New Prefects
Author: Prof Flitwick
Date: 12-19-02 18:47

After saying goodnight to the Headmaster and the other Professors, I scoot out of the Great Hall and take one of the little-known shortcuts to the Ravenclaw Common Room. "Flamboyant Flamingo!" I say to the painting, which swings aside to admit me. I scramble up onto one of the large oak tables and wait for the approach of Master Clearwater, followed closely by a gaggle of new students.

The painting creaks aside and they enter in a rush of "Ohhh's!" and "Ahhh's". The old place IS nicely decorated, if I do say so, myself. I clear my throat rather loudly, to get everyone's attention.

"Good evening! I am hoping that none of you came away from the table still being hungry," I begin. "For those who do not yet know me, I am Professor Flitwick, Head of the fair House of Ravenclaw. I have a most special announcement, and then I will leave you to get acquainted and find your respective dormitories. I am pleased to tell you that we now have three Prefects for Ravenclaw. Master Prescott Clearwater, as you already know, is your Prefect from the Sixth Year group. From the Fifth Years, we now have Master Kennard Philips, and from the Seventh Years, Master Fynn Greenleaf."

My words are greeted with enthusiastic applause. "If you have concerns or problems, you can take them up with one of your Prefects. If it is beyond their power to help you, they and you may bring it to my attention."

"And now, if you will please excuse me, I must finish my lesson plans for tomorrow. Never think," I add as I scramble down from my lofty perch, "that you are the only ones with homework!"

---

Snigglehoffer
Author: Hermione Granger
Date: 12-19-02 20:58

After the singing of the school song, all prefects stood and began to escort their fellow house-mates to the common rooms. Hermione smiled and allowed Ginny, as the new 5th year Gryffindor prefect, to lead the wide-eyed first years to the Fat Lady's portrait. Meanwhile, Australia, the 7th year prefect, followed along with the newly transfered Gryffindors.

As Hermione left the hall, she paused in the grand doorway and cast a long glance at Gabriel. In all the hustle and bustle, he managed to return her gaze and mouth, "Good night." Hermione nodded her head and smiled at him. They'd see each other tomorrow at breakfast, or in one of the classes they had together.

Hermione, Ron, Harry, Majandra, Annabella and the other returning Gryffindors strolled down the corridors together in one big mass. Although the end-of-term rules were lifted, rules that had been created and enforced by Dumbledore in response to Harry's sudden abduction at the end of last school year, somehow the students still felt the need to stick together. Hermione instinctively drew closer to both Harry and Ron, hoping beyond all hope that they never be parted in such a way again.

Before long, Ginny approached the portrait of the Fat Lady and halted her group, causing a chain reaction with the following groups. The plump woman in the pink dress let her eyes wander over the throng of students and then looked upon Ginny. With her head tilted slightly, the Fat Lady asked, "Password?"

Ginny cleared her throat and answered, "Snigglehoffer."

The Fat Lady nodded her head in acceptance and allowed the portrait to swing open like a door. In awe, each first year stepped through the threshold and awaited Ginny's informational instructions.

---

A New Power
Author: Jet
Date: 12-19-02 21:47

Rather than sitting where many of the other fifth year Hufflepuffs had staked out seats, Jet had chosen to sit near his second year baby train companions, including that constantly sniffling Ariella Beck. If Jet knew what tissue she was forever wiping her nose with he' d buy stock options in the company. "Well," Jet mumbled aloud, "at least with the way her eyes are leaking so much, all the plants around this place will be well watered."

The little hinkypunkypufflepests whispered among themselves during the whole feast, none daring to say anything loud enough to disturb Jet. What little Jet does overhear has to do with what the babies are telling the new infant puffballs. The usual stuff such as moving staircases, beware of Professor Snape and so on though one snippet seemed to be second year Vincentio Baker warning first year Silvia Karl that despite being a Hufflepuff, that older guy sitting nearby is really mean! This of course has Jet first glaring their way then smiling in a menacing fashion before breaking out into an evil sounding chuckle. To a one, they all ducked their heads and looked the other way then spent the rest of the feast studiously avoiding any further eye contact with Jet.

As for Jet, he spent the rest of the meal stuffing himself with the excellent food and looking forward with great anticipation to getting the school song sung and everyone heading for their houses. The second the song was over and the newcomers were told to follower their prefects, Jet had stood up, a Cheshire cat grin on his face, and pulled out a prefect badge. He made a show of polishing it before pinning on the badge.

The evil, gleeful smile firmly in place, Jet turns to face all the first years at his end of the table. "All right, I'm your fifth year prefect, Jet Obsidian. Follow me to Ravenclaw House and don't get lost. Wouldn't want Fluffy the three headed dog having a bedtime snack now would we?"

The group of second years, eyes wide in awe that this person they can't understand being in Hufflepuff is now a prefect. They gather around the first years as if to shield them from this bully of a fifth year, and slowly follow Jet to Hufflepuff House, not a one of them getting what Jet thought was so funny about the password being baby booties.

---

Business Call
Author: Dierna ní Cíaran
Date: 12-19-02 22:05

I walk the brief distance from my home to the Castle. I have two things I want to: talk to Ethan (who I haven't seen since he left to assist Viktor Krum) and inform Dumbledore about Sorcha. Somehow I Feel the last isn't going to be easy. She has probably covered her tracks by now. However, I DO have the note she left me when she kidnapped Tennille. If I search her office (auror's privilege) all I need is to find matching handwriting and that is proof enough. If I am lucky, I'll find something more, but I am not counting on it.

I wait outside the great hall while prefects take the students back to their dormitories. When the crowd dissipates, I walk into the great hall where most of the professors are leaving. I had sent Dumbledore an owl saying that I needed to talk to him. That way, my arrival is not unexpected, thought last year I spent more time around the school that in London.

I tell Ethan that I came to talk to him, but first I need to talk to the Headmaster. In the back of my mind I remember that I haven't spoken or even sent him an owl since I escaped the Anwyn that is Voldemort's lair. I am quite certain that either Michael, Seamus or Padraig (or all of them) would have informed the Olamh about my recovery and return to work.

I make myself focus, still on a high from the reunion with Sirius, I'd love to just talk about that and forget the real reason why I am here tonight. Dumbledore, of course, would, of course, bring me to the reason I am here. However, I have enough self-discipline to resist such a distraction.

I see the head master in conversation with another teacher, so wait patiently for him to finish.

---

Home at Last
Author: Cho Chang
Date: 12-20-02 07:10

Despite the fluttering in her stomach and the absence of her mind, Cho had gotten sufficiently tired from all of the excitement in the Great Hall. She walked hand-in-hand with Fynn, letting Prescott take the lead of the great herd of Ravenclaw, both of them ambling along blissfully. Cho covers a yawn as she slips into the common room of the Ravenclaw house, smile brightening, "We're home..."

Fynn nods, squeezing her hand gently as he inhales deeply, "I've really missed this place."

Too tired to talk straight, Cho merely nods as he offers her a seat and she takes it, resting her head gently on his shoulder as Professor Flitwick greets the newbies. Soon after, the common room thins as anxious newcomers and tired others go up to their rooms, her eyes flutter open as she realizes it's now only them in the commons, she smiles, "I guess we should be going to bed then..."

Fynn chuckles slightly, stretching as they stand. He walks with her to the entrance of the staircase to the girls' dormitories and takes her hands in his, kissing her forehead, "Goodnight m'lady...Have a wonderful beauty sleep."

Cho laughs gently, "It will be filled with daydreams and visions of you, so how could it be anything short of wonderful?" He shakes his head in an 'I-don't-know' gesture, grinning, eyes twinkling. She waves him off sleepily, "Off with you....G'night..." She slowly heads up the stairs to the room she's had and shared since she was a first year, not bothering to change into pajamas as she slides into her bed.

---

After Professor Flitwick announced the new prefects to the house, she and Vince and Marga were surprised that Kennard was their new prefect. She turned to him with wide eyes and grabbed his arm, tugging it.

"You're our prefect?! You're our prefect?!" she asked, repeating and repeating it. He was only grinning at her in return.

When the professor left the common room, she shrieked at him, "Why didn't you tell us?!"

"Shush, Christa, you're not making a good first impression to the first years," Margaritte said, chuckling. "But yeah, Kenny, why didn't you tell us?"

"Once and for all, Marge," Kennard started on which Marga cringed when she heard him addressed her like that. "Stop calling me Kenny," he reminded her, as he ruffled her hair, who slapped his hand in return. He laughed at that then continued, "Well, I didn't tell you two because I wanted to surprise you."

Vincent was laughing at this exchange. "Yeah. When he told me that he was prefect and that he wasn't going to tell you two, I nodded in agreement."

Christina turned to him accusingly. "You knew?!" she shouted, jabbing her finger at his chest.

Margaritte shook her head. The other Ravenclaws glanced at their direction with Christina's shout.

"Christina. Keep. It. Down," Vincent said. "And yes, I knew. I agreed because I knew the two of you would make a racket out of it. Like what you two are doing right now," he pointed out.

Christina pouted. "Fine, fine." She turned to Kennard again and asked, "Well, aren't you going to introduce us to our new roommates?" pointing out to Diether and Mirai. "We were late when all the introductions were being made with the newcomers, remember?"

Kennard smiled at her. "Let's go then," he said, taking her hand and motioning for the two others to follow them.

---

Dungeons & Slytherins
Author: Draco Malfoy
Date: 12-20-02 19:01

As both old and new students started filing out of the Great Hall, Draco rose from his seat and kissed his girlfriend, Clara, on the forehead. "I'll see you in the common room," he said, and then he kissed her again. He turned to Tempest, Crabbe and Goyle and gave them an acknowledging nod before shifting his attention to the newly sorted Slytherins.

He began his prefectural duties for the night by asking the first years and Adrian Lestrange, the sole transfer student in Slytherin House, to gather round him and await his instructions. A slower process than he would have wished, Draco waited patiently until he was sure everyone could see and hear him.

"Welcome to Slytherin," Draco barked, and although his tone was sharp, he was genuinely pleased with the new recruits. "My name is Draco Malfoy, and I am one of the prefects for Slytherin House. Please follow me."

The crowd of eager first years, along with Lestrange, followed blindly as the sixth year prefect led them out of the Great Hall and into the foyer of the castle. They passed by one staircase, then a second and finally the third. This last staircase led in one direction only: Down to the dungeons.

"Keep up, Slytherin!" Draco ordered, throwing a quick glance over his shoulder at the pack of newbies behind him.

They hastened at his command and followed him as he climbed down the darkened stairwell. Green lights flickered ominously in the sconces along the dungeon walls, casting an eerie glow upon the faces of the students.

When they approached the entrance to the Slytherin common room, Draco stated the password, "Crocodilus," and waited for each of the younger students to step through to the other side before he, himself, crossed the threshold.

---

After promising to meet Vera in the common room, Lawrence followed Jet Obsidian to the Hufflepuff house. When Jet led the first years and transfers into the common room, Lawrence only half listened as he explained where everything was. Once that was done he went to his room and found the small photo frame that had a picture of his mum and da in it. He took the picture and headed back into the common room to wait for Vera.

He settled on one of the couches and waited. He must have spaced, because he jumped about ten feet when he felt Vera tap his shoulder. "Welcome back to earth Lawrence." she said with a smile as she sat down next to him.

"Sorry, was thinking about the last time I saw my mum and da." He said softly. "This picture was taken just before I started my third term back home. Just before my mum and da died."

"They were in a muggle car crash on their way to see me in Sydney. My da was getting ready to go on some trip for the Ministry of Magic in Sydney, and he wanted to say good bye to me before left."

He sighed a few tears making their way down his cheeks. He felt Vera hug him, and he hugged her in return.

---

Making Aquaintances Part 2
Author: Lady Rowena Grey
Date: 12-21-02 10:16

I'd been eating the wonderful potstickers, the fried Chinese dumplings that I adore that appeared near my elbow when the Asian girl seated next to me said "You're Rowena Grey, right?"

"Right" I replied, "and your Remadi but who is that on your lap?" Remadi blushed and introduced me to her black cat Neko. After greeting Neko with a scratch behind the ears and half a dumpling I showed her the napkin full of goodies for Anubis. Once we'd stuffed ourselves full we made our way up to the Gryffindor common room. Snug in two big chairs by the fire we introduced the furries, fed Anubis (and Neko) the food we'd brought and fell into a long conversation about magic, quidditch, martial arts, and cats.

Finally we decided that sleep was a must and as we separated to head for our respective dormitories we smiled at each other. As I crawled into bed I realized that I had made not only a friend but maybe met a soul sister as well. Maybe Hogwarts wouldn't be so bad after all.

---

New
Author: Remadi Ye
Date: 12-21-02 12:34

Remadi was surprised with how good of an idea it was to talk with her neighbor. The conversation between them had started with a blush, but Remadi and Rowena seemed to click from the start. As they left the food for the Gryffindor common room, Remadi caught a glimpse of Mai and Diether and waved at them. She was glad that they seemed to be getting along well with their new housemates.

Walking through the castle, Remadi noticed the moving stairs and live paintings, things her mother had told her about. Remadi made sure to memorize the password when she heard it and then happily sat down in a big, comfy chair beside the fire with Rowena. She was surprised at how long they talked together and of the possibility that they could have talked longer if not for need of sleep. Neko had disappeared sometime during their conversation, out to survey the grounds Remadi suspected. Saying goodnight to Rowena, Remadi wished that they were in the same year, but she was glad that they were at least in the same house.

She quietly entered the bedroom for fourth year girls, quickly changed into her pyjamas which consisted of a black tank top and an old pair of white Tae Kwon Do pants, and slipped into bed, trying not to wake the other girls already asleep. She couldn't help the smile that had crept onto her face and stayed there as she tried to go to sleep. A light weight on the right side of her bed told her that Neko was back. He easily found his way to her pillow and curled up beside her head, purring.

This place might actually be okay, Remadi thought before drifting off to sleep.

---

Hagrid bids us all a good night, as do several of the other professors. I stand and extend an offer of escort to Minerva. Together, we walk toward the main door of the Hall, following the last few straggling students.

"Congratulations on another fine Sorting Ceremony!" I tell her. "I do believe the Old Hat hasn't lost it's touch," I add with a soft chuckle.

As we reach the end of the Hall, I see that Dierna ní Cíaran is waiting near the door. "Greetings, Chief Auror! Did you wish to see me?" She answers in the affirmative, but gives no indication as to the reason for her late evening visit. "I was just escorting Professor McGonagall to her quarters. Why not meet me in my office in... say... about ten minutes?" She is agreeable to this, and heads off in the direction of the main tower. Minerva and I continue on our way, reminiscing and comparing this year's group of students from years past. We pause at the entrance to her office and quarters. Giving her hand an affectionate squeeze, I tell her, "You would be well advised to keep an eye on the Hannah Twins. I have the feeling that they might just redefine the word "mischief"!"

She enters her quarters and I turn and hurry off to my office. I whisper the password and am on my way up the moving staircase when I suddenly realize that I have had no chance to talk with Dierna since her escape from Voldemort. I enter my office and find her feeding bits of some goodie to Fawkes.

"Good evening, Dierna! Would you care for some tea? Pumpkin Juice?" I offer. No sooner does she mention that she would like some tea than Melly, my House Elf, pops in with a silver tray loaded with steaming silver pot, fine china cups and a plate of blueberry scones, fresh from the oven. She places the tray on the low table, near the fire and within easy reach of two large, comfortable leather chairs. With a quick bow, she is gone again.

We take our seats and I pour two cups, handing one to Dierna. "And what brings you to the Castle at this late hour?" I ask.

---

"Well, the night is growing long and tomorrow is our first day," Isolde said, stifling a yawn with the back of her hand. She leaned her head back and curled up against Pyrrhus.

"What's our first class?" Azaelia asked.

Pyrrhus answered, "Charms. Bright and early."

"Eight in the morning?" Isolde groaned. "We really need to stop signing up for classes that are held before noon."

"Well, Charms is a required class," Alexis pointed out. "I'm afraid there's no way around it. Besides, at least it's a halfway decent class."

"As opposed to...?" Isolde wondered.

"History of Magic," Pyrrhus suggested. "Can you imagine having that class early in the morning? No one would be able to wake up!"

"On the bright side," Azaelia countered, a silly grin playing on her lips. "Having History of Magic first thing in the morning means we can get an extra hour of sleep. Like you said, Pyrrhus. No one can stay awake during that class, not even the most studious of us. We might as well just show up in our pajamas and night gowns!"

Isolde laughed. "Would Binns even notice? He's usually too absorbed in his lecture to even see that most of the class is snoring away while he drones on and on about Goblin rebellions and witch hunts."

Azaelia interrupted the chuckles with a loud yawn, reminding the group that they ought to head off to bed before it becomes even later. Good nights were exchanged, and Isolde kissed Pyrrhus a few times before parting with Azaelia and Alexis for their dorm room.

---

Meeting Scheduled for Later
Author: Ethan Somerset
Date: 12-21-02 20:16

"It was lovely to meet you all," Ethan said, wishing Veronica, Christina and Adriana a very good night. He spoke briefly with Hagrid, the kind and gentle giant who only wanted to formally introduce himself to the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor before heading off to his hut for the night. As Ethan ambled down the center aisle of the Great Hall, he smiled and greeted various students still at their tables, but steered clear of a select few from Hufflepuff House. He knew he'd have to face his demons eventually, but better later than sooner.

To his great surprise, Ethan met Dierna in the corridor outside the Great Hall, where she informed him that she needed to speak with him about something. However, she first had some business to attend to with Dumbledore, so they arranged to meet in Ethan's office on the second floor after Dierna's meeting with the Headmaster.

Ethan climbed up the grand marble staircase alone, smiling occasionally at a student but for the most part lost in thought. Surely Dierna wanted to talk to him about what went on in Bulgaria. He had plenty to say on that subject...yes, he did. Yet, he honestly wanted to forget all about it.

---

Purpose Revealed
Author: Dierna ní Cíaran
Date: 12-21-02 21:23

"Go raibh mhaith agat, Melly," I say to the attentive house elf. I take a sip of the tea, then put down the cup and saucer.

"I have come so late because I can identify the person who kidnapped Tennille and has been plaguing me. She is a faculty member here: Professor Sorcha. I saw her quite clearly the night I was captured." I take from the pouch I carry with me the letter left at Tennille's house when the nightmare began and hand it to the Olamh.

"I showed you this when your granddaughter was captured. If we can go to Prof. Sorcha's office, all I need is a positive handwriting match as initial evidence. Also linking her is the fact that when my home was raided it was my Druidic manuscripts that were taken. All of these are in Irish and have spells on them that prevent the use of translation charms. Only someone familiar with Gaelic would have any use to them. If the purpose of stealing them was to prevent my using them then they likely would have been destroyed." I take another drink of tea to let Dumbledore consider what I have said. When I put the now empty teacup on the table, I know what it is that has been niggling at me about this.

"It seems too simple. Too easy to solve, and in my experience that is usually when the puzzle is the most complex and difficult."

---

A New Day Will Come
Author: Vera Delgety
Date: 12-22-02 10:36

Lawrence and Vera sat on the couch embracing for a long while. Even Vera felt a few tears roll down her cheek. The thought of loosing her parents was just unbearable. And to think it could very well happen at any moment.

She pushed those thoughts out of her mind. It hadn't happened to her, but to one of the people she cares most about. "I'm so sorry Lawrence." She whispered. And she gently pushed him away so she could look at him. She wiped a tear from his cheek. "I will always be here for you, Lawrence. If you just need a shoulder to cry on. I have two to spare!"

Being the first little laugh from him, Vera's heart lifted. Lawrence gave a sad sigh. "I know I can't bring them back. But the fact is, I have someone new who could fill in the gap I think." He smiled a kissed Vera lightly. "I'm getting tired. I hope you don't mind if I head to bed?"

"I don't mind at all. You need your rest. Classes begin tomorrow! Go on now." She embraced him once more before letting him go. After a while she headed up to her room as well. She didn't get much sleep that night.

---

Fritz and Coco stuck close together as they followed the prefects to Ravenclaw House. They'd kept their ears open during that cranking* feast and continued to do so as they walked along with the others. So far they've learned plenty of useful information, such as how the staircases tend to change positions, that the potions master Professor Snape tends to be blinkered* when it comes to any students not in Slytherin, and why it is that all the people in the many paintings around the school seem to be moving.

Once in the common room, everyone politely listens to Professor Flitwick. Coco has a feeling she's going to like the small, odd looking Charms professor and can't wait for her first class with him. Shortly after Professor Flitwick's speech, Coco finds herself yawning constantly and finding it difficult to keep her eyes open.

She bids Fritz goodnight then follows one of the prefects directions to the first year girls' dorm room. Once there, Coco locates her bed and after placing Pea on it, she changes into her pajamas. Slipping under the covers, Pea snuggled up beside her, Coco quickly falls asleep and dreams about her first class of the day - Potions.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

cracking = the best, wonderful, excellent, etc
blinkered = narrow minded

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