The Randomness of Kindness

The wonderful prefects of Slytherin, that is you Ms. Moody Prefect, I mean, Ms. Prefect Moody and Ms. Head-Girl Puddlemere. They put together some terrific things this past semester. A really small version of our sock swap. Or maybe it was patterned off the muggle community named Ravelry that has a group called the Reducio Sock Swap? Anyway, we did a mini sock and sent it to another within our house. 

Another fun activity was the RAOK. What is that you ask? It stands for Random Act of Kindness. It totally doesn't have to be knitting related. Just whatever. I had not been RAOKed. Not sure why, but never the less, wasn't too worried about it as I am still feeling a bit overwhelmed. (I'm sure getting this new job and signing back up for classes to start this fall really didn't add the work load. NOT!) 

Today, as I went about the normal routine of stopping in to pick up the junk mail from the owlry office box, there awaited me a lovingly wrapped box. I wondered at who would be sending me an owl as I had already received my swap package, my mini swap package, my Reducio package, and the last installment of Eleanor's Sock club yarn. Who or better yet what could this be? 

I gently undid the packaging to reveal a beautiful purple oriental box. 

Opening the lid I see this:

I am a bit more giddy to see my familiar "O", (only used by those who love me). The quiet scribble I find inside tells me it is from none other than the incredibly talented and observant Esmeralda Beanswallow, otherwise known to her friends as "Esme". She had sent me after hearing one day in the common room, my long but soppy story of my torrid love affair that occured while I ran away went on holiday to Australia. I was reminiscing about how I haven't had a decent cup of tea since. ::insert big sigh here::

Anywhoo, back to the surprise, I find in the box not one, but TWO, bags of loose leaf tea. One is the very one my heart had been aching for the infamous, but incredible, Darjeeling. The other is a beautiful Cherry Moon Green Tea.  She even included one cup liners so I don't have to share oh wait, I really mean I don't have to make a whole pot can extend the enjoyment of this wonderful experience.

Oh, my soul cries out to just sit and drink. Sit and drink. Sit and drink. And then sit and drink some more, with knitting done in between. 

Thank you, Esme. Thank you from the bottom of my heart that you were able to bring back a bit of peace and happiness that can only be recaptured when the senses are fully aware of what it has been missing. I don't know if this was a Random Act of Kindness from the Swap or just from the Kindness of your Act. Either way, be assured that it will get forwarded. Thank you. 

Almost there

There are two more posting assignments. Here is one. I am not posting alot due to my arm being in a cast. It is a red one. But when I try and type it gets in the way, making it very long and tiring to chicken peck the keyboard. 

Glad to see so many owls flying by.

Quidditch Round 3

Quidditch ~ Round Three

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?
a. "New Theory of Numberology"

Picture Scavenger Hunt

Padma Patil

Hannah Abott

Percy

Dumbledore's Army

Cedric Diggory

(Extra 5 pts - What movie will Robert Patterson star in this December? Twilight)

The Arrival of the Owl

So here are the promised pictures of the FANTASTIC kit I received from none other than Ophelia Hopkirk. She was a SPECTACULAR SPOILER!!! I do hope that everyone who reads this becomes INSTANTLY SLYTHERIN GREEN with envy. 

This is a complete picture of the entire box. I am still amazed that she knows so many spells to make it all fit in one small container. 

From top left clockwise around: a knitted Slytherin tea cozy (A snake on one side and Slytherin on the other), 

a sock pattern titled 'Red Thread Socks, by Cookie A', a square sheep tape measure (my 

kids got a big hoot out of it, they think I'm already 'square' for knitting as much as I do),  a box of my favorite tea, a jar of clotted cream, and an individual size serving of loose leaf tea (yummy.),

 two skeins of Lorna Lace sock yarn in Green and Silver,

 a set of Size 2 Lantern Moon Sock Needles (I am SO LUCKY!!! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!),

 a beautiful little note book to carry with me (almost too pretty to use.), 

a hand felted wristlet made to look like bacon (private joke, I don't eat it, but

 there were no objections to wearing it. hee hee), a small lizard spool making kit (looks like great fun with my little ones), a hand felted Slytherin Patch (TERRIFIC- all the other housemates are going to fight me for it.),

MY OWN SNITCH! (now I really won't feel left out by having never found one.),

 a package of stickers (super cute.), and last but not least is this FANTASTIC bag. I love the handles!! (The youngest one here modeling it.)

THANK YOU SO MUCH AGAIN. I LOVE IT ALL!!!!

The Final Stretch

Morgana received her package. YEAH! And she liked it! DOUBLE YEAH!! I am so happy to have that done. I have mailed the Slytherin House mini sock swap. I am sure the Lavender Diggory-Dolohov will appreciate it. She seems really in the dumps since no one has heard or seen Sirius since the beginning of the term. Term is almost over and yet, still no word. 

I have my suspicions, though, it would be completely out of turn for me to say. But I will just hint that it involves a new DADA teacher and another student. Quite shocking I assure you, but I will let the scenario continue to play out and the others to form their own opinions. I never have liked the new prof. I think he was completely unqualified to be here. I am positive the Headmistress knew what she was doing. But could she have been under the same spell? 

Well, I best get back to work. I still haven't a replacement for my broken time turner so I have been extra busy with no breaks. I am so tired. I don't see how the muggles get everything done without one. 

Happy Knitting.

Anyone have one to spare?

I am finished with the kit. I am incredibly excited to be done before the deadline. I am excited to be done before the suggested deadline. I am THRILLED to be done before the holiday. Why? might you ask? Because for the last four weeks I have been pulled in every direction and am about to have the biggest crash I have ever experienced. 

My time turner was crushed so I can't even utilize that to get it all done. I have not had a single weekend in 8 weeks that has not been occupied with someone visiting us. We had not even moved into our new home before people were visiting or staying with us at the hotel. Once the 4th occurs, all visitation stops for 6 weeks. I am so looking forward to that. 

Do you know what that means? HUH? Let me tell you. It means that I can sleep in. It means that I don't have to cook a full 3 course meal. It means I can let my house get messy without worrying about what someone else will think. It means that I can start knitting for myself again. And that my fine feathered friends is what it is all about. I can start sneaking some time back in for me. 

When I had my time turner, I could always get a couple of hours for myself in. With no worries. NO ONE would see me and therefore have no trouble with the continuum. Since it was broken and I dare not ask for a replacement, I haven't had that luxury. OH, how I miss it! 

If anyone has one to spare, may I just borrow it? I will try my hardest not to break it. 

Thanks for checking. 

Knitting injuries

So I died last week in the Duel Club. I tried my best but it wasn't to be. I loved the competition and really enjoyed the patterns. But now I have to wear a splint and only get to knit muggle style one hour a day at most. 

Madam Pomfrey sent me to another wizard who specializes in bones and their movements. I think the muggles call them orthopedic doctors.  Supposedly, he can repair them with several new spells that he has patented. Unfortunately, the brace that they put my hand in has to be here for another two weeks.

I sure am glad that all that needed to be done for Morgana's bag is to wrap it. I don't know if I would be able to get it done. I am hoping to get it in the mail next week. YEAH! I hope she likes it.

I better stop now before it starts to hurt again. 

Quidditch Round 2

1. At the beginning of the year feast, who is the only person who rudely interrupts Dumbledore during his speech?

b. Professor Umbridge

2. Off what street is the alley where Harry first met Sirius?

c. Magnolia Crescent

3. Tonks’ mother had two sisters, both pure-bloods, and both left on the Black Family Tree. What are their names?

c. Narcissa and Bellatrix

4. What spell are the students studying in McGonalgall’s class when Umbrdige is doing her inspection?

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 (five letters)

6. Who are the members of the Order that met Harry Potter in the Dursely’s house during the summer before his fifth year?

c. Alastor Moody, Nymphadora Tonks, Kingsley Shacklebolt, Elphias Doge, Dedalus Diggle, Remus Lupin, Emmeline Vance, Sturgis Podmore, Hestia Jones

7. Moody used the Disillusionment Charm on Harry.

a. Yes

8. Which of these Death Eaters is Sirius related to?

d. All of these

9. At what age did Sirius leave his home?

Answer: 16 (Number)

10. How many of the original Order members were killed (don’t include those who disappeared)?

b. 8

Picture Scavenger

Kingsley Shacklebolt

Bellatrix Lestrange

Nymphadora Tonks

Remus Lupin

Next time, I'll send the Howler FIRST!!

Thanks for the suggestion of the Howler. It seems that the Ministry only responds to those. It is with MUCH joy and elation that I am happy to announce, WE ARE FINALLY CONNECTED TO THE FLOO NETWORK!! 

It appears to be just in time or I might have had to forfeit my opportunity to duel. Now if I can only find my time turner to get everything else done in time to be there.....

More later. 

P.S. I need to send my DEEPEST apologies to my fellow housemates. I failed to post this past week due to the failure of the Ministry to get the floo network operable. I'm sorry ladies to have cost us points. Please forgive me. 

The craziness of moving

It seems that the Ministry doesn't know the right hand from its left. We have waited paitently for the extention to our new home allowing us access to the floo network, which they said was no problem, now seems to be a problem. We have no floo network at our new home. So I have had to resort to the muggle way of dealing with the problem. I have found a public library to post from. I apologize for fading into the wallpaper, but my largest problem at the moment is the sea of boxes that has overcome the Crookshanks household. It seems that the younger children have learn a new spell compliments of oldest one. (HE really is all Slytherin.) It was duplicating the boxes and paper. Just when we think we have unpacked all the items, there another appears.

Well back to the grindstone.

Quidditch Round 1

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

Whew! This was one of the toughest matches so far. I do hope that we find that snitch quick!

Oy- My headache!!

SSSSSSSSHHH!!! EVERYONE BE QUIET!! the noise is hurting my head. Is it just me or are the house elves shuffling too loud?

Last night in the pit. WOW! what can be said but WOW! The first planning party of the new rulers of Quidditch set place, but somewhere at sometime something happened. Lavendar Diggory showed up and announced she eloped. OH MY YARNESS! Everyone pulled out their stash and there started the party.

Rounds of butterbeer and fire whiskey had no sign of stopping when I had to floo it home for the girls.

On that note, as an aside, Lavender, remind me to show you how to request a floo extension for your new room with the fire in our grate. The paperwork is a bit tricky, but knowing which office to file it with and who to talk to will cut down on the time it will take to get installed. The Ministry can be incredibly slow when you are trying to be a student and have outside responsibilities.

Last I heard when I headed upstairs was someone was looking for HRH's bum. I do hope she locates it soon. It would be incredibly embarrassing if McPotions would happen to find it before she did.

OY, my head. That will teach me to stay up way past my bedtime. I am going to go lie down now. And why am I sleeping in dorm three? I thought I was suppose to be in four. OY- my head.

House Quiz #1

1. How many goal posts are on the Quidditch Pitch?
Six in all. Three for each side.

2. Who was portrayed in the picture that kept screaming in the headquarters for the Order of the Phoenix?
Mrs. Walburga Black

3. Who was giving Hagrid all of those bruises and cuts?
HIs half-brother Grawp

4. Who left his shift early, leaving Harry open to a dementor attack?
Mundungus Fletcher

5. What was the name of the Squib who came to Harry's side after the attack?
Mrs. Arabella Doreen Figg

6. What position was Percy promoted to that made him have a 'row' with Mr. Weasley?
Junior Assistant to the Minister

7. What secret does Hermione know about Rita Skeeter?
She's an unregistered animagus. She transforms herself into a beetle.

8. Name one person other than Sirius Black who was scratched off of the Family tree wall?
Andromeda Black Tonks

9. Who discovers the room of requirement?
In the fourth book Dumbledore said he found it full of chamber pots. In the fifth book, Harry asks Dobby if he knows of a place to meet and Dobby mentions the 'Come and Go Room' where he took to treating Winky. Though Neville was the first member of the DA to locate it.

10. Where is the first DA meeting held?
In Hogsmeade at the Hog's Head

Whew! I am off and running

WOW! What a crazy first week. I am beyond my ears in all my stuff. I best begin at the beginning and see how many can figure it out.

Being a part of two families is really rough. As I am a second year here, I also am a married student with three children. My oldest child is a student here as well, though I dare not mention that because as a proud Slytherin himself, he would NOT like it known that I am here taking classes as well. But, due to his introverted nature, he was not adjusting to this way of life as well as some who have known about Hogwarts for awhile. So the Headmistress invited me to join the Slytherin house for a semester since all the inter-house unity scholarships were made available. We thought that would be a grand idea. So, along with a few fellow housemates, I changed.

Dear Mr. Crookshanks received a promotion at the end of last semester. With that privilege comes great responsibility. That responsibility forced us to move across the country. So, I packed up our things and along with the three children moved us to a temporary lodging facility to await the Ministry connecting our new home to the floo network. Unfortunately, we all know how well the Ministry works and somewhere, our paper work is sitting in a pile awaiting for someone to notice it. Until then, we are patiently making do.

Classes began on Monday for us and we are off and running. We managed to get all the kids physicals for entering in the muggle schools done on Monday. Rowena did NOT like having to get 5 shots. I do not like the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. He is crazy. I think he is being managed by the Ministry is not a good way. There is not a single reason why we should not be learning actual spells. I am wondering if Professor Umbridge morphed into this new Professor. I will continue to make notes about him to show to Professor Snape. I am seeing quite a few similarities. I may even have to reveal my notes to Dear Walden and have him look into what may be occuring at the Ministry.

Whew, just listing what occured on Monday has already wore me out. I don't know how I am going to keep this up all semester. Hopefully, I can maintain the schedule. Though not much time left for knitting. Well, maybe I can turn one hour for something so important as that.

Happy Knitting.

Friends Provided Free of Charge

Come one! Come All! The newest craze is here. (Really just a bunch of crazy people.)

The next round of Hogwarts Sock Kit Swap is about to begin. Don't Snooze. Don't Loose.

Sign-ups close on the 9th of May. Swap will finish the 25th of July. (or thereabouts.)

Come to the Dark Side for more fun. Join the Slytherin House. or you can join one of the others if you don't think you can handle the heat. No worries, we won't think less of you.

Meet lots of people, win lots of games, and make friendships that span the miles. All from the comfort of your computer while still in your pajamas. And best of all- talk to other KNITTERS!!!

The Owl has arrived

After much ado and wait, I am proud to announce it is here. My sock kit from my spoiler.

I received today a very tired owl. The poor thing didn't realize that he couldn't come in through the windows as they don't open this high up. He was very tired as he had tried several windows before finding ours. Then I had to take the elevator down to meet him outside so he could drop it. I fed him well and let him stay the night before sending him home the next day.

As soon as we were inside though I ripped into the long awaited box. In it was four skeins of Dalegarn Baby Ull. Two in a vivid red and two in a golden yellow. The most awesomest pattern one could ever hope to accomplish: Chuck's Cabled Socks. This was written by the new editor of Interweave Knits. (It's a muggle knitting magazine that has a wide range of knitting patterns. I seriously covet a subscription but haven't talked myself into yet.) They are so incredible.
Some wonderful bamboo Brittany needles to work that awesomest pattern. Some chocolate and not one, but two, sets of beautiful stick markers. There was even a stitch holder tube so I don't loose any of those precious stitches while working on it. That was incredibly thoughtful. She also included some wool wash which, while living in a hotel I totally forgot to keep out my wool wash and did not want to invest in another bottle for just a short time. This was perfect.

All I can say is THANKS!! I am very lucky to have you as a spoiler, Victoria Black. THANKS!!

Wanted: Missing Owl

Looking back at what fun this was and cruising right along ahead of the game and deadlines, I knew things were going too well. As I am boxing up my package to send to one very expectant spoilee, my loverly two wee-est ones are fighting over the gift needles. Yes- you can only imagine what they have done- snapped the entire package in two. AAAAHHHH!

Mad scramble to get on the internet to see if the wonderful Harmonies are still in stock with the muggle store. Spello-tape just won't cut it. I tried the repairio charm but the splinters were too numerous and too small to find to do a complete repair. Luckily, they had plenty and a new set was on the way. But that put them arriving while we were gone a hunting for a new home. 

We arrived back from our successful trip to find the package waiting for me. I passed the needles from one box to the next, tape it all shut, and put it in our muggle transportation. For the next three days, I cannot for the life of me make it to an owlery while someone is there to assist me. On the 3rd of April, I manage to catch someone. I paid for the service to utilize one of their owls as the package was a bit bulky. I received the receipt telling me that it would arrive on the following Monday. And yet, here it is Wednesday evening and still no owl to my awaiting spoilee. Oh, I am frightfully worried that the owl has manage to shake off the GPS unit that we placed on her. 

Dear Spoilee, please know that I have sent your package. It is on its way. If you can jinx the numbers to show you here they are: 7007149000025185094. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did putting it together. 

Last House Quiz

The Last quiz is really a doosey. So here is my attempt at it. 

1.  Grimmauld Place

2.   Luna Lovegood

3.  Delores Umbridge

4.  Occlumency

5.  Grawp

6.  Thestrals

7.  Extendable Ears

8.  Scrimgeour

9.  Prophecy

10.  Saint Mungo's

11. Centaur

12.  Skiving Snackbox

13.  Room of Requirement

 

14.  Dumbledore's Army

15.  Department of Mysteries

Whew! This was rough! I hope I win. Great Job, oh-wonderful-Fabulous-Prefect, Cassandra Puddlemere!!

Quidditch Round 3

Quidditch ~ Round Three

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 cam out first?
b. Viktor Krum

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

5. What kind of dragon did Cedirc 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 gif of a carriage clock?
b. A Basilisk egg

9. What did Mr. Ollivander produce for the end of Cedric's wand?
d. Silver smoke rings

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

 

Picture Scavenger Hunt

Karkaroff

A Basilisk

Mundungus Fletcher

Amos Diggory

Snape

Letting go

Well, I don't think I will be posting anything about using the letter "O" to start with. The selection is so limited that I just don't even want to try. With that said, I would love to tell everyone how excited I am about my swap spoilee's package. 

I have finished the bag. I am so excited. It came out EXACTLY like I had envisioned it and now I DON'T want to give it up. I love it so much I think "How can I give it away?" or worse "What if she DOESN'T like it?" AAAHHHH!

She is a bit younger than I and in a completely different walk of life at the moment. So what I think is totally functional might be something hideous to her. It is almost like letting go of your first child to the school bus driver. Maybe I should enclose a note asking her if she doesn't like it, would she send it home? 

I have boxed all the goodies up along with some fantastic yarns, needles, patterns and of course, THE BAG (yes- it deserves it own title.) And as I was planning the day today to finally take it up to the owlery for releasing, quite a storm has blown in. The Ministry has grounded all the owls for the rest of the day and evening for their own safety. So, I guess that means I continue to covet the bag while it is in the box and pray she likes it as much as me. Oh- it is dreadful letting go. 

Game on

Let me begin with ROAR ROAR GRYFFINDORS!!!! Congradulations to Lily Durmstag for the wonderful snotch hunting. Great job fellow Lionesses! Two down- One left. Let's keep the perfect record!!!

Well, yesterday, I finished and blocked my bag for the swap kit. I am so excited. I have put a lot of thought into how I wanted a bag for myself so I made one I would want to carry. I do hope my spoilee will like. Now all that is left is for me to sew up what I wanted to do and possibly add some pockets to the inside.

Therein lies the dilema. Do I add pockets? I can play this both ways. Pockets are nice for adding the ability to seperate small from large things. To have a place for everything. Yet they are also very limiting. Big pockets are no good. Why add a divider to the large space to make smaller spaces? Just carry a smaller bag. (Is it obvious yet that I have a bag fettish?) But no pockets and everything just falls to the bottom. Sometimes the abyss sucks the little things so quickly that months can go by without locating them again.

But on that happy note, really just another topic, I have found a new favorite club. The yarn of the month club from a muggle community called WEBS. Oh- they do have such loverly things at a wonderful cost. I am now totally infacuated with them.

I best be off, as I told my housemates, my wonderful Mr. Crookshanks has been promoted and that means a flurry of details to be attended too. I cannot wait for spring holiday to be able to take a breather and have a small holiday of my own. I do believe a relocation is coming up and I will have to make sure all the red tape at the Ministry is dealt with to get the new home hooked up to the floo network before we vacate.

Happy Knitting.

Qudditch Round 2

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?

a. rubber mouse

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 Pomfrey

Oh what a busy week

Where do I begin? So much has been happening with the Crookshanks that several classmates have started to worry. I dash in for class and as soon as it is over, I dash back out. So let me see if I can catch everyone up.

Last Saturday, with the rest of my classmates, I headed to Hogsmeade. But while there, as usual, I became so distracted with three of the shops, I forgot about anything else. What shops you might ask? I'll tell you. The first was a fabulous little niche called Toenails and Toadstools. At first, I was very reluctant to go in because everyone coming out looked to have a trance placed on them. But the giggles that I heard inside were too contagious to just ignore. So I bravely stepped in only to find myself WHISKED away. I was scrubbed, dubbed, and wrapped in mud. It was DIVINE!! (Especially with all the late evenings I have been spending at Hogwarts either in detention or trying desperately to avoid being put in detention with 'who shall remain nameless' trying to recover lost items.) I now completely understand where the "Toadstools" part comes in. Everyone is always sitting on them. But- I am much obliged that they were willing to be so wonderful to me. 

The second shop was just as good as the first. It was called Under the Moon. What a loverly shop that was. Not realizing how much time had past since I had entered, I now wonder if there was some type of time delay once you entered the door. How could two hours have past so quickly? Everything in it was so enchanting that you felt you had to have one each. The textures were so incredibly soft that it must have been knit with magic. Plus, they guarantee that you will never see any lines. How could I resist not having one in each color for every day of the week? I couldn't forget Mr. Crookshanks either. (Though I must say, he has now given his stamp of approval.)

The third shop was this most delicious restaurant I have had the privilege to eat in. The food melted in your mouth. The libations were smooth and perfectly balanced. The dessert was something that only magic could have created with the just right blending of sweet and light. With the wench who made sure all of my requests were handled immediately, who would want to ever leave a place like that? I don't ever want to cook again. 

After arriving home to find that the rest of the Crookshank household have become infected with a nasty bug, I set about cementing my visit into my memory and decided that even a little bit of fantasy wouldn't hurt while I returned to my daily grind. 

Sunday was spent stripping all the wonderful hiding places of those nasty creatures and giving them the heeve ho. I think I have chased them all outside into the garden, but only time will tell the full story. The ones that had already set up permanent residency were a bit harder to persuade to leave. So that meant, early to bed, for early to rise. To beat them at their own game, one must not wear themselves down in the process. I needed my rest to get on top of them. 

Monday, reality sets in. I didn't realize how bad our infestation was until Monday morning. Why are Monday mornings so incredibly harsh? It was a good thing Madame Pompfry was our neighbor when we were first married. I was able to call her up and get advice how to beat the buggars at their own game. 

Tuesday through Thursday was spent rushing between classes and Madame Pompfry's to get all three children up to date with dealing with the nasty bugs. 

Friday, finally I think we have beat it. The two littlests ones are able to go back to their Muggle school and I am capable of sitting down and breathing. Can it be Friday already? I look back and think it is just the beginning of the week. What has happened? Where did it go? Well- let me see.....

Oh- the joys of being a commuter student.

Homework Assignment #2

:waves raised hand very quickly:

"Ms. Puddlemere, Ms. Puddlemere, here is my homework. I really enjoyed it." 

My answers are as follows: 

Across:                            Down:

1. Shell Cottage                          2. Expelliarmus

5. Herbology                3. Transfiguration

6. Snape                     4. Polyjuice Potion

8. Warbeck                  7. Patronus

10. Thestral                 9. Whizz Hard

11. Azkaban                12. Voldermort

13. Phoenix

14. Bludger

15. Hogsmeade

16. Griffin

Ooo- I canna wait for the prize. I do so hope it is me.....

Recovering from Quidditch

WOW!!! What can I say? I am so glad to have a fabulous housemate like Cassandra Grubbly-Plank. She found the snitch. And SHE ROCKS!!!

That was an exciting time. I don't think I screamed any louder at any other given time in my life. Well- then again, I do have three wee ones- I might have and don't remember it. So let me re-phrase it. I don't think I have ever screamed louder and remembered it before in my life. Cheering on my housemates was very tiring. 

I think it might take me awhile to get focused back on school work. I am quite ready to buckle down and not have any more detentions. Not that I didn't mind hearing Prof. Black singing. He tends to loose his accent whist crooning, I would much rather hear him lecture. If I see another flubberworm outside of a boiling pot before the end of this term, it will have been too soon. 

Now I must get back to the books. In all the excitement leading up to this past week, my lessons in Charms has seriously lagged behind. 

Have a great week. 

Let's Play Some Quiddith (Round 1)

My Quidditch Answers:

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

Picture Scavenger Hunt
Please either post the pictures to your blog or link to where the pictures can be found.

Mr. Ollivander

Mad-Eye Moody

Cedric

World Cup Tournament

Dark Mark

Providing a little help to my friends

"Good Gracious. You want me to do WHAT?" 

"Well, *a little sheepishly* you did think up that wonderful distraction of the ferrets. Surely, you can think of something else. We need just a couple of minutes to say the incantation to get the bracelet out of the room. You just distract him for a moment." 

"Please, O?!? I wouldn't ask this of you unless you were the only one we could think of. That bracelet means so much to me. We would NOT go IN the room, just outside the door." 

"Well, *very hesitantly*, what's the worse that could happen? A little more detention? *BIG GRIN* I really do like his accent. Okay, let me think a moment..... "

A few moments pass while pacing back in forth in the common room, an idea, NO, a BRILLIANT idea, occurs.

"Okay, ladies, here's the plan. Tomorrow, once the quidditch match gets underway, I will approach "Crispy" with a question about the condition I saw some of the worms living in with regards to prolonging their shelf life. I will draw his attention back to his classroom and hopefully he will follow me there. Once there, I will pull out of my knitting bag a book that currently most Professors of Potions has dismissed as too off-the-rocker controversial and will 'hopefully' either start a dialog in why or defend his position on his choice. Thereby buying you some more time. But remember, DO NOT GET CAUGHT. If I am questioned, I will plead ignorance. I will deny knowing you. *said with a HUGE smile* For I know nothing. Absolutely nothing." 

"Oh- O- you are absolutely brilliant."

"Great plan. We can be ready at his door under the cloak waiting and watching when you knock on his door. We will follow you down already under. Does that sound good?"

Everyone nods their head in agreement.

(The next day- ....) 

What's a little detention?

Well, it was pretty funny what we were talking about....

Though I don't think we would have been caught or had made so much noise if Cass and Lily hadn't snorted so loud in class. Geez, it was LOUD. It was so loud that even the Slytherins two tables over snickered. (More so once Professor issued the dention.) 

Oh well, guess if I have to stay after and work on 'worms' it is best done in the company of friends. Hey, this gets me out of having to make dinner and put some rowdy little witches to bed.....

Would managing to get detention a couple of times a week be a bad thing?

Happy Knitting.

Just doing my part....

"Whew!! That was a bit too close for me to be comfortable. Good thinking with the foot steps charm. We walked right by her office." 

Arriving in the hallway by the Great Hall, we count the picture frames to locate the right one.

"Okay- remember tickle the pears. Not the peaches."

"Yes, yes, I've got it. Ooh- we're in." Creeping softly down the stairs, the kitchen is deserted.

"Now what do we have cooking?" Bent over to smell the pot, the burner gets turned up. So now instead of a nice simmering porridge, it becomes a boiling pot of porridge. 

"Did you bring the extra socks?" 

"Yes, I grabbed the last five I found in the basket of unclaimed ones." 

"Great! What about the sweaters we found at the Goodwill in Hogsmead last week? Did you remember them as well? They are what we are going to give the newest house elf Romy. Then she will be so distracted she won't notice the ferrets that I will let loose. I brought them in my knitting bag. Once they are out, look out for all the mice and biscuits that are to be found. House elves don't like ferrets. And worse they HATE mice." 

The knitting bag is placed on the floor and the setting of the bag down has awaken the the ferrets and their curiosity. Quickly darting out of the bag, they are loose and on the run..... 

(Back at the Bedchamber.....)

My School Song

Good Evening Ladies and Germs, 

Tonight's performance is brought to you courtesy of Cassandra Puddlemere. I am here to sing to you our wonderful school song. I will be perfoming it to the tune of one of my favorites: Waltzing Matilda. Please feel free to join me in the Chorus.

*clears throat* *Takes drink of water* *taps microphone*

Testing one, two, three. Testing. 

"Hogwarts, Hogwarts, Hoggy Warty Hogwarts.

Teach us something, Please.

Whether we be old and bald,  

Or young with scabby knees.

Our heads could do with filling

With some interesting stuff.

For now they're bare 

And full of air, 

Dead flies and

Bits of Fluff.

So teach us things worth knowing.

Bring back what we've forgot.

Just do your best,

We'll do the rest

And learn until our brains all rot."

"Thank you." *bows to the right*

"Thank you." *bows to the left*

" Thank you." *bows to the center*

"I'll be here till Thursday. Try the veal."

*waves and walks off the stage*

Trying to keep up

Well today is another day. I am so excited to finally have gotten my first day's lessons done, I went home and just crashed. No- not really crashed, but sat on my comfy couch and knit the night away. 

My dear Petrificus sent an owl last night. He had caught a bug, more like three if you ask me. As a first year at Hogwarts as well, he has been making the most of his living at the school. I try to keep out of his business. But, the professors are quick to tell me during my lessons what he is up to. Needless to say, not much of anything too terrible, but not as honorable as I think. Maybe that is the difference between us, he being a Slytherin and I being a Gryffindor.  Since he is in the infirmary, I am sure Madame Pompfray will be taking good care of him. 

I was having lunch in the Great Hall today. It was loverly to sit and talk to the other students. We were having a discussion on wands and what drew us to our specific one. I thought I would post a picture of mine. I quite love it. Light to handle, good swish, yet focused in strength.

Wood type: rosewood Length: 11½ inches Core: Phoenix Feather get your own wand!

I am really excited to get started on my partner's bag. I have designed my own pattern and cannot wait to finish it for her to see. She seems like she is into the originality of the knitting work. I do hope she likes it. 

But, I best get back to my lessons. I find it very easy to get behind. Are there any others that are having a bit of difficulty keeping up with all the activities going on? So much to do, so little time.

Off to a running start

I received my swap partner this prior week. I was so thrilled when the owl arrived. I wasn't sure if it would catch me while I was at Hogwarts or when I made it home. From what I heard later on, another Gryffindor, I think it was Queen Frysia the Fierce, the owl did arrive at school but she told it that I had already left for home. As soon as I arrived home, to a large mess none the less, the owl was there waiting for me. 

My two youngest children was having a grand time entertaining it. They were suppose to be eating their dinner but instead was throwing pieces to it. If one thought that owls were a bit selective in their palette, then I would like to introduce them to this one. I had a new dish that the ladies from the knitting circle that I also belong to suggested, an Indian dish, a Chicken Makhanti. I loved it, and so did the owl. 

But back to my swap partner. I am so excited that I get to choose for her. I have already designed a bag and purchased part of the yarn to start it. I tried to located the second color by means of a muggle and completely failed. Since my discovery of my magic was a bit on the slow side, I forget sometimes the avenues that are available to me. I will now try a spell to help me create the perfect yarn. I do so love the colours for my partner. She is a Ravenclaw. She is obviously very hip because she likes the newest styles for her house colours. 

I hear that there is a movement with up and coming wizards to change the house colours from the older bronze to the newer silver. I am just glad that I don't have to decide like that. I love the colour blue but like how it looks with both bronze and silver. Since red is my favorite, I am quite happy to be in Gryffindor. No colour changes. How would one decide if they had to choose? 

Well, I have to go and look at what classes I should be considering for this next term. I don't think I am going to take more than two or three. My loverly husband has just been told that we are to relocate. No worries. That just means a new adventure. But it is a bit of a hassle allowing all these others in to look at our mess. I am so glad for floo powder. No matter where we are, I can still make it to class without having to explain to the neighbors. 

Oh-what technology and magic combined can do.

Well- I do apologize for getting off to a rocky start. I have now replaced ALL of our quick quills and parchment with new, so theoretically there should be no more issues. One of my children decided to try their hand at a charm and completely hexed them all together. Whenever I would dictate a letter, it would write what the children wanted it to say. Even the Department of Magical Undo couldn't seem to reverse the charm and advised us to invest in new ones. Personally, I do believe the children were trying to get permission to visit Hogsmead without parental approval. 

I hope we can begin again, for it seems that the first blog, as I am just learning about these things, was established for me. My oldest was trying to be helpful and had the aforementioned quick quill type while I was finishing dinner only to have it type for him. 

Tricky buggars, they are. Sometimes I cannot tell if I am going in circles or if they are spinning the room. Growing up as a muggle, it wasn't until I was married that we realized I had magical powers. Luckily, my loverly husband, Walden, is a pureblood and recognized it right away. Our family doesn't associate much with my side of the relations, due to their denial of anything of the sort. So I understood how Harry felt, except the people like the Dursley's really were my parents. 

No worries now. All three of my wee ones show signs of being blessed.  The oldest is in his first year of Hogwarts. We weren't quite for sure if he would have been accepted, so we enrolled him in my alma mater muggle school. Once he was able to fulfill his commitment there, he has transferred to Hogwarts and seems to be enjoying it. Since I did not have the opportunity to attend whilst growing up, I have been allowed to participate with limited capabilities. It also gives me an opportunity to check in on Petrificus without appearing nosey. Luckily, he is in Slytherin and refuses to acknowledge me when he sees me bustling through the hallways. I am quite happy to have been chosen for Gryffindor. 

He is so introverted that it becomes very hard for him to make new friends. I am sure he will be finding that to end soon enough. Everyone I have met so far has been loverly.  As not coming into my own for so long, I am looking forward to sitting in on the lectures of some of the classes. I regret that I will not have a four poster along with everyone else in the dorms, but there are the responsibilities I have with two other small children, a home, and dear husband to keep track of. 

Though I have been taught that I could use my magic to speed along my projects, something about focusing your attention to move the needles back and forth, in a rhythm, becomes so relaxing, I have not given up my muggle ways. I love the feel of the needles in my hands and the tension leaving my shoulders. No charms yet have proven as an effective relaxation technique as knitting. So I will beg your pardon if you see me in a corner between classes or in the library studying with a pair of needles in my hand. Please feel free to stop and visit. I will show your mine if you show me yours. 

Much regards,

Ophelia

Happy New Year's Day

Well, I have done all I can do to prepare for this adventure. I am a bit scared but overwhelmingly excited to be a part of this. I have never experienced a journey like this. 

I will write more as time permits but for now, I must see if I can meet some of my housemates. I hear new ones arriving currently.