Studying... Still
Author: Riku
Date: 03-29-04 12:12
Riku sat on his bed in his dorm room still hitting the books. He was trying to finish some work for Herbology, before he had to go there today. He already had done his Christmas shopping through lots of letters with his parents, and some pictures for final approval.
Unlike Sora, Riku's parents had found it too expensive to bring him home for the holidays. So, Riku was stuck in the cold castle until the end of the year. His parents were nice enough to send him a heavier jacket for the winter months as a way of saying they're sorry.
Of course, Riku still didn't have any Christmas shopping done for his parents, he couldn't leave the castle and he couldn't shop through letters to them. He'd just given up and figured he'd get them a present when he got home. He'd get a big one to make up for not getting them one, and in advance since he couldn't get them one next year.
He was just waiting for the presents to arrive so he could give them to his friends that were leaving so they could open them on Christmas. It was getting close to noon, so instead studying some more; he put his books down and headed to the common room to meet up with everyone else to go to lunch.
New Shop in Town
Author: Nevvyn
Date: 03-29-04 12:55
I open the door to the tinkly tune of tiny bells, mounted on springs. The scent of roses greets me as I enter Ellspeth's Herbals Etc. A quick look around tells me that this is one of those Happy Places which are becoming so rare, these days. I am greeted by a young lady with a bright smile and twinkling eyes. It is quite obvious that this is none other than Ellspeth, herself.
"Welcome to Hogsmeade, Miss Ellspeth," I say with a smile. "I received your note last evening, and made the appropriate changes on my Hogsmeade Tourguide Map. If the spell is still working properly, my changes will update all of the copies we have distributed throughout the area."
Ellspeth gives me her thanks and asks if she can help me find anything.
"Actually, I would like to find some good, stout tea. Possibly some Assam or Darjeeling?"
Inviting a Friend for the Holidays
Author: Sora
Date: 03-29-04 16:35
Sora came in through the portrait hole into the Gryffindor Common room where he ran into Riku. This lifted Sora's spirits greatly. "Hiya Riku! I was looking for you!" he said. Riku just grinned. "Really? So what's up?" Sora just cocked his head to the side. "Nothing really, just waiting for you, to go to lunch that is."
Riku gave a laugh. "Is food all you think about?" he asked. Sora looked surprised. "Who've you been talking to!! Er... I mean... aw, forget it, let's go eat!" Riku only laughed. "Whatever, let's just get out of here." he said as he went through the portrait hole.
On the way down, Sora couldn't help but ask, "So... are you doing anything for the holidays?" Riku frowned. "Not really..." Sora thought he was just joking. "Aw, c'mon! You don't plan on staying here for Christmas are you???" Riku didn't say anything. Sora finally got a clue and cleared his throat. "Err... Sorry." said Sora. Riku just kept walking "It's not a big deal... really..."
Suddenly, as if a lightbulb suddenly lit up over his head, Sora just smiled and patted Riku on the back. "I gots an idea! How's about you come to my place for the holidays?" he said.
They both stopped suddenly as Sora waited for Riku's answer...
Party On
Author: Aaron Miller
Date: 03-29-04 16:43
Aaron, on sugar overload from the Christmas party he'd given his fifth years at Cloud's Kiss this morning, walks into the Great Hall with the intention of having a sandwich and some soup or salad. Nothing much though because this afternoon the fourth years will have their own party at the house. Each of his classes this week has had its own party, complete with a present for each student from Aaron. Every student also gave one other student a secret Santa type gift with each gift being made by the giver during one or more class sessions at Cloud's Kiss. Made without magic that is. Everyone's been very pleased so far and the students do seem to love having class time at the manor. Now, if only Aaron had a clue what to get his mother, sister, and friends (include Deke Bennett, Drake's younger brother) for Christmas everything would be perfect.
I'll Be Home for Christmas
Author: Tranquillina Aemilius
Date: 03-29-04 18:44
Tranquillina was lying on her back on her bed. It was almost noon and she was contemplating her journey home. She was so excited to see her parents again. At the same time she was a bit apprehensive, though she had no idea why. Perhaps it was because she had finally settled into Hogwartian routine a months or so ago.
Or maybe it was because she dreaded dealing with Saturn on the train back home.
Either way though, excitement overwhelmed any negative emotions. She had a lot of shopping to do. She had no idea what to get anyone -- she was generally quite bad in that department.
Well, for Roane....That could be relatively simple! Perhaps something pertaining to Captain Electron? Sora.... An unending supply of food. ("I dare say, though, that's a probably a projection of my own wish!" Tranquillina laughed.) Kairi and anyone she else was leaving out she decided to ponder over later.
In the meantime...lunch!
Tis the Season
Author: Roane Eternal
Date: 03-29-04 18:54
I rolled up the letter I had written to my dad, and tapped at the window. With a quick movement, I opened the window, pulled my owl inside, and quickly closed it shut again. Hardly any cold air had entered the Common Room.
"Alright, Sir Hootsalot, you know the drill." My owl obediently stuck out his foot. "Good owl. Now, bring this to Dad, and no dawdling alright? I don't want to be stranded at the train station again". My owl gave a hoot as I tied the parchment to its leg which contained a letter telling the time of the train's arrival tomorrow. Opening the window quickly again, I pushed the owl outside.
"Remember, no dawdling!" Closing the window, I got up and made my way to my bedroom. I still had to wrap up the presents for my friends. Not really knowing what to buy, I stuck to the same gift, giving everyone a Homework Planner. Maybe not the funnest gift in the world, but at least they would get some use out of it when school started up again next year. Each planner had the person's name engraved on the cover, and each planner had its own personal way of telling its owner when things needed to be done (be it in a nice polite voice, or a good thump over the head).
Satisfied with my wrapping job, I gathered up my stuff and hurried downstairs again.
Knights Walpurgis: Missing in Action
Author: Nathaniel Hawkins
Date: 03-29-04 19:04
Nathaniel apparated into the compound, automatically doing a quick check to see if anything was out of place.
Nothing. Not even the odd Knight wandering around or making life hell for a member of the first three orders. For some reason this upset Nathaniel. At least he'd managed to finally heal his arm. Using some of the healing potion from the test had proved effective, although he wasn't going to mention it to the Solon woman. No doubt she was as good at looking smug and superior as had his dearly departed, although not missed, mother. He snorted to himself in amusement and turned his gaze to the dormitories.
The door was shut. Which meant that Appollonia was not nearly as clever as she thought she was. He strode purposefully towards the door, and with a flick of his hand the lock sprung and he stepped inside.
The room was dark and dust motes hung in the air. The woman was no where to be seen. Just to make sure he checked the entire room, and even under the bed. He wouldn't put it past her to hide just to make a point. Nothing.
He stepped outside again and locked the door. If she'd gotten out, he wasn't going to make life easy and leave the door open. That left one option. The woman must be somewhere within the immediate vicinity, and hiding. That meant he would have to waste time finding her.
His brow furrowed with displeasure. Today would be a long, annoying, day.
Knights Walpurgis: Hide and Go Seek
Author: Dierna ní Cíaran
Date: 03-29-04 19:50
From the shadows of a nearby grove, I watch Nathaniel open my door, then leave a short time later. He doesn't seem impressed that I wasn't there. The man looks irritated, a constant expression for him. He must have received the short straw and be "stuck" looking after the neophytes.
With my aura blended into the trees, I'm nearly invisible. Its an old Druidic trick - one Conla never mastered. Therefore, it's not one the Knights would know. Natganiel looks at whereI stand, but his eyes slip past me, without seeing me. He circles the grove, walks around the the area then back again. I let the enchantment slip.
"Looking for someone?" I ask, casually. He jumps, spinning around to find me standing at ease in the trees he just passed. I glance down at his arm. "I see your arm is better. Amazing what healing water can do."
He looks ready to strike out at me. Instead of that he snaps, "Why are you here?"
"Someone once said that no woman can get in - that Jehan Guru was lucky in 1765. No one had done it before, and no one would do it since. I'm here to prove them wrong."
Ellspeth's Herbals Etc: Meeting Nevvyn
Author: Ellspeth
Date: 03-29-04 22:23
"Welcome to Hogsmeade, Miss Ellspeth," he said with a smile.
"Why thank you so very much. Everyone has been so nice. I am truly looking forward to living here. I am already making plans for a garden plot in the back. I just hope I have a few new items that might be interesting for everyone around here."
I have seen your shop at the other end of town. I do so appreciate you coming to say Hello..." she said with a smile.
"Now for the tea?" she asked, "Let's see what I've got. Mine is mostly homegrown herbals, but I do have a few of the regular sellers right over here."
Leading him over to another large cabinet, they began searching for the items he had asked for...
Ellspeth's Herbals Etc: Baskets for Students
Author: Ellspeth
Date: 03-30-04 09:41
Ellspeth waved a cheery good by to Nevvyn and turned around smiling to herself. That was so kind, him thinking I a young lady!!! It must be the new herbal makeup I have been using. I wonder if he realizes I am quite middle aged. But she smiled still to herself with a slight hop and then went back to the task at hand.
She was so happy she lived close to Hogwarts. She had always been fond of children and young adults. Having never married, she had adopted all of them in her old neighborhood in London and missed the chats of quick little visits of them all. She remembered she had always had a small table setup in her old shop full of fun thing for them to eat. She wondered if she might start that tradition here.
She had also heard that there would be a few students stay at the school during the Holidays. For her, that had always seemed so sad, she remembered her and Pol's own Holidays always being spent at school too. Their parent always being off somewhere, doing something...but the two of them had always seemed to find fun things to do together.
Since this would be her first Christmas in Hogsmeade, she had decided to do something special for those students not leaving...she had begun putting several baskets together, filled with a variety of teas, and home baked goods, candles, and a few of the powders and popcorns, then adding a collection of her favorite plants, she set them all aside and thought she would quickly run it all up to the school sometime just before Christmas.
Feeling she had made a fun decision and looking forward to the upcoming little jaunt, she went back to rearranging various items in the shop.
Christmas Plans
Author: Orieliah McCoi
Date: 03-30-04 10:20
Orei remembered Jared's invitation at the Qudditch game so long ago. She slipped back into the common room and waved when she saw Jared seated in one of the chairs near the fire.
"Hey, about that invitation for Christmas. I think that would be a good idea. I will have to talk to Brett. I got an owl from Mom a couple days ago and they are going back to San Francisco for Christmas, and I don't really feel like going back. So they are letting me spend time with Brett and Aussie when they leave." She smiled lightly, plopping down in the chair next to Jared.
"So I will let you know what happens with that. Are you ready for break?" She pulled out her potions book and started looking over a few things.
The Molly Express
Author: Adam Sparrow
Date: 03-30-04 12:23
Molly bustled behind the counter while Adam sat at a table playing "fetch" with Captain Morgan. She had watched his physical ability diminish rapidly over the past week. She found it disturbing but was quickly reassured by Sidi that it was not an uncommon occurrence and encouraged not to worry.
Molly brought him a cup of hot-chocolate.
Adam threw a stick to Captain Morgan who quickly flew off to find it.
"Thanks." He smiled quickly.
She sat down at the table. "I dare say, Hogsmeade weekend does make regular days seem dead."
"Yeah, dead and decaying." he said glumly. He jumped at the crash of a coffee tin display falling to the ground and the flutter of owl wings. He sipped the hot-chocolate.
"I know!" Molly said brightly. "Let's close up for a bit, do some shopping and then go down to the new herb shop and introduce ourselves! Sidi's birthday is coming up. We could kill two birds so to speak." Her hand tapped the table in emphasis.
"Oh right! Jolly good idea Molly!" Adam dripped sarcasm. "An 'ow dya propose I do that? Slither down the snow and ice covered walk on my belly like a snake?" He glowered. "Or perhaps humiliate myself by being levitated? Oh please…castrate me right now and spare me the agony why don't you?"
Molly was already up and pulling something out from beside the counter. "You mind yourself boy!" She warned. "I won't take it from my own and I won't take it from you!"
Captain Morgan squawked indignantly. He didn't like being ignored.
She wheeled and eighteenth century wheelchair to the table. "Surprise!!"
Adam was indeed surprised. "What the hell is that!"
She swatted the back of his head. "Language!"
Adam stared. "Oh Merlin's beard Molly. What in heavens is that?" He said in a sing-song, obnoxious voice.
"It's a wheelchair silly. Instead of sitting around making everyone miserable you can now do as you please." Molly was pleased with herself.
"That's not a wheelchair. It looks like an electric-chair with wheels! It's all wood, and it has no motor!!"
Molly scowled. "No motor?!!" She'd forgotten what a spoiled rich muggle boy he was. "Oh forgive me…..I didn't realize you had no strength in your arms." She turned and slowly wheeled it back toward the counter.
Instantly defensive, Adam called her back. "I didn't say that!!! Bring it here!"
Molly returned with a victorious smirk He was so easy to manipulate. She got their coats, hats and scarves and wheeled back to him.
"This is so weird. It's not state-of-the-art, but it'll do I suppose. Thank You. Where did it come from, and why you bring it with you?" He asked while putting on his things.
Molly helped him into the chair. "It was Arthur's mother's. It's just been collecting dust all these years." She grabbed her purse and pushed him out the door then locked it. The old chair was heavy and not easy to handle at all. She watched him struggle then started to push. Adam was relieved.
"Oh look I 'ave a little blankey for my legs and everything!" Adam felt very old fashioned. He laughed. "Right! First stop on the Molly Express will be Honeydukes." He sat back and stretched out. "I right like this you know.....a woman who knows 'er place. It's ace cakes!" He laughed out loud.
Molly stopped the chair pushed it forward and watched him go head-first into the snow.
