Notice Board

[**Daemond Dumbledore]

Daemond smiled encouragingly at his wife and gave her a subtle push towards her place at the high table. He stepped back slightly to pass behind Aurora and took his own seat to the right of the new Headmistress before flicking his wrist so that Aurora's chair moved backwards for her to sit.

"Tula, hama lirimaer."

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Stein swung his legs over the bench to sit at the Ravenclaw table and smiled distractedly at the others nearby. His ferret, Axe, was trying to wriggle down his sleeve to stick his head out the end, but Stein was worried someone would make him leave his pet in the dorms if they saw him.

"Stay still, Axe," he muttered, gripping his sleeve closed against the squirming lump beneath the fabric.

[**Jaguar Riddley]

"Yeah, that must be it." Jaguar replied and chuckled. He didn't press on about the wizards and witches patrolling the Great Hall, though; he knew that he'll be getting the desired information any moment now. The Minister will deliver the goods... he thought savagely.

Jaguar was distracted when he heard Wayne's stomach rumbled. He grinned at the thought that this young man, just like him, can't wait to consume the delicacies prepared just for them.

"Hey, any chance you were talking about food when I zoned out? I'm getting kind of hungry, it seems."

"No, but I'm starving too. Wish they'd start the Sorting Ceremony, or I might settle on these plates." He chortled at what he had just said.

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A plump witch collected the frightened first years from the Entrance Hall to a small, empty antechamber. She turned around and spoke, in an affectionate manner, "Welcome to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry." Professor Sprout smiled and continued, "The start-of-term banquet will start soon, but before you take your seats, all of you need to be sorted into houses---Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. Your house is your family here at Hogwarts. You will sleep, eat, take classes with your fellow housemates. Triumphs will earn you housepoints and mischief will lose you housepoints. I do hope that all of you will be able to contribute glory to your own houses.

"Please wait quietly. I'll fetch you when we are ready." With that statement, Professor Sprout left the area.

A few minutes after, the Herbology Professor came back. "Please form a line and follow me." She was holding a three-legged stool in one hand and a patched, frayed hat in another. She led them through the double doors to the Great Hall.

Facing the rest of the staff, Professor Sprout laid down the stool and placed the Sorting Hat on the top of it. Then, silence came. The rip near the brim opened like a mouth and it began to sing.

((Anyone interested in submitting a Sorting Hat song? 15 Housepoints will be awarded...))

After the Sorting Hat had finished its song, Professor Sprout stepped out, a scroll of parchment in her hand.

"When I call your name, please step forward, put on the hat, and sit on the stool. Now don't be too nervous."

She then began to shout the names of first years students. After the Sorting, she rolled the parchment, removed the hat and the stool and vanished. She joined her fellow teachers on the staff area.

((First years may now Roleplay being called, and sorted. ))

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After all the first years have taken their respective seats, Professor McGonagall stood up. She looked around, eyes beady. She then cleared her throat and said, in a quavering voce, "Welcome to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I hope that all of you had a peaceful summer. I must remind you that the forest on the grounds is forbidden to all pupils. There is still a blanket ban on all Weasley's products. Please visit Mr. Filch's office for the list of 500 banned items. Let the feast begin."

As she sat, the tables were filled with delectable delicacies. Fudge, who was sitting beside Professor McGonagall leaned over to her and initiated a conversation.

This post has been edited by Jaguar Riddley on Nov 7 2006, 09:09 AM

[Lexi Stevens]

Lexi stared at her plate to upset to eat. Proffessor McGonagall's speech made her feel upset all over again and she struggled to get control of herself "Come on Lexi buck up." she thought silently then muttered "this is crazy."

[*Jeffrey Johnson]

Jeffrey shuffled his feet still struggling to force himself to enter the Hall. Finally the hushed tones of some message, and the irresistable scent of the waiting feast convinced him to enter. He cast his eyes around quickly, located the Ravenclaw table and sat down at the nearest end. There was barely a space for him, but he merely glanced at the person sitting beside him, and quickly averted his eyes.

He bagan hastily snatching food from in front of him, and as far down as he could reach. Suddenly he was famished.

__________________

A wisp of silver caught out of the corner of your eye, that's all anybody would remember of the girl who had been watching the proceedings from her tapestry covered niche. She slipped out of the Great Hall and down the long corridor. It appeared there wouldn't be much to be learned after all.

She convinced herself that she would have to return again later, maybe something would happen by then of interest.

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Aurora felt a tear slip down her cheek at Professor McGonnagall's words. There was nothing of great sadness about her short welcome, it was merely the memory of past years that tore at her heart.

She looked over to the man sitting beside her, she knew the loss of your father, but knew she could never fathom his pain. She'd never known her father as well as he had known Albus, nor had as great of relationship. She blinked her eyes, cleared her thoughts, and tried to concentrate on choosing her dinner. The usual feast just wasn't as warm, and the food -though obviously the same exacting quality as ever- just didn't look nearly as appetizing.

She scooped whatever was in the tureen nearest her onto her plate, and ate automatically. The food was delicious, but she just wasn't enjoying it.

Her eyes flitted toward the Minister, she couldn't help herself from loathing him a little. His misdeeds had caused a lot of the evil they were now up against. If only he'd dropped his pride and admitted Voldemort had returned....She let her thought wither before it grew into a tree of hatred whose roots were embedded so deeply within her heart she would have no choice but to reveal her animosity openly.

No, these were the times when she would have to try harder to be cheerful, and keep the atmosphere light and as cheery as possible. It was a new school year, and she turned her mind to the prospect of teaching Charms, and the happiness that would bring her. A genuine smile warmed her face as she thought of her class, her son, and her true joy of being here at Hogwarts.

She faced the Hall with a bright grin, and a lighter heart.

[**Misha Balfour]

Chuckling at Jaguar's comment, Wayne grinned. "Yeah, I'm starvin' here!" --When the feast started, he jumped on the food - Not literally, of course, but he grabbed as much as he could fit on his plate before gulping it all down. "Wow," he commented, "Either they have really good food this year, or starving the students before the feast will improve morale!"

This post has been edited by Misha Balfour on Nov 25 2006, 05:11 PM

[**Jaguar Riddley]

Jaguar Riddley was surprised that the Sorting Ceremony only took a short amount of time. He supposed that what with Dumbledore's death and the terror that the Death Eaters bring, it was a miracle that a number of new students enrolled.

After the Headmistress' announcement, the food appeared on the tables. He was really starving; the boy grabbed the nearest fried chicken and tore it like a hungry dog.

"I think the first one," he replied as he helped himself with some kidney pudding.

"I was afraid that the quality of food might be affected after you know---" his trailed off.

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After the plates have been cleaned, the Headmistress arose once again. She drew a long breath and spoke, this time rather sharply, "The Ministry of Magic would like to give out a few announcements." Her nostrils flared all the while and sank back in her seat once more. Cornelius Fudge smiled weakly and addressed the well-fed crowd, "Good evening to all of you. The past year has been difficult for all of us. We definitely miss those people that we've lost," he glanced at Dumbledore;s empty place.

"Dumbledore's death is a tragedy, but we at the Ministry of Magic would like to continue the mission of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. That is, to give an opportunity to young wizards and witches to learn magic, and ensure the safety of every pupil attending this school.

"We have formulated a way to strengthen the security around the castle. We are proud to present 'Hogwarts Patrol'," he nodded at the lady who was wearing a different kind of uniform, "all of whom will be patrolling the castle around the clock. They have the power to punish any student caught wandering after curfew hours, 8:00 pm.

We, therefore, implore all of you to take necessary precautions and not take our security lightly."

He took another breath before continuing, " Aside from our Hogwarts Patrol, the Ministry has ameliorated the curriculum. Fourth years and above will take an additional course: Healing for witches, and Advance Defense for wizards.

"Healing classes will be taught by none other than Miss Evanaline Simson." Fudge bowed at the curly-haired witch, "Advance Defense by Roberto Reef, an ex-auror. He will be arriving tomorrow morning.

Finally, the Ministry had arranged an event for all students. We will be having an acquaintance party. Details will be posted at the Notice Board."

After his tiring speech, Professor McGonagall stood again, looking severe than ever and announced, "I know all of you are tired. Your warm beds are waiting for you. Good night."

[**Misha Balfour]

Wayne looked to the side. "Yeah..." He rubbed the back of his neck, not really wanting to let slip how he didn't care that much. "Guess he didn't organize the food..."

After the announcements were over, Wayne grumbled. "Wait, so witches can't defend themselves? Wizards can't heal? Well, I find that more than a little unfair..." Smiling weakly at Jaguar, he added, "Well, at least everyone can sleep. Let's go up to the common room!"

[*Jeffrey Johnson]

In the deserted corridor Rose stopped. She heard MacGonagal's voice, with a stern tone to it, announce the minister had a message for the school. She slipped through the wall, and floated near the ceiling, blending in with the twinkling stars of the now dark night sky. She was very interested in his words.

She looked intently at the guard. She knew that curfew wouldn't be any problem for her, and it might even be fun to give these new guards a little mischief to keep their night watches interesting. Besides there would surely be some student who would need an escape sometime, maybe she might help, maybe she might make it worse for them, depended on her mood, and who they were she supposed.

She slipped back into the corridor to escape to her favorite haunt on the third floor, she had a particular suit of armor that was always precariously balanced and it was a bit of fun to knock it over to frighten unsuspecting students as they rushed up to the dormatories and higher classrooms.
_______________________________________

Jeffrey watched as Professor MacGonagal spoke, then stepped aside. Now he would find out what was going on.

He listened, then rolled his eyes, Great another useless class he thought to himself. He eyed the indicated "guard" ruefully, he intended to give them no reason to bother him, but his propensity for wandering at night might cause concern. But how on earth are we expected to be able to retire to the dorms at 8 p.m.!

He sighed, glanced at the empty plate in front of him, and slipped off the bench heading toward his dorm. He didn't address the students nearest himself, he hadn't even said hello, nor ask their names, so he didn't feel they'd be offended.

_________________________________

Aurora bristeled as the mood shifted. She straightened her back, and glowered at the man who stood to speak. She had an extreme dislike for Fudge, and held him personally responsable for Albus' untimely death.

She looked at the guard he indicated, and arched one graceful eyebrow in interest. Would their curfew pertain to Professors as well? Would they have to get special permission to be allowed in the halls after dark as well as the students?

An ornery streak flared in her, and she intended to find out. Probably that very night!

Her lip curled into a mischievious grin and a twinkle, much like that of her late Father in law, glinted in her hazel eyes.

In good humor she turned to her husband to see what he thought of this new situation.

[**Jaguar Riddley]

After the food on his plates had vanished, Jaguar laid his fork down, and unconsciously rubbed his stomach. The dinner was very gratifying; the house elves had, undoubtedly, ensured that the students are getting something wonderful.

Elbows leaning on the table, the boy cupped his chin in his hand. He then looked glumly at the former Minister, who had stood up to address the crowd.

He wondered what does the Ministry of Magic want this time?

"Dumbledore's death is a tragedy..."

Are they really sorry to see the Headmaster go?" Then, an unbidden idea came into his mind. Maybe, the Ministry of Magic is secretly celebrating... He had read, just before Dumbledore died, that their former Headmaster was sort of an inconvenience.

Yes, that was it. Without Dumbledore, the Ministry of Magic has achieved one of their main goal: to dominate Hogwarts.

Jaguar's eyes flickered over one of the 'Patrols' when Fudge mentioned tightened security. Does 'tighter security' means more meddlesome fools strolling around the castle and punishing students for exploring a terrain that used to be their own? And why do they have to retreat to their common rooms at eight in the evening? Isn't that too early to retire?

A sigh escaped his lips. How disappointing their Ministry is!

The boy shook his head and resumed to contradicting every statement Fudge makes.

"Healing for witches, Advance Defense for wizards..."

Finally, some sense! He disagree with taking an additional course, but at least, he doesn't have to be an expert in Potions. He looked at the curly-haired witch as the former Minister introduced her. Jaguar had to suppress a shudder. She resembled to Umbridge, and THAT is something to be terrified of.

"Acquaintance Party..."

Jaguar sniggered. Yes, the Ministry's still trying to make it seem that the Wizarding World is in good hands. That magic people have nothing to worry about except the dress robes that they will wear in the party.

Fudge reseated himself, and the Hufflepuff boy scowled. The spokeperson didn't mention anything about Snape. But then, Jaguar assumed, that he shouldn't expect more of their imbecile government.

"Well, at least everyone can sleep. Let's go up to the common room!" Wayne's voice was carried to Jaguar's ear.

"Yeah, let's do that," he replied. Jaguar stood up, feeling empty, and walked away from the Great Hall without glancing at the staff table.