Hiding
Author: Desdemona Diamond
Date: 06-29-04 20:31
It had been over an hour since she had painted the stupid pastel flower bouquet with hearts on the side of my face. Nothing I could do would get the thing off. Not even any of Bronwyn’s creams helped. The dang thing was stuck!
After Bron had painted the stupid picture onto my face she had let me go, and I had tried in vain to remove it since. It stayed just as bright and cheery as ever. So I hid in my dorm room since then so no one would see the stupid picture.
Even as I sat there with her drawing it on me, I had already started to devise a plan to get her back. Something she wouldn't even seem coming. Something German…
Turning my mind back to other stuff, I recalled that an old woman in a bright blue dress had come by the balloon booth shortly after I had started working there. She had seemed very familiar some how, but I couldn’t place my finger on it.
I tried not to stare at her, but I was unable to look away until I couldn’t see her anymore. The only thing besides stare at her was to carefully hand her a balloon kitten, which had just been finished. She took it and walked off. I was thankful for that.
And now, I was going to do something I had heard about in Divinations class. I was going to try to use my temperamental crystal ball to try and find this woman. Maybe something about her would click. So, I grabbed my crystal ball out from under my bed and sat with it above my covers.
I started to concentrate on the old woman. My crystal ball surprised me by actually doing something. I took it as a good sign and kept going…
Winning is Great
Author: Viktor Krum
Date: 06-29-04 21:50
Although he had no reason to be up early, Viktor had awakened within the hour after sunrise. As long as he was awake, he had decided to get up and do something, stopping long enough to eat a pile of hotcakes dripping with blackberry syrup. After breakfast, Viktor double checked the maze as he promised Aaron he'd do, ensuring everything was set. When satisfied all was in order to kill time until ice skating started at ten, Viktor checked over all the equipment for next Saturday's match between Ravenclaw and Slytherin.
Viktor ice skated until he got hungry for lunch, ate a hot, filling meal then watched the six males in the pie eating contest gorge themselves. After watching that, Viktor oddly felt even more full than he was. Sympathy stomach pangs he decided. He went to his quarters and wrote a reply to a recent letter from Stefka then at two returned to the maze to enjoy a walk through it, happily greeting students and adults meandering their way through.
At three, Viktor was on the sidelines to watch the two races and the water balloon competition. Viktor had never seen anything like these three contests before so he was very intrigued and found them extremely entertaining. After learning that in the Muggle world teams in a three-legged race have two of their legs tied together to form the "third" leg, Viktor decided he'd very much like to see such a thing take place.
Four o'clock found Viktor at his assigned booth, the Candle Shootout. Toys looking like the Muggle weapon of a handgun, filled with water then, in this case, used to shoot out the flame of a candle. It turned out to be a popular booth, with such excellent prizes as certificates to Eyelopes at Diagon Alley (won by a first year who fairly howled in delight, "I get my own owl now!") and to Nevvyn's Notions and Potions in Hogsmeade (a fourth year delighted with not having to write home for money to replace ingredients for Potions class used up after having to redo the same potion six times).
During the two hours designated as second shift, Viktor watched the dating game then had gone from booth to booth, winning prizes at some, losing at others but vowing to return later. At the cake walk he won twice in a row, first getting a honey spice cake with nuts and cream cheesey frosting and then chocolate hazelnut torte. These he'd taken straight to his rooms then hurried back to the Great Hall. When he walked back in, Siegfried Dewhurst beckened him over to where Siegfried was turning balloons into a variety of things. "You need a snitch, Professor Krum," he'd informed Viktor then proceeded to turn two balloons into a golden snitch with fluttering white wings. Even with magic, Viktor's still not sure how those kids are taking the balloons and making what they do.
Shortly before the second work shift ended, Viktor went to the Quidditch booth. After successfully getting a little quaffle past a tiny keeper, Isolde Farnon had heartily congratulated Viktor then presented him one of the grand prizes, a gift package to Briar's Bakery. A sweet a week for a year! Even now, partway into the third shift, working the Quidditch booth himself, Viktor can't believe his luck in winning such a great prize though the grand prize of a Cocker Spaniel puppy version of Ellspeth's Herbals Etc. Dogflower plant that Brett Kingston just won would have been really excellent as well.
One thing is certain, Viktor's having a great time and when he's free to make the rounds again from ten to twelve, he may just see what else he can win!
Consolations
Author: Santhea Fennally
Date: 06-29-04 23:34
"Darn," Santhea was glaring at the golden ball, now hovering at eye level only a foot away. "No wonder why I never made it into our Quidditch team... That silly little thing clearly doesn't like me." As if in answer, the Snitch zoomed even closer before shooting away when another student entered the booth.
Draco was smiling when their eyes met, but quickly hid it when those around them began to stare at him in wonder. "Still you caught six..."
"...and lost three." Shrugging, Santhea leaned closer, "I hope you'll give me some consolation for this..."
"How disgusting. Draco, you're clearly losing touch with your House..." Pansy Parkinson was once again standing behind them, Millicent on her heels.
Draco turned to face his fellow prefect and sneered, "Why don't you go get on other people nerves and let me enjoy my date?"
"Whatever happened to 'friends with benefits'?" Pansy smiled smugly, but the smile soon turned sour when Draco turned again and, drawing Santhea into his arms, caught her lips with his.
After separating due to the need for oxigen, it was Santhea who responded. "You know Parkinson. I'd rather be 'friends with benefits' with him than one of your paid friends." Pointing at Millicent, she added, "You didn't really think that anyone could really like you, did you? Oh dear, poor Pansy. It's really a shame that you have to resort to deluding yourself."
Catching Draco's gaze, she finished, "Now if you'll excuse us. We have some things we have to do other than enjoying your charming presence."
The Butterbeer Bottle Toss
Author: Blossom
Date: 06-30-04 10:36
Being at Hogwarts most of the day has made Blossom nostalgic for her alma mater, Watling's Wizarding Academy located in the US in the state of Colorado. This school is so very different from Watling's yet very much the same. She's decided she'll sit down tomorrow and write her favorite teachers to find out how they've been since she graduated and left for Britain.
Picking up two bottles of butterbeer from a box and handing then to the student who just successfully threw rings around two bottles on the table, Blossom then moves to retrieve all the rings scattered over the table and the floor around it. She hands three of them to a boy who's had four turns so far and while coming close many times has set to win a single butter. As she smiles in encouragement, Blossom once again gets the feeling she's being watched.
Ever since the game booths opened at four, Blossom has had this feeling a number of times. As with the other times, she looks around to see if anyone's staring at her. The only time she's found someone looking her way was over an hour ago when her eyes caught those of Molly Weasley's. The other woman gave Blossom a thin, weak smile before looking away.
Not finding anyone looking specifically at her, Blossom shrugs then moves to hand out rings to several newcomers to the booth.
A Shattering Experience
Author: Bellatrix Lestrange
Date: 06-30-04 18:04
Bellatrix had finally managed to get away from the crowds for long enough to make it to the powder room. She sighed and straightened her dress, rearranging the heavy silver cuffs to their best advantage on her wrists.
She kept looking behind her – suddenly she felt as if she was watched. The delicate hairs on the back of her tingled and it was a most disturbing sensation. Her first thought was that someone was spying on her, yet she knew it would be impossible for someone not associated with either the Knights or Voldemort to survive the evening. Unless it was Snape…the thought flushed through her, then she changed her mind. Although she still didn't trust him, hiding in women's powder rooms was simply not his style. No, it was something altogether different…something outside the sphere of the location of the Ball.
Checking to make sure she was alone, Bellatrix pulled her wand and muttered a quick location spell. "Manifesto," she murmured quietly. Turning to look in the mirror she saw the interior of Hogwarts, and a girl sitting on a bed with a crystal ball. Looking closer, Bellatrix could see it was the student who had been at the Valentine's carnival earlier. Actually, it was the girl who had handed her that awful balloon, and simply for that she deserved to pay.
"So my dear, curiosity gets the better of you," she said, looking harder at the reflection of the child.
Bellatrix thought for a moment. She had to make her mind up quickly, as she could tell the child was trying to find her. The girl was definitely in for a surprise or two if she actually found out who the old woman at the Carnival had been.
She turned to the mirror, reaching out a hand. As soon as her hand touched the glass a channel was open – and Bellatrix spoke clearly, knowing the girl could hear her. "Do not think to meddle in things which do not concern you, child," she reprimanded.
With a quick flick of her wrist she moved the wand, saying, "Discutio malevolentia!"
The crystal ball shattered suddenly in the girl's hands, throwing her backwards. Hundreds of tiny, lethal slivers of glass flew outwards, cutting her hands. The last Bellatrix saw of the interfering little chit was glass flying towards her face, leaving a heavily bleeding wound on the child's cheek. Bellatrix laughed as the image faded in the mirror.
That would teach her to look where she shouldn't. Meantime it was back to being cheerful and dancing with her husband.
Wandering
Author: Rikku
Date: 06-30-04 19:42
That one kid was mean! He ran into me throwing me on the floor hurting myself, and he didn’t even apologize! I had tried to chase him down for a while, but I got lost in the castle. I finally had come down some stairs and found the room that the front doors lead into. The room next to it, which was just plain huge, had lots of people in it.
I walked in and found a carnival! It was cool! They had food! I hadn’t eaten since before I got to the castle and saw the people ice skating, so I was of course over there in a heartbeat buying food. I ate enough for dinner before resuming my search for the hit-and-run kid.
I turned to go back out of the Hall, when I saw a face-painting booth! Face painting! I ran over there and jumped the last two feet to the booth. "Hiya!" I said to the lady.
"Hello," She responded, "Have a seat. So, what would you like?"
"Ummm… A star!" I said as I sat down in the chair. She got to work painting the star on the side of my face with the funny little brush that tickled. As I sat in the chair I began to kick my legs just a little bit cause the chair was too high for me to reach the ground.
"I haven't seen you around before," the lady said shortly after starting. I was giggling too much from the brush to really answer her. But, I did manage to say, "I just moved in today."
After thanking the nice lady I walked around the corner and found a place to play with bows and arrows. Archery didn't seem to be that hard. I'd seen it done many times, and I could do it. So, I walked up there to give it a try.
The first shot was too high, and didn’t hit the target. Pulling the string back with the arrow on it was hard! I had slipped and let go of the string too early causing the arrow to go too high. So, I tried again, and this time it went too low. The third shot went wild and hit off to the right. The string had hit my arm! It hurt! It was bruising even before the bow hit the ground.
I grabbed my arm and dropped to the ground, cause it hurt! I didn't cry though, and I am very proud of that. I did get help up though. I had been hurt worse, so I refused help to the Hospital Wing. I decided to quit while I was ahead and forget the last two shots. The bow could very well bite me again, and I didn't want that to happen.
Wondering around some more, while glancing at the nice bruise forming on my arm, I found a booth where you could throw balls into some hoops! That was less then stellar. Only one ball got close to going into a hoop, and then it bounced off!
I lowered my head and walked off. I walked out of the Hall before I remembered, I had a hit and run guy to find! Since I didn't see him in there, I figured he was somewhere else. Maybe outside where I had heard people mention that there was more stuff out there. Like ice skating, and I had to go ice-skating.
During Shift Four
Author: Pyrrhus
Date: 06-30-04 19:53
Isolde gives the prize wheel a spin then takes two steps back closer to Py to watch the wheel slow down. It clickity clacks as it turns, finally coming to a complete stop. Neville Longbottom, trying hard not to show nervousness at having the two Slytherins at his booth, hands over a slip of parchment. "A a certificate to Madam Pudifoot's."
Isolde snatches the paper with a haughty, "Thank you, Snivil."
In a great show of warming up, Py rubs his hands together then sets the wheel spinning as he too takes a turn. Seconds later he and Isolde walk away with her prize carefully folded and tucked into a pocket and the two quills, one with metallic silver ink and the other with emerald green ink, poking out of another pocket.
Having just come from Catch the Snitch where Py won a cap charmed with a Captain Electron hit and Isolde won a gift certificate to Scrivenshafts, and before that the Gnome Toss where they'd picked up gift certificates to Gladrags Wizard Wear and to Nevvyn's Notions and Potions, the couple move to the next booth in the line, Darts, to win more goodies. Good thing it's so easy to run to Slytherin House and drop stuff off then come back for more.
Cake Walk - It's Easy As Pie
Author: Jared
Date: 06-30-04 20:28
Jared listens for the cake walk music to stop, hoping his number is picked this time. Although it's Saturday night and Valentine's at that, the great hall is much less crowded than it was even just thirty minutes ago. With so much to do today, some of it physically demanding like ice skating, a many students and adults have drifted off to bed or to find quiet spots to sit. Not Jared though. As long as there are still prizes to be won, he will be trying for them.
The music stops just then and that girl Luna Lovegood draws a number. She ends up drawing four numbers because the first three corresponding squares weren't occupied. Even though the prize Luna's indicated is just a three layer banana split cake, Jared finds himself holding his breath in anticipation of what number Luna announces.
"Twelve. We have a winner finally!"
Jared's shoulders slump and he thinks, "I'll win the next one," but the person behind him gives him a poke in the ribs. "That's your number. Unless you don't want the cake. I'll take it if you don't!"
Jared looks down at his feet, grinning sheepishly and explains to the staring group waiting for him to hurry up and get his cake so they can do another round, "I was looking at the number of the next square so thought I had thirteen."
They all laugh as Jared retrieves his cake. In the minute or so wait until Luna starts the music again, Jared decides he'll do the cake walk again then walk over to the candle shootout and see if he can win anything there.
Success
Author: Aaron Miller
Date: 06-30-04 21:07
"Enjoy spending that certificate at Nevvyn's Notions and Potions, Jonquille," I say to Jonquille Juniper who blushes for some reason before rushing off to another booth. I turn to a second year whose name I know from his participation last term on the Gryffindor team. "Decided which water gun you want, Jared?"
"This one looks aces."
I light a fresh candle for Jared to use as a target. "To win, just shoot out the flame before you run out of water."
Jared nods, takes aim, then enthusiastically begins firing. In the meantime, I move on to assist one of my third year pupils, Anastasia King. She picks a hot pink colored water pistol and after I make sure it's full and after I light a candle for her, I take a moment to glance around the great hall.
It's still busy but not like before. As the hour grows late, the crowd has thinned. I can't help but feel really pleased at how well the day has gone. A few snags here and there but all minor and with as much as there was today and this being the first event of its type the school's had, I would have been more surprised if things had run 100% smoothly. All in all, even with those few minor problems, all aspects of the carnival have been a success. Definately tomorrow I'll send out thank you notes as planned to all the donators and volunteers. Without them, the carnival pretty much would have consisted of ice skating and face painting.
