Disturbing
Author: Mirai Schultz
Date: 12-09-03 18:30
She looked around at the other tables, and seeing almost the same expression in their faces, she slid her hand under the table and felt for Diether's hand. He squeezed it gently and nudged her to continue watching.
Instead, she whispered, "It's quite disturbing, don't you think?"
"Hush," he whispered back, planting a soft kiss on her cheek.
"Stop being mushy, you two," Christina said on Diether's other side.
"But, really..."
"Stop thinking about it and just pray that there'll be some new Ravenclaws this year," Diether pleaded.
"Fine, fine," she relented, if only a little, then she tugged Margaritte's robes with her free hand. "Interesting, isn't it?"
"Yeah..." Margaritte replied.
And the two continued to talk quietly, while she ignored the protests of her boyfriend and her other friend.
Nervous
Author: Sora
Date: 12-09-03 18:34
Sora stood with all the other first years, he was breathing rather faster than normal and his heart was racing. He worried about weather or not his name would be called or what house he would be put in. Sora was aiming more towards Gryffindor, the otherŐs sounded okay... except for Slytherin, and he thought it sounded kinda scary...
But the number one thing Sora was concerned about was weather he was going to fit in at this strange school, he was worried about the other students, and if they were going to like him or not, and that thought was what made him most nervousÉ But all in all, Sora stood there waiting for his name to be heard.
So this is
it...
Author: Tranquillina Aemilius
Date: 12-09-03 19:06
Tranquillina had clustered with the other first years as they were lead in by Professor McGonagall. She looked around the Great Hall in absolute awe. It was beautiful, magnificent! She was completely oblivious to the looks of the upperclassmen.
She was finally called back to her senses when Professor McGonagall placed the Sorting Hat on its stool. Tranquillina's mother had spoken of the Sorting Hat, and how she heard it mumble while she was being sorted, but it looked very different then she had imagined it.
Tranquillina nearly jumped out of her skin when it began to sing....Apparently, her mother left out that part.
Transfer students were sorted first, all of whom ended up in Slytherin.
Silently, Tranquillina prayed to be put anywhere but Slytherin. And then, the hat piped up again....
The Sorting
Ceremony - Part Two
Author: The Sorting Hat
Date: 12-09-03 20:04
After the last transfer student took her seat, Professor McGonagall unrolled a second scroll and announced, "We will sort the first years now."
A tremble went through the crowd of eleven-year-olds standing at the front of the room. Some appeared more fearful than others, but all wore the same look of apprehension on their faces. What would the Sorting Hat say to them?
Professor McGonagall cleared her throat and called out, "Aemilius, Tranquillina."
A girl with thick, ginger curls approached the three-legged stool and sat down. Professor McGonagall placed the Sorting Hat over her head and took a step back.
"Hmm...interesting," the Sorting Hat muttered thoughtfully. "What curiosity you show! Headstrong, willful, intelligent! And you possess bravery, too. Better be...GRYFFINDOR!"
Tranquillina leapt off of the stool to great cheer from the Gryffindor table.
Professor McGonagall read the next name on the list. "Barlow, Barnaby!"
A shifty-looking boy stepped up to the stool and turned around to face the front of the room. The Sorting Hat spoke into his ear and shouted, "SLYTHERIN!"
"Beauchamp, Alaric."
"SLYTHERIN!"
"Day, Duncan."
"HUFFLEPUFF!"
"Eternal, Roane."
A tall girl with long, straight hair sat down on the stool and awaited the Sorting Hat's decision.
"Yes...very interesting. A good daughter, helpful, hard-working...with a little bit of courage. You belong in...GRYFFINDOR!"
Roane hopped off the stool and joined Tranquillina at the Gryffindor table.
"Fiennes, Curtis."
"RAVENCLAW!"
"Grant, Tiffany."
"GRYFFINDOR!"
"Hamilton, Frederick."
"GRYFFINDOR!"
"Hearts, Sora."
A timid-looking boy with spikey brown hair and wide blue eyes stepped forward and seated himself on the stool. Professor McGonagall placed the hat on his head and moved a few paces away.
"Hmm..." the Sorting Hat murmured. "There is kindness in your heart, and desire to seek the best in life. Hmm...interesting...I'll put you in...GRYFFINDOR!"
Sora breathed a great sigh of relief and jumped down to meet his new comrades.
"Horton, Mallory," Professor McGonagall called out. A short girl with dark blonde, almost light brown hair approached and sat patiently as the Sorting Hat spoke.
"Interesting...Hmm...Very friendly and cheerful, yes. And loyal and hard-working, too. I know just what to do with you...HUFFLEPUFF!"
A broad smile appeared on Mallory's face, and she left the front of the chamber to join the Hufflepuff table.
Professor McGonagall unrolled the scroll a bit further and called out the next name...
Re: The Sorting
Ceremony - Part Two
Author: Tranquillina Aemilius
Date: 12-09-03 20:29
"Hmm...interesting....What curiosity you show! Headstrong, willful, intelligent! And you possess bravery, too. Better be...GRYFFINDOR!"
Great cheers came from the Gryffindor house as Tranquillina (the first new Gryffindor!) jumped off the stool, and took her seat. She was smiling from ear-to-ear; her mother would be proud.
It was not long after she had gotten settled, that the Sorting Hat spoke again. A tall girl with straight hair was proclaimed as a new member of the Gryffindor house. She took a seat near Tranquillina, who immediately piped up.
"Congrats! I'm Tranquillina."
"Roane Eternal," the girl said, returning the smile. Several other first years were sorted into the Gryffindor house. Tranquillina congratulated them, and as one quiet boy in particular took his seat at the Gryffindor table, Tranquillina decided she would befriend him.
All eyes soon went back to the sorting hat....who would be next?
Watching the
Sorting
Author: Professor Belladonna Sinistra
Date: 12-09-03 23:24
Bella sat at the head table in what she hoped was a dignified manner. For once, she had arrived at the feast in plenty of time. This year, she was going to personify grace and poise, and this school year had started with her getting ready when she had plenty of time. Therefore, there had not been a dash to the door, a going through of closets, and a flinging of clothes. No, she had been able to walk in slowly and actually hadn't missed a thing.
The gown she was wearing was actually quite clever, blue velvet with little pearls arranged to form the constellations. Both hemispheres were represented and not a single star was missing. Simple pearl studs were all the jewelry that needed to be worn, and waiting when she got back to her quarters were a T-shirt and scrunchie for sleeping and a light yellow robe for stargazing.
As she sipped a lovely glass of white wine, Bella inwardly felt like banging her head right on the head table. John Churchill? What had inspired her to agree to something so... insane? Aunt Gertrude would have a fit. Still, John was a good match, but only if he loved her. There was plenty of time to think about that.
For now, she was going to be a responsible adult, which meant doing her job and doing it well. She would greet the old and new students after the feast. Only two new Hufflepuffs and quite a few new Slytherins. With You-Know-Who still at large, having a large house where students tended to go bad was actually disconcerting. However, her promotion was actually exciting and the thought of interacting more with students couldn't be more than pleasant. Of course, her mind could change tonight. She'd have to check the halls and might have to break up chats that went on too late.
Hopefully, she wouldnŐt have to be strict. Matter of fact, the house rules would be relaxed unless the students made enforcement necessary. Truthfully, some of the rules were so old fashioned. Who really cared if the common room was busy in the small hours of the night? Sometimes, night was the best time for homework. Fewer distractions, not to mention the fact that there was nothing else worth doing. Her personal plans for the night included some stargazing and partaking in some wonderful hot ginger drink. The water was happily boiling away, and would be great to sip as she wrote an engagement announcement for the papers.
Also, as long as she was at her desk writing, she might as well send notes to Mallory Horton and Duncan Day. Might as well see them separately tomorrow just to see how they were getting on. Would take five minutes and then she could go back to bed unless someone needed her. Oh good grief, she was rambling again. Time to just relax and enjoy the feast.
Re: The Sorting
Ceremony - Part One
Author: Nick Stokes
Date: 12-10-03 05:07
"SLYTHERIN!" the hat called out. It surprised Nick, the one thing his mother had hated, and it turned out to be him after all.
He went over to the Slytherin table and found a seat. Everyone seemed happy to have him there. It was really welcoming and he felt good.
A Snake for
a Slytherin
Author: Serena Kayer
Date: 12-10-03 07:40
It was just typical, Serena thought, as she entered the Great Hall. She hadn't even been at school at a whole day, and yet already she had involved herself in someone else's life. In her pocket, there resided a small black snake that at this very moment was wriggling unnervingly. Nick had somehow managed to let Shadowshade go as they dismounted the train, and foolishly, Serena had rescued him from within inches of being squished by Hagrid. Of course, Nick had got himself lost in the crowd, so here she was, stuck holding the reptile.
The Hall seemed fuller than ever, and as she squeezed her way through to the Ravenclaw table, she just caught sight of Nick through the crowds. He was shuffling his feet nervously, obviously waiting to be sorted. She allowed herself a quick smile; he really did look sweet, all shy and uncertain.
She paid little attention to the actual sorting ceremony, although it did reach her attention that there weren't many new Ravenclaws, and that all the transfer students were in Slytherin. Just what that house needs, she thought, with a suspicious glance at Professor Snape. More well trained wizards. She was a little disappointed that Nick hadn't reached Ravenclaw; still, chances were they would have some lessons together, which would be fun. A passing Slytherin prefect caught her attention, and she grabbed the girl's arm.
"Hey, you couldn't give this to your new seventh year, could you?" she said, holding Shadowshade out of the view of the High Table. The prefect recoiled slightly, but took the snake, holding him gingerly at arm's length, and headed for her own table. Serena grinned, having done her good deed for the day, and then turned her thoughts to the plate of apple pie that had just appeared in front of her.
Sorted and
Happy
Author: Roane Eternal
Date: 12-10-03 10:28
I sat down at the Gryffindor table and smiled at everyone. For a moment I was afraid I would be sorted into Slytherin along with the slew of other students who went there. Luckily though, I ended up in the house I was hoping for.
"Congrats! I'm Tranquillina."
I turned towards the other girl and smiled at her. "Roane Eternal".
I looked around at the other new Gryffindors and smiled. Soon the feast would start, and then the food would arrive. I was so excited, I could barely sit still! There was so much I wanted to explore and see at Hogwarts. And learn too of course, although that was the last thing on my mind at the moment.
Shadowshade!
Author: Nick Stokes
Date: 12-10-03 13:34
Nick sat at the table gloomily, Slytherins all around eating the banquet that had appeared before them. All he could think of was his precious Shadowshade. Probably dead.
Then a Slytherin prefect came over to him and deposited his little black bundle of joy into his lap. "Shadowshade!" Nick cried out joyfully. And pocketed the precious reptile. "Now, for some of this food!!"
He commenced eating with gusto, Slytherins were informing the younger ones who was "in" who was "out" and what was expected of them. Nick shrugged.
Looking up and across the tables he caught sight of Serena, the girl from the train, a familiar face in a crowd of strangers always stands out. The thing that surprised him was that she was looking back at him. She waved and smiled.
He shyly raised his hand and bent his fingers as a small greeting, then dropped his hand again. Focusing on his plate he began to blush.
The Sorting
Ceremony - Part Three
Author: The Sorting Hat
Date: 12-10-03 14:31
With half of the first years already sorted, Professor McGonagall readjusted the spectacles on her nose and unrolled the list of names a bit further. "Honiahaka, Takoda," she called, and a boy emerged from the crowd and took a seat on the three-legged stool.
"Hmm..." the Sorting Hat mused. "How interesting...a clever one, you are. You belong in...RAVENCLAW!"
The boy jumped down and joined his new housemates at the Ravenclaw table.
"Newberry, Miranda," was sorted next into "RAVENCLAW!"
Then came "Oldenburg, Octavia," and she was sorted into "SLYTHERIN!"
"Parker, Isabel."
"RAVENCLAW!"
"Primrose, Estella."
"HUFFLEPUFF!"
"Quincy, Cordelia."
"RAVENCLAW!"
"Smith, Oberon."
"SLYTHERIN!"
"Taylor, Gervaise."
"SLYTHERIN!"
"Wolf, Trey."
A boy with longish hair approached the stool and sat down. Professor McGonagall placed the Sorting Hat upon his head and stepped away as the Sorting Hall mulled over its decision.
"Yes...a kind heart, good friendships. You're loyal to those close to you. Better be...HUFFLEPUFF!"
Trey stepped down and walked over to the Hufflepuff table to great his new family.
The last name on the scroll was, "Yorke, Rosalinda." A pretty girl with dark, curly hair and light brown eyes climbed onto the stool and was sorted into "HUFFLEPUFF!"
After she left to join Trey at the Hufflepuff table, Professor McGonagall cleared away the stool and Sorting Hat and took her place next to Professor Dumbledore.
The Newbie
Author: Sora
Date: 12-10-03 15:40
As Sora stepped down from the stool, he was excited that he was called and sorted. He was very happy to be sorted into Gryffindor, everyone looked so friendly. As Sora's thoughts were soaring, he hadn't noticed his foot getting caught in his slightly large robes. He gave a little squeak and landed on his face.
Laughter filled his ears, as he quickly got back on his feet and sat down at the table, his face red and his robes torn. Just what I needed on my first day here... some humiliation! And already I look like a fool... he thought as he let his head fall onto the table.
Here Comes
Trouble
Author: Nora
Date: 12-10-03 16:14
Sighing, Nora watched the rest of the students being sorted and stared at her plate, not very interested in eating. A few of her new house mates would occasionally look over to stare at her eye-patch, laughing and joking about it. "It's not funny! Why don't I make you blind and see how you look with a patch?" Nora smirked and went on gazing at her plate.
After looking around the table, she glanced over at the new 7th year. "Cool snake! I have a hawk myself. The name's Pirate, by the way. I was expelled from Durmstrang and had to come here. I guess I tend to get into trouble a lot."
Nora began picking at the food on her plate again, periodically taking a stab at something with her knife. Then she looked down the long table glancing at her entire house. "This is going to be interesting..."
Grumblies
Author: Vera Delgety
Date: 12-10-03 16:32
Vera sat listening for the new Hufflepuff's to be called out. Whenever there was a new one she patted them on the back and welcomed them into their house. Her memories flew back to last year when she did the same for Lawrence. Who would have guessed that they would still be together? And come this time next year, where would she be?
Vera shoved those the thought aside. She wanted to enjoy her last year. Not pity it. So right then and there she vowed not to think of it the rest of the year. I need to stay focused on the present. Not what's to come.
Lawrence squeezed her hand, making
Vera jump out of her thoughts. She smiled at him. "And the memories come flowing
back eh?" Vera said.
Lawrence looked up to the front. "They sure do." Then out of no where Vera's stomach grumbled. She grinned as Lawrence looked down at her tummy. "You hungry or something?" he chuckled.
"Just a wee bit. Soon to be fixed."
As the last of the new years were sorted, everyone awaited this year's speech from Prof. Dumbledore.
Ready to Eat...Almost!
Author: Albus Dumbledore
Date: 12-10-03 16:22
The Sorting Ceremony is completed. All the new students have been placed in their proper houses and are settled at their tables. There is much excited chatter as the newcomers are greeted by their housemates. Minerva whisks away the stool and the Sorting Hat, and returns to her place at my right hand. Three crystalline notes ring out from her water goblet. A hush falls over the assembly as I stand and approach the lectern at the front of the raised dais. With a wave of my hand, I ignite the candles, so that I might see to read my notes.
"Welcome! Welcome! Thrice Welcome... to another year at Hogwarts. I hope you have enjoyed your summer holiday, but now it is time to get back to work. A sound education is the foundation of success. You will be spending the next nine months in intense study of the various magickal arts. Ah! I see some frowns out there. Fear not! There will be time for friends and fun, and Quidditch, and Feasting... Always time for Feasting!
"However, before we bring on the food, I have a few announcements and introductions. First, let us welcome back, Professor Belladonna Sinistra, who will be returning to her Astronomical duties after an extended sabbatical. In addition to her teaching duties, Professor Sinistra will take on new duties as the Head of Hufflepuff House. Professor Kale, who was with us last year, has taken a position at the observatory in Chile. Also returning, is Professor Vector, in her capacity as teacher of Arithmancy. The younger (and prettier) of the two Professors Dumbledore, has returned to her studies in France. Also, Miss Trisha Spencer, whom some may remember as our teacher of Muggle Studies this last year, has also left us. Replacing her will be Professor Aaron Miller, coming to us directly from the Muggle World.
"Another new face you will be seeing around the Castle is that of Viktor Krum. Some of the younger students will surely remember him for the "Broomstick Clinics" which he held here this past year on Hogsmeade weekends. Viktor is on loan to us from the Bulgarian National Quidditch Team, and will be replacing Madam Hooch, who is taking a long-overdue sabbatical.
"And now, the announcement you have been waiting for. Your instructor in Defense Against the Dark Arts for this year will be... straight from the Department of Magical Law Enforcement... Deputy Head Auror, Michael Turin. The Ministry of Magic has kindly given temporary leave to Professor Turin, so that he may share his expertise in defensive spells and charms, and bring us up, to date on the latest of those magical devices known as "Dark Detectors". Please give a warm, Hogwarts welcome to all of our new staff members." When the cheers and applause die down, I continue with my speech.
"I also feel compelled to provide you with a few words of caution. As many of you know, there has been a sharp increase in Dark activity over the past several months. With one exception, the Hogwarts grounds are quite safe. As always, the Forbidden Forest is... well, FORBIDDEN! You should also be warned that Peeves has been rather busy over the summer, tossing things about as is usual with him. Should you happen across some unusual artifact or magical device, laying about the Castle, please report it to your Prefect, Head of House, or one of your Professors. Also, there are to be NO unauthorized visits to Hogsmeade. During the Official Hogsmeade Visits, we will provide appropriate protection for our students and staff." I glance over my notes and it seems that I have covered everything. I look out at all the anxious faces, and hear the anticipatory arguments of my own stomach. I raise my arms and say, "And so, without further ado, I shall pronounce the words you all have been waiting for. LET THE FEAST BEGIN!"
There is a faint shimmering along the tables. Bowls and baskets, plates and platters, and covered dishes filled with delectable delights, are magically transported from the kitchens below. There is a chorus of "Ooh's" and "Ahh's" as the tempting aromas interact with hungry students. Since no one is paying me the least bit of attention, I quietly return to my seat and begin to fill my plate. Minerva leans over to me and asks, "What is THIS, Albus? No Words of Wisdom?"
"Drat!" I reply. " I knew I had forgotten something! I suppose I can save them for another occasion," I whisper with a smile and a wink for my long-time friend. "Perhaps, the next Staff Meeting!"
Re: The Newbie
Author: Tranquillina Aemilius
Date: 12-10-03 18:23
Tranquillina stifled a laugh as Sora stumbled over his robes, and exchanged a glance with Roane. She smiled to herself as he took his seat, and let his head hit the table.
"Your robes giving you trouble, too?" Tranquillina piped up. "Mine have given me such grief! And my cat doesn't help either: He keeps attacking the sleeves!"
She hushed up for a moment, realizing she was talking a million miles an hour.
"I'm Tranquillina Aemilius," she added pleasantly.
Questions
and Answers
Author: Bronwyn Dewhurst
Date: 12-10-03 18:54
"So, what is wrong with your face?" Bronwyn asked suddenly, pausing to look up from the serving spoon full of mashed potatoes. She held it halfway between the bowl and her plate and studied Desi carefully.
"My face?" Desi asked bewilderedly. "What's wrong with it?"
"You've lost a lot of color since..." Bronwyn paused to think a moment, and meanwhile plopped the mashed potatoes onto her silver platter. "...since you went off to the prefect compartment on the train. What happened? Did you see a ghost or something?"
"No," Desi started warily, "I don't think so, anyway."
"Well, what did you see?" Bronwyn pressed.
"I don't know. Maybe I didn't see anything at all."
Bronwyn didn't look convinced but she dropped the subject anyhow and looked at the mountain of food on Desi's plate. Despite the fact the Hufflepuff prefect looked paler than usual, she had an enormous appetite! She forked a hefty piece of steak and swallowed it whole, then reached for her goblet of pumpkin juice.
Bronwyn stared in awe for a while, then looked to her own plate of a measly chicken leg and fluffy white potato.
"What's wrong with your stomach?" Desi asked suddenly, a smile breaking out across her face.
"What do you mean?"
"You're hardly eating anything, and this is a feast!" Desi grabbed a giant roll with large salt pieces on top and threw it at Brownyn.
Bronwyn caught it and grinned.
Giggling
Author: Roane Eternal
Date: 12-10-03 20:43
I covered my mouth to hide my giggles. Sora tripping on his robes seemed to break the nervousness I had been feeling since the beginning of the sorting. Patting him on the back sympathetically, I looked over at Tranquilla and grinned.
"Don't worry Sora. I think I might know a spell to fix that problem!" I reached into my robes and fumbled around for a moment, before realizing I had left my wand in my trunk. "Uhm, but it'll have to wait till later."
I blushed. "Great feast though, don't you think?"
