Shift Change
Author: Bronwyn Dewhurst
Date: 06-26-04 18:34
At precisely six o'clock, Bronwyn found herself standing in the growing crowd outside the stage for the Dating Game. She'd seized Desi from the balloon animal booth just as her shift had ended and once again had an iron-like clamp around her friend's wrist.
"Listen, Snape is totally going to kill me," Bronwyn was saying, as Professor Sacheverell and Professor Miller prepared the start of the game. A few of the contestants had arrived and were hiding behind a screen to prevent the questioner from learning their identities.
"Why is Snape going to kill you?" Desi asked, sounding as if she wanted to join in on that fun. She tried to wriggle free from Bronwyn's tight grip.
So far the first questioner hadn't yet arrived. Bronwyn was third and last in the game, and couldn't wait to play!
"I dunked him, and I was cocky about it." Bronwyn shot Desi a weary glance. "He's so going to kill me."
"I'd be afraid about attending potions class next week, that's for sure!" Desi exclaimed. Then she grinned mischievously. "But it was fun, wasn't it? I wish I'd have had the chance!"
"Oh, it's definitely a once in a lifetime opportunity. I guarantee you he'll never set foot in one of those things again. Not even if his life depended on it!" Bronwyn laughed. "Oh, look. There's that Gryffindor girl. What's her name?"
"Natalie, I think," Desi replied. "Looks like she's the first contestant."
Bachelor Number 1
Author: Natalie Rose
Date: 06-26-04 19:17
Natalie's stomach started to churn. "I don't know what I was thinking when I signed up for this..." she thought to herself. She looked over to her left at the curtain that separated herself from the "bachelors" she was to choose from. Her wrist started to warm up and she looked down at her bracelet. She slowly opened it up and smiled reading the message...
"Hey Natty, your Uncle Iris wanted me to reveal to you that we were your secret admirers sending the roses this past week. No man could ever care for you as we do, actually any man who knew your heart wouldn't be able to resist loving you with all their soul... Good luck with the dating game, I know it's about to start, hopefully he'll treat you well on the date, then again if he doesn't he'll have me to answer to... I wouldn't worry about Rolan not having much of a reaction to the plant you sent him, I mean who knows he might think it was sent by some love sick first year... Besides I have a feeling everything will work out for you... talk to you soon... Love, Bobby"
Natalie took a deep breath and looked down at the crowd that had gathered. She immediately spotted Hermione and the others smiling and waving at her. She waved back and then Professor Sacheverell announced Natalie told the audience a little bit about her and instructed her to ask her first question…
Natalie swallowed and then realized she had nothing to be nervous about, she had friends along with a big part of the school cheering her on. She cleared her throat and asked, "Bachelor number 1, I'm an adventurous girl, one day I hope to explore the world, what would you plan for a date to excite my adventurous side?" She laughed as she heard a couple boys hoot at her and waited anxiously for the replies.
Answers
Author: Hermione Granger
Date: 06-26-04 19:59
"Bachelor #1: I'm an adventurous girl. One day, I hope to explore the world. What would you plan for a date to excite my adventurous side?"
His voice disguised to protect his identity, Bachelor #1 answered, "I'd take you to Africa on a safari to watch wild animals in their natural environment."
Natalie beamed. "Sounds lovely! And Bachelor #2?"
"Ever been to a Muggle shopping mall during a big sale? That's pretty adventurous if you ask me so that's where we'd go."
There were some laughs from the audience. Natalie giggled. "Interesting choice! What about Bachelor #3?"
"We'd go somewhere dark and mysterious. Full of cobwebs. A place in bad need of cleaning. Spooky. The kind of place people draw closer together when they're there."
"Oooh! Interesting answer." Natalie thought for a brief moment and then asked her second question of the evening. "Bachelor #1: As much as I like to see new places and explore, I also have to be comfortable with you. I want to be able to share my dreams and wishes for the future and confide in you. Are you easygoing and willing to be my best friend as well as my boyfriend?"
"Most people consider me pretty easygoing and yes, if we dated we'd definitely be friends but I have a best friend who could never be replaced."
#2 answered, "If we were seriously dating, most likely you'd be my best friend."
And #3 replied, "Best friends? Well, I a best friend who is the world to me, who by the way thinks I'm very easy going, but if you and I got closer, a chance for friendship to develop into a best friendship is very possible."
Bachelor Number One (continued)
Author: Natalie Rose
Date: 06-26-04 20:48
"Ok thank you gentlemen for those answers, I would never dream of replacing a best friend you already have I just want to be able to have that type of relationship with someone…"
"So, next question…Bachelor number 1, what is your favorite thing to do and do you enjoy flying?"
They guys responded as follows:
Bachelor #1: When not eating, my favorite thing to do is play Quidditch so yes, I LOVE flying!
As Natalie listened to this answer a huge smile spread over her face, "Well I'm glad you enjoy eating, where I come from food is a passion, and I LOVE Quidditch! Bachelor number 2?"
Bachelor #2: Hanging out with friends is probably my absolute favorite thing. Flying's great except in really bad weather.
"O I completely agree about flying in bad weather, once I almost felt I was frozen to my broom because it was snowing so hard, and Bachelor number 3?" Natalie questioned.
Bachelor #3: I like people watching. Observing them.
"Hmm people can very interesting to observe, you can tell so much about someone when you see them act naturally and they don't think anyone's watching them, not that I'm a stalker or anything…"
The crowd burst into laughter after Natalie joked adding that last remark.
"Ok guys I only have one more question and then I'll be making my decision, before this last one is asked I just want to let you know that you all sound like very loyal friends, which is an extremely admirable quality and you have all made me happy tonight, any girl would be lucky to go on a date with any of you."
"Now, I have to ask my last question, Bachelor number 1 if you had to use three words to describe yourself what would they be and why?
"Err. Let's see. Loyal. Entertaining. Daring."
"Ok Bachelor number 2?"
"Four words to describe myself? Oh sorry, I mean three words. Friendly. Trustworthy. Nice."
Thank you and Bachelor number 3?"
"If I do say so myself, I'm handsome, pleasant, and a snappy dresser. Not sure how I'd say snappy dresser in one word so sorry about going past your three word limit."
Thank you guys so much this is really hard but I think I need to go with… Bachelor number 2”
Fin
Author: Hermione Granger
Date: 06-26-04 21:01
When Natalie had finished asking her questions and the respondents had finished answering them, she chose Bachelor #2 to be her date. Professor Sacheverell smiled and announced, "Will Bachelor #1 please step out from behind the curtain?"
Kody Reese-Emerson emerged from the screen to nice applause from the audience and moved to greet Natalie. They hugged and then he moved to the side of the stage.
Next came Bachelor #3, who proved to be Argus Filch. There was hearty laughter from everyone watching the game, and Natalie looked extremely relieved that she'd not chosen him.
"And now, your bachelor... reveal yourself!"
And Terry Boot came 'round the corner to great cheers and gave Natalie a big hug.
"You two are treated to a romantic candlelit dinner at The Spinning Horn and a free cup of tea at Madam Puddifoot's! Congratulations!"
Jared's Question Round
Author: Jared
Date: 06-26-04 21:15
Jared clears his throat and to him it sounds a little squeaky when he asks his first question.
"Question one. If you had a choice between a more serious, romantic candlit sort of date and a silly one such as at a Muggle style amusement park, which would you pick and why?"
Jared listen to the answers, grinning to the audience when not looking as though he mulling over the replies.
"Some interesting answers. Now here's your second question, bachelorettes. Simple choice. Dark purple or pale green?"
Jared notices some of the audience trying to guage which color is the right answer but he doesn't give his thoughts away on this one. "Ladies, question number three is what is your favorite animal, real or mythical?"
Jared purses his lips as if in contemplation as he pays close attention to what each of the three bachelorettes say. "Excellent. Really excellent. Fourth and last question. "Who's your personal hero and why?"
Once last bachelorettes has completed their answers, Jared begins debating who to choose.
Answer Round and Final Choice
Author: Hermione Granger
Date: 06-26-04 22:08
In response to question one, Bachelorette #1 answered, "Oh, an amusement park! Being silly is grand fun and the thrill rides are crackin' good fun!"
Bachelorette #2 replied, "A serious candlelight dinner sounds very appealing, most likely because it sounds soothing and it would be much easier to have a quiet conversation."
Bachelorette #3 responded, "The amusement park sounds like it might be, well, amusing. So I think I'd pick that."
After Jared asked his second question, he received the following replies:
Bachelorette #1: "Dark purple."
Bachelorette #2: "Pale green."
Bachelorette #3: "Pale green."
The responses for Jared's third question were as follows:
Bachelorette #1: "The very real teacup poodle."
Bachelorette #2: "The bookworm because I do so love books."
Bachelorette #3: "Flying horses, such as Pegasus, are my favorite animals."
And finally, after Jared had asked his last question Bachelorette #1 said, "My grandfather is me personal hero. E's doine efferthing fer me, works hard, lives a good life, and niver 'esitates tah help uhver people."
"I would say that Grisel Verline Noggin is someone I greatly admire. She single handedly saved five children and sixty rare books from a fire started by a Hungarian Horntail," said Bachelorette #2.
"My sister," started Bachelorette #3, "whose name I cannot give at the moment, is my hero. She was someone who set a good example for her younger siblings."
"So, Jared," Professor Sacheverell said, "who do you pick to be your date?"
"Hmm, well it's a tough choice but I'm going to have to go with Bachelorette #1."
Jared met his other Bachelorettes, Madam Pince and Alanna Beck, before meeting his date, Coco Nutt.
"Congratulations to Jared and Coco who will receive a private picnic on the Hogwarts grounds next Hogsmeade weekend with sweets donated by Briar's Bakery and drinks from The Three Broomsticks. Enjoy your meal while Hogwarts house elves serenade you with romantic music."
Dating Game
Author: Bronwyn Dewhurst
Date: 06-27-04 07:32
When it was finally Bronwyn's turn to take the stage she released her hold on Desi, who immediately pulled her arm to her chest and massaged the tender area around her wrist. "Good luck!" Desi exclaimed loudly. "Hope you get the gag date," she added under her breath.
Bronwyn took her position on the stool and smiled as Professor Sacheverell announced her to the audience. Then it was time to get down to business:
Question One: Describe your ideal first date.
Question Two: What's the wildest thing you'd ever do to impress a girl?
Question Three: What's your best physical feature, and why?
Question Four: It's our one year anniversary. How will we celebrate?
Catch the Snitch
Author: Draco Malfoy
Date: 06-27-04 08:16
Santhea was enclosed in the Catch the Snitch booth, shrieking with laughter as she tried to collect as many of the flying balls as she possibly could. The golden snitch hovered high above her head, first here, then there, dancing and teasing and always just a little out of reach.
"Come on, Santhea, you can catch it!" Draco encouraged. He was standing outside the booth, eyes on his girlfriend and no one else.
Her hands were already holding three balls each, whose wings fluttered wildly and tickled the palms of her hands. Laughing, she accidentally let go of all those in her left hand. Pouting she turned to Draco and shrugged her shoulders.
Draco grinned and pointed to the golden orb zipping around the booth. Her left hand now free to make the catch, Santhea jumped up and down. Always it flew a little higher so that she couldn't get near. At one point, the tips of her fingers brushed the bottom of the golden orb, but still she couldn't catch it.
"Five seconds!" Draco called out.
"Almost there!" Santhea called back. She just needed to jump a little bit higher and then she'd have it. The golden snitch flitted back and forth, but remained at its altitude.
"Three! Two! One! Time's up!"
Quidditch Booth
Author: Isolde
Date: 06-27-04 09:15
Second year Slytherin student Viola Vermandois held three ping pong balls in her left hand. She stood on an X marked on the floor and studied one of the three hoops at the back of the booth. When she thought she was ready to give her first ball a shot, she moved one of the white balls into her right hand, took a deep breath, and with a swish the ball went right through the hoop.
"No rim. Nice!" Isolde exclaimed from where she stood over Viola's shoulder.
Viola took another ball from her left hand and held it at eye level, measuring the distance of the ball to the hoop in her mind. With another flawless swish, the ball went straight through the middle of the hoop.
"I'm impressed. Have you ever considered trying out for Quidditch?" Isolde asked.
Viola shrugged. "Maybe I will next year." Then she put all her concentration into the last ball. It left her fingers and made a perfect arc towards the farthest hoop, where once again it met its mark.
Isolde grinned. "Well done, Viola. You win a certificate from Dervish and Banges. You can spend it this summer or order something via catalogue."
Dating Game, cont.
Author: Hermione Granger
Date: 06-27-04 09:27
Bronwyn's bachelors answered thusly for each question:
Question #1
Bachelor #1: "We'd go to a Quidditch match, maybe something like the world championships, and our team would of course win."
Bachelor #2: "An ideal first date is me spending money in whatever way my girl wants."
Bachelor #3: "We'd go for a walk on a crytalline beach and have a picnic. The weather would be just right and I'd cast a spell or two to keep the ants and bugs away."
Question #2
Bachelor #1: "I'd save her from danger at a great peril to myself."
Bachelor #2: "I'd make sure her former boyfriend was miserable and knew what a great loss he has for no longer being with my girl."
Bachelor #3: "Since I'm not known for being overly daring, I'd do something daring like fly high up and write your name in the sky using my broom."
Question #3
Bachelor #1: "My eyes. Everyone's always mentioning my eyes."
Bachelor #2: "I have perfect hair though my perfect smile is also perfect."
Bachelor #3: "I have nice hands. Or that's what I'm told anyway."
Question #4
Bachelor #1: "We'd go to a Quidditch match in remembrance of our ideal first date."
Bachelor #2: "We'd go on some expensive, exclusive trip where I'd spend lots of money to impress."
Bachelor #3: "We'd go on a romantic lunch, a cozy corner table then spend so long talking over dessert we end up having a romantic dinner. It would be very nice."
Dating Game, concluded
Author: Bronwyn Dewhurst
Date: 06-27-04 09:59
"You all sound fantastic," Bronwyn said, mulling over the responses as she tried to reach a decision. "It's so hard to choose, but... I think I'm going to go with Bachelor #3 because he sounds really romantic. Bachelor #3 is my choice."
"Let's meet the other bachelors before we meet the one," Professor Sacheverell said.
Harry Potter was the first to emerge from behind the curtain. He smiled and gave Bronwyn a hug before moving aside for Bachelor #2, Justin Finch-Fletchley.
"And now, the moment you've all been waiting for," Sacheverell continued, "Show yourself, Bachelor #3!"
Imagine Bronwyn's shock when a Slytherin walked onto the stage. It was Theodore Nott, a seventh year. His handsome features betrayed slight signs of amusement, but at the same time his Slytherin roots emerged to show his disgust at having been paired up with a Hufflepuff.
He stood next to the very surprised Bronwyn and listened to what they'd won.
"The Spinning Horn invites you to a romantic candlelit dinner followed by a sleigh ride through the village of Hogsmeade."
There was whooping and hollering from the crowd, and Bronwyn glimpsed Desi laughing so much tears streamed down her cheeks.
"This concludes the dating game! Thank you to our contests and our bachelors and bachelorettes! Enjoy the rest of the carnival!" Professor Miller shouted.
Bronwyn turned to Theodore, who had already started to walk away. Wanting to say something but not knowing what, Bronwyn stood there for a moment with her mouth half open. But then she simply walked off the stage and joined Desi in the dispersing crowd.
"That was great! If only you could have seen the look on your face!" Desi exclaimed.
"I have a date with a Slytherin in two weeks. What is this world coming to?" Bronwyn questioned.
"Well, you couldn't have known it was him. All of their voices were disguised. Could be worse, I suppose."
Bronwyn nodded. "Yeah, I could have gotten Filch!"
