Conversation with Mr. Weasley
Author: Hermione Granger
Date: 06-11-02 08:47

Hermione smiled down at Dobby and excused herself for a moment to chat with Mr. Weasley. They moved a few paces away from the crowd where they could talk a bit more privately.

"What can I help you with?" Hermione asked, curiosity getting the better of her.

Arthur Weasley scratched his head, carefully trying to place his words. "Before Bill disappeared, he told me a little about his trips to Muggle London with Adriana Fairchild. I got the impression that he had a wonderful time there, and..." He faltered, wondering if he should even continue.

"Go on," Hermione prompted encouragingly.

"What I'm trying to say is, I've been scouring the magical world for my son, but what if he isn't even there? What if he's lost out there in London or any other Muggle city? I'll look anywhere to get Bill back–even in the most unlikely of places."

Hermione replied, "But if he's been to Muggle London before, than it may not be so unlikely that he's there now."

Mr. Weasley nodded and said, "Yes, and that brings me to why I wanted to talk to you. You have some knowledge of London? How to get around and what to see and do?"

"Of course," Hermione's eyes lit up as she added, "Let me get something for you."

She excused herself and left the Great Hall in a hurry, dashing upstairs to Gryffindor Tower to fetch a book for Mr. Weasley. When she returned, she gave him the book and explained that as a tour guide, the book had maps of the various regions, tips and tricks on public transportation, and a list of the most popular landmarks. Hermione went on to elaborate about the bus system and the tube lines. By the time she was finished, Mr. Weasley looked very relieved as well as confident that he could handle a search of Muggle London on his own.

"If you have any more questions, ask my parents. They would be more than willing to help you."

Mr. Weasley smiled. "I will, and thank you, Hermione."

"You're welcome."

They parted ways, Mr. Weasley taking a seat at one of the tables to flip through the book Hermione had given him, and Hermione to find Dobby. They shared a short dance, and then the tables were charmed back to the center of the room where dinner awaited the students, followed by a grand dessert. Hermione was certain that she had stuffed herself silly, and after the floor was cleared once again, she found herself to be back into Ron's arms. A few more songs played, and Hermione and Ron held each other close as they swayed to the music. After the final note rang out, the countdown began.

"Ten...Nine...Eight..."

Everyone in the hall was shouting out the numbers, their eyes fixed on Dumbledore.

"Seven...Six...Five...Four..."

A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips as he gazed out at his students.

"Three...Two...One...HAPPY NEW YEAR!"

Suddenly, the ceiling seemed to disappear, and light snow started falling to the ground, sprinkling everyone's hair with small, white flakes. It was a truly magical end to a spectacular evening and an interesting year. There was only one thing left to do that night...

Ron cradled Hermione face with his hands and stooped down to kiss her lips.

Save the Last Dance
Author: Bronwyn Dewhurst
Date: 06-11-02 09:20

Bronwyn was having a wonderful night. She had danced and danced until her feet were sore, and then enjoyed a big slice of cake after dinner was served. Prescott was excellent company, and as the night progressed, he seemed to have less and less worry about what had happened earlier that night between him and Simon Samhain.

After the banquet, the pair shared several dances, but before the night was over, Bronwyn decided to make good on her promise to Toby. She excused herself from Prescott, who seemed less than pleased to see her go, and crossed the room to meet up with Toby, who was engaged in rapid conversation with Kendra and Hunter.

Bronwyn tapped him lightly on the shoulder. When he turned around, he smiled and pulled her around so that she could join in on the conversation as well.

"And, how is your evening going, Miss Dewhurst?" he asked playfully, his eyebrows raised devilishly.

Bronwyn flashed him a smile, "Wonderful, just wonderful. But, there's still something I haven't done tonight."

"Oh? And what's that?" He winked at Kendra and Hunter.

Taking one of his hands, Bronwyn answered softly, "I haven't danced with you yet. And after all, you made me promise that we'd share a dance tonight."

Kendra and Hunter simultaneously let out an "oooooh."

As it turned out, Toby and Bronwyn shared the very last dance of the evening. It was a slow song and required a lot of closeness–neither one seemed to mind. However, as the countdown began, Bronwyn found herself back on the arm of her date, with Toby hovering nearby.

"Three...Two...One...HAPPY NEW YEAR!"

Bronwyn squealed in delight as the snow descended from the sky above. Soon, her hair and eye lashes were speckled with snow. Prescott smiled and wiped away a snowflake, which had landed on the tip of her nose. She knew what he was waiting to do, and Brownyn could feel Toby's eyes piercing into her. He was watching their every move. Still, she was on a date with Prescott, not Toby. You don't kiss someone else when you already have a date, she told herself. Smiling, Bronwyn tilted her head and let Prescott kiss her lightly on the lips. His ears turned bright red, but despite his nervousness, the kiss wasn't bad at all.

When they broke away, Prescott smiled. Bronwyn knew he had a crush on her, but she hoped that by letting him kiss her tonight, he didn't get the wrong idea. Kissing on New Year's Eve was tradition. She enjoyed his company, yes, but she didn't want anything more than friendship in their relationship.

Happy New Year
Author: Isolde
Date: 06-11-02 10:02

"Serves them right," Isolde remarked, after Professor McGonagall had scolded Adam and Cho for their indecent dancing.

The four Slytherins shared a laugh and found seats at the dining tables when they were charmed to the center of the room. The tables were covered in all sorts of meats, cheeses and side-dishes, not to mention desserts.

"What do you think next year will be like?" Pyrrhus asked thoughtfully.

Azaelia and Robert grew very quiet. Thinking about the future did not seem like a wonderful idea at this time. It made what was to come all the more painful.

Isolde quickly changed the subject, "Now, when we kiss at midnight, try not to be too scandalous, Mr. Fine." She was joking slightly, but quickly grew serious. "The old bat is on a scolding frenzy, and we really don't need to be losing any more points! In fact, we really need to figure out how to get back on the plus side. Any thoughts?"

"Not at the moment," Pyrrhus began. "But we'll think of something. Don't you worry."

After the tables were cleared away, the couples found themselves back on the dance floor, slow dancing and keeping hands in appropriate locations on each other's bodies. When the countdown began, all four couldn't help but chant along. At the sound of Happy New Year being shouted out joyfully, snow showered down from above, creating the perfect end to the Snow Ball.

"Happy New Year, Isolde," Pyrrhus said, wrapping his arms around her waist.

Isolde threw her arms around his neck. "Happy New Year, Pyrrhus."

They kissed their way into the new year, oblivious of all the other people around them.

Happy New Year, Clara
Author: Draco Malfoy
Date: 06-11-02 11:36

Draco and Clara counted down for New Years day. "3...2...1..." They counted together. "HAPPY NEW YEARS!!!" everyone shouted, and Draco looked at Clara, who looked back.

"Happy New Years Clara."

"Happy New Years to you Draco."

Draco smiled and kissed Clara on the lips.

Midnight
Author: Cho Chang
Date: 06-11-02 15:30

Cho's head lightly rested in the crook of Adam's neck, arms wrapped 'round him as well. She smiles a little as the clock begins to count down, "Happy New Year, Adam."

Adam grins, squeezing her gently, "Happy New Year, Cho." One of his hands rises to rest at the base of her neck and tilt her head upwards, lips pressed to hers until the clock stops donging midnight. He pulls back and smiles, hugging her again, both rocking gently, "Happy New Year..."

She grins brightly, matching his stride as they whimsically exit the Great Hall, embrace lingering before it become easier for both to just hold hands as they make their way up the changing stairs.

After Midnight
Author: Cho Chang
Date: 06-11-02 15:35

They'd come to the spot where the girls' and guys' dorms split into two different stairwells, she bites her lower lip gently, both hands in his, "Well, I guess this is where we split up..."

He nods reluctantly, eyes finding hers, "Is this the end?"

Cho smiles sweetly, shaking her head, "By no means..." Eyes dance with delight as he breathes a sigh of relief, she takes the initiative and hugs him again gently, "Thank you very much for tonight, it was perfect."

Adam grins, both eyes still locked, "I do try." Tentatively, he lifts her chin a bit more and brushes his lips past hers 'gain, "G'night, Miss Chang."

She chuckles gently, "G'night Mr. Higginton-Smythe." Slowly, they part, heading up their respective stairwells, Cho all dreamy and distant, Adam quite happy and feeling very lucky.

Being Escorted back to Gryffindor Tower
Author: Australia Kingston
Date: 06-11-02 15:21

After the ball had ended and the count down finished; Australia, Prote, Lee, and Eileen yelled Happy New Years with everyone else and both couples *kissed* their way into the new year.

Shortly thereafter Eileen and Lee left the Great Hall and headed back up to the Gryffindor Tower. Prote had held Australia close as they rang in the new year, but now it seemed as if he didn't want to let her go. He kissed her again and then after a long silence escorted his beautiful girlfriend up to the Gryffindor Tower.

As they neared the portrait; Prote stopped dead in his tracks, turned Australia into his arms once again, kissed her passionately and then told her the most beautiful thing anyone had ever said to her. Slowly he said, "Australia", he swallowed hard, "I love you." This time she kissed him. She replied, "I love you too, Prote." And then they kissed again only to be broken up by Prof. McGonagall.

They only reason Prote finally left Australia was when Prof. McGonagall showed up and gave them both a stern look of disapproval. Australia then went into the common room remembering what she and Prote had just shared with each other. They loved each other. She fell asleep in her dress robes repeating to herself, "He loves me. He truly loves me."

What Dreams May Come
Author: H Potter
Date: 06-11-02 19:51

Harry had danced one dance with Ginny before somewhat reluctantly returning her to where Brett was waiting. During the dance, Harry had managed to compliment how nice Ginny looked but his tongue wouldn't cooperate to say much more beyond that. After stuttering and stammering and still not really saying anything, Harry had shut his mouth and tried to simply enjoy the dance while also concentrating on not crunching Ginny's feet like he had Hermione's.

After thanking her for the dance, Harry had wisely decided against trying to sit between Brett and Ginny during dinner. Instead, he'd sat with other friends and talked Quidditch. After the meal was over and the dancing had resumed, Harry ended up standing near the punch bowl, continuing his dinner conservation with a couple of others.

Amid growing noise and excitement, the countdown to midnight was at last begun. Harry spyed Ginny and Brett in the crowd and moved to stand near them. After the couple had exchanged the traditional New Year's kiss, Harry had tapped Ginny on the shoulder. "Does this friend get a kiss too?"

Ginny had nodded and smiled, moving closer to Harry. He'd intended to make it just a brotherly peck but before he knew it, he was pulling her even closer and kissing Ginny deeply. A loud "Eh-hemmmm" from Brett's direction had Harry pulling back, suddenly embarrassed. Mumbling an apology to Ginny, Harry had rushed off stopping only long enough to give Hermione a quick kiss on the cheek and to shake Mr. Weasley's hand.

Back in the Gryffindor dormitory, Harry shucked off his dress robe and crawled into bed, pulling the drapes shut around the bed. He pretended to be asleep when the others had slowly filtered in. He lay there thinking of Ginny and what had motivated him to kiss her as he had. Harry fell asleep to dreams of their dance and the kiss.

New Years Morning
Author: Azaelia Bramble
Date: 06-11-02 12:27

Azaelia woke laying on the couch in the Slytherin Common room in Robert's arms. She blinked several times, inhaling the musty dungeon air. She was still in her dress robes, and so was Robert.

Carefull not to awaken Robert, Lia slid from under his arm, and leaned up against the couch back to watch him sleep. He looked peaceful, and his lips were parted just a little. He wiggled his nose, as if to itch it. She giggled a bit.

Last night was a dream come true, and yet a nightmare. Holding each others hands under the table at the banquet dinner, still they fed each other mashed potatoes, or meat of some kind as always. They were just extra quiet enjoying each other's presence. No one knew their sadness but they were sure Isolde and Pyrrhus could sense it.

When the Great Hall rang with numbers as they counted the seconds to the new year, they stood with Py and Isolde, smiling, counting. Both Robert and she had replaced their grim faces with masks of happiness. "Happy New Year!" Was screamed and confetti shot down from the ceiling, but Robert and Lia held each other's gaze, then kissed a deep, passionate kiss.

She sighed, watching him sleep. Moistening her lips she leaned over to kiss him. Robert's eyes fluttered open and he brought his hands up, pulling her closer.

They parted, as she shrieked. "Robert!" She shoved him. "We're not doing this!"

"What in the world are you talking about?" His brows drew together.

Azaelia moved. "That was wet!"

"Well, yeah. It wasn't supposed to be wet?" He was referring to the kiss.

Azaelia moved to the far corner of the couch then saw the culprit. The two headed puppy sat at the foot of the couch, wagging his tail. "Oh."

Robert threw his head back, laughing. "You thought..."

"Yes. I did." She said, pulling the puppy up to cuddle him.

He moved closer to her, soothed back her hair. "I'm sorry."

"It's my fault."

He traced a line with his thumb around her ear. "What'll you name him?"

She shrugged.

"C'mon. You've got to name him."

"Blackheart."

He looked puzzled. "Not Cuddles or Ginger?"

"No. Not Cuddles or Ginger." She rolled her eyes. "Blackheart."

Robert looked as if he had a flash of realization. "It's a nice name."

"You're so humble."

They kissed again.

January First: Breakfast Later
Author: George Weasley
Date: 06-11-02 15:26

George lay awake in his bed, staring up at the drapery hanging down, wondering how Majandra really took their midnight kiss.

"Fred, you awake?" He sighed and rolled over. Fred was laying, tangled up in his blankets, arm dangling over the side of the bed, and drooling.

"Not technically." Came a mumbled reply. "What's up?"

George propped his head up on his arm. "Majandra."

"What about her?" Fred said in a yawn as he rubbed his eyes.

"I like her. A lot."

Fred grinned sleepily. "That's evident."

"But, does she really know? I mean, that kiss I gave her last night meant a lot to me. I hope it did to her, too." George said.

Fred sat up. "Look. I'm not Majandra, so you'll have to talk to her about that one. But, that smile made her face glow, George. I saw it."

George smiled and sat up too. "Thanks, Fred."

"Don't mention it. Now, let's get out women and get some breakfast!"

Morning of Glory
Author: Chyler Stratford
Date: 06-11-02 16:35

Chyler woke to Lysander staring at her sleeping figure, his hand gently holding hers. She gave a small smile.

"Happy New Year, Baby." Chyler whispered, watching her man's deep, beautiful eyes. "Did we make a mess last night?"

"Yes." He chuckled. "There was water all over the floor."

"I was half asleep." Chyler admitted, snuggling closer to her husband.

Lysander chuckled. "I noticed. That's why I sent you to bed while I cleaned up the mess." He paused. "You need a tan."

"What?! I happen to like my milky colored skin, thankyouverymuch." Chyler pinched him with her toes.

He rubbed his hand down her figure. "Yeah, I loved watching it walk away from me, too."

"You're an evil man, Lysander Stratford." Chyler kissed him.

He chuckled. "I try."

They lay there, holding each other for a long time. "You ready for some breakfast?"

"Yeah. I'm hungry." Lysander said.

Chyler thought a moment. "Do you want eggs and sausage?"

"I want something sweet." He raised an eyebrow.

She pulled back to look at him. "Really now?"

As he pulled her close she giggled uncontrollably.

Late Presents
Author: Alexis Black
Date: 06-11-02 19:50

Alexis entered the common room to find her friends either sleeping or kissing. She trudged across the room and collapsed in a chair, rubbing sleep from her eyes. Azaelia broke away from Robert to ask, "Where were you last night?"

Alexis shrugged. "Around." she said vaguely, "I went to the ball, for awhile."

"Where's Pete?"

Alexis shrugged. "I'm not sure."

She settled back in her chair and closed her eyes, just as a package carried by two owls dropped abruptly in her lap. It took all she had to keep from screaming in surprise. Instead, she gasped audibly, but no one paid any attention. A quick look at the package told her it was from Troy. Stealthily, Alexis glanced around the common room to make sure it was empty of adults and no one was looking but Azaelia and Robert, then she opened it to reveal two crystal clear bottles of vodka, with a note that said, love from Troy.

Alexis grinned at her friends and excused herself to stash it in the dormitory. If I get caught with this... she thought excitedly, it'll be goodbye Hogwarts for me. But of course, that's if I get caught!!