Orchids and
Roses
Author: Isolde
Date: 06-20-03 08:49
Isolde exited the fifth year girls' dormitory and entered the Slytherin common room, brown eyes scanning the crowded dungeon for her Pyrrhus. Her eyes fell upon him near the fireplace, where he stood with his hands behind his back. His gaze was focused in the direction of the entrance to the common room, where Crabbe and Goyle stood with their dates.
Isolde followed his gaze for a brief moment, rolling her eyes at the sight of Pansy and Millicent standing with Malfoy's loyal two. Both girls were still outcasts among the other Slytherins, having done nothing to redeem themselves for the hefty amount of points they lost the house over a year ago.
Shaking her head, Isolde resumed walking through the room and approached Pyrrhus, whose eyes lit up at the sight of his girl. "You look beautiful, Isolde," he murmured, ducking his head to place a gentle kiss on her cheek.
"You look quite handsome yourself, Pyrrhus," Isolde replied, offering him a small smile.
"I have something for you," Pyrrhus said, revealing his hands from behind his back. He held a clear, plastic box within which rested a beautiful corsage of purple orchids.
"Oh, Pyrrhus," Isolde whispered, and she rose on her tippy-toes to kiss him on the lips. "You spoil me..."
"Anything for my Isolde..." Pyrrhus grinned and opened the box. He removed the delicate array of orchids and tossed the box onto the ground before pinning the flowers onto Isolde's teal dress robes.
"They're beautiful, Pyrrhus," Isolde murmured again, admiring the mini orchids and how spectacular they looked against the teal of her robes. When she met his gaze again she exclaimed, "You're always so thoughtful, you always think of the most perfect and unique gifts..."
"The roses––"
"...are unique," interrupted Isolde. "I bet I'm the only girl who received fifteen dozen roses. My dormitory looks like a florists shop!" She smiled and embraced Pyrrhus, careful not to squash the orchid corsage.
"Are we ready to go?" she finally asked after the brief moment in Pyrrhus' arms.
"Ready, m'lady." Pyrrhus offered her his arm, and together the couple left the Slytherin common room and went to the Great Hall.
Leaving Hogwarts
Author: Ethan Somerset
Date: 06-20-03 10:25
Despite the desire to leave directly after his last class of the day, Ethan had remained at Hogwarts a few extra hours to collect some of his personal belongings. Simultaneously, he had taken the extra time to do a thorough search of his office lest he leave something suspicious behind. Professor Somerset had ordinarily been quite organized when it came to his dealings with Voldemort, but as of late Ethan's nerves often got the better of him resulting in less cautious behavior because his mind was often occupied with other things. During the sweep of his office, Ethan found one correspondence from Voldemort he had failed to destroy. It was quickly thrown in the fire and incinerated until nothing remained but a few fragments of charred parchment.
Satisfied that the office was now "clean", Ethan reduced his traveling trunk to a manageable size and summoned a stack of papers and thin, leather-bound books from his desk. They consisted of his lesson plans, roll books and grade books -- objects of use to Dumbledore who would be teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts all next week.
With one last look around his office, Ethan left the room and began to wander down the corridor. He could hear the merry exchange of laughter and conversation echo throughout the vast hallways as he walked to Dumbledore's office. The Valentine's dance and party would be starting soon and already, happy couples dressed up in their finest robes were rushing to the Great Hall or the dungeons to attend the events.
Ethan ran into Londy, Dumbledore's personal house elf, in the corridor leading to Dumbledore's office. "Londy, I'm glad to see you. Could you give these," here he indicated to the papers and books in his arms, "to Dumbledore? I don't wish to bother him if he's busy preparing for the tonight's festivities."
When Londy agreed, Ethan passed the stack of items into her arms and thanked her. She turned to walk away, but Ethan stopped her and pulled a sealed letter from his pocket. "Would you," he paused for a moment as if nearly changing his mind, "would you give this to Dumbledore, too?"
He handed her the letter and thanked her again, this time allowing her to continue on her path to Dumbledore's office. As Ethan turned to walk away, his mind wandered to the letter he had written last night when he couldn't sleep. He hadn't planned on telling Dumbledore anything before leaving. As much distance he could put between himself and the headmaster and the auror, the better. But something overcame him last night when he couldn't sleep. A sudden lurch of feelings long lost seemed to creep back to the surface, although they should have remained suppressed forever. They remained long enough for him to write the letter, but vanished as soon as he found his pillow once more.
He couldn't explain why he put the letter in his pocket this morning or why he decided to give it to Londy. It was almost as if that voice in his head from last night resurfaced for a few brief moments to force him to do it.
By now, Ethan had wandered to the entrance hall of the castle. He paused to admire the decorations in the Great Hall, which he could catch a glimpse of each time the doors swung open when a couple entered the room for the dance.
Turning away from the merriment, Ethan started to step outside when someone called his name.
"Professor Somerset, aren't you going to the dance?"
Ethan turned away and saw Bronwyn Dewhurst approaching him with a radiant smile upon her face. She wore a beautiful wrist corsage on one arm and carried a wicker basket on the other.
"No, Miss Dewhurst," Ethan said, somehow mirroring the Hufflepuff girl's facial expression. "I'm going to visit my parents."
"Oh, that's nice," she said, though she did seem a bit disappointed. "Well, Happy Valentine's Day. Here," she paused to remove an item from her basket, "it's a cupcake." She handed him a chocolate cupcake with pink, frosty icing on the top.
"Thank you, and Happy Valentine's Day to you as well." He offered her another smile and then turned to go, starting the trek down the snow-covered lawn to the gates at the edge of the school grounds.
As soon as he stepped into Hogsmeade, he approached the nearest wastebasket, threw away the cupcake and disapparated for Canterbury.
---
Hogwarts, February 14, 1997, 2:43 A.M.
Professor Dumbledore,
Do you ever feel as if something isn't as it should be?
When I first arrived at Hogwarts, I often pondered this question. Strange things seemed to happen all around me and I eventually associated this with the Koyla business and the death of Kendra Beck. I probably should have gone on vacation long ago to ease my mind of those thoughts -- but one day they just stopped. I felt cured of whatever madness had overcome me.
Now those feelings have returned. I can't sleep. I can't eat. I can't do anything but worry. I don't know what it is, but something is not right. Perhaps this week will give me a much-needed break from my inner turmoil. I'll be staying at my parents' home in Canterbury. Should you need me at all, you know where to fine me.
Thank you for everything...
Professor Ethan Somerset
It'll Be Fun
Author: Brady
Date: 06-20-03 20:49
Brady stepped into the common room and immediately spotted the lovely Santhea despite the throng of students loitering the area. She was standing by one of the armchairs, looking radiant in deep, green robes with silver trimmings.
"Santhea, you look beautiful this evening," Brady said when he met her by the chair.
"You look great, too," she said, offering him a smile. She rolled her eyes and added, "I hate this holiday."
"I can't blame you." Brady laughed and held out a wrist corsage for her to see. "It's full of lame traditions, mushy-gushy feelings and other things surely to induce gastrointestinal pyrotechnics. But, on the other hand..." Brady paused to slip the corsage of petite, white blooms onto her arm. When he finished he met her gaze again, blue eyes twinkling mischievously. "It could be a lot of fun. So, what do you say, Miss Fennally? Are you ready to get this party started?"
Decorations
Author: Bronwyn Dewhurst
Date: 06-21-03 09:01
Bronwyn and Toby entered the Great Hall after Professor Somerset stepped outside. They observed the festive Valentine's decorations ranging from red, white and pink streamers to aromatic floral arrangements dispersed around the magical chamber. Other couples were already there, admiring the heart-shaped bubbles floating near the enchanted ceiling. Where the main table normally stood there now was a large stage. Musical instruments had already been set up in the back in preparation for the night's entertainment. The house tables were replaced with small, round tables seating anywhere between six and twelve people. The Great Hall seemed so romantic, so perfect for Valentine's Day.
"You were hoping he'd chaperone so that you could ask him to dance, weren't you?" Toby asked, grinning wickedly.
When Bronwyn tried to protest, Toby continued, "I know you, Sweetheart."
"Oh, stuff it!" Bronwyn exclaimed, rolling her eyes. She pulled a cupcake with white frosting from her basket and tried to shove it into her boyfriend's mouth. She didn't succeed, but she did manage to get frosting all over his face.
Toby laughed and seized her by the hand, leading her to one of the tables close to the stage. "I don't look presentable anymore. Look what you've done to me."
"Frosting looks good on you, Toby," Bronwyn teased. She pecked him on the cheek and handed him a napkin. "By the way, thank you for the roses and the necklace. It's very beautiful." She dropped the basket onto the surface of the table and fingered the pendant around her neck. It was a petite, golden rose on an equally petite, golden chain.
"I'm glad you like it," Toby said, his face now frosting-free. "It looks beautiful on you."
Bronwyn smiled and leaned in to embrace him with her arms.
A Rose
Author: Draco Malfoy
Date: 06-21-03 09:28
By the time Draco left his dormitory, the Slytherin common room was virtually empty. A few people waiting on their dates still lingered about here and there but the noisy din from before had transported itself to the Great Hall and the party room in the dungeon. Alexis was standing near the entryway, and she looked up when Draco approached.
"Sorry I'm late," Draco said, "I was experimenting with something." He handed her a single rose with a long, green stem. Its petals were black. "I charmed it." He passed it to her. "Thought it looked cool. So," he adjusted the cuff on one of the sleeves of his silver dress robes, "should we get going, then?"
Debut
Author: Nevvyn
Date: 06-21-03 09:58
Almost time to leave for the Castle. I line the lads up for one final inspection, straightening a shirt collar here and picking off a bit of lint there. Tom looks at me with an infectious grin. "Yer fussin' over us like an ol' mother hen!" The other two laugh, but I simply smile.
"And why might that be?" I ask, rhetorically. "Could it be it's because you three are my "chicks"?" I finish with my ministrations and pronounce them ready to go. Dressed in their dark brown, corduroy suits with matching derbies, they cut quite a figure. Shiny black brogans, starched white shirts and bright red bow ties complete their ensemble. they wanted to magick their ties so that they would light up, but I suggested that might be a bit much for Hogwarts.
The instruments are all packed in a large case, which is now sitting by the shop door. The three peer through the glass at the snowy street outside. "One moment!" I quickly lay a spell over all four of us; one which will repel all manner of water and dirt. With our warm woolen capes about our shoulders, we venture forth into the diluted sunlight of a typical February afternoon. Up High Street, toward the Station and the Castle Gate, we trudge through the drifted snow. The crate with the instruments follows along behind us, almost like a pet dog.
Toms Debut
(cont.)
Author: Nevvyn
Date: 06-21-03 10:03
The great oaken doors of the Castle creak open at our approach. A House Elf is there to greet us. "A welcome I bring you! I am Stinky!"
As we are ushered into the magnificent entrance hall, Tom tugs on my cape. I bend down and he whispers in my ear, "He's not... really! Stinky, that is! that's just his name!" I smile my understanding, and realize that "Stinky" is talking again.
"The Captain-Man has asked I bring you to him. This way, please!"
We follow along, down some stairs, along a corridor, through a door, past the kitchens, up some more stairs, and into a small room, where "Stinky" leaves us. I say "small", but there is plenty of room for the Captain and his Crew, and all their equipment, with ample space left for us. The Captain shouts a greeting, between giving last-minute instructions to his group. "ABOUT READY TO GO!" The Toms nod and grin and wave, and shout back, over the noise of the instruments being tuned and checked. I send our case scuttling into a corner, where it plops down with a sigh of relief. We hang up our capes and then I fetch the lads instruments. A final, last-minute inspection shows everything in order. We take a seat on a bench by the wall, and wait for Freddie to get ready to make the introduction.
A Last Checkup
on the Hearts
Author: Prof Flitwick
Date: 06-21-03 17:59
"Oh, Thank Goodness!" I exclaim as I release the last of the six-dozen heart-shaped balloons. At last! They are all working! And just in time, too. The students are beginning to filter into the hall, two-by-two. I observe carefully, as one of the balloons slowly descends until it is above one of the couples. I believe it is Miss Dewhurst and Mr. Beck. The pink heart emits a squeaking sound, supposedly "A Kiss", and proceeds to drop several little candy hearts with sayings on them. The candies have been charmed so they float down like a snowflake, making them somewhat easier to catch. I got the idea from a recent visit to a Muggle market. I purchased many bags of the candies and then sent them back to Hogwarts. I do hope the students like them. Or, at least, I hope they don't mind being pelted with candy from time to time.
One of my balloons approaches another couple who are so engrossed in each other, they completely miss the candies, which fall to the floor. Now to see if "Plan B" is working. A small creature, looking like a cross between a mouse and a hoover, comes scuttling from under one of the tables. There is a slight clatter as it passes over the fallen treats, then it vanishes into the shadows near the wall. "Well and Good!" I say to myself. This would satisfy Dumbledore's requirement that none of the candies were to be trampled into the floor. I dust off my hands and tuck my wand into my sash, then go take my seat at the table reserved for the Faculty. I have heard a rumor that there is to be a traditional Irish Celeidh band as an opener for Captain Electron. I want to have a good seat for that.
It's Party
Time
Author: Fritz Schnackenpfefferhausen
Date: 06-21-03 20:06
With a flock of other students around their age, Fritz and Coco walk from the Ravenclaw Common Room to the dungeons. Every single child pauses by the doors of the Great Hall to catch a glimpse of the festivities within, some (particularly the girls) wishing they could also take part. When one of the ghostly denizens of the castle ushers them onwards, the group continues down the flight of stairs to the dungeons en route to the designated party room.
Upon arrival, eyes widen at the sight of the many treats and decorations around the vast chamber. Cookies, cakes and candies litter a refreshments table off to one side, balloons and streamers color the otherwise plain and dark walls and various tables with games such as wizard's chess and exploding snap are dispersed throughout the room.
Maybe this party won't be so disappointing after all!
In and Out
Again
Author: Dierna ní Cíaran
Date: 06-21-03 21:10
It is late by the time I arrive home. I was so busy interrogating the captured dark wizards that I didn't get to Hogwarts that day. I had sent a brief owl to the Olamh informing him that I wouldn't be able to see him until Saturday. The Quidditch game would be a good excuse to visit the school. I also hadn't been able to see anyone about my injured arm either. I remove the bandage and replace it with a fresh one, deciding that I should go see what kind of salve Nevvyn can offer to cure it. Apart from looking terrible, it is rather more painful than I care to admit.
Nevvyn's shoppe, however, is closed, A sign informs customers that he is at the Castle for the Valentine's dance. I had completely forgotten that today is Valentine's day! I decide to go to the dance myself. Perhaps the dance would help me relax, and if nothing else, I could observe people. That decided, I quickly change into dress robes and head over to Hogwarts.
Starting Up
Author: Captain Electron
Date: 06-22-03 06:22
Captain Electron waited away from the stage area as Freddie introduced the Toms, who were all ready with their instruments. Freddie added that during the main show, Electron and the gang would be more than happy to take requests from the students and dedicate them to the partner of choice... he just hoped they would know all the songs people asked for!
He fiddled with his wand and adjusted his bright red and gold robes, waiting for the opening to finish so that he could get out there and rock the castle.
The Three Toms
- Onstage
Author: Nevvyn
Date: 06-22-03 10:23
"You're on, lads!" Captain Electron said in a "stage whisper". "Get out there and show 'em what you've got!" Between the two of us, we shoo the group out the door and onto the stage.
Freddie has delivered a fine, if somewhat generic, introduction. I'm sure the students have no idea what to expect. They wait quietly and patiently as the Toms walk to center stage. After a brief bow to their audience, they take seats on three short stools and raise their instruments. Tom starts on the harp with a soft, melancholy melody... an ancient lament for some long-dead king. The other two join in with wooden flute and droning pipes. After about four bars of this mournful sound, a general muttering begins to stir among the listeners. After another measure or two, there is audible groaning!
Tom silences the harp strings with the palm of one hand. The other two look up. "Well, Lads!" he announces in a loud voice. "I am thinkin' this isn't what these nice people have come for! Shall we try something else?"
"Let's do!" the other two reply in chorus.
They take off their derbies and sail them toward the back of the stage. They unbutton their waistcoats and exchange instruments. The sharp rattle of the bodhran gets everyone's attention. With "a-one and a-two!" they jump into a rousing version of "Gravelwalk". Within moments, the audience is clapping time to the music and tapping their feet. Tom, with his tin-whistle, takes center-stage and begins going through the steps of the dance at half-speed. Soon, some of the bravest of the students attempt to follow along. Before long, there are at least a dozen pairs, treading the ancient steps, in imitation of Tom. After a couple of times through, the Tom with the bodhran joins in, and they pick up the dance tempo to match the tune. Most of the dancers manage to stay with the musicians, laughing and whooping as they get into the rhythm. Eventually, the pair on stage decide it's time to cut this off. They break into a final chorus with a display of fancy footwork. The music ends, and is greeted by generous applause. The two dancing Toms take a brief bow and the lad with the pipes steps forward.
"We'd like to slow things down a bit, now! Mostly, so's we can catch our breath. Let's see what you think of this!" Again, with harp, pipes and wooden flute, they slide into the soft strains of "Evergreen". Two by two, the couples step onto the dance floor, moving in dream-like motion.
And so it goes, song after song, some fast and some slow, some new and some old, but all played on the old, traditional instruments. Fiddle and accordion are brought into play, as is Tom's tenor voice. His rendition of "My Wild Irish Rose" is quite well received. Their hour in the spotlight soon winds to a close. They play one last number and then thank the crowd for being so tolerant of their efforts. With a final bow, they fetch their derbies and vacate the stage, making room for The Captain and his group. I congratulate them on their fine performance, just like a "Proud Papa". Freddie goes back onstage, to introduce the main event. The lads are all grins as they step through the curtained doorway. The Captain gives them all a "high-five" and a "thumbs up" signal as he passes on his way to the stage.
Carefully, we pack the instruments away in the crate and prepare to set off for Hogsmeade. Tom looks to his fellows and then addresses me. "D'ye think we could be stayin for a bit, t' listen t' the Cap'ns music?"
"All right then," I reply. "But don't be gettin' into any trouble, and come straight home afterward. I'll leave the latch off for you!" With ear-to-ear grins, they slip back through the curtained doorway and find vacant seats against the wall. I, on the other hand, beat a hasty retreat, retracing the path we had followed earlier.
As I pass the kitchens, Stinky pops out with large platters full of goodies, balanced precariously in each hand. "This is for you and this is for your musical friends!" he announces, handing me one of the platters. Before I even have a chance to thank him properly, he dashes off in the direction of the "dressing room". I set the platter atop the crate and continue on my way. Through the big doors and down the hill I go, whistling "Gravelwalk" as I dance my way back to Hogsmeade and my cozy little shop.
Sleep
Author: Prof. Sorcha
Date: 06-22-03 10:27
It was another Valentines Day. It was one more day to be painfully reminded that no loved ones existed. It was also another day for a Hogwarts celebration. Sorcha didn't feel like celebrating anything. In fact there was only one thing she wanted to do, sleep.
Since Sorcha had no living relations and hadn't had a love interest in almost a year, she figured she would be able to actually get a full nights rest, as long as Ailsa kept quiet. Luckily Ailsa was just preening herself as Sorcha walked, more of a shuffle, over to her bed, laid down and blew the candle out.
Into the
Fray
Author: Alexis Black
Date: 06-22-03 20:52
Alexis stood waiting patiently in the Slytherin common room for Draco, pleased that the zillion and a half roses in her dormitory didn't slow her down as much as she thought they would. It had been very difficult to find anything between the fifteen large vases stuffed with roses for Isolde. Isolde and Pyrrhus had long since abandoned her in order to arrive on time for the festivities, but Alexis didn't mind being late at all. In fact she had to admit she wasn't very thrilled to be going in the first place.
Draco showed up and handed her a long stemmed black rose. "I thought it looked cool, so..." He trailed off, fiddling with the sleeve of his robes, "should we get going, then?"
Alexis was looking at the rose, positively beaming. "It's the best color a rose could be." She said, "Let's go."
The two Slytherins made their way out of the common room and toward the great hall. Feeling just a bit nervous, Alexis entered the great hall to see that things had already been underway with most of the students gathered and dancing to the music.
Alright,
I'll Go
Author: Clara Devaki
Date: 06-22-03 21:52
"But for the last time...I don't want to go!" Clara sat on her bad, getting rather annoyed with her best friend. Tempest still seemed to think she was dwelling on how Draco broke up with her. Really, honestly she wasn't. Clara couldn't care less...she seemed to find it more appealing to have a simple hatred towards him.
Tempest scowled at her dark-haired friend. "We'll have fun...and as always, be the best-looking ones there." She smirked at Clara who had to laugh. Tempest was always so modest.
"Alright...alright I'll go. Lemme change real quick." Clara got a hint of a mischievous glint in her eye.
Smoothing out her silky black hair and changing into one of her emerald green dress-robes, Clara was ready in a matter of minutes.
"Alright, let's go darken the evening!"
Party Away
Author: Saffron
Date: 06-23-03 09:22
Saffron, festively bedecked in pale pink robes with white and red hearts, greets students as they enter the party. She also hands to each a party favor bag she'd put together herself. Music filters through the room plus there are an assortment of games not to mention an extremely wide variety of food and drink.
Saffron grins at no one in particular while thinking this party has got to be much better than chaperoning a dance. She doesn't have much time to dwell on the party versus the dance though because just then a group of girls asks Saffron to come oversee their game of pin the tail on the winged pony; not an easy task when the pony keeps flitting around on the poster!
Dance Dance
Dance
Author: Kody
Date: 06-23-03 12:30
Kody stands with Emma in a group off to the side in the Great Hall. As the music starts, couples begin drifting over to the area designated for dancing. Kody bends down so that only Emma can hear him.
"If I've not mentioned it yet, you look smashing."
He quickly stands up straight and holds a hand out to Emma.
"Shall we dance?"
They Call
This a Party?
Author: Santhea Fennally
Date: 06-23-03 12:45
Santhea and Brady had just arrived at the Great Hall where many students were already gathered. Music filled the hall. 'Well, if you can call this music,' Santhea thought grimly, thinking back of the last feast she had attended at Beauxbatons, rather longingly all of a sudden. However it was no use, she was here now. And if she was quite honest to herself, she did enjoy it ... to a certain extent at least.
Brady was leading her to the centre of the hall, his midnight blue robes billowing behind him. 'And he claimed they were black, men...' She shook her head slightly, her frown replaced by a smile, that seemed to be natural, even though she had to force herself not to scream out that someone around had obviously no taste whatsoever. Heart-shaped balloons - how very dull, how inspiring.
Why did she hate Valentine's Day so much? Just because of her last - well, what was it exactly? - Affair? Fling? Relationship?
'Don't ponder on it! Think of the future, not the past!' Well, for the sake of Brady she would try to at least behave. And then, a social gathering was always the ideal place to gather information about people. Information that could come in handy at some point. 'How very Slytherin of you,' her smile grew into the first unique of the whole evening.
Gazing into the void she hardly realized Brady talking to her. "Excuse me?" she said turning towards him, an appologetical smile playing around her lips. "Would you care for a glass of punch, or would you rather dance?" Brady repeated. 'Oh great, you landed yourself with the perfect little gentleman. How boring.' "Well, I'm not remotely thirsty. But I think those Hufflepuffs, Ravenclaws and Gryffindors could do with a lesson on proper dancing, don't you think?" She added with a smirk, dragging a startled Brady onto the dancefloor.
Finally!
Author: Captain Electron
Date: 06-23-03 16:16
Electron thought the Toms were great, but he was impatient to get out on stage and make some music himself, so when they finished up and Freddie introduced him, he bounded on enthusiastically, winked at the Toms and surveyed his audience. They'd been dancing, but were by no means too tired to continue! Electron struck a screaming chord on his guitar that cut through the applause in order for him to bellow "Good evening, Hogwarts, and happy Valentine's!"
A balloon overhead showered him with sweets at the words, and he laughed, shaking them out of his dreads. The band started the intro for "Smile High", and without further ado, he launched into it. They had argued amongst themselves whether, since it was Valentine's night, they should sing mainly ballads, but Electron knew he'd be bored stupid by the end of the night if they did that and he thought some of the students might be too, so they were going to do a good mix, letting Siobhan sing some of the really slow numbers. After a selection, they would be open for requests. Bring it on, thought the Captain, confident now that he was onstage.
