"So I'm to expect more of this then?", her voice, mellifluous and crystal clear, rang hushed in the velvety darkness.
Fynn nodded, smiled. He could hear her heart beating.
In the stone alcove, where the rushing footsteps of Hogwarts' passing students had forever echoed in cobwebbed vacancy, there they stood; moonlight serenading and revealing them. Fynn reclining into the concave hollow, Cho in his arms. He wouldn't have cared if Peeves or even Filch, Mrs Norris in tow, came storming towards them, torchlight glaring accusingly. Fynn ran his fingers through her hair, and in the darkness, he could feel Cho smile. Her hair was like the finest, rarest kind of silk, smooth and undulating. In their embrace, she felt warm and seemed to be perfumed with the natural scent of radiance and flowers. Holding her was like holding something extremely precious; she seemed celestial, yet she did not seem like anybody's possession, she was real, and special.
"You're a god-sent paradox," Fynn said, grinning, and kissed her again. And then, reluctantly, he stepped back from her, and drew his cloak swiftly behind him- part theatrically and part effortlessly. And then he lifted her hand, smooth and light in his palm, and kissed that softly.
"Shall we, milady?" Fynn said. He did not let her hand go, as they made their way back to the hall and the bright lights of everyone else's world ridged their shadows and eclipsed their own.
Nirvana
Author: Cho Chang
Date: 12-12-02 06:15
Cho's world was spinning. She was so close to him now, she felt the lines of his muscles under his school uniform. His musky scent enveloping her and making her feel truly secure for the first time since her father had died. Cho smiled as he ran a hand through her obsidian tresses, at this point she wasn't sure if she was daydreaming again or if this was really happening, so she pinched herself. No...this was not a day dream. Complete elation overtook her petite physique as her mind reeled. Cho tried to find words for him, but alas, he was inexplicable. How can you explain perfect imperfection?
"You're a god-sent paradox," Fynn said, grinning, and kissed her again. And then, reluctantly, he stepped back from her, and drew his cloak swiftly behind him- part theatrically and part effortlessly. And then he lifted her hand, smooth and light in his palm, and kissed that softly.
Her hand tightly clasped his, as though if she let go he would disappear. It took all of her concentration to remember to breath throughout this ethereal experience. Cho's head nodded forward at his question, mock pouting as she slowly came back down to earth, "Must we?" Cho reawakened as they returned to the entropy of the Great Hall. Aradia had moved to sit by Golbez so there were now two seats on a side of the table. The gentlemanly Fynn offered her a seat first before sitting down himself, their hands only apart for a matter of seconds. As they sat, Aradia and Golbez immediately began their inquisitions as to where the two had gone, Cho laughed and looked to Fynn, eyes locking, agreeing without words that what had just passed would stay between them.
Their little secret.
Waiting
Author: Marybell Devons
Date: 12-12-02 06:29
Finally! The first-years were done with and Prof. McGonagall would start the transfers. Thank goodness her last name was early in the alphabet! As she waits, Belle looks around behind her, noticing Cho and Fynn missing. Confused, she turns back around to face the others getting sorted. A little later, she sees them return, holding hands!
Belle claps her hands to herself, cheering in her mind, Yes! Cho has a boyfriend...Cho has a boyfriend... Belle giggles lightly, not that anyone would notice since they were as bored as she was at this long drawn out process. Oh well, it would be worth it if she got into Ravenclaw, she would be able to hang out with Cho and the others.
Finally Sorted
Author: Oreileah McCoi
Date: 12-12-02 06:59
Orei looked around and waited patiently for her name to be called, her last name was in the middle of the alphabet, so she had a bit of time to relax and think about what house she would be placed in. She was hoping for one of the other three houses, and trying to avoid Slytherin.
She heard an M name called, and looked at the boy who moved to sit on the stool and under the hat. She was next.
When McGonagall called her name she moved up and sat on the stool, placing her hands in her lap. She watched as McGonagall placed the sorting hat on her head.
Mmmm. Loyal, understanding, trustworthy....charming with a hint of mischief....you shall be in.... "GRYFFINDOR!"
She smiled and hopped off the stool when McGonagall removed the hat from her head. She headed straight for an empty seat at the Gryffindor table and said hello to a few that were seated near her at the table.
Soon her attentions were turned to the remainder of the sorting ceremony. It looked like only the older kids remained the transfer students, which means that hopefully they would be able to eat soon. She rested her elbows on the table and her head in her hands as she watched the rest of the sorting ceremony.
She said hello to the three other first years that were sorted after her into Gryffindor, they were Annie Paul, Tiger Ramesses, and Squizzlie Snaps. She smiled at them all before turning toward the remainder of the sorting ceremony.
Waiting and Watching
Author: Draco Malfoy
Date: 12-12-02 11:57
Draco sat between his usual two cronies, Crabbe and Goyle, and watched as the Sorting Ceremony droned on and on. Each new Gryffindor received a smirk and an eyeroll from him, while the new Slytherins were rewarded with the utmost praise and welcome. He leaned over across the table where Clara and Tempest were sitting and exclaimed quietly, "Slytherins are certain to take the cup this year. Check out our new recruits!"
Heads swiveled around to observe the newbies of the House, who seemed relieved that their portion of the Ceremony had ended. No longer did their eyes shine with the worry of not knowing what was to come.
Draco's lips curled to a grin and his eyes shifted to the Head Table. Snape's eyes raked over the Slytherin table and then focused back on the remaining students waiting to be sorted. Draco also observed that there were a couple of new teachers at the table. If they were anything like the rest of them, save the Slytherin Head of House, Draco wouldn't be impressed.
He tore his gaze away from the High Table and returned his focus to Professor McGonagall and the group of transfer students awaiting their fate. He hoped that at least one of them would be sorted into Slytherin House.
A Goodly Haul
Author: Prof Flitwick
Date: 12-12-02 16:33
"Oh my! Oh My!" I mutter to myself. I am so excited, I almost fall from my chair. Professor Fairchild looks at me with some concern, but I regain my balance and my composure. I make a few notes on a scrap of parchment.
This is the largest group that Ravenclaw has seen in several years. Eight of the twenty-five First Year's. Very diverse group. Very good mix, as well. Five boys... Three girls. Oh my yes! Very good!
I applaud vigorously as each new name is called. I can hardly wait to see where the transfer students will be placed. I already have my eye on a few of them but, of course, the Hat always makes the decisions. I see that each of our new housemembers is enthusiastically welcomed at the House table. Yes, I think this will be a very fine and interesting year for Ravenclaw.
At the Table
Author: Fynn Greenleaf
Date: 12-12-02 19:15
"What were you two up two??" Golbez asked, a twinkle in his eye.
Fynn and Cho exchanged glances. Their secret was safe between them- and didn't things seem so much more delicious, magical- didn't their own world seem so much more twinkling and elusive, when it remained undisclosed? Still, a cheeky silence pervaded the table. Curious faces peered at them. Cho shifted in her seat, smiling but slightly uneased. Quickly, Fynn grinned (the same smile he gave teachers if he was late for class) and replied:
"We went to check on our owls. I really missed Daedulus, and Cho really missed Irethas. Say, did I tell you of the time when...." and so the conversation carried on, smooth and without a hitch, save for an occasional giggle from Aradia and a wink from Golbez, from time to time. Mid-conversation, and unbeknownst to everyone else, Fynn had taken Cho's hand again, interlacing his fingers with hers. It felt like he was carrying bliss in his palm- bliss in the warmth of her hand, in the light in her eyes- which looked towards him, on occasion, and in her smile, sweet, almost shy, yet confident at the same time. A paradox; a mystery which wasn't a mystery, and which Fynn felt he, in some way, understood.
Interesting Information
Author: Voldemort
Date: 12-12-02 19:21
I listen to Lucius, as he tells me this new most interesting piece of information, courtesy of a recent Durmstrang graduate...
"This will need to be investigated for accuracy, of course." I am confident of its accuracy, but after being deceived once by the nuisance head auror, I am not so quick to rush into action.
"Investigate this claim, Lucius. If it is true, contact the informant and bring her here. If not, deal appropriately with the girl. I believe this to be reliable, but we had better be certain this isn't another clever trap. If this is true, find those who betrayed me and bring them here to be dealt with appropriately."
Lucius nods his consent.
"Good. One more thing before you attend to this. What is the atmosphere at the ministry? Has the chief auror been causing any problems?"
"SUURE!" I scoff at the story of visiting the owls. "You have only just arrived and you're wondering about mail?" Golbez and I both laugh, and even Sykra manages to break out of her daze to giggle for a second. Fynn, with all his charm, expertly changes to subject to stories of his past mischief making. Fynn, Cho, Golbez continue to giggle, anticipating the new year. I have to admit that I am happy for Cho. After Cedric (who I only know about by reputation) was killed by Voldemort, it's good to see her in love (I'd say again, but I wasn't a student here at the time).
"Look at all the new Ravenclaws! The cup has our name on it for sure this year! And the quidditch cup!" I promptly begin the introductions.
The Sorting Ceremony
- Part III
Author: Minerva McGonagall
Date: 12-13-02 00:34
Minerva McGonagall rolled up the parchment of first year names and tucked it back inside her robes, then pulled out another parchment with the transfer names on them.
"We have a number of students who have transferred to Hogwarts this year, just as we did last year. I trust you all will welcome them with open arms just as you have our new first years tonight." McGonagall's eyes surveyed the sea of students in the Great Hall.
She looked back at the transfer students. "I hope you all were paying attention to how it is done. When I call your name, please come and sit on the stool."
The old witch adjusted her glasses and read. "Baine, Gabriel."
The tall, blonde-headed boy strode up to the stool and took a seat and Minerva placed the hat upon his head.
Hmm. A loyal friend, you are. Respectful of others. Outgoing and friendly...you shall be placed in... "RAVENCLAW!!!"
The boy hopped down from the stool and joined the Ravenclaw table shaking hands with the house prefect and the students around him. Minerva stole a glance at Professor Flitwick who was giving a mighty round of applause for the first transfer student.
She focused her attention back to the parchment.
"Devons, Marybell."
A girl came forward and sat upon the stool.
Ah, ha. Your brother is Orlando. I do remember that boy. Hmmm, you are friendly and spirited. A perfect... "RAVENCLAW!"
Minerva took the hat from the girl's head and she hopped down and joined Mr. Baine and the other Ravenclaw's who were cheering and hooting along with everyone else.
"Gainsborough, Aerith."
The girl took a seat on the stool and waited for the old witch to place the hat upon her head. When it was placed upon her head, Aerith heard in her ear:
A spirited, lively young girl. You are a brave... "GRYFFINDOR!!"
And she went to join the cheering, enthusiastic Gryffindor table.
"Grey, Rowena."
A lovely girl came up to the stool and took a seat. The hat was placed on her head.
Mmm, intelligent and respectful. Charming...kind... "GRYFFINDOR!!"
She slid off the stool and joined the Gryffindor table.
"Jameson, Diether."
A loyal and true friend to others...you'll be a great... "RAVENCLAW!!"
And Mr. Jameson, smiling, joined the Ravenclaw table.
Next was, "Lestrange, Adrian."
Oh, there is no question about you, boy. You will do great in... "SLYTHERIN!"
Mr. Lestrange joined the cheering Slytherin table.
"Luna, La."
A cheerful girl you are, a true friend. Caring. I shall place you in... "RAVENCLAW!!"
And she joined the Ravenclaw table.
Minerva adjusted her glasses again, then ran her finger down the list. "Masterson, Lawrence."
A sand blonde headed, tall boy took a seat upon the stool. The hat was placed on his head.
Hmm. I see. Hmm. You take things very seriously. You are sensible and loyal. You will be in... "HUFFLEPUFF!!"
"Riley, Emma." Minerva was reminded that Miss Riley's family owned the new restaurant in Hogsmeade.
The girl was lovely, and he hair hung just below her shoulders. Minerva placed the tattered hat on her head.
Ahhh. Loyal, truthful, and caring. Sprightly...ooooh, a tough one. You shall be in... "HUFFLEPUFF!"
Miss Riley slid from the stool and joined the cheering and clapping Hufflepuff table.
There were only two transfer students left. "Schultz, Mirai."
The hat was placed on her head. A kind and sweet young woman. Very fair in everything you do. The hat thought. You will be a wonderful... "RAVENCLAW!!"
And finally, the very last transfer student. The feast was to start as soon as she was placed. Well, that is after Dumbledore makes his start of term speech. Minerva smiled inwardly. Her old friend always had something encouraging to say to the new and current students.
"Ye, Remadi."
The almond eyed, dark haired girl took a seat on the stool.
Loyal and true, and more brave than you think! Hee hee hee. Young lady, you will be in... "GRYFFINDOR!!" The hat shouted.
Minerva took the hat from the girl's head and she scampered off towards the Gryffindor table. McGonagall rolled up the parchment and took the other one from her robes as she came around the table to take her seat. She put the parchment by the side of her chair and took a seat at Dumbledore's right side. Professor Flitwick was on her right.
The applause was beginning to die down.
"Very nice lot of them, Minerva. Very nice, indeed." Filius said as he ceased his applause.
McGonagall nodded. "Yes, this will be a good term."
The two professors smiled and then she turned to Dumbledore. "It is your turn, I do believe, old friend."
"Ah, yes. Of course. Wish me luck, will you?" Albus chuckled and was got ready to give his start of term speech.
The Last
Author: Remadi Ye
Date: 12-13-02 01:20
Remadi waits patiently as the first years are called. By the time Professor McGonagall starts calling the transfer students up, she's wishing that she had let Neko stay with her. She shifts a little as the other transfers slowly get sorted.
Luna. Sounds like she's Spanish, Remadi thinks. There are a lot of Ravenclaws, she also notes.
Finally it's her turn and she walks up to the Sorting Hat.
Loyal and true, and more brave than you think! Hee hee hee. Young lady, you will be in... "GRYFFINDOR!!"
Remadi stands up, smiling, glad to be in the same house that her mother was in. She walks over to the table at a quicker pace than usual, knowing that the feast will start once she's seated and Dumbledore has spoken. Once seated, she thinks about what the hat said.
More brave than I think, huh, she thinks skeptically. I guess we'll just see about that.
Just then Neko hops into her lap, unseen under the table. Remadi smiles happily as she strokes his smooth hair and waits for Dumbledore to speak and the feast to begin.
Rowena stood off to the side with the other transfers and watched the first year students being sorted into their houses. There was time yet to reflect before Minerva McGonagall called the transfer students to endure the same ritual. She had spent the train ride to Hogwarts alone–on one had come to claim a seat in her compartment and though she had been warned this might happen, it hurt nonetheless.
She had spent an hour at the spy hole into the library at her grandparents estate listening to family discuss her transfer to Hogwarts from the school in California. Finally her grandfather Sinclair had stepped in to end the discussion. "Peace, my dear Aoife! And Cadfael you are worrying your wife needlessly. Our girl is a lion cub from a family of lions and will do just fine. It shan't be easy at first but easy would only bore the girl." Grandmother Aoife had given her mate a sharp look but subsided and had rung for coffee. Cadfael has asked "A lion Father?" but not received an answer. By the time Rowena had reached her rooms her grandfather was seated in front of her fire with coffee for them both.
"Well Kitten" Sinclair began, "fix your coffee then tell me what sensitive information I must divulge first?" Rowena added cream and sugar to her cup then poured the rich Arabian coffee her mind bouncing between two thoughts. "I can't quite decide which is more important right off, the bit about lions or whether Mom, Dad, and Grandmother know you are here," she finally asked. "Lions–is that because we have been mostly in Gryffindor House?"
"Partly, my dear but in the main because the gift required to be an Animage runs in your Grandmother's line and tends towards large feline manifestations. My magical gifts are sufficient to make me a decent wizard but what made the Greys great mages were our gifts of observation and patience. We studied, practiced, and mastered whatever necessary to extend our powers to defend our homeland and the Light. I saw the same signs in your father when he was your age just as I saw them in Aoife when we were in school." Sinclair reached over and tipped Rowena's chin up so that their eyes met. "This is not a thing to take lightly or learn on one's own. Your animage potential is another reason to send you to Hogwarts where you can learn to safely master its ways. You will NOT Rowena Arwen Grey experiment with it on your own." As Sinclair rarely spoke so forcefully to her, Rowena had no trouble agreeing with him. Aoife's family, of course with all the red hair and green eyes among them were always boiling over with magic and impatience."
"As to you having trouble at school, many of the noble magical families tend to send their children to either very small private schools or hire personal tutors instead of sending their offspring to the larger institutions. There are very students with titles or your income at Hogwarts save for one house so you must expect some resentment and possibly hazing at first. However, I expect between your quidditch talents and your roommates you will overcome these obstacles in time." Sinclair smiled at his granddaughter and refilled his coffee cup.
"You're talking about Slytherin House and 'You-know–'"
"Voldemort. At times one must say his name, dear heart. I was an excellent potions student in my time and Professor Snape is quite gifted, you will learn a great deal from him. Because of your position in the Muggle world and your lineage (not withstanding your dear mother) I expect some sort of overture from young Slytherins. And that is another reason to send you to Hogwarts, it is the safest place for you right now."
"Grey, Rowena."
Professor McGonagall's voice brought her back to the present and Rowena walked up to the stool and took a seat. The sorting hat was placed on her head.
"Mmm, intelligent and respectful. Charming...kind..." the hat mused for a moment then shouted "GRYFFINDOR!!"
Relieved she slid off the stool and joined the cheering Gryffindor table. Rowena smiled tentatively at the new faces before her and then froze at the sight of one a few seats away--Harry Potter.
Lawrence waited anxiously for his name to be called once McGonagall began calling the names of the transfer students. Every once in a while he turned his gaze to Vera, who was still saving a seat for him next to her. Finally when his name was called he moved up to sit on the stool.
McGonagall placed the sorting hat on his head, and he waited patiently as the hat decided where he would be placed...
Hmm. I see. Hmm. You take things very seriously. You are sensible and loyal. You will be in... "HUFFLEPUFF!!"
Lawrence smiled and nodded slightly to McGonagall as he rose and headed straight for the seat that Vera had reserved for him. He smiled as he sat down next to her.
"I don't think this year could be any better." he said with a smile as he took her hand in his under the table. They both cheered when Emma Riley was sorted into Hufflepuff as well. After the last few students were sorted, all eyes rested on the head table. Lawrence felt Vera squeeze his hand lightly, and he turned to offer her a soft smile.
~Yes this would be a good year!~ Lawrence thought, he had a great girl, he was doing what he did best, continuing his education, but there was a sadness that hung over the young man despite the joy that this feast held. He sighed hoping that Vera wouldn't notice.
"Something wrong Lawrence?" she asked, when she heard the sigh. He did his best to smile brightly and assure her that nothing was wrong, but he could tell that she didn't believe him. "I'll explain later. It's too happy a time to spoil it," he said, and turned his attention back to Dumbledore, as he began to speak.
Getting Raven Wings
Author: Coco Nutt
Date: 12-13-02 13:54
Coco hopped down from the chair and skipped over to the Ravenclaw table where she was nicely greeted. She claimed a seat and along with everyone else in her house cheered whenever another Ravenclaw was announced though Coco cheered loudest when Fritz was sorted into Ravenclaw as well. Coco had waved at him and he'd come to sit beside her, obviously pleased to be sorted into a house with someone he already knew.
Coco wished Orei had gotten Ravenclaw but listening to those around her, Orei got into a really great house. Apparently, the only bad house to be in is Slytherin. Coco's glad she didn't get sorted into that house because while most snakes are okay, they just aren't as easy to talk to as most other animals, like her dear, sweet Pea Nutt. Thinking of her beloved little Pea, Coco had slipped him out of her pocket so he could peer at all the wonderful goings on around them.
"Now, iffin only tha food wuld git served," Coco thinks, "Oi'm feelin' ah might peckish an' from tha looks o'it, there be others wot feel loike tha front o'their stomachs be greetin' tha backs!"
All of the new students have been properly "sorted" into their respective houses. Professor McGonagall rises and taps her water goblet for attention. When the hall is approximately silent, as near silent as the Great Hall ever gets, I stand at my place.
"Welcome to Hogwarts to all the new students, First Years and Transfers. And a warm welcome back to all of you returning students. I trust you have all had an interesting, and hopefully enjoyable summer. Now, it is time to get back to your schooling.
Before we begin our feast, I have a few announcements. First, there are a some changes in our Hogwarts staff. Your new instructor for Defense Against the Dark Arts will be Professor Ethan Somerset." I nod to Ethan, who stands and takes a brief bow. "Also, Professor Vector, our long-time teacher of Arithmancy, has been recalled to Gringott's Bank, to assist in a special project. She will be replaced by Miss Veronica Dumbledore, who also just happens to be my niece." Veronica stands, somewhat nervously, and nods a greeting to the assembly. "Furthermore, Professor Sprout will be on hiatus until magical medical research can find a cure for Isen Poivy! Professor Angelina Logan will be staying on as your Herbology teacher." Angelina stands to be recognized, and there is a round of polite applause from the hall.
I pause for a moment, taking a polite sip from my goblet. "And for those of you who have not been keeping up with the news, or have not looked around the Hall, Harry Potter has been returned to us, through no small effort of his own." Resounding cheers arise from the Gryffindor table, supported almost as enthusiastically by Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff. Slytherin is strangely silent.
"On a more somber note, I am saddened to report that one of our students is no more. One of our outstanding Hufflepuffs, Miss Kendra Beck, met with an untimely end while vacationing with her family in Bulgaria. May we please have a moment of silence, in memory of Kendra Beck." I bow my head and think of what that poor child had to face at the hands of those dark wizards. I also think of my granddaughter, Tennille, and how she also was taken by the forces of Voldemort. When I feel and appropriate time has passed, I look up and clear my throat.
Smiling at the wonderful and diverse collection of students before me, I open my arms and announce, "I have a few final words for you to think upon for this year: Hendiadys! Querulous! Flambeau! Bulge!" I pause to let these sink in, then continue with a soft chuckle, "And now... Let the Feast begin!"
Food!
Author: Cho Chang
Date: 12-13-02 19:48
Finally she felt whole and connected.
Cho glanced from Professor Dumbledore to Fynn mid-speech, the realization having dawned on her that Fynn had reached her on a subliminal level she had thought was gone or locked. Pearly whites flashed unhesitantly in her silent discovery and eyes drifted to Belle at the end of the table, making the best of being separated from her older friends before moving back to Dumbledore just in time for the word feast to ring in her ears. Cho pats the table in applause, unwilling to let go of Fynn's hand just yet, she squeezes it gently. As food starts being passed and so forth, she has to let go for a few moments, but that feeling remained.
That feeling deep in one's heart when a piece that was missing had been found or filled. A deep-seated contentment that would not easily fade no matter what. Conversation was soon silenced as famished Hogwarts students dug in to their wonderful food prepared by hard working house elves. Occasionally she stole glances at Fynn and Belle but mainly concentrated on guiding the food into her mouth. Her cheeks held a brighter glow, her eyes a sparklier twinkle, she felt all warm and fuzzy on the inside, to quote the cliché.
And They're Off
Author: Blossom
Date: 12-13-02 22:33
Blossom grins at Fred as they walk outside, wondering if it would be a bad first date thing to do if she were to insist on paying since she's the one who asked him out and not the other way around. Deciding she can bring it up later, Blossom instead gives Fred a reply about a restaurant.
"There's a great pizza place run by a witch from Chicago, A Little Pizza Heaven. Her pizzas are very much in the American Muggle style and quite good. The restaurant is tucked away between some Muggle establishments, much like The Leaky Cauldron is. It's over in Soho, so we can apparate, take the Floo Network, or if you're feeling really adventurous we could take the Tube."
Fred seems to contemplate then nods his head, "Sounds great! I can't recall ever having pizza before, American or otherwise. I do know what the Tube is though because my brother Bill's ridden it a number of times now. If you know how to get around on it, I say let's go for it!"
Blossom's reply is a brilliant smile and moving her arm so that Fred's hand is now entwined with hers, the two being to walk down Diagon Alley to The Leaky Cauldron. She'd been hoping he'd choose the method of transporation which take the longest because it give them even more time together.
By the time they reach the end of the alley and are walking through The Leaky Cauldron to exit into the Muggle world, Fred and Blossom have talked about both recently being out of school and Blossom encouraging Fred to tell her more about Weasley's Wizards Wheezes.
