Recovery from *Research*

I cannot believe it has taken me almost a whole week to recover from my *research* weekend! I was so very exhausted and just a wee bit bruised. I learned never to take a fast wild broom ride after dark through a thick forest! I had to keep my eyes closed while holding my breath and with a tight TIGHT grip on my companion. I thought I quite accomplished when it came to broom flight. Boy, do I have things to learn! Also, when one falls off a broom, be prepared to get a few bumps and bruises. Of course, as my mother always says, kisses do help boo-boos.

I was so thrilled to return to Hogwarts and see that our House captured the snitch. Allitrya, your flying and ability to hone in on that little golden bird, amazes me. And the teamwork in Ravenclaw is, without a doubt, to be envied! If only Muggles knew about the excitement of Quidditch. They would probably never again watch silly games where they walk around merely hitting a small ball into a hole. Doesn't sound exciting to me in comparison to Quidditch!

Now, I'm off to finish that homework. I really don't want to get detention for slacking off.....or do I??

Quidditch Round 1

1. What momentous event was the reason that the members of the Order of the Phoenix felt it necessary to move Harry out of the Dursley's house?

d. Harry's upcoming birthday

2. Who revealed the actual date of Harry's transfer to Voldemort, despite the misinformation the Order had been spreading around that the move would occur on the eve of his actual birthday?

b. Snape

3. With the use of Polyjuice Potion (and to confuse any pssible attack by Death Eaters), six members of the Order were disguised as Harry and escorted out of Privet Drive, along with the real Harry. Which member of the Order did not survive that night?

a. Mad-Eye Moody

4. Who informed Harry, Ron and Hermoine of the bequests left to them in Dumbledore's Will?

d. Rufus Scrimgeour

5. During the wedding celebration for Bill and Fleur, Kingsley Shacklebolt sent a Patronus to tell the guests that the Ministry had fallen, Scrimgeour (the Minister) was dead and the wedding celebtration was about to be attacked by Death Eaters. What form did the Patronus take?

a. A lynx

6. Escaping from the wedding to London, our three friends found themselves confronted by a pair of Death Eaters, disguised as workmen. This close brush impressed on them the need to find someplace to hide. Where did they decide to go?

b. Sirius Black's house

7. Kreacher's animosity towards Harry, Ron and especially Hermoine (a Mudblood) was well documented in book five, "The Order of the Phoenix". His initial interaction with them showed that his attitude had not changed. How did they win him?

d. By giving him Regulus Black's old locket

8. Who did they eventually find in possession of the locket/Horcrux?

d. Dolores Umbridge

9. What did Harry find embedded in the door of Umbridge's office?

a. Moody's magical eye

10. After retrieving the Horcrux, they tried to return to their safe place but they have pursued (actually Yaxley tagged along when they disapparated). This meant that the Death Eaters knew their hiding place and they had to go somewhere else. Where did Hermoine take them?

d. To the site of the Quidditch World Cup

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Walks in the Woods

I had such a wonderful, relaxing weekend. After all the excitement of the start of the term, plus the upcoming Quidditch match and Hogsmeade weekend, I felt the need to go for a long walk. I initially thought of just walking around the lake, but Knitsy encouraged me to walk in the Forbidden Forest instead. It was so peaceful and quiet, a little brisk but after a while I could feel my temperature rising.

It's now time to call it a day. I think I'll go to bed and read some poetry.

Week 2 Assignment

1- What form does your Patronus take? What does it symbolize for you?

My Patronus takes the form of a big snowy owl. I think it symbolizes wisdom, intelligence and cleverness...so Ravenclaw!

2- Did you bring a cat, an owl, a toad, or other pet with you? What is their name?

No, I wasn't able to bring my pet peacock, Sir Beaufort the Beautiful. With all of Hagrid's "pets" wandering around, I was afraid that Sir Beaufort would meet a tragic end, so he remains at home wandering the grounds of our family home.

3- What is your favorite class here at Hogwarts?

DUH!! Defense Against the Dark Arts, of course!

4- What is worth sneaking out of the castle for, even if you got caught?

Well..................there is a certain someone I would consider sneaking out of the castle for, but I would consider sneaking out to grab some caffeine in Hogsmeade with friends.

5- What has made you laugh so hard that you've had butterbeer come out your nose?

Playing Rock Band as an expert in the wee hours of the morning!

6- What yarn do you covet? Link please...

Noro Silk Garden

7- What is your favorite flavor... the one thing you could simply not live without? Is brand important?

Cinnamon, Clove, Ginger, Lemon, Lavender or Black Currant

8- How many HSKS terms have you participated in?

5

9- Do you have a birthday, anniversary or other big Muggle event during this year at Hogwarts? If yes, please tell us what.

No, unfortunately.

10- You in 5 words.

Creative, Generous, Patient, Loving and Sensitive

What a Surprise!

I was feeling so down in the dumps yesterday. I just stayed in my room, cuddling in my big bed, hugging a purple pillow. I know I'll be in trouble for missing my classes, but I'll worry about the detention later. Besides, detention isn't always bad now, is it?

While I was laying there staring out the window at the bare tree branches, there was a tiny knock at my door. I ignored it, but the door slowly creaked open and dear Knitsy poked her head through the door. She was wearing a very cute pink hat someone had knit for her. She does like her hats! Anyway, she brought me a warm cuppa sweet herbal tea and a wee heart-shaped tart beautifully frosted in pink with white lacy piping. It was almost too beautiful to eat, but Knitsy insisted I eat it. And I must say I savored every crumb of that tart. It was amazing!! I asked Knitsy where it came from, but she just smiled her shy little smile, lowered her eyes, and giggled. She wouldn't even give me a clue!! That little elf sure knows how to keep a secret. I'm sure that tart was enchanted in some way because I certainly feel much better today. Now, to find out who sent me the tart!!

Blue (and Purple)

I'm feeling a wee bit blue today and am just hiding out in my dorm room, skipping classes. I don't feel like being social and putting on a fake smile. I can't tell you why I'm blue, but something doesn't seem right...something is off kilter. There is a sense of dread surrounding me. Hopefully a few hours alone and a good cry will make it feel better.

My First Week Back

What a week! I am almost dizzy (or dizzier than usual) with all the activity around Hogwarts. It is so wonderful to see all my friends return to Ravenclaw, but it was also sad to see the empty beds in my dorm room. Poor Minee wasn't able to return to Hogwarts this year following her serious Quidditch injury at the end of last term. It's not pretty when brooms collide. She is now home recovering under the love and care of her parents. Hopefully she'll be able to return to Hogwarts later. The Ravenclaw Common Room isn't the same without her. And Crystal moved to Hufflepuff, so there are no more cauldrons of all colors in my room. It seems so drab and empty without all those cauldrons and yarn drapped everywhere. I guess I'll have to get Knitsy to help me fill those spaces with more peacock feathers, or at least peacock colored things and trinkets.

We do have one first year in Ravenclaw this year, Cassandra Goode, and I'm hoping that she will feel welcome in Ravenclaw. I must remind Knitsy to help Cass get settled.

I am having a wonderful time helping Professor Solum settle in. He's so quiet, but quite a gentle man. Late one afternoon I decided to take a walk around the grounds of Hogwarts to get away from the endless din and activity. I needed some quiet time. While strolling across the lush lawn, I happened to spy Professor Solum sitting in a tree gazing off over the lake.

I wasn't sure if I should approach him or not, but when has that stopped me?? We shared some pumpkin juice and had a nice talk. I know this term will be exciting! I can't wait to show him around Hogsmeade.