New Technique

I decided to try something new yesterday. So I pulled Minee's cauldrons out of storge and conjured up a mixture of strong tea and strong coffee....(after saving a cup or two for me) and soaked some fine linen fabric in it, pulling it out and wadding it up again and again. I then put it on a baking sheet...wadding it up...and baked it in the oven for 15 minutes, basting it occasionally and re-arranging it on the cookie sheet. I then used a hot iron to set the color. It turned out quite interesting..some spots are much darker than I would have liked, but for a first attempt at dying my own fabric, it was fun. I will definitely find something to cross stitch on it.

Now, I wonder how kool aid or other fun dyes would work. I see a BIG mess coming......

The shadows lengthened as the lonely witch waited in the graveyard to make her connection. Where was he? He couldn't have forgotten about her, could he? The shiver of cold slithered down her back and her heart jumped to her throat as she spotted someone in the distance. Was that him? She had never met him before, but hoped it was her contact. If she were to be caught by Ministry officials with this in her possession, it could mean real trouble for her whole family! Impatient and fearful, the stranger approached too fast, but too slow all at once. "How did I get myself into this?" she muttered under her breath. The faces flitted though her mind of those that coerced her into submission, Dirty Diaper, Poopy Pants and Dingleberry, the other members of her rock band Butt Cheese. Why had she drawn the short straw? Why did she have to go into this dark unfamiliar place to turn over the 84 song endless play set to an unfamilar man in exchange for headline billing? Was winning the World Wide Wizard's Music Competition really worth jeopardizing herself and ending her career as a musician?

She pulled her cloak further over her head, staying in the shadows of the tall headstones and watched the tall silhouette approach. She could hear her knees knocking and her legs starting to buckle. The stranger stopped suddenly and quickly looked from side to side. She saw movement to her right and then to her left. What should she do? Had she been found out? Should she use her invisibility cloak and flee? Her mouth was dry and her breath was coming fast and furious. She started backing up slowly when she felt a hand on her shoulder. She spun around and a scream exploded from her. She was surrounded by a circle of dark shapes all holding candles. She knew it was over...all she had dreamed of was gone and she would be forever a disgrace to her family. As she raised her teary eyes resigned to her fate, the dark shapes threw back their hoods and in unison yelled....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

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

IMAGES:

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!!