Questions...
Author: Breanna Butterfly
Date: 01-14-03 16:40
It's Saturday so I'm going to watch the Quidditch trials with Sykra Sawyer. She is my first friend since I've been at Hogwarts. We haven't hung out much at all but I've been really busy trying to adjust and with my busy schedule haven't had much time.
The Quidditch trials should be fun to watch but I'm too afraid to try out myself. Fear of heights keeps me on the ground unless absolutely necessary.
Sykra says, "Hey Breezy. Do you mind if I ask you about your past?"
"Sure, ask away!" I replied.
Watching the Trials
Author: Isolde
Date: 01-14-03 19:58
Isolde, Pyrrhus and Azaelia climbed up the stairs at the stadium in order to cheer on Alexis, who was trying out for a spot on the Slytherin Quidditch team. There was a slight sting to the cool breeze that morning, but with the sun shining brighter and brighter above their heads, it would surely soon be blistering warm.
The three Slytherins raked their eyes over the other prospective Quidditch players for the other House teams and silently agreed that Slytherin had an enormous chance of blowing the other Houses out of the water this school year.
As I wait in the Three Broomsticks for Nevvyn to meet me, I flip though some books that I hope will prove helpful in my investigation of the Sorcha Enigma. So far any leads have only ended as false or dead ends. I am beginning to feel quite frustrated. That frustration along with a continued lack of sleep has put me on-edge for the past few weeks. I had actually intended to meet with Nevvyn the prior week, but spent it at the office working. This week, Michael has made me promise not to postpone the meeting any longer, no excuses.
After a short time, the older wizard arrives and I hastily put my books back in my satchel. I stand up respectfully to meet him. There is something about this wizard that makes me treat him with the same respect I do Dumbledore, and something else that brings Amergin, the greatest Irish wizard to mind.
"An Tráthóna mhaith*." I say with a genuine smile. "I am glad we could meet today; and apologize for not being able to do so sooner. I have been extremely busy catching up on five months missed work and trying to keep up with current events. I hope you have been keeping well, an fear uasal*."
* Good afternoon
* Sir, lit noble man
Cheering Gryffindor
Author: Annie Paul
Date: 01-15-03 01:42
As many of the others I went to the Quidditch field to cheer on my house during the Quidditch trials, hoping also for a great year. As I sat in the Gryffindor stand I remembered my first two flying lessons from Madam Hooch.
I didn't know much about flying. Only thing I saw were history etchings during the witch trials that occurred in England and in the New England states in America, and they did show witches on brooms but they didn't look like my new found friends or any of the others I saw but maybe a few Slytherin which I know first hand not to cross.
I really enjoyed the flying. It was as if nothing could touch me when I was up there till Madam Hooch's whistle brought us back down. My take offs were fine but I did need some work on my landings. Anyways I spotted the people wanting to tryout for the team and the team captain and cheered each one as they gave it their best.
I didn't care what the other houses thought at the moment but I felt we did have a good chance this year at the Quidditch Cup. If not then we still had another chance of winning a cup besides the House Cup with a new Cup in the works for Wizard's Chess.
The new comers flew well and tried their best. I saw some very good flying and teamwork amoung the participants and cheered the loudest for those I thought had a strong chance to make the team.
As I sat there I saw Orei come up on the stands and I gave her a wave then she came towards me. As we sat there cheering Gryffindor I saw the Slytherin team. "Oh no," I murmured as I stared at them, my enthusiasm draining.
Orei headed out to the Quidditch Pitch to watch the trials. She wouldn't even consider trying out this year, simply because she didn't even know HOW to play quidditch, let alone, fly a broom that well. She'd only had two lessons with Madam Hooch.
Her gaze trailed the stands and she smiled when she saw Annie. She headed over to the fellow Gryffindor and sat down next to her. "Hey Annie. What's up?" she asked, and blinked when she saw Annie's face fall as her gaze settled on the Slytherin team. "Annie, don't worry about him. You are a great person, he will just miss out on getting to know you simply because you are different from him. It's his loss, don't let him get to you." Orei said placing a hand on her classmate's shoulder.
She got a smile out of Annie and she smiled as well. Her gaze drifted over the stands, and she smiled when she saw Brett. She waved him over. "Hey Brett. Sorry I haven't run into you all week, but I've been bouncing around with homework and stuff. Though I have some free time later today if you want to do anything." she said, before flashing a smile to Annie.
Two Weeks In
Author: Lawrence Masterson
Date: 01-15-03 09:49
The past two weeks had flown by, they were now well off into the term classes were getting a bit more interesting, with the exception of History of Magic, which no matter where it is taught, always remains dull and the best cure for insomnia. Lawrence and Vera spent as much time together as they could, even if it was just studying quietly in the Common Room.
Finally came the day for Quidditch tryouts and despite Vera's persistence he refused. "I prefer to watch rather than play Vera, never could get into it. Though both my mum and da played. Oh, did I tell you I'm going to be playing in the wizard's chess tournament?"
They talked constantly as they walked arm and arm toward the Quidditch pitch so Vera could try out for the Hufflepuff team. He kissed her lightly before she parted from his side to head to the locker rooms and then get out on the field.
He moved up into the stands, his eyes trailing the stands, looking for Khloee, he found her and moved to sit with her. "Hey Khloee. How are your classes going? Good I hope."
He and Khloee talked for a while, as well as paying attention to the tryouts going on. When the talking stopped Lawrence found his thoughts drifting to Vera, and the time they had spent together. Things were looking up in his life as of late, he had heard from David back in Sydney a few times and David even promised that he would come for a visit over the summer holiday.
Lawrence had told David all about his relationship with Vera, and the possibility of him asking her if she'd like to perhaps spend some time in Sydney over their summer holiday. Lawrence was snapped out of his thoughts and he looked over at Khloee who looked as though she was waiting for an answer to a question. He laughed and blushed lightly. "Ummm...what was the question Khloee?"
Trying Out
Author: Remadi Ye
Date: 01-15-03 12:22
Two weeks had gone by since the 1st of September and Remadi was adjusting fairly well to her new surroundings. She had worked out a nice morning routine and was working out her afternoon routines still. Saturday morning, the 14th, she woke up at her normal time with a smile on her face. She was still happy with the package she had received from her father last night. She had been a little afraid he would forget her birthday, but he hadn't. Her birthday had gone by quietly her at Hogwarts, just like she had wanted. She had decided not to mention it to anyone.
She goes through her Tae Kwon Do training, like every morning, not thinking about later. She takes a shower and changes. Before going down to eat breakfast, she takes out the book her father had given her. It was a Chinese book of spells. She wonders again where he had found it before putting it away. She picks up her Firebolt as she leaves the room.
She hadn't really talked to anyone about playing Quidditch, except Rowena, but it was something she loved to do. She had been in a league in Florida and was looking forward to playing Quidditch here. She finishes her breakfast and goes out to the Quidditch pitch. She reminds herself that she hadn't won a place on the team yet and that she isn't spectacular enough to just expect it. She finds herself to be one of the first people there to tryout and waits with Neko on her shoulder until more people arrived.
The Ravenclaw Quidditch captain sat in the stands, potions book in her lap to attempt to do some of her homework while keeping an eye on the tryouts that were in progress. Cho opens her potions book and is slightly startled when a slip of paper falls out. She slowly remembers that Fynn had slipped it into her book on Friday. She bends over to pick it up, unfolding it carefully to read it, mumbling it softly to herself,
"What stars that vainly glimmer
in the seamless thick of the night
would seem timid sparks to the constellations
in your eyes.
Yet there is more charm to you
than just the visible;
your laughter like fresh rainfall
in a glass,
your cheer which resurrects the dimmest
of moods. I think of you endlessly.
And like a rainbow, or the first glimmer of dawn-
there is no end to describing
your own splendor- and no words,
no bad poems, no one and nothing-could ever
try to phrase
the sheer light,
your smile."
The simple poem from her charming beloved brought more than a smile to her face, but rather a grin with light beams radiating from her cheeks and eyes. Unable to stop smiling, she slips the paper back into the cover of her book, concentration broken from most of the world around her for a bit while she turned the poem over and over in her mind. Smile still plastered on her face, she sets the potions book at her feet and leans forward, elbows on her knees, chin in her hands to play the role of spectator at the Quidditch trials.
Of Old & New
Author: Gabriel Baine
Date: 01-15-03 17:29
Gabriel glanced sidelong at the gathering persons around the pitch before returning his gaze to a section off the field and away from the crowd. He wore a constricted gray tank top with lax black pants; this easeful attire was nearly eclipsed by the arrogant saunter which he crossed the field with. Across his neck and supported with his right hand was his tailored broomstick from New Zealand, and in his left hand was a bag in which he kept various gear. Reaching the comfortable grass destination, he dropped the bag, let down the broomstick and took a better inspection of the crowd.
Hermione met Gabriel about mid-field after she recognized him across the turf. A radiant smile on her face, Hermione was welcomed by GabrielŐs strapping arms in which he wrapped about her waist and lifted her off the ground. Once returned to the ground, Hermione wore a look of surprise at his greeting and delight with being aside her appreciated friend.
"Gabriel Baine!" Hermione laughed before she reached forward, felt his bare upper arms, and shook her head, "Easy trigger! How've you been? It's felt like forever Gabe."
The two talked for a short time during which the habitual banter and eccentric hilarity rose so quickly that soon they were causing such uproar that much of the crowd held their eyes on the two with misinterpretation. It was one set of eyes which Gabriel had made sure he sought out. Ron Weasley's grimacing face strayed none from their direction, the promise to appreciate Ron's and Hermione's relationship withered within Gabriel as a proud satisfaction warmed himself inside-out.
"I suppose I'd be best out of your way, good luck Gabe. I'm positive you'll do fantastic," smiled Hermione with an affectionate squeeze of his hand. Gabriel grasped her fleeting hand and reached forward to deliver a kiss upon her cheek. As he confidently projected, no reproach came from Hermione, but to be assured he explored her face. No astounded eyes, no perplexed brow, no squirming escape, nothing but the slightest smile upon her otherwise void expression. Their faces locked close to one another, Gabriel spoke in an undertone across to her, "I can't go so long without seeing you Hermione, and looking across the great hall at meal times isn't proper compensation. For all I ever speak with you, I might as well be nonexistent once again."
The bold parting with Hermione was followed by a meeting with a person whom was standing over his broomstick with an inquisitive nature. He already knew her, as he would discover she knew him. Cho Chang and Gabriel had never met nor spoken until this instance, but their introduction was best describable as an exchange between previous acquaintances.
"Interesting broom Gabriel, I've never seen such a kind like this," said Cho, and with his affirmation from a head gesture, Cho picked up the broom and began to inspect the object proficiently.
"A man of the craft back in one of my other homes constructed it for me. Perhaps one of the finest Keeper-brooms I've ever had the pleasure of riding upon," smiled Gabriel. He had studied her physique more than once, for she was both extremely arresting and well built for her position as Seeker.
"I came to watch, but I saw you down here and decided it was well time that we met. I've been informed of your keeping talent and glad to see you trying out for the team," said Cho, Gabriel discerned from her stealing glances that she was taking this opportunity to get an enhanced detail of his features. A joint magnetism established between the two, their second bond was gained through Quidditch, and conclusively a friendship began to form as their personalities were found out to complement each other through the exchange there on the field.
The autumn sun retained enough vitality yet that the warming waves bathed Gabriel's exposed skin satisfactorily. The slight breezes amused themselves by tossing about his blonde hair as he stood congenially aside Cho, and found himself enjoying his new surroundings, a sense that would not be lost again.
As I approach Dierna's table, she hurriedly puts some books and papers back into her case. She stands and smiles, giving me a traditional Gaelic greeting such as I have not heard in these many years. I signal Madam Rosmerta for two butterbeers and take the seat I am offered.
"Yes, my dear young lady!" I reply to her opening question. "I am keeping quite well, thank you! And you, also, seem to have recovered from the rigors of your recent incarceration."
Rosmerta arrives with the mugs of ambrosia, setting them on the table before us. I raise my mug to Dierna's and simply say "Slainte!" I study her as we take a sip of the golden liquid.
"D'ya know? I was trying to place the name after you left my shop. "Cíaran... Cíaran..." I kept on repeating to myself, trying to jog this old memory. Then, when I saw you again in the bake shop, I finally made the connection. It has been many, many years since I was at Dunsidhe. Truly, I am surprised that you remember me at all. Though, I have probably changed less than yourself," I chuckle. "You were but a wee slip of a girl, riding upon a great red horse. Several times, I came by to visit your father on business. And every time I came, I would see you on that horse. I was thinking that the only time you came down was to sleep and eat." I pause in my monologue for another sip or two. "So! Is your old father still in this world or has he, like so many of my old friends and acquaintances, gone on to the Summerlands?"
Apprehension
Author: Alexis Black
Date: 01-15-03 19:13
Alexis walked nervously onto the pitch, her second-hand (but still good!) nimbus two-thousand-and-one in one hand. She cast a tentative glance at Isolde, who winked and gave her the thumbs up. It was Isolde, after all, who convinced her to try out for the position of beater for Slytherin. And why not? Why shouldn't she make the team?
Glancing down at her faithful broomstick, Alexis noticed her knuckles were very white. She released her grip, marveling at her trepidation.
What is there to worry about? You'll either make it, or not. Alexis paused, waiting for he words to take effect. She sighed. She was never any good at inspiration. She walked up to a Gryffindor standing alone on the pitch.
"Are you trying out, too?"
"Yep. I guess we're supposed to meet here."
Alexis shrugged and stood nearby. She really had no idea what I was doing at all. Sure, she could fly, but she had no idea if her bludger deterring skills were up to par.
"I follow the Old Druidic paths of Wizardry, including language," I say at the pleased and surprised look when I greet him in Irish. "Slainte!" He then tells me astounding news: he was a friend of my father's, one of his chief clients! Of course, it seems obvious now. At his question about my father bring back an old pain.
"My father was murdered by a jealous man who didn't think it right that a muggle-born should achieve such status and wealth. He lives free to this day because he was clever enough not to leave evidence of his actions."
I sip my drink quietly for a minute. Nevvyn looks at me with that knowing look that I associate with Dumbledore "There is more to this anger than just that, I think."
"Aye, it is something I have seen too much, as an Auror. I know something to be true, but lack the evidence to prove it." I shake my head and smile apologetically. "Maith do mé*. I did not ask to meet with you to burden you with my troubles. I still have the farm in Dunsidhe, as well as Scaithmór, the winged horse you remember. Seamus and Padraig work loyally for me, as they did for my father. I am very lucky to have devoted friends. I spread the rumour about the ministry that I sold the farm. I wanted it to be a safe haven. I would never actually sell the farm, my father worked too hard for me to sell all he achieved. I go there as often as time allows, which is not nearly often enough for my liking. I lived there until just about a year ago, I moved here to Hogsmeade to work along side Dumbledore against the rising threat of Voldemort."
I pause to sip some more of my butterbeer "Enough of myself. It has indeed been many years since I have seen you. What have you been doing between when you would visit my father and opening your shop here in Hogsmeade?"
--------
* = forgive me
Afternoon of Acquaintances
Author: Minerva McGonagall
Date: 01-16-03 15:30
Minerva McGonagall took a breath and rapped on a small door. She'd been wanting to get out of the castle all week, just to get some sunshine upon her face and relax, even if it was just for a little while.
"Yes, hold on a moment." A voice came and then the door opened.
Minerva looked down at Professor Flitwick. "Filius, my friend. I've been thinking about going down into Hogsmeade for some lunch and a Butterbeer, but I do not want to go alone. Dumbledore is a bit busy today, would you like to come along?"
The old witch smiled upon her friend and colleague.
"Well, I do have a pile of papers to go through." Filius pointed to his desk and Minerva peered past him at the almost entirely covered his desk surface, and the floor space near the desk.
Minerva tried to keep a smile from her lips. "If you are sure about that. Me, I just needed a breather, some sun on my face, a little relaxation if only for a while. But, if you're sure about that..."
She could see the lephrechaun's face twitch as he thought, his eyes shifting from paperwork to her.
"My treat?" She added, losing the battle with her smile.
Saturday Paperwork
Author: Aaron Miller
Date: 01-16-03 15:59
Bleary eyed I shuffle into the kitchenette on the same floor as my office with the intent of making a pot of strong coffee. With this being a Saturday, only a few others beside regular security personnel are in the building and other than Saul, the guard who patrols this floor, I'm the only one in this section right now. Actually, been here since before five yesterday morning.
In fact, for two weeks now, I've spent so much time holed up here in my office that I've been home all of four times in thirteen days. I grab some clean clothes and make sure Speck is all right, though she has access to my office and has come by periodically, which I don't mind at all because even when she's perched somewhere sound asleep, I don't feel quite so lonely. I'd talk this over with Bernie if I could but for now, it's not something I can share even with him.
I normally love my job, even during the rare times I have to work alone on a project, but this current assignment is anything but normal. When I left home to come to the office on Monday, the second of September, I had no idea I would be given such a nasty assignment. I'd gotten up that morning, eaten breakfast while Speck zoomed around, pestering me to give her treats from my plate, and received a letter from Bill. I'd let both owls have snacks while I wrote a quick missive in reply to my friend. Just a note of thanks for his speedy reply and for answering my odd questions. After telling the owl from Egypt to rest awhile before making its return trip, I'd headed off to work thinking of nothing more than finishing up the paperwork to add to a few files before starting on a couple of new projects.
For the first few hours, things were going just as expected. Around midmorning, I'd taken a coffee break with Bernie and another of our co-workers, Moira and the three of us made plans for lunch and we were going to ask a few others to go along as well. We left a little before noon and got back at one on the dot with everyone scattering to their respective offices or meetings. To my surprise, when I walked into my office, my boss's boss, Joshua Maroni, was seated in a large, leather chair, waiting on me.
Maroni had waved a hand towards the twin to the chair he seemed right at home in, "Take a seat, Aaron. You don't mind me calling you Aaron I hope. I know it's not as professional as Mr. Miller, but we are going to be working closely on a case and I think formalities should be set aside. That means I expect you to call me Josh."
My brow was furrowed in puzzlement as I sunk down into the chair opposite him. Only then did I notice the thick file in his lap. "Yes, sir. I have no problems with you calling me by my first name and if, as you said, we are to work closely on a project, I do prefer first names as well," I nodded to the file, "What's going on? Is that the assignment information? And isn't it a little unusual for you to work so closely with someone of my position, Josh?" His fingers tented together, Maroni nodded very slowly, a grave expression on his face. "You are correct. This isn't at all the standard procedure but then, this isn't a standard assignment. Someone in this sector is passing secured information. We don't know yet to whom it's being passed but just the fact that it's information that is secured and needs very specific authorization even to be copied for another file is enough to raise a red flag. When this first came to our attention an investigation was begun but so far one of the few things we have ascertained is that the spy has been at work for well over a year and a half now. That's why we selected you to work with me on this. You transferred here after the mole began passing information. There are two others in this department who are also definately in the clear but both have been here three months or less. Given the choice, I'd much rather work with someone who's been proven to me to be an excellent worker and who seems to have a level head, even under pressure."
Josh's revelation blew me away. A co-worker, someone I most likely have worked with on at least one project, someone whom I might even consider a friend, is passing along information that could threaten the security of both the U.S. and Britain. Maroni's next words increase my dread a thousand fold.
"Another reason I picked you to work with me is that new evidence has popped up which seems to point a finger towards a specific individual as being the mole. My theory is that the mole has begun to suspect or flat out knows there is an investigation underway and wants to deflect suspicion onto someone else. The person this mole is hoping will take the fall should anyone be arrested just happens to be the husband of my wife's goddaughter. I am an American but as you know I have been in this branch of the Ministry so long I ended up marrying a local girl and I cannot put into words how angry I am that this traitor is trying to hurt people I consider family. I know that this evidence has to be planted and you and I are going to prove it and catch the real mole in the process."
My thoughts were whirling at that point as I replied in a very tight voice, "Your wife's goddaughter is Andie. In the event someone is blamed for all this, that no good SOB traitor is trying to make Bernie look guilty. You're damned right I'm interested in working with you. Let's get started!"
Maroni had looked pleased at my reaction and as I pulled a table between us, he opened the file and we'd begun going over its contents. Now, here it is nearly two weeks later and I think I've finally found a mistake the mole made in creating evidence against Bernie. I sit down with the cup of freshly brewed coffee and start going back over this bit of information slowly, piece by piece. Josh will be here at noon and I want everything in place and triple, hell, quadruple checked, and verified before he arrives. I take a gulp of the strong coffee, ignoring the burn as it goes down, and with a sudden surge of energy, I give my full attention to the pile of papers on my desk.
Waiting and Watching
Author: Neo Anderson
Date: 01-16-03 18:29
Neo sat watching the tryouts, enjoying his time, but Shayna wasn't there yet. He has been checking his watch now and again. He saved a seat for her next to him, and he was getting excited of seeing her again. He knew he could see her anytime he wanted but he was always happy of seeing her!
He looked to the entrance and there she was, Shayna Ryan. He stood up jumping up and down waving to her, trying to take her notice. He then whistled and she looked to where he was sitting. Yay! She saw me! She saw me! thought Neo.
Quick Trip to Hogsmeade
Author: Prof Flitwick
Date: 01-16-03 19:05
Somehow, I manage to outwait Minerva. Something which does not often happen. Yes, I am an Irish Leprechaun by birth. However, it is in the very nature of ALL Leprechauns that they are a bit "Scotch", if you catch my meaning.
When she finally says those magic words, "My Treat?" I simply cannot resist.
"Well now!" I suppose the paperwork can wait just a bit longer. "Shall we walk or shall we fly?"
"Oh! Let's do walk," she replies. "It's such a lovely day and I do want to stretch my legs."
"Well, then! Just have a care as to how far you stretch them," I chuckle. "And keep in mind that mine will not stretch nearly as far." I step into the hallway and close the door behind me. "Then, let us be off, Dear Lady!"
Down the stairs and out the door, we keep up a running chatter about anything and everything; Quidditch tryouts, what old Voldemort might be up to, the unseasonably warm weather... Before I know it, we are crossing the tracks and approaching The Three Broomsticks.
Surprisingly, I am not the least bit out of breath by the time we reach The Three Broomsticks. Minerva has taken pity on me and kept her pace to a reasonable stroll. I open the door and allow her to precede me. "After you, Dear Lady!"
The old place is rather quiet for a Saturday afternoon. A few singles and couples are sitting around drinking something or other. Fortunately, "MY" table is empty. I call it "MY" table, because Madam Rosmerta has been kind enough to equip it with a special chair, such that I can see the top of the table and the people I am sitting with. It's only about a foot taller than all the others, but it brings me up to the level of most of the others. Well, all except Hagrid.
I pull out a chair for Minerva and scramble up into my seat. Rosmerta comes by to take our order, and returns shortly with our two Butterbeers. Minerva hands over some coins, to which I smile broadly and give her my hearty thanks.
"So!" I grin. "What is it that you wanted to talk about, that we had to come clear down here? You know I always have a pantry full of butterbeer back at Hogwarts."
Some Time Alone
Author: Draco Malfoy
Date: 01-16-03 20:06
Around mid-morning on Saturday, Draco quietly escaped from the Slytherin dungeons and went to the Quidditch Pitch where the team try-outs were already underway. He managed to walk across the green sloping lawn without the usual tag-alongs trailing at his feet, and he reveled in being free to breathe in the fresh morning air on his own as the sudden desire to spend some time alone remained deep within him.
Strolling arm and arm with his beloved Clara would have been very desirable indeed, but everyone needed some space from time to time. Although frequent sounds of cheering and shrill whistles could be heard and were growing louder and louder with each step he took, Draco ignored them and used his time alone to let his mind wander.
Naturally, most prominent in his thoughts on that day was the various strategies and other Quidditch-related things he could implement this year. Thankfully, only one new team member would be joining the Slytherin ranks this year, which meant that the team's cohesion would still more or less be perfect.
It would certainly be much easier to train one person to adjust to an established team than to bring together 7 people who have never worked as a team before. Precisely the latter situation would be in the cards for Potter, and this thought gave Draco unimaginable pleasure.
Although Draco was the Slytherin team captain, he didn't feel particularly rushed to observe the try-outs. He strode onto the field fashionably late and allowed his gray eyes to scan the stands for a familiar face. There, he spotted some fifth year Slytherins, Pyrrhus, Isolde and Azaelia.
They waved to him, and he nodded his head in acknowledgement. His eyes continued to roam and his lip curled into a cruel sneer when his gaze fell upon Granger and Potter, who were sitting together. He laughed out loud when he realized Weasley was trying out for Gryffindor, but immediately clamped his mouth shut when he saw the brand new broom in the redhead's grasp.
His eyes narrowed briefly but resumed their normal state when he saw the Slytherin candidates mount their brooms at Madam Hooch's request. Draco leaned up against one of the barriers in front of the stands and folded his arms across his chest. He watched the Slytherins zip and zoom, criss and cross and grew all the more confident that Slytherin would win the Quidditch Cup this year.
Today was the day. Vera was going to try out for the Hufflepuff Quidditch team. Despite her attempts at getting Lawrence to do the same, he refused. Which was quite alright with Vera. At least he'd be in the crowd watching.
When the time came to leave Lawrence's side she strolled onto the field, mounted her broom and whirled away. She played her skills at Chaser, Beater and Keeper. Which of the three she's get no one knew yet, but any would do. Just as long as she was playing Vera was happy.
Vera always looked into the crowd searching for Lawrence. When she did find him, Vera was glad to see he'd found Khloee. At least he had someone to talk with. Vera often wondered how hard it must have been, and be, to have transferred from a totally different environment and culture. Australia was great! Vera has always wanted to go there. Along with a few other places around the world. But, she didn't figure she'd ever get the chance.
When the try-outs were finished Vera couldn't wait to hear the results...
It is late and I had promised myself that I would watch the Quidditch try-outs, if only to keep my thoughts off the book. Dear Wilkin lies on my desk, his feathers fluttering and a soft rasping sound emits from within. For the first time in the last few days I have the chance to smile, but to wake him and let him know he is snoring "again" would bring a smile to most.
I glance at the letter I have just finished and sign it. I seal it and attach it to the owl's leg. "Dierna ní Cíaran, she will be in Hogsmeade," I tell the bird, and it flies through my room's open window. She has to know about the book.
Now I must tell Albus.
