Fred stammered, "Uh...ah...well...you see...erm...Sure!"
Idiot! Way to make an impression, Fred. He sighed deeply and tried again. "It's a pleasure to meet you Blossom. I've seen you around town, and I'm happy that I can finally put a name to your face." He smiled and added, "I'd love to go out to dinner with you but I insist that it should be my treat."
Blossom smiled, the rosey flush that had colored her cheeks all but gone. "Great. Are you free right now?"
"I don't see why not," Fred replied, smiling. "The shop's still open for a little while, but I'm sure George can cover for me. George is my brother, my twin brother actually."
"I know," Blossom admitted. "I've seen you both together a few times."
Fred chuckled and asked, "How did you know I was Fred and not George? We are identical, in appearance anyway."
Blossom shrugged, blushing slightly.
"Just took your chances, eh?" Fred supplied, grinning. "Well, let me go find my brother to let him know I've got a date tonight."
He smiled and left Blossom standing alone in the aisle. George was in the backroom unpacking a few boxes when Fred entered. "George," Fred said, getting his brother's attention. "Erm, can you cover the front for me? I've, ah, got a date tonight."
George blinked and stood upright. "A date?"
Fred nodded and jerked his head to the door.
George raised an eyebrow and stepped past his brother to see if perhaps Fred was making up the whole thing. "Oh, it's that girl. Finally got the nerve to ask her out, did you?" George asked, turning around to grin at Fred.
"Well, erm...not exactly," admitted Fred. "She actually did the asking."
George's eyes widened. "Whoa." He turned back around to peer at the girl. "What's her name?"
"Blossom," Fred answered. "She's American, I think. Can you cover for me?" he repeated, impatiently.
"Yeah, sure," George said. "Do you have time to introduce me to her?"
Fred nodded and walked with George to where Blossom was standing. She smiled when they both approached.
"Blossom, this is my brother George," Fred said.
"Pleasure to meet you, Blossom," George said, smiling.
"Likewise."
George grinned and joked, "Now, be sure and get my brother home at a decent hour. He has a curfew and I don't want to sit up late waiting for him."
Fred rolled his eyes. "Good-bye, George!" He took Blossom gently by the arm and escorted her out the door. "Dinner's on me, but why don't you pick the restaurant?"
Crowded
Author: Mirai Schultz
Date: 12-10-02 15:53
When they have arrived at the Great Hall, everything looked enchanted. From the floating candles to the bewitched ceiling, Mirai, Remadi, and Diether stared in awe at the presentation before them. They wait patiently with the other transfers as Professor McGonagall first sorted the first years.
Mirai craned her neck to see what the sorting hat looked exactly. She could only glimpse its pointed end when the first years wear it. She can't go the front either as there were lots of other students looking on, who were much taller than she is. Finally, she tugged on the hand she is grasping.
"What?" Diether mouthed as he glanced briefly at her before returning his gaze to the scene in front of them.
"I can't see," she answered.
He sighed. "What do you want me to do?"
She shrugged. "I don't know. Help me move towards the front?" she suggested.
"No can do, Mai," he said.
"Why's that?" she asked, frowning.
"You'd get left behind," he answered, smirking.
Mirai's eyes widened at his answer and she retaliated by pinching his arm.
"Ouch!" Diether said loudly.
Remadi caught this and whipped her head towards them. "What was that all about?"
Mirai just smiled sweetly at her before answering, "Nothing."
And before any other question was asked, the professor continued calling out names from her list.
Two of a Kind
Author: Shaquida Hannah
Date: 12-10-02 16:58
Shaquida was the first to be sorted (sister-wise). She couldn't help chuckling at the hat's response about mischievousness. When Quida was sorted into Griffindor, she grinned, clapped her hands and jumped off the stool.
Shay held out her hand and the two high-fived. Quida found two empty spots on the bench (knowing her sister would join her in the same house o'course).
Now it was Shaynan's turn. And when the hat shouted "GRYFFINDOR" Shay leaped to the floor and jumped onto the bench next to Quida. Hard as it was the twins sat and watched the rest of the Sorting Ceremony quietly...
Waiting
Author: Vera Delgety
Date: 12-10-02 17:26
Vera sat patiently waiting for Lawrence's turn to be sorted. She hated waiting, but she did. Meanwhile however, she watched the others being sorted. When Alanna Beck was sorted into Hufflepuff she sat opposite Vera. "Welcome to our family Alanna!" She greeted. The girl smiled and fived Vera's extended hand.
Next was Gabriel Garisson, then Silvia Karl. Silvia came to sit next to Vera, but she was saving a spot for Lawrence (just in case) so Silvia sat a space away. "Is Lawrence a first year too?" Silvia asked. "No, he's a fifth year transfer." Vera smiled.
"Ooooh...you two are," Silvia crossed her fingers. Vera laughed at this. "Yeah, his my boyfriend." Silvia grinned, then the two went back to watching the Sorting.
Anxiously Awaiting My Turn
Author: Lawrence Masterson
Date: 12-10-02 18:36
As Mrs. McGonagall called the first few names, he knew they were all first years. It seemed like it would be an eternity before she reached the transfers. He looked over his shoulder at Vera, who was seated at the Hufflepuff table. She motioned that she was saving him a seat, just incase. He had a one in four chance of being sorted into Hufflepuff.
He smiled at Vera, hoping that he was sorted into Hufflepuff. He offered a smile to the girl who was sitting in the seat next to the empty one Vera was saving for him. She smiled and turned her attention back to the large group of first years and transfers that still remained to be sorted.
His thoughts drifted as he waited for the remainder of the first years to be called, so that it would be the transfers turn to be sorted. He again turned to look over his shoulder at Vera. He hoped that the ceremony wouldn't take much longer. He wanted to find out what house he would be in. He turned his gaze back to Mrs. McGonagall and the head table.
And still waited anxiously for his name to be called.
Joining Family and Friends
Author: Bronwyn Dewhurst
Date: 12-10-02 18:38
When Bronwyn arrived at the Great Hall, most of the other returning students had already been there for some time. Nearly every available seat was taken, save for those up front for the new students. Bronwyn scanned the length of the Hufflepuff table and spotted Toby waving at her. He looked worried, yet relieved.
"Oh, Bronwyn!" he exclaimed, jumping out of his seat to embrace her. "You had me so worried when I didn't see you on the train. I thought you may have missed it." He kissed her forehead and helped her into her seat. "Are you all right?" he asked, after he had seated himself.
Bronwyn nodded slowly and sighed deeply. "Yeah, I'm okay. I'm sorry that I didn't find you on the train. I didn't mean to worry you. I ended up sharing a compartment with a new transfer student. She seemed pretty upset and lonely, so I decided to keep her company."
Toby smiled. "I'm glad. You've always been such a good friend to those who need it. The train ride was boring without you, though."
"Hey!" Hunter interjected, from across the table. "You had me to keep you company! You know? Your best friend! I know, I know. I'm not as pretty as Bronwyn, but come on!"
Toby grinned. Bronwyn smiled, too, and asked, "How are you Hunter? Are you all right?"
The dark-haired boy nodded, the smile from his face fading. "Yeah, I'm doing better. And you?"
Bronwyn nodded. In truth, she didn't feel any better, but she knew that Toby, Anthony, Ariella and young Alanna had to be suffering so much worse. She cast a glance at the boy sitting beside her and noticed that he was pensively staring at the surface of the table. Anthony sat next to him with a similar look upon his face, and Ariella, sitting across from him and next to Hunter had tears in her eyes.
Bronwyn gulped hard and tried to change the subject. "Do you expect Alanna will be joining us in Hufflepuff?"
Toby looked up from the table and smiled. "Without a doubt."
And so it was. When McGonagall called out Alanna's name, the young girl who looked so much like Kendra approached the stool with some trepidation and awaited her fate. "Hufflepuff!" cried out the hat, and Alanna came bounding over. Since there weren't any vacant seats next to her family, she climbed into one across from Vera Delgety.
The Beck family and Bronwyn and Hunter sent the youngest Beck warm smiles. After that, two more first years were sorted into Hufflepuff House, and before the night would be over, it was guaranteed that there would be more joining the family.
Nervous Beyond Belief
Author: Squizzlie Snaps
Date: 12-10-02 18:59
Squizzlie stood in line waiting for his turn to sit on the stool and be sorted. He was shaking all over. He couldn't help it! Even if he was being patient, he couldn't help but think about what house he was going to be sorted into... "Please don't put me in Slytherin." He thought to himself. He looked up to the staff table. The head of Slytherin looked mean...too mean. "Please don't put me in Slytherin, please don't put me in Slytherin, please don't put me in Slytherin!" he kept saying to himself.
He looked at Lawrence, who was staring at Vera, and looked up to Professor McGonagall.
I wish Felix was here on my head.
Sorting
Author: Fynn Greenleaf
Date: 12-10-02 22:44
"For love, all love of other sights controls,
And makes one little room, an everywhere."
-John Donne
One by one, the crowd of first years thinned, and the anticipation died down. So far, there were quite a lot of Hufflepuffs this year, and very few Slytherins. But the numbers would even out. What was Cho doing now? She was looking around the hall, opalescent with its magical candles, and frankly seemed rather listless. Fynn looked up and saw that Professor McGonogall was still busy with the sorting ceremony, and all the other teachers were engaged in their own rapport, some looking expectant to welcome new students to their house. It was the perfect time to sneak out- for a minute, maybe? Cho looked lovely. He could have sat there forever, looking at her. Meanwhile, Golbez was engaged in conversation with another Ravenclaw, and Cho was talking to Aradia.
Fynn looked up; ah, there was the sky, vast and wonderful, filling up the expense of the hall's ceilings and illuminating Hogwart's ancient eaves with celestial light. It seemed so perfect, and romantic. The poet in Fynn felt like leaving the hall, full of joy and a cheerful ambience as it was, for solitude and the magic of the open air. Or at least somewhere else. The house elves were probably up to their necks in preparing the feast. He had about five minutes. All he wanted to do was pop out for a bit. He got up from his chair. With the constant line of bustling, nervous first years, no one really noticed.
"Where are you going?" Cho asked. Fynn didn't really know. He smiled enigmatically, and a little mischievously. "No idea. Why don't you come with me?" Cho smiled back, and excusing herself, got up from the table. She walked to his side, saying softly, "I'm bored too. And very hungry." Fynn laughed. They walked quickly out of the hall. Fynn found what he wanted- a window under an arch of stone. It was just to the right of the brightly lit, bustling great hall, and formed sort of a concave in the stone. A favorite smoking place. Moonlight drifted in. Fynn's face was half lit and half hidden in old shadows. They were both half hidden, in shadows and the serenity of the true night, the stars winking and the wind dozing by.
"It's lovely," Cho said. Fynn smiled in agreement. Scurrying; food was being served really soon. They would have to get back. The evening sky was like a canvas of incandescent twinkling and trees, in a distance; Hagrid's hut a grey-plumed silhouette against the quiet. Just then, a shooting star. Fynn swore he saw it. It's temporal light blushed past Cho's face- and it happened quickly, almost inevitably- Fynn surprised himself as much as it probably surprised her. He'd gently taken Cho in his arms and his lips were on hers. There was magic in the air outside; sparks, or fireflies. It didn't matter. In that moment, nothing else did.
Wishes
Author: Cho Chang
Date: 12-11-02 05:11
Cho melted into his arms, which were the only support she had.
Her own upper limbs had found their way around his neck, surprised but welcoming the kiss. Cho's eyes slid shut, uninterested in ending the kiss but unromantically needing to breathe. She'd been holding her breath while she wished on the star and had been unable to catch it since he had so suddenly kissed her. Her body was alive, as though liquid fire was pulsing through her veins instead of blood. Cho hadn't been held or even kissed in so long, she'd almost forgotten how. Their lips part and she smiles up at him a new confidence and something hidden behind it lit in her eyes, "That's what I wished for..." referring to the shooting star.
Fynn grins, "Well it's my belief that you should be kissed well and often, by someone who knows how."
At this she laughed subtly, quirking an eyebrow, "So I'm to expect more of this then?" Fynn nods, silent, almost in a reverie or daydream it seemed. Cho smirks and hugs him, resting her head on his chest and sighing deeply, spry fingers delicately placed on his broad shoulders, rocking slightly with him.
Dreading the thought of this ending and reentering the loud din of the Great Hall.
Con-Sorting-um
Author: Coco Nutt
Date: 12-11-02 09:00
Coco's eyes had grown double in size at her first sight of Hagrid. Looking around, she was glad to see others were equally impressed (and a few seemed intimidated as well). The group of first years and transfers dutifully follow Hagrid down to a group of boats, a low buzz of excitement rising from the students' midst. After Hagrid made sure that there were no more than four students per boat, they set off across the lake to the impressively lit castle looming in the near distance.
Coco said nothing during this time, too busy burning every sight and sound into her memory. Once inside the school though, and met by the regal form of Professor McGonagall, Coco couldn't stop herself from addressing Pea. "Cor! Pea ya fink when Oi'm awl growed up, Oi'll be cuttin' sooch o'fine figure o' ah witch?"
Anything else Coco might have whispered to the tiny dog was put on hold as Professor McGonagall led them into the Great Hall. Coco's eyes, once more the size of saucers, takes in the enchanted ceiling, the four extremely long row of tables and a grand looking table at the front of the room at whose center sat the most distinguished looking man Coco had ever seen, just like someone out of a fairytale.
Coco committed the Sorting Hat's song to memory so that she could be sure to include it in a letter to Papa Wal then stood eagerly awaiting for her name to be called.
Sending off a Letter
Author: Viktor Krum
Date: 12-11-02 13:23
Viktor folds the letter, puts it into an envelope, carefully drips wax into a circle and using an embossed stylus, seals it.
After getting home from practice that evening, Viktor had sat studying the dates for Hogsmeade weekends, generously supplied to him by Professor McGonagall, and comparing those dates to his team's game schedule. Upon realizing that every Saturday set for a Hogwarts' Hogsmeade weekend was free from both a match and from practice, Viktor had begun turning an idea over and over in his mind. Finally deciding it was worth a shot, Viktor composed a letter to Madame Hooch offering to spend those Saturdays with the first and second years assisting them in flying and offering coaching in the finer points of Quidditch for those who were interested.
Viktor attaches the letter to the owl that had been patiently waiting for him while Viktor worked on writing the letter. After giving the owl a treat, Viktor sends it on its way, knowing that the worst that could happen is Madam Hooch would turn down his idea.
Decisions, Decisions
Author: Briar Rose
Date: 12-11-02 14:40
Briar sits on the floor of her flat, sketches of very dressy robes and of wedding dresses spread out before her along with numerous color block samples of various fabrics. Most of her attention is centered on the drawings of dress robes, trying to narrow down the choices to three. Those three, along with a narrowed down choice of color swatches, Briar will take over to the bookstore tomorrow so that Chyler can have a say in what she'll wear as the matron of honor at the wedding.
Unable to make a decision just yet on the drawings, Briar turns her attention to the fabrics. She fingers a deep, dark green silk shantung and thinks it would be quite becoming on Chyler. Briar sets it aside to keep, discards a pretty, pale yellow satin thinking it would make Chyler look washed out, and then puts two more in the keep pile, both soft to the touch velvets, one a crimson red and the other a deep, twilight blue.
About an hour later, Briar has narrowed the colors down to five, having added a very darkly regal purple velvet as well as another crimson but this time in the silk shantung. She's also managed to select three of the sketches for Chyler to choose from. Briar next gives her full attention to the wedding dress sketches as well as to the various fabric choices for it.
Tired from a long day of work and then hours spent making wedding plans and decisions, Briar ends up falling asleep on top of the wedding dress drawings and dreams of the actual big day.
Obtaining Information
Author: Lucius Malfoy
Date: 12-11-02 17:28
After an early supper at a fine restaurant in a wizarding section of Madrid, Narcissa apparates to a meeting with one of her social clubs. Lucius pops home long enough to change clothes then apparates to a very dark, little hole in the wall on the southwestern side of York. Already waiting is a young woman who graduated this past spring from Durmstrang. Eager to join Lord Voldemort's ranks, Radinka Fedorovskaya has wanted to show her loyalty by handing over information she believes the Dark Lord will be glad to obtain.
In hushed whispers, Radinka imparts her information to Lucius. He lets her completely finish before speaking, a sly grin on his face. "Well done, Miss Fedorovskaya. If this information pans out, you will definitely be hearing from us. Your background seems to be impeccable and proving your loyalty in this manner will ensure a place for you among our ranks. There may even be a reward for you if the Master is as pleased as I believe he shall be."
After shaking hands, the two go their separate ways. As Lucius apparates to Lord Voldemort's new stronghold, he gleefully thinks to himself, "A list of the whereabouts of several who betrayed Lord Voldemort, including Igor Karkaroff. This shall be bloody good fun!"
The stately young man wanders through the buzzing little town. Was it just this morning that the carriage had finally come for Hogwarts students living in Hogsmeade? He shook his head and yawned as he headed into the Three Broomsticks, the days had run together over the summer. James gets his food to go and, as usual, tips the waiter very well. Taking his steaming plate of hot food and mug of butterbeer out the door and to his apartment type abode.
He sits down at his outside table and puts his napkin in his lap, toasting to the air across from him. As he eats, his eyes wander to the lit spires of Hogwarts that can barely be seen in the distance. He hadn't attended wizarding school there, rather, in a little school in Ireland. James shrugs, no matter, he replays the note that Voldemort's little minion had brought him today, warning him that he'd better find his alliance soon. Bah, what trouble could James be to anyone? He was too all together uncaring about the outcome to be a benefit or detriment to anyone, or was he? It would have to be an issue over something he felt passionate about, and, truly, Voldemort could rule or not, he'd find his alliance with the winner.
Hurry Up Already!
Author: Pyrrhus
Date: 12-11-02 19:34
Pyrrhus couldn't wait for the sorting part of things to be over. He is starving! Also, Py's looking forward to gathering in the Slytherin common room with friends, getting to know the newest members of the house, plus snuggling with Isolde in front of the fire for awhile before it's time to bid each other goodnight. Also, Pyrrhus wants to give Clara and Tempest the silk robes Lia, Isolde, and he had bought for his cohorts in crime when in Japan.
Hearing another first year sorted into Hufflepuff, Pyrrhus rest his head on his hands and scowls. Rolling his eyes as the newest Puffball skips happily over to the join the other Powderpuffs, Py sits up and takes Isolde's hand in his, kissing the back of her soft hand. He slips one foot out of its shoe, deciding that massaging Isolde's shapely leg with his bare foot is far more entertaining than yet another dull ceremony.
Starving
Author: Amerah Patterson
Date: 12-11-02 20:47
I listen to the sorting, and cheer all the houses (save for Slytherin) and welcome the new Hufflepuffs. When Alanna is called I feel a pang of sorrow, however, it passes, after a while. My attention is wandering, due to hunger. The food from the train is not enough to sustain. Come on, I think. Hurry up.
The Sorting Ceremony - Part II
Author: Minerva McGonagall
Date: 12-11-02 21:33
"Lancer, Trey."
A tall boy made his way over to the stool and took a seat. Professor McGonagall placed the old and ratty sorting hat atop his head.
Oh, a fine boy you are. Spirited, fun-loving. He's your friend, eh? Well, then... The hat screeched, "RAVENCLAW!"
Mr. Lancer hopped off the stool and joined the cheering and clapping Ravenclaw table.
"Lounders, Katharina."
A lovely, auburn-headed girl came up to the stool wringing her hands. McGonagall nodded at her and placed the hat on the girl.
Hmmm, you shall be...
"HUFFLEPUFF!!" The hat shouted.
The next first year was "Manfic, Isaac."
"HUFFLEPUFF!!"
And then, "McCoi, Oreileah."
A beautiful young girl came and sat upon the stool. She put her hands in her lap and watched as McGonagall put the hat on her head.
Mmmm. Loyal, understanding, trustworthy....charming with a hint of mischief....you shall be in.... "GRYFFINDOR!"
Miss McCoi hopped down and joined the cheering Gryffindor table.
"Mortimer, Rollo," McGonagall read.
And he was sorted into "SLYTHERIN!"
Then, "Neilson, Bradley."
"RAVENCLAW!!"
Next came a rather different looking girl with bright orange hair. McGonagall blinked as she looked at this girl. McGonagall cleared her throat. "Nutt, Coco."
The girl came striding forward, grinning. She was a cute little girl, Minerva had to admit. Coco hopped up onto the stool and waited for the old witch to place the hat upon her head while swinging her legs a bit.
Bare feet! Minerva thought, suppressing a gasp. The poor girl. She set the hat on top of Coco's head and waited.
Well, look at you. A sprightly young thing you are. Loyal, too. the hat chuckled in Coco's ear. You'd be perfect in... "RAVENCLAW!!!"
Minerva removed the hat and watched the bare-footed girl scamper off toward the loudest table and take a seat.
"O'Toole, Olivia." The wrinkled old witch read and watched through her spectacles a curly, blonde-headed girl walk timidly up to the stool and take a seat. On went the hat.
A sweet thing you are. Kind and generous, you shall be put in... "HUFFLEPUFF!"
"Paul, Annie."
McGonagall put the hat on her head.
"GRYFFINDOR!!"
"Ramesses, Tiger."
"GRYFFINDOR!!"
Minerva looked at the parchment again. The long German name she'd practiced in her office was next. She took a breath and said slowly, but perfectly, "Schnackenpfefferhausen, Fritz."
The boy strode up to the stool and took a seat.
"RAVENCLAW!!"
Ravenclaw's table erupted.
"Snaps, Squizzlie."
On went the hat.
"GRYFFINDOR!!" It yelled.
"Vermandois, Viola," Minerva read, she was nearly finished with the first years. It would be transfer students, next.
"SLYTHERIN!!!" Called the hat.
The last first year ran down to her table and it was the time to sort the transfer students.
