Pansy in Pink
Author: Brady
Date: 07-16-03 22:28
"Bonjour mon garçons, now where is Draco?"
It had been at breakfast when Brady looked up at these words and nearly choked on his glass of pumpkin juice. A girl, a Gryffindor (clearly recognizable by the pink emblem on her equally pink blazer), stood across the table from him looking completely naive to the fact that Gryffindors and Slytherins don't exchange friendly conversation. Ever.
Recovering from his initial incredulity, Brady sneered, "And what would you like with Malfoy?"
She seemed unaware of his snideness and stated matter-of-factly, "I'm just curious where I could find him." She smiled sweetly at Brady and then examined her perfectly manicured nails.
Brady thought he might be nauseous.
"He's not here," he said, and succeeding an afterthought added, "Are you sure you belong in Gryffindor? I thought all the pansies went to Hufflepuff."
Phillip snickered.
Brady sneered and glanced appraisingly at the girl in pink. She didn't look all-too-different from the stomach lining of some creature in Potions class. Pink all over and oozing with...yuck!
Well, she was pretty, Brady had to admit, but not worth the dirt on his shoe simply because she was in Gryffindor House.
Chilling Revelation
Author: Sirius Padfoot Black
Date: 07-16-03 22:31
Sirius sits hunched over a drafting table, arranging page layouts for a book. Until he went undercover with this job, he never had any idea that placing photos and art images with text for books and pamphlets could be so difficult. And footnotes! Annoying little buggers. Even worse is making sure all the foot notes are properly numbered in relation to the work to which each refers.
All these things are bad enough in and of themselves but for Sirius the fact that when this is printed and bound, it will be the worst of the dark arts materials he's come across since he began working here as Patrick Blackburn. The information in this book is so horrid that there have been several times this morning that Sirius has nearly lost his breakfast.
The images accompanying the text are extremely graphic and the text itself is very well written in a step-by-step manner on how to achieve the various spells, charms, and curses presented. Sirius doesn't even want to think about kids the ages of Harry and younger getting hold of a book, such as this will be once completed, that so graphically depicts people being tortured, made to do things they normally wouldn't, and even killed.
As Sirius grimaces over yet another photo in need of placement on the page he's currently working on, voices drift across the hallway from Chris Wheelright's office through this room's partially open door.
"Great piece of cover art! Can't wait to see it on the finished product. The last of the pages are almost ready for printing. We'll of course get the books bound immediately after all the printing is done. Shouldn't be but another two or three days. Going to be bloody fantastic. I'm sure you'll be chuffed."
"Three days at most, you say? I'll check back then. Don't owl me if you finish sooner. I will bring the final installment of payment when I return. Based on the pages you've shown me so far, the finished product will be exactly what we hoped it would be. Keep up this quality of work along with the speed of getting products ready for the market and you'll see an increase in business with us."
The two men exchange a few more words before the customer departs with a POP marking his disapparation from Wheelright's office. When Wheelright comes across the hall a few moments later, he finds Sirius standing stock still, almost as if frozen.
"Patrick, are you all right?"
"What? Oh, yes, sorry," Sirius quickly comes up with something to more to say. "I was just doing a mental debate on what layout I like best for this page. There are a few different ways to incorporate the images that work really well so I was going over the pros and cons of each before making a final decision and moving on."
This seems to satisfy Wheelright because he gives Sirius a hearty pat on the back while exclaiming, "Keep up the good work. I knew I could count on you to help put together a smashing product."
As his boss exits the room, Sirius sits down on a nearby chair and leans back, his blood oddly running cold while he seethes inside. It had taken all of Sirius's willpower not to go storming into that office and rip into the customer's chest where his heart would be if he had one.
Peter Pettigrew so close yet more out of his reach than ever at this juncture!
Books, Books
and Practice Tests
Author: Lawrence Masterson
Date: 07-17-03 08:18
In the past week since the Hogsmeade trip Lawrence had been concentrating on his O.W.Ls and also not letting his current classwork fall behind either. Vera had kept true to her promise and been testing him on various spells and questions that could possibly be asked on his O.W.Ls.
He currently had his nose buried in a book for DADA and was quickly scratching notes on a piece of parchment. He had spent most of the day in the library working on Potions and DADA. He faced a quiz from Vera after dinner in the common room. This one he would be ready for, because those were two of his best subjects, aside from Transfiguration and Charms.
Lawrence stretched and yawned, he wondered how long he had been in the library. Though judging by the fact that the sun was setting he had been in here all day. He figured he should go and join Vera for dinner, since he hadn't seen much of her today. Truthfully he had seen very little over, with the exception of dinner most nights and quizzing him in the common room or out on the grounds when they both got some free time.
He would put his books and such back in his bag. He would head toward the Great Hall to meet Vera for dinner. He will most definitely be happy once O.W.Ls were complete and he could relax.
In the Pink
of Things
Author: Kody
Date: 07-17-03 12:23
Kody made a funny face at Emma, making both she and Drake laugh. Sean was still too busy staring at the doorway to notice so hearing the laughing he turns a puzzled expression their way.
Kody then went on to explain to Emma, and Drake, why he sounded so interested in Reese. "Let me get this straight. I heard someone say Reese arrived last Saturday."
Drake nods, his eyebrows arched in question as he waits to hear where Kody is going with this.
"Okay, so that colorful bird has been here a full week. So why is she just now making such a grand and, er, um, very, er, PINK entrance? Reese acts as if she doesn't even know people in the same year, people she's had classes with all week, nor does she act like she knows very many people in her own house. If you ask me, she's a bit touched in the head. Maybe all those chemicals in whatever she puts on her hair and in all that make-up have, you know, done something screwy with her brain."
Drake and Emma both burst out laughing again before agreeing, yes, it does seem odd that Reese has had a whole week here yet the way she acted walking into the Great Hall, one would think it was her very first day. Sean simply cast Kody a baleful glance, then looking very annoyed turned his attention back to the doorway.
When Reese appeared once more in the Great Hall, nearly an hour had passed and most people still there were hanging out talking, playing games such as wizarding chess, or studying. If anything, the girl looks even pinker than before. When she sashays over to the Slytherin table, boldly asking for Draco, every Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Gryffindor in the room goggled at her.
Drake pulled Kody close and hissed, "You called that one. Barmy. Right wonky she is. After a week here she doesn't know what a load of bloody buggers the Slytherins are?"
Kody noded and said in a low voice, "Barking mad. A pink twit it seems."
What Kody didn't say aloud is that in his opinion Reese is way overdone and that he didn't like hearing her implication earlier that Emma needs beauty help. Emma is hands down one of the top lookers in all of Hogwarts. He'd tell her that if he could ever find a way to do it without coming across as a tongue-tied, bumbling git.
By the time lunch time arrived, Kody was wondering when Reese would make yet another grand entrance wearing yet another pink outfit. Wouldn't be surprised at all if she were to dye her hair pink to match.
After lunch, Kody ended up going to the Ravenclaw common room where some of his housemates and he played a board game until suppertime.
Sweet Success
Author: Lucius Malfoy
Date: 07-17-03 19:13
Just before dawn, Lucius and the others on the team got into their positions. According to the informant, Harspichord has gotten into the bad habit of jogging the exact same route early ever morning, no matter the weather. If this is true, and Lucius is sure it is, the positions of the Death Eaters will allow them to very quickly surround Harpsichord and take him before he even realizes they're there.
Hours later, back at the same place where Karkaroff is being held, Lucius sits in a chair, his fingers steepled and eyes closed as if in deep, contemplative thought, a very self satisfied smile on his face. The chamber echoes with the enjoying sounds of Harspichord's screams as MacNair works him over. Lucius would have liked to "talk" to the rat himself but MacNair had lost an extremely close relative to Harpsichord's machinations. Also, as MacNair pointed out, why should Lucius have all the fun?
Pink Gucci
High Heels
Author: Reese Witherspoon
Date: 07-17-03 19:20
Reese, being notified that Draco wasn't there, was about to leave until Brady made a comment.
"Are you sure you belong in Gryffindor? I thought all the pansies went to Hufflepuff."
"I most definitely belong in Gryffindor! I mean the Gryffindor House stands for strong unity and bravery and I think I am quite brave to bring back the style of shoulder pads and curled hair at the ends! Don't you think?"
Reese gave a dazzling smile but most of the Slytherins were either disgusted at her errr... perky and very pinkish behavior or at the fact that she was good looking.
"Then why do you wear so much pink?"
Reese thought for a few seconds and quickly said, "Well, pink is very pink and pink is so I mean it's so not as if but it's so not like oh so last season since it's always in season!"
All and I meen all of the Slytherins were befuddled at what she said. As they were thinking what she meant, Reese shifted her weight to her right side, checked her French manicure nails, and winked.
"Well, if Draco does come back tell him I said Bonjour and can you give him this note? Au revoir!"
Reese quickly grabbed out a fluffy pen, grabbed her pink notepad shaped in a butterfly covered in fluff, and opened it. Before she wrote anything she quickly asked Brady, "Can you give this to Draco for me?"
"Sure," Brady said with an evil grin to his friends.
"Oh merci!" she said and gave him a peck on the cheek.
Quickly she wrote this:
Bonjour! You weren't here the time I went over to your Slytherin table but I just had to say you are quite adorable! Well au revoir!
Brady snatched the note from Reese and most people thought she was a dimwit for giving that note to him, since people knew Slytherins could not be trusted with such things. However, it seems to Reese that everyone was kind and perky like her. Oh boy was she wrong!
Reese swished her hair to the side, gave a wink to Emma, and walked carefully over to the Gryffindor table.
"Ginny, tell me later if you want those highlights!" She gave her a smile and walked away on her new Gucci high heels back to the Gryffindor common room for a different shade of pink lipstick.
It's Time
Author: Ginny Weasley
Date: 07-17-03 20:28
Ginny and Harry eventually drifted back to their common room where she and Hermione watched Ron and Harry play the best two out of three in a chess match. All four agreed that the new set Viktor sent as a birthday present to Ron was absolutely the best. Using instructions that came with the chess set, the pieces, which all look like various Quiddtich team positions and equipment, can be spelled to look like the players' favorite teams. Ron of course chose his side to look like the Chudley Cannons.
After the boys were done playing chess, the snow outside had finally stopped its thick fall, so Harry called the Gryffindor Quidditch team members together to finish out their scheduled practice time. Hermione promptly went to work on reading weeks ahead in all her classes, as usual. Ginny chose this time to seek out Reese and asked more about the highlights the other girl mentioned.
By lunchtime, Ginny had new color tones in her hair that accentuate the red. As she and Hermione prepared to go to the Great Hall for lunch, and Ron's last big surprise, Hermione admitted that Ginny's hair really does look splendid. The two were almost out the portal when Ginny realized Reese wasn't right behind them.
She ran back up to the girls' dorm and located Reese in her room, trying to decide what shoes to wear. Ginny, not wanting to miss Briar bringing the cake, made an executive decision whether Reese liked it or not. Picking a pair, Ginny crammed them on Reese's feet then took hold of her hand and dragged out down to where Hermione waited.
The three girls made their way to the Great Hall, Ginny having to drag Reese almost the whole way because Reese kept claiming she wasn't presentable yet. Nothing Hermione nor Ginny said convinced her otherwise but once at the door to the Great Hall and realizing she'd already been seen by a number of people, Reese squared her shoulders, head held high, and walked into the room.
Once inside, Reese apparently saw several boys she wanted to speak to because with a swish of her hips and a batting of her eyelashes, Reese took her leave from Ginny and Hermione. As they pass by a couple of other girls, Hermione and Ginny started giggling when they overheard one say in an awed voice to the other, "I never knew pink came in so many shades."
Hermione blocked off a group of seats together at one end of the Gryffindor table so that she and Ginny could be sure of being able to sit with Ron and Harry for lunch while Ginny went to meet Briar who'd just walked in with the cake. Briar, the cake in a box levitating in front of her, had the cake gently settle on the spot indicated by Hermione. Briar removed the cake from the box to the oohs and awes of those nearby. Just then Dobby appeared and asked if he should have the ice cream put out as well. Ginny nodded, then thanked Dobby for his help. After a thanks was given to Briar as well as hugs, the woman departed, saying she really needed to get back to work. The bowls of ice cream appeared on the table with a snap of Dobby's fingers.
Now all that remained was for Ron to arrive for lunch.
Highlights
are Gorgeous
Author: Reese Witherspoon
Date: 07-17-03 21:37
Reese was down again in a different dress this time. She was dressed in a pink dress that was soft as butter while two silk veils of dark pink were both on each side of her. The dress was long and as she walked, it was like a wedding dress, dragging the ends of her dress wherever she went while the gorgeous Hogwarts emblem was stitched at the back of her dress. It was elaborately decorated with the fleur de lis. She had pink long gloves as well. Her shoes were pink (which was hastily chosen by Ginny so they would get down to the Great Hall as soon as possible but it still looked good) and she had her lighter pink lipstick on. Reese didn't quiet mind though. She was actually quiet pleased with her dress and pearl necklace around her neck while her wrists were adorned with a golden bracelet. Her hair was in a high bun with a small tiara in front of her bun. She looked more for a formal occasion then lunch.
"Here comes the princess," snickered a Slytherin girl as she walked elegantly over to the Ravenclaw table.
Reese didn't quite realize that it was an insult and she quickly responded, "Why thank you!" and she continued her way.
She greeted Emma with a hug and a polite "Bonjour." She slipped Emma a bottle of perfume and whispered, "I have another one! It's the latest from Versace and you have been missing on a lot of cosmetics!"
Emma gave Reese a tight hug and as soon as she let go, Reese turned to Sean was sitting next to Emma.
"Salut Sean."
"Sa-sa-sa-"
"Salut Reese," said Emma, trying to help her friend out say the French girl's name.
Reese gave a polite kiss on his right cheek and gave a wink to him. She quickly grabbed her gown and walked faster to the Gryffindor table and sat next to Ginny.
"See? Aren't the highlights just gorgeous?"
Return
Author: Professor Belladonna Sinistra
Date: 07-17-03 21:47
The charming cottage in Hogsmeade had bustled with activity for a while. Boxes had arrived, house elves were seen tending the grounds and the ivy covering the outside. Clearly someone was to move in shortly, or the house elves were overworking themselves for nothing.
A few nights later, a gentleman entered the house, and one somewhat lovely March day, a lady knocked on the door.
"Liam O'Corra, please don't leave me out here long. I'm freezing and exhausted. I swear, this is the last time I apperate. I'm so tired and you know I'm not well. Please tell me you have tea ready and and I could use a bite to eat."
Liam opened the door and quickly ushered in the unwell looking Bella as a house elf took her coat. She gently sat down in an overstuffed chair and sighed before picking up a glass of tea. However, it was quickly put down as her hand trembled.
"You look horrible, Bella. I mean really. Your skin is practically transparent and look at those circles under your eyes. It was the best of ideas to get away from your mother. Merlin, do you look like Hell."
"I know, I know. It wasn't my fault. You know what the doctors said: overwork, too much stress, and not taking care of myself. Madwomen aren't beauty queens and I think I look much better than I did a few weeks ago. I'm no longer running through the halls talking sheer nonsense, am I? Besides, I got a manicure. Doesn't that count towards the expectations of a full recovery everyone has for me?"
She sighed before leaning back and looking at the fire. The past few months had been horrible. At first, she had thought that all she needed was a break from teaching astronomy at Hogwarts. Then, at an opera performance the Sinistra clan attended en masse, she had suddenly started crying and couldn't stop. Things had gotten worse from there, and it was clear that she was suffering a severe nervous breakdown.
Time had passed, doctors had been consulted, and when it was decided that no danger would occur, the idea had come. A cottage in Hogsmeade that Bella had always considered charming would be taken and Liam sent to live with her under orders to insure that she always had someone with her in case a feared relapse would occur. To that end, the cottage was bought and her belongings transported and set up.....
"Bella, snap out of it! If you keep starring into the fire, you'll ruin your eyesight and give yourself a headache. It's quite unhealthy if you ask me. Now, sip your tea and don't worry about breaking china. It's your stuff and you look in need of some nourishment. Just think about how nice your rest cure is and how much fun we'll have. I'm not going to treat you like a baby, even if I am acting as your babysitter."
Another Present
Author: Majandra
Date: 07-17-03 22:13
Around lunch time, Majandra exited the library where she'd been busy on yet another long Potions essay. She enters the Great Hall just in time to see Briar Rose leaving and Dobby getting the ice cream set out. Majandra walks over to where Hermione, Ginny, and that pink girl... Reese... yes, that's her name, Reese, are all sitting and puts her book bag down on a seat.
Majandra pulls a wrapped box out of her bag and upon seeing Hermione's questioning look, Maj explains, "It's not another one for Ron. It's a sweater I knitted in the Ravenclaw colors as a thank you to someone else."
Hermione nods in understand and Maj straightens up to look around the Great Hall. Locating the person she seeks, Majandra walks over to the Ravenclaw table. 'Hi, Sean, I wanted to thank you again for keeping me company in Hogsmeade last Saturday. Here's something to show my appreciation."
Majandra hands the package to Sean then returns to the Gryffindor table to await Ron's arrival.
Just Desserts
Author: H Potter
Date: 07-17-03 22:34
Harry, Ron, and the rest of the Quidditch team troop into the Great Hall a little later than Harry planned. With the delay due to the heavy snowfall on getting practice time in this morning, the team had ended up working hard until the snow began falling again and they were all famished.
When they reach the Gryffindor table, a shout of, "Surprise!" goes up from both the team members and those already assembled at their house table. Ron's mouth drops open at the sight of the cake and ice cream and at the smattering of gifts from those not able to give them to him this morning.
The cake Briar provided is so huge that there is more than enough to share with those of others houses who want some and enough ice cream to feed an army. Today for lunch it seems most present are having their desserts first.
When at last the cake is gone and all that remains of the ice cream are a few melted drops here and there, much to his friends' delight, Ron proclaims this to have been the best birthday ever.
Thanks
Author: Sean Belgar
Date: 07-18-03 07:37
Sean sits at the Ravenclaw table quite bored. He is not really listening to Kody and Drake talk. He is thinking about Reese. She seems to be playing me. Emma said her likes and dislikes changed with the tides. She is pretty but if we are going to be something I certainly won't deal with that. Of course I don't even know if she likes me so what am I saying?
Then he saw Majandra walk in. She quickly walked over to the Gryffindor table and said something to Hermione, then she walked over to the Ravenclaw table and handed Sean a package. "Hi, Sean, I wanted to thank you again for keeping me company in Hogsmeade last Saturday. Here's something to show my appreciation."
She walked away without letting him talk to her. "I will be right back," he said to his friends. He stood and walked over to the Gryffindor table. "Majandra," he said. "I just wanted to say thanks, and that I enjoyed your company and would like to do it again sometime. I am going to go open this now," he said gesturing to the package in his hand.
With that he walked to the Ravenclaw common room. He unwrapped the gift on his way. It was a magnificent sweater that was the Ravenclaw colors. This is a great gift. He quickly put it away and went off to find Majandra again.
He saw her still sitting at the Gryffindor table. "Majandra, did you make that sweater yourself?" he asked.
"Yes," she replied. "Do you like it?"
"Ye yes," he said stuttering. She had made it herself. It had to have taking her a long time. "It was magnificent. I don't have anything for you but I will get something. I am not a good knitter so..."
She gave a small smile "You don't have to get me anything-"
"But I want to." he interrupted. "I will get something for you." He walked back to the Ravenclaw table without another thought of Reese. He wasn't worried about anything. He had four good friends, what more could he want?" But there is one thing. He thought.
