Food and New Acquaintances
Author: Mirai Schultz
Date: 12-14-02 00:48

A kind and sweet young woman. Very fair in everything you do. The hat thought. You will be a wonderful... "RAVENCLAW!!"

When the hat started talking on her ears, Mirai didn't know if she felt surprised or excited of how students were sorted into the different houses here in Hogwarts. And when it suddenly shouted Ravenclaw, she felt relief and happiness rush through her as she realized that she's in the same house as Diether.

Scooting off the stool and heading towards the Ravenclaw table, she waited for Remadi's turn to get sorted as she sat next to Diether. Gryffindor, she thought. She clapped wildly with all the other students. And now, it's time for the headmaster to speak.

Mirai wasn't really listening to what Professor Dumbledore was saying. She was craning her neck to look at her new school family. She and Diether were three seats away from Cho whom she saw looking back and forth to the headmaster and to the guy next to her. She saw other familiar faces whom she saw on the train but not had the opportunity to meet yet.

Catching the last few lines of the professor's speech, which were quite odd, she turned her face to the table and saw that food has been served. The chatter ensued and she helped herself to the food.

"I'm glad we're on the same house, Mai," Diether commented as he scooped some mashed potato onto her plate.

She nodded at him. "Yeah... I wish Remadi is here with us, though. But I think that the house she was placed in was good as the bad murmurs I've been hearing are about the Slytherin house," she replied to him, putting her mushrooms onto his plate.

He shook his head. "Still not fond of them, huh?" he asked, pointing to the mushrooms.

"Nope. And never will be."

They ate in silence, then. Pausing once in a while to talk. Now getting herself and Diether some dessert, she decided to talk to her new housemates, starting with Cho.

"Hey, Cho," she called out, leaning on the table and turning her head to the right. "I'm glad I already know someone from this house," she said smiling to the raven-haired girl.

---

A Puzzle
Author: Aaron Miller
Date: 12-14-02 11:50

I sit at a corner table of The Leaky Cauldron, so chosen both for its relative privacy and because in addition to the candle burning brightly on the table there are two lamps burning on each wall near the table as well. This gives me plenty of light by which to read. In a few different books I've bought so far in Diagon Alley, scattered references and remarks I'd previously thought nothing much about gave me pause when reading in depth Hogwarts, A History.

I'd ended up spending the latter part of this Sunday getting those books out of my bank vault, perusing the bookstore shelves for more on the particular topic in question, and then coming to the pub to eat, and of course drink lots of wonderful butterbeer, with the books scattered around me on the table. I've also jotted down information along with page numbers and book titles all in a code I devised for secret journal keeping as a child. My sister, then a pesky, busybody, nosy brat, liked nothing more than to find my journals, read them, then either blackmail me to keep her silence or go blab for the sake of embarrassing me or to get back at me for something, hence the need for coded writing. I never knew it would come in so handy for doing a little research on Wizarding World related things.

I pause, scratch my head, and notice the old Tom staring at my pen. I grin, dig into the backpack I thought to bring with me and pull out an identical, though unused, pen. It's the type that could be used on the space shuttle, that is, it doesn't require gravity to keep writing like so many regular pens do. I know that's not what Tom's staring at though. He's staring because I'm not writing with a quill dipped in ink like witches and wizards do.

I gesture for him to bring me another butterbeer and call out to bring another of these fabulous sandwiches. A few minutes later, Tom's setting the plate and the bottle of butterbeer down in front of me. I hold out the new pen. "Here you go, Tom. It's a type of Muggle pen."

Tom thanks me and walks away seemingly in awe as he plays with the pen. I look up a moment later and he's got a piece of parchment on which he's using the pen to make elaborate doodles, grinning like a kid who's been told he's got ten minutes free in a toy store.

I turn my attention back to the research, more puzzled than ever. I munch on the sandwich and down two more butterbeers before packing everything up. My timing to get back to Diagon Alley seems to be perfect as a very pretty girl comes walking through the arch from the alley, hand in hand with one of Bill's brothers. He's never met me yet but I've seen pictures of him and all the others. Even if this particular Weasley had met be before, he wouldn't have noticed me, his full focus on the girl. Not that I blame him.

I walk through the arch and back to Gringotts where I deposit the books in my vault. From there I head to the post office to send Bill a letter to see what he knows on the puzzling topic. I'd send Speck but she's far too small to make it to Egypt and back without a chance of something going wrong for her.

Once in the post office I quickly compose a message:

Greetings my friend,

In some of the reading I've been doing, I've stumbled upon a little bit of a conundrum. Was hoping you could answer a question for me about it.

If Hogwarts Castle is charmed so that Muggles think it's just an old ruin, then how come I see it as a perfectly fine and sound structure when I've been in Hogsmeade? Is it because I'm expecting to see something there other than a ruin? I mean, I knew it was there because I'd been told it was and then had it pointed out to me? Does that nullify the charm?

Sorry to be a pain but you're the only one to whom I can ask this.

Thanks!

A

I pick out a sturdy looking owl, pay the required post, and send off the missive. As I walk back towards the passageway back into The Leaky Cauldron, I pass Olivander's, the only shop along the alley I've not yet been inside, and think to myself, "One of these days I'll go inside just out of burning curiosity to see how someone would shop for a wand."

---

Sept. 1, 96

Hannah sat listening to Professor Dumbledore's words. As he mentioned the return of Harry the hall was filled with the sound of clapping. He then brought up Kendra and her death. It was all Hannah could do to keep herself from crying when Dumbledore asked for a moment of silence.

Then, as what seemed to be Dumbledores tradition, he finished off with words that made no sense but always drew a smile. He called the feast to a start and the tables were magically covered with food choices and the talking ensued.

---

High Society
Author: Cho Chang
Date: 12-14-02 14:16

The Head Girl looked down the table to see who was calling her name, she smiled brightly and waved, "Hey Mirai!," she nods, "I remember my first year, I didn't know anybody, so you're lucky!" Cho grinned and let her hand slip inconspicuously back into Fynn's, taking a break from eating for a moment.

A few others had followed her lead so she decided to be social. Easily carrying on two or three conversations at once. She was rejuvenated, not only because she was back at Hogwarts, but because she was in the company of old friends, as well as new friends and loves.

Her smile never left her face.

---

Sykra smiled as she ate her meal. She was glad to see her friend in happy...as well as a new man in her life. After Orlando, Sykra didn't know if Cho would be the same, then her mom...

Quickly shaking the down thoughts out of her head, Sykra focused on the good points. Like being back at Hogwarts and Quidditch beginning soon. Sykra then glanced at the Hufflepuff table, remembering last year.

"Sykra?"

"What?" The Ravenclaw snapped back to reality.

Aradia grinned. "I saw you. You're thinkin' 'bout Orlando?"

"What makes you say that?"

Sykra's friend shook her head. "Just relax and enjoy the feast, then worry about that boy later.

"Alright...alright..." Sykra did her best to push thoughts of Orlando into the back of her mind for the rest of the feast.

---

Ravenclaw!
Author: Marybell Devons
Date: 12-14-02 16:50

Belle had skipped to the Ravenclaw table to join her friends.

Unfortunately, there weren't any seats with her seventh year acquaintances, so she sat with the other transfers and first years. She smiled, introducing herself as Belle. Vocals were soon silenced when the food appeared on the table and she dug in hungrily. But not without noticing Cho's rosier complexion. Belle immediately glanced to the only plausible source of this color, and that was Fynn. She nodded to herself, Yes'm Miss Belle, I think you're right. She'd tease Cho later.

Meanwhile, she'd happened to notice Sykra's glance towards the Orlando-less Hufflepuff table. She gets up for a moment and goes over to stand beside Sykra, "Guess what Sykra...There's something I forgot to tell you..." Sykra gives her a look that says she's not in the mood for surprises, Belle continues, "Orlando's going to be working at Honeydukes in Hogsmeade this year." Belle grins, letting that news sink in before going back to her seat.

---

Let the Fun Begin!
Author: Golbez Rushdie
Date: 12-14-02 20:41

I cheer all the new Ravenclaws, welcoming them all. I notice Fynn and Cho looking at each other. He he, I think. This is gonna be fun. Seeing the grin on Aradia's face, I know she is thinking what I'm thinking. I can really rib Fynn about this.

---

New Gryffindors
Author: Hermione Granger
Date: 12-14-02 21:34

At last, the silver plates and goblets filled with food and drink, and merry laughter and chatter resonated through the Great Hall. Hermione smiled at her two best friends, Harry Potter and Ron Weasley. How good it was to be back at Hogwarts with those she held dear.

Most of her close friends were sitting at the table with her: Harry and Ron, Ginny as well, Majandra and Annabella...but all hopes of Gabriel joining them at the table were crushed when the tattered, old hat cried out, "RAVENCLAW!" sending Hermione's childhood friend to another table.

She didn't want to be separated from Gabe, but Hermione knew that the Sorting Hat knew best. Ravenclaw had an excellent reputation and produced many fine wizards. Anyone at Hogwarts, save the Slytherins of course, could admit to that.

Disappointment aside, Hermione knew that Gabriel would do well in Ravenclaw and that he would meet many great people. Even if the two old friends couldn't spend time together in the common room, they could certainly make some time to keep each other company elsewhere.

Hermione sighed inwardly and turned her attention to the new Gryffindors. Aerith Gainsborough, who had sat in a neighboring compartment on the train and who was an old friend of Ian's, sat next to the Weasley cousin and chatted happily. It was wonderful to see two old friends recently reunited and joined in the same house!

Also new to Gryffindor was Rowena Grey, a fifth year like Aerith, Ginny and Ian. She sat on Aerith's other side and listened quietly to the conversation. To her right sat Remadi Ye, a new fourth year. Hermione helped herself to a small chicken leg and smiled at the newcomers. "Welcome to Hogwarts!" she called out. "My name is Hermione Granger. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintances!"

The sixth year prefect shifted her gaze to the end of the table where a batch of wide-eyed first years sat. She couldn't remember all of their names, and made a mental note to get to know each and every one after the feast. Her eyes raked over a pair of identical twins, who oddly enough reminded her of Ron's twin brothers. Two boys sat huddled together, deep in conversation and three more girls helped themselves to some food and sipped on their goblets.

Hermione smiled and focused her attention back on Harry and Ron. Another great (although hopefully less dangerous and more uneventful) school year had just begun!

---

Azaelia is so happy that the feast is officially started that she poured a glass of pumpkin juice for Py and Isolde. Next, she grabbed a spoonful of mashed potatoes, some chicken and a roll and carefully put each item in her plate.

She shifted in her chair, giggling at a story that Pyrrhus had just told them when she felt something poke her side. She pulled out the shiny new prefect button that she had forgotten to put on before the feast and let it glimmer in the light of the Great Hall as it rested in her hand.

"Lia, wassat?" Isolde asked her cousin.

Azaelia grins sheepishly as Py, too, furrows his brow trying to figure out what the shiny piece of metal is.

"I forgot to tell you guys over the summer. I don't know why...it just slipped my mind. Professor Snape wrote to me..."

She pinned the badge on her robes and as she finished talking, she turned to show her friends.

Isolde gasped. "Azaelia Bramble! You forgot to tell me about you getting chosen to be a prefect?!"

Azaelia hung her head. "I'm sorry."

"Gods, Lia! You look great with shiny jewelry!" Pyrrhus grins and nods to his friend.

"Thanks. I'm kinda nervous about this whole thing, really." Azaelia admitted as she ran her finger along the base of her goblet.

Isolde shook her head. "No! Don't be. You're a natural with stuff like that, Lia!" Isolde threw her arms around her cousin's neck. "Congratulations!"

"Thanks you two." Lia said and continued with her dinner and talking with her friends.

---

New Hufflepuffs and Supper
Author: Vera Delgety
Date: 12-15-02 00:51

'Yes this would be a good year!' Lawrence thought, he had a great girl, he was doing what he did best, continuing his education, but there was a sadness that hung over the young man despite the joy that this feast held. He sighed hoping that Vera wouldn't notice.

"Something wrong Lawrence?" she asked, when she heard the sigh. He did his best to smile brightly and assure her that nothing was wrong, but he could tell that she didn't believe him. "I'll explain later. It's too happy a time to spoil it." he said, and turned his attention back to Dumbledore, as he began to speak.

Knowing that Lawrence would spill the beans later on, Vera put the question at the back of her mind. Instead, she greeted the newlings and listened to Dumbledore give his speech of the New Year.

Afterwards it was time to eat. So, without any ado whatsoever Vera dug right in! She was starving and all the food on the table was looking so delicious! Turkey, pie, potatoes, salad...you name it! Everything was there. Of course her favorite part was the pumpkin juice. Vera loves pumpkin juice!

"I just can't wait until the Hogsmeade trip! I'm dying to get my hands on some butter beer! Haven't had any sense last year." Vera said in-between bites. Lawrence laughed at the expression on her face. "Well, I can't wait either. You'll have to show me around this place. It looks so old, and yet so young...and alive."

"Oh, you bet," Vera gulped down some juice. "The very walls are alive and breathing. Well, seems that way anyhow....Actually, they are in a way. All the portraits are alive!" She grinned.

"How true." Lawrence replied. And they went on enjoying their meal and talking amongst themselves.

---

Making Acquaintances
Author: Remadi Ye
Date: 12-15-02 02:39

Remadi listens quietly as Professor Dumbledore makes his speech, stroking Neko in her lap. She looks at Harry Potter, who is a few seats away from her, as he is mentioned and joins everyone else at her table clapping and cheering.

So that's Mao, she thinks to herself. She studies him for a few minutes before turning her attention back to Dumbledore. She shakes her head a smidgeon when Kendra is mentioned and lowers her head in a quick silent prayer. She smiles at Dumbledore's last words and realizes how hungry she is when her eyes take in all of the food that appears on the table. She fills her plate with a little bit of everything, taking a little extra meat for Neko. After starting in on her meal, she decides she should try and talk with the people near her. She had been a little disappointed when she realized that Mai and Diether were going to be in a different House than she was, but she knew that they would see each other some time.

"Thanks," Remadi says to Hermione. "My name is Remadi Ye." She turns her attention to the girl on the left side of her. "You're Rowena Grey, right," she asks as she slips a piece of meat under the table to feed to Neko.

---

Proud Cousin
Author: Isolde
Date: 12-15-02 09:35

Isolde exchanged a bewildered, yet extremely proud glance with Pyrrhus. Their Azaelia had made prefect! Words couldn't describe how impressed Isolde felt at that very moment. She smiled at her cousin, total admiration glowing in her eyes. The silver prefect's badge shone and glistened marvelously under the light from the floating candles above their heads.

"Just think, Azaelia. You're the first to be a Hogwarts prefect in our entire family...I think," Isolde said, thinking hard.

Azaelia smiled sheepishly and answered, "Yeah, I guess so." She paused, deliberating that thought herself for a moment. "Then again, this school has been open for a very long time. It's possible one of our ancestors also earned this honor a long, long time ago."

"Maybe," Isolde shrugged. Her eyes brightened considerably as she exclaimed, "But Merlin, Azaelia! I'm so proud of you!" She hugged her cousin again.

The three turned their attention back to the meal, chit chatting every now and then about various topics, such as Quidditch and the new professors. Isolde helped herself to extra servings of mashed potatoes, smiling at Alexis who sat nearby.

With many promising first years and one transfer student newly sorted into Slytherin House, this year would surely be one to remember!

---

To Hufflepuff House I Go
Author: Emma Riley
Date: 12-15-02 10:47

I slipped off of the stool and moved toward the Hufflepuff table with a broad, shining grin on my face. On the inside, however, I was more than a little confused. The Sorting Hat had spoken loudly and true when it had sorted me into Hufflepuff House, though had also had words for me alone.

There is a darkness, however. Though it is deeply hidden . . . you could follow . . . The Hat's voice had trailed off into it's pronouncement and I had been ushered from the front of the room. I had no idea what it could possibly mean. I shrugged it off for now and concentrated on those things that seemed more important at the moment - getting some food and meeting some new friends.

The only person I had met so far was Declan and he was busy with the other Slytherin. Not that I really wanted to talk to him anyway.

And so I found a spot at my House's table where I could squeeze in and delight with the others at the awesome spread. Heaping my plate I thought to myself this might not be so bad. I smiled at the others seated around me and introduced myself.

---

Alexis poked idly at her food, not really interested in it or the new Slytherins. She yawned, dropping her fork in her half-eaten potatoes. She leaned back in her chair, hands behind her head, enjoying for a moment listening to the conversations around her. Upon overhearing Azaelia's news, Alexis jumped in to join the congratulations. Maybe Slytherin would gain the recognition it deserved this year, and Azaelia would help.

---

Feast
Author: Eileen
Date: 12-15-02 19:43

I cheer loudly for the new students (save for the Slytherins) and welcome all the new Gryffindors. After the ceremony, the usual welcoming speech by Dumbledore begins. He includes Harry's return (YAY!!) and the death of Kendra Beck. I glance at the Hufflepuff table to see what they're thinking. I feel badly for them, Kendra's death was the second loss of a student in as many years. After Dumbledore's closing words, the feast begins and the air is filled with its usual excitement.

---