Next term!

is coming soon!

I've been spoiled!

Today is a dreary wet day, and I've a bit of a cold. But look! Andromache Tonks has spoiled me!



The box is opened to reveal a lovely note and some very nice stitch markers and


And here's the haul


What an amazing spoiler! Peaches and cream in a sunny fun color, and the Opal sock in Dumbledore (squee!) that I'd been wanting. A handsewn bag (love the colors!) and a GORGEOUS crocheted bag. Tasty snacks include yogurt covered gummi bears and peppermint bark (love it), some personalized bookplates, and a long Addi lace for making two at a time socks/magic loop. And patterns, including Elphine which I'd been wanting to do, and toe up cast on and knitting two at a time sock info. And the Magic Mirror socks! I'd not seen that patt before but it looks like fun. And those beads - I'm looking forward to what those will become.

Thanks so much Andi!! You're the best. I've sent your Owl back to Portland.

Sad, unfortunate boy

Rufus says he beat me. The photo has no hands modelling the mitts. And we already know he's a lying liar. And we're supposed to trust him. I don't think so.

Interested in trying again? A rematch? Hermione's cable and bobble hat.
Are you "man" enough to bring it? Are you, Rufus?

My FO, headed your way. And there might be a slight enhancement to the mitts, but you'll have to wait and see, won't you?

And leave Tia alone. She doesn't deserve you.

Quidditch 6.3

The last Quidditch assignment of this term. Looking forward to the Snitch hunt on Sunday :)

1. Who was Tom Riddle Sr.'s girlfriend before Merope gave him the love potion?
b. Cecilia (a muggle)

2. What does Luna say floated into Harry's ear when he was in the train car that supposedly caused him to lose focus?
c. A creature called a Wrackspurt

3. How much do the primary Apparition lessons cost?
d. 12 galleons

4. What is Professor Merrythought's first name?
b. Galatea

5. What Hogwarts club was Eileen Prince captain of?
b. Gobstones Club

6. Who is head of the Goblin Liaison office?
b. Dirk Cresswell

7. Mrs. Weasley offers Fleur a goblin-made tiara for the wedding with Bill. What family member is currently in possession of the tiara?
a. Aunt Muriel

8. How many points does Snape take from Gryffindor for Harry's late arrival and muggle attire?
b. 70

9. When Profressory Slughorn first meets Hermione, he asks her whether she is related to Hector Dagworth-Granger. What society did Dagworth-Granger found?
d. The Most Extraordinary Society of Potioneers

10. Which of these describes Golpalott's Third Law?
d. The antidote for a blended poison will be equal to more than the sum of the antidotes for each of the separate components.

Muggle Studies Field Trip

Off for a bit of a Muggle Studies field trip (I love field trips!) to a city called Baltimore for something called Stitches East. A few other Hogwarts students will there too.

I have a list and budget. Let's hope I can stick to them.

Homework Assignment - 4th

Here's my homework for this week

1. Name your favorite magical creature, and describe why it is your favorite.
My favorite magical creature is the hippogriff, because I once got to take care of Buckbeak's son, Broadwings. He has lovely greenish-yellow eyes.

2. Tell us your favorite charm, spell or curse, and explain why you like it.
Favorite charm? Locomotor - it's helpful in moving big things around. Well I do like jinxes, too, if someone has (ahem) really crossed the line. But honestly, that wasn't mine that made that toilet explode when Rufus was using it. Or the langlock when he attempted to speak with Tia.

3. Describe your favorite holiday family tradition - which holiday and what makes it special.
Funny hats for Thanksgiving. Everyone wears one during dinner.

4. Name your favorite fiber-based (knitted, crocheted, or spun) finished object.
My first sweater (a hoodie). Loaded with mistakes (lots and lots), but it's wonderfully comfy. And hasn't unravelled. Yet.

Owl's ready to fly!

Great Gunilla! I thought I still had lots of time. And now, it's really time. Time for my owl, Caractacus, to fly to see Agatha Vablatsky. I'm heading to the Owlery in the morning with my kit.

And it's also time for Rufus to duel.

Plotting a plan

It's time to plot a bit of deviousness, or mischief, or plain old trickeration to get back that weaselly little badger Rufus Hufindor. I'm pondering an apparation to Diagon Alley for a little ... wheeze.

Quidditch 6.2

. What animal does the portrait in the Muggle Prime Minster’s office resemble?
b. Frog

2. What drink does Romilda Vane try to give Harry?
a. Gillywater

3. What is the name of the person who heads the Holyhead Harpies?
b. Gwenog Jones

4. How many ‘Exceeds Expectation’ grades does Harry receive in his O.W.L’s?
c. 5

5. What is Professor Sughorn’s favorite candy?
d. Crystallized Pineapple

6. What tattoo is Harry reported to have on his chest?
c. Hippogriff

7. What color robes do the staff at the Weasley’s shop wear?
b. Magenta

8. What is the man outside Flourish and Blotts selling?
a. Amulets

9. How much is the skull, which Hermione enquires about at Borgin and Burkes, worth?
c. 16 Galleons

10. What are Professor Slughorn’s initials?
b. H.E.F.

Dratted Tea

I've finally just posted the Gryffindor assignment and it was late. Late due to that Rufus Hufindor character who managed to replace a teacup of my own with a nose-biting teacup probably purchased over the weekend at Zonko's in Hogsmeade. I'm sure it was a not-very-well timed prank in order to disable me for the upcoming Quidditch match. Madam Pomfrey fixed me a not very good tasting brew to heal my nose. I'll have to return for the bite I received on my leg (not quite sure how that cup made it down there before I caught it). I fear some retribution may be in order.

Weekend Outing

Back from my Hogwarts outing. Saw a few students there posting Owls, and heading to the Three Broomsticks for a butterbeer and relaxing. I am rather disappointed that Lavender Ackerly wasn't allowed to accompany us into town. I picked up a few sweets at Honeydukes (Chocolate Frogs for me, and some of Mr. Flume's fudge as a present for Lava), a new quill (red tail hawk) at Scrivenshaft's, and stopped for a nice cuppa at Puddifoot's. Where I saw a certain Luscious... Professor all cozied up with a student. But I'm not telling who.

Gryffindor Quiz Number One

Here's my answers for this week's house quiz:
What yarn shop did Henry Longstaff shop at for yarn? Mrs. Mac's
Who is the HSKS6 SPEW coordinator? Clidiona Acromantula
Which Gryff student just returned from London? Lady Felula The Forgetful
Which Gryffindor has cats named after the muggle rock band, The Ramones? Dagmara G.
Favorite childhood television program? Tom and Jerry (muggle)
(though I enjoyed The Wicked Sisters Silly Twisters)
Favorite cartoon? See above
Last travel destination visited? Walt Disney World
Last FO? Shiny Happy Scarf for Shelly
How many project(s) planned for holiday gifts? Two (or three)
How many expected to actually finish and give? Two
Who is the mother of Half Blood Prince? Eileen Prince
Which Weasley became engaged in HP and HBP? Bill to Fleur Delacoeur
What is the result of a Sectumsempra curse? A cutting curse which causes extensive bleeding
Who used a Bezoar to reverse a poison? Harry saved Ron's life using a bezoar in HBP

Quidditch, 6:1 **

1. At the beginning of the book, Cornelius Fudge is talking to the Muggle Prime Minister. Which member of the Order of the Phoenix has recently been found dead?
c. Emmeline Vance

2. What animal does Bellatrix Lestrange kill when she and her sister, Narcissa, are going to see Professor Snape?
b. Fox

3. What time does Professor Dumbledore collect Harry from Privet Drive?
b. 11 p.m.

4. What did Professor Slughorn transform into when he was trying to hide from Harry and Professor Dumbledore?
a. An armchair

5. What grade did Harry get for Herbology?
a. E – Exceeds Expectation

6. Herbert Chorley, the Prime Minister’s Junior Minster, has been entertaining the public by impersonating which animal?
b. A duck

7. What is Professor Sprout’s first name?
d. Pomona

8. What is Dumbledore’s idea of ‘a few words’?
d. nitwit, oddment, blubber and tweak

9. Who is Marcus Belby’s famous uncle?
b. Damocles

10. What is Snape’s mother’s name?
b. Eileen Prince

Pictures
Post pictures to your blogs or link to the pictures from your blog post.

Narcissa
Snape
Bellatrix
Professor Sprout
Professor Dumbledore

**...(or How Gryffindor takes back the cup in term six)

Picture Day!

Well, here I am in my natural habitat.

Common Room Get Together

Hello Gryffs - Please post a day/time preference in the survey on the right and we'll get something scheduled for this week. We do have quite a few time zones and I'd like to get all of us talking ... of course, you're welcome to post on the Rav thread if you're going into the Common Room so others may join you.

Beware, there is a student named Rufus ... something (not sure of his last name). I heard he was handing out Canary Creams to first years in the Great Hall. Please be careful - those Canary Creams have sent more than a few students to Madam Pomfrey last term.

Back to classes

Can you believe we're back for another term at Hogwarts? I'm enjoying putting my between term homework in Care for Magical Creatures. I've got some newt hatchlings which wandered off from my room into the Gryffindor Common Room. I'm still missing one and hope he can be located and soon - hopefully Mrs. Norris won't find him first. If you see him, please let me know. He's blue, with pink and gold sides.

Headmistress Wartbobble asked to have this quiz/questionnaire posted on my blog. Here 'tis!

Potter Name: Millicent Brocklehurst (CentyB!)

Rav ID: knitbot

I am allergic to: milk. (seriously)

Pets that I have: Lilly, a dog.

My favorite yarn: Noro silk garden

If you are a Ravenclaw, do you prefer the film colors or the book colors? Book.

My favorite flavor: Lemon, closely followed by dark chocolate and coffee.

My favorite holiday: Thanksgiving

I would like to receive a: Sock kit

List your favorite brand of needles or hooks, including size and length: Addi Lace turbo Size 1

Is there a brand that you are dying to try?: Nope.

I've participated in HSKS: This is my third term.

Do you have a birthday during this swap? Not this term.

Term 6 begins soon!

Gryffindors RULE! Roar Roar!

Team Hogwarts

Closing ceremonies are now over, my WIP is now finished, and I enjoyed being a member of Team Hogwarts for this year's Ravelympics. I even got a medal!

My package is here!

In the words of our dear Hufflepuff brethren, Huzzah!

There's lovely hand-dyed yarns in a bulky and sport weight, three patterns (Firestarter, yay!), a couple of tins of mints, raspberry spoons, a photo album, a notebook, and a lovely Gryffindor colored knitted case. And here, with no further ado, are photos the photos from my spoilee, Madam Ferula McGonagall:

The box, fresh off the owl:









And the box is opened, revealing the treasures:









And here's everything

End of term 5

It's already end of term. Hufflepuffs win the House Cup - nearly a sweep of all quidditch matches. Need to get packed up from Hogwarts for break. I'm planning on finding some Muggle ice cream to treat myself to while on break ... now to decide on a flavor.

My Owl, Caractacus, is hoping for a visit from another owl or too while the last one make their rounds with packages (maybe mine, too!).

Quidditch - Last for HSKS5!

Okay then, here we go.

1. When Hagrid returns to Hogwarts after being sent to see the giants with Madame Maxime, Professor Umbridge questions him on his late return to school. She suspects that Hagrid had been to the mountains, but where does he tell her he has been?

d. South of France

2. Professor Umbridge comes to Hagrid's Hut and searches his cabin one evening (as she believes Harry, Ron and Hermione are there visiting him at night when they are not supposed to). When she walks past the place where Harry, Ron and Hermione are hiding under the Invisibility Cloak, Harry holds his breath. True or false?

b. False

3. A stately-looking witch in an emerald green shawl is one of the members of the Advance Guard who rescues Harry from Privet Drive. What is her name?

a. Emmeline Vance

4. What is the name of the witch who was killed two weeks after the photo of the original Order of the Phoenix was taken?

b. Marlene McKinnon

5. Which two fifth year Ravenclaw students does Dumbledore choose to be prefects?

d. Anthony Goldstein and Padma Patil

6. Which house was Rose Zeller sorted into?

d. Hufflepuff

7. What is the color of Murtlap's essence?

c. Yellow


8. Name the Ravenclaw girl who became prefect in Harry's fifth year.

b. Padma Patil

9. According to a healer's portrait at St. Mungo's hospital, which disease was Ron suffering from?

d. Spattergroit

10. Which book did Harry give Hermione for Christmas?

d. "Moste Potente Potions"

Picture Scavenger Hunt
Padma Patil
Hannah Abbott
Percy
Dumbledore's Army
Cedric Diggory

Robert Pattison is Edward in Twilight (Dec 2008)

Ready For Final Quidditch!

I went all quiet there for a bit - didn't mean to go off for a week (or so!) without any updates. Been busy as the end of term approaches, and making sure my little witch and wizard ready for their muggle summer camps.

Gryffindor halls and classes seem quiet as well, with fewer students at Common Room. I'm guessing it's because many were preparing their packages and readied their owls for deliveries. And I suppose some studied for their end of term examinations as well.

Final Quidditch is nearly upon us! Roar Gryffindor!!

Assignmnt No. 4 - Solved!

"I am not weak," said Harry in a low voice, fury now pumping through him so that he thought he might attack Snape in a moment. "Then prove it! Master yourself!" spat Snape.

That was fun (but so hard!)...

Stupified

Did someone cast a spell on me that I was unaware of? It can't be.
Still puzzling over our most recent Gryffindor homework, a cryptogram.

e fm dfu, qfet kfxxg ey vjd rjesb, whxg yjd akxjhnk
kem qj qkfa kb akjhnka kb menka faafsu qyfpb ey
f mjmbya "qkby pjxjrb ea! mfqabx gjhqbvw!
qpfa qyfpb.

Hmmmm.

Pre Owl Checklist

I can't believe it's already time! Caractacus is getting ready to fly today to see Penelope Willow. He's excited since he's been idling away his time whilst I've been on the mend for the past couple of weeks. It was fun packing up last night, despite the lack of 'Puff colored packing paper, but still wrapped up!

I'm still taking it slowly, in and out of visits with Madam Pomfrey who has been ably monitoring my progress as my back recovers. Slowly.

House Quiz Number Three

Hello everyone - here's my Gryffindor homework. Thanks again to Ophelia B for the suggested questions! I'm looking forward to learning more about our fellow students.

1. Who is your favorite member of the Order of the Phoenix?
   Molly Weasley
   
2. Favorite person at Hogwarts?
   Minerva McGonagall
   
3. Favorite spell or charm to use?
   Supersensory charm
   
4. Best and worst classes at Hogwarts?
   Worst: Potions
   Best: Transfiguration
   
5. Favorite flower?
   Anemone/ranunculus
   
6. What is your beverage of choice? Coffee, tea, latte, soda/pop?
   Double tall latte (not from Charbucks)
   
7. Favorite muggle music?
   Ooh. Toughie. Elvis Costello, Beethoven, Coldplay. Pretenders. I could go on and on.
   
8. How many family members do you have?
   Me, hubbo, son T, daughter N
   
9. What do you do on your summer vacation? What is your Favorite vacation ever taken?
   We usually go to the North Carolina beach (Outer Banks) for a week. Best vaca ever was the family cross country trip taken when I was 11 (camping through 17 states).
   
10. What is your favorite subject at Hogwarts? Why?
    Potions. McPotions (sigh)
    
11. How many pairs of shoes (footwear) do you have? Which are your favorite pair?
    Less than I used to, more than I need ... do I really need to put down a number? Okay, 8. Dansko whole clogs with the soft woven tops.
    
12. How many projects do you have OTN (on the needles)?
    Many - probably 7 or so?
    
13. What is the oldest project you're working on and when did you cast it on?
    Salt Peanuts by Veronik Avery. Three years due to being stupified by the shoulder decreases and shawl collar increases.
14. Favorite food?
    Chocolate chip pecan cookies.
    

My First Meme

Thanks to Calliope Smythwyck, I am indirectly tagged for a meme.

1. What was I doing 10 years ago?
In 1998, I was working for a rural electric coop association (as opposed to a standard power utility company assn) running an IT help desk, and administering servers as a systems engineer. My DS was just three (and DD not yet a blink/to be born in 2000). I’d been back to school for a few months in a quest to complete my Bachelor’s Degree which I finally completed in 2003.

2. What are 5 things on my to-do list today?
(a) Remember to take my pain meds, my antibiotic, my muscle relaxer and to stay hydrated.
(b) get up for a short walk following yesterday’s surgery.
(c) get gentle smashes from my DS and DD (hugs)

3. Snacks I enjoy...
Nuts (almonds, cashews), brownies (Ghirardelli), bbq and/or kettle cooked potato chips.

4. Things I would do if I were a billionaire...
Buy my parents homes and new cars and take care of related taxes and insurance so they need not worry.
Take regular trips to places and people in the US and abroad in need of assistance (learning new skills, building new infrastructure, etc.)
Take trips to Paris and Europe; Hawaii, Australia and NZ. And maybe git me one of those cutie new Mini Coopers, or a Prius.

5. Places I've lived..
North Haven, CT; Washington, DC; Mattapoisett, MA; Winston-Salem, NC; Alexandria, VA

6. Jobs I've had...
Baby-sitter; play stage manager; college paper editorial page editor; stock broker assistant; 401(k) database creator; waitress; retail worker; HIV/AIDS patient companion; legal assistant; admin to two lobbyists; computer operator; IT help desk manager; system administrator; web hosting/data center customer manager; Internet product developer; policy and process developer/implementor. PTA committee chair.

7. Peeps I want to know more about...
Oh, just everybody - I think all of us have interesting stories to bring and share.

Quidditch, Round 2!

It's Quidditch! Round 2 today, per the HSKS Swap site.

And me, well, I'm moving on from St. Mungo's today and magical cures... I'm having some sort of Muggle surgery done on my ailing back. Lucky for me, I'll go, have the surgery with my excellent Muggle surgeon and be back at Hogwarts later today. More on my Muggle blog, if you're interested, here. I'm not sure when I'll be able to post, or send owls for the rest of this week.

='='='='='='='=
UPDATED to post Quidditch assignment
1. At the beginning of the year feast, who is the only person who rudely interrupts Dumbledore during his speech?
a. Professor Snape
b. Professor Umbridge
c. Hagrid
d. Harry Potter

2. Off what street is the alley where Harry first met Sirius?
a. Diagon Alley
b. Little Whinging
c. Magnolia Crescent
d. Privet Drive

3. Tonks’ mother had two sisters, both pure-bloods, and both left on the Black Family Tree. What are their names?
a. Elladora and Meliflua
b. Bellatrix and Elladora
c. Narcissa and Bellatrix
d. Meliflua and Narcissa

4. What spell are the students studying in McGonagall’s class when Umbridge is doing her inspection?
a. The Acquiring Spell
b. The Shrinking Spell
c. The Demolishing Spell
d. The Vanishing Spell

5. Who comes to warn Harry and the rest of Dumbledore’s Army that Umbridge and her group of followers are coming to break up their meeting?
Answer: Dobby

6. Who are the members of the Order that met Harry Potter in the Dursley’s house during the summer before his fifth year?
a. Remus Lupin, Sirius Black, Alastor Moody, Sturgis Podmore, Dedalus Diggle, Hestia Jones, Elphias Doge, Nymphadora Tonks, Mundungus Fletcher
b. Alastor Moody, Albus Dumbledore, Remus Lupin, Sirius Black, Nymphadora Tonks, Dedalus Diggle, Sturgis Podmore, Emmeline Vance c. Alastor Moody, Nymphadora Tonks, Kingsley Shacklebolt, Elphias Doge, Dedalus Diggle, Remus Lupin, Emmeline Vance, Sturgis Podmore, Hestia Jones
d. Remus Lupin, Alastor Moody, Nymphadora Tonks, Sirius Black, Kingsley Shacklebolt, Elphias Doge, Dedalus Diggle, Sturgis Podmore, Hestia Jones

7. Moody used the Disillusionment Charm on Harry.

a. Yes
b. No

8. Which of these Death Eaters is Sirius related to?
a. Lucius Malfoy
b. Bellatrix Lestrange
c. Regulus Black
d. All of these

9. At what age did Sirius leave his home?
Answer: Age 8

10. How many of the original Order members were killed (don’t include those who disappeared)?
a. 9
b. 8
c. 6
d. 10

Pictures!
Kingsley Shacklebolt













Bellatrix Lestrange












Nymphadora Tonks













Remus Lupin

Scorching Spell?

Seems that we've been under a heat or scorching spell at home (I apparated away from Hogwarts to tend to family matters)... Over 100 degrees here, which finally broke last night. Now if only to deal with the very large tree across the back yard that came down in last week's storm (which also took out power). My muggle spouse spent most of Sunday taking smaller limbs off the top of the tree, alongside of our neighbor ('twas his tree which fell). There's still 30 feet of trunk and another 20 feet of larger branches to be dealt with. And I'm not helping due to a strange bone malady that I've made a visit to St. Mungo's for, as Madam Pomfrey wasn't able to help.

In other Hogwarts news: I am making progress on my Swap kit for my spoilee. Hoping to be done with that shortly. A winner was selected for the latest Gryffindor house quiz (!) and we're working on the next one already.

Gryffindors: Hope to see you all in Common Room on Thursday at 5pET

Gryffindor House Quiz Number Two

I just noticed it's been a week since my last post. Notwithstanding the muggle power loss for the past seven hours, I have no excuse. Upon logging on this evening, I noted Morgana's post of our second house quiz with great pleasure. This was fun and difficult.

1. onihexp = phoenix
2. nro = Ron
3. mayr = Army
4. seelway = Weasley (is our King!)
5. hrigda = Hagrid
6. ifdynrrgof = Gryffindor (Roar!!)
7. dawn = wand
8. oshawrgt = Hogwarts
9. busnim = nimbus (alas, mine is the older 1800 model)
10. bdulodeerm = Dumbledore (Albus Brian Percival)
11. bydob = Dobby
12. bugmrdie = Umbridge (decree 23)
13. emionehr = Hermione
14. rhayr = Harry
15. arkreech = Kreacher
16. riissu = Sirius
17. dootvlemr = Voldemort
18. ptrote = Potter
19. hwgedi = Hedwig
20. ebtahlkclso = Shacklebolt (he also has style!)

Back from Muggleland

I spotted a sign on the Muggle road on the way back from Mendocino (a quaint coastal town), that said "Hogwarts Highway" and I must say I found it quite confusing as I didn't expect to see it. Perhaps it's a not well-concealed portkey? Anyway, I had a very good break away and now am ready with new purpose for the swap. Here's my Quidditch assignment:

1. Which of Arabella Figg's cats ran out from under the car?

a. Mister Tibbles

2. Which of the following is NOT one of Albus Dumbledore's middle names?

a. Ignatius

3. Which educational decree introduced a High Inquisitor to Hogwarts?

b. 23

4. Apart from Harry, Ron and Hermione, who was the first person to enter the Hog's Head that showed an interest in Harry's Defence Against the Dark Arts classes?

b. Neville Longbottom

5. In the first Quidditch match of the year which player attempted to score first?

c. Angelica Johnson

6. What kind of bush does Harry hide behind to listen to the news?

b. A hydrangea bush

7. Why is Mundungus Fletcher disguised as a woman when he witnesses the DA (Dumbledore's Army) meeting in the Hog's Head pub?

b. He was banned from the Hog’s Head pub 20 years ago.

8. When Harry and Cho go on their first date to Madam Puddifoot's in Hogsmeade, what is it decorated with for Valentine's Day?

c. Golden cherubs and pink confetti

9. How old is Sturgis Podmore and where does he live?

a. 38 and number 2 Laburnum Gardens Clapham

10. What did Fred and George Weasley do to Montague?

a. Forced him head-first into a Vanishing Cabinet on the first floor.

Picture Scavenger Hunt

Fred and George Weasley (Together)

Hog’s Head Pub

Sirius Black

Mr. Weasley & Harry (Together)

Draco Malfoy

Time away from Hogwarts

I'm taking time away this weekend and will leave dear Caractacus, my owl, in the school Owlery. I'm travelling on a Muggle-like giant owl, called an airplane (thank goodness for Muggle Studies!). I'll post when I get back (or if I can borrow an owl where I'm going - I hear there's very few available where I'm heading)...

Head into the Common Room on Monday night at 9pET/6pPT.

Roar, Gryffindors!

First week of classes

The second years are making great strides in Transfiguration this term, I'm pleased to report. However, the first years have achieved a new low in misfires, including Miss Wigworthy's attempt to change a twig to a broom. I'm hoping that Madam Pomfrey can take out all the splinters from Miss Wigworthy's hand. I suspect she'll be improving greatly, and soon.

Gryffindor house is a bit quieter than usual, and I assume that's due to student focus on classes. We'll be having a meeting in our common room on Monday at 9p ET, and another later in the week, but earlier in the day to accomodate time zones (perhaps Weds., at 5pm?) Off to review this week's lessons. And to get those feathers out of the hall. I didn't mean to leave those behind.

Dratted pixies

Just a quick note to you all to apologize for missing tonight's meeting in the Gryffindor Common Room. I'm sad to report that I'm having a bit of a problem with Cornish pixies which requires immediate and all of my attention. I've left a snack for you to nibble to make up for my absence. I'll see you all back in the common room soon - I'll be dropping in to see anyone's about tomorrow.

Roar, roar!

Calling all Gryffindors! The term has started, and I hope you're checking the main HSKS5 page, as well as your HSKS5 provided email accounts. We're already accumulating house and personal points, so keep checking the blog to make sure you aren't missing any assignments.

Please join us in the Gryffindor common room, on Wednesday night (just two days time!) for our first get together. Please contact Miss Morgana Black, our Prefect, or me if you need the password. It is no longer 'Balderdash'. I'm still looking for votes on when we should have our weekly Common Room meeting - there are 24 of us, and only 8 votes posted!

And students should note that it is less than dignified to intentionally obtain a detention with our new (cough, yummy, cough) Defence Against the Dark Arts professor. Remember what happened last term.

Caractacus is back!

I have a swap partner! I have someone to spoil. Hello Penny Ballycastle!

:off to find a tasty snack for Caractacus:

Waiting for Caractacus

My owl Caractacus is out and about and I'm waiting on his return with news of my swap partner. Good thing I found him some nice lunch prior to his departure today, as he'll be flying a long way to gather my message and bring it back to Hogwarts. I'll bet he'll be seeing other Hogwarts students owls on his journey as well.

OHN (Other Hogwarts News): With the start of term, I'm moved into Gryffindor now, after the Sorting Hat seemed to suffer a malfunction (which I know it's not capable of) and sorted me from Ravenclaw. I will miss my 'Claw friends and I will do my best to help our Prefect, Miss Morgana Black. Off to write up my Transfiguration class plans. I'm wondering which students I'll be seeing in class ...

It's time!

Let the swappin' begin...

New Term

It's nearly time for the next term to start - looking forward to seeing returning students and new ones!

What Class at Hogwarts Would I Excel At?

Which Class at Hogwarts Would You Excel at?

You excel at Care of Magical Creatures. You must have a thing for those cute furry things...or big scaley things...or scary firebreathing many teethed things...
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Ravenclaw House Quiz. The last.

Alas, it's almost the end of term. And with it our last house quiz. I'm hoping to sneak off to Hogsmeade this weekend for a wee break. I'm hoping there another Enchanted Kit Swap in the next term, since this one has been so delightful.

Here's the last assignment.

1. Who loves containers of all sorts?
Esmerelda Beanswallow
2. Who dyed her fingers blue?
Lavender Ackerly
3. Who is related to William Shakespeare?
Celestina Cadogan
4. Who wants to own an alpaca farm?
Victoria Black
5. Who hates carrots?
Selina Starfire
6. Who is from the Muggle town of Bagshot in Surrey?
Patonga Pinkstone
7. Who was searching for radishes in the winter?
Madam Ferula McGonagall
8. Who got a gift certificate to a LYS from a Slytherin boy for Valentine's Day?
Cecilia Kettleburn
9. Who discovered ghosts and house elves drinking tea in the Great Hall at midnight?
Ophelia Hopkirk
10. Who took an extra credit class called Muggle Fantasy Literature?
Selina Starflame
11. Who attended a Muggle music convention?
Patonga Pinkstone
12. Who taught herself to purl backwards?
Serafina Starfire
13. Who sports Ravenclaw Spirit socks?
Minerva Kwikspell
14. Who would like to work in Muggle Relations after graduation?
Allitrya Spelling
15. Whose Mum is named Henrietta?
Avada Finch-Fletchley

Final Quidditch!

I can't believe the last Quidditch is already here - the final match is only a few days away! Here's my assignment answers:


1. When Rita Skeeter prints a bad articles about Hagrid in the Daily Prophet, which Professor teaches Hagrid's Care of Magical Creatures class while he is away?
c. Professor Grubbly-Plank

2. What was the article Rita Skeeter wrote about Hagrid called?
c. Dumbledore's Giant Mistake

3. When the school champions were being chosen from the Goblet of Fire, whose name came out first?
c. Cedric Diggory

4. What is the spell Ludo Bagman says to magically magnify his voice when he commentates?
a. Sonorus

5. What kind of dragon did Cedric have to face in the first task?
b. A Swedish Short-Snout

6. Who raised the trophy after winning the world cup?
b. Troy and Quigley

7. How many bedrooms did Mundungus Fletcher claim to have?
d. 12

8. For what did Moody mistake his birthday gift of a carriage clock?
b. A basilisk egg

9. What did Mr. Ollivander produce for the end of Cedric's wand?
a. A bunch of flowers

10. The dark mark is on Snape's left arm.
a. Yes

Picture Scavenger Hunt

Karkaroff

A Basilisk

Mundungus Fletcher

Amos Diggory

Snape

Sock Kit Received!

hsks4 finished

My swap partner contacted me and let me know my owl Cinder along with the HSKS kit arrived today.

On to the last Quidditch! Ravenclaws are bound to win!

House Quiz, the Fifth

Goodness, it's a busy semester and another homework is due! These spells need some practise and refinements. Many and lots.

1. Do my homework for me. Scolare totalis
(Muggle spouse's suggestion: "Here's ten bucks.")
2. Tidy up my bedroom. Domicilis Lavere
3. Make a delicious chocolate cake. Concoctus Deliciosa
4. Make my professor stay in bed today. Preceptor somnalis
5. I would like breakfast in bed, please. Desirchambere Mcgriddle
6. Stick all my Quidditch opponents' feet to the floor. Alto Quiddicio
7. Give everyone the giggles. Teeheesteria
8. Dye some yarn in my favorite color. Coloris favere
9. Unravel the mess I've made with my yarn. Detruculo!
10. Knit my Prefect the perfect bag! Artifexis perfecto

Owl's Away

My owl's off, and headed with Sock Kit to my Spoilee. Cinder (my owl) has quite a long journey ahead and I'm hopeful he takes care of the Kit and delivers it safely and soon. I'm somewhat sad to have the kit completed and gone. I'm sad to say there was evidence of cornish pixies near the bag while it waited to be packed for mailing. Unfortunately, they feasted on a couple of bits of chocolate before the kit was rescued. The kit rescued, tasty bits restored, it's on the way.

Homework Assignment the Fourth

I think I need to go fix myself a cuppa after this homework. Whew.

1. What colorless and odorless potion forces the drinker to tell the truth?
Veritaserum
2. If the spell to Apparate goes wrong and leaves half of you behind, you have been what?
Splinched
3. Who wrote the Standard Books of Spells Grades 1 and 2?
Miranda Goshawk
4. What is it called when brother wands meet?
Priori Incantatem or Reverse Spell Effect
5. Name the charm used by Ludo at the World Cup to amplify his voice.
Sonorus
6. For what is the charm Aparecium used?
Makes Invisible Ink visible again
7. What charm requires the use of a Secret-Keeper?
Fidelius
8. What color should the Strengthening Potion be?
Bright turquoise
9. What plants are used in preparing a confusing potion?
Scurvy-grass, Lovage, Sneezewort
10. What condition is cured by Glumbumble?
Some forms of hysteria
11. What potion makes a werewolf safe so he can keep his mind when he transforms, and what substance makes it useless?
Wolfsbane Potion. Sugar renders it useless.
12. When does Fluxwood, an ingredient used in making Polyjuice Potion, have to be picked?
Must be picked at full moon.
13. What color should a Shrinking Solution be?
Violet
14. What potion is made from asphodel and wormwood?
Felix Felicis
15. For what are Jobberknoll feathers used?
Used in memory potions and truth serums.

Quidditch complete

Just now recovered from this week's Quidditch - a bit disappointed, but it was a great game and chase. I'm quite pleased to be in Ravenclaw with the great students, head girl and prefect who take good care of all of us.

I've finished my Enchanted Sock Kit, and spent time grading assignments from 3rd year Transfiguration students. I'm hoping for a bit of snow - not just other forms of wet precipitation that freezes and is a nuisance.

Quidditch 2 - Complete

This was fast and fun!

1. With whom does Ginny go to the Yule Ball?
a. Neville

2. When Harry arrives at the Burrow and Mrs. Weasley makes them all dinner the night before they leave for the Quidditch World Cup, what does her wand turn into?
b. rubber chicken

3. Since some of the sixth-year girls didn't have any quills on them, what did they think Krum might sign their hats in?
c. lipstick

4. How old does the Quick Quotes Quill say that Rita Skeeter is?
a. 43

5. What color cloak is wormtail wearing in the Riddle house?
b. Black

6. What color is "Mad Eye" Moody's magical eye?
d. Blue

7. What color are the robes that Rita Skeeter was wearing when Harry meets her at the Weighing of the Wands ceremony?
b. Magenta

8. What does Sirius Black tell Harry, Ron and Hermione to call him when speaking around anyone else?
b. Snuffles

9. Which team beat Wales, disqualifying them from competing for the Quidditch World Cup?
c. Uganda

10. What does Madame Maxime say is the only thing her steeds will drink?
c. single-malt whiskey


Picture Hunt
Goblet of Fire
Madam Maxime
Dragon from first challenge
Viktor Krum
Madam Poppy Pomfrey

Ravenclaw House Assignment - done !

1. What is Professor McGonnagall's first name? Minerva

2. Who is the librarian of Hogwarts? Madam Irma Pince

3. What is Madam Rosmerta's job? Landlady, Three Broomsticks Pub

4. What is Rita Skeeter's secret? She's an unregistered Animagus

5. Madam Hooch is instructor of what subject? Flying and Quidditch coach

6. Who is Parvati Patil's best friend? Lavender Brown

7. What Quidditch position does Cho Chang play? Seeker (ravenclaw!)

8. What is the name of Fleur Delacour's little sister? Gabrielle

9. Who is professor of Divination? Sybill Trelawney

10. Who wrote "A History of Magic"? Bathilda Bagshot

Hogsmeade visit - report

I spent a most delightful visit to Hogsmeade.

It looks as if all the Hogwarts students were able to make it, and some of the professors as well. I managed to get a bit of shopping done at Dervish and Banges for a Remberall. And some sweets from Honeydukes (it was packed with students when I stopped in), and new dress robes from Gladrags Wizardwear.

Now, if I could only remember what happened at The Three Broomsticks after that last red currant rum... or was it a firewhiskey? And was that Professor Black at the bar? I must check with Mrs Kwikspell, Misses Beanswallow, Starfire (Selina) and Kettleburn (all of Ravenclaw, I must note) who were at the Broomsticks as well.

What would Mr. Brocklehurst think?!

Field trip

I just realized I have a free weekend coming up and am thinking about taking a short trip to Hogsmeade. I do love the red currant rum at The Three Broomsticks. I should think about a companion to share this break with. Hmmmm....

Quidditch round 1, complete

Whew! That was quite a round of Quidditch - members of my own house searched for the Snitch and alas, 'twas a Gryffindor who found it on a Ravenclaw blog. It was cleverly located, I'd just searched one of the other pages of images on *that very same site* and dismissed it. More the fool, me. :*)

Assignment ... Complete!

1. What was Harry dreaming about the first time he woke up with his scar on fire?
b. Voldemort and Wormtail plotting to kill him

2. What is the problem with leprechaun gold?
a. It vanishes after a few hours

3. Why did Mad-Eye Moody turn Malfoy into a ferret?
c. Malfoy attached Harry when Harry's back was turned

4. Sirius warns Harry to be careful around Karkaroff because he had been a Death Eater. Which one of the professors at Hogwarts, who also used to be a Death Eater, is frequently bothered by Karkaroff? Snape

5. Voldemort could have used the blood from any foe to make the potion that revived him work, but he held out for Harry's blood. Why?
c. The special protection Harry received from his mother would also pass to Voldemort

6. How old would Frank have been on his next birthday?
d. 77

7. Amos Diggory works for?
b. The Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures

8. Who shared a carriage with the three friends on the way from the train to Hogwarts?
Answer: Neville

9. What date in October did the delegates from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang arrive?
a. 30th

10. What color were Percy's dress robes at the Yule Ball?
a. Navy Blue

Mr. Ollivander: Link
Mad-Eye Moody: Link
Cedric: Link
World Cup Tournament: Link
Dark Mark: Link

Hopefully this is all correct. Apparently the Muggle Flu has taken over, and I've been fortunate to get this done and posted. Now, back to bed.

Where did I go?

Perhaps I need to work on a spell or charm to clone myself. Between teaching, grading assignments and caring for one sick child and watching the other get sick, it's been quite busy and I've not had time to post. So here I am, and just in time for HSKS Homework. Am working on the answers - to be posted shortly.

Quick assignment - at home

My wee daughter seems to be suffering a muggle virus, along with a fever. I portkeyed home, dosed her with a fever charm and some cocoa. While she was resting on the sofa, I decided to conjure some banana bread with toblerone bits. It turned out quite well and I shall bring some to the next Ravenclaw gathering (since I missed the last one).

On the knitting front, time to move on with more pieces of the bag, then assembly and felting! Back to Hogwarts for class tomorrow morning.

Ravenclaw Homework Assignment 2 - Complete!

How nice to receive a homework assignment, rather than give one. Here are my answers (albeit a confused one for #3) for the Ravenclaw House quiz:

1. TriWizard Tournament
2. Hungarian Horntail
3. Mad Eye Mooney (Moody??)
4. Rita Skeeter
5. Unspeakables
6. Snuffles
7. Pensieve
8. Imperius
9. Butterbeer
10. Firebolt

Week 2 - Learning and Lessons

I've been enjoying the start of term. Our students are settling in and settling down a bit. And while I miss nurturing the Transfiguration abilities of all student, I must note those of the Weasley twins in days gone past (and I do miss Fred). I shall not missing seeing the results of their creativity. I'm hoping that we don't see any further evidence of purchases from Weasleys' Wizardly Wheezes in Diagon Alley. I passed by someone's molted feathers from a close encounter with a Canary Cream only this morning!

On to other events - the Hogwarts Swap. I was pleased to see Cliodna Hopkirk won the Ravenclaw Quiz from last week. Well done! I am working on an enchanting felted bag - a pattern I stumbled onto while working on some mittens from the same book. I'm working with a yarn I've not yet felted before. I suppose I must swatch before finishing the bag, to make sure it doesn't felt too much.

I just got back from a Muggle grocery store, one I stopped at prior to taking a portkey back from our family home in Christmas Island. The grocery had an irresistible looking black forest cake. I'm one for any dark chocolate and fruit combination, so into my shopping sack went the cake. Now if only I can resist it until Wednesday night's get together in the Ravenclaw common room. I'm interesting in hearing what everyone thought the answer to the riddle we received with today's owl is....

Weasleys

I do regret tutoring those Weasley boys a few years back in Transfiguration. They really are quite clever, but all those girls suffering due to the Canary Creams. Tsk.

Ravenclaw House Quiz - Answers

Well, let's see, our Prefect posted our House Quiz. I'd read the answers to several of these questions, but I needed to search a bit more for others. Here are my answers:

1. Name 4 housemates who have revealed their Patronuses and list the form their Patronuses take.
Fleur Lovegoods (Phoenix), Cassandra Hopkirk (Eagle), Fleur Crockford (Hydra), Minerva Kwikspell (Eagle), Lavender Ackerly (Tiger)

2. Who attended the first meeting of the Ravenclaw Knitting Club?
Elanor Cadogan, Gabriella Clearwater, Fleur Lovegoods, Esmerelda Beanswallow, Cassandra Hopkirk, Millicent Brocklehurst, Minerva Kwikspell, Enid Black, Allitrya Spelling, Mafalda Ackerley, Serafina Starfire

3. Name the housemate who likes to knit with peacock feathers.
Fleur Lovegood

4. Name the Ravenclaw who spent the New Year at Hogwart's Costume Ball.
Emma Diggory

5. Which Ravenclaw got the first howler?
Lavender Ackerly

6. Name 5 different types of wood used in the wands of Ravenclaws and name the housemate having that wand.
Hawthorn/Elanor Cadigan; Holly/Minerva Kwikspell; walnut/Gabriella Clearwater; Birch (also Ebony)/Perpetua Phoenixfire; cherry/Avada Finch Fletchley

7. Who accidentally ate a toenail flavored Every Flavor Bean?
Serafina Starfire

8. Who cast a noise dampening spell before going to bed and then overslept?
Esmerelda Beanswallow

9. Besides the HSKS4 blog, on what blog will you find the Ravenclaw Anthem?
Selina Starfire -(only part of it, Ms. Kwikspell has the entire verse)

10. Which housemate has a Muggle cellular phone?

Victoria Black

Getting started

I was most pleased to come across into Miss Finch-Fletchley earlier today, and get a peek at her syllabus for her class, Enchanted Kit Planning. Clearly, she's put quite a bit of thought into it, to include many different Kit spoilers, and spoilees. I meant to ask her which house Professor Black is in, perhaps Gryffindor, like his cousin Sirius.

Today was my first Transfiguration class, and I'm hoping a couple of students, who shall remain nameless, in one case improve their ability, and in the other, improve their attitude.

Start of term

Well, I'm back to Hogwarts for a temporary teaching assignment in Transfiguration until a full time professor is located. I must pack myself up, including books, teaching materials and knitting. I've heard there was a terrible mess in Ravenclaw. Perhaps someone has cast a Drought Charm to clear things up. I'm hoping my room is dry. I've also learned that there is a Magic in Threadwork in Weaving class ... I may sit in on a session, if I'm not to busy with lessons and grading. It sounds quite wonderful.

I note here that I'm now part of a Ravenclaw knitting group and there's some activities planned, with other houses. I even have a mystery person with whom I'm to swap fiber goodness. How wonderful! Time, perhaps, to work a confundo charm? Accio needles!

Prandial Pasta and Grousing Goblins

Dinner tonight was pasta and meat sauce, a favorite of mine while a Hogwarts student. Delicious on a chilly winter night. The sauce recipe is a handme down from my husband's Aunt, a first generation Italian-American. It was even better the second night (like tonight's leftovers!), sopped up with crusty bread. Here's the recipe if you are interested:

2lb ground chuck
1 cup red wine, divided
3-4 stalks celery, chopped thinnish on the diagonal
1 small/medium onion (omitted for father in law) medium chop
1-2 cloves garlic (also omitted for FIL) smashed or diced
1 small can tomato paste
1 jar (16 oz?) store bought tomato sauce (preferably organic)
1 med/lg can crushed tomatoes
Fresh basil, thyme if available

Use a medium to large saucepan (3-6 qts). Sautee the onions, celery and garlic in a bit of olive oil until tender. Remove from pan and set aside. Sautee the beef in the same pan, in 1/2 cup of red wine, breaking up the beef into smaller bits. Drain the beef when cooked, place the sauteed veggies, tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and tomato sauce in the pot. Stir together and let simmer on low for (at least) 20 mins (no lid). Add remaining wine and herbs, simmer another 20 mins or longer, if desired. You can fudge the amounts of solids to tomato products, depending if you like your sauce chunkier rather than saucier (I'm a saucy girl, and like the sauce chunky).

Serve hot, with grated parmesan to pass, along with 1-2 lbs cooked pasta. Recipe may be halved, or you can freeze half if there is too much for one meal :)

Post prandial parental rant: My two children, one a second year at Hogwarts (Ravenclaw, of course!) and my other child is at a Muggle school in second grade. Despite their gap in ages, it seems they find much to quibble about (almost a 1/2 hour straight of bickering over the top of some Nickolodeon program). So off went the television and everyone is upstairs in their respective rooms. Blissful quiet for blogging.

The first post

Happy New Year!

Well, this is a first for me, and for anyone in my family. We're all a bunch of luddites. But here is my first blog posting. And look, another first, participating in a sock swap.