The Newbie
with Two Left Feet
Author: Annie Paul
Date: 12-11-03 01:07
When a first year called Sora was called the hat proudly put him in Gryffindor. I clapped as this was announced and he went to take his seat. As he left the stool his foot got caught and he fell flat on his face tearing the hem of his robes. Getting up the hall filled with laughter as Sora, face red, took his seat, then he put his head down on the table embarrassed beyond belief.
As he sat there two other new arrivals did their best to console him. As the ceremony ended and the familiar tone of Professor McGonagall's water goblet filled the air and soon Professor Dumbledor made the yearly announcements, including the one that expressed that the Forbidden Forest is still FORBIDDEN! After the announcements were made the feast began and the hall filled with all sorts of chattering and eating.
Sorted and
Stuffed
Author: Nick Stokes
Date: 12-11-03 05:39
Nick had watched the sorting take place after he's been sorted himself. When the little kid tripped on his robes Nick snorted with laughter. As did a lot of other Slytherins.
A girl with an eye patch leaned over and complimented Shadowshade. She said she had a hawk and her name was Pirate.
"Coz of the patch right?" Nick grinned pointing at his own eye. She turned to look at something else.
Nick shrugged and leant on his fist watching the bearded wizard make a speech.
"Dumbledore...Griffindore," he thought to himself. "I wonder if anyone's noticed that."
The feast appeared and Nick ate this and that. After he'd eaten all he wanted he commenced throwing peas at the next table...
Re: Giggling
Author: Sora
Date: 12-11-03 18:14
Sora gave Roane and Tranquillina a smile. "Yeah, it is! I don't think I've had anything this good in my life!" he said as he loaded his plate with anything he could reach. Trying to find conversation, Sora looked at his ripped robes. "I didn't know that there were spells to fix things... but coming from a non-magic family, I have a lot to learn huh?"
Roane shrugged and smiled, Sora rubbed his nose. "Well, I'm glad my clumsiness was able to make someone laugh," he said with a smile.
Feasting
Author: Isolde
Date: 12-11-03 18:21
Isolde and Pyrrhus sat side by side at the Slytherin table, and Alexis and Devo sat across from them. They were all conversing about what they did over the summer holidays and what life as a sixth year NEWT student would be like. Of course, Quidditch was a popular topic as well. Slytherin, once again, had the advantage over the other Houses with the most returning players. In fact, only two spaces were free...and Devo was hoping to claim one of them.
"If we lose the Cup again this year, I'm going to scream," Isolde said. She had aspirations of playing professional Quidditch, and really hoped to win a school title at least once before graduation.
The others nodded in agreement.
"So, what do we think of the new Slytherins?" Pyrrhus asked, glancing down the table where the new students were sitting.
"I've met one of them, the sixth year transfer and our new roommate," Devo said. "She seems nice...well, you know. In a completely Slytherin kind of way."
Isolde and Alexis craned their necks to take a look at Alicia. "Guess we should go introduce ourselves," Isolde said, "especially you, since you're a perfect prefect now." She grinned at Alexis.
Re: Giggling
Author: Tranquillina Aemilius
Date: 12-11-03 19:34
"Well, I'm glad my clumsiness was able to make someone laugh," Sora smiled.
Tranquillina and Roane laughed. Tranquillina thought for a moment about Sora's non-magical family, decided it'd be a good conversation-starter, and began to refill her plate.
"My father's a muggle," she commented, "but my mother went to Hogwarts---Gryffindor." She smiled here. "How about you Roane?"
From Year
to Year...
Author: Prof Minerva McGonagall
Date: 12-12-03 00:39
A new year... Officially started! Five new Gryffindors! My eyes scan the new students, getting acquainted with the others at the table. But then, slowly, I look over to the Slytherin table. Yes, I think to myself, as I fold my hands tightly in my lap, they too had only 5 new first years... But the transfer students... All three when to Slytherin, bringing the total to 8! What could this possibly mean?
As Albus begins his speech, my eyes still look intently on the 3 transfers, though my ears listen closely to the calm, perfectly spoken words that I have learned to expect from my dear friend. I will be eager, though, after the feast, and when the students are all in their proper dormitories, to speak to Albus about this strange coincidence. All three! My Goodness!
As the feast begins, and the students all begin to talk among themselves, I lean over and calmly say, "What is THIS, Albus? No Words of Wisdom?" Near delighted to point out a variant in his normality...
Albus smiles brightly, and winks, his eyes bright and twinkling. "Drat!" I reply. "I knew I had forgotten something! I suppose I can save them for another occasion. Perhaps, the next Staff Meeting!"
A smile nearly crosses my face, most unexpectedly. I curtail it before any outward sign could be seen. Such a tease! And, as always, still predictable, reliable Albus!
As he sits, he takes up his goblet and raises it, his eyes still bright. I bring mine and meet it half way. The glasses chink softly. "To another wonderful year at Hogwarts, Professor McGonagall!"
"Another year..." I reply, and then slowly drink. It is good that things are still running smoothly and predictably, with very few strays from the path.
A Burn in
the Arm...
Author: Angelina
Date: 12-12-03 04:53
I was pleased that Gryffindor got five new first years but my arm began to burn again. I knew trouble was brewing and that eight new Slytherins (that includes the new transfers) worried me. I noticed it seemed to concern Professor McGonagall as well as some of the other students.
Picking up my goblet with a shaking hand I tried to drink but to no avail, so I switched hands hoping no one noticed my little problem. I closed my eyes and tried to concentrate to calm the burn and it helped a bit. As I opened my eyes I noticed Madam Pince was looking at me. "You all right dear?" She asked and I nodded. "Fine, just a slight twinge, nothing serious." She nodded and I listened to Professor Dumbledore's speech. I too noticed there was no little charming quips that he usually said at the end of his speech and I guess Professor McGonagall caught it as well and whispered to him as he smiled.
Passing the
Time
Author: Nick Stokes
Date: 12-12-03 06:04
Nick grew bored at flicking peas at people. It was fun at first, a pea would hit them in the back of their head, they'd turn round and he'd be deeply engrossed in petting Shadowshade. Sometimes they didn't even notice the pea and it would nestle in their robes for them to find later.
But eventually it failed to amuse him and he looked for other things to do. Since the dish of peas was near to him he tried to think of other pea related activities he could pursue. When the Slytherin next to him turned away to speak to someone else Nick carefully poured a spoonful of peas onto their dinner. They didn't notice at first and ate a couple, then turned away again to continue a conversation. Nick managed to pour two more spoonfuls of peas onto their plate. Returning to a normal position by the time they turned round. They stared in confusion at the mound of little green veggies in front of them. Nick stroked Shadowshade and avoided catching their eye.
That was boring now too.
He decided to use his imagination, it never failed him when he had nothing better to do. He stared long and hard at Professor McGonagall, imagining various hats on her head. They got so ridiculous in form and colour that he couldn't help chuckling with mirth.
This should pass the time...
What a Bore
Author: Nora
Date: 12-12-03 07:14
Getting bored with the chatter in the Great Hall and the food in front of me (which I had eaten none of) I stood slowly and wobbled a bit on my feet, my head was spinning and the room became rather hot. Suddenly I fell forwards, my head hitting the table quite hard. Everyone turned to gaze at what had made that awful bang, but I didn't move...I just lay on the floor, unconscious...
Eating Carefully
Author: Roane Eternal
Date: 12-12-03 08:14
I was about to take a big bite of mashed potatoes, when Tranquillina asked her question.
"My dad went to Hogwarts too. He was a Hufflepuff. And my mother..." I shrugged. "Uhm, well, I assume my mother was magical. I'm not really sure. Speaking of parents, I wonder what dad will think having a Gryffindor in the family!" I grinned.
About to resume eating, a loud *bang* from the Slytherin table startled me from my dinner.
Berlin, Germany:
Relapse
Author: Ethan Somerset
Date: 12-12-03 14:50
An orange glow stretched across the horizon as the sun slowly set and as a purple and black canopy started to cover the earth. A few stars sprinkled the sky, and the moon was already out and shining brightly. Summer was nearing its end, and soon autumn would be there.
Ethan whistled as he walked through a small, charming middle-class neighborhood in a wizarding sector of Berlin. He had a house there, a small cottage tucked away behind and beneath an unruly, overgrown garden. It was his temporary residence while on duty in Germany's capital city. The true owner of the home, an elderly wizard over one-hundred years of age, spent most of the year in sunny Italy. His house was often made available to the traveling wizard, from families on holiday to working wizards in the country on business for a lengthy period of time and unwilling to spend all of their free days in a stuffy hotel room.
Upon entry of the home, Ethan deposited a sack of coins onto the small, kitchenette table and fished his wand from his robe pocket. It, too, joined the coin purse on the table, while Ethan went to rummage around for something to drink. As he pulled a glass from one of the overhanging cabinets, he thought about the offer he made Kep-Tian earlier that afternoon.
Taz-Marah, former ally of Kep-Tian turned enemy, the woman who had nearly killed Kep-Tian in Memphis last spring, and the only person Ethan had ever killed (aside from casualties during his service as an auror), apparently hid a stash of valuable dark arts materials somewhere in Berlin. Kep-Tian longed to recover these treasures and present them to Lord Voldemort with hopes the Dark Lord would finally induct him into his circle of Death Eaters.
Ethan filled his glass with water and took a sip, when suddenly an odd sensation overcame him. He raised his free hand to his head, pressed his fingertips against his temple and squeezed his eyes shut. An image of Taz-Marah's lifeless form flashed into Ethan's mind. He dropped the glass of water and it shattered into pieces at his feet. He could hear his own voice shout, "Avada Kedavra!" and see the flash of green light as Taz-Marah's life was taken from her.
He swayed suddenly and crashed to the ground, unconscious.
Visiting a
Friend
Author: Bill Weasley
Date: 12-12-03 15:09
Bill climbed the steps to Briar's residence over the bakery and knocked on the door. He wanted to surprise his best friend with a gift for her baby, and knew she had recently decorated a nursery for her upcoming arrival, which Bill had yet to see. He knocked again when she didn't answer and checked the time on his watch.
Briar opened the door and smiled when she saw Bill. "Bill! What a surprise. Come in!" She opened the door a bit wider and moved back to allow him entry.
"Thank you. I wanted to swing by earlier, but you know how things go." He waited for her to shut the door behind him before handing her a small, violet gift bag. "A gift for your baby," Bill said, smiling.
A brilliant smile spread across Briar's face as she accepted the present. "Oh, Bill. You shouldn't have..."
"But I wanted to." Bill smiled and indicated for her to look inside the bag.
She pushed the matching violet paper aside and pulled out two very small, yellow knitted booties. "Oh, Bill! They're so adorable! Thank you!" She stretched out her arms to give Bill a hug, and Bill embraced her warmly before brushing a kiss across her cheek.
"You're welcome. With cooler weather upon us, I think your beautiful child will need something warm on his or her feet! Now, let's see this nursery you've created!"
A Toast from
the Host
Author: Albus Dumbledore
Date: 12-12-03 17:25
We raise our glasses to another fine year at Hogwarts. My thoughts tend to drift as we sit, side-by-side, surveying the students. Minerva and I have been together, I muse, since 'Ancient Runes' were not nearly so ancient. I steal a glance in her direction, taking in her prim profile. Some people grow old when they have accumulated a certain number of years. I prefer to think that we both have 'aged' rather gracefully... somewhat like a good wine. The two of us just keep getting 'better'! In truth, I think we are good for each other. She is quite conservative in everything she says and does. I, on the other hand, tend to be a bit on the liberal side, especially when it comes to the students. Each of us provides 'checks and balances' for the other.
Leaning in her direction, I whisper, "Do you have the 'troublemakers' marked, yet?" A slight quirk at the corner of her mouth tells me that she has. "That new Slytherin will bear watching... The one with the eye-patch and the swagger in her walk. She's hardly touched her food at all!"
My mouth has not yet closed when the young lady in question, stands and faints, striking her head on the table as she slumps to the floor. Madam Pomfrey, who has been chatting with Hagrid at the end of the table, jumps up and goes to see what can be done for the lass.
Wide-Eyed
Author: Mallory
Date: 12-12-03 21:24
I sat at the Hufflepuff table between Duncan Day and Estella Primrose, who had been sorted before and after me respectively. We exchanged information about our families while we ate and looked around the Great Hall with awe. I just couldn't believe everything I was seeing.
I couldn't even believe what I saw when I stepped off of the train and onto the platform at Hogsmeade Station. There, towering above us, was Hogwarts Castle in all its glory. I think I had to pinch myself a few times, because I really thought I was dreaming.
We were herded to this giant (yes, giant!) named Hagrid, who seemed really kind and gentle contrary to what I had learned from Jack and the Beanstalk. He led us to a lake where a bunch of row boats were waiting for us on the shore. We climbed inside, with only four of us to a boat, and I noticed there weren't any oars! Imagine my surprise when the boats magically glided across the surface of the lake.
It was really dark, but I'm almost positive I saw something HUGE in the water. I'll have to enquire about this later. Anyway, we got to the other side of the lake and were guided inside where we met a rather stern-looking witch named Professor McGonagall. She gave us the low-down on what Hogwarts is all about and then we were herded into the Great Hall, where we marched down the center aisle while hundreds of students and some other staff watched us intently. It was very nerve-wracking.
It was also very cool, because at someone's gentle prod and indication, I looked up at the ceiling and marveled the night sky. Someone said it's enchanted. I guess it must be, because I've never seen anything like it before.
We were stopped along the front, where Professor McGonagall brought out a stool and a ratty old hat. I looked dumbly at it, wondering what the big deal was. Then, it started to sing. When it finished singing (how weird is that?!), the professor called out our names so that we could be sorted.
I was sorted into Hufflepuff, after the Sorting Hat (aptly named!) picked my brain for a bit. Four others joined me at the table, where we were welcomed by some older students. After the Sorting Hat finished sorting, a wizard with a long white beard rose from his throne and gave a speech. I guess he's the principal.
I later learned he's Professor Dumbledore, Headmaster of the school. Some of the older students pointed out the other teachers sitting up front, but I've already forgotten all of their names. Guess I'll get to know them all when classes start tomorrow!
I was just about to ask someone what subjects we'll be taking, when the second year sorted into Slytherin, the one with the eye-patch, passed out at her table. The school nurse hurried over to tend to her, while everyone else stared. "Do you think she'll be okay?" I asked Duncan.
"I dunno."
"Madam Pomfrey's the best there is," an older student reassured us. I guess I'll have to take her word for it.
Grassy Knoll
Author: Sidi Ross
Date: 12-13-03 05:40
Sidi took her hot chocolate and went back upstairs just in time to administer Adam's medication as he just started another siezure in his sleep.
She was worried. The clusters were getting far too frequent. She was glad she had made an appointment with Adam's Neurologist in London and was able to get in quickly. They would leave on the train tomorrow.
But why were they happening? Yes the move to Hogsmeade was stressful but it certainly wasn't any more stressful than a lot of other things he had dealt with in his life. She sat in bed trying to think of what to tell the neurologist. She laughed thinking what he'd say if she told him the truth. She'd probably end up in a mental hospital.
It suddenly dawned on her. It wasn't the stress that started his difficulty. It was the magic! Adam had started playing with his power in the shoppe. He hadn't told her. The harmless practical jokes he had learned he could do had to be the cause of the clusters. But how do you tell a neurologist that? She sincerely doubted that now when he was finally accepting the magic in his life that he'd not use it. She didn't think it was possible. It wouldn't be natural.
Why would his body reject a natural part of itself? It would be like your body rejecting its own heart or lungs and trying to stop them from functioning. It just didn't make sense. Her next thought gave her goosebumps. Had someone taken steps to hide the fact he was a wizard all his life by means of a potion or a spell? Could his many illnesses actually be an effort to stifle or kill any magic he possessed? Was it possible?
Adam's family were muggles. Could it possibly be that they were not? His father was certainly not a warm and friendly person but did that make him capable of handicapping his own son? A man who's lust for money and power as great as his would do anything but being a wizard would increase that wouldn't it? There would not be no sane reason for a man like him to banish magic from his life. That would certainly be counter productive.
She laughed. Adam had epilepsy. He had it all his life. She was making a big conspiracy out of nothing. She lay down an made a mental note to keep away from any grassy knolls in London and again fell asleep.
Snickers and
Salts...
Author: Prof Minerva McGonagall
Date: 12-13-03 11:49
Professor Dumbledore leans over to my direction. With a slight tilt of his head, he asks, quietly, "Do you have the 'troublemakers' marked, yet?" I squeeze my lips together, raising one eye brow. Indeed, I have a few of the new students and transfers are first and foremost in my mind. Before I speak, Albus continues. "That new Slytherin will bear watching... The one with the eye-patch and the swagger in her walk... She's hardly touched her food at all!"
I barely have time to nod slightly, when the young lady stands, stagers slightly and falls, hitting her head sharply on the table before her. A general outcry arises from the entire hall, and then everyone falls silent, staring. Madam Pomfrey, the school nurse, rushes over to the fallen girl.
I stand, nod at Albus, excusing myself from the table for a moment, and walk towards the Slytherin table. As I near the table, I hear a snicker from one of the students. I stop, sharply, fixing the young man in my stern gaze. "Now is not the time for fun and games, young man." He holds my eyes for a few moments, and then looks down. This young man seems to be unaccustomed to being caught off his guard, and my words were apparently unexpected. I continue on, without a word, though I mentally note to keep a close eye on Nick Stokes, our new 7th year Slytherin.
Madam Pomfrey has pulled a bottle of smelling salts from her robes and is holding them near the young womanÕs nose. The girl moans softly, the harsh salts bringing her around. "Madam Pomfrey, what do you suppose...?"
The skilled nurse looks up at me with her calm, cool regard. "I fear our young lady has not touched her meal! It has made her weak."
Madam Pomfrey motions to a couple of prefects. "Let us take her to the hospital wing, where I can tend to the bump on her head. She be fine, Professor McGonagall. I will send word when the young lady is ready to rejoin her classmates."
I nod, and watch the prefects take the girl out of the Great Hall, Madam Pomfrey leading the way. Though deep down, I can't help but wonder if there is more to this sudden dizziness that caused the young lady to fall, hitting her head in the process. Curious...
Meeting the
New Gryffindors
Author: Hermione Granger
Date: 12-13-03 19:26
Hermione sat at the Gryffindor table with Ron, Harry, Ginny and Majandra. They were near the front of the Great Hall, where the new students took their places after the Sorting Hat shouted out, "GRYFFINDOR!" Hermione and Ron, Head Girl and Head Boy respectively, had yet to make their proper introductions to the new Gryffindors, as they were all enjoying conversation amongst themselves.
When the opportunity finally presented itself, Hermione leaned over to the young students and greeted, "Hello! I thought I'd introduce myself. My name is Hermione Granger and I'm a seventh year. I'm also Head Girl, so if you ever have any questions or have a problem, please don't hesitate to find me."
"And I'm Ron, Ron Weasley. I'm also a seventh year, and I'm Head Boy. Nice to meet you all." He smiled broadly at the first years.
Hermione went on, "Let me see if I remember your names. You," she looked at a girl with reddish hair, "are Tranquillina, am I right?"
She nodded and smiled.
"And you," she turned to the other girl. "are Roane, Roane Eternal."
"That's right," the girl said, and she also smiled.
"And you're Sora," Hermione finished, shooting a friendly grin at the clumsy boy. "Welcome to Gryffindor, all of you."
By now, a pair of the Slytherin prefects were escorting Nora and Madam Pomfrey to the Hospital Wing...
Re: Meeting
the New Gryffindors
Author: Tranquillina Aemilius
Date: 12-13-03 20:06
Tranquillina was about to comment on Roane's answer, when a Slytherin fell to the floor unconscious. She stared in that direction, wondering if the student would be O.K.
There was suddenly another presence by her side, and she looked up.
"Hello! I thought I'd introduce myself. My name is Hermione Granger and I'm a seventh year. I'm also Head Girl, so if you ever have any questions or have a problem, please don't hesitate to find me." Came a Gryffindor voice.
"And I'm Ron, Ron Weasley. I'm also a seventh year, and I'm Head Boy. Nice to meet you all." Ron smiled at them.
Tranquillina smiled at them both. Hermione and Ron...Yes, she knew of them...Harry Potter's friends, no?
"Let me see if I remember your names. You are Tranquillina, am I right?" Tranquillina smiled brightly, surprised that Hermione had remembered her name, and nodded. Hermione proceeded to check the names of the other Gryffindor 1st years as well.
"Welcome to Gryffindor, all of you!"
"Thanks," Tranquillina replied heartily. "I shall have to take up your offer----coming to you with questions I mean!"
B is for Baby
Author: Briar Rose
Date: 12-13-03 20:15
Briar carefully folds the yellow booties back into their box, grabs a key off a hook by the door and motions for Bill to follow her. "The nursery is the only room at the new house completely done. I still can't make up my mind on some things for each of the other rooms," she says with a light laugh.
As they walk to where the old, burned remains of the Burnshire house have now been replaced by a charming, thatched roof, larger cottage, Briar once more thanks Bill for the gift. "The booties being yellow is absolutely perfect. When you see the nursery, you'll know what I mean. What do you think of the girl's name Grace? Or Alexander for a boy?"
Bill looks as though he's carefully pondering Briar's question. At length he sagely replies, "I think William is an excellent name for a boy. Or Charles. Better yet, William Charles. For a girl, I think something along the lines of Willa or Wilhemina or Charlotte are superb. And of course, a boy named William can be called Will or Bill or Billy. In fact, a girl named Willa or Wilhemina could also be called Billie.. that's with an i e ending. Oh, and there's Charlene for a girl. Both Charlotte and Charlene could be shortened to Charlie... "
A few minutes later when Bill holds open the gate and the two stroll up the cobblestone path to the front door, he has Briar giggling at the numerous variations of William and Charles he's managed to think up on the short walk to the house. Briar unlocks the door and entering, directs Bill to the right and down the hall to the nursery.
Bill enters a room with a large bay window that during the day allows the room to be well lit with natural light. The walls and ceiling are painted a soothing green with random splatters of festive yellow. All the furniture is green, yellow, and white. "Yep, I do see what you mean by the booties for Billy or Billie matching the room perfectly!
Rolling her eyes at his reference to Billy or Billie but nonetheless laughing, Briar invites Bill on a tour of the rest of the house.
Prefect Duties
Author: Draco Malfoy
Date: 12-13-03 20:43
Santhea looked positively furious. She distanced herself from Draco at the Slytherin table and glared at him if he happened to gaze in her direction. Draco glared back, angry at her for no other reason than the fact she was mad at him. Childish, of course, but Draco wasn't about to fall onto his knees and beg Santhea to take him back--especially when the reason for her anger remained unknown.
He glared at Pansy, who sat nearby, knowing she and Santhea had words of some sort, but not knowing or really caring what was said between them. Pansy wasn't worth his time or the dirt on his shoe, having screwed the whole of Slytherin over once and having done nothing to redeem herself.
She smirked in response to Draco's glare and mouthed, "Loser".
Draco had to restrain himself from leaping over the table to pummel her with his fists. Forget his wand and any curses he could utter to remedy his anger, or even the fact that she was a girl. She had worn his patience thin long ago. He turned away from her just as one of the second years came crashing down onto the edge of the table.
Madam Pomfrey and Professor McGonagall rushed over to tend to the girl, Nora, and decided she should go to the Hospital Wing even after she was roused from unconsciousness. Two prefects were selected to escort them upstairs, Draco and Pansy.
Reluctantly, Draco rose from his seat and turned away from the table without giving Santhea a second glance. She was probably staring daggers into his back, if she was even looking at him at all. Pansy followed suit and followed behind Madam Pomfrey at Nora as they walked out of the Great Hall and took the marble staircase up to the first floor.
Little was said during the walk from the Great Hall to the Hospital Wing, with only occasional comments exchanged between the nurse and her patient. Draco kept his eyes straight forward, ignoring Pansy's attempts to get him to look her way.
Madam Pomfrey asked Nora to sit on one of the metal-framed beds and assessed the bump on the young girl's head. Then, she concocted some sort of tonic and asked Nora to drink it. It must have tasted awful, because the young Slytherin pulled a disgusted face.
Madam Pomfrey turned to the prefects. "Why don't you take her straight to the common room. The feast is nearly over and she could use some rest."
Draco and Pansy nodded and waited for Nora to join them.
