Socializing
Author: Diether Jameson
Date: 12-16-02 18:53
"It's Schultz, my surname," Mirai answered Kennard, smiling prettily at the guy. "And this is my friend Diether Jameson," pointing and glancing at him, as she held up her table napkin and gesturing that he wipe his mouth clean.
He nodded at Kennard and answered his question. "We're going to be in fifth year this term." He wiped his mouth just as Mirai had suggested and spooned some more dessert into his mouth. Kennard, on the other hand, has just started his second helping of the food.
He's a big eater, Diether thought to himself as he eyed the guy in front of him.
"Fifth year, huh?" Kennard affirmed. "I'm in fifth year, too. I guess we'll be roommates, then."
"Guess so," Diether said. Kennard was now talking to Mirai and Mirai... she's rather being too nice to the guy for his liking. But, he just kept his cool and joined in the conversation.
Hmmm...
Author: Mirai Schultz
Date: 12-16-02 19:23
People were greeting and introducing each other. Must have been due to my initiation, Mirai thought when someone called her name. She looked at the person who called her and was met with a smile.
"It's Schultz, my surname," she answered, smiling in return at the guy. "And this is my friend Diether Jameson," pointing and glancing at Diether. When she saw his mouth has crumbs of food, she held out her napkin and moved it across his face.
Diether got the message as he said that they're in fifth year and wiping his mouth with her table napkin. The two guys were in polite conversion when she decided to join in.
"So, you're in fifth year, too, huh, Kennard?" she said. The boy nodded in response. She smiled. "Well, since you're a resident here, care to tell us a few things that we need to know about this place?" she asked. "My mum hasn't told me a single thing as she studied here herself." She explained and waited for his answer.
Haunted
Author: Ethan Somerset
Date: 12-16-02 20:34
Sighing deeply, Ethan shut out the rest of the world and thought back to only moments earlier when the excitement and happiness he had felt shattered into pain and guilt. It hadn't dawned on him at first...that this young first year sorted into Hufflepuff House, Alanna Beck, was Kendra's little sister. Yes, he had been at the Ministry in London with Viktor when the Beck family had arrived to claim the poor girl's body, but he couldn't look any of them in the face. Not then, and as it seemed, not now either.
Ethan realized Alanna's relation to Kendra during Dumbledore's speech and the moment of silence the old headmaster held in honor of the dead girl's memory. Suddenly, an all-too-familiar pain ripped through his stomach and images of that fateful day flooded Ethan's mind. He gazed at the Hufflepuff table, where he stole a good look at young Alanna, a near-spitting image of the young witch he wasn't able to protect. Another Beck girl and two Beck boys sat nearby, all teary-eyed and longing for their lost sister.
The new professor also observed a few others sitting with the Becks, one in particular deeply moved by the loss of her friend. Ethan felt a painful pang of guilt shoot through to the very core of his being. She shouldn't have died. Not like that.
Over and over again, Koyla cackling like a madman and pointing his wand at the frightened girl flashed before Ethan's eyes. Her brown eyes, wide with horror, the green stream of light that ended her young life...visuals that haunted the former auror still today.
"Are you all right?"
He suppressed a shudder and jolted back into the present.
"Ethan? Is everything okay?" Christina Sorcha tapped him lightly on the arm, her brows furrowed with worry. "Is something bothering you?"
Ethan took a deep breath and turned to Professor Sorcha with a smile. "I'm all right, Christina," he lied. "Just a little tired, and a little nervous about tomorrow. I've never taught before..." He drifted off, hoping she wouldn't pry any further.
She seemed to buy his fib and passed him the pitcher of pumpkin juice at his request. "I was nervous on my first day too," she admitted. "Still am sometimes!"
Ethan grinned. He had told a half-truth, he supposed. He was nervous about tomorrow. There wasn't the slightest bit of doubt about it. However, whereas Christina's nervousness stemmed from her shy personality, Ethan's simply didn't know what he'd do once a Beck child entered his classroom.
Perhaps agreeing to apply for the teaching position hadn't been such a wise idea afterall.
Let the Fun Begin!
Author: Golbez Rushdie
Date: 12-16-02 20:34
Aradia and I question Fynn and Cho but they don't give any information. Fynn, the master of charm, changes the subject to his mischievous past. Nice try. I can guess where he is. I look at Aradia, and we exchange grins. We can really have fun with this.
New Faces, New Places
Author: Fynn Greenleaf
Date: 12-17-02 00:04
"You're rather quiet all of a sudden..." Cho seemed a little concerned, despite the lovely geniality of her expression. "I'm just observing the newcomers, and besides, don't you like the strong, silent type?" Fynn replied, smiling and interlacing his fingers with hers. He would have kissed her if the playful eyes of the entire Ravenclaw table weren't on them- the sweet, beautiful Quidditch captain and him, simply Fynn-more or less, whatever that entailed. He didn't really care for much besides the person beside him. This he concluded as he thoughtfully savoured the scrumptious food, taking it all in, how good it was to be back.
It was so noisy and cheerful. He introduced himself to the new Ravenclaws...Diether and Mirai, Coco, Fritz, Gabriel, Luna, Belle and Kennard. He responded to Belle's playful teasing with a suave smile, but kept rather quiet during the conversations, though he did remain friendly. His reticence was, in actuality, silent contentment. Golbez and Aradia, meanwhile, were still shooting he and Cho funny looks from time to time, and Golbez said really loudly midway, "What's that I smell in the air? Is it love?" Cho blushed and Fynn laughed. The new Ravenclaws were beginning to be let in on it, but none of them noticed Cho and Fynn's joint hands under the table. He didn't let go. The hall was lit with candles and mirth and optimism, everyone having found their right place.
Whatever it was in the air, it definitely smelt good.
Memories
Author: Kennard Philips
Date: 12-17-02 03:45
"Well, I won't be telling you as much," Kennard started. "It would ruin your whole experience here in school." He grinned at the raised eyebrow of Mirai. "But, I'd tell you some things that would help you out on your first days."
Mirai smiled at him in return. "Go on, then," she prodded him.
"First off, beware of the stairs. They move and you wouldn't want to end up at the wrong hallway," he said, then paused, taking a sip from his goblet. "Then, there's Filch. Don't ever, and I do mean ever, mess with him," he continued. "Unless you're like the Weasely twins who just graduated. I think they've been wanting to break the record of highest school rules broken," Kennard added with a smile.
Mirai laughed at that and he thought that laughs should be like hers. Musical. Kennard shook his head to erase the thoughts forming in his head and turned to Diether, who he thinks, is trying his best not to get annoyed on something.
"How about you?" he asked, "care to tell me about the school you were in?"
You Don't Smell Love
Author: Cho Chang
Date: 12-17-02 04:29
Golbez said really loudly midway, "What's that I smell in the air? Is it love?" Cho blushed and Fynn laughed. The new Ravenclaws were beginning to be let in on it, but none of them noticed Cho and Fynn's joint hands under the table. He didn't let go. The hall was lit with candles and mirth and optimism, everyone having found their right place.
Recovering from her blush, she boldly shakes her head, "You can't smell love Golbez...especially not in the air. You can see it, though, or feel it."
Aradia looks to her, raising her eyebrows, "And since when are you the authority on love, Miss Chang?" She then proceeds to look from that new glow in Cho's face and the utter contentment as-though-he's-found-utopia look on Fynn's, "Don't answer that."
Majandra picks at her food while thinking what a looooooooooooong year this will seem without George's company. She takes up the quill she's had out since sitting down before the Sorting Ceremony and jots down bits and pieces of information about the new Gryffindors that she's been overhearing. Also on Majandra's parchment is a verbatim quote of Proffesor Dumbledore's speech. When the feast is over and everyone's gone off to their respective houses, Majandra plans to write a long letter to George detailing such things as the speech, the names of the new house members, and how lonesome she already is without him. As a special surprise to George, and for Fred at well, Majandra's also including the step-by-step instructions for a new joke item, What Knot shoestrings and/or rope. No matter how many times the string or rope is tied with a bow or a knot or how well it is tied, under a minute later the string/rope is once more untied.
Looking up and around, Majandra realizes just how depressing and antisocial she's being. Putting on her friendly smile, she makes an effort to join in the conversations going on, to say hello to the newcomers nearest her, and to enjoy the feast.
As usual, the "Sorting Feast" was superb. I have eaten a bit more than I should have, but then, that is one of my great weaknesses. At my age, it is about one of my last weaknesses. I pour myself one last goblet of Pumpkin juice and sit back, surveying the newly-crowded tables.
It is always exciting to watch the newcomers as they meet and greet their fellow house members. The Old Hat does the sorting, but then it's up to the student to find their "place". I am gratified to see that the "old-timers" at the Ravenclaw table are doing their best to make the new people comfortable. Judging by the amount of table talk, all twelve of our new members are managing quite nicely.
The other think I enjoy watching is the formation of pair-bonds between the boys and the girls. It never ceases to amaze me how fast this can occur. I am very happy to see that my "Head Girl" has found herself a new "interest". Her glance skims across the head table and I give a wink and a nod, indicating my approval. Of what? I leave that up to her to decide.
I turn to Professor McGonagall and see that she seems to be having similar thoughts about her Gryffindors. There is even a hint of a smile about her face. "It looks like an excellent group, Minerva, I tell her. Twenty-five First Years and another ten transfers. If we can sustain this kind of growth, we may need to expand the dormitories." I raise my glass to hers in a salute. "Here's to a good... No!... GREAT!... year at Hogwarts." It seems Albus has overheard my remarks and raises his glass to meet ours.
Fritz helps himself to another spoonful of mashed potatoes and offers to give Coco another helping as well. She slides her plate next to the bowl and allows Fritz to serve her. As he does this, the German boy thinks, I am glad Coco is in Ravenclaw, too. He is disappointed, however, that Oreileah isn't in the same house as well.
The feast carries on, and Fritz and Coco talk mainly to each other but also with some of the other new first years. On occasion, a returning Ravenclaw greets them and welcomes them to the house. Overall, Fritz is very pleased with what he has experienced at Hogwarts so far and he cannot wait for what is to come.
At the Feast
Author: Annabella Mayberry
Date: 12-17-02 19:13
Annabella sat at the Gryffindor table with the rest of her friends. She tried to focus on the conversation that was going on around her and greeted the new years and transfers students that where sorted into Gryffindor. Still her mind kept wandering over the events of the day. The biggest disappointment came when she watched her new friend, Gabriel, being sorted into Ravenclaw.
She could be mistaken but as he walked towards the Ravenclaw table she thought she saw him glance her way. Once again trying to focus on the Gryffindor table, Anna found herself thinking that she was happy to be back at Hogwarts. She watched as the stars danced in the sky and smelled all the wonderful food that was being prepared.
Anna poured herself a glass of Pumpkin juice and chose carefully the food from a variety of dishes that where prepared.
Old School
Author: Diether Jameson
Date: 12-17-02 19:50
"How about you?" Kennard asked, "care to tell me about the school you were in?"
Diether was seriously thinking whether to scowl at him or just give him a death glare when his eyes suddenly twinkled with the sound of Mirai's laugh when he suddenly turned to him and asked him about their old school. He quickly turned on a mask of indifference.
"Well, Florecido is nothing like this," Diether answered stiffly. "It's only a manor, not a big castle like this. And there are not as much students as Hogwarts have." He tried to smile. But he only got as far as a twitch on his mouth. He does not know why he's reacting like this. He only just met the guy! I should be friendly, just as Mai is, he thought to himself. he looked at the girl beside him and noticed that she's raising her eyebrow at him. "What?"
Mirai shook her head and discreetly pinched his arm before continuing what he started.
"As he said, there's only about a fourth of the students here there," she told Kennard, who is obviously hanging on to her every word. "And there's only two houses to be in. We are sorted by going through some tests. Physical, mental, and of course, magical." Mirai finishing her account of Floreido, sipped her pumpkin juice.
Diether just nodded in agreement and tried to be good company. So, he talked with them and the others who were greeting and introducing themselves. In no time, he forgot his instant animosity at Kennard and enjoyed his first night in Hogwarts. After all, Mirai is with him and there's nothing more that he could ask for to make his transfer enjoyable.
Do a Little Dance...
Author: Ron Weasley
Date: 12-17-02 21:24
Digging into the mound of food heaped high on his plate, one thought keeps running gleefully over and over in Ron's mind. "Gabe's in Ravenclaw. Gabe's in Ravenclaw..."
Ron knows it's been wrong to think of Gabriel as the Baine of my existence but he just couldnŐt help himself. Something about Gabe just has never sat well with Ron for some reason. He's been civil and even friendly but mainly for Hermione's sake. Thing is, Gabe really does seem to be a nice guy. Maybe with Gabe's apparent interest in Annabella and with him also being sorted into Ravenclaw, Ron can once and for all put aside what he knows are stupid, petty feelings and get to be real friends with Gabriel.
Despite this line of reasoning, Ron continues to feel exceptionally jubilant. He grins at Hermione then leans over and gives her a peck on the cheek. As he engages in animated conversation with those around him as well as piling even more food on his plate, Ron's brain starts the mantra again, "Gabe's in Ravenclaw..." Anyone who happened to look under the table just then would have noticed that Ron's feet were dancing a jig.
Recovering from her blush, Cho boldly shook her head, "You can't smell love Golbez...especially not in the air. You can see it, though, or feel it."
Precisely, thought Fynn. And wasn't she so quick witted and sharp? A perfect Ravenclaw. Or just perfect. He realised that sitting there, Cho's hand in his, smiling like the happiest lad on earth, he must have come off rather stupidly. What was he doing?
He was being a bit too unnaturally cheery for his own tastes. Maybe Cho wouldn't like it, and everyone would think he was on Prozac. So, regaining his usual composure, Fynn turned towards Diether and Mirai, and coolly remarked, smiling, "So, you two go a long way, I hear..."
There You Are!
Author: Kennard Philips
Date: 12-18-02 02:23
After talking to Diether and Mirai and to some other people, Kennard resumed his eating and he is now going to sample some of the prepared dessert. After spooning a little of each on his plate, he felt someone standing behind him.
Turning around, he saw his three friends, the Triegher siblings, grinning at him.
"Where have you been since we've arrived here?" he asked, as he moved a bit and let them sit beside him. Vincent answered, "We were sitting at the back end of the table, enjoying the view."
Christina smacked her twin's head at that reply. "Ouch! What'd you do that for?" Vincent asked.
Margaritte, their stepsister, answered, "You dolt! You were enjoying the view. While we were suffering from cramps for making us sit there like sardines!"
Kennard laughed at the three's arguements. "So that's where you went. You missed being introduced to our new roommates."
"We have new roommates?!" Christina gushed.
"Yes, we do, Christa," Margaritte affirmed. "That's what Kenny said," she explained, exasperated at Christina's too-excited tone.
Vincent, on the other hand, has other ideas about the news. "Who's the girls' new roommate?" he asked Kennard, grinning mischievously.
Kennard rolled his eyes. "First of all, Marga. Stop calling me Kenny. Ken is fine, but Kenny?! Second, she's right across us. The brunette one talking with Fynn. Her name's Mirai and she came here with her friend, Diether, the guy in between her and Fynn," he said as he pointed out Mirai and Diether to the three.
Vince, Christa, and Marga looked at the two newcomers.
"Oh!" was all Christa could say, grabbing Margaritte's arm.
"Stop it, sis. You're going to pull off my arm!" Marga protested, wrenching her arm free from Christina's grasp.
Kennard laughed again, glad to have his friends back at his side. "So, what's been up at the Triegher manor since your last owl?" he asked, stopping the two girls' crazy antics.
Thus, chattering and laughter soon ensued from the four friends, adding to the growing noise of the happy atmosphere about the Great Hall.
Happily chatting with the other Ravenclaws, Diether and Mirai were soon engaged in one big exchange of names, experiences, stories, and whatnots from their fellow students and housemates. Everyone was talking to one another, including everyone who wants to be included.
Regaining his usual composure, Fynn turned towards Diether and Mirai, and coolly remarked, smiling, "So, you two go a long way, I hear..."
Diether looked at Fynn and replied, "Yes. We've been friends since we started our first year in Florecido."
Mirai chimed in, "Yup. We're bestfriends, actually." She added that last sentence with a smile.
"Uh-huh," Diether affirmed. "That's why I get to bully her into anything that I want," he added laughing, as Mirai shook her head indignantly at him.
Fynn grinned at the two. "Really? I thought she gets to bully you into anything that she wants?" he asked, looking at Mirai with a mischief in his eyes.
"You're right about that one!" Mirai replied, grinning in return with Fynn's obvious take on her side.
"Why do you have to get on her side?" Diether asked the older boy.
"Probably because I'm a girl," Mirai answered, stucking out her tongue at Diether.
Diether just laughed at that and they continued talking to one another.
Letters
Author: Bill Weasley
Date: 12-19-02 10:16
When Bill apparated outside his flat, he pushed all thoughts of Adallah and Nawif from his mind and decided he could use a night off from investigations and work. He would certainly get more answers to his questions tomorrow morning during his meeting with his boss. Until then, Bill fancied lounging around in the apartment with a cold bottle of butterbeer, and perhaps he'd write a few letters to his loved-ones back home.
After entering the apartment building and climbing the four sets of stairs to his flat, Bill let himself in and dropped the briefcase by the door. He made a pitstop and then got himself that refreshing bottle of butterbeer he so craved. Bill pulled off the cap and brought the open bottle to his lips, a satisfying "ahh" escaping his throat after taking a generous sip of the frothy liquid.
Bill set the bottle down on the edge of his round dinette table, and retrieved a box of parchments and matching envelopes, as well as a bottle of ink and a eagle-feathered quill. He sat down at the table, took another swig of the delicious drink and then began to write:
My Dearest Adriana,
Gods, I miss you so much. Words can't describe how much I long to see you. You must come and visit me at first chance, and I you.
Not surprisingly, work has me swamped. Gringotts employers ensure that their employees earn every knut they make. I enjoy every minute of it, of course, and there isn't a moment that isn't exciting.
So much to tell you, Adriana. I think I may be on to something! It'll warrant more investigation first, but you know me...I'll get to the bottom of it sooner or later!
Good luck tomorrow, Miss Fairchild. Be nice to the students and take extra care of my siblings. Love you. Wish you were here.
Yours,
Bill
Next, he wrote to Charlie:
Dear Charlie,
Tell me all about Vegas. How was the dragon convention? It was last night, wasn't it? Did you go out for a night on the town afterwards? And how is the fair Helena? Well, I trust?
Just in from work. Thought I'd drop you a note to see how things are on the other side of the world. Take care of yourself, little brother.
Bill
Just as he began penning a letter to Briar, a large owl tapped its beak against the window. Bill put down the eagle-feathered quill and rose from his seat to let the owl inside the room. After unlatching the window and opening it wide, the owl flew inside and landed on the table at which Bill had been sitting. It bore an envelope in its talons.
"What's this?" Bill asked the owl, as he took the letter from its grasp. He tore open the envelope and read through the note, pleased to have heard from Aaron again. When he finished, he reached for the quill, dipped it in ink and on a clean piece of parchment began his reply:
Dear Aaron,
You raise a very intriguing question, my friend, and I can honestly say that I do not have a definite explanation. But, I can offer this:
Perhaps the reason you can see Hogwarts is because you know it is there. You don't see the old ruins any other Muggle would see when gazing upon the castle because you don't expect to see any ruins.
The Leaky Cauldron is also charmed from Muggle eyes. You found the pub purely by accident, yet now that you know it exists, it is no longer shielded from your view. This is my simple guess to your question. I hope it satisfies your curiosity!
Anyway, how are you? How are Bernie and Andie? Still honeymooning? I'll let you know the next time I'm scheduled to visit Diagon Alley. Also, you're welcome to visit me in Cairo any time. Take care, Aaron. Hope to hear from you again soon.
Bill
He looked at the owl, who was waiting patiently, and reached out to stroke its soft feathers. "You've flown a long way. You ought to rest a little before I send you back."
Bill got up from his chair and wandered into the kitchen where he found an old box of crackers. He returned to the little dining table and slid into his seat, offering some crackers to the weary owl as well as popping some into his own mouth. They sat together munching on crackers, the owl hooting softly and Bill writing a few more letters to send out later that night.
Feasting
Author: Trey Lancer
Date: 12-19-02 15:15
Trey smiled at Anastasia after he was chosen for the Ravenclaw house and sat down beside her. Hwang sat not terribly far from him, but far enough that the friends could not talk without yelling. Still, they were going to be in the same house. His mind wandered to what his classes might be to what he would do in his spare time, most likely training either by himself or with Hwang. Anastasia smiled at him as he dug into the delicious food in front of him.
"Hungry?"
"I hadn't had a decent meal all day." Trey shrugged and stuffed more food into his mouth.
Without realizing it he had begun twirling his fork between his fingers and quickly stopped it when he found out. He only did that when he was nervous, so why was he nervous now?
"I'm so glad that you were sorted into Ravenclaw." Anastasia was saying, "Now I can really get to know you better. I would have hated to find out you were Slytherin, but you really didn't seem their type."
Trey gulped some food and nearly choked. Hwang never seemed to have any trouble with girls, it just seemed natural to him while Trey always seemed to trip over his own feet. Running a hand trough his hair he just smiled and let the feast continued.
Official Greetings
Author: Rubeus Hagrid
Date: 12-19-02 15:29
Hagrid placed his napkin down and took a swig of his pumpkin juice to wash his food down with. It was the end of the feast and the students were being taken by the Prefects to their dorms. Hagrid stood and stretched. It had been a long day and he needed to get some sleep before he got up in the morning.
Hagrid stopped at the new professor's chair before leaving the hall.
"Rubeus Hagrid's the name. I beleeve yer the new perfesser. Somerset, eh?" Hagrid asked the gentleman next too him, offering his large hand.
The man smiled and took Hagrid's hand. "Yes, I am Ethan Somerset, professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts. Good to meet you, Hagrid!"
"Good, good! Last one weren't too on top of things. I'm glad we've gottcha here. Hava good night, then." Hagrid's enormous hand literally swallowed Ethan's.
"Good night, and good to meet you!" Ethan called after Hagrid.
Hagrid waved. "Good to meet you, too!"
Hagrid circled the table and came to the middle where Albus Dumbledore was pulling Minerva McGonagall's chair out for her to stand up. "Have a good night, Perfessor Dumbledore, Perfesser McGonagall. Oh, an' Perfesser Flitwick!"
"Good night, Hagrid!" The three said in unison as Hagrid turned to leave the Great Hall and head for his hut.
