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True Knowledge
Author: Wendy Mills
Date: 01-29-13 01:55
The Great Hall was boiling with excitement. Today it would be the first official Quidditch match of the year, Gryffindor versus Slytherin, and all the students devoured their breakfast in a hurry in order to find the best places to seat at the pitch.
The Gryffindor and the Slytherin students exchanged insults between each other and whenever one of the players appeared at the Great Hall not only hands were clapped and encouraging words were giving, but also a lot of 'boo' sounds coming from the opposite house. The Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws were quieter but yet most of them were making bets about the match's final score.
Wendy did not share the general enthusiasm of the others and all her good mood vanished the moment she passed by the Slytherin table and Anton Avery's predator eyes fell on her. He was seated next to two girls from his house and year. The blonde one was named Valeria Mockridge and the brunette Petula Parkinson. For a moment Wendy thought Anton would let her pass unpunished, but she was wrong.
"Hey Mills, what is the thing with those braids? Plan to go back to one of your Muggle nursery schools?"
The girls laughed, as well as Anton's other friend, Titus Nott. Wendy walked away and sat by her house table. When she was sure Anton wasn't looking at her anymore, she started to undo her braids, letting her long blond hair to fall over her shoulders.
There was no sign of Andrina but Araxie and Aderyn were there, cheerfully chatting. Aderyn was going to support the Gryffindor house because her sister Cai was playing as a seeker, while Araxie always with her sketch book, was hoping to get some inspiration for her drawings.
The time of the match was approaching and the Great Hall started to become empty. Wendy didn't feel like joining everyone else. If Slytherin won she thought she wouldn't be able to deal with Anton and his satisfaction expression. She didn't know what she had done for him to hate her, but he seemed to have a wicked pleasure in teasing her whenever he could.
Instead she decided to go to the library and work on her Transfiguration homework. She went to fetch her books and writing supplies to her dorm and then as she passed by the 4th floor a door on her left was open, revealing one of the persons she least wanted to see: her Transfiguration teacher, Cyprien Flint.
She greeted him, politely hoping she would be able to continue walking towards the library but it seemed that the professor was in a mood for a conversation.
"Not a fan of Quidditch, Miss Mills? And what are you holding? Oh my, is that Transmorgrification and Transmutation: A Theoretical Approach by Ebenezer Cartwright? I think you do very well to study that, young lady. It is a magnificent work. Don't let Quidditch poison your mind. True knowledge is far more important and satisfactory to the soul than watch a group of wizards flying after a red ball mounted on brooms. But again wisdom is not for everyone. Why don't you come in, I am sure you have some questions about last class, if I recall I saw you struggling…"
Wendy tried to excuse herself but Professor Flint was already pushing her inside his office, closing the door behind them with a click. The fire was lit and the place reminded Wendy a story she read about a lonely eremite druid that only had for company his beloved books. But Cyprien Flint's love was Transfiguration and all the books had that word in their covers. On the desk rested the last edition of Transfiguration Today and a large number of scrolls. There were no photographs of family or loved ones, and the only decoration object was a stone with a strange symbol engraved on it. It was like an eye, looking directing at Wendy.
The professor caught her staring and smiled as he made her signal to sit down.
"Beautiful isn't it?" he touched the stone with affection, his hands passing by the engraved symbol. His face was sentimental. But then as if waking up from a dream Professor Flint changed subject and his voice went back to the monotonous tone he used in class as he started to tell Wendy about the most interesting article he was just reading at Transfiguration Today the moment she passed by his door.
Preparing for the Day (Ravenscrofte Rare and Antiquarian Books, Knockturn Alley)
Author: Cassandra Catesby
Date: 01-29-13 06:02
Cassandra stepped out of the bath and wrapped herself in a large towel. She wiped the steam-fogged mirror with her hand and examined the thin scar that ran across her chest. Thanks to Kirley's swift actions and Nephele's potion skills, it was barely visible. She knew it could have been a lot worse.
She dragged a comb through her wet hair, then bundled it all into a small towel which she wrapped about her head like a turban. Heading into her bedroom, she pulled a clean robe out of the wardrobe and set about dressing for the day ahead. As she did, her thoughts drifted to what needed to be done.
Xiomara Serano had collected the papyrus known as the Book of the Dark Mirror some days ago. If she were honest, Cassandra was glad to have it out of her shop. Old books often acquired reputations. In many instances, these were not entirely deserved. But there had been something about the papyrus that had made her wary, and that was not solely due to her own narrow escape during its retrieval. She had been glad to hand it over to Xiomara. Whatever happened now was her client's responsibility, not hers.
Her gaze fell upon the old journal lying on her bedside table. Nephele was still working on the problem of the curse, but no solutions had presented themselves yet. Cassandra knew, as well, that her friend had been busy with her apprenticeship work for Slughorn. In the meantime, Cassandra had brought the Catesby journal home to peruse, leaving the Parkinson volume in the hands of the Mockridges. Unfortunately, from what she had read so far, whilst some of the details about the medieval Catesbys were fascinating in their own right, Everard Catesby remained annoyingly vague about Avelina's 'condition'.
"No point getting my hopes up," she reminded herself aloud. "Nobody could do anything before after all. There's no reason why this time should be different." Yet even as she said it, she was aware of a stubborn flicker of hope. Nephele had seemed so confident and they had found out things about the curse that Cassandra had not known before, not least the name of the witch that had cast it. Maybe this time would be different after all?
She shook her head at her own foolishness. "You're getting soft in the head, Cassandra," she told her reflection in the dressing-table mirror. "That's what Callandra would have told you." The reminder of her twin brought a pang and she glanced at a small framed photograph. Two girls in Hogwarts robes, identical apart from the trim on the robes - one with the green of Slytherin, one with the blue of Ravenclaw, looked back at her.
"And where are you anyway, Callie?" she demanded. "Where are you hiding? I wish I knew."
She sighed, shook her head once more, and left her bedroom, descending the stairs that led from her flat down into the shop below.
Before the Match
Author: Cai Pembroke Carter
Date: 01-29-13 09:24
I'd been up since the early hours, working on things to distract myself from the nerves that had lit up like live wires at the thought that this was the first -actual- quidditch match of the season. We were playing Slytherin, and both myself and the Slytherin Seeker, second year Rylee Marks had a lot to prove. Though in truth, she had more to prove than I did judging from what I'd heard about her.
Either way, I'd showered, and curled back up in bed working on my potions assignment, before heading down to breakfast. I was nervous to say the least and had dropped down at the Gryffindor table and gotten a pep talk from Broderick (who was up surprisingly early on a Saturday) who reminded me that no matter what I just needed to do my best. I was chosen for a reason.
Quick hug and a sisterly kiss to his cheek before I headed outside into the cold air. Looking up at the sky I couldn't help but be a bit wary that we'd end up playing in the first snowfall of the season. Thick grey clouds hung pregnant with waiting snow flurries, and lazily blew across the sky intermittently blotting the sun in their hazy shadow.
"You are going to do fine..."
I blinked and looked over my shoulder as Eric came up behind me and wrapped his arms around my waist, a light kiss pressed against my neck as I continued to stare at the pitch still several yards in front of me, big and imposing.
"It's different than when we were playing in the exhibition matches. This game really counts." I said softly, leaning back into him and trying to think happy thoughts.
"I know, but just think how awesome it will be to catch the snitch and start the season off with a win for Gryffindor against Slytherin."
I couldn't help but smile, he did have a point. It would be a great start to the year to wipe some of the smugness off some of the students in Slytherin at the end of this game.
"Makes me feel sorry for Rylee if Slytherin does lose. They won't be so forgiving if they don't come out on top. She's got a lot to prove."
Eric shrugged lightly.
"She proved herself to Coach Krum and that in and of itself should speak volumes. But, as we all know Slytherins can be rather petty and I think Cornelia Vanderbilt would have kittens if she knew that the pretty princess of Slytherin house had been made seeker this year."
Cai laughed and shook her head, turning to brush a kiss against his cheek. "Alright, I should head to the locker room and start getting ready. I'll see you after the match."
With that she headed toward the Gryffindor locker room, where she quickly began getting ready for the match.
Nervous Confidence
Author: Rylee
Date: 01-29-13 09:35
Breakfast this morning had not been pleasant. My housemates were less than kind for the most part, and several had even mildly threatened me with various jinxes or hexes should I fail to catch the snitch in today's match against Gryffindor. I'd barely eaten anything and knew that I should have had more, so I'd made a brief stop into the Common Commons before I continued my trek toward the exit that would bring me closer to the pitch and the start of the match.
My parents had been thrilled that I'd made the team, however they also had their doubts because I'd never been the 'sporty one', never been the child interested in getting dirty or playing anything that required physical exertion. They, however, would be here to support me in my first game. Two of my sisters also would be here to support me, and I'd hopefully get to see them for a few minutes after the match before they had to leave - not that I hadn't seen enough of them at the Fall Fair last weekend.
As I walked, I quickly braided my hair into a trio of smaller braids and then braided the three of them together before securing the tail of the braid to the back of my head with a flat silver barrette that would hold it in place for the duration of the match.
Stepping out of the castle, I gave a sharp intake of breath as the biting chill of the wintery weather stung at my cheeks. Flying in this was surely going to boarder on crazy, and at least it wasn't cold enough to risk getting hypothermia..though there would be a very, very large mug of hot chocolate in the Common Commons when I was done, not to mention a large bowl of soup for lunch to further the defrosting of my hands after this match.
I'd caught sight of Cai heading into the Gryffindor locker room, she at least looked confident, but she wasn't going into this with at least half, if not more of her house already hating her and thinking her the worst possible choice for making her house team.
Gryffindor vs Slytherin 2006-2007
Author: Viktor Krum
Date: 01-29-13 13:26
Having arisen this morning with the sort of sudden onset bug that would make sitting a broom while refereeing a Quidditch match unwise, the two Humbatas who'd asked to help with the first official match of Hogwarts's season, brother and sister Marmaduke Flowers and Morgana Flowers, will be calling the game without him. Though too lightheaded and nauseous to take to the air, Viktor is on the sidelines, at least for now. That's probably not a wise idea when he should be home in bed but he just couldn't see missing this first match of the 2006-2007 school term.
Playing for Gryffindor are beaters Madoc McGonagall and Calliope Quinn, keeper Hunter Green, chaser and co-captain Marjani Batuti, chaser Hunter Rabnott, chaser and captain Etta Wynbourne, and seeker Cai Carter.
The Slytherin line-up is beater and co-captain Mark Farnon, beater and captain Basil Wynbourne, keeper Gus van Tassel, chaser Olive Green and Mason Jeffers, chaser and Alexa Wenlock, and seeker Rylee Marks.
Marmaduke meets the players at mid-pitch where he has the captains shake hands while encouraging them to, "Play a clean match."
Morgana sees to the release of the balls. The quaffle goes up, all six chasers converging on it. Slytherin's Olive Green breaks free from the pack, red ball visible in her hands as she starts sprinting in the direction of her brother, Gryffindor keeper Hunter Green.
Nose crinkling, mouth pulled into a purse as if she'd eaten something distasteful, Marjani goes in pursuit of Olive. They might be the best of friends and Olive might be her brother's girlfriend but neither of them cut the other a break when their houses are up against each other.
Catching up with Olive, Marjani gets in as close as she dares so as not to make what might appear to be a deliberate foul. She watches for an opportunity to steal the quaffle but Olive shifts the ball to her other hand then passes off to Mason. Hunter R. shadows Mason while Etta moves in on Alexa.
Mason goes to throw a pass back to Olive but pulls back when a bludger sent by Madoc would have hit him if he'd let go of the quaffle and followed through on the throw. Once clear of the bludger, he does pass to Olive. Hunter R. makes for an interception but Mark sends the other bludger, catching Hunter on his outstretched arm. Marjani tries to get over there in time to save the interception but can't. Olive with the quaffle again gets even closer to where Hunter G. waits to fend off any Slytherin goal attempts.
What The Hell?
Author: Jet
Date: 01-29-13 18:30
Not on the Astronomy Nook's work schedule today, Jet did something he rarely does. He slept in. With nothing more on the agenda than studying for a Tuesday exam for one his courses at St. Emrys, he is feeling somewhat lazy. As he's lingering over a late breakfast and reading the morning's Daily Prophet he considers getting out for a little while to go to the Muggle indoor climbing facility where he's got a membership. He could do that for an hour or two before sitting down with his books here at home or going to join a study group around 2 PM.
He's just about decided to go to the climbing facility, come home and get in a little studying on his own then go to the group study session when there's a knock at the door. Thinking it's probably Petra dropping over to see if he wants to do something together this morning, as her significant other is out of the country for a few days, Jet gets up to answer without bothering to ask who it is or to look through the peephole. The moment he opens the door he regrets skipping the peephole. If he'd had the slightest inkling Marilee Turpin would be on the other side of the door, he would have made remained silent, letting her think no one was home.
As soon as the door opens Marilee puts on her most brilliant smile. "Jet!" she gushes, "I'm so glad to find you home. I was hoping you'd like to come out with me this morning then get a bite for lunch."
"I'm sorry, Marilee, but I already have plans."
Marilee looks crestfallen. "Oh, I see. I knew I shouldn't have waited last minute."
Expecting her to say goodbye and leave a goodbye on his own lips, ready to shut the door Jet finds himself instead opening the door a little wider and saying, "Uh, sure," when a mildly embarrassed Marilee says, "I hate to ask but may I use your loo?"
During time Marilee is in the loo Jet clears off the table, does a quick rinse of the dishes, and goes into his room to grab the shoes he prefers to wear when climbing. He reenters the living area to find Marilee studying some of the photos along one wall. Hearing him, she looks over her shoulder at him. "Your mother is very pretty."
"Yeah, I've always thought so too."
Turning to look fully at him she asks out of the blue, "Why don't you like me, Jet?"
"Why would you think I don't like you?"
"You won't go out with me again, when we do meet up you find reasons to escape my company as quickly as you can."
"It's not that I don't like you, Marilee. I don't like you in that way."
"Is there something wrong with me?"
"You're just not really my type," Jet hedges.
"You're holding back. Please be honest."
Sighing Jet admits, "You come on somewhat strongly and act a little clingy. I know you constantly hang around outside the Astronomer's Nook when I'm working. You've signed up for some classes simply because I'm in them. That sort of behavior makes many people uncomfortable, me included."
"All of which means I have absolutely no chance with you."
"Sorry, no."
Marilee's hand dips into a pocket, Jet thinking she might be reaching for a tissue, but it's her wand. Pointing it at him she sniffles, "I was just trying to do a good job."
"Job? I don't follow. What are you talking about?"
"I'm not going to fail this assignment just because you aren't attracted to me. You're going to have to come with me."
"You aren't making any sense, Marilee."
"I don't suppose you need a coat but maybe we should take it anyway. Oh, and your "
Marilee doesn't get to finish her sentence, a colored bolt of light striking her in the chest. She drops heavily to the floor, Jet spinning around in confusion to find Emerson Reed standing there. He'd never heard her come in or speak a spell. He must have never have reset the wards after they broke up since no warning sound was made to alert him someone was entering without invitation.
"What the hell, Emerson?"
"She's with Cymdeithas y Sarff. I am too for that matter."
"Cymdeithas y Sarff?"
"It's Welsh, meaning Society of the Serpent. Where is your wand?"
"Why?"
"Because I'm taking it."
"That tells me a bloody hell of a lot."
"Patience. Wand?"
"The table," Jet replies, gesturing to where he'd dropped it after rinsing the dishes on his way to his room for the shoes.
Emerson doesn't immediately back over to the table to get the wand. Instead she instructs, "Turn around, hands behind your back. I so dislike apparating with someone unconscious."
Her wand steady on him Jet doesn't have much choice but to comply. She makes short work of binding his hands and only then retrieves his wand. Grabbing him by the arm, Emerson glances at Marilee who is starting to show signs of stirring. "She is not going to be happy when she wakes up." After giving Marilee a sharp prod with one foot, Emerson disapparates from the flat, taking Jet with her.
(Gus) Just The Start
Author: Johanna Steele
Date: 01-30-13 01:28
The Gryffindor team might have changed some of its elements this year; however the three chasers were the same. That was good for Gus who ,as a keeper, had to avoid Etta, Marjani and Hunter to score and since he had played against them in the past, he knew there wouldn't be any surprises a new element could bring into the match. The Slytherin team itself had remained the same with the exception of the seeker. Rylee Marks had replaced Cornelia Vanderbilt and Gus just hoped she would defeat Cai Carter in the duel for the snitch's possession.
The first goal attempted came from Olive, who with determination shot the quaffle towards the Gryffindor's hoops. However Hunter Green, Olive's brother, defended her sisters shot and it was possible to see in his face a smile of satisfaction. At the stands, the Gryffindor students and its supporters clapped their hands. For a moment Gus wondered if Angharad Cadin was watching the match and he concluded if that was so, then she would be supporting Gryffindor because her half-sister was playing today.
Quickly the thoughts on the Cadin girl vanished as Hunter Green passed the quaffle to Hunter Rabnott and with a sprint he managed to fly to almost the middle of the pitch, escaping a bludger thrown by Mark. Soon Mason was blocking Hunter not allowing him to move any further and so he passed the quaffle to Marjani. Marjani threw the red ball to Etta who passed it back to Hunter, who had managed to get rid of Mason's cover. Hunter simulated a movement, pretending he was trying to score but at the last minute he threw the quaffle to Etta.
She shot towards the left hoop and Gus thanked Merlin for being able to stretch his arms enough in order to defend. This time the explosion of applause in the stands was meant for him.
With a cocky smile Gus delivered the quaffle to Alexa, who working with Olive and Mason managed to dodge the bludgers coming from Madoc and Calliope. Basil and Mark gave the Slytherin chasers a hand by throwing the bludgers back at the Gryffindor chasers. Only by a few inches one of them didn't hit Marjani on the head.
Gus looked up to the sky where two figures, one red and another one green, were flying. It seemed that neither Cai or Rylee were having luck with the snitch. It didn't matter, Gus thought, since there had been no goals yet and the match had just started. He turned his attention back to the match on the moment Hunter Rabnott had managed to intercept a pass between Olive and Alexa.