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Awww...
Author: Epithymia
Date: 04-03-07 14:35
"Too many people flying around all the time." Epithymia muttered under her breath as she walked across the grounds. Cael had been keeping to himself alot lately and she was desperate to find him. She checked all his favorite study spots and he was no where to be found.She was just about to give up hope...
Till she spotted Squish run across the open field to Hagrid's hut.
Curious, she changed into her animagus and ran after the cute little tabby. At last she spotted Cael. He was standing under a tree...TALKING TO ANOTHER GIRL.So that was why he wasn't interested in her. He had another hot little thing to talk to. She changed back into her witchie little self and marched over to her friend.
"Cael, I have to talk to you!" she yelled as she pulled him away. HE stumbled after her and nearly tripped as she hauled him to a stop.
"What do you want Mia? I was busy." he replied as she growled low in her throat.
"I wanted to see what you have been up too. But apparently you have been to busy to tell your best friend that you had a special girl you liked.
"Mia, I was tutoring her in Potions. She isn't like you, she really can't grasp the concept of magic. That is why I have been missing our lovely chats. I am sorry but I haven't had much time to tell you. And yeah, I heard she liked me but I don't like her."
"And I am supposed to believe that why?" she asked in a smart sarcastic voice.
Cael grinned and brushed a strand of hair out of her face. She really had no clue. SO he completely took her by surprise when he kissed her.
"Because I have liked you since I first saw you walk across the village to the pub. I cherished you since you first told me you flunked Herbology to get me to tutor you. You make me laugh Mia. And I would like to go steady with you if you would like too."
Mia just stood there gaping at him. Nodding her head, She couldn't believe what was happening to her. Cael liked her and was now her BOYFRIEND? It was too much for her to take. So what did she do...
She fainted.
First Group of the Spelling Bee
Author: Aaron Miller
Date: 04-03-07 18:18
Alastor had greatly enjoyed lunch and dinner last night. Even breakfast this morning was a jolly affair with most of the students and staff from the visiting schools taking the meal in the Great Hall. For Alastor, the only drawback to breakfast was that it meant he was all the nearer to his part in the Spelling Bee.
As the time for the event approached, the Great Hall was cleared. When the doors opened again to admit contestants and spectators, Professor Flitwick cheerily greated everyone, clearly eager to get things started. Gone were the long tables for meals. In their places were row upon row of chairs. Where the head table is usually located an elevated stage with chairs for participants and a table with comfy looking chair for the moderator.
Professor Flitwick stood at the Great Hall doors for several more minutes then moves to the stage area where he spoke with the staff sponsors from the other schools and with the Spelling Bee moderator Emma Lim. After a few more minutes passed, Professor Flitwick stood on the stage and called for those in the 11-12 year old age group to check in. That was Alastor's cue to part from his friends and go with the other Hogwarts first year in the Spelling Bee, Sadie Mickle, to check in.
Alastor took his assigned spot and looked up and down the row of chairs, giving friendly smiles to the others in this group. He exchanged words of good luck and encouragement to several, including Sadie. Alastor felt his stomach turning a little as he gave his attention to the moderator and tried to ignore all the eyes staring up at the stage.
Emma Lim explained the rules for the sake of the audience and to remind the participants. As with all the SAT events, everything said was given in the various languages of the participating schools. Moderator Lim went right into the first round after the introduction and event explanation. Everyone made it through much to the relief of those on stage.
The second round wasn't as lucky for some. Natalya Smirnoff of Durmstrang was the first one eliminated. Alastor hated to see someone go already but was very glad it wasn't him. Sadly, later in that same second round, Alastor's cousin Pilar Rivera from La Escuela de Hechiceria. He could tell from the disappointed look on Pilar's face that she thought she'd make it further in the competition.
Alastor was doing well until his fifth turn. Even before the lock he'd been given failed to open, Alastor knew he was out. He'd been waving his wand for the Alohomora charm to open the lock and nearly had it right. He bobbled a little though and knew it immediately. Alastor had finished in hopes the bobble wasn't enough to ruin the charm and that the lock was open but deep down he knew the competition was over for him.
Emma Lim thanked Alastor for the good try. Alastor politely thanked Moderator Lim in return and as he walked off the stage he waved to those remaining, wishing them all, particularly Sadie, good luck.
(Sadie/Cornelia) First Results and Second Group
Author: Griet
Date: 04-03-07 19:36
Sadie was sad to see Alastor go so early, but quickly found herself to follow in his footsteps. Her mind had completely blanked out on something as simple as the levitation spell, Wingardium Leviosa. She felt stupid for forgetting, but acknowledged that someone else might have made the same mistake in her position. Sitting in the audience watching the competition was one thing; actually participating was quite another.
In the end, only three students remained: Alexandra Novák from Durmstrang Institute, Jessica Miller of Watling's Wizarding Academy and Jacques Moreau of Beauxbatons Academy of Magic. Alexandra wound up placing third after accidentally shooting blue sparks from her wand when they'd meant to be red. Jessica earned second place when she failed in making a pineapple tap dance across the moderator's desk. That left Jacques in first place.
The trio accepted their trophies and then posed for photographs before being ushered off stage for the next group of students, those between the ages of 12 and 13. Representing Hogwarts among them were Cornelia and Deacon Bennett. Cornelia didn't look half as nervous as Sadie; in fact, she looked quite confident. She sat down in her chair, crossed one ankle behind the other, and clasped her hands together primly in her lap.
While Moderator Lim repeated the rules of the competition, she mentally thought over some of the spells and charms she felt certain they would be quizzed on. Then the competition began. Deacon, whose last name put him at the front of the pack alphabetically, had the forturne or misfortune, depending on how one looked at it, to start. He successfully performed the charm Emma Lim asked of him and sat back down in his seat looking visibly relieved.
Matthew Evans of Watling's went next. To Cornelia's great delight, he blew it right then and there! 1 down, she thought smugly to herself. Nicholas FitzWilliam from Sydney looked a little nervous following Matthew, but he did all right. When it came Cornerlia's turn to demonstrate what she knew, she executed it brilliantly and sat back down feeling even better now than she had when she first stepped onto the stage. So far, so good!
Competing (Deak)
Author: Aaron Miller
Date: 04-03-07 20:38
Deak had felt comfortable when the 12-13 year age group began its first round of the Spelling Bee. Comfortable but not overly confident. Deak figures he'll do well but isn't sure if he'll place in the top three or not. From talking to other students over the course of the SAT, Deak learned that not all the schools picked participants the way Hogwarts had.
For every SAT event, Hogwarts had a goblet. Anyone who wanted could drop a name in. The only rule of any sort was that some of the events weren't open to the lower two years. A student didn't even have to currently be taking a subject to put in for a tray at being selected. Most did stick to the subjects they're taking but Deak knows of a few who dropped their names into goblets just to be doing it, regardless of what the event the goblet was for.
Deak is forced to give his full attention again as Moderator Emma Lim calls his name. He's lost count what round it is but he supposes that doesn't matter. The task he's given isn't hard per se but it does take concentration. Using Wingardium Leviosa Deak has to move an empty glass and a pitcher of water from one tray to another then get the pitcher to pour water to a line marked on the glass.
Pleased to not spill a drop, Deak retakes his seat and looks to see who got eliminated while he was daydreaming. Last he'd counted they were down to 7. Now they're at five. There's Mikhail Fyodorov, Henry Thomas, Cornelia Vanderbilt, and Bonnie Young but then Mikhail makes a mistake and is out.
Deak's happy, surprised and relieved to have made it to the top four. When Bonnie is eliminated two rounds later, Deak can't believe it. He's in the top three! He's won at least third place!
When it's all over, Deak is still in shock. He's taken second place. Cornelia earned third and Henry takes first. After the awards are presented and photographs taken, a grinning Deak goes to sit with friends after getting congratulatory hugs from Saffron and Frannie. Aaron looks as proud of Deak as if he were his son by birth. Drake's even there to share Deak's victory. Once sitting with his friends, a hand claps Deak's shoulder from behind as Sage gives Deak congratulations as well.
Why?
Author: Charlie Weasley
Date: 04-03-07 21:33
Charlie throws one of the bedside lamps at Belladonna's retreating figure. It crashes against the door as she's pulling it shut. Belladonna immediately opens the door fully. Glaring at Charlie she waves her wand, "Repairo."
The lamp whole once again, Belladonna next does a cleaning spell to get up the oil that splattered everywhere when the lamp broke. Walking the lamp back over to its table, Belladonna sternly chides, "Don't make me strip the room bare, Charlie. That would be most uncomfortable for you."
Charlie says nothing. He just stares right back at her, willing Belladonna Sinistra to come just a little closer so he can easily take that wand of hers. Charlie even considers jumped up and making a grab for it. It's just that where she's standing and how she's standing, Charlie doesn't think he'll be able to move quickly enough. She really needs to come a little closer.
Belladonna walks back towards the door, away from Charlie. She's reaching for the door knob when Charlie demands, "At least tell us why we can't have a paper or listen to the WWN. Why don't you two loons want Ron and me reading or hearing the news?"
Belladonna sighs the sigh of a parent who's explained one too many times to a child why the answer is, "No." Leaning against the jamb, Belladonna says nothing for a moment then says, "Gisela and I not wanting Ron and you to have the news should be answer enough."
"Clearly, it's not. How dare we expect more of an answer," Charlie acidly retorts.
Belladonna examines her hands, giving each a studious inspection. When at last she speaks again it's to inform Charlie, "If you think we don't want you having the news because your deaths are being reported, that's not it. Not it at all."
"Then what?"
"It would be so much easier if that's what it was. We could show you the newspapers, let you see that as far as the world is concerned you and Ron are dead. Maybe that would help convince you both to resign yourselves that you're here for awhile, for as long as it takes."
Charlie snorts, "Never going to happen. Not without magical inducement. You said yourself and Gisela told Ron that won't happen because you want us to have real feelings."
Belladonna gives Charlie a very pitying look. "You will come around. In time, Charlie. In time."
She leaves, pulling the door gently behind her. Charlie waits for a full five minutes then takes out the small nail he'd pulled from the dresser. When he'd heard someone at the door earlier he'd quickly hidden it. It once again in his hand, Charlie starts working once more trying to pick the lock on the manacle at his ankle.
Down At The Pitch
Author: Sage Porter
Date: 04-04-07 14:59
Just after congratulating Deak on a second place in the Spelling Bee, Sage gets up and heads outside. His broom is where he left it in one of the locker rooms just before breakfast. There are others getting in last practices before tomorrow's four broom racing events. Shooting upwards on his broom, Sage joins those practicing for the first of the events, the Sprint.
As he races around the aerial track, Sage makes sure he keeps aware of the time. He wants to get back to the Great Hall to cheer on friends and fellow 5th years Jared and Fritz when their group takes the stage for the Spelling Bee. Sage knows the approximate time that's been guestimated for the 15-16 year age group to begin. The second round began very near its guestimated time and so did the third group, which was near to starting when Sage left. If things go on schedule, Sage has a general idea of when to return to give audience support to his friends.
A familiar, grinning face appears in Sage's periphery. Moving out of the way of others sprinting around the aerial track, Sage slows. "Hi, Ezra. Been out here since breakfast?" Sage asks his stepbrother.
"Yeah. About ready for a break."
Someone else slow her broom to a stop beside Ezra and Sage. Savannah announces to her brother and stepbrother, "I'm starving. I think it's because I forgot to eat breakfast."
"How did you forget?" Ezra asks, giving his sister a look that indicates he thinks she's mental.
"I was practicing this morning and meant to go eat but got to talking to a couple of people from Sydney and one from Durmstrang. We got to racing each other and then talked more. Then I started practicing again."
"It's not long till lunch," Sage says, "but if you want something now I can show you to the common commons or we can go to Saffron's and Aaron's school residence. They'd have something in the kitchen I'm sure."
"Common commons sounds fine for just a snack."
Ezra pats his stomach. "Now that you've put food in my thoughts my stomach has decided it's ready for a snack as well. Lead on."
They land their brooms and start walking towards the castle. Anke Keding, girl from Okapi École de Sorcellerie Sage first met when they were both in the Arithmancy Challenge at Sydney's School of Wizardry and whom Savannah met when Anke was at Watling's Wizarding Academy for another of the SAT events, comes rushing up to them. In her pleasently accented English, Anke says, "Sage, hello. I recall you are from Hogwarts. You would please direct me to the common common room? I have the name correct? Common common."
Sage smiles at Anke. "That is correct. It's a common room for everyone so it's the common common room. That's where we're going. Savannah here wants a snack."
"I was told that is where I might get something so it is for a snack I am going. It is good to be seeing you again, Savannah. We waved at each other this morning but did not speak and yesterday was very busy and tiring with the arrival and the tours." Anke turns to Ezra. "You look much like Savannah. You are her brother?"
Ezra sticks out his hand to Anke. "Erza Gilbreath. I'm in the 13 to 14 year group, so in my third year at Watling's."
"Anke Keding," she says in response. "I attend École de Sorcellerie and I am 15, nearly 16."
As the four walk to the castle, talking the entire way, Sage wonders why he never noticed before just how nice and pretty Anke is.
Returning
Author: Oreileah McCoi
Date: 04-04-07 20:19
Brett and Orei flooed back to Aussie's house in Hogsmeade. Soon enough they would have to part ways until the next Hogsmeade trip, but for now they could spend a little more time together since she wasn't technically due back on castle grounds until the following day. Though, she'd probably end up heading back tonight, to make certain that she had all day the following day to do her catch up assignments.
Famished though she was, she was also exhausted...stress and dealing with all the emotions involved with a situation like this, she was quite thankful that Brett had been with her...because she probably would have messed up the floo either to or from or both. Already she was drooping, fading a bit as they settled onto the sofa, both dogs hopping up and demanding attention. Half-hearted pats given to both, with tired murmurings.
The moment her head hit Brett's shoulder she was sound asleep, just a little catnap she told herself...she wouldn't sleep much longer than an hour...it was still early...right?
An hour and a half later, she woke to Brett lightly nudging her shoulder. She was sprawled out on the couch, head resting on one of the pillows. Eyes opened slowly and she grinned up at him sheepishly..."How long was I asleep?"
"About an hour and a half. Figure we'd go to Three Broomsticks before you head back to school." She pushed herself up and sighed lightly.
"Sounds like a plan, but I don't want to go back to school, not just yet." She pouted a bit. However, got up and gathered her things. "But, I can't stay gone forever. I doubt Mom and dad need the added stress right now, or ever."
Soon enough the duo was headed to The Three Broomsticks. A quick, and quiet meal would be shared over potential plans for the next Hogsmeade Trip when Orei would be allowed to come to Hogsmeade again. After dinner Brett walked her to the gates of Hogwarts and soon they parted ways again, with promise to meet up on the next trip.
Keeping Busy
Author: Majandra
Date: 04-05-07 09:47
Helping at both locations of Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes and at Blossom's as well as the internship towards become a Potions Master and having a family to tend to has left Majandra exhausted. This week, however, the exhaustion is welcome because being that busy and this tired have kept Majandra from sitting and dwelling over her two missing brothers-in-law and one in the hospital.
The combination of work and tiredness has also kept Maj from being able to worry much about which of the Weasleys is next. Maj of course doesn't want anything to happen to any of them, not even Percy when he's being his most unctuous, patronizing, obnoxious, know it all self. More importantly, Maj doesn't want anything happening to George. She's not sure she could bear to go through what Fleur, Hendrika, and Hermione are going through.
Maj walks up and down a line of six 3 and 4 year olds checking to make sure shoes are tied, buttons buttons, zippers zipped, and that hands and faces are relatively clean. After the inspection Maj asks, "Who's got their knuts?"
Little hands shoot up then dig into pockets to reveal in open palms a single knut in each, except for one. Giles's lower lip pokes out and Maj hurries to say, "I have yours, Giles. Here you go. Your mummy gave it to me. All right?"
The 3 year old boy nods, all grins now, his knut firmly clutched in one hand.
At the head of the line are Grace and Gerry. Maj holds open the door for the children. "We're walking straight to Briar's Bakery. Grace's mummy has some wonderful little cakes for you to choose from."
Grace and Gerry lead the way to the bakery, Maj walking along beside the line of children. At the bakery Briar greets them and gives Grace a hug before addressing the children. Briar points to a low table.
"There are all sorts of little fairy cakes [cupcakes] on that table. Choose one and choose wisely. No running to the table."
The table walk at a fast pace but don't run just in case it would mean not getting to choose a cake. Maj approaches one towheaded girl eyeing a pink colored fairy cake. "I think that's strawberry, Bianca. You're allergic."
Briar comes over asking, "Is it that you want a pink one?"
Bianca nods, "Yes, ma'am."
"This one is cherry flavored. It's a darker pink. Or I can make a vanilla one that's pink for you. Or even turn this nice banana flavored one into a lucious pink color," Briar offers.
"I lobe banans," the four year old Bianca informs them.
Maj grins at Briar. "A pink banans flavored cake it is then. What do you say, Bianca?"
"Thank you," the child dutifully tells Briar.
Minutes later, divested of their knuts but now the proud owners of small fairy cakes the perfect size for children their ages, the childen with Majandra walk back to Blossom's to sit down with their cakes and glasses of milk.
Their midmorning snack done, the 3 to 4 year olds gather round for a story before falling asleep on mats for a pre-lunch nap. While they sleep, to continue keeping busy, Maj helps with one of the older groups, playing chase in the play maze downstairs.
Tenth Apparition Lessons
Author: Thessily
Date: 04-05-07 10:22
Normally on Saturdays, I would spend the day with Krystal. We would practice our spells or do homework together. Sometimes we would explore the castle. Sometimes we would go visit the gardens or go explore the grounds. Most of the time we just hung out in the dorm and listened to the WWN. We would draw pictures or make beaded bracelets. Sometimes we even made crafts. But, today we weren’t going to be able to do any of that.
Today was the tenth Apparition lesson. And it was also the spelling bee. Neither of us had signed up for the spelling bee. We both had way to much going on for one more event or class. Plus I also had to practice my flying today. At least Krystal would be with me then. I thought as we marched down to the great hall.
“ Do you think you will be able to Apparate ?” Krystal asked me. I smiled and nodded my head.
“ I’ve been practicing.” I answered secretively. “When I was at home.. Before.. Well during vacation I practiced.”
“ I practiced too. But I can’t apparate yet.” Krystal said as we entered into the great hall and sat down on a bench.
Through out the lessons our professor kept repeating the Three D’s to apparition. Some kids were able to apparate. Others weren’t. It was still pretty early in the lessons. I had managed to some how apparate into the hop that was in front of me and back to the original spot I had been in. So that was at least a start.
Krystal couldn’t even apparate a little. I told myself I needed to help her with the whole apparition thing this weekend.