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Sorting Ceremony & Speech
Author: Minerva McGonagall
Date: 09-23-17 18:19
Professor Flitwick entered the Great Hall and led a black-clad throng of first years down the center aisle. He stopped before the raised dais and gestured with his short arms for the collected group to remain where they were. Then, he climbed onto the stage and walked over to the three-legged stool on which the Sorting Hat sat.
Professor Flitwick conjured a scroll and flicked his wand at the hat so that it rose a few feet off the three-legged stool.
"When I call your name," Professor Flitwick announced to the waiting children, "please come forward and take a seat on the stool." He consulted the list and called out, "Alfred Acker!"
The last of the Acker siblings stepped forward and sat down on the stool. Professor Flitwick used magic to lower the wand onto the boy's head. Unlike in previous years, the Sorting Hat took its time deciding where to put this Acker. Its decision was a surprise to everyone in the family. "HUFFLEPUFF!"
Alfred, the only non-Gryffindor in his family, went to join the Hufflepuffs, who happily welcomed him to their––and now his––table.
"Jordan Blackthorn!"
Professor Sacheverelle's nephew came forward and was sorted into "RAVENCLAW!"
Bernice Burns was also sorted into "RAVENCLAW!"
"James Eternal-Black!"
Professor Black's son climbed onto the stool and was sorted into "GRYFFINDOR!"
James' twin Krasimira, on the other hand, was sorted into "SLYTHERIN!"
Fulvia Flaversham was also sorted into "SLYTHERIN!"
Agnes Frink, a girl with glasses and reddish-colored hair, was sorted into "GRYFFINDOR!"
Erik Haaken went to "RAVENCLAW!", while Dolph Hibbert, Claire Hillier, and Danielle Hodfuffer all went to "HUFFLEPUFF!"
After Professor Hodfuffer's niece joined her new housemates, Professor Flitwick called out "Ilsa Ludlow!"
It took only a moment for the hat to decide to place her in "GRYFFINDOR!"
When Gareth Martini-Blackwell sat down on the stool, the Sorting Hat mused, Playful, if not mischievous… You belong in… "GRYFFINDOR!"
Gareth grinned and joined his brother Gerry at the Gryffindor table.
"Eileen McCourt!"
The latest McCourt to arrive at Hogwarts came forward and sat on the stool. Hmm… whispered the hat in Eileen's ear. Where to put you… Kind, loyal, but also bright. Better be… "RAVENCLAW!"
After Eileen joined big sister Patricia at the Ravenclaw table, another McCourt came forward to try on the Sorting Hat. Magnus McCourt was put in "SLYTHERIN!"
Charlotte Stratford was also put in "SLYTHERIN!"
"Schuyler Weasley!"
The latest Weasley to start at Hogwarts sat down on the stool. Yet another Weasley, said the hat. "GRYFFINDOR!"
Next came Cheyenne Wentworth, who was sorted into "RAVENCLAW!"
Then came Ned Wolfcastle, who went into "SLYTHERIN!"
Finally, came Sanjay Ziff, who was sorted into "HUFFLEPUFF!"
Professor Flitwick rolled up the scroll of names and banished it from sight. He then moved to the High Table, taking his seat next to Professor McGonagall.
She rose from her own seat and announced, "Welcome, all. Some announcements: First, the Forbidden Forest is still off limits to students unless chaperoned by a teacher. Please do not break this rule or you will most certainly lose points for your house.
"Second, Quidditch Trials are scheduled for Saturday, September 10th. Professor Krum will provide more information on your House bulletin boards.
"Third, Club Day is the following Saturday, September 17th. This is your opportunity to learn about the various clubs offered at Hogwarts.
"Lastly, for third years and above, permission slips for Hogsmeade visits are due before the first trip, which is Saturday, October 1st.
"Once again, I welcome you all to Hogwarts. Enjoy the feast."
She sat down and raised her goblet. A moment later, the Great Hall went from hushed to boisterous, as the voices of new and returning students rang out through the room.
First Day Of First Year
Author: Sirius Padfoot Black
Date: 09-23-17 19:07
Like some of the other Hogsmeade kids, James and Mira chose to ride the Hogwarts Express. They don't know if they'll do it again anytime soon but both think they will at least ride it once more when leaving Hogwarts for the last time upon completing their seventh years. Once on the train Mira had joined Dani Hodfuffer, whom she knows a little from the Crown & Cauldron but mostly from Hogsmeade Primary Day. Dani was with some girl called Claire, who was new to both of them. As the train pulled out of the station Mira wondered if Charlotte Stratford had made the train or if she's killing time at home, perhaps even still curled up in bed, with plans to meet the other firsts years at Hogsmeade Station that afternoon. She also wondered if Hagrid would be meeting the first years again this year as she's been told he's long done, with an exception here and there. Mira and her siblings have known Hagrid their entire lives and her youngest brother's middle name is even Rubeus, the same as Hagrid's first name.
James had split off with Schuyler Weasley, who'd almost decided against riding the train after telling his friends for days he was going to be at King's Cross for the Hogwarts Express. They'd ridden with a couple of others, spending the train ride working on their chess games and playing card games such as Exploding Snap.
Hagrid had indeed met the first years, leading them to little row boats that went across the lake to Hogwarts Castle. Once inside they were met by Filius Flitwick who gave them a speech that Mira thinks he probably gives word for word the same every year. She's also known him her entire life and not for the first time wonders how difficult it will be to remember to call everyone Professor whatever, even Dad. Or because he's Dad can she always just call him Dad? Mira wishes she'd thought to ask before today. She'll have to go by his office tomorrow to find out if he's Dad or Professor Black or does he go by Eternal-Black here?
James thought about none of this. He was too busy thinking about how despite snacking on the train and having a lunch he's starving and wants to hurry up and eat supper. And find out who will be his roommates. Schuyler said he'll probably be in Gryffindor but his cousin Seth got Ravenclaw so could be he'll be away Weasley to be in a house that isn't Gryffindor. James usually thinks he'll be Gryffindor but with a family history strong on Slytherin and with a twin who is, to quote Dad, ripe for Slytherin, James supposes he won't be surprised if he gets something else. Mrs. Biddle at Hogsmeade Primary Day often tells him he's a nice boy. From what he knows of Hogwarts houses that could mean Hufflepuff for him.
As Professor Flitwick leads the shiny new first years into the Great Hall James knows he'll have his answer on which house soon enough. When at last James is seated on the small stool with the Sorting Hat on his head, he's not surprised yet at the same time is that the Hat announces, "Gryffindor!" Hopping off the stool he looks to where Dad and Mum are sitting, Dad now with a happy grin.
Mira is next and, just as Dad predicted, the Sorting Hat has no hesitation in announcing, "Slytherin!" James looks to Dad again only to find he's still grinning. He can't decide if that means Dad's happy Mira's in Slytherin or happy his prediction was spot on or if there's some other reason. Seated now at the Gryffindor table, James shrugs. He can ask later. Bring on the food.
Mira happily joins her house and watches with eager anticipation to see how the rest of the first years are Sorted.
McCourts at the Feast
Author: Sophie McCourt
Date: 09-24-17 03:03
Sophie almost didn't touch her food. She had watched the Sorting Ceremony with attention eager to know which house Eileen would be sorted into. She became a Ravenclaw, which didn't really surprise Sophie, although she was a little bit sad none of her sisters was a Hufflepuff like her.
After the ceremony, and when the food appeared in the golden empty plates, she went back to the sad state of mind she had been at the Hogwarts Express. After the prefect meeting and doing some corridor patrolling, Sophie went to see Mickey Moon. At the St. Emrys fest, on that marvelous summer night, she had finally been kissed by a boy. It had been very romantic, under the moon and the stars, after they had danced a calm music. They had made out and it had been the best night ever in Sophie's existence. During the rest of the summer she kept playing that night over and over in her head and she was eager to see Mickey again. She thought they were now girlfriend and boyfriend. But she was wrong. At the Hogwarts Express, and after Sophie asked him why he didn't reply to any of her letters, he said that they were not in a relationship.
"We were just fooling around. It was a great night, but that was it. I thought you knew that," he had told her.
His words hurt her deeply. Sophie was heartbroken, and all she wanted was to leave the Great Hall, and go into some bathroom stall and cry. She played strong during the Sorting Ceremony because of Eileen, but now she was falling apart. The food tasted like ashes in her mouth, and despite the happy sounds around her it was as if the entire room was silent. She was in such a state that after the sorting hat had shouted Ravenclaw, and Eileen was seated, she stopped paying attention and she didn't notice the name McCourt being called a second time.
Meanwhile at the Ravenclaw table, Patricia couldn't tell if she was happy or not that Eileen had been sorted into her own house. Of course she was glad, but now that she and Caleb were in a secret relationship, it wasn't the best moment to have a little sister snooping around in the same common room as them. She thought she would have the privacy of the Ravenclaw tower to spend some time with Caleb, because neither Sophie or Belinda had access to it. But now she wouldn't be able to use it because Eileen would be there as well. They had to find another way of seeing each other. It wasn't like they were making out, as they were taking things quite slowly. It was more like holding hands, and talking, but she wouldn't be able to do that now, or Eileen would eventually mention it to Sophie. She was thinking on all of this, that she too missed the moment when Magnus was sorted.
Eileen was thrilled. It was so good to finally be sorted! There was a feeling of belonging. Some of the people she met at the Hogwarts Express had been sorted into Ravenclaw as well, like Erik Haaken the boy who didn't want to join Ravenclaw because of his crazy uncle. But he now seemed quite happy with his place. Eileen was trying to memorize all her new companion's names and faces. Erik, Jordan, Bernice, Cheyenne…they were so many, but Eileen wanted to know them all. The food was delicious and she was bursting with happiness. She only felt a little guilty when she thought about Elmer all alone at home. What would he think of her being sorted into Ravenclaw? Would he be pleased? But soon her brother was again out of her mind, as she kept getting acquainted with her new housemates. She was so happy that she even forget about the boy who had seated on the same compartment than her earlier that day, and shared her surname.
The only one of the McCourt sisters that had really noticed Magnus was Belinda. Belinda knew Eileen would never be sorted into Slytherin. There was some sort of naivety and pure kindness in her sister that had no place in the house of Salazar Slytherin. Belinda eyebrow had lifted when Magnus McCourt's name was called. She watched with attention as the boy sat on the three-legged stool, and the Sorting Hat was placed on his head. It didn't take the hat much time to place Magnus in the Slytherin house.
By just looking at this Magnus boy, Belinda couldn't tell if he was related to them or not. The surname McCourt wasn't exclusive, and there were sure more families using it, but Belinda was nevertheless intrigued. She didn't like that a strange boy carried her family name. He might give it a bad image and she didn't want that. Sophie had played seeker for Hufflepuff and was a prefect. Patricia was one of the prettiest girls her year and she was placed third in last year's SAT Astronomy challenge. Belinda herself had been a chaser for Slytherin in her very first year. There was no doubt Eileen would achieve something as well, as would Elmer. But what about this boy? Related or not related, Belinda decided to keep an eye on him to be sure he would not drag her family name to the mud.
Unaware of Belinda's eyes on him Magnus, was enjoying the feast. He was not living it in the same level of excitement and joy as Eileen was, as he was still trying to organize his thoughts. Hogwarts was indeed a castle. He had seen it for the first time when he was brought in a fleet of small boats, led by a very very very big man who presented himself as Hagrid. The place they called Great Hall, was amazing but it overwhelmed Magnus. The four tables were so long, there were so many students, and the men and women that would be his teachers all had somewhat funny looks. They didn't look 'normal'. Magnus realized his normal meant 'Muggle' the word used to describe people without any magical ability. So now, he was the one who did not look that normal compared most of them. He hasn't even tried a spell yet. He had bought his wand, and according to the old man named Ollivander, it had been the wand that chose him, so he was indeed a wizard. But Magnus kept thinking that when the time came to do a spell, he would fail and he would be sent home.
He did notice that the girl named Eileen shared his surname but he didn't make much of it. She was sorted into a different house, and he didn't know if he would see her again or not, as he didn't know how the class system worked. He didn't know yet what it meant to be a Slytherin but the boy next to him, Ned Wolfcastle, was telling Magnus that he was sorted into the very best house. Ned was being quite friendly and Magnus listened to him with attention, happy Ned was talking to him. For a moment, the shyness had taken over him and he had sat quietly, as everyone else chatted. But now Ned seemed to have noticed Magnus and he seemed to be quite glad the boy was drinking every word he said about Hogwarts and the Slytherin house. It could be the begging of a friendship.
Feasting
Author: Illyria
Date: 09-24-17 08:23
Illyria sat at the High Table with her husband on one side of her and Marzipan on the other. The children were all being watched by Illyria's parents, who had recently moved into a duplex in Greenwich. Both the Jones and Bones families had decided to move away from Mumbai after the terrifying attacks on the Muggle part of the city earlier in the summer.
Erigone, Aidan, Adrian, Ellianna, Isaac, and Bailey had also moved to Greenwich. They lived next door to Atticus and Ione. Erigone had resumed her old job as an editor at Magical Style Magazine, while Aidan transferred back to the bank's Diagon Alley location. Illyria was quite glad to have all of her family close by again.
"Summer flew by, didn't it?" she mused to her friend. "A lot happened, too."
Marzi nodded her head absentmindedly. "It did. Hard to believe a new term is here again."
"I know what you mean," Illyria remarked. She smiled slyly at her friend and asked, "You never did say what's really going on between you and Monsieur Framboise."
A bit of pink touched Marzi's cheeks. After a moment she replied, "I suppose you could say we're officially in a long-distance relationship."
"Distance doesn't mean much where magic is involved," Illyria commented, smiling.
"I know, but that doesn't mean it will be all that easy," Marzi said. "We're both busy with our work and our kids."
"You deserve to be happy again, and if it's meant to be, then everything will work out in the end."
Marzi smiled. "I hope you're right." She looked out at the four long tables packed with students and wondered aloud, "Which of our new first years will be model students, and which won't?"
Illyria laughed. "I didn't get any bad vibes during the Sorting Ceremony, so I suppose only time will tell! Pass the roasted potatoes, will you?"
She piled the starchy goodness onto her plate and then added a pork chop baked on top of a bed of green apples. Every dish at the Start of Term Feast was simply too good to pass up or to have only one serving of.
A New Gryffindor
Author: Charlie Weasley
Date: 09-24-17 19:42
Schuyler had been going to ride the train for the experience of the train ride for his first day at Hogwarts only to change his mind. He kept thinking about how he could spend that time with his mum. She's doing much better but is still not back to how he remembers her before the bloody horrid attack at by that Fairchild woman and her followers. Schuyler worries that she'll have setback and he won't be there for her.
It was only at his mother's urging that he decided to go on ride the Hogwarts Express. She hadn't known his reason for wanting to stay in Hogsmeade until time to go to Hogsmeade Station to meet up with the incoming students but maybe she figured it out. Maybe his father did too because Dad thought it a great idea for Schuyler to ride the train at least once. Whatever either of them thought neither said anything to him.
Sitting now at the Gryffindor table, a table where he isn't surprised to be sitting though he could very well have been Sorted into any of the other houses, Schuyler puts on a smile for his Aunt Majandra and Uncle George, sitting at the head table. At least if Mum does take a turn Aunt Maj will be here to quickly get word to him. Unless it's at night. He doesn't think she ever stays all night at the castle, or if she does it's not often.
Sitting next to him Gideon asks, "Why are you frowning all of a sudden?"
Schuyler turns to his cousin. "I didn't know I was. I was thinking that if I hadn't gotten into Gryffindor I'd probably have gotten Hufflepuff."
"You think?" Gideon suddenly grins impishly. "I'd have pegged you for Slytherin along with Mira."
On Schuyler's other side James Eternal-Black gurgles, "Just about everyone saw that one coming."
Schuyler frowns again, this time knowing he's doing it. "I know Slytherin has had some bad people and some used to think the whole house evil, but there have been bad people from all the houses, some of them evil."
James nods in agreement. "That woman what's her name who was headmistress here back when that one Minister had the camps was in Hufflepuff I hear."
"Really?" Schuyler and Gideon say at the same time, both surprised at this tidbit.
"Where did you hear that?" Gideon asks.
"Don't remember. Maybe I overheard it from Dad or something."
"Maybe I'll ask Aunt Maj or your dad, James. Tomorrow maybe."
Gideon adds, "That or I bet Professor Ravensdale knows. She's lower years History of Magic teacher." He points out a redhead sitting at the head table. "That's the upper years History of Magic professor, Professor Douglass. They're a couple."
Somehow this leads to Schuyler and James quizzing Gideon about some of the professors they don't know, at one point James pretending to have no idea who this Professor Black of upper years Transfiguration is. Others around them join in the conversation at times, all steadily working their way through the piles off food that is the Hogwarts Start Of Term Feast.
It's not until much later, when following prefects to Gryffindor House that Schuyler realizes he made it through the rest of the feast without another worrying thought about his mother.
(Paton) Not Surprised
Author: Griet
Date: 09-25-17 18:10
Paton pointed his fork at the Slytherin table and remarked, "I knew it. I just knew Fulvia would wind up in Slytherin."
"Because she's a snob?" Franciscus asked.
"A snobby, evil little girl," Paton added. "I told you what she did, didn't I?"
"Only a dozen times, so tell it again," Franciscus answered with a grin.
Paton did. "I had my trunk all packed and ready to go, and what did she do? She accidentally-on-purpose opened it up and spilled a jar of glitter inside of it. The only reason I know with absolute certainty that she did it is because I caught her red-handed, not that I couldn't have guessed. She LOVES glitter."
Being seventeen already, Paton had used every spell known to him to try and rid his trunk of the shiny, sparkly stuff that coated the interior of his trunk and every item in it. He'd managed to remove some of it, but not all.
"She's horrible," Paton concluded, jabbing his fork in her direction again.
While Paton groused about his mother's boyfriend's daughter, Fulvia herself was pleased as punch to be in Slytherin House. Out of the four available, it had the best colors. Also, the house animal was rather intimidating, just like Fulvia purported herself to be. She was so very glad not to be a badger of all things.
She introduced herself to her new roommates, some of whom already seemed to know each other. Mira and Charlotte both lived in Hogsmeade and had gone to school together there. Fulvia had quite a bit of catching up to do in the get-to-know-you department, but she was definitely up to the challenge!
Old and New
Author: Fritz Schnackenpfefferhausen
Date: 09-26-17 16:58
This is the third Start of Term Feast that Fritz and Coco attend while seated at the High Table instead of with the Ravenclaw students. Despite the fact that their presence there is no longer new, it still feels odd. Fritz isn't sure he'll ever get used to it.
Odder still is the fact that he's also joined the faculty at St. Emrys University. Fritz is officially a member of the staff in Blane College and will teach Introduction to Potions I and its corresponding laboratory starting with Michaelmas Term in October.
Fortunately, he doesn't have a conflict with his obligations at Hogwarts and can continue teaching Alchemy, at least for now. His Potions classes at St. Emrys will meet Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9-10 AM, while the lab is scheduled for a three hour block on Wednesday afternoon.
His Hogwarts office hours are also remaining the same. Fritz intends on being in his office at St. Emrys when not in class or lab on Wednesdays, and probably all day on Thursday too. He'll likely also spend Friday mornings after class at St. Emrys.
It'll be a lot of juggling, but he's done that the last couple of years, too.
"I'm getting stuffed," Fritz says, pushing his plate away from him and slouching in his chair so that his stomach sticks out a bit.
"No room for dessert, then?" Coco asks. She's being more selective about what and how much she's eating in order to ensure she has plenty of room for dessert.
"That's why I'm going to take a break," Fritz replies, grinning. "Maybe by the time the dessert dishes appear on the table, I'll have room to indulge."
"I imagine the house-elves might let you take something home tonight if you ask nicely," Coco says.
"They might," Fritz agrees, "but if they made a habit of it, then I suspect there'd be a long line to the kitchen after every feast."
Coco smiles and changes the subject. "Are you having office hours tomorrow?"
Fritz usually has them at Hogwarts on Friday afternoons. He nods, though his Alchemy won't start till Monday afternoon. "I don't see why not."
"If you're not still stuffed from feasting tonight, then maybe we can meet for lunch in Hogsmeade before you go to your office," Coco suggests.
"Good idea," Fritz replies. "If I'm not still stuffed!"
Alone Yet Not (Jordan)
Author: Saffron
Date: 09-27-17 14:47
Jordan surveys the many pudding choices, wondering if desserts will be part of regular meals or only for special occasions like Start of Term Feast. Grandda Porter would have said this display of gluttony was sinful. Then again, Grandda Porter was a food snob and would probably have considered everything offered tonight below his standards.
Thinking about Grandda Porter causes Jordan to sniffle.
His maternal grandfather may have been stern and difficult but he was still Jordan's grandda. He still doesn't understand why Birdie killed Grandda and then herself. Why would Birdie want to leave Senna, technically Aunt Senna, an orphan?
The boy next to Jordan elbows him. "All these sweets are making me sniffle too because I can't have some of everything. Well, I can but I it would only be a small bite and I'm already full so I'd be bloody miserable later." The boy holds out a hand. "We've not truly met yet but I did hear your name for the Sorting. I didn't see you on the train. Erik Haaken."
"Jordan Blackthorn."
"You got anyone here?"
"I've a brother and a sister but I'm oldest. I do have family here though. That lady there, Saffron, is my aunt and Aaron, the wizard next to her is her husband, so he's my uncle. They have kids over there where some of the other professors' children are. There's Brandon and that's Niccola and the girl there is also my aunt, Senna. I also "
"That little girl is your aunt?"
"Yeah. Half-sister of my mum and Aunt Saffron and Uncle Sage."
"I have a half-brother who's seventeen years older so I understand. Anyway, you also what?"
Jordan has to think for a moment before picking up where interrupted. "I also know some others here. Their families are like family to Aunt Saffron. Like, in our house there's Estella and her sister Katheryn, Bran and his sister Hope, and Kurt. Over in Gryffindor is Savannah. Her brother Rex is in Hufflepuff and there's Marion, and Adiron. Adiron's sister is in Slytherin. Her name is Lillith. And there's Kurt's sister Callie."
Jordan has an expression that's somewhat pensive. Sensing he's not done Erik waits him out.
"Forgot Ingrid." Jordan points her out further down the Ravenclaw table. She's Bran's and Hope's sister."
"How do you keep them all straight."
"It's not easy but I've been around most of them much from time to time most of my life."
"So sort of like family you see at holidays."
"Yeah, like that. Their mums and Aunt Saffron are all best friends. What about you?"
"A really distant cousin or two. I think. Might be more of a distant relation by marriage thing. Most of my cousins go to other schools or are already out. On Dad's side most are more my brother's age. Pass whatever that is. I think it's one I need to taste before the food vanishes."
Jordan passes Erik what looks like some sort of apple cinnamon pastry. After Erik has gotten himself a small piece Jordan decides to try some as well. His new friend and he are still sampling the numerous sweets when prefects begin urging everyone to finish up as it's nearly time to go to the dormitories.