|
|
Before Leaving King's Cross
Author: Georgia Copperpot
Date: 08-27-18 19:35
Libby sets Loch's carrier down. "I think this one."
More than ready to sit even though the train doesn't leave King's Cross for a bit Edwina readily concurs, immediately plopping down. Archie Trainer gives his daughter the stink eye. "Why, yes Dad, I'd love to help stow my trunk."
Normally sweet, helpful Edwina sighs and heaves herself up. Bob Copperpot looks pointed at Libby who by now is also sprawled. She makes a face and gets up, moving Loch and his carrier out of the way as the two trunks and a few other items are shoved into place for the trip to Hogsmeade. The two girls bid their fathers goodbye, Edwina remembering to thank hers for his help, then resume their attempts at their best boneless humans impressions.
Julia Vernon, one of their friends and also one of Libby's roommates, comes banging in, forcing them once again shift so that belongings can be secured for when the Hogwarts Express begins its trek from London to Hogsmeade. "Well? How was it? Romantic I dare say."
Making enough room for Julia to sit but retain enough so that she can still be in a comfortable nap position Edwina tells her, "I'm positively shattered."
"So glad tomorrow is Sunday. Couldn't handle if we had classes first thing."
Edwina yawns, "We were up until practically dawn."
"The reception was that fun?" Julia wistfully asks. "I spent last night listening to my gran talk about her fourth year."
Libby asks, "Something great happen that year for her?"
"No, that's the thing. It was probably the dullest year that anyone ever had at Hogwarts."
"Poor you. There was music and dancing. Lots and lots of dancing," Edwina drowsily murmurs.
"Did you get your red robes? Or did you wear a regular dress?" Julia asks of Libby.
"I thought I would have to use the spell I was working on to change the color of the blue with yellow accents robes I was fitted for but they were having me on. I got my red. Lovely crimson robes. I can wear them to anything dressy we might have this term. I'll show when we unpack our trunks."
Last night, Friday, the cheeky monkey and the sex god got married at long last. They'd put off the wedding because the chaos surrounding the poisoning of Sage's father and his stepmother's taking her own life as well. Then they'd postponed while trying to find someplace they thought suited and there was a debate about whether the wedding and reception should be wizarding or Muggle given that the Libby's mother's side of the family is Muggle. Connie's parents, sister, and two brothers know, of course, that Connie and her daughters are witches and her husband a wizard but her siblings' spouses and their children only have a vague idea of why the Copperpots live a bit differently.
Julia has a long list of questions. "What did Georgia's dress look like? If robin's egg blue and creamy yellow weren't the colors what where? How did you wear your hair? Did you have a bouquet, Libby? What food was there? What band played?" but she soon realizes that both Libby and Edwina are snoozing and the train hasn't even left King's Cross yet!
Neither so much as flinches or twitches when Bertie Nutcombe comes in, stashes his trunk, and moves Libby's feet from the seat so he can sit down with a, "Hello, Julia! Good summer?"
(Arielle) Head Girl
Author: Jolyon
Date: 08-28-18 18:40
Arielle sat in a compartment on the Hogwarts Express with Malden, Asher, and a few other members of their band. The journey from King's Cross Station had started well-enough; Arielle and Titus had had a successful meeting with the prefects, old and new. They'd gone over much of what they'd discussed in letters over the summer and had managed to sound confident, thanks to their thorough pre-planning. Titus certainly seemed like a natural leader.
After the meeting, some of the prefects started a patrol shift, while others either stayed where they were or moved on to find friends or family in other compartments. Arielle and Malden, who was the new seventh year prefect now that Titus was head boy, joined the compartment in which they now sat.
It was oddly quiet. Arielle had noticed that the serious conversation underway by Asher and the other bandmates had ceased the moment the other two entered the compartment. She doubted they wanted to hide their talk from Malden, but she had no idea that the reason for their silence wasn't because she wasn't a part of the band but for something quite nefarious.
She had broached the subject of the band when alone one day with Malden during the summer.
"I could sing duets with you," Arielle suggested, "or I could be a back-up dancer."
"As much as I would like both, I think it's better if we each have something that isn't shared with the other," Malden replied.
"In case we break-up, you mean?" Arielle was teasing, but she thought she understood what Malden was trying to say. She didn't have something that was hers and not also Malden's, so perhaps she needed to find something with which to occupy her time when he was doing his thing with the band.
"You have to admit, though," Arielle started and grinned, "the number of people associated with your band is kind of ridiculously large, so what's one more?"
Malden laughed and that was the end of the discussion.
Arielle looked over at him now where he sat next to her on the bench and then over at her brother and the others sitting quietly in the compartment. What an odd bunch. She was rather looking forward to reaching Hogwarts. Fortunately, the train was more than halfway there.
Cursed (Miranda)
Author: Majandra
Date: 08-29-18 10:01
Miranda supposes that if she'd asked she could have gone to Hogwarts with her mum whenever Mum was going today. If she'd asked, she could have waited around Hogsmeade with Schuyler. Not Artie. Artie wanted to ride the train for his first day as a Hogwarts student. Wanting to do her arrival at Hogwarts just right, perfect in fact, Miranda also decided upon riding the train.
While Artie and she are snacking on a few things from the cart a girl taps on the compartment. "Mind if I join you for a bit? I'm going around trying to meet others."
Before either can answer two boys come laughing and tumbling in after her. "You're all firsties? We're trying to find out who knows anything about the sorting," one of them says.
The other says, "We've heard we have to stick a hand into a gargoyle's mouth then its teeth bite down on you."
The girl shakes her head. "No, they simply count us off."
Artie starts to correct them about the gargoyle and the counting off but Miranda, with a massive eye roll, beats him to it. "It's a hat. A talking hat."
The three newcomers goggle at how confident she is with her information.
"Talking hat?" one of the boys parrots.
"Yes, a talking hat. You get called up to sit on a stool and the hat is put on your head where it decides which house to put you in. When it knows it loudly says it to all."
The girl gives Miranda an are-you-mad expression. "Truly?"
One of the boys looks doubtful. "I've heard five other ways and the gargoyle one seems to be the one others agree with."
"I've seen it," Miranda states.
"Seen it? How?" the same boy snorts.
"I've been to a number of Sortings."
"But you're a first year like us."
Rather than explain that she's dined at Hogwarts too many times to count by now and has attended any number of feasts over the years because her mother is a professor Miranda, straight faced, confides, "I've been cursed. I will stay looking this age and have to repeat first year until the witch who cast the curse either decides to lift it or until she dies. I've been Sorted soooooooo many times now I've lost count."
There is a collective intake of breath. When they breathe again the other boy wants to know, "Can't someone lift the curse?"
Miranda shakes her head, giving a mournful sigh. "Sadly, there has been no success in all the attempts made."
The girl queries, "Can't you just not go? Stay home instead of doing all this again?"
"Part of the curse. I can't fight the urge to come get on the train no matter how I fight it."
His friend derisively exclaims, "She's having us on!"
"Am I?" Miranda asks. "When we arrive to Hogsmeade a very large, very hairy man called Hagrid will gather the first years about him. He'll lead us to rowboats that will take us across the lake to the castle. Inside, we'll likely be met by Assistant Headmaster Filius Flitwick." Miranda gives more details about the Great Hall, the Sorting Hat, where the sets of tables for each of the four houses are in relation to the other, and other details as they come to mind.
When she's finished she stands. "After we get there and you see how right or wrong I am, you can decide if I'm having you on or not. I'm going to go find the trolley and get something else from the cart."
She sweeps out of the compartment, Artie right behind her. He had been silent though Miranda doesn't know if he was fighting back laughing at it all or trying to keep himself from calling her out for her fibs in front of potential new friends. When he does speak as they seek out the lady with the goodies filled trolley there is laughter in his voice. "Aunt Maj and Uncle George are right. You so are being Sorted into Slytherin!"
The Sorting Ceremony: Part One
Author: Minerva McGonagall
Date: 08-30-18 18:51
After meeting with the first year students and giving them a brief introduction to Hogwarts, Professor Flitwick led the way into the Great Hall. He marched them down the center aisle, had them stop before the raised dais, and then proceeded over to the three-legged stool and the Sorting Hat. He produced his wand and summoned a scroll from his place at the High Table.
Meanwhile, the Sorting Hat began to sing. It sang about Hogwarts, the four houses, and how important it was to be kind to one another despite any differences. When the Sorting Hat fell silent, Professor Flitwick cleared his throat.
"Please step forward when I call your name. Have a seat on the stool and put the Sorting Hat onto your head. Brecknock, Joe!"
A young boy kin to the Hodfuffers came forward, cautiously picked up the hat, sat down, and pulled the hat onto his head. After a moment of deliberation, the Sorting Hat shouted, "HUFFLEPUFF!"
Joe replaced the hat onto the stool before joining his new housemates.
"Campbell, Chloe!"
The Sorting Hat murmured into her ear for a moment and then declared, "RAVENCLAW!"
"Casey, Tyler!" was sorted into Gryffindor House.
"DeMarco, Clarence!"
The Sorting Hat wasted no time. Another DeMarco. Better be… "HUFFLEPUFF!"
"Ellis, Franklin!"
The Sorting Hat knew where to put the boy the moment he touched it, but still it mused, Wise and sharp. You belong in… "RAVENCLAW!"
"Gumble, Dolly!" was sorted into Hufflepuff House.
"Hanham-Price, Tristan!"
Tristan was pleading for dear life to join Gryffindor with his best friend Tyler. The Sorting Hat could hear his internal wish and said, So you want to be in Gryffindor, eh? Just like your parents. Very well. "GRYFFINDOR!"
Tristan was so excited he almost left the dais with the hat still on his head.
"Hodfuffer, Amethyst!"
The Sorting Hat mused for the longest over the daughter of a former Hogwarts librarian and then shouted, "SLYTHERIN!"
Big cheers sounded from the Slytherin table.
"Hyland, Douglas!"
Another Hyland. You belong in… "RAVENCLAW!"
"Lancaster, Alexander!"
Alex put the Sorting Hat on his head. It whispered its thoughts into his ears and then exclaimed, "HUFFLEPUFF!"
"Langford, Becky!" was also sorted into Hufflepuff House, while "Lovejoy, Lubert!" went to Ravenclaw.
Professor Flitwick adjusted the scroll before getting to the second half of the list of first year students.
Before The Sorting
Author: Saffron
Date: 08-30-18 20:15
On the carriage ride from Hogsmeade Station to the castle Lilith had remarked to Savannah, "I hadn't thought I'd miss them as much as I do."
The them to whom she is referring are Callie, Marion, Katheryn, and Hope.
Savannah had given her a sad smile. "I know. This year just won't be the same without them."
In another carriage Bran had said to Kurt, "Tomorrow soon as we're up we've got to get in some pitch time."
Kurt chuckled. "Right. You're getting up first thing on a Sunday morning."
"Didn't say first thing now did I?"
Estella had rolled her eyes at the both of them but said nothing.
Inside the Great Hall Ingrid sidled up behind Rex. "I've looked and looked and never saw Wallace. I was going to say hello."
"I only saw him once after we boarded the train. He was going to look for Douglas."
"I'll be sure to say hello in the morning, unless he's Sorted Ravenclaw and then I'll be sure to speak before everyone turns in tonight."
Jaclyn had walked up in time to hear Ingrid. As she doubts Ingrid is talking about saying hello to her own brother Douglas she takes it Ingrid means Jaclyn's brother Wallace. "I'll be surprised if Wallace does join you and me in Ravenclaw, Ingrid."
Rex doesn't tell his cousin that he'd be willing to put galleons on Wallace going into Slytherin. Wallace is every bit as smart as Jaclyn, maybe smarter, but he's also got a drive and a cunning she doesn't have. What he does say is, "I don't peg Wallace for a Hufflepuff like me."
Estella, Bran, and Kurt walked right past them to the Ravenclaw table, Estella grumbling, "I swear the next person who asks me am I sure Douglas is my brother is getting hexed."
Bran made a face. "I've been asked that too. Both who asked know Hope is Asian so you'd think they wouldn't be so shocked that Douglas and I don't favor one another."
As everyone found places as their respective tables Adiran looked over the still empty platters and bowls sighing to the friends he's with, "I hope the Sorting and any speeches go fast. I'm famished."
One of those friends nudged him. "Here comes Flitwick with the first years so at least we don't have to wait long for the Sorting to start."
The Great Hall grew quiet as everyone turned to watch the new students, wondering into which house each first year will be Sorted.
The Sorting Ceremony: Part Two
Author: Minerva McGonagall
Date: 08-31-18 07:26
Professor Flitwick looked at the next name on his list and called out, "Lynam, Ruth!", who was sorted into Ravenclaw House.
"McCallister, Cecily!" was next.
A pretty young girl stepped forward and put the Sorting Hat onto her head. After a moment's deliberation, the hat announced, "GRYFFINDOR!"
"McCourt, Elmer!"
The latest McCourt sibling to arrive at Hogwarts came forward and sat down on the stool. Interesting… mused the hat. Very interesting, indeed… You are stronger than you think! You belong in… "GRYFFINDOR!"
Surprised, but pleased, Elmer joined Cecily at the Gryffindor table.
"McReady, Allison!" was sorted into Slytherin House.
"Nintwinty-Flister, Alectrona!"
The daughter of popular Hogwarts Career Day presenters put the Sorting Hat on her head. "RAVENCLAW!" it shouted.
"Peakes, David!" was sorted into Slytherin House, and "Reade, Emmie!" went to Hufflepuff.
"Rex, Wallace!"
Yes… intelligent, hard-working, but also cleverly ambitious. Better be… "SLYTHERIN!"
"Stratford, Sophia!"
The younger sister of Noah and cousin to Charlotte climbed onto the stool and put the Sorting Hat onto her head. Another Stratford, whispered the hat. I know just what to do with you! "SLYTHERIN!"
Pleased, Sophie joined her cousin at the Slytherin table.
"Weasley, Arthur!"
Schuyler Weasley's brother was not surprisingly also sorted into Gryffindor House.
"Weasley, Miranda!"
The adopted daughter of Potions professor Majandra Weasley put the Sorting Hat on. The hat deliberated for a long time on where to place her before shouting, "GRYFFINDOR!"
Professor Flitwick called out the last name on his list, "Youngblood, Cecilia!", and she was sorted into Slytherin House.
After Cecilia took her seat next to Sophia, Professor Flitwick banished the scroll and took his place next to Professor McGonagall at the High Table. Professor McGonagall, meanwhile, stood up to give the Start of Term Speech.
Speech
Author: Minerva McGonagall
Date: 08-31-18 16:19
Professor McGonagall stood up after Professor Flitwick used a fork and his water goblet to silence the room. She glanced out at the students, who were dressed sharply in their school robes and seated orderly at their respective house tables. The first years, some of whom had looked quite afraid before and during the Sorting Ceremony, looked much more at ease now. Professor McGonagall was so very relieved that all of the students had made it to Hogwarts safely, given the recent circumstances in the wizarding world.
She cleared her throat and said, "Good evening. For returning students, welcome back to Hogwarts. For first years, I welcome you to our school. I hope you will enjoy your time here. The next seven years will consist of hard work, but you will also make friends, gain mentors, and have new experiences.
"Let me introduce you to your heads and deputy heads of Houses. Gryffindor is lead by Professors Black and Weatherby."
Sirius and Kissy stood when Minerva turned to look at them both.
"For Hufflepuff, we have Professors Miller and Hodfuffer."
Aaron and AJ stood so that their new charges could know what they looked like.
"Ravenclaw's head and deputy head are Professors Flitwick and Kent."
The first years had already met Filius, of course, but he stood along with Jolyon.
"Lastly, we have Professors Snape and Quigley for Slytherin."
After Severus and Celeste returned to their seats, Minerva added, "Know that you can also always come to me with questions or concerns. Now for a few rules: The Forbidden Forest remains off limits to all students. Also, school security is of utmost importance. Please report any suspicious activity or unknown persons to me or your heads of houses at once."
She couldn't help but glance over at the Slytherin table where her great nephew sat. Malden was twisting his own goblet around and around on the surface of the table, looking bored and eager for the feast to actually begin.
Professor McGonagall looked away from and said, "For those interested, Quidditch Trials are scheduled for Saturday, September 15th. Now, without further adieu, let the feast begin!"
With that, the empty platters up and down each of the four house tables and also the staff table were suddenly filled to the brim with decadent and aromatic dishes. Professor McGonagall sat down and helped herself to a delicious meal.
(Magnus & Cecily) Confusion
Author: Sophie McCourt
Date: 09-01-18 03:58
"Well that's too bad. She's the enemy now," Ned said, as he was soaking his plate with gravy. His peas and carrots were literally swimming on it.
He was referring to first year Cecily McCallister. Magnus glanced at the Gryffindor table, trying to spot the girl. He finally located her among other first years. He returned his attention back to his own plate. He picked a piece of roasted potato with his fork and inserted it in his mouth. He couldn't help closing his eyes with delight. He had missed Hogwarts food while he had been away. None of his parents were very good at cooking.
He and Ned had met Cecily aboard the Hogwarts Express. Magnus' trunk had unlocked itself while he was transporting it on the corridor. Most of his belongings had been scattered around the train, including his underwear. Some people passed and teased him, while others just went on their way. Magnus really thought he had locked his trunk correctly. He shoved his things into the trunk as fast as he could, not minding the order, just eager to hide his Bart Simpson's shorts from curious eyes. He had spent the last two days organizing his trunk, guarding everything in a careful and neat way. His mother had even ironed the robes, and his scarf and winter gloves. Now everything was a mess because somehow ink got mixed with his clothes, as well as his quills. His pajamas became filled with feathers. Ned kept looking at the trunk's opening and he stated that Magnus had been victim of a hex. Magnus told him not to make things up and to help him with his scattering belongings instead. But who ended up helping out was Cecily.
Magnus noticed the pretty girl gathering some of his school books, one lost glove and his toothbrush. His first instinct was to proudly refuse the help of a stranger, but he noticed that she had no teasing expression in her face. She kept putting the things she gathered on his trunk, in silence. When there were no more things left to collect Ned helped Magnus closing the trunk by sitting on it. Magnus thanked Cecily and he asked her what year she was in. He had no recollection of seeing her at the school before. She said she was a first year.
"I'm Magnus McCourt. Welcome to Hogwarts," he said presenting himself, offering his hand to her.
Cecily hesitated but she shook his hand back.
"Cecily McCallister."
"I hope you end up in Slytherin!" he told her, as he walked away with Ned, on their way to find a compartment. Cecily just smiled and returned to her own compartment.
She did not become a Slytherin but a Gryffindor. Magnus was somewhat disappointed by the Sorting Hat's decision. Not that there was anything wrong on Cecily being a Gryffindor, it was just that Slytherin and Gryffindor tended to be rival houses and he would rather have her on his house. Ned, for example, was already seeing her as the enemy.
Meanwhile, at the Gryffindor table Cecily was trying to get to know her new housemates. However, the task was revealing itself quite difficult because her attention was divided between the boy seated next to her named Elmer McCourt and the older boy she had met aboard the Hogwarts Express, Magnus.
She started recalling the events of the morning, as she ate.
The platform 9 and 3/a had been crowded with students and family when she arrived. Wren had taken Cecily to London for her journey to Hogwarts. He carried a trolley with her trunk, and she followed close to him, not ready to enter the red train just yet. She watched as friends reunited after a long summer, parents exchanged recommendations to their children, and prefects tried to keep the order. Cecily recognized one of the prefects. She looked very different on her school robes with the Hufflepuff crest. However, her smile was kind, just like when Master Pole had shown his bride the stables and made the McCallister family to present themselves, so she could know they were there to help. Wren noticed Sophie McCourt's presence as well and he had called her.
"Miss McCourt?"
She moved in his direction and smiled at him.
"Mr. McCallister," she greeted back. She then turned to Cecily. "Hello Cecily! Ready for your first year at Hogwarts?"
Both siblings were surprised she knew Cecily's name. Jasper never bothered to memorize it.
"Please call me Wren. And actually…I could use your help. My sister is shy, and she doesn't want to enter the train."
"I understand it can be intimidating. But don't worry, Cecily: soon you will make a lot of friends. You'll see!"
Sophie kept smiling and Cecily suddenly felt better. She offered to take Cecily into the Hogwarts Express and install her. Wren thanked her. Sophie gave them a moment, so they could say goodbye. Wren told Cecily everything would be all right and asked her to write him as soon as she could. He promised to keep sending her letters and visit her every chance he got. They hugged each other and moments later Cecily was inside the train with Sophie, who helped her with the trunk. She started checking compartment after compartment, finally finding one filled with first years. Sophie promised to check on her and the rest of them later.
"My brother might join you as well. I don't know where he is but if I see him I'll tell him to come here."
Cecily nodded and when Sophie left the first years started to present themselves. Then they had all gone to the window to have a final glance at their loved ones. Cecily wave vigorously at Wren. She only sat back when he became nothing but a little dot on the far away platform. After a moment or two everyone heard the bang. It had been the sound of Magnus' trunk on the floor, his things spread all over the corridor. That was when Cecily stepped in to help.
He had presented himself and Cecily thought he was Sophie's brother, despite having dark hair. He had displayed the same sympathy as Sophie when he welcomed her to the school, and the different hair color could not mean anything. But now there was another McCourt and he was seated right next to her. This one was blonde, but had a delicate constitution. She wanted to ask him if he too was Sophie's brother, but she just couldn't find a way to do so without sounding too nosy. She listened everyone talking, her eyes jumping from the Slytherin to the Hufflepuff and back to the Gryffindor table trying to understand what was going. Perhaps she misunderstood Sophie and she actually had two brothers.
Distractions
Author: Gerry
Date: 09-01-18 06:37
Gerry cut a piece of meat off a glistening turkey and then reached over to a nearby basket for a roll. He debated what to heap onto his plate next and went with candied carrots. After adding roasted potatoes, corn on the cob, and gravy, Gerry finally turned to his neighbor and asked, "Are you going to do that all night?"
"What?" Will asked.
Gerry indicated to Will's near-empty plate––empty not because he'd already eaten but because he'd not yet gotten started––pointed to the Hufflepuff table and said, "You're making google-eyes at Tessa."
"Am not!" Will protested.
"Are too, and it's making me lose my appetite," Gerry lied. "Can you give it a rest? We've got important business to discuss, anyway."
On the train ride home from school at the end of last term, Will had finally worked up the courage to talk to Tessa. They'd gotten on well and had written to each other over the summer but had not seen each other till earlier today. Just like on the ride home last year, the two sets of best friends––Gerry and Will, and Tessa and Blakeney––had shared a compartment on the Hogwarts Express.
Whereas that first train ride together had involved testing the waters to see if Will and Tessa were even compatible, this ride had been positively insufferable for Gerry. Blakeney, on the other hand, had seemed to enjoy the progression in the relationship between Tessa and Will. The two had openly flirted! Tessa had even teased Will about being a prefect, which meant she could boss him around and discipline him. Will seemed to like that very much. The whole scene had made Gerry want to barf, but not enough for him to truly lose his appetite. It was a Hogwarts feast, after all.
"Did you get your hands on a quod?"
Gerry scowled, "No, but I'm still working on it. Might have to see if we can get one during a Hogsmeade trip. You think Krum's sells them?"
"Maybe, but will they sell one to you?"
"Why wouldn't they?"
Will shrugged. "Dunno. Maybe there are restrictions, since they explode and all." His eyes traveled back to the Hufflepuff table.
Gerry's scowl deepened. He realized he wasn't going to get anywhere with Will tonight, so he might as well just eat and worry about planning pranks later.
At the Feast
Author: Sophie McCourt
Date: 09-01-18 10:37
Elmer was caught by surprise for being sorted into Gryffindor. Everyone knew it was the house of the brave, the bold and the courageous. He didn't think he got those traits in him. Not when he was very much aware of his poor health, that tended to limit his life. Gryffindors were known for crossing all sorts of limits. They were the firsts to act, often not thinking of the consequences. Elmer didn't think he was strong enough to be a Gryffindor. And yet those had been the words the Sorting Hat had whispered him.
The day had been long and filled with excitement. Even if he hadn't done any sort of physical activity he was already feeling tired. His stomach too was starting to resent all the sweets consumed at the Hogwarts Express and the heavy but delicious feast food. But he did not want anyone to think he was being weak, and so he added an extra portion of mutton stew to his golden plate.
His new colleagues and roommates seemed pretty cool. There was Tristan and his best friend Tyler. They were really happy to have been sorted into the same house and Elmer began to nickname them the T-friends. Tristan was telling everyone about his parents who had also belonged to Gryffindor. After some more talk Elmer realized it had been Griffin's mom who took the photographs on Sophie's engagement party. Then there was a girl named Miranda Weasley, who seemed very at ease with everything and everyone. Unlike any other first year she did not look once at the enchanted ceiling with admiration, nor she seemed surprised about the Sorting Hat. It was almost as if she had been used to see it often. As they were on the boats reaching the castle Becky Langford who had been sorted into Hufflepuff had pointed out at Miranda and warned Elmer she was cursed. Could it be true? There was another Weasley occupying the table. His name was Artie and Elmer wondered how was he related to Miranda. Then seated next to him was a girl named Cecily. Elmer could feel her eyes on him from time to time and it was turning out to be very annoying for she kept watching without saying a word. He wondered if she realized he was not feeling so well. He wished he had gone to the loo right before the feast so he could check his looks on a mirror. He hoped he wasn't looking that bad.
He decided to offer Cecily a mute smile and then he turned his back to her, paying attention to what the T-friends and Artie were saying, and jumping into the conversation.
At the Ravenclaw table Eileen added another sausage to her plate. Bernice and Cheyenne laughed because it was the fifth sausage she was having.
"I didn't eat any sweets on the train. I was saving my stomach for these. I just love them!"
The girls laughed.
"Are you upset your brother became a Gryffindor?" Bernice asked.
"No. Just surprised," Eileen lied.
She was indeed upset and she was aware Bernice and Cheyenne had caught her disappointing expression when the Sorting Hat had cried "Gryffindor". Eileen had convinced herself that Elmer would be sorted into Ravenclaw. She figured there was a good chance of that happening since two out of four of the siblings had been sorted there. During the train ride Elmer had tried to avoid all his sisters, wishing to keep his independence. Eileen knew he probably abused on the sweets just as he was doing now on the food. She saw him putting some more food in his plate. He didn't look well, and she guessed he was already tired after such long and exciting day. Their father had made them promise to look after Elmer. Being the closest to his brother, Eileen felt particularly responsible for such task. However, how could she keep an eye on him if he was on his own at Gryffindor? It wasn't fair.
There was also another sister who was not satisfied with Elmer's destiny. Belinda just couldn't believe what happened! As a Slytherin she felt embarrassed to have a sibling in Gryffindor. She had no idea how others, like for example Asher Kent, could endure such thing. She looked around the table and reached her arms towards the French fries. She added some to her plate. Then she looked at Magnus a few seats away. He was closing his eyes, savoring his food. He did not seem upset at all for what had happened earlier at the Hogwarts Express. Belinda had hexed his trunk so it would open and spread all his belongings on the floor. A harmless prank that could be mistaken by an accident. She thought Magnus would feel really humiliated, especially because Belinda noticed most of his underwear had some odd cartoons in the shape of yellow human like creatures in it. How embarrassing! But Magnus did not seem to get upset by what happened. She needed to think of something else she could do to him. Something more painful like what she did during the Easter Egg hunt last year. That time she had acted by impulse. This time she would cautiously plan every detail.
Unlike her sisters, Patricia was not upset with Elmer's new house. She was quite happy for him for she was sure he was glad he would not have any of his sisters all over him. He would have his own privacy at the Gryffindor common room. Elmer could be very dependent and if he was on his own maybe he would develop more skills, as he was used having people doing everything for him.
"I saw your brother talking to my brother earlier," Ingrid told Patricia.
"Cool! It would be nice if they became friends. What's your brother's name?" Patricia asked Ingrid.
"Douglas. Yours is Elmo right?"
"Elmer," she corrected. They both laughed.
Then Patricia took another sip of her pumpkin juice. As she did so, she felt someone watching her. She glanced at the Slytherin table. Titus Nott had his eyes on her. Patricia endured the look until he looked away. She had no idea he had been chosen as Head Boy. It had been a surprise to see him alongside Arielle Kent organizing the prefects patrolling shifts. She continued her meal and her conversation with Ingrid undisturbed by the Head Boy's glances.
Sophie was also happy for Elmer. He seemed very pleased with his house and that was enough for her. She also knew his new Gryffindor colleagues would always be there for him. She felt that if he had become a Slytherin for example, he might not get the same support. Cecily McCallister had also became a Gryffindor. Sophie hoped Wren's sister would adapt well to the school. She decided to keep an eye on her just in case.
"Let me see it again!" Estine Mignon asked.
Sophie put down her knife and fork and showed Estine her engagement ring. It was perhaps the hundredth time she had asked to see it. Estine picked Sophie's hand and showed it to Emily Murray and Devon Abbott.
"It's beautiful isn't it? Goblin made!"
"How did he made his proposal?" Emily asked.
"It was very romantic! I saw it all happen, at Platform 9 and 3/4, last year. He looked so dashing and she was trembling with the emotion. He put down on his knee and everything." Estine told Devon and Emily.
Sophie found herself blushing. It had indeed been such a wonderful day. She looked at the ring, a happy smile filling her face. Her eyes glinted. She felt the luckiest person in the world.
Remembrances Of Times Past (Alex)
Author: Plum
Date: 09-01-18 19:15
Hufflepuff. Alex isn't in the least surprised. It's the house he was expecting. He thinks he might have been a good candidate for Ravenclaw but it was Gryffindor the Sorting Hat mentioned as a possibility.
Sitting next to him first year Emmie Reade keeps staring up at the enchanted ceiling. "Is it a painting do you think?" she asks when turning to pass Alex a platter of rosemary baked chicken that he'd requested.
"It's magic. The ceiling looks like whatever the sky is outside."
"So it will be different in the morning?"
"Yeah."
"You don't like it?"
"No, I do. Why would you think I don't?"
"You haven't stared at it much, don't seem curious about it."
"I think it's bloody cool. It's just that I've seen it before."
"Yeah?"
"My sister is the Language Club sponsor and she often does Career Day. I've been with her a few times."
Alex doesn't tell Emmie he once lived at Hogwarts mention that whenever he has been at Hogwarts he gets flashes of different parts of the castle as if he's having a memory. He's experienced this several times since arriving this evening. He has never understood why he has them. He was a born when his father worked here and was still small when his mother died here. He's never mentioned these memories, remembrances or whatever they are to anyone, not even to Plum. He doesn't know why other than he's certain he'd be told there's no possible way he has memories of living at Hogwarts, that these flashes of memory are from other times he's been to Hogwarts.
Realizing Emmie has said something Alex apologizes, "Sorry, I was looking at what else I might want to eat. What did you say?"
"Pass the milk, please."
"Yeah, sorry." Alex passes the pitcher to Emmie on his left just as Dolly Gumble on his right requests, "Alex, if you can reach those tarts, ham I think they are, pass them over, please."
Stretching for the platter Alex ends up taking one off and handing it to her. "Sorry for getting my hand on it, Dolly."
Dolly and Alex have been friends for years, often at each other's houses. She laughs at his apology. "Not the first time you've touched my food. At least you didn't take a bite out of it this time."
He grins at her in return then deciding the ham and cheese tart looks good, he pretends to reach for it as if going to take a bite before stretching to get one of his own, hesitating as he has a flash of another time in the Great Hall, an adult offering him a small bite of ham from a ham and cheese tart. Blinking rapidly several times he grabs one of the tarts, sure it will taste as good as what he's just remembered.
Relationships
Author: Marzipan
Date: 09-02-18 07:28
Marzi attended the Start of Term Feast without her children, because they were spending the weekend with their paternal grandmother. Kitty was expected to bring Carter and Vallon to Hogwarts early Sunday evening, just in time for their first day of school at Hogsmeade Primary Day. Marzi could hardly believe that another school year was upon them all. Summer had passed all too quickly!
After visiting Alaric and his children in France in July, the Framboise family came to visit Marzi, Carter, and Vallon in Hogsmeade in August. Marzi was so very glad that her boys got on well with Alaric's children, despite the fact that there was a significant difference in ages. Napoleon was entering his fifth year at Beauxbatons, while Daenerys was starting her third.
Marzi thought about them, all the way in France. She knew much more about how the school year operated at Beauxbatons nowadays, thanks to her relationship with Alaric. There were some similarities to Hogwarts, such as term beginning on the first of September, and there being a grand feast to celebrate the occasion. With it being a weekend, classes also weren't slated to begin until Monday.
"What are you daydreaming about?" asked Illyria, who was set to give birth any day now. She was adamant not to go into labor at the feast, though, and so far the baby seemed to be respecting her wishes.
"Do you think long-distance relationships can work forever?" Marzi asked.
Illyria shrugged. "I think that depends on the people involved. You and Alaric have made it work this long, so it's promising, but I'm sure it would be much nicer if you could actually be together everyday." She narrowed her eyes and asked, "Why? Are you thinking about quitting and moving to France?"
Marzi laughed. "Not today, but maybe someday."
"Really? Have you two discussed the possibility?"
"Well, no," Marzi admitted, "but I'm ready for more. Weston has been gone for three years now…" In fact, the anniversary of his death had been yesterday. "He would want me to be happy, and I really am."
"Do you think Alaric would move to Britain to be with you?"
"Maybe after his children are out of school," Marzi said, "but that's a long time yet."
"If you want more, you should tell him. Life is short, as you know, and I think it's better to say what you want rather than keep it to yourself and it end up being too late."
Marzi smiled. "I think pregnancy turns you into a wise woman."
Illyria stuck out her tongue. "Former Ravenclaw, you know. It's in my nature. And are you suggesting that as soon as I give birth, my intelligence will decrease?"
Marzi laughed out loud. "I didn't say that!"
"Mmm-hmm," Illyria murmured. "Pass the salad."
Marzi did, and then she helped herself to some more salad too.
Stuffed
Author: Fritz Schnackenpfefferhausen
Date: 09-03-18 07:50
Fritz and Coco sit at the High Table with the other Hogwarts professors and their guests. As usually happens at a Start of Term Feast, they've eaten so much that there is hardly any room for dessert. Both are sampling some of the sweet dishes, though, because they simply can't resist!
"I'm glad we get a day of rest tomorrow," Fritz murmurs between bites. "I'm not sure I could get out of bed after stuffing myself silly tonight."
"Yes, you could," Coco insists with a knowing smile. "More often than not, the first day of classes follows the Start of Term Feast."
Fritz grins. "You're right. I guess I'm just happy to get an extra day this year."
Fritz is keeping the same teaching schedule at Hogwarts and St. Emrys. The university term isn't for another month and a half, though, so for now Fritz can concentrate solely on Alchemy. He has tweaked his syllabi for the sixth and seventh year classes ever so slightly and has given a lot of thought to new Alchemy club topics.
Summer passed quickly and peacefully for Fritz and Coco. They spent the whole time working on their home in Widecombe-in-the-Moor, building pens, aviaries, and other enclosures for the various animals they are fostering or have adopted. Their farmhouse and the land around it is turning into a veritable zoo. Good thing they are both animal lovers!
Fritz's mother had hoped that all the work on the house was in preparation of a wedding ceremony. There still aren't any set plans about that, though. The only big news to come out of the family is the fact that Otto is finally leaving the military. Fritz and Coco have offered him a place to stay until he can find his own place. Although he's visited the wizarding world, Otto has never lived in a wizarding house, so it ought to be a big adjustment. He's supposed to move in sometime in October. Fritz is really looking forward to the reunion with his cousin!
Coco slides a bowl of fluffy chocolate mousse over to Fritz. "You have to try it."
Fritz isn't sure he can fit something as light as mousse into his bulging stomach, but he takes a tiny spoonful and doesn't regret it, because it is positively divine. Hogwarts feasts are the best!
Not Hufflepuff
Author: Phinfilius
Date: 09-03-18 18:32
Amethyst debates whether to try a little of the Bakewell tart, have more of the apple sponge pudding with toffee sauce. She's absolutely stuffed but it's not often she has a chance to sample such a wide variety of sweets in one sitting. Her father might be one of the Crown & Cauldron owners, making her no stranger to excellent food, but that doesn't mean Amethyst has large daily assortment on which to nibble.
Deciding on the tart Amethyst helps herself to a small portion when Allison McReady sitting next to her asks, "Just thought to ask, the Hodfuffer the headmistress mentioned, is that your dad?"
"Uncle. He's Ancient Runes professor. That's his wife next to him, the dark headed one. Mariposa.
A slightly older boy across the table, Ned she thinks he's called, tilts his head, looking at her curiously. "I wasn't paying attention to names during the Sorting. Too busy dying of hunger. So you're a Hodfuffer? Danielle in my year your sister? Cousin? What?"
"Dani's my cousin. So are Leo and Cornington Marchbanks and Joe Brecknock."
Ned nods once. "The Marchbanks are both good Quidditch players. Not as good as any on Slytherin's team of course, but good. Don't know this Joe."
"He's new too. Got put in Hufflepuff."
"What house are your other cousins?" Allison asks.
"Leo is Gryffindor. Cornington and Dani are Hufflepuff."
Gryffindor and Hufflepuff are the houses it seems most of her large, extended family have been in. A few, like Phin, were Ravenclaw. Amethyst can only think of one other off the top of her head who was Slytherin, Baron. Baron who the Sorting Hat had said she reminded it of.
She was expecting Hufflepuff and based on the look of surprise on Uncle AJ's face that she saw when the Sorting Hat announced her as Slytherin, he must have been expecting Hufflepuff as well, or maybe Gryffindor.
Taking the last bite of what little she'd taken of the Bakewell tart, Amethyst takes a little more. She has no room for it but it would be a shame to let such a lovely tart go to waste, which it surely would do as the time is growing near for the feast to end.
As she places more on her plate she asks Allison, "Do you have anyone already here?"