Doris is Awesome!!

The owl arrived last week, but I've been a total slacker and haven't posted about it. I'm going to say I was studying, but you know better. So without further ado, here is the amazing package Doris Boomslang sent to me.This is what it looked like right out of the box. What great Hufflepuff colors!

And look at the loot, all wrapped up in my favorite colors of green and purple.

This is what was inside all the pretty wrapping.

Crystal Palace needles, Soctopia patterns in Bellatrix, Nagini and Fawkes, Fairy Fiber hand-dyed yarn in Hufflepuff (of course), lovely dark chocolates, a giant bag of Twizzlers (not pictured; they never made it home), adorable HP stitch markers in a bottle, and some notepads...did I forget anything? Oh yes, a Goblet of Fire necklace.


Thank you so much, Doris. Everything is just lovely.

Round Three 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
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 gift 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

A little Wordplay

Try to use different answers if the person in front of you had the same 1st initial. You CAN'T use your name for the boy/girl name question

What is your name.......................... Petunia
4 Letter Word...................................Poke

Vehicle........................................... Portkey
City................................................. Paris

Boy Name....................................... Percy
Girl Name....................................... Polly

Alcoholic Drink.............................. Port
Occupation.....................................Professor
Something you wear....................... Panties
Celebrity........................................ Poppy Pomfrey
Food................................................ porridge
Something found in a bathroom........... powder
Reason for Being Late......................... Peeves!!
Cartoon Character............................ Porky Pig
Something You Shout........................ Protego (shield charm)
Animal.............................................. Phoenix
Body part............................................. Patella

Your turn!

Quidditch Answers, 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

*I chose to picture Cedric's dragon, being a Hufflepuff and all.

Hufflepuff Quiz Answer

"Then you should have died!" roared Black. "Died rather than betray your friends, as we would have done for you!"

Just in time for Valentine's Day!!

la la la la... this is me on Cloud 9...la la la la

Hogsmeade will never be the same. I was helping out in the store (Hogwarts weekends are always kind of crazy) when I heard THE VOICE. Which voice? Have you been paying attention?? GUS CAULDWELL!! He has the dreamiest voice. Like velvet rubbed the wrong way, rough but soft at the same time. He was there with some friends (a 4th year Hufflepuff named Charles, and two Gryffindors). I froze. I'd been cleaning out some cages and there I stood with my hair in a ponytail and my hands full of Fwooper Pooper Scooper. I tried to duck out of sight but I wasn't fast enough. "Hey Tuney," he said with a nod. Charles and the other two barely acknowledged me. I managed to squeak out a "um, Hi Gus," before one of the guys pointed to the Horntail my brother brought in (strictly for display purposes--it's only a baby and its flame has been extinguished). They wandered around the shop for a bit looking at the spiders and snakes and things, and I ran to the backroom to hide until they left. I mean, why do you always see the cute boys when you look awful?

I was in the back straightening the cans of Hippogriff flea powder when Mum came back with a smile and said, "Tuney, someone wants to speak with you." I walked out and there was Gus, all alone and looking kind of shy, actually.

"Hey, Tuney, I was wondering if you have to work all day or if you get a break at all."

I was struggling to speak when Mum piped up, "Oh I think she's done for the day. Why don't you run along, Honey. You can go back to school with this nice young gentleman."

Girls, there is nothing worse than your mother giving you the ol' "wink, wink" in front of the boy you have a crush on.

"I'll just be a minute, Gus." I said quickly, then ran to the back to fix my hair and make sure I didn't have any animal bits on me.

We walked over to the Three Broomsticks but the place was overflowing with rowdy Ravenclaws, so instead we just strolled quietly by ourselves and talked. And talked. One of the girls at school (she wasn't a Hufflepuff, but I wish I could remember her name so I could thank her) warned me that Gus's family is very into bloodlines, so I didn't mentioned that my father was born a muggle. I only told him that, yes, I'm of the Kensington Acromantulas (that's my grandpa). We stopped in Honeyduke's, where Gus bought me a bag of Bertie Bott's Beans (my favorite!) and then we walked all the way down to the lake past the train station. We watched the clouds and tried to guess the flavors of the beans and then he did it--GUS KISSED ME!! It was just a quick one, but still a kiss. From Gus! Only the cutest boy ever. (except maybe Cedric Diggory, but really, it's hard to beat that) He's liked me since last year, but he kept telling himself I was too young. He said I seem more mature this year (Ha!) so he figured he'd ask me out. SQUEEEEEEEEAAAALL!!

As we were heading back, Gus spotted an old broomstick by the train station and told me, "Wait here," before taking off into the sky. I watched him fly in circles and loops until smoke started pouring out of the brush. Then, I realized that the smoke was making sense. He's a picture I drew of my handsome Gus and his broomstick skywriting.

la la la lala...(sigh). Now it's all I can do to concentrate on my lessons. When we pass in the halls, he gives me a sly wink with his beautiful green eyes and maybe a little smile. I'm in love.

Oh, I miss Madam Pomfrey

I sure hope Madam Pomfrey gets back soon. I have a really big zit and the acne treatment I bought at Diagon Alley just isn't cutting it. I think I may have crossed the real medicine with a bottle of joke pills I bought at Weasley's. Yikes!In the meantime, I keep literally shoving my nose in a book every time Gus walks into the common room. What's a girl to do? I'd ask Hagrid, but I'm terrified of ending up with a bigger zit--OR A BIGGER NOSE! Help!

Oh, it's on, Gryffindors.

I was supposed to be at the store, Acromantula's Emporium, today but I told Mum I had to stay home and play Quidditch. Unfortunately, that Grubbly-Plank Gryffindor found the snitch first.
Alas, I refuse to be discouraged. We Hufflepuffs rocked last year and we will keep the cup if I have anything to do with it.

So, in the spirit of good sportsmanship, I say:

Quidditch!!! I'm so excited.

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? (Answer is One Word, Last Name Only)
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: (One Word) 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

Quiz 2 answers

Goodness, I got so busy this week I forgot to post my quiz answers.

1. What does Mrs. Weasley do when she is angry?
She tends to explode? (I try not to anger Mrs. Weasley. Ever since she killed Bellatrix LeStrange, she's a bit intimidating)
2. Who picks up Harry for his visit to the Burrow?
Mr. Weasley, Fred, George and Ron--by Floo Powder.
3. What did Moody give Neville?
A book--Magical Water Plants of the Mediterranean.
4. When is Hermione’s Birthday?
September 19th
5. Who does Snape have pickling rats brains for detention?
Harry and Ron, of course
6. Are Dobby and Winky at Hogwarts at the beginning of term?
No, Dumbledore hires them in December
7. Where do Harry, Ron and Hermione pick up sock for Dobby?
in Hogsmeade at Gladrags Wizardwear
8. Who helps Harry figure out the egg?
Well, Cedric Diggory tells him to take a bath in the prefects bathroom, but Moaning Myrtle really helps him figure it out.
9. Where does Harry have his first meeting with Sirius?
by the fire of the Gryffindor Common Room (Sirius is IN the fire)
10. Who interrupts the above mentioned meeting with Sirius?
Ron

Now it's time for some lunch. I wonder what's left after the ferrets, which I swear I had nothing to do with, invaded the kitchens.

Hooray for Owls from Home

Whew! This was a heck of a week. That Professor Von Humperdink loves to give homework. I don't mind, so much. He's a great teacher and I've learned more from him in one week that I did all last year. As for Professor Black, well, potions has never been my strongest subject, but I really love this class this year. mmmm.

I got an owl from my mum today. She filled it with confetti as a surprise. Silly mum. I opened it at breakfast and there was confetti everywhere--in the porridge, the eggs, the cocoa--my housemates were not pleased. Fortunately, the confetti was edible and tasted like jelly beans, so it wasn't so bad after all. She must have known I was having a tough week and needed some cheering up. She also included some delicious caramels. Love you, Mummy!

Egads!

A group of us were sitting quietly in the common room doing our homework when a GIANT YELLOW BIRD walked in from the dormitory tunnel! I shrieked and jumped behind an armchair. Toni spilled cocoa all over her parchment. The giant bird stumbled around the common room knocking over chairs and desperately flapping it's wings for a few minutes and then started molting. Right before our eyes, the giant bird changed into Basil Weaver, a first year who, as it turned out, was tricked into eating a Weasley's Wizard Weezes Canary Cream by a mean 7th year girl.

Poor Basil. I heard that Henrietta Sweeting got tricked too, but I didn't see her. I hate when the older students are mean to us younger ones. I vow to always be kind to first and second years when I'm in the upper grades. (although third years are on their own--hee hee)

Oh No! A Quiz!!

And I didn't study or anything!! I can feel the nervousness start to spread. Palms sweating. Face turning red. Yikes!!
Here it goes:

1. How many members of Dumbledore’s Army are from Hufflepuff house?
Five
2. Which famous member of Hufflepuff is related to Sirius Black? Bonus points for tell me how.
Nymphadora Tonks--2nd cousin, she is the daughter of Sirius' cousin Andromeda.

3. What is the name of the Hufflepuff house member sorted before Harry in PS?
Justin Finch-Fletchley

4. Who shared a recipe for Yule Logs?
Helga Lovegood--yummy.

5. List the 3 Hufflepuffs that have listed in their blogs about their wands and what wood they are made of?
Cliodna Trelawney--maple, Bella the Beautiful--apple, and Toni dela Weasley--mahogany.

6. Who was locked out after forgetting the password?
Me!! It was horribly embarrassing!

Locked out and embarrassed

It was a nice day so I went outside to get some fresh air and daydream. When I came back to the common room, I suddenly couldn't remember the password. CatWhiskers!! I sat outside the painting waiting for one of my fellow Hufflepuffs to come by and wouldn't you know it...GUS came by with a bunch of his friends.

I tried to look casual like I had just arrived a few minutes and was searching for something, but I didn't have a bag or books or anything with me. He just smiled at me and said, "Did you forget the password, 2nd year?" like I was a little kid. Oh I wanted to pull out my wand and curse him, but I resisted. Stupid smug 4th years. At least I got the password.

and my other partner is...

a GRYFFINDOR! Yippee!! I'd better get knitting!

I stayed up too late last night reading The Quibbler and fell asleep in the library researching my paper on Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa von Nettesheim (part of my punishment from last term). I think I started snoring because Madam Pince gave me very nasty looks when I woke up. Oops.
I'm so glad it's the weekend.

Hooray! I have my swap partner!

Headmistress Wartbobbble is really an amazing woman. First of all, she's in charge of this whole school, and considering what happened in the Ravenclaw common room yesterday (and the term hasn't even started) she really has her hands full. On top of that, she has organized this Sock Kit Swap, which is just a HUGE project. So, let's have a round of applause for our beloved headmistress, shall we?

My swap partner--well, the one I'm sending a kit to--is a Ravenclaw. I had two Ravenclaw swap partners last term, both my sending and receiving. I do love the Ravenclaw colors, but was kinding of hoping to do something different. No matter--I know where to find some awesome yarn in their house colors and already have a bag pattern in mind. Now I can get started...as soon as I finish Cuthbert's hat (that's my little brother).

My sister, Agatha, sent me an owl today wishing me the best this term. She's such a tough act to follow since she was a Prefect and scored practically perfectly in her N.E.W.Ts. Alas, poor thing, she married a muggle and he prefers that she not use magic in the home. I don't know what I'd do if I had to do chores by hand. She gave me some advice on how to talk to Gus Cauldwell without giggling. Aggie was always so popular and had the handsomest boyfriends. (Even her muggle hubby is a looker)

I have an older brother too. His name is Uric and he works for the Ministry in the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures--Dragon Research Division. You can guess where I get my love of exotic creatures. He's single, if any of you know of any available witches who like a little adventure in their lives.

Speaking of Classes...

My course list has been posted and Mum will have to get my books for me since I'm already at Hogwarts. You may wonder why I'm here when term doesn't start until January 14th. Well, I sort of got into a little trouble last term for bringing a Fwooper to school and his silencing charm expired. Being a first year student, I hadn't studied that charm yet, so there was an awful commotion until Headmistress Wartbobble came and silenced him. He was a lovely teal bird whose feathers I was selling for quills. As punishment, I was sent home early last term and had to come back to school early for extra credit and to clean the trophies in the trophy case--BY HAND!

But we were talking about the course list, right? I asked Mum for a time-turner but she said I shouldn't take on more than I can handle, so I guess I'll just be taking the usual second year classes. Maybe I'll try to sneak into Enchanted Kit Planning. It sounds fun. Is it wrong to take Muggle Studies if your father is a Muggle? I don't think it's cheating. Dad was adopted by a wizarding family and has lived with witches and wizards so long, he hardly qualifies. Still, poor Dad has no magic in him whatsoever. Well, I guess I have time to worry about that. I won't be allowed to take electives until next year.

If shopping were a class...

...I'd have Outstanding in my O.W.L.S.!

I saw some ads in the Daily Prophet for a few websites and spent so much time shopping I missed dinner! That's okay; I still have some snacks from the weekend knit session and in 5-10 days, an owl will arrive with some neat stuff for my swap partner, whoever that may be.

Knitting by the fire

It's still raining, so a bunch of my fellow knitting Hufflepuffs and I decided to sit by the fire and knit some warm socks. Well, I was actually knitting a hat for my little brother. He won't come to Hogwarts until next year.

After about 30 minutes, we got hungry. Henrietta popped over to the kitchens to see what she could find while Bella and I ran over to the Ravenclaw tower to see what sort of sweets Minerva Kwikspell had to sell. Luck was with us--Minerva had a fresh batch of Pumpkin Pasties. Meanwhile, Henrietta sweet talked some house elves into making us some delicious sandwiches and lovely tea. We talked and ate and giggled when Augustus Cauldwell, a really cute 4th year boy, walked by and nicked a pastie. I pretended to be mad, but I wasn't really. Did I mention he was really cute? I mean really cute.

Finally, the rain comes

Mum sent an owl this morning saying my augurey, Angus, has been crying like crazy. Augureys predict rain, in case you didn't know. With me away at school, Angus has been moaning like a ghoul for days on end and I thought he just missed me. Mum threatened to sell him. She said Angus just likes to make noise and isn't really predicting anything. Well, it's raining now and I'll bet she feels bad for doubting him. Poor Angus. He just wants to fly in the rain. She should let him out.

Oops! Time to head down to Potions. Anyone want to take my place? I didn't study and I'm sure we'll have a quiz. (sigh)

Social Butterfly

Well, not one to "stick to her own kind" I ventured out of the Hufflepuff common room to check out some of the other students. Lots of girls named Fleur and so many knitters! I guess "Fleur" is the new "Jessica." Also, a couple of Emmas, some Cassandras, but I'm still the only Petunia in school. (Honestly, I could die of embarrassment) Please call me Tuney. Everyone does.

Ever since Hogwarts installed DSL (way to keep up with the Muggles) , nearly everyone has a blog--well, lots of us anyway. (I tend to exaggerate a little) I've linked to all the other knitters I met on the sidebar. Well, I have to finish a report on Disillusionment Charms. See ya!

Anxiousness ensues

I am positively giddy about this new swap. I can hardly wait for to get my swap partner assignment, just so I know what colors to knit. Is everyone else as excited? I can't sleep!

Back to the grind

Well, it's back to the ol' grind after having a lovely holiday. I can't believe how much work the professors piled on us today. I'll have used a kilometer of parchment by Friday! Good thing Mum and I stocked up over break. At least the Welcome Back feast was pleasant. A bit too pleasant--I ate too much. Oof!

The manager of my store (actually my parents run the store, but it's still mine), Philodendria Singleton, sent me an owl to say that business was so good over the Christmas holiday we may be able to branch out. Mum and Dad think we'd do better at Diagon Alley, but the rent there is a bit pricey. Perhaps a small store...hmmm.

Happy New Year! Happy New Swap!

Good Afternoon, Sock Swappers! It's a new year and a new swap. I feel good about this one. I've already got a bag pattern picked out and some doodads to add to the package. I resolve to get this one out on time, if not early.

Chat at you soon!