Counting Down
Author: H Potter
Date: 03-28-04 11:00
Harry trudges to his first class of the day. Potions. Lately though, Snape has been hard pressed to find a single thing wrong with any of Harry's work. He's been reduced to nitpicking. Sneering things such as, "Watch cleaning, boy. You missed a spot." Maybe that's a reflection of the greatly increased amount of time that Harry spends on completing assignments and studying. Maybe it's just that Snape is too preoccupied with something else. Either way, Harry's glad to have a respite from the usual abuse heaped on by Snape. He's gotten enough of that in recent weeks from Sirius to more than make up for anything Snape might say or do.
In a way Harry's glad to have so many Friday classes. It will help keep him from dwelling on his plan. The plan that goes into effect tomorrow. Sirius thinks Harry's going to spend a few days at the Burrow with the Weasleys. The man is so desperate for Harry to resume what he calls Harry being normal that he didn't ask why Harry would be going to the Burrow when, of late, Ron and Harry haven't been all that chummy. Ron, on the other hand, thinks that Harry is going to Sirius's house and spending the whole break in Hogsmeade. By the time anyone realizes Harry went neither place, Harry hopes to be long gone, starting a new life somewhere far from here.
"Hmmmm," Harry thinks, "I need to make a decision on what name I'm going to assume. But do I like Huxley or Forbes better? Or maybe Flint. Flint the flobberworm farmer. Has a nice ring. Flint it is. Flint Flodwig the first day of your real life starts tomorrow!"
Ellspeth's Herbals Etc.
Author: Ellspeth
Date: 03-28-04 11:04
Ellpeth moved around the quaint shoppe she had opened in Hogsmeade. She had moved from Diagon Alley just this month after many years living in the hustle and bustle of big city life. This new location in Hogsmeade, Scotland, was just what she had been looking for. Wizarding friends surrounded her. It was such a relief to be able to now indulge in her true passion. Magical herbs, teas, and exotic plants. Not the normal standard leafy little things but those with "real" personality.
Her favorite at the moment was a smallish Dogflower plant that actually begged and barked. It was perfect for those who were allergic to animal hair, but with all the personality of a cute little puppy. She had even developed her own line of tiny flower doggy biscuits as treats.
Right now she was decided to run a few specials, just to let everyone know that she was here. With winter in full swing, she had thought a taste of something warm to add to you meals would be nice. She had taken the standard Jalapeno plant and crossed it with a Firecracker Bush and so developed the Jalapeno Popper Plant. When you added powdered Jalapeno Popper to your food for spice, you could actually shoot sparks. It was quite interesting. Now she was trying to hybrid a version that would shoot a variety of colored sparks. So far they were all a boring gold color.
She moved on to her cupboard full of Herbal Teas, Sleepy Time Tea, Floaty Time Tea (you could actually float a couple of inches off the ground as you drank it) and one of her favorites, Marshmellow Cloud Tea (while you are drinking this one, you would actually puff little marshmellow size clouds out your ears).
Everyone had been so friendly when she had moved it. It was such a pleasure to live here. Her home was a small cozy cottage attached to the back of the shoppe so she was never far from the things she loved. And just outside of the cottage there was a perfect little area for growing her herbs next spring. At the moment it was covered in snow, but she had already walked through the area, deciding where to put things. It was going to be wonderful living here.
The Christmas Holidays were quickly coming up. There had been a few students coming in for last minute presents for their families as they were all getting ready to go home for the Holidays. Excitement was in the air. She had made her own version of fresh ginger Gingerbread Men and Women and placing a batch in the front window, was delighted to seen them dancing and playing in the coconut snow she had placed on their tray. Right at the moment they were all having a coconut snowball fight. She laughed to herself as she walked by.
She was hoping her sister Pol might come up from London for the Holidays. Since there was only she and Pol left in her family, they had made it a point to spend most of their holidays and vacations together. Ellspeth had sent her a nice long letter by Owl Post just the other day, telling her of the wonderful people here, of how beautiful the snow was, not just all that dreary rain they usually had in London, and about how cute her little cottage was. She was so excited. Just living here was a joy...
Pre-class Conversation
Author: Ginny Weasley
Date: 03-28-04 13:54
Taking their seats in the DADA classroom, Ginny grins over at Brett, chuckling at his overly worried expression. "Of course she'll like it if for no other reason than because it's from you."
"You're sure?"
"Positive! Orie will love it," Ginny firmly states, referring to the Christmas present Brett bought in Hogsmeade last Saturday.
Brett, Luna, Neville, and Ginny had spent the day together and during a good portion of that morning, Brett had worried over getting Orie just the right gift. He'd been looking through catalogues for weeks and had his sister keeping close watch on new merchandise coming in where she works, Dervish and Banges, but as of that morning, nothing had jumped out at him at being just the right gift for Orieliah McCoi. It was while in Egyptian Mysteries that Brett found something he really liked and both Luna and Ginny agreed the necklace would make a great gift. They were told the heiroglyphs more or less translate to Friendship is a single soul living in two bodies.
Making things all the harder is the fact that Brett is four years older than Orie - a HUGE gap when one is sixteen and the other is twelve. Brett wanted something to a close friendship but not something that might be construed by others as a symbol of love. At least not yet anyway. In a few years when Orie was old enough that no one would or could find fault with their four year age difference but for now, Ginny knows Brett must err on the side of caution. Ginny also knows from talks with Brett that as far as he's concerned Orie's worth the wait. Brett is the first to admit that once he's gone from Hogwarts and has the opportunity to meet more people - more girls - he could very well meet someone he wants to date, someone with whom to start a relationship but that Orie is special and given a few more years to may be the one.
Brett nudges Ginny in the ribs then points to a green velvet covered box before stashing it back in one pocket, "I'm all thumbs at wrapping. Will you help me over lunch?"
As Professor Turin walks to his usual start-of-class spot at the front of the room, Ginny nudges Brett back, still smiling broadly though a little sad that the gift she got Harry will be sitting, unwrapped, in her trunk with no future prospect of being given. "Be happy to and I think I know just the perfect paper."
Popping a Question
Author: Draco Malfoy
Date: 03-28-04 14:48
During Potions class, Professor Snape had his NEWT students pair up to work on an assignment. Crabbe and Goyle, as to be expected, chose each other. Rolling his eyes at his two gargantuan colleagues, Draco turned away from them and sought out Santhea.
"If you're asking to work with me..." she started, studying him boldly.
"I'll make it worth your while," Draco drawled characteristically. He gently took her by the elbow and led her to the empty cauldron next to Crabbe and Goyle's.
She didn't protest and instead started to collect the necessary ingredients for the assignment. They traveled back and forth from the store cabinet to the cauldron, working quietly and studiously for several minutes, until Draco finally broke the silence.
"Are you still going to France for Christmas?" he asked, emptying a vial of bright blue liquid into the now boiling cauldron.
"Where else would I go?" Santhea countered, tossing in a sprig of an aromatic herb.
Draco said nothing for a few long moments. He looked up and studied her face, which bore a determined look, though Draco couldn't tell if the determination stemmed from her desire to do well on the assignment or from something else.
"Come to Malfoy Manor with me," Draco finally said. "I leave tomorrow morning."
Shopping - For Presents and More
Author: Lucius Malfoy
Date: 03-28-04 15:26
On a whim Lucius decides to pop into Hogsmeade and browse through some of the shops in search of Christmas presents. At Nevvyn's Notions and Potions, he buys some potions that have both soothing lotion and aromatherapy qualities. He also buys some lavender to use to rejuvenate a favorite pillow of Narcissa's. At the newest store, Ellspeth's Herbals Etc., Lucius buys a large assortment of teas for both Narcissa and Bellatrix and for Draco he buys something sure to surprise and please, powdered Jalepeño Popper plant. At Briar's Bakery he orders a cake for Christmas Eve and at Twice Told Tales Lucius makes a special order for a gift to Bellatrix, 2001 Torture Techniques That Don't Leave A Mark.
Strolling along with his packages Lucius knows he's not going about his shopping in a very organized fashion, going to one shop then backtracking to another he's already been past, but he's in no rush and enjoying the blustery day. Also, the longer he takes the more chance of possibly catching a glimpse of that Ni Ciaran woman. She's been strangely absent from the Ministry of late and no one seems to know where she's gone. Not that anyone will admit to that is. Unctuous Umbridge always has such a gloating grin whenever that woman's name is mentioned. If the auror is simply taking a leave of absence, that could mean she's spending time around home and home is here in Hogsmeade.
Pulling open the door to Pots and Pages Lucius decides that when he exits this shop he'll take a detour to look at some of the lovely Christmas decorations at some of the fine Hogsmeade residences.
Knights Walpurgis: Walk Out That Door
Author: Dierna ní Cíaran
Date: 03-28-04 18:07
I stand before the door. Two days ago I'd successfully unlocked it - without my wand. Magic comes from within the user; the wand is just a tool for focusing the magic. The Knights of Walpurgis had learned how to direct their spells without the need for such a instrument. And now, so have I.
All I need to do is "walk out that door," as Nathaniel Hawkins had said. If only it was that simple. Really, I have to walk out, and face the other Knights, all of whom can't wait for a chance to make life hell for "Appollionia Solon"; all of whom want Dierna to die a slow, terrible, lingering death; all of whom can make "Death by Bellatrix" look boring.
I force those thoughts back and survey the area. My dormitory is on the far side of the field where, two weeks earlier, I'd killed a man. That memory makes me cold. I can't feel badly for the dead man, he'd been trying to kill me - had very nearly succeeded, too- but the simple fact that I had killed someone, willingly and knowingly, is disturbing.
When I first step outside, the sunlight hurts my eyes, used to the unlit dorm for two weeks. After a moment, they readjust and I decide to explore my surroundings. If Hawkins comes, he'll find the dormitory locked (out of habit), as usual, but empty.
No doubt he'd be irritated at having to search for me. But that's his problem, not mine. After all, I'm just following instructions.
Going Home for the Holidays
Author: Sora
Date: 03-28-04 18:46
Sora sat in his favorite squishy chair in the Gryffindor Common Room with Felix sitting on his shoulder. He was making a very messy Christmas shopping list for his family and friends.
"Okaaaaaay!! Felix, how does this look?" Sora asked as he rose the list to Felix eye level. He rose a brow. "You can read can't you?" Felix just shook her head. Sora looked a little bummed. "You can't? Aww, Phooey! Well then I'll just have to read it to you." he said as he looked around to see if anyone was spying on him, then he went about his business and read over the Christmas list to Felix:
Sora's Shopping list!
For Kairi: brand spankin new Wizard's Chess set!
For Riku: A sense of humor! HAHAHAHAHA (I'm only KIDDING)! Nope, I'll get him lots and lots of candy!
For Tranquillina: I'll get her a new cat. Naw... her cat would kill me... I'll get her one of those suckable quills I've been hearing about! Yeah!
For Roane: Berty Botts Every Flavored Beans, and a sack of Chocolate Frogs!
Once Sora finished reading, he looked over to Felix. She just gave a loving meow and left. Sora stared for a moment... "Aw, I think it's a good list!" he said as he folded it and put it inside his pocket. He then went up to the boys dormitory to get his stuff put together for his only class today (even though it was hours away).
Once he put his history book on his bed, he suddenly shot up very fast that he felt sick and dizzy. "I forgot to write down what to get my parents!!" he said rather loudly. He then took out his list again and quickly scribbled down what to get for his mom and dad.
"Well... since I can't think of anything, I'll just decide what to get them once I make a stop in Hogsmeade when I leave here for the Holidays." And on that note, Sora put his list back in his pocket and went back to the common room.
Overly Excited
Author: Ariana Maison
Date: 03-28-04 23:30
Ariana couldn't stop smiling the last Friday before the winter break. She's just received an owl a couple days before from Jeron saying him and his parents were going to be coming for Christmas. Her cousin had got his parents to agree that they really need to see each other more often. After all, who wants to loose touch with such close relatives? And then there was the only one class that day. But not even the dull lessons of History of Magic could dampen her sprits.
Though the Ravenclaw prefect knew her friends were rather used to her energy...She got the distinct feeling they found her a little more energetic than usual. As she slid in the table for breakfast she found herself getting strange looks.
"Erm...Ari?"
"Yes Anne?"
"What is up with you today?"
Ariana grinned. "Last day before break!!!"
Anne chuckled. "Yes I know...But you seem to be rather more hyper than usual."
"Oh...that's cause Jeron's coming for Christmas!"
"Who's that?"
"My cousin. Him and I had always been best friends but this past summer was the first time we'd seen each other in six years because him and his parents moved to Australia."
"Wow." Anne smiled. "That's great."
"Yeah, though I wish they'd never moved. Then he'd probably be at Hogwarts as well. You've got to meet him sometime!"
They laughed. "Maybe." Anne rolled her eyes. "Shall we head to class?"
"Yeah, why not? Oh, by the way...what are you doing for Christmas?" Ariana smiled as they told their friends they'd meet them in class and headed off.
Change of Plans
Author: Santhea Fennally
Date: 03-29-04 00:43
Eyes fixed on the simmering potion, Santhea replied, "And why would you want me to spend the Holidays with you? Haven't you said something along the lines that you wouldn't make the same mistake over and over again? The mistake being to spend time with me..."
"I was wrong in what I though, I admit it..." Cutting the blonde short, Santhea added, "You were jealous..." Adding a few more ingredients, the potion finally turned a rich purple - the desired colour. "However, as I'm not without faults..."
A familiar drawl made the two Slytherins spin around, "Well, Miss Fennally. I can't see any errors in your potionsmaking. Something that can't be said about everyone in this room." Turning on his heels, the Potions Master swept over to another table, robes billowing behind him.
A smirk was firmly plastered on Draco's face as he whispered, "Guess I should work with you more often, now shouldn't I?" Taking hold of her hand, he added, "You were saying?"
Raising her eyebrow at the gesture, she replied, "Well, I meant Pansy and her lovely tale... Anyway, traveling abroad is overrated. I think an English celebration would be a nice change from the French version." Smiling at the inquiring gaze the Slytherin Prince bestowed upon her, she finally replied to his question, "Yes, I think I shall come with you to Malfoy Manor..."
The sound of glass breaking, made everyone turn to the table behind Draco and Santhea. It only took two seconds until the deadly voice of Professor Snape could be heard, "Miss Parkinson, kindly refrain from destroying any more vials or I shall be forced to take points." Well, had this happened to any of the Gryffindors in the room, Snape wouldn't have issued a warning prior deducing points. It was lucky for Pansy that she was still a Slytherin.
Draco's fellow prefect just stared ahead, right into the silver eyes of the young Malfoy. Smirking, he raised Santhea's hand to his lips, winking at her. Smiling to herself, Santhea thought, 'Take that, Parkinson...'
Ellspeth's Herbals Etc -- Christmas Decor
Author: Ellspeth
Date: 03-29-04 11:35
Ellspeth had enjoyed visiting with the customer's as they made their way through the shop, browsing here and there. Petting some of the friendlier plant, feeding small flower biscuits to the miniature Dogflowers and tickling the chin of the Tiger Lilly until its purr turned into a rumble.
She had brought out a few of her desk size Sunflower Plants -- suitable for a desk lamp during these cold winter months. They actually glowed like a small sun and with the proper spell word would simply "turn off" and return to flower form until next needed.
She was still doing some of her own decorating of the shop, using her own version of popcorn strings that after they had been popped and strung would make quite little snap, crackles and pops in time with any music playing, or if no music, then they sounded quite like a snapping fire, soft and comforting. She had grown this particular variety of corn herself the previous year and was quite pleased with the results. If one wanted to just eat a bowl of popcorn, there was a tendency to burp and pop at the same time. It use to give the children that lived near her before a really bad case of the giggles too. She smiled at the thought.
As she worked she hummed softly to herself, her usual cup of Floaty Time Tea sitting near her as she worked. It was much more fun to just bounce here and there off the floor as she hung the last of the decoration around the shoppe.
Earlier in the day a Mr. Lucious Malfoy had stopped in to buy some gifts. He had wandered regally around the shop pointing out various teas he had chose and in the end had picked up a package of Powdered Jalapeno Popper Plant. He gave her a small frosty smile as he paid for his packages, and then left.
As he walked out the door, Ellspeth had thought to herself, "That man needs to try some of my 'Tickle Your Belly Pink Tea', it just might give him a little bit of a chuckle here and there."
Then returning to her work she finished adding a few of her own homemade herbal scented beeswax candles around the room and lit a few just to add a bit of aroma to the shoppe. In one corner a rose scented one was glowing, bright colored rose petals gentle wafting out of the flames to land gently in a pile near its base. She loved the scented candles. They had always been one of her favorite past time, rolling the various herbs into the wax and the spelling them to complete the procedure.
She turned quickly when she heard the bells on the door jingle invitingly.
What fun, another customer...
Late Morning
Author: Desdemona Diamond
Date: 03-29-04 11:41
I was able to sleep in today. It was nice. Tomorrow would be a different story. There was traveling, and parents, and time zone changes, and… homicidal siblings… Oh, tomorrow was going to be hard. So, while Bronwyn had to get up because of class, I got to sleep. I slept right through breakfast, even through Bron did try to wake me.
But, now I was awake and all packed to go home for the Christmas break. I was waiting for lunchtime so I could join the early birds and join them for class. It was only fair that I join them for lunch since I had classes with them right afterwards. Besides, I was hungry.
I'm not sure, why but Arley seems to have grown nervous around Bron and I since the Hogsmaede trip. It must have been his sister's comments about the relationship between him and Seb. It seemed to be a touchy subject with him. I didn't care, one way or the other. At least they're happy. It's not like it's a major issue or anything.
My mind kept wandering over to thoughts about my sister. I hadn’t actually seen her in a couple years. I haven't even talked to her in over a year. If we had anything to say to each other we would have our parents relay it. It would be weird seeing her again. I kept hoping that she had mellowed out, if even a little.
I turned to look at the clock and I saw that was actually close to lunch. I went and grabbed my books before heading out to the Great Hall to eat.
