Morning Light
Author: Devo
Date: 07-30-03 13:36
The morning sun was shining through the window. Devo blinked once or twice before her eyes could take in the morning light. Yet another restless night, Devo thought to herself. Her grandmother's cold, harsh voice was still ringing in her mind. Devo pulled on her Slytherin robe and stared brushing her hair when she saw her wand out of her bag. "That's weird. I didn't take that out."
Incendio
Author: Mary
Date: 07-30-03 14:54
Wednesday found Mary in Defense Against the Dark Arts class with Professor Dumbledore. There was all sorts of talk and general musing throughout the school about the sudden disappearance of Professor Summerset. Rumors told of everything from being fired by Dumbledore to being consumed by a rabid hippogriff. Mary didn't really care. Mind you, she didn't really care about anything. She was simply pleased that for the last month or so, Defense Against the Dark Arts class was fairly easy as Dumbledore adjusted to being a full time teacher and headmaster as well.
Mary absolutely loved their last class, and ended up setting fire to various things all up the hallway afterwards. In fact, if it weren't for Crispin faithfully following her and putting her fires out as soon as they began, Mary would probably have been expelled. She only wished she had caught sight of that stupid Annie girl on her way. Mary thought her hair would look good in flames.
Wednesday, for the first time, Mary found herself paying attention in class, hoping to learn another spell to assist in her plans for global domination. For awhile anyway, her mind stopped wandering to her recently acquired broomstick and the inevitability of playing it in that evening's team practice as she looked expectantly at Dumbledore, wondering what would come next.
Regrets...I've
Had a Few
Author: Captain Electron
Date: 07-30-03 16:08
Right now the thing bugging Captain Electron was a major regret. He regretted bringing Siobhan to Nevvyn's, because now she had her voice back, she was getting full use out of it. He also regretted trying to offer her any advice at all, because hadn't she gone and taken it and asked (or rather, ordered) Freddie to come to Hogsmeade so that the two of them could "talk".
Electron was in his bedroom with the door closed, lying on his bed with a pillow held over his ears. It was no good. He could still hear his erstwhile bandmates screaming blue murder at each other from the front room. In fact, he was pretty sure everyone in Hogsmeade could hear that. This was worse than hex-laden howlers! Hendrix tapped at the window, and Electron emerged from his refuge long enough to open it for him.
"Don't blame you, mate," he said wearily, watching the owl's tail disappearing at the speed of light.
Sooner or later it was going to come out that he and Siobhan had shared something other than comfort and then there'd be trouble. All hell and damnation would break loose. Strange thing was, he didn't regret THAT part.
Twenty Questions
Author: Kody
Date: 07-30-03 16:26
Partway through DADAD, that is Defense Against the Dark Arts (with) Dumbledore, Kody steals yet another look at Emma. Her hair is fetchingly draped over one shoulder as she takes notes, obstructing her peripheral vision from Kody's frequent glances. As Kody resumes writing down the important points Professor Dumbledore is making, his mind is only half on what he's doing, a portion of his thoughts running over and over a scene from earlier in the day, hoping Emma doesn't think him to be a spastic idiot who can't control his own gob*.
After their last class but before heading to lunch, Kody and Emma had been in the Ravenclaw common room waiting for Drake and a few others before going to the Great Hall. Kody, sitting in his favored upside down position, had cleared his throat and addressed Emma's legs.
"Say, Emma, at the end of July my parents always throw a huge summer gala. It's spread out over several days, lots of food, loads of entertainment like swimming, games and music. One year Mum even got the Weird Sisters to perform. Would be great if you'd come. If you want that is. And if your parents would let you. They could come to if they didn't want you coming alone. We've got plenty of extra space if they'd let you stay or if they wanted to stay as well. Or maybe if they don't want to come and say no to you coming, if you want to come that is, they'd allow you to if your cousin Neville came as well. Or you know, if they don't want you staying overnight with us, you could always Floo in. We're on the network. Neville could still come too if you like... ."
By the time Kody had finally gone quiet, Emma never had a chance to reply. Several of the people they were waiting on showed up just then and since that time, there's always been others about. Right after Emma and he had taken their seats in DADA, Kody had leaned over to ask in a whisper if she'd was going to ask her parents if she could attend but Professor Dumbledore began class right at that second. Since that time, Kody's spent as much time covertly looking at Emma and wondering what her thoughts are as he has on paying attention to the headmaster.
*Gob is slang for mouth.
Sliding
By
Author: Alexis Black
Date: 07-30-03 18:05
Alexis scribbled furiously on a piece of parchment in the library, checking her watch at intermittent intervals with a slightly panicked expression on her face. It was 12:45, and this essay on giant wars was due in twenty minutes. She still had six inches to go.
..and so, the last remaining tribe of the germanic region fled northeast toward the urals to escape. Their numbers were incredibly miniscule, and they were so daunted by this inescapable fact that...
Her theory was that if she used all sorts of huge words in her essay, she could win Binns over even if the essay was a few inches short. Alexis checked her watch again then measured her essay for another time.
Two more inches...
..and thus ended the elliptical and climatic war of 1735. No giants from the participating tribes or their ancestors remain today. We can only laud the historians who recorded the war so that we can learn what we can.
Alexis sat back to examine her work, noticing that it was complete rubbish. The essay began in her usual miniscule handwriting and ended in a barely comprehendible large scrawl. She wasn't even sure all her impressive words made sense, but there was no more time. Seven minutes to spare meant she had to run.
So run she did. She arrived just as class began and slipped into her seat next to Isolde who smiled knowingly.
"Finishing your essay?"
"Yep. There is no way I'll get an O.W.L. in this class, ever."
Isolde shrugged, "This class is rubbish."
Binns slid through the blackboard as the class settled themselves down for a convenient afternoon nap.
Lab Rats
Author: Jet
Date: 07-31-03 16:01
Jet sits in his usual corner of the Hufflepuff common room, killing time until lunch and his afternoon classes. As he pretends to read his DADA text, Jet thinks about numerous things such as how it's too bad Professor Somerset left. Salazar's spirit allowed Jet to sense glorious evil in that one. Jet also ponders who to use as the next volunteer for his experiments. Someone annoyingly perky. Someone like Amerah Patterson. Wait. No. Better yet, one of the Beck sisters. How wonderfully ironic that would be.
Twenty Answers
Author: Emma Crusher
Date: 07-31-03 17:48
As history of magic finally ended, Emma gathered her books together in record speed. This was the first chance she had had to speak to Kody alone since he'd gone off on that speech of his; Drake was busy trying to attract the attention of some girl Emma didn't know.
'Kody!' She called after him in the hallway and he stopped to wait for her. He grinned as she approached. 'First off, I'd love to come this July.' His smile widened. 'My mum's said it's alright but she and dad can't come because they have some strange thing they need to do in Paris- don't ask me what because I don't know. They do, however, want to meet your parents before anything is finalized. You know, know who it is they'd be leaving me with- if that could be arranged. Are you sure they won't mind? Your parents, I mean, having me stay with you? I don't want to impose on anyone... oh dear, it seems it's my turn to babble on and on and on.' She smiled broadly. 'Oh, and I doubt Neville would want to come, he doesn't like large gatherings too much.' She added, just to make sure everything was clear.
Before Kody could say another word, the conversation was, again, interrupted.
'I just don't understand her!' Drake declared, joining them as they entered the great hall for lunch.
'What now?' Emma demanded, exasperated. There was only so much she could take of Drake's incessant curiosity about women.
'She wouldn't even talk to me! I doubt she even knows my name!'
'Yes well, it's not like you know hers.' Kody replied.
'That's besides the point!'
Uh...Oops!
Author: Ariana Maison
Date: 07-31-03 19:01
"Oh no!" Ari awoke with a start. Realizing she'd missed Defense Against Dark Arts, and was currently missing History of Magic...at least she figured she was.
Running out of the Ravenclaw common room she went towards the History of Magic Classroom. Sort of hiding, she saw kids starting to file out of classrooms. It was lunchtime already.
"Bloody hell!" Ari moaned as she dragged herself towards the Great Hall, figuring she could talk to the teachers afterwards. Sitting on the bench, the Ravenclaw began to bang her head upon the table, mumbling curses.
MOM Headquarters:
An Argument and a Favor
Author: Dierna ní Cíaran
Date: 07-31-03 20:43
"And just how do you expect me to do my job, Minister, when I am not given critical information about possible dark events?"
Today was becoming much like many others - I arguing in circles with that fool we call the "minister."
"Really, Dierna. There can't be that much dark stuff going around. I mean, it's not like you-know-who is back. Why would there be as much dark activity as you are making there out to be?"
"Voldemort IS back, Minister." He flinches at the name. "Voldemort is back and your denial of the fact doesn't make it any less true."
"Don't say that name!!! And He isn't back. You can't believe what that Potter boy says. He talks to snakes he - "
"I certainly believe Harry much more than anything that Skeeter woman writes!"
"He's unbalanced, seeking attention . . . "
"That is not true. What is true is that Voldemort is back. And I need information to do my job which is catching dark wizards."
"Really, Lucius informs me --"
"You discredit Harry because of what some nosey, gossip-seeking reporter says yet you believe LUCIUS?" I really want to shake some sense into this well-names fool, but restrain myself.
"Lucius is a fine, upstanding citizen. He has donated lots of money to St. Mungo's and other noble causes"
"All that proves is he has money to spare. Not that he's a "fine upstanding citizen."
"Really, Dierna, you are just biased. You've never liked Lucius. But he is reformed now and you can't keep acting like he's still a death eater."
At this point I throw my arms in the air in exasperation and decide to make an exit before I do something FUDGE regents.
"Fine, Minister. You keep thinking that. And when some tragedy happens that makes the truth undeniably obvious, don't say that Harry, Dumbledore and I didn't warn you!" I turn and stalk away.
The elevator it seems hasn't been fixed yet, so I take the stairs to Voletta's office.
She looks bored, doodling on a paper.
"Hi Voletta, how are things here?"
"Hi Dierna! Things here are dull, nothing ever happens. What's up?"
"Nothing much happens? HA! Maybe you should try MY job for a week!" I say, smiling wryly. "As it is, I have a favour to ask you. I need you to keep an eye on muggle papers and clip out any articles that seem even the tiniest bit suspicions. IF you aren't sure, cut them out anyway. There is a lot of dark activity going on that I'm missing because fudge wonÕt order the muggle news for me. If you could do this I'd be really grateful - it would help a lot! And," I add, smiling, "it would give you something to do."
Back in the
Game
Author: Professor Belladonna Sinistra
Date: 07-31-03 21:23
Bella missed teaching. It was a simple fact and one clearly obvious. Not that rest wasn't doing wonders for her various problems. Her health was becoming quite better and she could finally pick up a tea cup without dropping it or spilling due to a shaking hand. Well, that meant only one thing to be done. She gently tacked up a sign on the notice board before heading home to go back to bed.
Belladonna Sinistra, tutoring
in astronomy by appointment General, O.W.L., and N.E.W.T. levels
Ivy Cottage, Hogsmeade
Hitting the
Fan...
Author: Captain Electron
Date: 08-01-03 13:28
It had taken some time but finally Freddie had copped on and now he was less than happy... to put it mildly. The gloves were off and the wands were out, and Electron was forced to review his list of regrets as he was sent sailing across the front room, into the door, busting it open, and out onto the street where he landed on his rear end, narrowly missing a puddle. Freddie hurtled out after him, wand at the ready. From below, Electron hit him with "Expelliarmus" - the wand went flying, spun in the air, and fell back into Freddie's hand as Electron watched in disbelief.
They hurled a few more hexes at each other, mostly managing to deflect them all, so that they were pretty much unscathed, but the front of the house (and some besides) suffered some damage... lumps of paint and mortar were boinging out of the walls like crazy. All the while Freddie was yelling furious abuse and Electron was trying to defend himself but not doing very well. He picked himself up and threw another spell at the exact same moment Freddie did - they both fell backwards and stayed there, groaning and complaining. Siobhan came running out of the house... and she went to Freddie.
Charming! Electron thought crossly. He was left to pick himself up again and dust himself down. He went back inside. Well, at least the screaming had stopped.
Potions
Author: Pyrrhus
Date: 08-01-03 19:32
The entire class lets out a groan when Professor Snape announces the homework assignment. Py makes a face, causing Isolde to giggle.
"Please share with the class, Miss Farnon, whatever it is you find so amusing," Professor Snape's always snide voice cuts through the room.
Pyrrhus beams proudly at Isolde for her quick thinking when she replies without hesitation, "You know how much I love Potions, Professor Snape, so I'm very much looking forward to what sounds to be a vastly interesting assignment."
The professor's eyes narrow but hearing no sarcasm in Isolde's voice he says nothing, though even if Isolde had sounded disrespectful, with her being a Slytherin Snape might have waited to speak to her in private before chastising her. Professor Snape's gaze lingers a second longer on Isolde and Pyrrhus before he snaps out, "Class dismissed."
Py slings his bookbag over one shoulder then reaches for Isolde's and slings it over the other. Hand in hand the couple walk out of the Potions classroom and without needing to speak, each knows they are heading to the library to get this assignment out of the way. That way the only thing they'll have to worry with until Charms first thing Monday is beating Hufflepuff in Saturday's game.
Ari! Stop
That!
Author: Emma Crusher
Date: 08-01-03 22:46
Emma pulled Ariana away from the wooden surface of the table, all but yelling at her to stop hitting herself. 'Honestly, if you're not careful, you'll start having trouble understanding even the simplest of Drake's comments!'
The girl smiled and nodded and the four of them set off to Potions, eager for another 'most enjoyable' lesson with the one and only Professor Snape. After that, it was straight to the greenhouses for Herbology.
Boys and
Jewels
Author: Reese Witherspoon
Date: 08-01-03 23:01
Ugh! No new manicure for TWO days! Do you possible know how BAD that is??? No new outfits have been sent to me for three days as well! No new jewels for two days and no new perfumes either! What is going on?!?
I had to write, it was ESSENTIAL.
Quickly, running towards the Great Hall, I grabbed a feather and an ink bottle from my new, yes, COLORED Louis Vuitton bag (Ughh...at least one new thing came in yesterday...) and began to write.
Dearest Mama et Papa!
Has something gone wrong? I have not been receiving new outfits, perfumes, or jewels! I mean, I must keep my fashion sense even if I am away from Paris and Orleans!
Mama, may I just say (Papa...do not put your eyes on this! This more of a la fille talk) I have found this adorable garcon in my stay at Hogwarts! Indeed! His name is Sean Belgar. He is quiet sweet and a beau. But I must say, I did not realize there were that much beau boys here!
Now for you Papa, I must say merci a million times for sending my colored Louis Vuitton! How ever did you get one?
Ahh! But please send me more grands of money as well! I need to exchange them for the currency here! I've spent most of it already on Burberry cosmetics!
Also do not forget to give my warm welcomes to Alexander, my dearest brother!
Signed from your ever impoverished daughter in fashion (I only have one hundred and eighty outfits!),
Reese Jeanne Witherspoon of the House of Orleans (Who needs clothes! Jewels! Essentials to life!)
It looked good! This was a fashion emergency and I hadn't told them about Sean either (oh guilt for not telling...) so this must be the best I could write!
Running out of the Great Hall in the ever so cute French ensemble, I had to get this sent as soon as possible.
I trust in God that I will receive more outfits and jewels.
Location Unknown:
Creating Disasters
Author: Voldemort
Date: 08-02-03 17:44
I feel that Ethan has been here long enough that I feel it is time for him to begin being useful. I am disappointed that he was "found out"; but pleased that he had the sense to get out before he was truly caught and then imprisoned.
I turn to Ivanova, who has come to me from Durmstrang.
"You have been doing well, and I am pleased. We will need a distraction, to clear away any obstacle that may cause problem for Ethan Somerset. What you do is up to you, but make sure the attentions of the Aurors will be elsewhere than trying to find Somerset. Make especially sure the chief auror will be involved in solving whatever problem you decide to create."
"Yes, My lord," He said, bowing and departs to plan.
That looked after, I turn my thoughts to Ethan, and what I can have him do...
Impenetrable
Boredom
Author: Mary
Date: 08-02-03 20:00
Double history of magic on Fridays was always intolerable. Mary kept her head propped on her hand in an effort to feign interest. Crispin hadn't bothered, he was laying on his desk and drooling unattractively in his sleep. Mortimer, however, was actually taking notes.
Mary felt herself drifting into sleep, and her head slipped off its perch, sending her jerking awake. Mortimer sniggered.
"Sorry if goblin rebellions don't exactly keep me riveted." Mary sneered at him. He shrugged, still grinning. Mary was forced to use hidden reserves of self restraint to prevent smashing her ink bottle (which today read, "bile") over his head. Crispin snored loudly and shifted in his desk. Mortimer leaned over and poked him with his quill. Mary sighed and actually turned her gaze toward Professor Binns, who read his yellowing lecture notes as if there was nothing else in the world.
Mary lamented that a lecture on mass chaos and carnage could not be more interesting.
Being Practical
Author: Saffron
Date: 08-02-03 21:22
For a change of pace from her office and the Divination's classroom, as well as from the faculty lounge, Saffron decides to do paperwork in the Great Hall. Using a piece of spellotape, Saffron sticks a note to the wall at the base of the long climb up to the Divinations tower. No sense in having a student or one of the staff going all that way up only to find she's not there.
Dropping into the chair she normally uses at meals, Saffron begins grading the in-class assignment from yesterday's sixth year class of Hufflepuffs and Slytherins. As she works, Saffron also starts mulling over how she's going to set up the classroom for the practical exam she's giving all her sections next week. Saffron finally concludes that after the Quidditch match tomorrow, she'll play around with the furniture in the classroom to determine the best configuration for the exams.
Diligent
Author: Hermione Granger
Date: 08-03-03 10:03
Fridays were always busy for the sixth and seventh years, particularly so with the N.E.W.T. exams so clear on the horizon. After lunch, Hermione excused herself from the lunch table and her friends and raced to the library to do some last minute reading for Defense Against the Dark Arts class. She would have taken Ron and Harry with her, as they both could use additional studying as well, but they were far too engrossed in a riveting conversation about Quidditch to make it possible to draw them away for some school work.
Hermione entered the library and quietly set her books and parchment down, extra careful to avoid Madam Pince's stern gaze and sharp tongue. With the exams just around the corner, even the librarian felt stressed and even more easily annoyed. The Gryffindor flipped open her text and scanned over the chapter, jotting down a few notes as she went. She had, of course, already read everything for today's lecture with Professor Dumbledore, but it never hurt to read things more than once.
She worked until nearly one o'clock, when she quickly packed her things together and left the library with a throng of other students. She fought her way through the crowds and went to the second floor where she found Harry and Ron waiting for her outside the classroom door.
"Well, Hermione," Ron said as they began to file into the room, "did you learn anything new after you read the chapter for the, what was it, tenth time?" He grinned at her.
Hermione turned her nose in the air and exclaimed, "It would do you, both of you, some good to do a little more than the bare minimum for all your classes, you know."
Ron and Harry exchanged amused glances and said simultaneously, "We know."
