called them off, and then it was time to go through her clothes. Kirley had disappeared for that part, but that was to be expected. Brand new school robes were placed on top of everything else, and then Nephele levitated the trunk down the stairs as Valeria followed, carrying Merope in her carrier.
It wasn't a long walk to King's Cross Station, and with Kirley and Nephele each carrying part of the trunk, despite it's weightless charm, it didn't take them long to arrive. Each stepped quickly through the barrier, avoiding the Muggles carefully. Once they were through, Nephele knelt down by Valeria's side.
"Now, remember to owl us after the Sorting," she said and her niece nodded.
"I will, Aunt Nephele. Will you be starting your apprenticeship today?"
"I'm meeting with the Potions Master this afternoon. The official start will be tomorrow, I think. So it will be like we're taking classes together. Remember, if you need something, don't be afraid to tell Professor Snape or Professor Quigley. Professor Snape knew your parents, and was Head of Slytherin when your Uncle and I were there. He might seem scary to some of the others, but I know you won't be afraid of him."
"No, I won't be," Valeria promised as she hugged her aunt and then her uncle before taking the handles of her trunk and looking for a compartment on the train. Once she found one, she settled against the window, glancing out to see her aunt and uncle and wondering who might sit with her and if she would really make friends. Maybe Sophie would find her, or some of the other children she'd met over the summer. She hoped anyway. Glancing down, she smoothed out her plaid skirt and adjusted her green sweater before getting her school robe out of her trunk and resuming her seat. It would be better to have it near, in case the compartment did get full.
At the Eleventh Hour
Author: Minerva McGonagall
Date: 11-19-12 17:59
The Board of Governors had made their decision, officially naming Minerva McGonagall as Headmistress of Hogwarts. The announcement had come that morning, first by owl, and then in person by some of the governors themselves. Professor McGonagall felt a mixture of relief and dread at attaining Dumbledore's former post, but in her head, she could hear him tell her that she would serve Hogwarts well.
Now came the important task of finding a new Transfiguration professor. Unfortunately, Professor McGonagall doubted one could be found before tonight's Start-of-Term Feast, when she would give her first speech as Headmistress. She planned on introducing the new Alchemy teacher this evening, and would also mention Professor Flitwick's return. Other staff changes would likely also appear in the speech.
Although it would be ideal to have the new professor in place by this evening, Minerva hoped one could be found in time for the first day of classes on Monday. She had a whole weekend to find somebody suitable, if such a person could be found on such short notice.
And if not, then she would teach until a replacement arrived.
She sat at Dumbledore's desk––it was hard to think of it as her own––and looked over the names for tonight's Sorting Ceremony. Another McGonagall was starting at Hogwarts this year, Malden, Madoc's younger brother. Minerva had a strong feeling that he, like all the rest of them, would wind up in Gryffindor House.
Someone knocked on the door, startling Minerva. Unlike Dumbledore, who always seemed to sense a visitor before he made his presence known, Proefssor McGonagall always felt a jolt of surprise when somebody called on her in the office.
"Come in," she called out, once she'd calmed herself.
The door opened and admitted Minister Shacklebolt. Minerva rose and offered him a seat. "What brings you to Hogwarts, Kingsley?" she asked him. "Do you have news on the investigation?"
"Not as of yet," Kingsley replied, sitting in the chair offered to him. "I actually came to make a proposal."
"Oh?" Minerva asked, sitting back down in Dumbledore's old chair.
"Yes. I understand you are in need of a new teacher. I might have a solution for you…"
The Prefects Compartment
Author: Christopher Chant
Date: 11-19-12 18:26
Seeing fellow Ravenclaw Roger Gesner enter the prefects compartment Christopher leans into Catriona saying low in her ear, "You owe me ten kisses."
"Darn! I just knew it would be Robin Sluefoot."
"And because you kissing me is such an awful prospect."
"Exactly. It's only marginally better when you kiss me."
"I beg to differ. It's horrible when I have to kiss you."
"As my boyfriend you do HAVE to."
"The burden of coupledom."
On Cat's other side Jenny Gabble laughs, "I can hear you so, gag, stop it you two."
Christopher shrugs innocently. "I have no idea what you mean."
Zuberi Batuti, whose presence indicates it's Basil Wynbourne who's been named Head Boy, amusedly snorts, "I think that's Carlotta's way of saying, get a room."
"But we aren't doing anything," Christopher grins.
"Other than being overly cutesy, that's true; but, you are both clearly thinking thoughts that the rest of us do not need to know." Zuberi ends with a chuckle and a wink.
Christopher takes his arm from around Cat and raises both hands, palms up. "I cannot be convicted for my thoughts."
Carlotta laughs. "Weellll, maybe you could be. Aurors are often allowed a lot of leeway from what I understand. They could take your thoughts with one of those, bloody hell, I have forgotten the name."
"Pensieves," a giggling Cat supplies.
"Hey, no helping the haters," Christopher protests. "That's a fine of twenty kisses."
Carlotta looks from Catriona to Christopher then back again. "I'm sorry, Cat. It's my fault you've been fined. How about I pay it off for you?"
Giggling even more now, Cat pretends she's going to stand up as she says, "Sure. Here, change places with me so you won't have to lean across."
Prefects Compartment
Author: Charisma Stone
Date: 11-20-12 00:24
With Prefects badges in place on their school robes Blake and I headed into the prefects compartment. Several of the faces were familiar in the compartment as we'd both played Quidditch with them or against them depending on the time frame we were talking about.
"Morning." I said as we found a seat in the compartment and I yawned lightly. Last night had been a near sleepless one, but it's quite alright I'd sleep after the Start of Term Feast. I had Prefects duties to carry out during the train ride and ultimately I'd probably pass out in my dessert at the feast, but hopefully that wouldn't happen.
Various greetings were tossed in mine and Blake's direction as we waited for the meeting to get underway, which happened shortly after the shiny red engine pulled out of the station and began its journey toward the station in Hogsmeade.
"So do you know if it's been announced who the new Headmaster or Headmistress will be?" Blake asked me, and several people voiced their opinions.
"I'm thinking Professor McGonagall is more than likely to get it, which means that Gryffindor will probably be given a new head of House this year and it also means that we will probably have someone else teaching upper years Transfiguration this year which will be kinda weird."
"Everything about this term is gonna be weird Isma, seriously without Professor Dumbledore it's gonna be super weird."
Conversation went back and forth and the meeting eventually broke and we were allowed to being our duties throughout the train. Blake and I wanted to stop off and see Kida, Whitney, and Eric and by extension Eric's girlfriend Cai Carter.
We stopped and talked for a little bit meeting Cai's brother, step-sister and younger sister who was starting Hogwarts this year as a first year.
Lies
Author: Liam Murray
Date: 11-20-12 07:55
While Andrew had quickly disappeared into a compartment in order to meet with his friends, Liam helped Emily with her luggage as she tried to find a group of first years to hang out with. But so far they didn't have any luck because all the compartments they peeked were filled with older students. Liam could feel that his little sister was starting to despair and she even asked him if she could just sit with Liam and his friends, promising she would stay very quiet and not disturb them.
"No, Emily. You need to get your own friends," he told her.
Moments later he spotted a compartment filled with shy faces and apprehensive smiles. He opened the door and asked the students if they were from the first year. Most of them nodded and one or two looked somewhat scared as if Liam was going to announce they were all in detention. Instead he made Emily enter the compartment and said:
"This is my sister Emily and she is a first year as well," and after wishing her a good school year, he left the compartment.
Liam was glad he was able to give his sister a little push but he knew that now she should do the rest. He was sure once the initial shyness was gone everything would be all right.
Finally he was able to find the compartment where his friends were. He noticed right away that by Orville's face something was wrong. He seemed really upset as he looked to the landscape outside. Liam greeted Cody and Jake and then after get himself installed he asked what was going on. Cody looked down and since Orville didn't say a word Jake spoke in his name:
"Orville's parents are getting divorced."
"I'm sorry, Orville," Liam said.
"It's all right. My father was barely at home anyway. He had a lover you see? Some witch he had met at Diagon Alley, it seems. My family is better off without him."
Then Jake started to complain about that woman, whoever she was, and giving suggestions of jinxes that Orville could use on her if he ever came to meet her. Orville seemed somewhat better with Jake's speech and the idea of getting a revenge on this woman who his father had an affair with was making him smile.
"Liam? A word outside?" Cody asked in a low voice.
Liam followed him and he was relieved to notice that none of their friends didn't seem to notice or care about their absence. Cody and Liam closed the compartment door and they only speak when they were sure their Orville and Jake could listen to them.
"If Jake knew Orville's dad is having an affair with his mother…"
"You don't know that for sure, Cody. It can be someone else."
"Still we saw them kissing at the Emrys fest. We should have told them."
"No! Because, this is none of our business. We have to keep our mouths shut."
"My parents told me the same thing but I think that…"
"Wait! You told your parents? Cody! This is a secret. No one can know about this."
"Know about what?"
Eilonwy Barret, their Gryffindor colleague, was standing right beside them, with inquiring eyes. Behind her was her friend Audrey Appleseed who also had a curious expression in her face. Neither Liam or Cody replied but Eilonwy insisted. Finally it was Cody who said:
"Liam has a huge crush for Audrey. "
"No I don't!"
Eilonwy and Audrey giggled and that made Liam blush because they had believed in Cody. Both the girls walked away exchanging amused words with each other and Liam looked at his friends as if he was about to kill him.
"I'm sorry, but that was the only thing I could think of that wouldn't make them asks more questions."
With a sigh Liam returned to his compartment with Cody. Now the only thing able to cheer him up would be some chocolate frogs. He wondered when the lady of the trolley would arrive.
Shiny Red Engine
Author: Araxie Loren
Date: 11-21-12 00:04
The morning had started early, and already I was anxious for the train ride to be over so I'd actually be at Hogwarts already. We'd had an awesome breakfast and even Nichole had come with us to the station and it was fun going through the column without being noticed by the Muggles. Either way, it was quite fun, and we'd gotten me loaded on the train somewhat quickly, before I'd given one final round of good byes to everyone with promises to write and ship home sketchbooks as I'd finished them.
I was on my way to being a first year student at Hogwarts. It didn't get any more official than this. I'd been one of the first to claim the compartment I was in, and soon a few other first years wandered in when they realized that I was a first year as well.
I'd for the most part curled up near the window and started sketching almost immediately. I'd sketched the engine from Platform 9 3/4 and I'd sketched some of the people on the platform and then I'd done some of the landscapes that had sped by as the train had pulled away from the urban into the suburban and ultimately into the rural stretch between London and the Hogsmeade Station where our journey would end.
Emily, the girl from Diagon Alley had entered the compartment before the train had pulled out of the station, and I would have to make note to tell Nichole in my letters to her all the new boys to add to our snog list. Oh, and brag that I was going to the same school as Wiggersmythe Hodfuffer...and learn flying lessons from the one and only Viktor Krum.
Emily and I talked and I still unconsciously sketched, and it made me wonder just how many of my parchments will have random doodles on them while I'm taking notes in class. Or how many of my assignments I will have to rewrite because I've gotten distracted and doodled.
Once the sweet trolley came round, we all got something and a couple of us got down to the business of trading cards from the chocolate frogs, I'd lost one because I wasn't paying attention when I'd opened it.
Soon enough the Prefects were coming through to let us know we were getting close and it was time to put on school robes. Which means it was getting closer and closer to the sorting ceremony and the fantastic feast that is prepared.
Quick Carriage Ride
Author: Adina Blackwood
Date: 11-21-12 00:15
I opted to take the carriage into the Castle, mainly because mum couldn't get last night off so we could go into London. She was working as a phone operator over night at a Muggle Hospital and she loved it. Either way, she'd gotten home and helped me finish packing before the carriage came round to collect the children living in the village for Hogwarts. I'd be keeping an eye out for Arthur when he entered the Great Hall.
Greece, thankfully was uneventful, but I'd had a lot of fun catching up with friends and spending time with my dad. My mum had started dating someone and was quite happy and that is what mattered. My aunt was seeing someone as well but not as serious as my mum. Either way, everyone was finally dating someone. I'd met both men and given them my approval.
I'd finished packing only about twenty minutes before I'd left the house, due to the fact that I'd not been able to find where I'd stuck my potions book and a few other things that I'd been looking at.
We'd gotten my things loaded into the carriage when it stopped for me, and I gave mom a hug and a kiss good bye, waved to Kramer, her new beau and climbed into the carriage and was off toward the castle. I honestly hadn't eaten anything today in preparation for the feast that was prepared today, and despite that I had that nervous first day of school feeling in my gut, but this was twisted and different because this was the first day of school without Professor Dumbledore.
I'd missed the funeral thanks to being in Greece with Dad, but hopefully there would be some type of memorial for those who couldn't make the funeral.