I have never been interested in sports, but for some reason I have always enjoyed watching the Quiditich try-outs. The young students, even the introverted ones will come out to try and become a member of one of the House teams.
I bundle myself up and sit in the teachers box. For me this also a chance to meet and see the students in a relaxed manner. They can be so stiff in my library, but then with all the formality, I suppose that I can be formidable at times, the students do not relax too well inside my domain.
Naturally I will cheer on Hufflepuff, one must defend ones own house and all, but I do worry about Gryffindor House this year as do most. Mr. Potter, will need a good head to pull the young team together, but he has an excellent sense of honor and is one of the strongest individuals I have ever known.
I still sense his pain from last years nightmare. I have been through a lot myself, but cannot begin to comprehend what he has been through. I do know the nightmare will continue as long as He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named exists, in this or on any other plane.
I must find and talk to Severus today if possible, and contact Dierna by owl before nightfall. I worry about the fact that someone has been entering the library when I am not there; please do not let it be a student. Wilkin is able to handle some problems, and the House Elves have been told to keep an eye on the ancient stacks, but still ....
New Friends
Author: Annie Paul
Date: 01-17-03 05:37
As we watched Gryffindor house hold its tryouts I turned to Orei and Brett. "Say did you hear there's going to be a Wizards Chess Tournament and that anyone can join? I signed up with Professor Logan and she told me I have a place on the Gryffindor team. I'll be going up against a Slytherin student."
Brett and Orei looked at me as I spoke. "I wonder who I'll play against?" I looked down at the field then back at Orei and Brett. "I know I shouldn't let them get to me and this tournament will show them I'll not be pushed around and am just as good..." I paused, "no, better than them 'cause I have something they don't. I have principals and I don't cause problems like them."
Orei gave me a pat on the back and smiled. "Orei I was wondering would you and Brett cheer me on during the tournament. I could use the support." I asked and felt I found some new friends.
"Ah, My Dear Young Lady. What can I tell you of myself that would not put you immediately into the deepest of sleeps? Not long after my last visit to Dunsidhe, I received a message from the Ministry, in London. It seems that several branches of a dark cult had taken root in the west of Ireland. Lord Alderoy, who was minister at the time, asked that I go "keep an eye" on them.
"For some seven or eight years, I traveled the highways and byways, from Dingle to Donegal. Dressed as a Tinker, I was! Riding a bright-painted wagon pulled by an old plow horse. I traded mostly in drygoods; silks and laces for the ladies, ribbons and trims and the like. For the gents, I had linen shirts, good wool suits, all-weather coats and such. And for the young ones, I always had a bit o' sweet to pass around. It was a good cover! No one suspected the old dodderer was the eyes and ears of the Ministry.
"Murders, abductions, theft of farm animals and the like! That was their game. That, and terrorizing the locals with dark and terrible rumors of worse to come. I finally got enough evidence of their activities, lists of names, leaders and followers alike. The goal was to get at the head of the organization, and lop it off. This we did on a bright sunny Sunday in June. Teams of Ministry agents and aurors swept down on each of the groups. By nightfall, we had more than seventy people in custody. The leader, as it turned out, was an ancient crone who styled herself as simply "The Hag." Because of her clouded origins and her strangeness, the locals thought her "The Old Woman of Beare". The old woman and most of her lieutenants wound up in Azkaban. For the rest, the little fish, we adjusted their memories a bit and dumped them back into the pond.
"Following that adventure, I retired for a bit. Went to live in the area of the Boynemouth. Today, the city of Drogheda stands in the place where the Sons of the Mil first landed. There, they founded the village of Inver Colpa. It is rumored that Amergin the Poet is buried there in a hill on the edge of the city. According to the old family tales, he is a distant ancestor. I wanted to learn more of him, to see if I might not have a touch of his inspiration... what the old ones called "Imbas". Daily, I would sit upon the hill or stroll along the headlands. I would walk upon the strand, where he first set his foot, and recite a bit of his poetry. The Townsfolk thought me somewhat odd, and the children would sometimes tease me.
"Eventually, I tired of this. A friend wanted to start an import-export business and wanted me to partner with him. We set up our operations in Dublin Town, on the banks of the Liffy. With my knowledge of herbs and potions, we did quite well in that market. Actually made quite a stack of Galleons. When my partner passed on to the Summerlands, I had neither the heart nor the energy to keep the business going. I sold out to a young Wizard named Smythe and his Muggle wife, and made arrangements to move myself to Hogsmeade. The shop I have opened gives me something to do while I wait for an answer from Hogwarts. You see, I have applied there for a teaching position, should one come available."
When I finally have the sense to close my mouth, I note that Dierna has a somewhat glazed look about her eyes. Our mugs are empty, and I signal Madam Rosmerta for refills. Dierna blinks several times as she emerges from her half-trance. "Now, do not say I didn't warn you about that!" I tell her with a chuckle.
Old Friends
Author: Minerva McGonagall
Date: 01-17-03 11:39
"So! 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." Filius questions.
I think for a moment as I take two careful sips from my Butterbeer bottle. "I just needed to get out of the castle, I suppose. This will seem odd to you, but I suppose I have a case of . . . what is it called? 'Cabin Fever'?"
We chuckle.
"Oh, I can understand that, dear Minerva. I can understand that very much!" Filius takes a few more sips from his Butterbeer.
"How have your classes been going?" The old witch asks as she straightens her robes and adjusts the green velvet hat atop her head.
Privacy
Author: Jet
Date: 01-17-03 13:49
Jet sits in his newly remodeled, private room off the beaten path of the Hogwarts' halls. The door is well secured with a number of spells and charms thanks to the always splendid help of Jet's spiritual friend Salazar. Bent over the large tome resting on the sturdy table that had already been in the room when Jet decided this was the perfect spot for his much needed privacy, the teenager furrows his brow in concentration. He's trying to commit to memory a lovely little curse that does not affect the person upon whom it's cast but instead lies dormant until that person has children. Snorting in evil glee at such an insidious curse, Jet says aloud, "Sal, you old dog, this is absobloodylutin brilliant!"
A ghost of a voice which only Jet can hear chuckles out a reply, "But of course, my boy, what other type of spell do you think I'd create?"
Together the two laugh heartily then Jet returns his attention to the next precious page in Salazar's personal diary.
Thoughts
Author: Hermione Granger
Date: 01-17-03 15:30
Hermione sat alongside Harry in the stands, cheering on Ron and his effort to make the Gryffindor team. She knew that one of the coveted Quidditch positions would go to him. Ron was an excellent player and had always placed the sport on the highest pedestal. She beamed with pride as she watched him perform tricks and execute flawless maneuvers with the greatest of ease.
Hermione's focus shifted from Ron to Gabriel, and her thoughts immediately drifted to the brief conversation they had shared before the start of the trials. A sudden pang of guilt crept into her heart, and she silently scolded herself for distancing herself from her old friend when distance was no longer an obstacle.
She thought back to her last true conversation with Gabriel and chewed on her lip, realizing that they hadn't really talked in over two weeks. Since the train ride to Hogwarts, any other conversation had been few and far between. Hellos and goodbyes and other mere formalities had been exchanged in the hallways or classrooms, but nothing more.
The fact that they were not in the same House certainly played an integral role, but it didn't have to. There were plenty of successful friendships and strong bonds formed outside a House at Hogwarts, and one so dear and old as Hermione's and Gabriel's should continue to thrive, no matter what.
A gentle elbow in her side startled her back into the present, and Hermione turned her head to see two green eyes staring at her curiously. "Everything all right, Hermione?" Harry asked, looking rather concerned.
She exhaled, realizing she had been holding her breath. "Everything is fine, Harry. I was just thinking about something. Did I miss anything while I was...out?" She smiled and resumed her gaze on the Quidditch field.
Ron had just touched down, and he grinned wildly as he exchanged excited chatter with some of the other Quidditch candidates.
"Just Ron showing off on that new broomstick of his," Harry said, laughing. "Seriously, he did a great job."
Hermione smiled warmly and waved at Ron, who waved back. He slung the Lightening Bolt over his shoulder in such a nonchalant manner, though the mischievous twinkle in his eye suggested otherwise. Harry and Hermione laughed out loud, knowing full-well that Ron was proud of his fancy broomstick.
They continued to watch the Quidditch trials, laughing and cheering Gryffindor to victory.
Hogwarts Castle
Author: Albus Dumbledore
Date: 01-17-03 17:11
Paperwork... Paperwork...Paperwork! The curse of the Administrator! How did we ever get anything done before the invention of paper? We simply told someone to do something, and they did it. Then, someone invented the three-part form. One copy for me, one for the recipient, and one for the files. Phooey and Fie! Who needs all those extra pieces of paper. I finish off a note to Irma, regarding her concerns about Library security. I tear off her copy and attach it to the leg of an owlet (local delivery, only), sending the little hummer on it's way with a bit of a treat. That's what I need... a Treat! I push the remainder of the paperwork to the center of my desk, grab my hat and my wand, and slip out the door before another of the feathered messengers can drop another demand in my lap.
A Treat for the Headmaster
Author: Albus Dumbledore
Date: 01-17-03 17:47
I stroll out the front door, pausing briefly at the kitchen to pick up a large mug of chilled pumpkin juice. From the front of the Castle I hear quite a commotion coming from the Quidditch Pitch. I had completely forgotten that today was the trials for the vacant team positions. Well, I had best go have a look for myself.
The main gate area is crowded with students, both those wanting to try out, and those coming to observe or cheer their friends. I squeeze my way through the throng with more than a few "excuse-me's" and eventually reach a clearing on the other side. It appears that every student currently enrolled is somewhere within the confines of the pitch. Some in the air, others on the ground, waiting their turn. Still others seated in the various House Boxes. The faculty box, however, is virtually empty. I see Irma Pince and a few others up there, but not the usual gathering. With the exception of Filch and Mrs. Norris, and the usual assortment of ghosts, the Castle seemed quite empty. I suppose, since this IS a Saturday, that some of them have gone off to Hogsmeade, or maybe shopping in London.
Taking a firm grip on my juice, i step onto the bottom stair of the faculty Box and say, "Eleve!" with a slight jerk, the stairs begin their upward motion, carrying me swiftly to the top of the tower. I greet Miss Pince and take the seat next to her. "What is it that is troubling you?" I ask.
Tried, Tested
Author: Fynn Greenleaf
Date: 01-17-03 18:14
Fynn sliced swiftly through the air on his trusty broomstick, displaying his Quidditch-finesse. A swoop of smooth movement, meandering here and there....airborne, he felt free, relaxed, yet focused. His mind off most things save for the game, away from the grounds, away from schedules, away from Kent.
He'd always enjoyed and been adept at the game, but hadn't ever really thought of being part of the team....any position on it would be fine, and the finality of being a seventh year made him want to take it all in whilst he could. He was having so much fun....at one point, he swooped really closely down to where Cho was sitting, near scaring those around her and eliciting worried squeals from the weak hearted. There she was, radiant and smiling, supportive of him the whole time. Which brought his thoughts back down to her, yet again.
Fynn did a turn from where he was, at the opposite end of the pitch, and espied that she was talking to someone- blonde haired, smiling- Fynn drew nearer- it was Gabriel Baine, a sixth year newcomer whom he'd met recently, befriended and whose affability Fynn liked. They are just talking, he told himself, preparing to do a swivel backwards. But then he saw that Cho was giggling, tucking a stray hair behind her ear- Fynn knew that maneuver- it was that self same one she'd practiced in previous years, when they'd met occasionally, in passing, and which, as proved recently, completely succeeded in enchanting him. Cho was extremely socially intelligent- she knew when the boundary between banter and flirtation lay- yet there she was, flirting. Gabriel, Fynn saw, did not seem to mind one bit- he was smiling and joking, eyes-a-twinkle. He didn't believe it. Yet there they were, right before his eyes- as real as the clouds or the sun on his back or the anger welling up within him. He looked closer again.
That was it. It wasn't that Fynn was usually this sensitive to things, nor irrational- simply that Cho was perfect, was his salve amidst all the confusion, from Kent to the train, from the train to Hogwarts- and here, he'd thought her above such things. His mind was a whir. A crazy green whir. He descended quickly, so quickly someone shouted to warn him- but he landed smoothly, could hear clapping, his cloak a dark billow behind him. He saw Cho turn, a concerned look on her rosy face. He looked away and stormed off the pitch, a wake of amazed stares behind him, among them, hers.
Thought Associations
Author: Dierna ní Cíaran
Date: 01-17-03 21:30
The mention of the Cailleach Beara instantly calls to mind a series of possibilities regarding Prof Sorcha. I listen to what he says while considering a new list of theories. With a start I realize he has stopped his dialogue.
"I was not tuning you out, not from disinterest anyway. You have given me much to consider - the woman who captured me called herself the Hag. I always made the association with the Cailleach Beara. I wonder if she is copying this first "Hag." If so, I could anticipate her actions and outwit her that way. As for sleep, that would be a welcome thing indeed!" I should ask about a potion to ward off evil dreams now, but still cannot bring myself to admit to such a weakness. Instead, I change the subject. " You are interested in teaching at Hogwarts? That is wonderful! What is it you would be interested in teaching? I remember my days as a student. Happy, carefree days. You'd be a great professor!"
Isle of Mann: New Mission
Author: Remus Lupin
Date: 01-17-03 21:58
After arriving at the location given by Dierna and Michael, I start out on my new mission of tracking down the dark wizard Lu Garou and finding out his plans. This task will be very challenging and dangerous yet possible. The trick will be to think like a dark wizard in order to gain Garou's trust. I begin my search around a small wizarding village in the Island.
"This is the only time I really feel
alive!"
--Nine Inch Nails
In a mad whoosh of air, all Alexis' concern vanished. How could she have forgotten the feel of her broom or the adrenaline that accompanied every near encounter with the earth? She swooped and turned, showing off the flying skills accumulated from years of racing through obstacles in her other school. Swinging the club like a sword, Alexis chased the bludger around the pitch, repressing an urge to send it careening into the Hufflepuff stands. She would never forgive them for beating Slytherin last year. This was, however, a tryout, and Alexis didn't want to hurt any chances for the team. Now that she was in the air, she felt she really did have a good chance of making it.
Alexis touched down lightly while the bludger was wrestled into its box until the next beater-to-be tried for a team. Once her feet were firmly planted on the ground again, Alexis suddenly became doubtful and embarrassed, deciding it was in her best interest to vanish as quickly as possible. She hurried off the pitch without a backwards glance. She paused a few minutes later, looking back despite herself. Did she hear Isolde or Azaelia calling her name? A look around determined that no, she couldn't have. No one was around except a forlorn looking boy Alexis didn't know. She'd seen him a few times around the castle, always with his girlfriend. Both Ravenclaws? Alexis didn't really know or care.
But something was definitely wrong with him. She watched him intently, for whatever reason curious about his demeanor. He had a broom slung carelessly over one shoulder and his eyes were downcast.
Maybe it was the vicious mix of anxiety and confidence from the tryouts, or maybe it was spontaneity, but Alexis for no reason whatsoever greeted this obviously depressed stranger with probably the most buoyant "Hi!" she ever said in her life or would ever say again. He looked up, obviously surprised, and their eyes met. Alexis knew right then it must have been stupidity that prompted her, because stupid was an understatement of how she felt. What did she do that for?
Watching with Caution
Author: Angelina
Date: 01-18-03 01:21
I moved to the empty seat in the one of the professor boxes and sat down. Looking behind me I saw Miss Pince and some of the others. I gave Miss Pince a nod and she just sat there with a blank expression on her face. Looking back on to the field my thoughts turned back to when the two of us had that talk near Hagrid's Hut and her mentioning the book.
I scanned the field and wondered who would go to such lengths to try and take it. My guard must be up now more than ever and I had no time to err, or whoever it is can pose a real threat to not only the school but to both the Muggle and Wizard worlds as well.
As I was thinking I heard a familiar voice pass a greeting to Miss Pince and I turned to see Professor Dumbledore taking a seat next to her. He had a look of concern on his face and that made me worry.
Time
Author: Remadi Ye
Date: 01-18-03 04:38
After the brief exchange of words with a Slytherin, more people quickly arrive. Remadi is surprised by the turn-out of watchers.
"The whole school must be out here," she whispers to Neko. Neko purrs and nuzzles her cheek in reassurance. Remadi smiles, "You know me too well, cat. I'm only a little nervous right now. You know I'll be fine once I get on my broom and into the air."
She watches silently as other hopefuls try-out before her. She watches as a red-head Gryffindor takes his turn on a new Lightning Bolt and then it's her turn.
"Nice broom," Remadi says to him before speeding up into the air. Once on her broomstick and up in the air Remadi feels much better, nerves all but gone. Now it's just her, the broom, and the ball. She zips through the air, confident of her Quidditch skills. Being up in the air and trying out for the Quidditch team reminds her just how much she loves the game. As with everything she does, Remadi gives her all and does her best through-out the try-out. When she's done, she feels fairly good about her chances of getting a position on the team. As soon as she gets off her broom, Neko jumps onto her shoulder and gives her a lick on the cheek.
"Thanks, Neko," Remadi says grinning. "Let's find a spot to watch the rest of the try-outs."
The way Fynn had looked when he glared at them scared Cho, the way his eyes almost burned a different color and his jaw was set. When he turned away, she started after him, calling, "Fynn! Wait!"
However, he either didn't hear her or chose not to acknowledge her, and she would have chased after him longer, but pride got to her and someone was calling her name, asking her to show them how to do something on a broom. Cho wandered to the voice, eyebrows furrowed, gaze intent, perplexed, not connecting the dots. She did as asked and mounted her broom, going straight up into the sky, then free-falling down, catching herself and the broom just before impact. Cho smiled softly and pushed Fynn from her thoughts as she watched the rest of the Quidditch trials, marking how each person flew.
That night at dinner, Fynn sat closer to his friends and away from her. Feeling horrible, she barely ate her food, managing to swallow only a few bites at the urging of Sykra and Aradia. From the looks of it, Aradia was not only worried about Cho's eating, but her relationship with Fynn as well, which seemed, at the moment, to be on the rocks.
Cho waited for chances to call to him from down the table, but each time she would open her mouth and the words wouldn't come out, or someone would ask her something, thus closing her chance. Once the students were dismissed from dinner, Cho tried to catch up to him. He, however, had other plans, striding forward as though there was a demon on his cloak. Fine! thought Cho to herself, If he wants to ignore me, I can ignore him. With a nod of her head to emphasize her point, she headed for the tempermental staircases. She hadn't realized until she was already on it, but the one underneath was changing. She stepped off where it stopped and nodded slightly, it was a longer route to the Ravenclaw commons. She walked slowly to the Ravenclaw commons, taking as much time as she reasonably could, knowing she had homework awaiting her.
Cho paused outside the door, listening for a moment to the playful noises that came from inside. She put her smile on and mumbled the password, making her way through the common room and heading up the girls' dormitories, Fynn nowhere in sight, not that she was looking or anything.
Plans for the Plans
Author: Bill Weasley
Date: 01-18-03 12:16
"What do you think of this one, Bill?" Percy picked up a small, delicate box and removed the lid, revealing a set of golden bangled bracelets. He held the jewelry up for his older brother to see and slipped it onto his wrist, wincing slightly as the thin bands clanked and rattled against each other.
Bill looked up from across the bar counter in the kitchen and exclaimed warmly, "Penny will love it. Did you get that at the bazaar down the street this morning?"
Percy nodded, wrinkling his nose ever-so-slightly. "Dreadful, Bill. Just dreadful. There is so much chaos; people yelling, children wailing, dogs barking..." He sighed, shaking his head in a disapproving manner. "I am pleased with my purchases, however," he said, slipping the bracelet off of his wrist. "I managed to bring down the prices on several of these items. That is, after all, what one must do. The merchants are a clever lot, always eager to make an extra sickle out of an unsuspecting tourist..."
He probably would have continued on had Bill not suddenly exclaimed, "Oh, Percy. I need to speak with Sheri for a few moments. Hold the fort, will you?" He stepped out from behind the kitchen counter and strode across the room.
"No problem, Bill. I'll just put these things away." Percy tucked the bracelet back into its box and carefully replaced the lid, taking extra care not to stir the bangles into a noisy clatter.
Bill hesitated at the door and knelt to pick up his briefcase, in which the plans to the Pushkin vault still remained. He had been under strict orders to keep the plans safe, for the Pushkins were the type of powerful clients Gringotts would never want to lose. Bill unclasped the briefcase and dug between his files for the paperwork, and once found, he tucked them underneath his arm and headed out the door.
He found Sheri in the mailroom, sorting through various letters and packages. Her eyes lit up when she saw him, and she dropped the letters that were in her hand to dig through the box at her feet. "There are several for you today, Bill," she said, sorting out his letters.
Bill leaned up against the doorframe and threw his head back over his shoulder to see if anyone else was in the near vicinity. Once certain that no one was around to eavesdrop, Bill questioned, "Can I ask you a favor, Sheri?"
"Sure, Bill." She stood and handed him his letters. "What is it?"
He stepped into the room and shut the door behind him. "The vault I set up for you...can I use it? I have something very important, and I'd rather not store it in my own Gringotts vault or the one I have upstairs."
"Absolutely."
As it turned out, the vault that Bill had set up for Sheri was located behind a hidden panel in a wall in the mailroom. Bill located it from memory, got through the various security charms placed on it and stowed away the precious plans to the Pushkin vault within it.
No safer location could there have been for the plans. Only Bill and Sheri knew of the existence of the vault. The redheaded curse-breaker had installed it long ago for his landlady, and it had remained top secret between the two of them these many years.
They trusted each other like two very good friends do. Bill knew that he had nothing to worry about, and returned to his flat with his letters, whistling a merry tune and skipping every other step on the staircase.
The light-hearted and fancy-free feeling vanished as soon as he got to his front door.
Ron had gotten up that morning feeling so confident he ate a hearty breakfast. Maybe with so many positions open plus having such a bloody, spectacular broom, the butterflies Ron would normally have are being held well at bay. Harry and Ron had come to the pitch well before the trials were to begin so that Ron could go on and get warmed up. Having Hermione there to support him was an additional great boost to Ron's confidence. After walking with Harry and Hermione to the stands and getting a few final words of encouragement, Ron had joined the other students gathering with aspirations of making their respective house teams.
Madam Hooch, always organized and well in control of things, got the trials started promptly on time. When Ron's turn came, he tried not to show off but by Merlin the Lightening Bolt made it so easy for Ron to be flashy. After landing, Ron's cheeks turned a bright red to match his hair as it dawned on him that he might have gone a little too far with trying to impress people. After all, the only person he really needed to make an impression on is Madam Hooch. She may talk to the four team captains for their thoughts on various people, but she will make the ultimate decision.
Ron shrugs it off knowing what's done is done and he'll just have to wait for the results like everyone else. He grins at those still waiting their turns, still projecting an energetic confidence, then saunters to the stands to join Hermione and Harry. He slides in beside Hermione and is just about to give her a big hug and kiss in thanks for her sparkling presence and support when a hand comes down on his shoulder.
"Wery good flying, Ron. You vill be making the team, I am sure," Viktor Krum beams down at the three. "Hallo, Hermione. Harry. Eet is being wery good to be seeing all ov you again."
As Viktor shakes Harry's hand and then Ron's and gives Hermione a peck on the cheek before sitting down on the other side of Harry, Ron thinks, "Viktor's English is improving. Be nice to him, Weasley. Viktor hasn't made a move on Hermione in months and besides, he had something bad happen to him this summer. Something that involved Kendra Beck's death."
For once paying head to that little voice of reason, Ron leans over and says with genuine warmth, "Great to see you too, Viktor. What brings you to Hogwarts other than coming to see my brilliant flying?"
I held my Aurora tightly by my side as I awaited my turn to try out. I was nervous, of course, but tried to avoid thinking about it. I had made it through my first week of classes and could make it through a Quidditch try out.
I was trying for a Chaser position on the Badgers. I had played while in Canada, though not for a House team. I was already impressed by the speed and skill of those who had gone before me and hoped I could keep up.
As my name was called I mounted my broomstick and took off, coming to a rest at the proper altitude. Surveying the pitch, I went over what I needed to do. I took a deep breath and bent low over the stick, shooting off in a blur. I began working through the drills I remembered from back home.
First a climb, a bit higher. Now a figure-8, and back again . . . serpentine movements the length of the pitch . . . now back to the center . . . higher . . . straight up . . . Now DIVE!! Straight down . . . closer . . . faster . . . and pull out, just in time. . . .Perfect! And now straight for the judges, as fast as I can go . . .
I came to a sudden stop when I had reached my take-off point once more. Smiling, I knew I had done well, though if it was good enough would have to wait and see.
With Ron's question, three faces turn towards Viktor. Glad to have such an easy question instead of one of the many hard to put words into an answer questions about last summer, Viktor watches the action on the pitch a second longer then gives his friends a broad smile.
"Madam Hooch haz been kind enough to be alloving me to vork vit the first and second yearz vhen you older studentz haf a Hogzmeade veekend. Zere vas no practiz for me today nor a match zo I decided to come wizit. Perhaps talk vit Madam Hooch if she iz being awailable."
Hermione reaches across Harry and affectionately pats Viktor's knee. "That's wonderful! The first and second years will be thrilled."
Harry and Ron nod in unison with Ron adding, "I wish someone would have done that for us when we were stuck here on Hogsmeade weekends."
Just as Viktor had interrupted a moment before, another voice cuts in before anyone has time to reply to Ron. "Viktor! I thought that was you. Why didn't you let me know you were coming today?"
Viktor stands and shakes hands with Ethan as the other man grins at the three younger people. "Mind if I join you? I think I'd prefer to watch the trials from here rather than the teacher's stand." Ethan is heartily welcomed into the group then everyone watches as another Gryffindor takes to the air. Viktor glances down at the notes Harry is making and offers a few comments. Ethan produces butterbeer from the knapsack he'd been carrying and passes around hot, buttered popcorn as well.
Smiling as he enjoys watching the trials and being with friends, Viktor sits back and relaxes thinking he's long overdue to spend a few hours doing nothing but having fun. He is wondering though just when the Hufflepuff team captain will receive the anonymous package containing brand new Lightening Bolts for the entire team. With that thought, Viktor's smile broadens more. Kendra might be gone but Viktor is making sure her spirit lives on in Hufflepuff house.
Ainsley left the Pitch as the try-outs were ending. Heading towards the Hufflepuff common room, she heard Kelly and her group walking towards her, so she ducked behind a bush, Ainsley just wasn't in the mood.
Sanguinante hell.
She muttered a curse in Italian as she sat there. The Hufflepuff was sick of this. Kelly had no reason to be mad. Shaking her head, Ainsley slowly drifted off while waiting for her old friends to leave her sight.
Re: A Treat for the Headmaster
Author: Miss Irma Pince
Date: 01-18-03 20:09
For a moment I continue to watch the try outs, not really watching them anymore, but Albus Dumbledore knows me to well. At the sound of his voice the site of the precious ancient books jammed back onto the shelves explodes into my mind and the thought allows the tears of anger I have held back to rise up. I swallow hard, to keep them back.
"Albus. Someone has entered the library on at least two occasions since beginning of this term." my voice is a whisper, "I cannot let myself think that someone is damaging the books for a joke, but the alternative ..."
I turn to him and his face is hard, "Someone is damaging the ancient books?"
"Either I or Wilkin have found 8 of the ancient books pulled from the shelves and then shoved back without concern. There is no logic to the destruction but I have been able to restore the minor damage to the bindings and the pages."
"Are there any books in particular that are taken out?"
I shake my head, "None. There is no order, nor consistency. Whomever is looking at the books either does not know what they are looking for or does not know where to look. It could be a new student or ..."
"A new teacher ..." He finishes my statement for me. "Are there any titles of note?"
"Only one and it is on the ancient legends and the history of the Fenian and its descendents. In fact I discovered it this morning, it appeared to have been the last book located, as there was a greater care in putting it back, despite the fact it was put back upside down."
Random Thoughts
Author: H Potter
Date: 01-18-03 20:50
The trials were winding down and Harry had filled up several parchment pages with notes on the Gryffindors trying out for the team. Viktor has been a great help to Harry, his trained eye catching things Harry would not have even thought to look for. Harry makes a mental note to send Viktor a thank you gift. Maybe something from Briar's Bakery.
The bakery! Harry is in charge of ordering a cake for Hermione's birthday and he was supposed to owl Briar first thing this morning! Harry has to be sure and get Hedwig sent off as soon as he returns to his room. It's not that the order must be placed by a certain date to have it on the nineteenth. It's that everything is a secret so it's not like Ginny can walk up to him at any time and remind him to get the cake. Plus, there are instructions for Briar on keeping the surprise and because the cake is to be a special design, Ron, Ginny, and Harry felt that they should give Briar plenty of time to ask questions and such.
Returning his attention to taking notes and accepting another butterbeer from Professor Somerset, Harry hopes that Madam Hooch agrees with his assessments, especially where Ron is concerned. In Harry's opinion, Ron has been the best of the Gryffindors to try out so far. He's got to make the team!
