Hufflepuff
in Possession
Author: Bronwyn Dewhurst
Date: 04-06-03 09:53
"Anderson, Riley, Anderson, Patterson, Anderson!" Bronwyn shouted, following the path of the quaffle as it passed from Hufflepuff chaser to Hufflepuff chaser.
All of the Hufflepuff fans were on their feet by now, watching as Neo approached the goal hoops. Baine, of Ravenclaw House, readied himself before the goals, determined not to let Hufflepuff score. Neo met him at the end of the field and arched back his arm, releasing the quaffle...
Meanwhile, on the opposite end of the field, a stray bludger came rocketing through the sky and nearly took out Hufflepuff keeper, Prote Spacy. He jerked his broom violently to dodge the fierce ball, breathing a great sigh of relief when it missed him by a hair.
Wonderful
Day for Quidditch
Author: Albus Dumbledore
Date: 04-06-03 12:33
The clear, crisp air of the tag-end of autumn sets the tone for the morning. I sit, bundled in the Staff box with a number of the other professors and guests, thoroughly enjoying the match. Thus far, even though there has been no score for either side, it has been well and cleanly played. Most importantly, there have been none of the injuries which accompanied the previous contest. I note with interest that we at last have a new announcer. Miss Dewhurst is doing a very creditable job at replacing Lee Jordan, who graduated last year. I watch Minerva as she coaches the young lady in the basic elements of announcing.
I scan the crowd, looking specifically for those who will be attending the meeting in a short while. Finally, I spy Sirius, sitting with the Gryffindors. So far, there is no sign of Arthur or Molly. Fletcher had owled me saying he might be a bit late, and Moody would go straight to my office. Arabella Figg did not respond to my letter. However, I fully expect her to arrive as the clock is striking. Not one to waste time, is our Mrs. Figg.
The Seekers for both teams seem to be zipping here and there, almost at random. The Snitch is being extraordinarily elusive, today. The two sides are well matched, both having their fair share of both experienced players and novices. For this year, at least, the Slytherin team appears to have the edge in experience. Perhaps I should talk to Viktor and see if he might give a little extra of his time to the Gryffindor group.
Much as I would like to stay and watch the rest of the match, duty calls. I had best return to my office and wait for my guests.
Alone
Author: Majandra
Date: 04-06-03 13:40
Majandra had gone down to the Quidditch Pitch for the start of the Ravenclaw-Hufflepuff match, mainly to honor Kendra's memory. She stayed long enough to drink one of the butterbeers provided by Mr. Black, who'd grinned at Majandra and insisted she call him Sirius. After finishing the butterbeer, Majandra has thanked Sirius and bid everyone goodbye, saying she had a paper due on which she still had a huge amount of work to do. Truthfully, however, Majandra just hasn't been able to get very excited about Quidditch without George around.
Once back at Gryffindor House, Majanda pulls out a clean piece of parchment and sends George a much overdue reply to let him know that yes, she'd be his date to his brother's wedding. After owling off the letter, Majandra gets to work on an essay for Muggle Studies, no longer feeling a tinge of guilt for switching to that glass while dropping Arithmancy.
Score!
Author: Toby Beck
Date: 04-06-03 14:39
Everything seemed to go in slow motion. Toby skidded his broom to a halt, temporarily ignoring the whizzing bludgers around him. He kept his eyes on the commotion over by the Ravenclaw hoops, watching intently as Neo's arm flew backwards, the quaffle resting in his palm. The chaser then thrust his arm forward, releasing the ball and sending it flying through the air. It spiraled through one of the hoops over Gabriel's shoulder.
A deafening roar sounded throughout the stadium and Bronwyn's shouts over the din could barely be heard. "Anderson scores! Hufflepuff, 10 points! Ravenclaw, zero!"
Toby threw his hands into the air and cheered, accidentally throttling Prescott with his bat in the process. Unfortunately, Madam Hooch called foul and Prescott lined up before the Hufflepuff hoops to attempt the goal. His efforts to even out the score, however, failed.
Breathing a sigh of relief, Toby zipped away to find a bludger, while Prote successfully passed the quaffle to Neo.
Evening Things
Up
Author: Cho Chang
Date: 04-06-03 17:58
As Golbez fouled a player, Sykra got a score. A cheer went up and Cho nodded, satisfied a bit, diving for the snitch while glad that Quidditch didn't have a limit to the number of fouls. She tried her best to focus only on the snitch, but found that her ankle was starting to hurt, shaking her head to clear it, she keeps her eyes on the prize.
To Date Or
Not To Date
Author: Ginny Weasley
Date: 04-07-03 07:28
Ginny, accepting another butterbeer, cheers for Ravenclaw's goal. Having no favorite in the game, Ginny has been having fun supporting both teams and enjoying all the goodies Sirius brought to share with Harry and Harry's friends.
As the thought of Harry passes through Ginny's mind, she surreptiously looks at him. Ginny's fairly sure Harry doesn't have a date for Charlie's wedding and since she's no longer seeing Prescott, Ginny's toyed with the idea of asking Harry to be her escort. The problem is that she wonders if it might be better to both attend without dates and then naturally gravitate together.
She'll make a decision about it by Hogsmeade weekend. If Ginny decides in favor of asking him to be her date, she'll find a moment during that day to ask. Or the last day of the term. Yes, definately by the last day of the term she'll have made a decision and either asked him or not.
Not wanting to be caught staring at Harry, Ginny returns her attention to the game, yelling and cheering on each team as it gains possession of the quaffle.
Missed!
Author: Vera Delgety
Date: 04-07-03 13:50
The game was on, and hot. Hufflepuff had scored 10 points. Being a Beater, Vera kept her eye on the Bludgers and smacked it at the other teams players.
Sykra Sawyer had the Quaffle and was heading toward the goal. Vera quickly spotted a Bludger and whacked it real hard, sending it zooming straight at Sykra. When it missed the chaser. Vera punched her broom and cursed. How could she miss? She never does!
Now a bit angry with herself she hit noticed that she hit the bludgers a bit harder then usual.
The Old Crowd
Author: Dierna ní Cíaran
Date: 04-07-03 20:19
When my attempts to find a seat anywhere in the Quidditch stands proves futile, I decide to head up to Dumbledore's office.
"Butterscotch pudding." I say to the gargoyle, which turns to reveal the staircase leading to the tower. At the top of the stairs, I notice the office door is ajar and walk inside. Alastor is waiting in the office, and turns toward the door at the sound of my footsteps. We catch up for a few minutes before Sirius and the Olamh arrives, followed shortly by Arabella Figg.
We gather around a table and after waiting for any late arrivals, Dumbledore begins the meeting.
Branching
Out
Author: Briar Rose
Date: 04-07-03 21:00
Briar enters the new branch of Gringotts, a stack of bakery boxes floating ahead of her, and is promptly greeted by Bill.
"Everything looks wonderful, Bill! I thought you might like to have some hors d'oeuvres, both sweets and savories, for the grand opening."
Looking both surprised and pleased, Bill hugs Briar. "That's smashing of you, Briar! Thanks!"
The two spend the next few minutes getting the boxes unpacked and the trays arranged, then Briar turns to Bill, "Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to get a vault opened in this branch."
Bill walks Briar over to one of the Goblins sitting patiently at a teller window and after making introductions, Bill leaves Briar to go greet another customer.
The Gathering
of the Old Crowd
Author: Albus Dumbledore
Date: 04-08-03 06:59
I reach my office to find Dierna, Alastor, Arabella and Sirius have already arrived. I greet each of my guests with a few personal words and direct them to seats at the round table near the window. Noticing my own dry throat, I call for the House Elf who seems to have "adopted" me.
"Londy?" Ziiiipp! and she appears from behind one of the bookcases. "We will be doing a lot of talking in the next while. Please see what these nice people will have to drink!" She bustles about as orders are called out. Before she has finished making her rounds, Mundungus Fletcher and Arthur Weasley make their appearance. I stand briefly and welcome the new pair. Arthur makes a brief apology for Molly, pleading overload from wedding arrangements.
When we are all seated, and Londy has returned and distributed the requested beverages, I take a long draught of my pumpkin juice and stand to begin the meeting.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, old friends and new... I have asked you here today, because I see a disturbing trend. Voldemort's power continues to grow, despite the best efforts of the Ministry. He has gathered many of his old supporters and is busily recruiting new ones. We have been unable to locate his base of operations, and we are certain that he has spies planted within every facet of Ministry operations. Even more frightening, there have been some unusual occurrences right here at Hogwarts, which lead me to suspect he has made some converts within the School. He flaunts his strength, almost as if he is daring us to do something. I think it is time that we DO just that... SOMETHING! However, I am not exactly certain what it is that we should do. Should we be supporting the Ministry in their efforts, or should we strike out on our own? I have invited our Chief Auror, Ms Dierna ní Cíaran, to explain the current situation and possibly show us how we can help or support the current efforts. Following her presentation, we will open the floor to questions, comments and suggestions."
I bow to Dierna, indicating the floor is hers, and resume my seat.
Pass
Author: Amerah Patterson
Date: 04-08-03 09:11
The game appears to be going on slow mode (as far as Quidditch goes). After catching the quaffle, I successfully pass it to Prote.
A
Trip to the Bank
Author: Nevvyn
Date: 04-08-03 09:31
I fetch the steel-wrapped wooden box from its hiding place and temporarily negate the security spells. Lifting the lid, I smile at my little "nest egg". Slightly over half-full of gleaming golden Galleons. Tom comes in and adds another small sack-full. Until now, we have been storing the weekly profits from the shop in leather sacks, hidden here and there in the storeroom. Another Tom enters with a sack in each hand, dumping them into the box. "Well! That should be the lot of it!" Tom indicates this is so. I close the box and restore the spells. "You lads mind the store! I shall be back soon!"
I levitate the box with a "Wingardium Leviosa" and direct it before me with a "Mobiliarbus". Out the door and up High Street, to Hogsmeade's newest establishment. I am amazed at the changes which have been wrought on the old building. It has all the external earmarks of a genuine bank. Once inside, I am even more satisfied with my decision. I look around, taking in the elegance of the marble floor and the carvings on the tables and counters. I spy a tallish fellow with red hair, nattily dressed in rather professional looking business robes. "Mr. Weasley, I presume?" I address him. He smiles and welcomes me to Gringotts. "I am Nevvyn, of "Nevvyn's Notions and Potions", just down the street. I should like to procure a vault!"
"Right this way!" he directs me to one of the Goblin tellers, and makes the initial introductions. After a few questions and the filling out of several forms and agreements, I am given a small golden key. The goblin opens a door which I had not noticed previously, and leads me down a spiral staircase and into the tunnel containing the vaults. He stops before one with the number "17", inserts his key and asks for mine. I promptly hand it over and, with the second key in place, the door swings open. There is ample room for the box and many more like it, inside the small, dimly-lit chamber. I guide the box into a place at the rear, then step back out of the way. The old Goblin closes the door with an air of finality, and hands me my key.
Back upstairs, I stop to sample the hors d'oeuvres. Immediately, I recognize the touch of a master baker. "From Miss Briar's?" I ask Bill Weasley, who is standing nearby.
"Yes!" he replies. "She brought them over just before you arrived."
"Well! When the word gets around, I'm certain you will have people flocking to your door." I bid Bill a good day, and hurry back to the store to see what mischief the Toms might have got themselves into, this time.
Cheering
on Hufflepuff
Author: Lawrence Masterson
Date: 04-08-03 10:05
Lawrence had headed to the Quidditch Pitch early with Vera, wanting to wish her luck on her first game of the season. He kissed her right before she went into the locker room with the rest of the team. Then headed into the stands, and found a seat near a few other members of Hufflepuff house that he knew. He let his gaze trail out over the Quidditch Pitch and he smiled. The game would begin soon and he would be cheering on Hufflepuff as well as Vera, he caught sight of Professor Dumbledore arriving in the teacher's box as well as a few other professors.
Soon his gaze was drawn again to the Pitch as Madam Hooch signals the beginning of the game. Things started off slow, and finally Hufflepuff scored the first goal. Lawrence cheered with the rest of Hufflepuff house who was out watching and supporting their house team.
His thoughts drifted toward the upcoming Hogsmeade trip, the concert with Captain Electron, as well as Second Round of the Wizard's Chess Tournament. Though the second round wouldn't be until after the term break, he still wanted to make sure he was ready.
His gaze settled on Vera and he was snapped out of his thoughts as he watched her. She was very good at Quidditch, he would not deny her that, she was also competitive, which made things between them fun. Soon Lawrence's thoughts were lost in the game and all else forgotten as he watched Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw battle it out for the points and the win.
Venus Spy
Trap
Author: Aaron Miller
Date: 04-08-03 16:53
Walking out of my office, I reach over and flip the light switch. Each time I pass someone on my way out of the building, I smile and nod, sometimes exchanging polite pleasantries and all the while hoping I don't appear as nervous as I feel. After endless weeks of delays, today is the day Josh and I were finally able to put our plan into action. Just after lunch, we met with a group, one that included both Bernie and Henry Chilblaine (the person Josh and I are positive is the spy), and under the guise the Josh and I have been working on a classified project we explained that the project is set for the next phase. A phase that required more help and thus the reason the group had been assembled. Each person in the small group was given a coded information packet and told the contents were not to leave the building without clearance from Josh. This is fairly standard procedure in our section so not a single person batted an eyelash at the instructions. What none of them suspected was that each packet contained subtle differences from every other packet. This should allow us to follow the spy's trail.
As I exit the building and start the short walk to the nearest tube station, I tell myself for the millionth time today that within the next two weeks, if all goes as planned, this whole mess will be over.
Better Late
than Never
Author: Prof Flitwick
Date: 04-08-03 18:08
The match has been going on for some time when I finally arrive at my seat. Somewhat short of breath (as well as stature), I clamber up into my seat. Standing on the bench, I am able to see over the heads of those in front of me. However, there is not too much to see. As I watch for a few minutes, it is obvious that both sides are playing little else but DEFENSE! This seems to be some new strategy, but it makes for a rather dry game.
I make an effort to cheer my Ravenclaw House on, but it is drowned out by the other crowd noise. Surreptitiously, I tap my throat with my wand and mutter "Sonorus"! I open my mouth and bellow, "GOOOO... RAVENCLAW!" Seeing the effect this has on those around me, I quickly negate the spell with a "Quietus" spell. A good half of those in the Staff Box have their hands over their ears and are staring at me with less than friendly looks. "Sorry about that!" I apologize.
A Little
Offense
Author: Bronwyn Dewhurst
Date: 04-08-03 18:34
"Patterson passes the quaffle to Spacy!" shouted Bronwyn. She thoroughly enjoyed her new role as Quidditch commentator, taking special care not to show blatant favoritism for Hufflepuff, who looked well on their way to scoring again. Prote quickly passed the ball to Neo, who shot across the sky like a torpedo flying towards its target.
He dodged player and bludger, nearing the Ravenclaw hoops with record speed. Gabriel readied himself for the goal attempt, but wasn't quick enough to stop Neo from scoring.
"Anderson scores ten points for Hufflepuff!" cried out Bronwyn. She used a mittened finger to push the button on the scoreboard, which now read: HUFFLEPUFF - 20 vs RAVENCLAW - 10
Let's Blow
this Pop Stand
Author: Pyrrhus
Date: 04-08-03 19:00
Pyrrhus rolled his eyes at the less than stellar plays taking place over the pitch. Pulling his coat tighter around him against the biting wind, Py looks at those sitting near him. He drapes one arm around the shivering Isolde and pulls her closer. "This game is bloody lame. How about we go see what mischief's to be had elsewhere?"
Moments later, a small group of Slytherins are heading down the grandstand stairs on their way back to the castle.
Hot Chocolate
and Conversation
Author: Viktor Krum
Date: 04-08-03 20:07
Viktor grins at Ethan, "I alvays thought you English chaps are liking tea, no?"
Ethan chuckles as Viktor continues. "Ze hot chocolate vit little marshmallows iz most exzellent here so I shall haf a mug of it."
The two men make small talk on their way to Ethan's quarters. Once there, Ethan orders the refreshments and stokes the fire until it's burning bright, making the sitting area near the fireplace a comfortably warm place to sit and continue the conversation.
Invariably the talk turns to Koyla's little gang and how they managed to escape from the custody of the British ministry. As yet, the method and mode of escape had not been discovered nor has anyone been uncovered in the British ministry as an accomplice. Mention of Koyla of course brings Kendra to mind as well.
An uneasy feeling passes over Viktor when he thinks he sees, for a fraction of a second, Ethan's eyes hardened in something akin to anger, or ever rage, at hearing Kendra's name. Viktor would have expected such a look whenever Koyla, Stefka, Grigori, or any of the other cultists were mentioned. Not Kendra.
Viktor blinks and focuses on the change of topic to how Ethan's settling in as a teacher, positive his imagination is simply playing tricks on him.
The State
of the Affairs and the Ministry of Madness
Author: Dierna ní Cíaran
Date: 04-08-03 21:12
"Thank you, Olamh. It is good to be at a meeting where the end result will be some kind of progress. My own advice is to formulate our own plans. I will co-ordinate my efforts at the ministry to support our efforts." I pause for breath, considering my words carefully. "My resources are very limited due to a shameful lack of available Aurors. Most are on assignment and the rest are needed as reserves for back up reserves in case of emergencies or new developments. The other problem is the continued presence of death eaters within the ministry. (Alastor grunts agreement at this). Lucius Malfoy has the minster completely under his thumb (Arthur Weasley nods in agreement); and Fudge believes Lucius and his ilk are all completely reformed. He refuses to see - despite evidence to the contrary - that Voldemort IS back. The murder of Cedric Diggory; the summer's events and any else, to the minister are all completely unrelated and mere "anomalies" to the minister."
I pause again, and wait for the few muttered comments to subside and continue:
"Despite this and a great deal of obstacles, I persevere. It is what must be done. I can tell you that Voldemort is likely more powerful this time than the last time. Also has and is seeking different allies. The Dementors who escaped being destroyed last Christmas at the Azkaban battle are now with Voldemort. I believe that a werewolf who calls himself Lu Garou is gathering werewolves, playing on the pariah states to join Voldemort. I can tell you, beyond any doubt, who was there at Voldemort's lair. What I lack is proof. Just as Voldemort is more powerful, so are his followers more clever and able to hide proof. This is the single greatest block to solving any ongoing investigations. It is only an obstacle, however, and not insurmountable."
I pause again to drink the water before continuing.
"I do have several plans in place. Many Aurors of Muggle decent are posing as law enforced police, detectives etc. in the Muggle world to report events there. Remus Lupin is trying to catch Garou as we speak. However, because of the risk of such a mission I have not been able to send or receive any messages from him. Also, against his will and better judgment, my partner Michael Turin is going to turn the table and spy at Durmstrang. He doesn't like it known that he attended that school for a year as a student. Michael is talented in undercover work and should have no trouble fooling the other side. We also have links to Beauxbattons, where Michael attended his schooling (except for that one year) and the Ministry, where his brother works. I would also, of course, be very greatly remiss not to thank Sirius (I turn to look at him across the table from me). Sirius showed up when I needed him most, he is a true friend and has been of great assistance to me at the ministry. Sirius, a chara, I owe you more than I can ever possibly repay. (I turn again to the group). I strongly believe that with friends everything is possible, and without them nothing is. To conclude, I'll just state the motto that the Fenians use in Ireland, perhaps it will inspire us: "Truth in our hearts, strength in out hands, consistency in our tongues. Go raibh maith agat."
Blue Haired
Ladies - And Gents
Author: Coco Nutt
Date: 04-08-03 21:42
Coco groans as Hufflepuff scores again and sinks down onto the extra large pillow she'd brought for her, Fritz, and Pea to sit on. "Cor, looks easy enuff but playin' hain't no doddle*."
Fritz nods his head in agreement, the bright blue he'd let Coco put in his hair glistening in the winter sunlight. In fact, Coco proudly notes, all the first year Ravenclaws have Ravenclaw blue hair.
The chasers all go streaking by again, the quaffle passing quickly back and forth. Coco jumps up once more and loudly yells, "Coom on, Ravenclaw! Kick 'Ufflepuff arse!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
doddle = easy task
There's a
Game Today?
Author: Jet
Date: 04-09-03 09:26
Jet sits in his secret room, munching from a basket of sweets he'd gotten by owl from Briar's Bakery, going over his Potions assignment. He no longer cares much about his classes but Jet knows he cannot blow them off fully without bringing unwanted attention to himself. At least Potions is interesting and useful, unlike History of Magic and that crackpot class Divination.
Putting the finishing touches on the Potions homework, Jet turns to his reading assignment for Defense Against the Dark Arts. Another hour or so and he can get on with some really useful, fascinating reading... and planning. Sal has some excellent ideas swarming around Jet's head. Wonderfully evil ideas.
Almost Got...It
Author: Cho Chang
Date: 04-09-03 18:38
Cho was raising now wherever the snitch led, more careful of other players, the Hufflepuff seeker was closing in, she had to reach now or they'd lose. She let's go of her broom with her hands, depending on her legs as she reaches out with one arm, stretching the sinews and ligaments farther than they probably should. The winds grazed her fingertips now and then the satisfying feeling of the gold against the palm of her hand, she pulled up, one hand returning to the broom, holding the snitch triumphantly over her head, and yelling, "RAVENCLAW!!!"
The End
Author: Alexis Black
Date: 04-09-03 19:28
Alexis was hesitating at the top of the stairs to the stands, her Slytherin friends a story below her and her eyes on the pitch, secretly looking for Fynn. Just before she turned away to catch up to her friends, Cho Chang's fist wrapped around the snitch after a dramatic head to head chase with... whoever the Hufflepuff was. Alexis grinned happily. Not that she should really care who won, Slytherin would beat them later anyway, but she definitely preferred Ravenclaw to those pansy Hufflepuffs any day.
Alexis turned away at last and hopped down the stairs two at a time to catch up with Pyrrhus, Isolde and the others and whatever deviousness they would cook up today.
Long Game
Author: Golbez Rushdie
Date: 04-09-03 20:50
The game seemed to go slower than most quidditch games. It started out with Amerah Patterson of Hufflepuff catching the quaffle, she passed to a teammate then my bludger knocked it off course. Sykra Sawyer and another chaser (whose name I forget) scored twenty points. While swinging at the bludger, I accidentally flew into a chaser from the opposing team. It seemed to be on slow mode, but the game was ended by Cho catching the snitch. Overall, a better start for Ravenclaw this year.
What an End
Author: Madam Hooch
Date: 04-09-03 23:05
It looked like Hufflepuff would win the game again. They were up 10 points and Neo seemed to be on a roll. There luck just didn't hold out. Cho caught the snitch winning the game for Ravenclaw with a final score of 160 to 20.
