Shattered Visions
Author: Desdemona Diamond
Date: 07-01-04 00:59
The crystal ball clouded for a few moments. Its insides swirling with colors; the whole thing was strangely beautiful. It was the first time that the ball had actually reacted to something.
The colors started to clear up, slowly a form could be seen. It started to get clearer and clearer. The form took on the shape of a person, a woman. This woman wasn’t bent with age. Strange as it was, I could have sworn I had seen her before. She was dressed differently, but I had seen her before, somewhere.
It suddenly hit me in a flash. I had seen her in a dream! She was standing on a cliff sending waves of pure evil. The dream was shortly before Hermione's father was found. I had another dream before, a man was in it. Could the two dreams be connected somehow?
"Do not think to meddle in things which do not concern you, child." The female voice snapped me back to the present, where the unmistakable form of a woman had become defined in the ball. I might be able to make out some more detail…
The crystal ball shattered suddenly in my hands, throwing me backwards into my headboard. Hundreds maybe thousands of tiny slivers of glass flew outwards. There was glass flying towards me. My hands started to feel like they were wet with a prickling sensation, as did the side of my face. I could feel a kind of faint prickling sensation in my stomach and parts of my legs as well.
I slid down the headboard and a small ways down my bed. Lying amongst my pillows with my shoulders and head propped up by the headboard, my legs too weak to work at the moment, all I could do is stare at the spot my ball had been moments before.
Lonely
Author: Bronwyn Dewhurst
Date: 07-01-04 09:44
Having grown weary from all the excitement of a very long day, Bronwyn left the Great Hall and went to the Hufflepuff common room. She brought with her a plate of key lie pie, which she'd won during a round of the cake walk, and a handful of other goodies such as a beautiful eagle-feathered quill filled with lilac ink.
Trudging downstairs with her winnings, Bronwyn's thoughts drifted to Toby and inevitably to Kendra as well. She missed them both. She could feel extremely lonely with them in her thoughts, Kendra especially, even when she was with a crowd of very good friends. They'd both touched her heart in ways she felt no one else ever could, and for that Bronwyn felt tears sting her eyes.
She rarely showed such emotion, but the silence during her trek to the common room became overwhelming and her mind thought of nothing else but Toby, the man she loved, and Kendra, the best friend she'd never see again.
Bronwyn backhanded a stray tear that slipped down her cheek and stepped into the deserted common room. Everyone else was either asleep or still at the carnival. She went to the sixth year dormitory and stepped through the threshold, oblivious to the disaster that had struck in the room only a few minutes earlier.
She walked to her bed and set her goodies aside on the end table, then walked to the foot of the bed where her trunk stood against the endboard. She knelt down in front of it and popped the lid, rummaging around for a clean pair of PJs. It was then that she noticed something--many things--shimmering on the cold, stone ground.
"Is that glass?" Bronwyn asked herself. She swept her eyes across the floor, spotting small shards and bigger ones scattered everywhere. Some were even on her bed and on the other bedside table, where she'd stacked her school books.
Bronwyn's eyes fell upon the neighboring bed, where Desi, covered in little rivulets of blood, lay quivering against her headboard. Bronwyn screamed.
Interesting, Very Interesting
Author: Julian Valentine
Date: 07-01-04 13:08
Watching as a girl, whose slight form and angelic face make her appear much younger than the 11 or 12 of the first year she claims she is, makes another attempt to get a ball into the milk can, Julian wonders for the millionth and one time today what malevolent or mischievous spirit possessed him to volunteer to work not one but two booths. There was no reason for him to do anything more than donate a few cerficates from Twice Told Tales. Somewhere in the great beyond Chyler is laughing her arse off at Julian. Not Helena though. Julian likes to think she's feeling a spot of sympathy for him not only being alone on Valentine's but working at this Muggle inspired school carnival.
That and seeing Briar with her baby several times through the throng of students. It's jolting to see that child and not see a patch of bright red hair on her head and with a face already covered in freckles. All Weasels have the red hair and Julian doesn't believe for one second that this baby managed to avoid that particular genetic stamp. Grace also doesn't look much like Briar. Her coloring is more fair. More like Julian's. Come to think of it, Briar never actually said Bill is Grace's father. Julian had said that. Briar didn't deny it but she also didn't confirm it. Julian had let Briar's silence combined with Molly Weasley's shock at overhearing that bit of the conversation do the confirming. Interesting what conclusions one can draw months after a baby's born and when one is thinking with a much clearer head.
Practically Sleepwalking
Author: Brett Kingston
Date: 07-01-04 18:16
As he climbs the stairs to his dorm room, Brett reflects back on the events of the day. Representing Dervish and Bangs, one of the generous donators of prizes for the carnival, Aussie had been able to come for breakfast and stay all day. Brett gave her one of those candy hearts plants from Ellspeth's as well as a Quidditch broomstick charm for her charm bracelet. To Orie, Brett also gave a candy heart plant plus he'd given her a framed photo of Ausse, Orie, and Brett taken over the Christmas break.
The three of them had participated in everything that went on today, sometimes only as spectators such as at the races. The only time they split up was when Aussie worked the face painting booth, Orie the bob for apples for booth, and Brett the painted desert and wax impressions booth. That was the shift that ran from 4 to 6. After that, they watched the dating game, grabbed some supper, and made round after round at the booths, between them winning so much stuff Brett kept running things up to Gryffindor House. Tomorrow he'll box up the things for Aussie and items of his that can go to his room at home and owl them to her.
A short time ago, Orie and Brett had walked with Aussie to the gates to town and after bidding her goodnight, all of them stifling yawns, the two friends had walked slowly back to the castle. As they climbed the many steps up to Gryffindor, they'd slowed even more as the tiredness threatened to make them fall asleep on one of the staircases. At the entrance to the girls' dorm, Brett gave Orie a hug and a peck on the cheek. From there he'd practically sleepwalked to the boys' dorm and now, going over the day is the only thing keeping him awake long enough to make it to his bed.
Home - Barely
Author: Australia Kingston
Date: 07-01-04 18:33
So tired after the long, but extremely fun, day, Aussie has a hard time doing anything more than shuffle her feet along as she walks from the school grounds into town and home. As she enters the small house, she goes straight to her room without bothering to light so much as the tip of her wand. Aussie strips off her outer layer of heavy clothes then falls onto her bed, only then realizing that during an entire day spent with her brother she forgot to tell him her news.
Next month Aussie starts her new job of being the assistant to a professional Quidditch recruiter. The other part of her news is that she'd applied to the university and been accepted. She may start the next terms, taking one or two classes. There's a Hogsmeade trip in two weeks. She'll tell... Aussie falls asleep in mid-thought.
Just a Little Longer
Author: Ginny Weasley
Date: 07-01-04 19:02
There are advantages and disadvantages to working a booth from ten until midnight. The advantages are that there are far less people trying to cram into each booth and that working a booth such as face painting allows Ginny to do a good job without feeling rushed. Disadvantages are that Ginny can't try for any of the prizes left over at various booths and that she's dead tired. One thought that's helping to keep her going is that of the looks Luna, Neville, and she got by going on the tunnel of love ride together. They'd done it just to see what the ride was all about and ended up having a good giggle over the way several people acted at the sight of the three of them cramming into a space meant for two people sitting very close together. She can only imagine what sort of rumors will be rampant through school by lunch tomorrow!
Promises
Author: Hermione Granger
Date: 07-01-04 19:02
"Wait," Ron said, pulling Hermione by the hand. They'd been on their way to Gryffindor Tower after a long, fun day at the carnival. She stopped and turned to look at him, who pulled on her hand again and led her to a dark nook in the virtually deserted corridor.
Ron looked around furtively, then settled his eyes on Hermione's. "Our first chance alone together." He kissed her.
She smiled when they broke apart and said, "It's been a nice Valentine's Day, even if we had to share it with all of Hogwarts." She pressed her cheek against his shoulder.
"I dunked Harry and Sirius and threw a pie in Hagrid's face. Got Filch twice!" Ron beamed. "I just wish I'd have had a chance at dunking Snape. That's got to be every person's dream!" A faraway, gleeful look crossed his face as he thought about Snape falling into the tank over and over again.
Hermione drew back from Ron and laughed.
Ron suddenly sobered and grew serious. "Erm, Hermione..." His hand slipped from hers and dropped into the pocket of his trousers. "I've been doing some very serious thinking lately about you and me." He paused and thought of how exactly to phrase his next words.
Hermione watched his face expectantly.
"I don't think there's anyone else in the world I will ever love more than I love you, and I know in my heart that someday we'll make the ultimate commitment." He hesitated for a beat and then added, "One day much, much into the future."
Hermione smiled and murmured, "I feel the same way, Ron."
Ron seemed to find more confidence when she said this and asked, "Why don't we make a promise to one another that one day when the timing is right, when we're grown and ready to take the next step, we'll do it."
He fished what he had kept in his pocket out and held it out for Hermione to see. It was a pair of plain, silver rings. "These are promise rings; one for you, and one for me. We could wear them and one day exchange them for... other rings."
Hermione closed her hand over Ron's and pressed her lips to his cheek. "I think it's wonderful, Ron. I want nothing more."
Ron grinned and pulled her hand to his lips before taking one of the rings and slipping it onto her finger. Then he put on his ring, kissed her again and said, "Happy Valentine's Day, Hermione."
"Happy Valentine's Day, Ron."
Extra Long Day
Author: Lucius Malfoy
Date: 07-01-04 19:39
Narcissa's hand touching his arm feels as cool as the icy blue of her dress. "I know it's not even midnight yet and the ball looks as though it will go for several more hours but.. ."
She leaves off in midsentence, prefering to turn a smile at the couple talking with Lucius. He knows precisely what's been omitted but with also spending most of the afternoon and all evening at the Hogwarts carnival and winter fair thanks to the time turner, Narcissa wants to go home. Lucius pats his wife's hand. "Consider us gone, dear."
Lucius gives a nod to the woman and her Knight husband who'd been bending his ear with a boring story about their young daughter's first words and complete sentence. Narcissa gives a small wave to Bellatrix and Rodolphus, leaning close to Lucius's ear and whispering, "You should have seen Bellatrix's face when she realized we were here before her then learning that we had been here since shortly after the ball began."
Lucius chuckles and whispers back, "Watch out or she'll be sweet talking you into letting her borrow the time turner. You know she's long figured out how we pulled of being both places all evening."
His wife gives a tittering giggle just before they step into the area set aside for disapparating. Immediately after arriving home, Narcissa takes the time turner and locks it in a safe only she and Lucius know of. Not even Draco knows about this one. Then, once more taking Lucius's hand, the exhausted couple walk up the stairs to bed.
Telling Fortunes
Author: Saffron
Date: 07-01-04 20:55
Saffron smiles warmly and beckons the girl further into the fortune telling booth. The youngster seems a little nervous so to break the ice Saffron makes a joke. She lets her eyes take on a glazed look and in an oddly high pitched voice intones, "I can see your future. Soon, very soon you will be asleep."
The girl's own eyes go momentarily wide then she titters as she realizes the joke. She edges closer to Saffron then as if needing to do it quickly before she changes her mind, the young girl rushes to plop in the seat opposite Saffron's.
Saffron studies the girl's face for a moment then gazes into the crystal ball sitting in the middle of the table. The girl gasps when the ball takes on a purplish hue. Saffron, senses something is not quite right and wants to take another, longer look into the ball. Instead she fhe forces herself to look up, meeting the girl's stare. "Well, Isabel. It is Isabel, correct?"
"Y y yes, ma'am. Isabel Parker. First year Ravenclaw."
"Well, Isabel, since you clearly have doubts about divination, even finding it all a little frightening, how about I just look a little more into the crystal ball?"
Isabel nods then finds her voice, "All right, Professor."
Saffron once more directs her gaze on the ball and again the ball takes on a purplish hue. After several seconds she pulls away from the crystal, hiding from Isabel that she now feels disjointed from some sort of rift that's taken place. Saffron acts as though there's nothing wrong. She smiles at Isabel. "You shouldn't worry about your Transfiguration quiz on Monday. You will do quite well though ten or fifteen minutes of practice tomorrow won't hurt. Both your little brothers are fine though one has a cold. He sneezed on the chocolates your mum was going to send you this morning so expect an owl in the morning with a fresh batch and a note explaining why you only got a card this morning. How's that?"
Isabel nods, grinning now, jumps up and as she hurries off, Saffron calls out, "If you want to learn more, come by my office sometime. No reason to be afraid of divination."
Aww, It's Over
Author: Coco Nutt
Date: 07-01-04 21:43
"Gowon now, Professor McGonagall, pick yer ah good key. Haf ah couple o crackin' proizes left."
Pea, his head poking from Coco's pocket, gives a yip of encouragement to the professor as she studies the pile of keys. Padma Patil comes up just then, blindly picks a key and tries to unlock the trunk. It pops open so Padma reaches in and picks one of the few prize cards left. "A Pots & Pages gift certificate. Bloody Excellent!"
Padma walks off without another word and Coco returns Padma's key to the pile, making sure to mix them up though it's hard to do it with much success with a tall, stern looking professor watching every move. Professor McGonagall has a ghost of an amused smile as she picks up a key and tries the trunk. Once more it pops open. The three prize cards left are turned face down so she takes a moment to decide which she wants then picks the one more to the right. "Oh my. This is quite lovely. A gift basket from Ellspeth's Herbals Etc."
Coco points across the aisle and down towards the Candle Shootout. "Professor Miller has that one in his office so you just show him your card. Don't have to wait and get it from town."
As the professor walks off towards Professor Miller's booth, Coco can hear her reading the rest of the card and making comments to herself. "A basket with Chocolate/Peppermint Cocoa Mix. That sounds tasty. Tickle Me Pink Tea. I'll look a bit like Tonks with that one. Marshmallow Cloud Tea. How delightful. I shall have to try one of these before bed!"
Soon after, the last two prizes at Lucky Key is won a couple of Slytherins. One is estatic at getting a certificate to Twice Told Tales while the other grumbles about getting a certificate to the shop owned by "those stupid weasels." Coco's seen a catalogue for the Weasley's joke shop so she doesn't get why anyone would find getting something free or reduced from there a bad thing!
Putting up the Out Of Prizes sign, Coco spends part of the shift winning a few more things, including a phoenix feather quill with ink that changes color ever few words. Then she goes to the cake walk, winning a cake and a plate of cookies but mainly having fun watching the Toms gleefully add to their growing stash of sweets.
All too soon the wonderful day officially ends with professors shooing students off to bed. Fritz had vanished awhile ago so Coco and Pea join the handful of other Ravenclaws still in the Great Hall and straggle off to their house, every single one of them sad it's over but very glad to be climbing into their beds.
Oh Sora (hehe)
Author: Kairi
Date: 07-01-04 22:34
Kairi wouldn't let up on holding Sora's arm the whole time. She was enjoying herself too much. Not that she really liked him, but the way he was so nervous the whole time ever since he'd gotten his 'love letter'. Have you ever seen a cherry? Well Sora was looking just like one! Not wanting to let up, Kairi decided to spice up the moment.
"Sora," Kairi said in a sweet voice, she felt him flinch which made her giggle, "what should we do now? Find an empty room?" At these words Sora turned brick red. "Er... um...." He was loss for words. It took Kairi everything she had not to laugh or show any sight of entertainment. "I have an idea, let's go through the tunnel of love!" she said. She could tell that Riku and Roane were not far behind due to the groan she heard from the disbelieving boy.
Sora turned even more red, in fact, he was pink! "ACK..... er... um...... uh....... Sure! Why not?!" Sora squeaked. Kairi giggled again as she pulled him to the ride, followed by Riku, Roane, Logan, and Tranquillina. It was the most entertaining part of the day! Sora kept freaking out, Riku had attempted to jump out of the boat five times, and Logan just kept looking for ways to just dissapear.
"I SEE A LIGHT!!!" Sora suddenly blerted out, making everyone jump. Logan also saw it. "The light at the end of the tunnel! We're almost free!!" he cried. Riku only folded his arms and snorted. Ffinally." So much for that. It was fun. Kairi was gonna sleep good tonight! Her thoughts were interupted when the new girl came running up to them...
A Looong Day!
Author: Vera Delgety
Date: 06-29-04 21:09
With the exception of Vera's 8-10 shift at the Candle Shootout, she and Lawrence wandered around not missing any of the booths. The couple hadn't had a good chance to spend any time together. Vera was trying very hard to get excellent grades in all her classes. She wanted to leave Hogwarts with a good record.
Vera's shift at the Candle Shootout was...in a word...intresting. But she survived! When the night was finaly through, Lawrence picked her up. "You wanna "play" some more or what?" Vera was practicaly asleep on his shoulder. He smiled to himself and lightly kissed her head. "How about we just go up and sit, eh?" Vera nodded her head as her boyfriend wrapped his arm around her.
They passed the booths and the all the students still playing at the games. It was 10 O'clock and things were still really busy. It's not every year or day that students can stay up until midnight around the castle. Everyone was clearly taking advantage of it.
Not to Lawrence's suprise the Hufflepuff common room was found mostly vacant. The two snuggled into the couch and just sat enjoying each other's company. "Vera..." Lawrance voiced, and she looked up at him. "I love you..." Vera sat up on an elbow. "I love you too..." She smiled and they embraced. "I don't know what I'm going to do without you around me all the time. I'm going to miss you next year Lawrence." She leaned against his chest and he laid his head on hers.
"I know." He said. "But we'll get through it. You're only going to be in Hogsmeade. I'll come see you every trip. And I'll write you everyday. I promise..."
After that thought they just spent the rest of the time in silence. As midnight rolled around, the common room slowly filled and was quite noisy. Everyone was showing off their prizes and sharing stories of the day's fun. This day was truly a day to remember.
