Sorrow makes us all children again - destroys all differences of intellect.
The wisest know nothing.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson
Tuesday, November 28 ~ Afternoon

---

Glassy eyes stared out over the smooth black lake the undisturbed water having a calming affect upon the brunette sitting upon its banks. Her legs were drawn up to her chest with her arms wrapped tightly around them. She'd found herself coming out here more and more in the afternoons, watching the water, listening to the birds. There was something unexplainable about the way it soothed her. It was perhaps a bit unsettling to Hermione who organized the world with numbers, facts, theorems and probability. This was nothing like that, something intangible, unproven, but so very there in a way she couldn't explain with science or mathematics.
( A gentle breeze pulled at her hair...Collapse )

By doing just a little every day, I can gradually let the task overwhelm me.
~ Ashleigh Brilliant
Wednesday, November 9th ~ Afternoon

---

Dusting her hands off, Anne sat back on her heels and looked at the bookshelf in front of her. She'd lined up what few real books she was willing to loan out to the students if needed and wondered about getting some pamphlets made up with the pertinent points. The Minister might see her 'job' here at Hogwarts as merely a cover for his own agenda, but Anne had enough of a conscience and a dedication to her craft that she wanted to do a good job.

Although if I don't find something fairly soon, I may get yanked back to the office in London.

Glancing around Anne winced while comparing the little hole in the wall in the Ministry she claimed was an 'office' to this - huge room. Not for the first time, Anne was glad that she'd been sent here.

A real chance to do what I've been trained to do. In a decent space, with decent material to work with...

As long as I don't screw up a few young lives in the process that is.

"Tea. I think it's time for tea," she said to herself as she rose and walked over to the floo and ordered some.

A spider crawled across my face,
Spreading its web on the human race …
Mama Loi, Papa Loi
I see fire in the dead man's eye
Saturday, Oct. 28 ~ Nightfall to dawn

---

"... Get your fun in while you can, because a cold front will be settling in tomorrow. Tonight will be a busy night across the land, with pubs packed and parties in full swing.

"And why do you think it is, my dear listeners? Just because the holiday proper falls on a weekday? Oh, no, I hardly think it's that simple.

"Hallowe'en is Tuesday. All Hallows' Eve, Samhain, the night when spirits may breech the barrier between their world and ours with ease.

"Let all the good little witches and wizards have their fun tonight. Make it your own. For Hallowe'en ... does not belong to us."

SURPRISE!

Were you surprised? I was surprised.

Friday, September 29th ~ Evening

---

Quick, everyone hide! Hermione is coming and this is her surprise party.

Shh...

My Birthday! what a different sound
That word had in my youthful years;
And how each time the day comes round,
Less and less white its mark appears. - Thomas Moore
Tuesday, September 19, Afternoon

---

She'd gone to bed knowing when she awoke it would be her birthday, but somehow had not known exactly what that would mean. Until she'd reached her first class for the day and all ready the well-wishes were pouring in from students and various staff. She wasn't sure, but she could have swore she even heard Filch mention something as he passed her after lunch. Somehow Hermione had thought the day would pass quietly, like any other day. And why not. Since returning from her summer away she felt detached. As if she didn't belong to either world anymore. But it wasn't passing like any other day at all, in fact, everywhere she turned it seemed someone had something to say about the 19th of September.

Why was everyone so cheerful, full of congratulations, when Hermione herself couldn't find much reason to smile?

It's just another year, right? Why all the fuss?

Shaking her head she climbed the stairs to her room, ready for a break from all the smiles and cheer only to find an owl waiting, letter in beak, on her windowsill. Rubbing her forehead she crossed the room and opened the window to retrieve the missive.

All those in favor for
cutting the workweek short,
raise your hands and say yeah!

Friday, September 15th ~ Afternoon

---

The school year is two weeks old, and the ebb and flow of classes have nearly become routine: or at least they will be once Hogwarts sports a full complement of teachers once more.

Hogwarts welcomes the new Muggle Studies teacher! And what better way to do so than the comforting embrace of a Friday staff meeting?

Experience is a dear teacher,
but fools will learn at no other.
~ Benjamin Franklin
Tuesday, August 29th ~ Evening

---

The Great Hall has once again been temporarily revamped. The long student tables have been removed and round ones accompanied by comfortable dining chairs have taken their place. They dot the floor under the enchanted ceiling, the soft ivory tone of the linen covering the table tops invite you to sit and enjoy yourself.

It's been a year since the re-dedication ceremony and six years since the Dark Lord was finally defeated. This is an evening for reflection, celebration and if Minerva will allow it, more than a few glasses of good wine with friends, both old and new.

Men are more moral than they think
and far more immoral than they can imagine.
~ Sigmund Freud
Sunday, August 20th ~ Evening

---

Izabel was thankful everyone had returned in one piece - more or less. The frostbite, cuts and scrapes from ice and nasty bite marks could be easily dealt with. The first thing she did was to move toward the kitchen. Harry had asked Dobby to forgo his normal day off and she wanted to see if he would get some hot soup ready for them if nothing else was wanted. She heard the pop of Apparantion and glanced over her shoulder at the motley crew that was appearing.

I am surprised Harry would allow Malfoy senior to come here, but he did his part and Draco is still unconscious.

Minerva hadn't wanted to accompany them, but had headed back toward the school saying now that all the professors were accounted for, she needed to get other things lined up for the new term. Izabel hadn't missed the hugs she'd given Vera and Adrian upon their return nor the slight chuckle that escaped her lips when she'd inquired if Draco was badly injured and found out the reason he was - silent.

Time keeps on slipping, slipping, slipping into the future
Sunday afternoon

---

The newscaster wrapped up the report on a minor river troll rampage and moved to a tiny bit of business news before the segue back into music:

"Enterprising mums are getting the hop on the back-to-school season by doing their shopping a bit ahead of the crowds soon to be swamping Diagon Alley. Shopkeepers report their early August sales receipts are up 5 percentile points from last year."

"Meanwhile, all the young folk, soon to be bright scholars once more, are eager to capture all the idyllic moments remaining before the carefree days of this summer are gone forever."

"And the perfect soundtrack to accompany all your summer fun is just around the corner — a little birdie has slipped the WWN the latest from the Weird Sisters! We'll be bringing it to you before it hits the shops, right after these messages."

I find that a great part of the information I have was acquired by looking up something and finding something else on the way.
~ Franklin P. Adams
Friday, August 18th ~ Evening

---

From what Remus had told her, if they managed to find the missing people in the Fae world, it would require a great deal of coordinated efforts on their part to have even a chance of a successful rescue. Glancing around the room, Minerva had to wonder what their chances were. Her eyes lingered for a moment on Luna and she mentally shook her head.

Ravenclaw? I just don't see it, but that's why we have the Sorting Hat.

At least Horace isn't here.

She still didn't see what Doris saw in him, but having him go off to be with her saved Minerva some aggravation so she wasn't going to object. Rising to her feet, Minerva cleared her throat lightly and when the small bit of chattering died down she raised her chin slightly.

"I think we all know why we're here and I'm not going to waste any time expounding on it. Remus? What do you want us to do and how?"

Mid pleasures and palaces though we may roam,
Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home.
Friday, August 18 ~ Morning

---

It seemed hours she stood in the living room of her ancestral home with her bags in hand. She was physically ready with everything packed away and ready for the start of term, but was she mentally ready? Even the off-white four walls of the house suddenly seemed lacking; the photos on the wall were empty, the mantle cold and bare, and her mother lazed in a rocking chair, the rhythmic creak of the legs the only sound. Hermione hoped in some way that a return to Hogsmeade would somehow be like the crossing of the rainbow in the old fable her mother used to read. Life would be colorful again, and full of song, dance and laughter, but she knew that was wishful thinking. The walls of the school would be as cold and gray as always and the Three Broomsticks would ever smell of stale ale and whiskey. Life went on with few changes, just emptier now.

( She felt guilty in a way,Collapse )

Simple Escapes


Tuesday, April 18-- Late night

---

Hermione removed the double chocolate chip biscuits from the oven and set them down to cool. She wiped a bit of flour off her nose with her sleeve and stole a glance at Ron. Turning from the fresh baked goodies, she approached the bread dough on the counter and sunk her hands into it, feeling it squish between her fingers.

"I hope I'm not keeping you from anything, I just had to get out of Hogwart's for a bit. This is much more pleasant than grading papers," she smiled a small smile. "Plus, smelling muggle-style baking really calms my nerves. Not to mention kneading the dough. It's quite theraputic, you know? I guess, because I remember baking with my mum. Did you ever bake with your mum?"

In this house of broken things
Everyone could use some help
Monday, April 17 || Afternoon

---

Unbelievably, unexpectedly — it had been a quiet week. All that worry, and nothing. Remus had slept without interruption the past few days for the first time in months.

Perhaps the werewolf had seen them resetting the wards after all, and had moved along.

Lupin didn't think so, however. And judging from what Bill was saying, he agreed.

A note materializing on Remus' desktop halted their pessimistic musings.

"The staff's been summoned to an emergency meeting." Lupin looked up. "Want to bet our furry friend's involved? Let's go."

Desperately Seeking Ron


Wednesday, April 5-- Late night

---

Hermione stood outside Ron's shop in a coat and pajamas. A few minutes before she had been figety and not quite awake, although the cold night air had taken care of that quickly enough. All she knew was that she needed to go somewhere she felt safe, with someone she could be comfortable.

She stared at the door, debating her next move. She couldn't believe she was standing there; moreover, that she was going to knock at his door so late in the evening.

Merlin, what am I doing? I'm still in my night things. This is ridiculous! He probably isn't even home.

She was just turning to go when the door opened behind her.

Restless Nights

To this accursed dell
Come woodland creatures, seldom to depart:
Once I behold, upon a crumbling stone
Set altar-like before the cave, a thing
I saw not clearly, yet from glimpsing, fled.
In this half-dusk I meditate alone
At many a weary noontide, when without
A world forgets me in its sun-blest mirth.
Here howls by night the werewolves, and the souls
Of those that knew me well in other days.
The Poe-et's Nightmare
by H. P. Lovecraft

Tuesday, March 28-- The Witching Hour


Hermione's dreams smashed the events of the past months into a disturbing mix of horror. She awoke, sweaty and partially gasping for air on account of the sheets twisted tightly around her body. She needed to speak with someone-- she needed help. Her mind made up, she decided that she would speak with Vera as soon as classes were over for the day.

Grim Prospects

Tuesday, March 21~~Early Morning

---

Hermione hadn't slept well. She was a bundle of nerves, and on top of that, everytime she tried to close her eyes the previous night's events ran through her head making her ill. Those eyes-- she could maybe, someday, forget the fangs, but something about those eyes. What bothered her most, though, was the possibility. The possibility of what it could mean if it had been real and not imagined; if it was a true symbol of what was to come. She needed an expert.

With some reluctance, she knocked on Firenze's door.

Dark Side Of The Moon

Monday, March 20th - Late Evening

---

Hermione sat at her cramped, but neat, desk marking student papers. It had been a long night. The candle on her rolltop desk had about burnt down to an unusable nub, the dripping wax forming a solid waterfall over the edge of the pewter holder. She watched the flame waiver for a moment, quill still in hand, before she slipped the marked paper to the finished pile. With a sigh, she replaced the quill in the ink with a plop and rubbed her tired eyes. It was at this moment when she felt, more than saw, eyes watching her from the open window. Feeling a cold shudder overtake her spine and her hair prickle, she turned with a start to the dark night sky. Nothing was at the window but the softly flapping drapes and the barest light from the sliver of the night's moon through the sparse clouds.

Taking a deep breath, Hermione stood up from her chair. Attempting to convince herself that it was nothing more than her overactive imagination after a long night of reading half-arsed project papers, she decided that it was merely a ploy from her self-concious telling her to take a break and have a dose of fresh air. Walking to the window she took a quick peek behind the curtains and along the ledge on the outside castle wall. Relaxing when all seemed bare, she let her gaze drift to the grounds below. That's when she saw it: a dark shape running toward the castle. No!

St Patrick's Day
Friday, March 17th ~ Evening

---

"...and to end our little salute to St Patrick, we bring you some little known facts about a drink I'm sure the majority of you will have consumed before the evening is over."

A slight rustle of paper is heard and a throat is cleared lightly.

"About 4000 years ago, it was the accepted practice in Babylonia that for a month after the wedding, the bride's father would supply his son-in-law with all the mead he could drink. Mead is a honey beer, and because their calender was lunar based, this period was called the 'honey month' or what we know today as the 'Honeymoon'.

( Before invention of the thermometerCollapse )

Hurt

"It's only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth -- and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up, we will then begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it was the only one we had."

~Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

Wednesday, March 15th - Evening

---

Another attack on the grounds and Hermione felt as if her heart might burst. She felt as if her heart was attached to a yo-yo-- some invisible hand dropping it toward the earth and jerking it back up just enough to drop again. She almost felt guilty for enjoying herself as much as she had the night before with Ron. But, it had felt so good to have warmth and laughter in her life again, after feeling so cold for so long.

Stop! How can you be so heartless as to think of yourself at a time like this? Poor Hagrid! And the children! How can I hope to hold together enough for myself let alone those who need me? I must learn to be strong. I must help them all by being supportive and encouraging them to live their lives. I can do this.

Take Me Out To See Quidditch, Take Me Out To The Crowd...

Tuesday, March 14th - Evening

---

Hermione tried not to wear a hole in the rug as she paced back and forth, half-starkers, in front of the closet in her personal quarters. She had three minutes left to find something to wear before Ron would be at her door to pick her up for the Quidditch game. The problem was, should she dress in something a little less than her usual reserve for a date or dress in super-comfy-casual so as not to let on that she had feelings for him?

She tried to think back to the way he had asked her about this evening. The trouble was, he hadn't made it sound like a date...or had he? Hermione grunted at the selection in her closet and rested her head agaist the closet door jam in an exhausted thud. A half-second later, two additional thuds sounded from the other room. To Hermione's despair, she realized that it was Ron knocking. He was early!

"Just a moment!" She called, quickly wrapping a dressing robe around her so she could open the door without giving Ron a free peep show.

( Open the doorCollapse )

Ladies Night
Saturday, March 4th ~ Evening

---

Gabrielle shrank down in her seat slightly as she saw Molly bustle behind the bar, hoping to go unnoticed. Thankfully her own family hadn't heard of the false engagement yet, but Gabby was afraid every time she saw Bill's mother that the woman would tie her to a chair and plan a wedding. As Molly went back into her kitchen, Gabrielle sat back up and looked around for Ginny.

When the other woman had suggested Gabby needed to get out more - well, she couldn't deny it. Although she had the feeling that she would have been more relaxed had they met somewhere else.

Let Them Eat Cake!
Wednesday, March 1 -- Late Afternoon

---

If there was one thing Ron held close to his heart, it was food and on birthdays you got a lot of food. A lot of cake too.

So he was very, very excited when he walked into The Three Broomsticks on his birthday to see his mum and dad.

To be honest he was more excited to see his mum as she was probably the one with the food and his dad would more than likely be trying to steal it...

Mourning Lost Innocence
Friday, February 24th ~ Noon

---

An advertisement for The Phoenix ended and a female voice in the background comes through.

"With all the crap going on around here lately I think I'll sign up for some classes."

"I doubt you'll find the professor's arse on any exams. You wouldn't be going there to learn, you'd be going there to ogle, harass and dig for dirt, Rita."

"Ezekiel Brunderbluss here with your noon news update."

A rustle of paper is heard before Rita's dulcet tones can be heard again.

"And your point is? It got me through Hogwarts, didn't it?"

"You have absolutely no shame do you?"

"It's very liberating, would you like me to teach you?"

"Someone get her the hell out of here. Rita, back off! Remember our discussion on personal space?"

"Well, if you'd hold still I'm trying to explore yours."

( Horace!Collapse )

Cats Are Mysterious Kind Of Folk - There Is More Passing In Their Minds Than We Are Aware Of.
~ Sir Walter Scott ~
Friday, February 17th ~ Evening

---

"That's quite alright, Georgette. It's not our cat, but I'll see what I can do with him."

Arthur took the cat from Georgette yet again and went to the back door of the pub. He'd put him out several times already and he hadn't a clue how the blasted animal was getting back in each time.

"Molly would have a hissy if she knew you'd been in her kitchen, young man," Arthur advised the feline right before he placed him outside the back door. "Go find some young lady cat for the evening and you'll be a lot happier, I guarantee it."

History of Valentine's Day
~ The History Channel ~
Tuesday, February 14th ~ Evening

---

"Every February, across the country, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this mysterious saint and why do we celebrate this holiday?

"The history of Valentine's Day -- and its patron saint -- is shrouded in mystery. But we do know that February has long been a month of romance. St. Valentine's Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition.

( So, who was Saint Valentine and how did he become associated with this ancient riteCollapse )