Another Op'ning on Cascade Hall

Headmaster Bulla

November 25, 2006 1:28 AM

Opening Feast by Headmaster Bulla

The sorting for the year officially over, Manfred stood and waited for things to quiet down. The first years, as the tradition went, had each been given a chalice a clear, bubbling potion to drink as they entered the hall were and instructed to drink deeply. And, just like every other sorting in the history of the school, the result had been that the first years had all turned the main colour that represented the house they were to join; bright blue for Aladren, deep red for Crotalus, muddy brown for Pecari and sunshine yellow for Teppenpaw. The colour change lasted a few minutes only, but for the time it was in effect it tended to get some interesting reactions from the new first year students. It had been ever so since the foundation of the school and would ever be thus.

But now that that was over and the students settling into seats, it was time for the second important part of the Opening Feast.

"Welcome," he said when things had quietened down. "Welcome to a new year at Sonora Academy. To our new students, I am Headmaster Bulla. I hope that you enjoy your time here, work hard and do your new houses proud. To our returning students, I'm sure you've all had wonderful holidays and it is good to see you've all returned. I would ask Mr Zack Dill of Aladren, Miss Chrysanthemum Mathers of Crotalus, Miss Mia Kerova of Pecari and Miss Kaylie Brockert of Teppenpaw to all come to the front please."

He moved around the staff table, holding a small box which he opened when the four had arrived.

"Congratulations," he informed them in a quieter voice. "You have all been selected to serve as Prefects for your houses. Remember this is a position of both privilege and responsibility. You will have the power to give and take points, and will be expected to assist your Head of House if a situation arises. I'm sure you will all do us proud."

He handed them each their prefect badges, bronze metal embossed with the badge of Sonora and the word 'prefect' underneath then straightened himself up a little more to address the school once more.

"Congratulations to our four new prefects. Now, I expect that you are all waiting ravenously for the Feast. Wait no longer."

With a wave, the food started to pile up on the tables and jugs of drinks appeared, all ready for the students and staff to tuck in. Manfred, instead of returning to his seat paused a moment, just in case any of the new Prefects wished to say or ask anything.\n\n

Subthreads:

Another year already by DH Kijewski with Professor Aaron McKindy, Professor Niobe Yuma, Professor Declan Chatterjee, Paul Simon Tellerman, Kiva

Prefect? Like Ford? by Zack Dill with Guenther Heindrich

An interestingly coloured firstie by Lutece Anthony with Dolan Everwyld, Lutece

Ah, new year... by Grail Markner

A ray of light by Meredith Havernash

Whoa. I'm like chocolate. by Brett Hodges with Talen Dupree, Echo Elms, Talen and Danae, Echo & Brett

Elly! Meredith! by Echo Elms with Elly Eriksson, Meredith Lail, Echo Elms & Brett Hodges

"So, this is really Sonora Academy!" by Gwyneth Aquillon with Meri

Yellow: the primary color between green and orange by Lawrence Cooper with Darla Park, Gwyneth Aquillon, Law Cooper

It's like some sort of bizarre rainbow by Nath with Derek Samonns, Saul Pierce, Nathalie, Jaeven Dimitri, Kaleb Heindrich

Viva la Familia Idoya! by Leo and Gil Idoya, and Cisco Vargas with Nikki Ramirez

Darci roooocks (Kavin: not really) by Darci and Kavin Analai with Bella Santoro, Darci and Kavin

Prefect, huh? This should be fun. by Mia Kerova with Irene Liddowe, Stephen Baxter

She's Ba-ack! by Caedence Redoak with Hyana Kamiya, The Craven Twins, Lizzie Lavine

Ooh! I'm yellow! by Josaih Ashwood with Tally Adams, Rachel Tripp, Josaih

Holy Crud, I'm a Fifth Year by Jake Santoro with Gwyneth Aquillon, Dalila Bastet, GwynethAquillon

Re: Opening Feast by Irene Liddowe with Matt Santoro

Must you have said my full name? by Chrissy Mathers with Gwen Carey, Chrissy, Jenna Howard, Lily Collins

Uh... Red by Oliver Abbott with Riley Garraway, Matt Tripp, Jordanna Howard

Fear by Cissy Tarwater

I'm finally sorted into Aladren by Ebony with Professor McKindy

Yuck! What a discusting COLOR! by Kaleb Heindrich with Saul Pierce

Ah, Feasts! by Lizzie Lavine with The Craven Twins

Another Op'ning by Jennifer Zucchero with Geoffrey Spindler, Jennifer, Geoffrey S.

"Fashionably" Late by Mika

Me? A Prefect? by Kaylie and Adam Brockert with Hannah Laurent, Adam B., Hannah

Re: Opening Feast by Earl and Eavan Valentine with Asher Tallow, Earl and Eavan

39 Headmaster Bulla Opening Feast 2 Headmaster Bulla 1 5

DH Kijewski

November 25, 2006 1:52 AM

Another year already by DH Kijewski

Kiva's summer had been a long one. She had spent most of it at home with her parents. Her father was steadily getting worse and Kiva knew that it wouldn't be long before he was actually gone from this world. He seemed content with his life, accepting of his fate. Kiva just wished she and her mother were as well. Even after all these years of watching him slowly wither away, Kiva can't quite see the man who had deemed her 'Kitten' cease to exist any longer.

But, now that school was underway once more, Kiva had to put her personal life aside and keep her attention on the students as well as the Headmaster. She still felt awkward about being in the seat directly beside him with the title Deputy Headmistress. For some reason, she felt unqualified. Perhaps it was because of what had happened her first year of teaching and how disappointed Bulla must have been with her. Or maybe it was because she was having a hard time separating her emotions about her family situation from her job. Either way, sitting beside him at the staff table unnerved her.

Clapping and cheering as the newest Aladrens arrived, Kiva watched her students (old and new) take their seats. At the anouncement of the Prefects, Kiva clapped and gave an encouraging smile to Zack. Despite his defiance last year, she still adored the boy and was glad he had been accepted the position of Prefect for their house.

The food arrived and Kiva pulled together a nice looking salad before looking around the hall. Turning to the seat next to her, Kiva automatically expected to see Oscar sitting there as he had been the previous year. Only, Oscar wasn't there, but a regular staff member. Slightly embarrassed, Kiva smiled and looked back at her salad.

Why was she made a position where communication was necessary? This was going to be a tough year. She could tell already.\n\n

0 DH Kijewski Another year already 0 DH Kijewski 0 5

Zack Dill

November 25, 2006 1:59 AM

Prefect? Like Ford? by Zack Dill

Zack had taken his normal seat when he arrived in the Hall and had waved over Guenther to join him as they had, by now, established a pattern for sitting together at the Feast and it wouldn't make any sense to break that trend.

The firsties changed colors and Zack spent the next few minutes watching for the blue ones to determine if any of them looked like candidates for Anne to replace him with on the Quidditch team after last year's poor performance. He wasn't sure, and was still studying one of the girls suspiciously when he nearly jumped out of his chair when he heard his name called.

Holy cripes, that was the Headmaster himself picking Zack out in front of the whole school. He hadn't even done anything! Surely, the incident in COMC way back in the beginning of last year wasn't important enough to bring up here, right now, in the middle of the Opening Feast.

But no, he was calling up other people, too. Whatever was happening, it wasn't just him. Zack stood up nervously, still not entirely convinced he wasn't about to get yelled at in front of the entire student population and shuffled to the front with the other three.

He felt so short standing up here. He was now up to four foot ten, but that was ridiculously small for a fifteen year old boy. He wasn't really filling out any either, but he'd had a few hairs on his chin that he'd used a razor that morning to shave off.

The Headmaster was talking then, and giving them badges, like Old West deputies, and, without anything better to do with, Zack pinned his onto his robe. A Prefect. He was a Prefect. How strange. There wasn't anything like that at Coffey Middle in Detroit, or even at the High School, but he was familiar enough with the concept after the last four years here at Sonora.

Still, he'd never imagined he'd be made Prefect. He walked back to his seat in something of a daze, sitting down next to Guenther. "I'm a Prefect," he said, despite the obvious nature of the statement. Headmaster Bulla had just said as much to everyone, after all. He looked down at badge again, barely noticing the food that appeared on the table. "Does this mean I'm going to need to help people?" he asked doubtfully. He wasn't talking specifically to Guenther. He wasn't, really, talking to anybody. To be perfectly honest, he wasn't particularly aware of who was even sitting nearby (aside from Guenther who was hard to miss).\n\n

1 Zack Dill Prefect? Like Ford? 40 Zack Dill 0 5

Professor Aaron McKindy

November 25, 2006 7:37 AM

Just a year in general for me, though by Professor Aaron McKindy

The one thing he hadn't missed about living with Muggles for the past decade, Aaron McKindy thought to himself, was the formal dinner parties.

Oh, it was rather nice to not have to attempt to make his own food, and this wasn't technically a formal occasion, but Aaron had still felt the obligation to dress at least a bit nicely. So here he was, in sea green dress robes, an old fashioned top hat made of transparent pink bubbles, and a blandly interested expression.

Brilliant way to start a new job. Really.

Aaron spooned some corn onto his plate, then almost dropped the spoon in surprise as the woman sitting next to him turned to look at him. That was a definite improvement over being an underpaid assistant librarian at a New York public school.

Aaron smiled easily at her. "Would you like some corn, m'lady?" he asked, referencing the dish with a small nod in its direction. Then on to introductions. "I'm Aaron McKindy, the new Charms teacher, by the way." \n\n

0 Professor Aaron McKindy Just a year in general for me, though 0 Professor Aaron McKindy 0 5

Lutece Anthony

November 25, 2006 7:52 AM

An interestingly coloured firstie by Lutece Anthony

Lutece Anthony didn't know what she had expected from this so-called 'magical' school, but turning a deep red after drinking something odd was not it. The only positive thing about the colour change was that it seemed to be happening to all of those her age. Some were taking it in stride, so she assumed it was nothing major.

She drifted along with a few other deep red students to figure out where she was supposed to sit. Then with only a small bit of difficulty, she did so.

The difficulty could be laid directly at the foot of her wardrobe, actually. Underneath the forest green school uniform, Lutece wore a bright pink miniature skirt and a slightly midriff-bearing Hollister tee. Delicate silver earrings hung from both ears, and her blond-streaked brown hair was tied back.

Lutece's blue-green eyes flitted about skeptically. No matter how much her parents had insisted that she was going to a magical school, she still believed it was all a farce. Honestly. Magic was for those nerds at school who still played childish games like Magic: The Gathering and D&D, even at the lofty age of eleven.

Some people just had no sense of maturity. Like the designer of that trick with the drink, earlier. Discreetly checking her reflection in a small handheld mirror under the table, Lutece was relieved to see the colour subsiding. After barely listening to the rest of the Headmaster's speech, she turned to the person next to her and smiled charmingly.

"Hi! I'm Lutece Anthony," she said.\n\n

0 Lutece Anthony An interestingly coloured firstie 100 Lutece Anthony 0 5

Grail Markner

November 25, 2006 8:49 AM

Ah, new year... by Grail Markner

"So Grailie, this is your school? Eh eh?"

Grail winced as the nonexistant girl next to her kept talking. Over the summer, Grail had found she had grown even more insane as she started seeing and hearing people that weren't there. The two "people" being a silent boy Martin and an overly talkative girl named Ariel. In public many times in Detroit, Gray found herself shouting at Ariel, getting strange looks from people. Grail knew Ariel wasn't real, she didn't technically speak since Gray heard it all in her head, and even though Gray had looked in "her" direction many times, she still didn't know what they "looked" like.

Her mother had grown increasingly worried as Grail had little outbursts talking to the imaginary Ariel, and had doubts whether Gray should return to school. It was thankful Gray's father put it off and told Marina not to worry. That their daughter was fine, and she would be better off having one daughter less to take care of when she bore her son. Marina had, grudgingly, agreed with her ex and allowed Grail to leave with her insanity. Now, Gray was starting to think her mother had a point. First second here, and Ariel had appeared, yapping away about the school and asking all sorts of questions Grail was afraid to answer since there were people around. And she did not want people to think she was insane.

"So your a second year Gray? You must be proud! Wowza!"

Gray winced as she walked into Cascade Hall. "Ariel," she whispered. "I'll tell you everything later, once we're alone. Just please, go away. Now." Grail felt Ariel frown at her, and stop to think as Grail sat down to listen to the opening statements by the head. Ariel seemed to think about this (could someone who was a figment of one person's mind actually think?) and in a moment Gray knew she was gone. Back into the depths of Gray's mind. Grail groaned outwardly, she would rather have her insanity from last year (the sisters in her head) than annoying Ariel. Or maybe Martin, he never talked anyway, just... followed... or whatever insanities did.

Gray clapped on cue with everyone else when the prefects were mentioned. Kayle, Grail knew, was Adam's older sister. Gray liked Adam a lot, but didn't know his sister that well. Still, it was a congradulations to the girl. Then she went to her food, as the first years around her began changing colors indicationg house. Gray winced at a few Pecaris, she disliked them immensly, and smiled seeing the Aladrens, her own house. It was good there were smart people around. Gray dug into her food, though, not wanting to talk to anyone for fear that Ariel would come back out and make Gray shout at nothing again.\n\n

0 Grail Markner Ah, new year... 0 Grail Markner 0 5

Dolan Everwyld

November 25, 2006 9:18 AM

Indeed by Dolan Everwyld

Dolan Everwyld entered the hall with a practiced ease. Then again, everything about him was practiced. His walk, his smile, his manners, his personality. After all, he was expected to show all the perfection of the Everwyld family name. He held back a snort at the thought, and sobered as he was given the special drink. Despite his family's confidence about his future sorting, he couldn't help having some last-minute reservations. After drinking, however, his shoulders visibly relaxed as he glowed a subtle red. Other than that small reaction, he did nothing but walk casually towards the table and seated himself.

He listened to the Headmaster's speech with studied but careful boredom. He didn't want to seem to care too much, but he didn't want to miss anything important and make any stupid mistakes later. Just in case.

He let his eyes take in the people at his table, and then let his gaze rest on the girl beside him, mentally appraising her. She had the air of the muggle world around her, and he noticed her checking her reflection surreptitiously in a small cosmetic mirror. He raised an eyebrow in acknowledgment when she turned and introduced herself.

He smiled as charmingly as he knew how. "I'm Dolan Everwyld, pleased to meet you." He paused as he was interrupted by the appearance of food on the table, then continued drolly, "And welcome to the world of magic!" \n\n

0 Dolan Everwyld Indeed 0 Dolan Everwyld 0 5

Meredith Havernash

November 25, 2006 9:30 AM

A ray of light by Meredith Havernash

Meri felt her knees tremble as she approached the hall where her training as a witch would official start. She knew all the stories about the sorting potion. How could she not? She read as many heroic histories as she could. As she took the chalice of bubbly brew, a dozen scenarios flashed through her head. She could be sorted into Crotalus. She could be rejected by the potion altogether, and be sent away. Perhaps she would...

The images faded to the back of her mind as she steeled herself, closed her eyes, and drank. She took a deep a deep breath. And through her closed eyelids, it was like a ray of light had suddenly come through the window and rested on her. She peeked through one eye, and then two, and openly gaped at herself. Her hands rose to her face and she noted with a thrill of pride that she was glowing yellow. She might not be the greatest witch, she told herself, as she all-but-floated to her assigned table, but she was, without a doubt, a witch.

Later, that would mean long hours of studying, avoiding flying lessons and quiddich, and all things green and growing. But for now, she just let herself luxuriate in the thought that she had made it into Sonora Academy. \n\n

0 Meredith Havernash A ray of light 0 Meredith Havernash 0 5

Professor Niobe Yuma

November 25, 2006 10:13 AM

Newness! by Professor Niobe Yuma

Niobe was either relieved or disappointed that she and the new Charms Professor, Aaron McKindy, hadn't been introduced during the Opening Feast. She settled for "blissfully confused," which was about how she felt about most everything else just now.

She was really here. A Divinations Professor! It sounded so formal. Divinations Professors should be old and wise, not 22 and... well, sort of chipper and silly.

She'd sat next Aaron McKindy because she'd heard his name mentioned somewhere before the feast. He seemed friendly enough. Old, though. Not like grey hair old, or walking stick old, but old enough that no one would argue that he was an adult. Everyone else at the staff table was old except maybe the woman sitting between Headmaster Bulla and Aaron McKindy. Old old old. Maybe if she could hold herself just so... there... now! Did she look old, too? Teacher-like?

It was no use. Her and her brightly embroidered dress robes were not getting any age points. Divination might give her some wisdom point, or it might just give her batty points. It depended on the person.

Aaron McKindy introduced himself to the other younger person next to him, proving that he was indeed who she guessed he was.

"I'm new, too," she cut into Aaron's conversation. All this worrying about feeling too young was not a good way to start. Best to stamp it out right away. "Niobe Yuma. Divinations. Sorry, you are?"\n\n

0 Professor Niobe Yuma Newness! 0 Professor Niobe Yuma 0 5

Brett Hodges

November 25, 2006 10:49 AM

Whoa. I'm like chocolate. by Brett Hodges

Brett Hodges lowered the chalice from lips and handed it off to the next waiting first year student. The hand that held it slowly turned a muddy sort of chocolate.

Whoa, total weirdness.

He hung back a little from the other kids at first. Some of them seemed to be crazy proper snobbies. Others were real careful about everything, others were gawking at the magic ceiling. Brett was way sympathetic to that last group. Even having gotten a couple weeks to desensitize to magic whoa-ness with his dad in Wizarding Central, California, Sonora was still wicked impressive.

But the people! They were like, he didn't even know what. He didn't know how to act with them, didn't know how to talk to them. Somehow, Yo, sup? 'm Brett, what's yer handle? seemed terribly out of place with these kids.

He found another browner and tried, "Yo, hey. I'm Brett."\n\n

0 Brett Hodges Whoa. I'm like chocolate. 0 Brett Hodges 0 5

Echo Elms

November 25, 2006 11:20 AM

Elly! Meredith! by Echo Elms

Echo found his semi-usual table and hoped Elly and Meredith would find him before the Feast. It was hard to believe it was only a year ago that they were coming in the Cascade Hall for the first time. Someone had spilt pumpkin juice on him, a beverage Echo had never even heard of before it stained his shirt.

Last September he'd been such a geek.

Being back was really good. Like, crazy amazingly excellently good. This place hadn't been some bizarre year-long dream. They were all back. He almost wanted to jump up and start hugging people -- like Saul, and Meredith, and even Caedence and Grail when he saw them. Almost. Especially when he spotted Elly.

He hadn't seen her since that last day of school. He'd never really noticed before, or maybe he was just noticing again, how happy she always looked. The way her big smile made everyone around her smile too. The summer of playing field hockey with the older girls had done her good, too. Not that, like, she'd needed good done to her or anything. Grinning, Echo stood and waved, trying to flag her over.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

21 Echo Elms Elly! Meredith! 93 Echo Elms 0 5

Gwyneth Aquillon

November 25, 2006 11:23 AM

"So, this is really Sonora Academy!" by Gwyneth Aquillon

Gwyneth was still a little wobbly as she entered the large hall with the other first year students. She has never liked heights and that ride to school in the flying covered wagon had left her stomach a few miles behind the rest of her. She looked around the hall and tried to get her bearings.

A chalice with a clear liquid had been given to her. "Sure hope this doesn't come back up. Now that would be an embarassing way to start the year!" she thought. Like the other first year students, she took a drink while the upperclassmen watched intently. "Wonder what will happen?" she thought as she lowered the goblet. She was really wondering if the drink was going to remain in her stomach, it hadn't tasted bad . . . in fact it had been pretty good. A little like her mom's sweet tea, in fact. Her first thought was on keeping her stomach under control and she thought she was feeling a little less wobbly.

Yes, she was feeling better she decided. In fact, she felt so happy to be here she felt she was positively glowing. As she looked around she saw other students turning a variety of colors. Startled, she looked at herself. What she saw made her almost drop the chalice. She didn't feel like she was glowing, she actually was. Well, sort of. She had turned a distinctive yellow. "What in the . . . ??? Wait, Teppenpaw's house colors are yellow and maroon. Hey, does this mean I am a Tepp???" she wondered silently to herself.

She saw other students of varying hues of yellow headed for the same long table. "Guess that's where we go" she thought and followed along. As she approached the group of new students mixing in with the upperclassmen, she looked for a seat at the table. A couple of friendly faces scooted over and made room for her by them. "Hi, I'm Gwyneth," she said to the group she joined at the table.\n\n

0 Gwyneth Aquillon "So, this is really Sonora Academy!" 0 Gwyneth Aquillon 0 5

Talen Dupree

November 25, 2006 11:28 AM

Chocolate is the best by Talen Dupree

Since his cousins had gone here before him, he had no doubt as to what to expect. Eagerly, but not too eagerly, as that wouldn't be the Dupree way, he drank from the chalice. As long as he didn't turn yellow, he would be fine with any other color. He didn't want to be yellow. Yellows were Teppenpaws, he had been told, and he knew he was certainly not a Teppenpaw.

Slowly, his already tan skin changed to a darker brown. Pecari. Brown was Pecari. So, he would be in the same House as Danae. How dull. She was nice, she could give someone a toothache. Defiently, not his tastes. He preferred more of a sarcastic nature.

Taking in his surroundings, he noticed a few others changing to brown, as well, but before he could introduce himself to any, one approached him.

'Yo, hey. I'm Brett.'

His lips curved into a half smile.

So, this was one of his roommates. How interesting, he thought.

"Nice to meet you. Talen Dupree," he stated casually, but with a touch of a smirk on his lips, as though he knew something about the other student that even the student didn't know.

Of course, he didn't really. He didn't even know he did it. Mostly, it was a habit that he had picked up from his formidable father.\n\n

0 Talen Dupree Chocolate is the best 105 Talen Dupree 0 5

Professor Declan Chatterjee

November 25, 2006 11:32 AM

Cutting in. by Professor Declan Chatterjee

As dearly as Declan loved his family, it was a blessed relief to find himself out of Surrey and back in the hallowed halls of Sonora. Well, he didn't know about the hallowed part, really--could anything be hallowed with these holy terrors running around?--but it was certainly a relief to find himself sitting at the staff table again, looking out at a crowd of faces both familiar and unfamiliar. Apropos, I really should remember to stop by the library for tea with Tarq, he reminded himself, tapping his foot only a little impatiently throughout the headmaster's speech. He applauded when the prefects were given their badges and winked as Kaylie passed him. He wasn't sure yet whether the Teppenpaws knew he was named their new Head of House, but he was looking forward to it all the same.

Soon the potions were going out, and splotches of red, yellow, brown, and blue began to blossom through the crowd. He kept an affectionate eye on the new canary-bright students, grinning in a most unprofessorial way. A few moments later, though, he was distracted by conversation at the staff table.

He looked down to see a man in a bubble tophat and bright robes introduce himself to Kiva; he raised his eyebrows and bit back a laugh at the ensemble. Well, really, he felt perfectly dull in his yellow, Indian robes now. A bubble tophat... ingenious. Then the young woman sitting directly beside him was introducing herself; she looked to be even younger than Declan's half-sister, Maggie. Aaron McKindy, Charms; Niobe Yuma, Divinations. He stowed the information away then leaned forward to join the conversation.

"All right there, Kiva?" he asked, grinning at the Care of Magical Creatures professor. They hadn't really spent much time with each other last year, but he'd seen her around a fair bit. "And hallo, you two. Welcome to the madhouse. Declan Chatterjee, astronomer extraordinaire, at your service!" He mocked a little bow in his seat and winked at them companionably, before helping himself to some risotto.\n\n

0 Professor Declan Chatterjee Cutting in. 0 Professor Declan Chatterjee 0 5

Lawrence Cooper

November 25, 2006 11:55 AM

Yellow: the primary color between green and orange by Lawrence Cooper

Ever since Lawrence could remember, people had been telling him about Sonora. Going to Sonora was kind of a big thing where he came from- Aladren the house was named after his magical village of Aladren, Oregon, after all. And if you made it into Aladren, you were practically a celebrity back home. Of course, Lawrence didn’t expect to be put in his house with his hometown as his namesake- sure he tried hard in school, but he wasn’t exactly what you could call brainy. Maybe he would be sorted into Crotalus like his mom or Pecari like his dad, or even Teppenpaw, but never Aladren.

In any case, the trip here had been no fun. Lawrence would have rather taken the Floo Network- and he couldn’t stand the Floo Network! But seriously, a school like Sonora had to have some better form of transportation than bumpy old flying wagons. Anyway, the eleven year-old was pretty glad to get off and waved goodbye to the other kids he had met on the less than comfortable ride before heading in.

Now, Law had heard about how sorting was done at Sonora, after all, a lot of kids from home went there. He was just worried that maybe he’d choke, or the drink would taste really bad, or something else stupid would happen to him. Or maybe they just wouldn’t give him the vial at all- maybe they’d think he was too old to come or something and turn him away. After all, Lawrence was taller and heavier than most of the other guys. Grandpa said he had the build of a future football player- whatever that was. Mom said that is was normal, as she always did when combing his brown messy curls for a party or something and Law would stare at himself in the mirror and complain. She said that since both she and his dad were tall, it was only natural for him to be tall too. That made sense, but he wouldn’t have minded being the same size as everyone else for a change.

Luckily enough, he didn’t have to worry about that for now, because the brunette did receive a vial, trudged off self-consciously to the side, and drank in. His eyes shut at he swallowed the strange clear stuff, he only hoped that his housemates would be nice…

His eyes opened, and although he thought himself prepared for the change, he jumped back in surprise- his hands had turned yellow, all his skin had turned yellow! He had been told by one of the older kids at the Quidditch pick-up games back home that yellow was the color for Teppenpaws, and they were pretty nice kids. Well, that was a relief, but he still couldn’t get over the whole color change, even as it began to wear off.

“Crazy stuff,” he didn’t realize he said allowed in his Oregonian accent, as he sat at a table, still examining his faded yellow hands, “Crazy, crazy stuff.”\n\n

0 Lawrence Cooper Yellow: the primary color between green and orange 0 Lawrence Cooper 0 5

Paul Simon Tellerman

November 25, 2006 12:15 PM

Sitting down by Paul Simon Tellerman

Simon was usually among the last to sit down because he had to put away the covered wagons before coming inside. This year was no exception and he was a bit disappointed to find that not only wasn't Kiva next to an empty chair, but closest one was four people away. The promotion to Deputy had put her in the middle of the table, next to Bulla, so even if there had been empty seats closer to her, Simon wouldn't have felt right taking one. He was just the groundskeeper, after all.

Instead he sat down next to the guy he believed had been named Head of Teppenpaw at the last staff meeting. Chitterjee or Chattergee or something of that sort. Deck, if he remembered the first name correctly. He grinned at Kiva just before sitting down and tipped an imaginary hat at her (he was outdone by the new Charms guy who had a actual bubbly one, but there wasn't much he could do to fix his lack at this late time).

Sitting down, he collected food onto his plate, not taking any of the meat dishes, and trying to steer clear of the ones that probably had a lot of dairy in them, but that was more difficult to judge. He wasn't a fasiduous vegan anyway. It was more habit than anything else.

His meal gathered, he turned his attention to his neighbors and asked the obvious question, "Ready for the new year?"\n\n

1 Paul Simon Tellerman Sitting down 14 Paul Simon Tellerman 0 5

Professor Aaron McKindy

November 25, 2006 12:34 PM

So many people! by Professor Aaron McKindy

Aaron smiled charmingly at Declan and Niobe. The Divinations teacher seemed to be quite young, but the Astronomy professor seemed closer to his own age.

"The madhouse, is it?" he raised an eyebrow at Declan. "Had this lovely Divinations teacher and I better watch out for the students, the staff, or both?" Aaron adjusted his top hat so it sat properly on his head and gazed around the hall. Nobody he even vaguely recognised, which was good. He returned to the conversation--and food-- at hand.

Another man sat down next to Declan Chatterjee and tipped an imaginary hat towards the woman on the other side of him. Aaron hadn't quite expected the staff table to be so full for some reason, and the amount of people was making him a bit nervous. He grinned widely, though, and turned to Niobe again.

"Embroidery? Quite a nice touch for the robes. I personally prefer to charm mine, but to each his own." he said, looking at her robes. They were neat. A bit too tame for his tastes, but they looked good on the young professor.\n\n

0 Professor Aaron McKindy So many people! 0 Professor Aaron McKindy 0 5

Lutece

November 25, 2006 12:42 PM

Or in thought? by Lutece

Lutece examined the boy critically, but swiftly. He seemed rather at ease, like he knew what was going on. Now, all she needed to do was to get that out of him without seeming as if she herself didn't know. Ignorance did no good for a power base.

She tried not to stare in astonishment as the food appeared on the table, seemingly out of nowhere. Lutece was fairly certain she had done a relatively good job of it too, considering the circumstances. Until Dolan said something about the world of magic.

"Oh puh-lese," Lutece said, helping herself to some chicken a bit tentatively. "You can't honestly believe that this magic stuff is true. My brother and sister don't even believe in that any more, and they haven't even hit the double digits yet."

\n\n

0 Lutece Or in thought? 0 Lutece 0 5

Brett Hodges

November 25, 2006 12:49 PM

It sure beats vanilla. by Brett Hodges

"Nice to meet you. Talen Dupree," the other boy introduced himself. Brett wondered if maybe he should have said his own last name too. Was that standard around here? That might explain the funny look he was getting. Or, maybe, that was on account of the "yo," or his shoulder length white blonde hair that always made his grandmother complain, "You look like a girl with your hair like that. I wish you'd cut it." To which he'd always reply, "Nah, Grams, It's mad cool this way." Either way, he decided to modify his greeting next time and let this one slide.

"Likewise," he said. He'd heard someone say that on tv once. It seemed appropriate somehow to say to this boy, but he winced inwardly. What an awful word. Likewise. Next thing he'd be chuckling, Oh, pish posh with a girly wave of his hand. The thought was uber offensive. Then he'd definitely need to cut his hair so people wouldn't be confused.

And this kid was going to be his roommate. This conversation had to get way better, like instantaneously.

The brown coloring was starting to fade away on both of them. He looked around for more Browners before they couldn't be distinguished from the crowd anymore.

To Talen --at least he had a crazy awesome name, kinda like Echoman--he said, "What'd they call us? Pecardy?" Yeah, it was something like that Trekki captain's name.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

0 Brett Hodges It sure beats vanilla. 0 Brett Hodges 0 5

Nath

November 25, 2006 1:24 PM

It's like some sort of bizarre rainbow by Nath

Nath wandered into the hall, taking mental notes to relay to Orlando later that night. Somebody pushed a goblet into her hand and she raised it to her lips without thinking, then carefully swirled it around and smelt it. It didn't smell like any of the poisons she'd come across, but then again, she didn't know that many.

Still, how likely was a school poisoning its pupils within the first five minutes? Her question was answered rather too quickly when a girl next to her flushed deep red.

'Well,' she thought, 'here goes. Let's hope I'm not red!' Luckily, she stained a murky brown instead. Taking her place with the other kids that were brown, she accidentally bumped into one.

"Sorry." She muttered. "I'm Nathalie, by the way."\n\n

0 Nath It's like some sort of bizarre rainbow 0 Nath 0 5

Kiva

November 25, 2006 1:28 PM

Should I flee? by Kiva

OOC: Forgive me if I forget a few details...I wasn't expecting so many responses BIC:

Kiva, who had already embarrassed herself by staring at the man beside her, became even more embarrassed when he began talking to her. She stared at him for a long moment trying to decide on what to say. His hat was distracting her and she had to eventually look away from him just so that she wasn't considered rude for staring.

She opened her mouth to answer him, but was cut-off by the other newest member of the staff. Kiva closed her mouth and returned to her salad thinking that the two new members would go off on their own little conversation, but before she could take a bite, her name was spoken.

Looking up from her plate, Kiva noticed Declan and gave him a smile. "Fine Declan, thank you." Kiva said, though felt as though she were a deer in headlights trying to escape death. She almost wished Oscar were there, he'd be an excuse to leave and hunt down Tarq. At least she would have been saved from making small talk. Which she was absolutely rubbish with.

She watched as the professors spoke, but didn't say or do anything until Simon arrived. Her smile relaxed a bit at the sight of him. Though she had only spoken to him on a few small occasions (on occasion involved his very unique Aunt to which Kiva felt both embarrassed and amused by), but he was the only other staff member besides Bulla (who even after all these years still frightened her slightly), Tarq (who was a hermit worse than she), and Marian (who Kiva felt as though the two had nothing in common besides keeping the Pecaris in line), whom Kiva had worked with since day one and therefore, a member of the staff to which she felt somewhat comfortable with.

Kiva turned her attention back to the students for a moment, making sure none were getting themselves into trouble, before returning to the staff members. Her curls were pulled away from her face by barrets, and her robes were an earthy tone of green. She still missed her royal blue robes that had been lost in the duststorm four years earlier, but nothing could be done about that.

Realizing she had never properly introduced herself to the newest members (or, really, ever spoken much to Declan), Kiva softly cleared her throat, "Oh, I'm Kiva Kijewski, by the way, Care of Magical Creatures Professor and, erm, Deputy Headmistress, I guess." She said the last part with uncertainty, smiling hesitantly before continuing. "Some of the students have unique personalities," Kiva would have named a few, but thought that would make the newest Professors biased against them, so she didn't, "But they mean well. If you need anything, feel free to stop by. If I'm not in my office or Quarters, I'll be outside." Kiva said, feeling that getting that 'you're new, I'm not, need help, I'm here' talk out of the way, she might not feel completely ridiculous in the future around them. Though she doubted it very much.\n\n

0 Kiva Should I flee? 0 Kiva 0 5

Leo and Gil Idoya, and Cisco Vargas

November 25, 2006 1:35 PM

Viva la Familia Idoya! by Leo and Gil Idoya, and Cisco Vargas

"Welcome home, cousin," Leo said as three dark-haired boys made their way into the Cascade Hall, pushing a way through the crowds of students. He clapped his shorter cousin on the back companionably, and gave him a smile. Cisco and Gil exchanged glances and knowing smiles; Gil had assured his cousin that once they got back to Sonora, Leo's summer-long case of the grouches would abate pretty quickly.

"Home?" Cisco asked, a little skeptically. This could never be home--where were the horses?

"Oh, believe us, Pacito," Gil said with a grin, ruffling his cousin's hair. "Sonora's much more home than the ranch ever will be."

Cisco frowned thoughtfully. No Natanael, no Papa, no Mama, no horses... but there were an awful lot of children here. Like most of the Idoya children, Francisco Vargas--always Cisco, mind, and never Paco, Pacito, or Francie, no matter what Orlando said--had lived a secluded life on the family ranch, with only his relatives and few neighbors for company. The corners of his lips rose slightly as Leo vanished into the crowd and then reappeared, holding a chalice filled with a bubbling, transparent potion.

"Bottoms up, cousin," Leo said, passing him the cup.

Cisco licked his lips thoughtfully as he took the chalice into his hands; after only a moment of hesitation, he tipped his head back and swallowed it in one breath. He made a face when he came back up for air, pushing the chalice back into Leo's hands. "Blech. Que sabroso," he said sarcastically. Leo smirked and Gil chuckled.

"Oy, Pacito! Mira!" Gil said suddenly, grabbing one of Cisco's hands and raising it up into his field of vision. Cisco blinked, surprised. Blue?

"Viva Aladren!" Leo said, elbowing Cisco companionably.

"Viva Aladren," the almost twelve-year-old agreed, grinning up at his older cousins.\n\n

0 Leo and Gil Idoya, and Cisco Vargas Viva la Familia Idoya! 0 Leo and Gil Idoya, and Cisco Vargas 0 5

Dolan

November 25, 2006 1:37 PM

As you wish! by Dolan

Dolan lifted one eyebrow in mild surprise as Lutece coolly disavowed her belief in magic. He quickly reassessed his first mental impression of her.

"Well," he said, keeping his tone friendly, "Call it what you wish. It gets the job done. And," as he helped himself to some of the savory dishes on the table, "that is really all that matters." He gave her another smile. "After all, it's better than school in the muggle world, isn't it?" He suppressed a shudder at the thought of going to a non-magical school. No, he was glad he was here. He would have never lived up to the shame if he had been the first Everwyld to not go to Sonora. He pushed away the thought. There was no room for doubts in his mind.

Instead, he turned to Lutece again, and casually offered her the basket of deliciously flavored breads. "Would you like some bread?" \n\n

0 Dolan As you wish! 0 Dolan 0 5

Darci and Kavin Analai

November 25, 2006 1:51 PM

Darci roooocks (Kavin: not really) by Darci and Kavin Analai

"Seven years!" Darci exclamed to her brother walking into the school she just found out she was going to be at for seven years. She had been angry, before she just thought it was going to be for three and she'd be able to go to highschool back home with Ally and Jess and Katelyn. But when she found out that the Magical school her father had picked out for them (and all magic schools at that) kept their students for seven years, Darci was outraged.

Kavin was getting tired of his little sister (half-sister, technically) complaining. So she wasn't able to go to highschool with her only three friends. So she wasn't allowed to be as completely rude and swear her tounguew off here like she did back home. So she wasn't able to bring her piano here, while Kavin had his guitar. So they didn't have choir or any form of arts at this place. Still, five consectutive hours of arguing was enough for Kavin Analai. "Darci," he muttered, talking for the first time in hours. "Shut. Up."

Darci gave her brother a deathly look and turned away, snatching the potion the Headmaster gave. Magical school, Darci knew from day one that she'd go. She knew she was a pureblood, and so was Kavin and their other littler half-sister. But for seven years! Sure, she would see Ally during the summer but... Ally was shy and quiet without Darci. Easily picked on by her resistance and angry looks. But Ally was also very emotional, and unable to hide it like Darci could. Ally would break in high school without Darci. And Darci didn't want that to happen to her friend. Which was why she was able to wrap her mind around three years, but after that her friend mattered.

"I'm awesome, people should do what I say. And I say we only go to this place for three years!" Darci said, pushing her anger away and putting on her cocky mask as she took a sip of the potion. After a second, she realized Kavin was staring at her oddly. "What?" she asked, cocking her head to the side. She looked down at her hands. Cool... they were brown! Looking around, she noticed other people around their age changing colors.

"It must be the way they sort people," Kavin mustered up, looking down at his drink then to the house colors. "You're Pecari, Darc, I hope they can handle a compulsive liar," Kavin finished, then took his own drink and awaited his color. Blue, he looked up. Aladren.

"Psh..." Darci scoffed. "I tell the truth some of the time. I don't always lie. I'm just great at it! And I like it." Kavin ignored his sister, but confirmed what she'd said in his head. It was true, she was an amazing liar and lie detector. She could pinpoint the exact way a person lies after only hearing them lie four times at most. All the Analais were good liars, but Kavin was the only one who knew what his sister did when she lied. Because Darci had been playing piano for years, stretching her fingers out as one would do over the keys relaxed her. So he always looked for that when she lied.

"Whatever," he muttered, not able to see her fingers. "Let's find our houses." Darci frowned at him.

"Kavin, are you going to at least try to talk to people?" Darci asked, grinning. Kavin glared over at her, it of course didn't scare her a bit.

"Darci, are you going to at least try not to be an outcast?" Kavin said in a mocking voice. He noticed Darci's grin fall back into her angry glare. "Touche," he muttered, turning. Darci moved next to him and smacked him in the shoulder. Kavin winced, and was about to say something more what Darci's sharp voice hit out again.

"What?" It came out as a hiss, and Kavin realized someone bumped into Darci. Instantly he clammed up and turned to see who his sister had snapped at. He hoped she apologized, she wasn't normally like this unless she was angry. She was usually polite to people she first met, not hissing. And Kavin wasn't going to talk to some stranger and explain that.\n\n

0 Darci and Kavin Analai Darci roooocks (Kavin: not really) 0 Darci and Kavin Analai 0 5

Meri

November 25, 2006 1:57 PM

You are my Sunshine... by Meri

Meri let the group of glowing yellow first-years carry her along with the flow to the Teppenpaw table. In daze, she found a seat, scooting over to let another girl sit beside her. She was surrounded by glowing yellow, though it was fading quickly now. Suddenly, she was filled with the impulse to sing the decidedly-muggle song, "You are my sunshine, my only sunshine." She could imagine her mother's horrified face if she did any such thing, and before she could stop herself, a giggle spilled from her lips.

Next to her, a very tall, athletic looking boy muttered, "Crazy, crazy stuff." At first she was alarmed, thinking his comment was directed at her, then realized he was talking about the fading yellow glow. She grinned up at him, and then pushed her glasses up her nose- they had started to slide when she had her unruly giggling fit. "I know," she softly, with amazement in her voice.

She looked as the girl on the other side of her introduced herself as Gwyneth. Meri looked back and forth for a second at the two on either side of her, and then decided to introduce herself to them both at once.

"I-I'm Meredith Havernash," she said, rather shyly. "Pleased to meet you both." \n\n

0 Meri You are my Sunshine... 0 Meri 0 5

Elly Eriksson

November 25, 2006 2:08 PM

Here! by Elly Eriksson

Elly trailed into the Hall with the other students, practically bouncing on the balls of her feet in a vain attempt to control her excitement at being back where she knew she belonged. The rushing of the waterfalls sounded like music to her ears, the dark green school robes felt like the most comfortable garments she had ever worn. The grin plastering Elly’s much be-freckled face, thanks to the summer sun, couldn’t possibly have been any wider as she sauntered across the floor.

She was so looking forward to seeing her friends, not having to worry about cooking her own meals, chatting for hours after going to bed, and even to lessons! Learning she was a witch was definitely the best thing that had ever happened to Elly.

With a wonderful jolt, Elly saw Echo, one of her best friends ever, waving to her. She ran madly over, bumping into a few people on her way. “Echo! Hi!” she exclaimed, though it came out as a bit of a squeal. She caught him in a quick hug, but pulled back fast, and then laughed. “Did I grow that much or did you shrink?” she asked, grinning like a fool. It was so good to be back.
\n\n

0 Elly Eriksson Here! 92 Elly Eriksson 0 5

Mia Kerova

November 25, 2006 2:26 PM

Prefect, huh? This should be fun. by Mia Kerova

Well, Mia could say one thing for sure as she walked into Cascade Hall and into her fifth year at Sonora Academy. She was right about the summer. She barely had time to breathe let alone hang out with her friends. Yes there were some days where her mother wasn’t nagging at her or her brothers to search through magazines and catalogues or go with her to stores all over the state, but those days were few and far between. At least on her birthday she got the day off to spend with her friends and then she went out to dinner with her family. And the day before she came back to school was spent with her friends at the arcade. Major go-kart races.

Mia’s constantly on the move summer had her tired out, as did the late night at the arcade the night before. She didn’t see Stephen or anyone she recognized right away, not that she could make out many heads in the crowd with her eyes half shut, so as the first years were being prepared for the sorting, she quickly grabbed a seat in a less crowded area at her house table and sat there, resting her head in one hand and twisting the end of her French braid absentmindedly. Her look was more of calm content than boredom.

Mia watched the first years drink the bubbly potion as she had done years ago and clapped for the new firsties, especially those in her own house. It was always fun to see the new crop of Pecaris. Last year was a pretty strange group, so what would this year bring? Then Headmaster Bulla (that was going to take some getting used to) started his speech in place of the Headmistress. It was strange seeing him up there without her, but it looked like she was gone for good this time. And then he called off names, hers included, and told those students to come up front.

She only took a second of confused hesitation before getting up and walking toward the staff table where the Headmaster was waiting. She got an idea that she could spot a familiar face to sit near from up there since everyone would be in one place looking at the headmaster. She and the other three students were told that they would be prefects of their houses, whatever that meant. But he explained and handed them each a bronze badge to show their positions. Badges made things seem very official. Mia stared at it as Headmaster Bulla addressed the school once more before letting the Opening Feast begin.

Mia completely forgot to look for familiar faces as she went back to her seat looking at the badge in her palm. She sat down, a bit stunned, but happily so, missing any congratulations that might’ve come her way. While others around her began taking food her already half tired mind zoned out everything but that badge. That’s the second time she was put in a position of responsibility, the first time being in second year with that crazy mud thing. Hopefully this wasn’t some foreshadowing to more trouble, but she didn’t think real life worked that way. \n\n

0 Mia Kerova Prefect, huh? This should be fun. 0 Mia Kerova 0 5

Gwyneth Aquillon

November 25, 2006 2:36 PM

"Make New Friends . . ." by Gwyneth Aquillon

Gwyneth smiled and giggled when the girl beside her began to sing, "you are my sunshine". "Nice to meet you, Meredith. Loved the song. You've got a nice voice. Wish I could sing." Gwyneth thought the new girl had a quirky sense of humor that she was often drawn to in friends.

Gwyneth squirmed a little in her seat, trying to readjust the robes that were threatening to choke her. Suddenly shy, she wasn't quite sure what to say. 'Hi, I'm a Muggle from Maryland,' just sounded weird, even to her. 'Would most students here even know what or where Maryland was? Is it rude to ask if someone is Muggle born or what their geneaology is?' Suddenly Gwyneth felt at a complete loss and squirmed some more. Being the first of her family to enter a wizarding school certainly had its drawbacks. She didn't know any of the etiquette.

"So, what do you think of these robes?" she groaned inwardly as she said it. 'What an inane comment. Now this girl will give me that "what a geek" stare and immerse herself in conversation with others.' Gwyneth thought. "I mean, the color doesn't look good on everyone, but it looks great on you! I'm not used to wearing robes and I feel like mine are trying to strangle me!" She hoped that didn't sound as lame to Meredith as it did to her.

Gwyneth reached for a serving platter and helped herself to the potatoes. "Care for some?" she asked Meredith and the other student sitting beside her.\n\n

0 Gwyneth Aquillon "Make New Friends . . ." 0 Gwyneth Aquillon 0 5

Caedence Redoak

November 25, 2006 3:09 PM

She's Ba-ack! by Caedence Redoak

Caedence couldn't contain her excitement for long. Sure, the ride was uncomfortable. Sure, she had to deal with a car ride to the wagons in her dad's Escort with both parents in the car. And sure, there was downsides to returning to Sornora, but she was back! Back to the place she wasn't a freak! She smiled a bit.

Her summer didn't go that well. She was, however used to her home life. Her dad either growled insults at her or ignored her. The neighborhood kids were jerks and were always trying to pick a fight. Her mom was babying her all summer. Worst of all, she couldn't use her wand! How she itched to draw it on her father and scream "EXPELLIAMUS!" Unfortunately, using magic in front of muggles wasn't allowed.

She glanced around, but couldn't find Elly. Well, that was okay. After all, Elly had her friends to sit with. It wasn't like it really mattered. So she took a seat somewhere close to the middle of the table. She smirked as several of the new first years reacted with surprise at turning a different color. She herself had drank that potion last year, and turned a muddy brown. She also remembered the first person she met; some kid named Adam. It was after meeting Adam that she met her friend, Elly Ericksson. She smiled at the memory while she dished herself up some food. Someone knocked into her arm, causing her to drop her glass, half full of water, spilling it on her plate. "Watch it!" she snapped turning to glare at the poor unfortunate person who ran into her.\n\n

0 Caedence Redoak She's Ba-ack! 94 Caedence Redoak 0 5

Talen

November 25, 2006 3:15 PM

Yeah, not a big fan of myself by Talen

Talen quirked an eyebrow in response when Brett stated 'Likewise.' It was half hidden though beneath his mass of dark brown curls that came to his chin.

With his hair and delicate features, his appearance could be stated as being feminine though not girlish, as one could tell that he would one day be classified as a beautiful man. Well, that is if his frame filled out some, which was extrodinarily thin for his height.

Luckily, most couldn't tell beneath his robes. He hated to be nagged to eat or to eat more when he in fact did eat. He just couldn't help that his body didn't seem to realize it.

His mother seemed to be the worst. She was never around, so she never knew what he was doing, such as the simple act of eating, yet she was always on him to eat.

He shouldn't have been surprised though. He doubted it was, because she cared for him, but more due to her own obsession with food. She was on a new diet of some kind every other week or so and always complained about her body. It was rather awful to listen to.

'What'd they call us? Pecardy?'

Pulling him out of his dark thoughts, Talen looked at Brett in surprise. He had forgotten that he was there. Feeling a surge of uncharacteristic friendliness, Talen actually grinned at the other boy.

"Not only that, but I've been told that Pecari is the best House to be in," Talen said to him.\n\n

0 Talen Yeah, not a big fan of myself 0 Talen 0 5

Josaih Ashwood

November 25, 2006 3:18 PM

Ooh! I'm yellow! by Josaih Ashwood

Josaih's head was a blur from how fast he was turning it every which way. The smells! The sights! The sound! His mother had told him what it would be like, but it was nothing compared to seeing it for himself! Sonora, his mother had told him, was a highly reccomended school. She said that it had the best education and there were plenty of 'proper' purebloods to keep him company.

He chuckled to himself, recalling his mother's words. How often she had talked to him about the dangers in mixing with half and mud bloods. Josaih didn't know what was worse, his mother's predjudice, or the use of that 'm' word. He had often corrected her gently, telling her not to use 'mudblood', rather use 'muggleborn'. She, however, didn't share his views and kept her predjudiced opinions. Himself, he found nothing wrong with people with one, or two, muggle parents. After all, they couldn't help that their parents fell in love! He thought his mom was just plain stupid to think that a pedegree was importaint.

Looking at his plate, he saw a clear, bubbling drink of some sort. He lifted it, swirled it as if it were wine, and sniffed it. Finding nothing wrong, or anything to make him suspect poison, he took a careful sip. It wasn't good, nor bad, but he was thirsty and took another, larger gulp. It wasn't until refilling his mouth for a third drink that he noticed something wrong. His skin was yellow! Not just yellow, sunshiny yellow! What in the world? In his surpirse he spat out the mouthfull of potion on the person seated across from him. In between coughs, he gasped, "I'm- sorry! Please-pardon-me!" \n\n

0 Josaih Ashwood Ooh! I'm yellow! 0 Josaih Ashwood 0 5

Jake Santoro

November 25, 2006 3:23 PM

Holy Crud, I'm a Fifth Year by Jake Santoro

Jake's summer had been one of fun and enlightenment. After spending the latter half of the summer in Spain with his family and good friend, Anita, Jake had been forced to admit something rather personal and make a decision with what he was going to do about.

And now his mind was set to do it.

Of course, first things first. With this new year, Jake had high hopes for his housemates. It felt like every year they were always left in last place, no matter what they did in classes or out on the pitch. This year, Jake wanted to change that. They were a great house, it was time to show everyone exactly that. Didn't mean they had to be first, just that they couldn't be last.

Making his way over to the Teppenpaw table, Jake's eyes were continuously looking around the hall as if trying to find someone. He had grown since summer and now stood at 6 feet even. His black hair fell into his dark brown eyes and though he should have moved awkwardly as his lean body and long legs should have made him, Jake walked with confidence.

He sat easily amongst his peers, grinning and greeting as he did so. He was a fifth year and happy to be one. It meant that he was truly one of the upperclassmen. They would have more authority (if nothing more than to scare away the younger years...not that Jake scared much of anyone considering the house he was in), would be learning the harder things. Oh yeah, and the possiblities of friendships or more so was also a good thing.

"Oyi! Nice going Kaylie!" Jake said when the Prefects were anounced. "Better watch myself around you now." Jake joked and winked at his Seeker. He started to grab some food to place on his plate. On occasion, his eyes would look around the hall for a brief moment before returning to the food. "Hey, can you pass me those potatoes?" Jake asked the nearest person to him.\n\n

6 Jake Santoro Holy Crud, I'm a Fifth Year 42 Jake Santoro 0 5

Darla Park

November 25, 2006 3:26 PM

... what? by Darla Park

Darla walked slowly into the Cascade Hall. Her mother had told her about this place, the place where food was served, so Darla wanted to walk in slowly. Let it be a surprise. Let the nice smells of food come slowly to her. But when Darla walked in, she smelled no food. Just noticed talking, laughing people. And... color changing people? What? Oh wait, her mother had told her about this. It was the way they sorted. Yellow for Teppenpaw, red for Crotalus, brown for Pecari, and blue for Aladren.

Mom had been in Aladren, as Darla recalled. But she doubted she would get in there. Aladren was for smart people. Darla was immensly slow, and not exactly great at school. So what would she get? Her answer was about to come when she was handed a goblet of... something. Frowning she had a feeling it wasn't supposed to smell like anything. Sad, smells usually showed how a food tasted. How a good food tasted at least...
SO Darla held her nose and took a deep drink. Then looked down at her hands.

It took a second, but her hands changed. Changed from her lighter olive color (which looked odd against her asian features) to an even stranger yellow color. So she was in Teppenpaw. If Darla remembered what her mother said, that was for the nice ones. Darla felt herself light up, and took the odd yellow skin as a compliment. It had just said she was nice after all! Smoothing down her black hair (how did that look against the yellow? odder than the olive), and walked over to where the yellow kids had gone. She noticed a brunette boy who had sat down at the Tepp table. Smiling she walked over to him, it was good to meet people.

"Hi, how are you? I'm Darla Park, Tepp too, who're you? How's the food here?" she said with a smile. She didn't realize she was babbling, this was what she did. ANd he'd gotten into Tepp anyway, so that meant he had to be nice too!\n\n

0 Darla Park ... what? 0 Darla Park 0 5

Aaron

November 25, 2006 3:41 PM

And miss all the fun? by Aaron

OOC: Its 'cause we all love you so, Kiva. BIC:

Aaron turned to his original neighbor as she introduced herself as Kiva Kijewski, the Care of Magical Creatures teacher. And Deputy Head, apparently, although she didn't seem to sure about that one. He smiled gratefully at her as she offered her assistance.

"Thank you," he responded, adjusting his top hat again. The problem with large pink bubbles was that they never sat quite right. However, it was his most 'normal' headgear. "I suppose you must spend quite a bit of time outside to take Care of Magical Creatures. I was thinking about taking a few of my own classes outside."

It looked as though his transition back into the wizarding world was going rather more smoothly than expected. Quite satisfied, Aaron helped himself to some chicken and ate ravenously. No matter how well you managed it, or how much you enjoyed it, living on your own cooking for years on end got quite boring.\n\n

0 Aaron And miss all the fun? 0 Aaron 0 5

Meredith Lail

November 25, 2006 3:49 PM

The gang is back for year 2. by Meredith Lail

Meredith arrived back at Sonora with an excited grin stuck on her face. Pence, once again, didn’t appreciate the bumpy wagon ride. Meredith held her mouse for most of the trip just to console the poor thing. She had to put him back when the wagon landed and she had to go inside again. Meredith entered the glittering hall and felt a pleasant sensation wash over her. She wasn’t a first year anymore. She was a second year now. She felt like she had some kind of wise experience over the new students. But more importantly, she couldn’t see or speak to her friends throughout the summer and now that she was back, she could see and speak to them all she wanted. And even more importantly, she was allowed to use her magic again. She hated that underage magic law.

Elly stood out like a sore thumb, which Meredith appreciated and immediately started to make her way through the crowd to get to her friend. Being just an average height for a twelve year old, she had a little trouble getting through the mass of older kids. By the time she was where she saw Elly before, her friend had moved on.

“Oh, now where’d she go?” she frowned and looked again. She saw the bouncing orange hair headed toward a table. She must’ve seen someone. When Meredith broke free of a thick part of the crowd she saw Elly with Echo. “There she is. And Echo.” She smiled again and hurried over to where her friends were sitting and caught Elly’s question.

“Hey Elly. Had a good summer?” She cupped her hands around her mouth pretending to yell and squinted while looking far above Elly’s head. Meredith laughed and hugged her friend. “I’m only joking. Hey Echo. Good summer?” She went under the table rather than go all the way around the table and took a seat across from Elly and Echo so she could see both of them. Meredith saw the new first years getting the potion she and her friends took last year.

“Guys, look at the new first years.” She nodded towards the students who were changing colors. She was still a little thrown that she was a second year now and that her first year had gone by so quickly. “You think Saul is still giving tours?”\n\n

0 Meredith Lail The gang is back for year 2. 0 Meredith Lail 0 5

Tally Adams

November 25, 2006 4:30 PM

Another year gone by by Tally Adams

Tally's summer was as foul as she had predicted it would have been. The summer had wasted away with her by her pool side, the neighborhood freak show. Alone and miserable. Chrissy had spent her summer away again, so Tally had been literally alone. Dad had spent much of his time away and though Josh tried to stop by as much as he could, Tally knew he was finally getting his life started. It was time he lived for himself and not for her or her father. Still didn't stop her from hurting just the same.

Being back at school, Tally decided to make things better for her. To stop moping about her problems and start being more active. She couldn't let others emotion get the better of her. Entering the hall, Tally already seemed older. Her skin was tan from her days out in the sun. Her long brown hair was set in soft waves. She wore t-shirt and skirt that fell halfway down her thighs. Her flipflops were worn looking, but she didn't mind.

Taking a seat at the Teppenpaw table, Tally listened contently while the Headmaster spoke. Tally was saddened to know that he was no longer teaching charms. She had loved his class the best. She had to take a few deep breaths on occasion to keep her mind focused and everything else out, but, otherwise, she was her usual normal self. She clapped and cheered when the newest students turned the familiar shade of yellow. And applauded when three of her good friends were dubbed Prefects. "ALRIGHT YOU GUYS!!!! WOOO!" Tally cheered them on before the arrival of food reminded her just how hungry she was.

Halfway between lifting her fork and taking her first bite of food, Tally had received her second shower of the day. Her immediate reaction was to jump and scream out in surprise. She did the first two, but the latter ended up sounding more like a squeak than a scream. "Did you just spit on me?" Tally asked him dubiously while dabbing herself with a napkin.\n\n

6 Tally Adams Another year gone by 41 Tally Adams 0 5

Hyana Kamiya

November 25, 2006 4:54 PM

I can't believe this by Hyana Kamiya

Hyana looked around the beautiful Cascade Hall, her eyes wide. Never in her life had she seen anything like this. She found her table and sat down, pushing her black hair out of her face.

Hyana drank out of the goblet, like she was instructed, and found herself turn a bright blue. Surprised, she dropped her cup onto her lap, and the rest of the liquid spilled onto her shirt. She heard some classmates around her laugh, and hoped that they were laughing at something else.

She waited for the speech to be over, then stood quickly to dry off. On the way out, she bumped into someone's arm, and heard a girl shout, "Watch it!"

Hyana turned around and looked at the girl, who was glaring at her.

"I-I'm sorry," she stuttered, "It w-was an accident...really." She braced herself for the reply. Whoever this girl was, she didn't seem nice.\n\n

0 Hyana Kamiya I can't believe this 0 Hyana Kamiya 0 5

Bella Santoro

November 25, 2006 5:24 PM

Let's Rock Out. by Bella Santoro

Izabella Santoro was a fourteen year old Aladren girl standing at 5'1 with Spanish origins that came through in the color of her skin and the shape of her dark eyes. Her black hair was cut in layers for a funky looking style. Her dark eyes were lined in black to give her a heavier accented look. She wore a Weird Sisters t-shirt matched with a pair of shorts, ripped fishnet stockings and heavy black boots. Her robes hung open, revealing her outfit and as Bella walked, her confidence was near match to her older brother's.

As she walked, she seemed to have bumped into a first year. The girl's snarl caught Bella completely off guard. Where in the world did Bella deserve that kind of attitude from a mere first year? Bella quirked an eyebrow at the younger girl and gave her a once over. She waited quietly for a moment to figure out exactly how to respond to the girl and the silent boy beside her.

Finally, after a moment or two, Bella shrugged. "No need to get your panties in a twist, didn't mean to bump ya there." Bella had no idea how to read the two of them. It seemed like every year there were always a few first years who felt themselves above the rest. She knew it was just how they were raised, but didn't mean she didn't find them to be ridiculous. They were only first years and had no authority or power over anyone. Maybe in a few years they could feel superior, but for now, they should know their role and keep quiet.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

0 Bella Santoro Let's Rock Out. 0 Bella Santoro 0 5

Darci and Kavin

November 25, 2006 5:37 PM

Woot! Let's! by Darci and Kavin

Darci sighed and calmed down. What her brother said shouldn't even had phased her, she guessed when happened last year still did bug her. Well, it was good the girl wasn't snapping back at her. That meant Darci didn't have to get into fight mood. She could now be as polite as she could fake, and maybe get Kavin talking.

But Kavin already knew he wasn't going to talk. It was pure and simple. Kavin never talked unless absolutly necessary, or unless it was to Darci, otherwise he just stared and kept silent. Like Tullia, except he was able to listen to what people said instead of focusing on something completely random. But then, Kavin wasn't autistic like his littlest sister, he wasn't shy either. He was like Darci, he only liked certain people. But instead of making enemies like her, he just didn't make either.

Once Darci's mask returned she was able to speak. "Sorry, my brother and I got in a fight and I was a bit mad," she smiled sweetly. Fight Kavin raised an eyebrow, more like a mini-spat. He watched as his sister extended her hand like their father taught them to do. "Hi, I'm Darci Analai, I'm the coolest most awesome person ever, I just got into Pecari. And this is my brother, Kavin in Aladren, he's cool... but not as awesome as me." She looked to Kavin to see if he was going to speak. Kavin shook his head, so Darci turned back. "He doesn't talk to people. Don't take it personally. He's just not awesome like me."

Kavin made this a point to roll his eyes. Darci continued talking like she was born to do it. "So sorry, and my panties aren't in a twist, they're cotton." She grinned at the complete nonsense of her statement, enjoying confusig people.\n\n

0 Darci and Kavin Woot! Let's! 0 Darci and Kavin 0 5

Brett Hodges

November 25, 2006 5:45 PM

A small fan, maybe? by Brett Hodges

"Not only that, but I've been told that Pecari is the best House to be in," the other kid said, grinning. Maybe he wasn't such a snobman after all. Maybe Talen even played soccer or that wizarding sport, quidball (or something).

"Of course it's the best," Brett grinned back, "It's got us, right? It's gotta be crazy cool. It can't help it." He was speaking for himself anyway. He wasn't sure about Talen, yet. Maybe he was already mad cool, if not he might have some potential. Brett could take care of that.

It seemed like other kids were startng to settle down now, so he he found the nearest empty pair of seats and hoped the Talen kid would follow. If not, well, his loss. They'd catch up later anyway.\n\n

0 Brett Hodges A small fan, maybe? 0 Brett Hodges 0 5

Niobe Yuma

November 25, 2006 5:57 PM

Re: And miss all the fun? by Niobe Yuma

Niobe grinned at Aaron's embroidery comment. She wasn't quite sure how to take it, but, hey, whatever. It passed quickly enough and seemed well intentioned. She also grinned at Kiva and nodded, "Thanks," to her offers of help. Everything was happening so fast. What was the guy on her other side called again? Deck. That was it, like a Deck of tarot cards. Right. And further down the line? The one who'd greeted the Deputy HeadMistess by name. Oh, him. No clue. She grinned at him too for good measure.

There was lots of grinning going on. That was her new strategy for surviving meeting way too many people all at the same time. Smile a lot and try not to look too lost. So far it seemed to be working. Now maybe she could get a bite to eat in there too, sometime. It smelt so good.

It was so good. Excellence in dining. Being a teacher was definitely the life, at least it was on the first day of school. The kids didn't seem that bad, for all the other professors had their reservations. And most of them even seemed happy to be there.

She swallowed and grinned some more at her fellow teachers. Man, her cheeks were starting to hurt.\n\n

0 Niobe Yuma Re: And miss all the fun? 0 Niobe Yuma 0 5

Derek Samonns

November 25, 2006 6:03 PM

Rainbows are cool by Derek Samonns

Derek jumped happily into the Cascade Hall, awaiting the drink his father said was served to you that determines your house. He was simply positive he would get into Pecari, like his dad, but what would indicate that, Derek wasn't sure. He had asked his mother if she'd tell him, but he had forgotten she was a Muggle and therefore never went to Sonora, so there was no way she knew.

Taking a confused sip of the drink and tried to guess its taste. Would that tell? Texture? Hm, what? He closed his eyes and scratched his blonde hair, moving his glasses a bit when he noticed a little discoloring. Derek took a closer look at his hand and noticed it was now a muddy brown. He smiled, that was it! Derek looked at the house colors. Yes! Pecari!

Derek jumped up and down happily, then landed and took an accidental step back. Bumping into another brown girl. Turning he smiled and hugged her. "Its okay, my fault," he said, releasing her. "I'm Derek, nice to meet you Nathalie. Looks like we're in the same house!" Now that he had his house, he could make friends from said house!\n\n

0 Derek Samonns Rainbows are cool 0 Derek Samonns 0 5

Saul Pierce

November 25, 2006 6:44 PM

swooping down on the firsties by Saul Pierce

Saul was excited. New terms were fun in any case because it meant new people and new classes and a fresh start on the House Points. Not to mention, another ride on the covered wagons which was somthing that couldn't possibly be emphasized enough. There was nothing cooler than a ride on a flying covered wagon. So much better than the portkey Neil had to take to his school.

Saul gave Simon a grin and a wave as he got off the wagon, then headed in to the Hall. He took a seat at the end of a table and shooed away everyone who tried to sit there, saying he was 'saving it for the firsties'. The kids in question soon appeared and started drinking their potions.

Spotting two in brown, Saul waved over to them, "Pecaris! Over here!" He pointed at the seats he'd reserved. "Welcome to Sonora!" When they got a little closer, he added, "I'm Saul Pierce, a third year. If you have any questions, be sure to ask."\n\n

1 Saul Pierce swooping down on the firsties 82 Saul Pierce 0 5

Gwyneth Aquillon

November 25, 2006 6:56 PM

"Pass the potatoes . . ." by Gwyneth Aquillon

Gwyneth heard the upperclassman across the table and down two seats ask for the potato platter that she was holding in her hands. Nervously, she passed the platter to the tall young man who was obviously several years older than she was. He was busy talking to others, friends she gathered, and barely noticed her as she handed over the potatoes. His eyes were constantly looking around as he talked. She guessed he was looking for someone in particular.

"That's Jake Santoro, captain of the Quidditch team," someone near her whispered.

'Quidditch,' she thought with a groan. Quidditch was a game she loved to watch but having no coordination and a basic fear of flying meant she was confined to the stands.
\n\n

0 Gwyneth Aquillon "Pass the potatoes . . ." 0 Gwyneth Aquillon 0 5

Irene Liddowe

November 25, 2006 6:58 PM

Re: Opening Feast by Irene Liddowe

"Can't you come with me?" Irene said holding onto Uncle Mike's arm as he waited for the wagon. He looked down at her and laughed.

"Are you serious?" When she said nothing he continued, "Come on, Nini, you're smarter than that," he went on. "And I know you're braver than that too! You'll be fine. Just be yourself...well, maybe that's not such a good idea..." Uncle Mike said, hiding his grin.

"Yeah, I'm sure you're much better" She said sarcastically, punching his arm. They both stood silent for a few moments. Irenes insides were turning. What about the houses she had heard so much about? Where would she be?

"What house was Mom in?" He looked back down at me looking concerned.

"We were both in Pecari. Go Pecs!" He said grinning. She nodded. She still knew very little about magic and the whole wizarding world. She had been cooped up with Damon, her excuse for a father, hadn't she? There was no way he would know anything about magic. And even if he did there was a 0 in a million chance that he would tell her.

Irene stared down at the clear potion in front of her, aware of all the eyes focused upon the group. She glanced around at the others. No one seemed to be drinking at all. The chalice of bubbling potion felt slippery in her sweaty hands. She summoned up her courage as she looked around the group. Bottoms up, right?

At first, nothing at all seemed to happen. She felt nothing. But the faces on the group seemed to tell her otherwise. She glanced down to see that she was glowing a brownish color. She felt a smile creep to her face. Irene headed towards the table that, years ago, her mother had sat at.

Once the Headmaster had finish his speech, Irene turned to her fellow Pecaris. Diving in was her specialty.

"Hi! I'm Irene Liddowe."
\n\n

0 Irene Liddowe Re: Opening Feast 106 Irene Liddowe 0 5

Chrissy Mathers

November 25, 2006 7:02 PM

Must you have said my full name? by Chrissy Mathers

Chrissy had had a blissful summer away from her parents and down in DC with her Uncle and his girlfriend. Other than the fact that she had to spend time with the little monster (also known as the girlfriend's son), Chrissy had spent all summer in DC, doing what she wanted, eating what she wanted, wearing the clothes she wanted to. It was bliss. Pure, unequivical, bliss.

But now she was back at sonora, Chrissy had to get back into the real life of being a teenager again. She was still as chubby as she'd always been, but she had grown used to the idea of her never being able to be skinny. It just wasn't in her nature to be on diets. It wasn't like she was unhealthy, she played Quidditch, and was active in all other ways. She just...liked to eat.

Her blonde curls had grown out over the previous year and were now a nice curly wave past her shoulders. Her jeans were low, but not enough to look gross while her shirt was long enough to be considered a risque dress. Luckily enough, her robes were closed so no one would be any wiser with her style choice.

Sitting herself down at the Crotalus table, Chrissy silently waited through the Headmaster's greetings and the sorting. She was too old now to really give a crap where these kids were sorted into. Her first, yes, she was totally and completely impressed. Much the same for her second year. Third and fourth year she had been amused by watching the new firsties, but this year. This year Chrissy just didn't care. And she still had two more years left of this stuff.

Having ignored most of what was going on around her, Chrissy jumped when she heard her name being called. She gave an inward shudder when she was called Chrysanthemum. How she loathed her name. Unsure of why she was being called to the front, Chrissy stood, giving a confused look to the people around her, and made her way to the staff table.

Listening to the Headmaster, Chrissy stared at him dumbfoundedly. Surely he was confused. She should not be the one with this pin. Jenna or Jennifer were better candidates than she. They were friendly and people loved them. Chrissy could hardly stand a conversation or two with...well, with anyone really. Taking the badge from the headmaster, Chrissy made her way back to her seat.

After a moment of staring in confusion at the badge in her hand, Chrissy looked up at the others at her table. "I think the headmaster has lost his mind." She stated rather matter-of-factly.\n\n

0 Chrissy Mathers Must you have said my full name? 0 Chrissy Mathers 0 5

Matt Santoro

November 25, 2006 7:24 PM

This is where we eat and be merry. by Matt Santoro

Matt was so glad that he was no longer a first year. Despite the fun he had had the year previous, he had been fresh meat. But now that he was a second year, he didn't feel quite so terrible. Maybe this year he would make more friends. His roommate and some of the girls in his house seemed to be real close and Matt felt slightly jealous by that fact. Maybe he had spent too much time with his brother, or maybe Echo really didn't like him, but preferred the company of the girls. Who knew.

Matt said farewell to his twin and made his way over to the Pecari table, grinning at the new first years. Hopefully some of them would be fun. Matt and Josh had a lot of future plans for pranks and it wouldn't hurt to find out if others were into that sort of thing. Of course, they would have to be careful with deciding whom they would let in on their little plans, but Josh was good at picking out the right sorts of people.

Taking a seat, Matt waited impatiently for the food to arrive. He hated speeches. But, it was rather entertaining to see the first years drink the potion. He wondered if he looked as terrified as them when he had been there last year. He immediately dismissed the thought. He was too cool for such looks. Even if he was the only one who knew so.

And the food had arrived. Brilliant. Matt piled the food onto his plate without a second thought. As he spooned food into his mouth, a new first year spoke up from beside him. Swallowing the huge bit of food in his mouth, Matt grinned. "Matt Santoro! It's nice to have you in the house Irene!" Matt greeted the girl. "Having fun yet?" He teased.\n\n

0 Matt Santoro This is where we eat and be merry. 0 Matt Santoro 0 5

Irene Liddowe

November 25, 2006 7:30 PM

Erm..hey! by Irene Liddowe

Irene looked around at the many students that sat at the table. They all seemed to be chatting animatedly with each other. Suddenly, she felt oddly out of place sitting there playing with her food.

A girl came back from the Head Table, clutching a badge in her hand. Irene saw the word Prefect engraved on it. That must be some achievement... Although the girl looked older than she was, Irene decided she did not want to carry on sitting in silence.

"Erm...Hey! Congrats on that," she said gesturing to the badge. "I'm Irene Liddowe."\n\n

0 Irene Liddowe Erm..hey! 106 Irene Liddowe 0 5

Irene Liddowe

November 25, 2006 7:38 PM

phew! by Irene Liddowe

Irene began to pile food onto her plate. What? She was hungry! Her mouth was full of the best food she had tasted in a long time. When you live with Uncle Mike you learn to love bologna sandwiches. Just then, with the help of her luck with timing, a boy from next to her spoke up.

"Matt Santoro! It's nice to have you in the house Irene!" said a boy from next to her. "Having fun yet?" Irene swollowed the food with difficulty and laughed.

"Well, if you call changing your skin color fun, then I'm having the time of my life!" she said, grinning. "Nice to meet you, Matt," she said holding out her hand. \n\n

0 Irene Liddowe *phew!* 106 Irene Liddowe 0 5

Bella

November 25, 2006 7:42 PM

Grabs Guitar by Bella

Bella listened to the girl's excuse for her snappish behavior. Bella couldn't really blame her. Growing up with eight other siblings, she definitely could understand how frustrating it was to argue with someone and then be bothered by someone completely new. "Don't worry, it's no big deal. I'd just keep my attitude in check, next time. Some of the older students aren't quite so forgiving." Bella said, being serious as she spoke. Sometimes Bella thought Anne was one of those who would think first with a wand and then about her actions. Or, anyone from the Crotalus house that was in the same year as Bella.

As the girl introduced herself, Bella had to fight the urge to roll her eyes. Was she joking? Who introduced themselves like that? This girl was unbelieveable! Bella took her hand and gave her an equally sickly sweet smile back. "Bella Santoro and since we're telling everyone about ourselves, I'd say I'm the greatest rocker that ever lived." It was far from the truth. Bella was a great singer, and her guitar abilities had increased greatly over the summer, but she wasn't even close to ever being the greatest.

"Doesn't talk to people, huh?" Bella said, looking hard at Kavin. "Well, he'll fit right in with the Aladrens then. I should know, I am one." Bella said, smirking slightly at the boy. "Glad to see that you two are already settled into Sonora. Usually it takes the first years a week or so. Must have such confidences in yourselves. I bet your parents are proud." Bella's voice held a smidge of sarcasim to keep it from sounding sincere. Not that she really cared.\n\n

0 Bella *Grabs Guitar* 0 Bella 0 5

Gwyneth Aquillon

November 25, 2006 8:06 PM

More First Years by Gwyneth Aquillon

Gwyneth noticed the boy who sat down near Meredith when he muttered about "crazy stuff". She hoped he didn't mean her! Belatedly, she realized he was also a first year and, since he was looking at the color fade from his hands, she assumed he was remarking on that. She also noted that a bubbly, friendly girl who introduced herself as Darla sat down near them. Gwyneth filed that name away although she knew that trying to remember all these new names and faces was not going to be easy.

Gwyneth leaned forward around Meredith a little, smiled and introduced herself to the other two first year students. She was a bit surprised that the boy didn't offer his name in reply to the various introductions going on around them. "Guess he is shy . . . or still in a bit of shock," she thought.

Gwyneth thought that the girl who had introduced herself as Darls seemed nice. She was babbling a bit, but that was infinitely better than the shy silence Gwyneth had wrapped around herself. "Wish I were as outgoing and confident as Darla is," she thought to herself.

She helped herself to food from the platters as they passed her by. She listened to the Headmaster's brief speech, but mostly she wondered how she would ever remember the names and faces of her fellow housemates, not to mention all the others she was bound to run into. Feeling a bit overwhelmed, Gwyneth breathed a deep sigh and sagged a little in her chair.\n\n

0 Gwyneth Aquillon More First Years 0 Gwyneth Aquillon 0 5

Gwen Carey

November 25, 2006 8:45 PM

I think Crotalus might be cursed as far as names go. by Gwen Carey

Gwen relaxed visibly in her chair when a small girl with dark hair spilling halfway down her back disappeared into the throng just before a younger-but-taller girl with a Teppenpaw badge on her robes came into her field of vision. Morgaine and Amber were both safely off the wagons, which meant she could call her familial duty done. She didn't look for the twins; they were Anne's responsibility, now, and Anne was in her own hands. Shaking her still too-short-feeling hair back, Gwen smiled politely at her neighbors and began looking around as if searching for someone.

Normally, she would have sat with her friends or on her own (insofar as anyone could sit alone at a gathering of the entire school), but she had taken a seat at a table full of other Crotali, her only requirement being that said table didn't house Cate or Nicoletta or Jordanna. Between the standard-issue green robes and her new haircut, with her hair only just brushing her shoulders, she wouldn't be too easy to recognize from a distance in a crowd, or so she hoped. She didn't want to deal with people, but since dealing with them was inevitable, she'd rather it wasn't people she knew.

The Sorting went as usual - Gwen smiled in the direction of the new Crotali, remembering drinking the potion herself four years previously to the day - and Headmaster Bulla, Charms professor no more, gave the opening speech and announced the prefects. The Aladren and the Teppenpaw were both Seekers, she knew, and Chrissy was one of the Chasers for Crotalus. The food appeared as Chrissy took back the seat not far from Gwen's, and she began filling her plate as the older girl stared at her badge. She surprised herself by smiling when Chrissy announced her theory about Bulla to the table.

"My aunt says this school's never had a sane Head," she said, adding a roll to her plate. "Congradulations, Chrissy." Maybe she shouldn't have called her that. She knew the fifth year vaguely from Quidditch, but they'd never really talked. Chrissy was just what she'd heard other people calling her. She'd apologize if the prefect started looking offended. \n\n

0 Gwen Carey I think Crotalus might be cursed as far as names go. 63 Gwen Carey 0 5

Lutece

November 25, 2006 9:23 PM

-laughs- Oh, lets not even go there! by Lutece

The boy raised an eyebrow at her. Lutece wondered what that was supposed to signify. Somehow, she doubted that it was utmost appreciation for her sophistication. Could this magic stuff be real?

No.

Then how had the food just...appeared like that?

No.

Then why had she changed colour, however briefly?

Lutece pulled out her mirror again, checking her reflection to assure herself that she was no longer glowing a deep red.

Right. Go with the flow, Lutece. Learn and conquer.

"Of course it is," she smiled at him, taking one of the breads. "Thanks. So, have you been in this 'magic' business for long?"\n\n

0 Lutece -laughs- Oh, lets not even go there! 0 Lutece 0 5

Dalila Bastet

November 25, 2006 9:52 PM

Mmm...potatos by Dalila Bastet

Overall Dalila's summer had been good. Her mother had come to visit, not once, not twice, but three times; though she only stayed a few days ata time, this was more than she ever got to see her. It had thrilled her father just as much as it had thrilled her, but her grandmother clucked her tongue every time she came or went. Kamilah Khepri was not a fan of her daughter abandoning her child and husband to study things in Egypt. But Dalila understood.

So, here Dalila sat, once again in Cascade Hall at Sonora staring around the room for a familiar face and trying to forget the fact that her mother would probably not be visiting her here. unless, of course, there was another Alumni event. Dalila smile and hoped there would be.

Dalila clapped loudly when the new prefects were announced. She either knew them or have heard of them so often that she felt she knew them and therefore was very happy with this year's selection. Of course, she clapped the loudest for Kaylie. Teppenpaw pride.

The food appeared and Dalila tried to grab everything within reach. She hadn't eaten since this morning and was starving. Her slim body was still growing and neede nutrients. She began to happily devour the chicken and corn she put on her plate and as she set her fork down to take a swig of pumkin juice, the said fork clatterd to the floor. After some slight swearing she bent down to grab the offending piece of silverware. After a minute of trying to reach her fork by leaning under the table, she concede that she could reach it and stuck her whole body underneath the table to retrieve it, but not before getting kicked a few times by unsuspecting feet.

She pulled herself up and went back to her food until she noticed the first year girl sitting next to her staring at none other than Jake Santoro, or Cap'n Jake as she liked to call him. Dalila grinned. He'd grown taller. So had she, but by now Jake would tower over her no matter how much she grew. She thought it was funny that he was so much taller. It was be comical to stand next to him.

"That's Jake Santoro, captain of the Quidditch team," Dalila whispered to the girl, who was still staring nervously at Jake. And in a slightly louder voice, she said "And I'm Dalila Bastet. Teppenpaw chaser. You like Quidditch, or do you just like Jake?" She winked at the girl, playfully.

"Hey...did you find out what house you're in yet? You better drink up." Dalila grinned again and pointed to the bubbling liquid in front of the firstie.\n\n

0 Dalila Bastet Mmm...potatos 60 Dalila Bastet 0 5

Declan Chatterjee

November 25, 2006 10:18 PM

That's never a problem with me around. by Declan Chatterjee

Deck munched happily away at his meal as he listened to his colleagues do their meet and greet thing, content for once to listen and observe rather than join in. A summer with his family had mellowed him out. After all, anyone too highly strung would quite probably go clinically insane after spending almost three months with Niamh and Maggie Chatterjee. It really wasn't a wonder that his stepfather, Ravi, was such a calm man, he reflected as he took a sip of his pumpkin juice.

His eyes slid to the woman--he had to stop himself from thinking of her as a girl, as she couldn't be much older than twenty-three--beside him, who was grinning almost manically at them all. He watched her for a few moments more, his gaze becoming a very obvious mixture of bemusement and amusement.

"You know," he commented in a stage whisper, leaning towards her a bit, "you might frighten the children if you keep that up." He winked at her and smiled amiably. "Niobe, isn't it? It's all a little overwhelming, yeah? Believe me, I understand. I came in halfway through the term last year. You know, once you're settled you and I should have a talk about things. Lessons, I mean," he added hurriedly. Astronomy and Divination were, in his mind, a rather obvious combination. He smiled at her again.\n\n

0 Declan Chatterjee That's never a problem with me around. 11 Declan Chatterjee 0 5

Echo Elms

November 26, 2006 12:38 AM

I missed you guys like woah! by Echo Elms

Elly saw him! She bounded over and he jumped up to greet her and before he knew what was happening, he was being hugged. Hugged. That meant like touching, exchanging body heat. And he was wearing short sleeves, too. Bare skin.

It was all over almost before it began, and Elly was laughing. He forced a laugh too, and only partly to disguise his weirdo breathing. It was so good to see her. He hid his shaking hands behind him.

“Did I grow that much or did you shrink?” she asked, still with that huge smile. He looked up at her, and collapsed -- casually? -- into his chair.

"Well, you're definitely taller now," he grinned up at her. Now that his heart rate was starting to settle back down, he was almost starting to think that hug had been almost... exhilerating. The weirdo crawly feeling Elly'd left on his skin was kinda like a special Elly-ness.

Meredith showed up just about then, and there were greetings all around. He had waved and said, "Hey!" and seats had been taken. Everything he heard about Meredith over the summer was second hand, and he was just about to start quizzing her on it when she pointed out the first years.

He swiveled around to have a look.

"You think Saul is still giving tours?" she wondered.

"Maybe," Echo said, since he considered himself the resident expert on Saul, "but he's not gonna be in their classes--our classes--this year. I'm gonna need a new potions partner." A funny vision of himself approaching a first year like Saul did to him that first class was interrupted by one specific first year.

"That kid," Echo pointed him out to Elly and Meredith, "The one by the door, the Pecari with the surfer hair," by which he meant it was shoulder length and blonde, "he looks just like my friend Brett back home."

He was going to leave it at that. Obviously, it wasn't Brett. Brett was a muggle and now off in California. But then he started walking. "Oh, man," he added, leaning forward, "he even walks like Brett."\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

21 Echo Elms I missed you guys like woah! 93 Echo Elms 0 5

Niobe Yuma

November 26, 2006 1:05 AM

Glad of that, I think. by Niobe Yuma

Deck-man was looking at her. She tried not to notice so much, but it was hard not to.

"You know," he stage whispered after awhile, "you might frighten the children if you keep that up."

She tried to stop smiling so much at that point by tucking her lips in her mouth, but it wouldn't stay away. She covered it with her hand instead, but soon gave up on that too bacause you can only cover your mouth for so long before feeling really silly. Giggling was so un-teacher-like.

"Niobe, isn't it? It's all a little overwhelming, yeah? Believe me, I understand. I came in halfway through the term last year, Deck-man said, "You know, once you're settled you and I should have a talk about things. Lessons, I mean."

"Yeah, it is, thanks," she said. That grin was firmly back in place, like it was an infestation or something. It simply could not be helped. "I scare the kids into behaving by grinning at them," she told him, "What's your secret?"\n\n

0 Niobe Yuma Glad of that, I think. 0 Niobe Yuma 0 5

Meri

November 26, 2006 4:51 AM

Didn't really sing ;) by Meri

[ooc- Meri didn't really sing, she was thinking about it, and starting giggling about the idea. But we'll pretend she did sing]

Meri was thrilled when Gwyneth didn't mind her silly outburst, and actually giggled along with her. "Oh, just call me Meri," she said, choking back another giggle. "Only my mother calls me Meredith, and I hate it! And..." she paused hopefully, "all my friends call me Meri."

Her eyes widened as she saw some candied fruit go by on the table, and hastily helped herself to some. Normally, her mother would be scrutinizing her every manner, but her mother wasn't here! A delighted grin spread across her face as she added another helping of the fruit to plate.

She turned to see Gwyneth tugging uncomfortably at her robes. She immediately grinned, sympathetically. "I just think they ITCH," she said, "especially with all the STARCH mother put in my robes. I don't know how I even manage to sit down in them!" She rolled her eyes and then whispered conspiratorially, "I can't WAIT to do the laundry and wash all the starch out!"

Meri eyed the potatoes Gwyn offered her. There were two kinds, cheesy mashed potatoes, and sweet potatoes with marshmallows. With only a split second to choose, she grinned and decided to ignore her mother's strict dining rules...and took both. She hadn't eaten till she felt full since she was a little baby. Her eyes glittered in delight.

There were a thousand questions she wanted to ask Gwyneth, like where was she from? What class was she looking forward to the most? What kind of owl did she have? Was she afraid of anything? (Meri was a bit afraid to admit that she was afraid of MANY things, including her mother.) Did she go by her full name, or Gwyn? Or Gwynie, even?

Meri chewed her food thoughtfully, and watched the girl out of the corner of her eye, wondering what to ask first. \n\n

0 Meri Didn't really sing ;) 0 Meri 0 5

Dolan

November 26, 2006 5:11 AM

And I really wanted to roll downhill, too! by Dolan

Dolan smiled at the change of emotions on her face as the girl took in what he'd said to her. He passed the bread to another student and thought to himself. It didn't make sense that this girl was here and didn't believe in magic. Everything, from the school acceptance letter, to their training, to their future job descriptions, were laden with magic. And it was rather apparent that she didn't come from any powerful wizarding family! However, he didn't doubt that to have been accepted here despite her disbelief and upbringing, she must have some considerable magic abilities. Once she got over this stupid matter of not believing in magic, that is.

He repressed a cough as she checked her reflection in a little mirror again, as if afraid her reflection might disappear. Was she vain? He sighed mentally. Girls who thought they were beautiful were the singularly most boring creatures on the planet, but at least they were generally easy to please with simple gallantry and unerring manners.

Her question interrupted his thoughts and he turned his gray eyes on her. "Actually, yes. My family has been in the magic business as far back as we can recall." He smiled at her, as if to encourage her. "Its not a bad business to be in, really." \n\n

0 Dolan And I really wanted to roll downhill, too! 0 Dolan 0 5

Elly

November 26, 2006 5:47 AM

The feeling is mutual! by Elly

Echo seemed a bit shaken from the hug. Elly slapped herself mentally as she suddenly remembered how Echo didn’t like people touching him. He’d never said so, but spending so much time with him in their first year had given Elly pretty big clues. She guessed that the summer away and her excitement at seeing Echo again had prevented her from thinking rationally (actually, rational thinking wasn’t one of Elly’s strong points, anyway). She hoped she hadn’t made him feel uncomfortable, but as he sat down again he seemed to be okay; he was grinning back up at her.

Before Elly knew what was happening, Meredith was standing there with them, too, mocking Elly about her height. Elly smiled brilliantly and hugged Meredith back, saying, “I missed you!”

Meredith crawled under the table and took the seat opposite Echo, so Elly sat down in the seat next to Echo. “Guys, look at the new first years,” Meredith said. Elly turned to look.

“They’re a weird looking bunch, aren’t they?” she replied, fully aware that her year were a pretty weird looking bunch themselves.

It was then that Echo identified a particular firstie, a Pecari with ‘surfer hair’. Elly followed his gaze and noticed a temporarily and potion-induced brown-skinned, blond haired boy. “Brett who moved to California?” Elly asked, though she was pretty sure Echo had never mentioned any other Brett.
\n\n

0 Elly The feeling is mutual! 0 Elly 0 5

Lutece

November 26, 2006 7:34 AM

-raises an eyebrow- by Lutece

OOC: Sorry about the shortness of that last post! I was running out the door, and it looked so much longer on the entry form.

BIC:

At the age of seven, Lutece had sat herself down and given up her faerie wardrobe. By nine she was participating in an elementary cheer group, and last year she had gotten her first boyfriend. (Granted, he had to be conned into paying for her hot pretzel at lunch, but that was why she had broken up with him)

All of that had been in preperation for high school. Someday, with the right amount of practise and wardrobe, she would be the most popular girl in high school. Just like her sister Melissa.

And now? Somehow she doubted that this bizarre boarding school had a cheer squad. No, the food appeared on the tables without warning, the stupid covered wagon floated, and new students changed colour for no apparent reason.

Great.

She pulled out the stick--excuse her, wand--her father had purchased and began examining it closely, occasionally poking it at things. Why was it so special? Lutece looked over at Dolan as he answered her question.

"Oh, really? That's amazing!" she still didn't quite know what was going on, so she dug a little deeper. "So what exactly does your family do?"\n\n

0 Lutece -raises an eyebrow- 0 Lutece 0 5

Dolan

November 26, 2006 8:00 AM

Watch were you poke that thing! by Dolan

Dolan cleared his throat as the girl next to him started grumpily poking things with her wand.

"Excuse me, but you might not want to do that. Setting things on fire by accident wouldn't make you all that popular at this school." He settled back in his chair calmly, but held his hand near HIS wand, just in case it was needed. His eyes held a glint of amusement.

"My family runs a lucrative business in customized flue powder." He paused, wondering if she knew what that was, and decided to clarify. "Flue powder is a magical powder that allows one to travel from one destination to another rather instantly via the use of the chimney. You'll notice that most wizarding households have large fireplaces. That's why. My family sells specialized kinds of flue powder, among other things."

[ooc...totally made up that job out of the air... hah]\n\n

0 Dolan Watch were you poke that thing! 0 Dolan 0 5

Lutece

November 26, 2006 8:20 AM

But its only a stick...right? by Lutece

Dolan said something about setting things on fire with this 'wand' and Lutece looked at him as though he must be completely mad.

"Set things on fire? With this?" she said, scornfully. "It's just a stick!" Of course, at that moment, the 'stick' let off a flurry of orange and silver sparks. The timing was so impeccable that Lutece seriously considered for a moment that the 'wand' was protesting her description of it. But she then turned her attention back to Dolan as he described his family job, placing her wand on the table and eyeing it occasionally.

Customised Flew Powder? That was odd. Oh well. Travelling through fireplaces seemed awful (however would you keep yourself clean?!), but no more strange than anything else that had happened to her recently. She shrugged and laughed a bit.

"Well, my mom's a real estate agent, and my dad cordinates scifi conventions across the country. Nothing so interesting as 'Flew Powder', I'm afraid."\n\n

0 Lutece But its only a stick...right? 0 Lutece 0 5

GwynethAquillon

November 26, 2006 8:25 AM

Quidditch by GwynethAquillon

"Hi,Dalila. My name is Gwyneth. So you play Quidditch, too. That's keen. I don't play but you will hear me cheering from the stands." Gwyneth continued talking to the upperclass girl. "I drank my potion earlier and turned this wonderful shade of yellow. For a minute I thought I was absolutely glowing! So that makes me a Teppenpaw, too, . . . right?"

Gwyneth knew she was babbling, but she was just so excited to not only be here at Sonora but an upperclass girl was actually talking to her!!! She was actually talking to a. . . witch??? 'Wow, that is really going to take some getting used to,' she thought to herself. Being human, erm . . . muggle born, she was still trying to take it all in and sort it out. 'Mom and Dad are going to have the wildest letters from me this year!'

Quidditch seemed to be a topic everyone knew so Gwyneth decided it would be a safe opening. "So how how do you think Teppenpaw will do in Quidditch this year?" she asked the group of students at the table.\n\n

0 GwynethAquillon Quidditch 0 GwynethAquillon 0 5

Echo Elms

November 26, 2006 8:29 AM

The feast must be starting soon... by Echo Elms

"Yeah, that Brett," Echo agreed, taking note of where the new Pecari was sitting. The Brett look-a-like, like many of the other Firsties, had found an open seat pretty close to where he'd come in. "Hey, look. A couple tables over from him. Saul's got some new kids!"

"Guess that answers your question," he added, glancing back at Meredith. Poor kids. Echo hoped Saul didn't scare them too much with his sage advice.

His eyes soon wandered back to the Brett-kid. Now that his skin was returning to its normal color, the resemblance was even more uncanny.\n\n

21 Echo Elms The feast must be starting soon... 93 Echo Elms 0 5

Gwyneth Aquillon

November 26, 2006 8:33 AM

Re: Didn't really sing ;) by Gwyneth Aquillon

Gwyneth thought that Meredith, Meri, was really fun. She watched as Meri took portions of . . . well, almost everything that came past them! 'Wow, guess she didn't leave her stomach on that covered wagon like I did!' she thought. But Gwyneth did try several of the different platters, too.

"Do you know if we have to wear these robes all the time? or just for formal events like this?" she asked Meri. She was really hoping that they didn't have to wear these things all the time. "My school back in Maryland didn't have a school uniform. I guess I could get used to it, but I was really expecting a school uniform to be boring khaki pants and collar shirt with some school crest on the pocket! Of course, I went to a Muggle school before this. How about you?"\n\n

0 Gwyneth Aquillon Re: Didn't really sing ;) 0 Gwyneth Aquillon 0 5

Oliver Abbott

November 26, 2006 8:52 AM

Uh... Red by Oliver Abbott

As the days leading up to the first day of school, Oliver’s excitement had turned gradually into anxiety. He tried to overrule his nerves by reminding himself that people at Sonora hadn’t met his family, so they were able to take him at face value. That was encouraging, but it didn’t help much to satisfy the butterflies in his stomach.

When Oliver drank from the goblet presented to him, he did so quickly, happy to speed up the sorting process so he could determine some sort of feeling of belonging. He didn’t know much about the houses at Sonora, so it didn’t matter to him into which house he was sorted. Shortly after Oliver swallowed the clear bubbling liquid, his skin turned a fantastic shade of red. Utterly unperturbed, Oliver looked around him to find another red person. Seeing one, he approached his new housemate with what he hoped was a confident stride.

“Hi,” he said, and shook his head to keep his blond hair from falling past his glasses and into his eyes. “It looks like we’re in the same house. I’m Oliver.”
\n\n

0 Oliver Abbott Uh... Red 99 Oliver Abbott 0 5

Darci and Kavin

November 26, 2006 8:54 AM

Kavin grabs his by Darci and Kavin

Darci frowned. Of course, older people always thought they were better than youngers. She honestly couldn't wait until Tullia got here. If anyone could prove them wrong, it was her little sister. "People like that aren't worth talking too," she said simply. "And I normally can keep it in check..." I am right now, she thought, but knew that statement would break her mask.

Greatest rocker that ever lived, Darci grinned, she liked this girl. "Well, Bella, you play drums, guitar, bass, or vocals?" she asked. "Kavin plays guitar too, he has a really good ear...." Kavin blushed a little at this part, he didn't like when she mentioned that. "I can sing, and play piano. I like rock, but classical and musicals are more my style. Can you sing in Latin? Pie Jesu?" Pie Jesu was Darci's favorite song. In Latin at least.

So the girl was an Aladren like Kavin, it was good he was in a place he belonged then. Since she said that he would fit in there and all. Parents... "Parent," Darci corrected. And speaking of parent, she remembered what her dad had wanted. A girl by the name of Markner. "Hey, do you know a girl with the name of Markner? We're looking for her too. Her little half sister might be our half-sister and..." here Kavin elbowed his sister in the ribs. She always ended up saying too much. Why couldn't she lie, like she normally did?\n\n

0 Darci and Kavin *Kavin grabs his* 0 Darci and Kavin 0 5

Meri

November 26, 2006 9:10 AM

Re: Didn't really sing ;) by Meri

Meri was alternating between bites of roast beef and candied fruit with unsurpassed glee. She looked up as Gwyn questioned her.

"Mehe alla 'ime," she mumbled, then swallowed, and repeated herself, blushing a bit. "Maybe all the time," she said, wiping her mouth with a dantiness that contrasted with her eating habits. She looked curiously at Gwyneth. "A muggle school?" Her eyes were a bit round. Her mother had never let her mix much with muggle blood. She clenched her jaw and speared her roast beef viciously. And darned if she was going to let her mother dictate her friends! She forced herself to relax and grinned wryly at Gwyneth.

"I was always tutored at home," and her tone of voice indicated just how much fun THAT had been, "so this is my first time in a real academy." She took a deep breath, and pushed her plate back, full to the gills and quite happy about it.

"Soooooo," she said, and narrowed her sparkling eyes thoughtfully, "Tell me about yourself! Do you ever go by Gwyn? Or Gwynie?" The last was said teasingly. \n\n

0 Meri Re: Didn't really sing ;) 0 Meri 0 5

Law Cooper

November 26, 2006 9:42 AM

I don't know, it was in the dictionary by Law Cooper

Staring a moment at the black-haired girl who called herself Darla Park, her babbling attack was at first kind of scary, but not unwelcome. It was nice that a housemate of his wanted to talk to him, even if it was a girl, and girls could be kind of weird at times. At his old school it hadn't been half as easy to start conversations with people, although he was not shy. For some reason or another, people just generally avoided him. So it was pretty clear to see why Law liked Sonora and Teppenpaw house so much already.

"Didn't try the food yet, but I heard it's good," he said with a smile to Darla as he piled a couple of slices of turkey and then some cranberry sauce on his plate, "I'm Lawrence Cooper- or you could just call me Law, if you want."

That other girl though, Gwyneth, he thought her name was, didn't look so good. Was she sick? That would be a pretty bad way to start off your first year, if you asked Lawrence. You would miss out on practically everything. Maybe the wagons had messed her up, or something. Maybe she just needed a rest. The possibility that Gwyneth could be overwhelmed by the number of people escaped the tall, heavy boy, who came from such a big family that all the noise made him feel right at home.

"Hey Gwyneth," he said, pointing to her with his fork, which was probably bad manners, but he didn't realize that, "You okay?"\n\n

0 Law Cooper I don't know, it was in the dictionary 0 Law Cooper 0 5

Meredith

November 26, 2006 9:45 AM

Then let the feast begin snaps by Meredith

Meredith smiled when Elly said the first years were a strange bunch. They had been first years just last year. Then again, they were a pretty strange bunch too. Echo said he saw someone he recognized. Someone named Brett. Meredith assumed at which boy he was talking about. She had gone to the beach a few times and saw people on long boards in the water. She had asked her mother what they were doing. There was one group that stayed on those boards all day. They looked like everyone else on the beach though most had longer hair. Maybe that was it. Meredith looked for a Pecari with long hair. As they continued she was pretty sure she had picked out the right one.

Echo mentioned Saul with some new kids.

"Guess that answers your question,"

“I guess so. I still think it’s more fun to find your way on your own.” Meredith shrugged. She saw Echo look back at the boy he thought looked like his friend from home. She looked over too and then back to Echo. “If that boy looks like your friend and walks like your friend, maybe you should bring him over and see if he talks like your friend. It might just be him. Anything’s possible, right?”

They had to quiet down as Headmaster Bulla, though she was pretty sure he wasn’t Headmaster last year even though she hadn’t seen much of the other woman, began his speech, welcoming the first years and the older students. Meredith grinned again, now being one of the returning students. He called four students to the front. Meredith recognized three of them from Quidditch. She could safely say she wasn’t sore anymore over the loss last year. And one of them she, Elly and Caedence had met before Christmas break last year. The four students became prefects of their houses.

“Hey Elly,” Meredith whispered across the table, “Maybe since we know the prefect of our house, we can get away with stuff easier?” She laughed quietly. Yeah, they didn’t know her that well, but it couldn’t hurt to try.

Then the food came with a flourish like it did last year. Meredith grinned and started to take some food. It was her favorite part of the evening after seeing her friends again.\n\n

0 Meredith Then let the feast begin *snaps* 0 Meredith 0 5

Matt

November 26, 2006 11:39 AM

Phew to the feast? Or that you got me? by Matt

Matt laughed. She seemed alright if she could laugh off the sorting so easily. Most people (himself included) had to take a few minutes to get themselves asituated before even begin processes anything else. Of course, last year he had been separated from his twin and older siblings, so he had to get used to the idea of being without them. Mainly, without Josh. So, for someone who may not have a sibling, said person probably took to this relatively easy.

"I would. It's not everyday you turn a different color." Matt said with a grin. He was darker of skin, so sunburns, tans, or even being sick never affected how his skin looked. Of course, he hadn't changed much color at all when he was sorted last year and had thought his potion was broken.

Matt took her hand and shook it exaggeratedly with giant pumps through the air. "Pecaris a pretty cool house. We're real active, loud of sorts. But, it's all good, cos you must be that way too if you got in here! Know anyone or are you completely new?"\n\n

0 Matt Phew to the feast? Or that you got me? 0 Matt 0 5

Elly

November 26, 2006 11:51 AM

Sounds like a plan. by Elly

Echo and Meredith commented on Saul adopting the new first years, similar to the way he had taken them under his wing last year, and acted as a tour guide. “I still think it’s more fun to find your way on your own,” Meredith said.

“Yeah, but without Saul’s help I’d never have made it to any of my lessons in the first week,” Elly said, and she was being quite truthful; her poor sense of direction was almost as notorious as her clumsiness.

Echo was still transfixed with the Brett-look-alike. Meredith suggested that Echo talk to him, to see if he really was Brett. “Anything’s possible, right?” she said.

“And if it is, bring him over, and if it’s not, just pretend you’re being a friendly Pecari,” Elly said, smiling.

They stopped talking while Bulla, the new Headmaster, addressed the school and gave out the prefect badges. Elly recognised all the prefects, but didn’t really know them, so clapped half-heartedly along with most of the other students. Meredith whispered across the table: “Maybe since we know the prefect of our house, we can get away with stuff easier?”

Elly laughed quietly. She thought ‘know’ was a pretty strong term for Mia, who Elly hadn’t really ever spoken to. “Yeah, maybe,” Elly replied. “Isn’t she going out with that Stephen chap? I mean, you can’t be very strict about rules and stuff if you’re going out with him, can you?” Elly didn’t know much about the older students, particularly the boys, but you didn’t have to be a genius to know that Stephen thought himself the most important person in the school. Elly didn’t have anything against him – he seemed quite pleasant, but some of the other girls seemed to think he wasn’t worth their time.

When the Headmaster finished his address, the food appeared. Elly licked her lips as she decided what to eat. Yep, she had missed this about Sonora. Grinning, she helped herself to vegetable stir fry and noodles.

\n\n

0 Elly Sounds like a plan. 0 Elly 0 5

Nathalie

November 26, 2006 11:53 AM

Aren't they just! by Nathalie

'OK,' Nathalie thought. 'He's hugging me. I don't know him, but that's OK.'

"Hi, Derek. Nice to meet you." Derek appeared to be quite...jumpy...and wasn't the kind of guy Nathalie would normally talk to but it was her first day, and she didn't want to make any enemies.

"Pecaris! Over here!Welcome to Sonora! I'm Saul Pierce, a third year. If you have any questions, be sure to ask." A taller (but then everyone was taller) guy shouted, and Nathalie wandered over, hoping Derek would follow her. Saul seemed to have saved them seats, so Nath took one. Questions, questions...

"Yeah, I've got one. Where's our common room?"\n\n

0 Nathalie Aren't they just! 0 Nathalie 0 5

Chrissy

November 26, 2006 11:57 AM

When your roommates were all named Jen.. by Chrissy

Chrissy threw the badge on the table, not feeling quite right about wearing it just yet. The idea that she would have some sort of authority over others did give her a bit of satisfaction, but it also left a bad taste in her mouth. Did this mean that she was considered a goody-goody? She never went out of her way to cause trouble (or ever thought to cause trouble) but she never got involved either. Or made herself look like she cared to get involved. Was this the school's way of punishing her? Or forcing her to become involved?

It was a horrible punishment if it were.

Sighing, Chrissy started to grab some food. Food always gave her comfort. Food also gave her headaches if her mom was around. "I'd say your Aunt isn't that far off from the truth." Chrissy replied to Gwen, remembering the Headmistress before Bulla was made Headmaster. At least he seemed to have some wit about him whereas his predeccessor seemed to have lost her completely.

At the congratulations by Gwen, Chrissy turned to her for a moment. She knew Gwen from the team, but hadn't really given her the time of day. Gwen seemed...like all the other third years and Chrissy just didn't care for things like that. Her parents did, and Chrissy figured she would end up in the same circle as they were in, but she didn't care to shout it from the rooftops or judge others for not having the same opportunities she had growing up. Of course, she was going by rumor alone and Gwen could really be a decent girl. Sometimes it was hard to tell though. "Thanks Gwen." Chrissy finally answered.

Taking a bite of food and chewing thoughtfully for a moment. "Are you going to stick with us on the team, Gwen?" Chrissy didn't know why she asked this. Gwen was a good beater and seemed to like doing it. But, people often surprised her by suddenly changing their outlook on life and deciding they were no longer going to do the things they loved most.\n\n

0 Chrissy When your roommates were all named Jen.. 0 Chrissy 0 5

Gwyneth Aquillon

November 26, 2006 1:15 PM

Introductions by Gwyneth Aquillon

Gwyneth shrank a little at Meri's reaction to her comment about going to school in Maryland. When Meri speared her roast beef, Gwyneth even jumped a little. She had read that some wizards and witches didn't like Muggles and some even thought that students such as herself should never be allowed to attend an academy such as Sonora. But then she saw Meri visibly relax and guessed/hoped that Meri wasn't one of that last group by her question.

"Well, friends and family usually call me Gwyneth. I guess you've figured out that I'm 'Muggle-born', I hope that's not a problem?!? My parents were really surprised when I, what was the phrase they used? Oh, yes. . . 'manifested an apparent magical gift'. Yeah, I know, my mom and dad really talk like that. Mom is a history teacher and my dad is a professor at the college in town. I don't know who was more surprised when I got a letter from Sonora, them or me!"

Realizing that it was rude to continue babbling about herself, and believing that her life was incredibly dull compared to a real magical person, she asked Meri, "So, what's your story?"\n\n

0 Gwyneth Aquillon Introductions 0 Gwyneth Aquillon 0 5

Gwyneth Aquillon

November 26, 2006 1:27 PM

Re: I don't know, it was in the dictionary by Gwyneth Aquillon

Gwyneth straightened up as the boy who introduced himself as Law spoke to her. "What? Yeah, I'm okay. Just a bit . . . overwhelmed by it all, I guess," she said in response to his question. She had felt better when she was eating, but now the noise in the hall as conversations grew from introductions was a bit unnerving.

Gwyneth came from a small family, just herself, Mom and Dad and one younger sister. Mom and Dad were the quiet, scholarly type, which made sense since both of them were teachers! There was never much noise in her house.

Gwyneth felt like she would have to shout to be heard. "So, where are you from?" she asked Darla and Law. "I'm from Maryland." 'Yipes,' she thought, 'will they even know where or what Maryland is? Easy, now, Gwyn. You are different from your family, true. But there have to be some other Muggle-born students here.' This was one of those times Gwyneth wished she was more confident and outgoing like Darla and Law seemed to be. They already seemed to fit right in.\n\n

0 Gwyneth Aquillon Re: I don't know, it was in the dictionary 0 Gwyneth Aquillon 0 5

Derek

November 26, 2006 1:38 PM

Rainbows rainbows :) by Derek

"Nice to meet you too, Nathalie," Derek grinned. Yay! He was making friends already. This was fun. Derek opened his mouth to say more, but then and older boy jumped in and called them over. Derek made his way, with Nathalie, to Saul Pierce, the third year thought.

Did he have any questions?

Before he could say, Nathalie asked one. Where was their common rooms. Hey, that was a good question. "Yeah!" Derek agreed. "And do we all have seperate rooms?" He had asked his father over and over if they would share rooms or get their own, but Derek's father never answered him. He hoped they would share rooms. He'd like to meet more people.\n\n

0 Derek Rainbows rainbows :) 0 Derek 0 5

Darla

November 26, 2006 1:44 PM

GWYN! HI! by Darla

"Okay then," Darla nodded her head at the boy, Law, and started getting her own turkey. "Law, I'll call you that. And we'll just have to taste the food to see how good it really is," Darla grinned. "I'm a conniseur and a cook, I like to see different things."

Then a new girl came over. Gwyneth, who looked a little sick. Was the food that bad? Darla frowned. Then Law asked the question she was wondering, the is Gwyn okay one, which was recieved with overwhelmed by Gwyn. "Well Gywn," Darla began. "Are you sure it's not the food? Undercooked meats can make you feel sick..." Then she stopped, since Gwyn was asking another question.

"Oh, I'm from Pheonix, not too far from here," she smiled. "Maryland sounds cool, New England and all. My mom was born in New York. What about you, Law?"\n\n

0 Darla GWYN! HI! 0 Darla 0 5

Law Cooper

November 26, 2006 1:48 PM

geography by Law Cooper

Brown eyes watched Gwyneth carefully as she explained that she wasn't sick. When Law was satisfied that she was telling the truth he went back to eating. It was a normal response from the oldest of the Cooper cousins; a brood that often found its way into all sorts of trouble. Making sure everyone's limbs were on the way there were supposed to be and that nobody was in any kind of mortal danger was just a natural habit for him.

Wow, Maryland, that was kind of random state to come to Sonora. The first year boy had thought that the west coast went mostly to Sonora, and the east mostly to Salem, but his dad had been from New York and he came to Sonora so he guessed it didn't matter. All he knew about it was that it was on the east coast and close to New Jersey and Pennsylvania, since he had family in those states, but even that he couldn't be sure of. He pitied Gwyneth if she had to take those messed up wagons from a place so far away. He wondered offhandedly if there was any other option of transportation to the school.

"Oregon," Law replied in answer to her question, then added with a sense of pride, "Aladren house is named after where I live, actually."\n\n

0 Law Cooper geography 0 Law Cooper 0 5

Law Cooper

November 26, 2006 2:06 PM

Is it a bad sign that I'm running out of subject ideas? by Law Cooper

OOC: sorry about that, didn't see you post. Can we just pretend that the post "geography" cane after when Darla asked where Law was from?

BIC:

"That's a funny word, what's a connoisseur anyway?" he asked as he stabbed at the turkey with his fork, pretending like it was no big deal. He didn't want to sound stupid, but he was curious to know, in case he started saying something else stupidly and they would laugh at him. He hated it when people laughed at him. So, since he wasn't good with subtleties, he put it bluntly.

He was surprised to find that the food was actually really good here, much better than cafeteria food in wizard's elementary school. The brunette boy would have to be careful not to eat so much that everyone would think he was a pig. Still, he'd have to write home about it, because the food here certainly rivaled the home cooking he was accustomed to.

"Never been to Phoenix," Law remarked, eager to change the subject to something he knew more about, "Do they have a Quidditch team?"\n\n

0 Law Cooper Is it a bad sign that I'm running out of subject ideas? 0 Law Cooper 0 5

Meri

November 26, 2006 2:10 PM

Me myself and I by Meri

Meri noticed Gwyneth shrink away, and looked apologetic. "Don't worry," she assured her, earnestly, "I've got nothing against against muggle-born witches, especially if they're nice like you!" She hoped Gwyneth could tell how much she meant that...and hoped she wouldn't ask about her parents.

"My story?" She looked startled. "There isn't really much of one." She sighed, dramtically. "Born in a rich, smart, glamorous, magical family. I, however, am the boring, clumsy, dull-witted ugly duckling!" She tried to make it sound like a joke, but the words stuck in her throat a little.

"All I really like to do is read books. Story books, history books. Lessons I'm not so good at, but I love stories," she admitted.

"So, what about you? What's your thing? What class are you looking forward to? I'm dreading anything with herbs and plants... horribly allergic. What about you?"\n\n

0 Meri Me myself and I 0 Meri 0 5

Cissy Tarwater

November 26, 2006 2:12 PM

Fear by Cissy Tarwater

"So this is Sonora," Sierra Tarwater, or Cissy, stated, giving her older brother a sickly sweet grin. "Finally, I get to see all year, Paulie." Paul shuddered involuntarily when Cissy dragged her index finger across the back of Paul's neck. If he had te choice, Paul wouldn't react to her, he would walk straight ahead, wait for Cissy to find her house, and run off to Aladren where she couldn't get him. But Cissy wasn't going to let that happen. Snatching up the goblet that she knew would tell her house, Sierra Tarwater begged for Aladren. Just for Paul.

Looking at the two children, you could tell they were indeed siblings, or at least closely related. Both had dark black hair, Paul's shorter and a bit wavy and Cissy's long and blow dried. The two also had the same slightly tanned skin tone, were an inch apart in height (and were fairly tall for their ages) with icy blue eyes. Both pairs of eyes were cold, but if you looked a little closer you could tell Cissy's were crueler. A thin smile played on her lips as she drank the potion and awaited the hopeing blue that would be her brother's hell.

When the color was shown, it was Paul's time to smile. And he grinned, Cissy took on a muddy brown hue the color of Pecari. She would be nowhere near Paul. And now he could escape with out torment. Unpack and lay down, and not ne disturbed by anyone. If he was lucky. "Nice, Cissy, the stuck up house, right where you belong," Paul let slip. To him, this was true. Many people believed Crotalus to be the one for those stuck-up, but Paul saw the way Pecari acted when they lost the Quidditch game last term. But still, saying it to Cissy meant pain, which he knew would come the way she was glaring at him. "See you later," he smiled, and ran out of the hall before his sister could say a word.

Growling, Cissy turned to see a group of other first years that were brown. Lovely, hyperactive annoying children. Cissy pulled at the collar of Paul's old button up shirt (her family couldn't afford much) and made her way to the group and sat at the first available seat. She would have pulled a Paul, and ran off to her dorm only... she didn't know where it was at. Cissy would simply have to preoccupy herself with food until she could get to her room. Maybe she could find new test subjects for her spells here. Might as well look. She had nothing better to do.

So Cissy put on her best, sweetest mask and turned to any random person. "Hi there, guess we're in the same house." Ugh, being so sweet always sickened her.\n\n

0 Cissy Tarwater Fear 0 Cissy Tarwater 0 5

Professor McKindy

November 26, 2006 2:38 PM

A quick OOC by Professor McKindy

Gwyneth, its absolutely brilliant that you're so excited about posting here at Sonora! However, you seem to have three threads running in the same time period. I'm sure you're an absolutely marvelous first year, but three of anybody makes my head spin! So could you please try to watch the thread hopping? If you've got any questions or want more information, Deputy Head Kijewski has a post up in OOC for it.

Thanks!
Professor McKindy\n\n

0 Professor McKindy A quick OOC 0 Professor McKindy 0 5

Jenna Howard

November 26, 2006 2:38 PM

I resemble that remark by Jenna Howard

Yet another summer had come and gone between years of Jenna's stay at Sonora, and what a crazy summer it had been. Of course, one should never expect anything less from the black sheep of a family that practically defined the word prude, but Jenna had been hoping he would focus more on potions, as Isaiah himself had promised her. And she had learned some interesting theories on the art of potion making, and had been allowed to borrow some valuable books on the subject. But days when they had focused on potions and potions alone had been few and far between, as Isaiah had found it far more prudent to teach Jenna to have often near-dangerous amounts of fun which would in turn "make her a more laid-back, relaxed kind of kid".

And the strangest part about it was Jenna actually kind of liked it. She liked the Weird Sister concerts and the parties. She liked, that is up until this morning, anyway, when she had discovered that she still had half her packing to do as well as a bad case of food poisoning.

That's what she got for letting Isaiah's girlfriend, Lenny (she absolutely refused to be called Lenore) cook for her farewell party. The twenty-four year-old meant well, but she was absolutely horrible at cooking. And now the gray-eyed girl's body hurt all over- especially her stomach, and she just felt generally horrible. The worst part was that since she had to pack, the fifteen year-old didn't have enough time to make or find a remedy for her food poisoning. So, shoving shoulder length brown hair into a ponytail, Jenna had said her goodbyes and dragged herself onto the flying wagon. And needless to say, that had only made matters worse.

Black Weird Sisters sweatshirt hood pulled over her head under disheveled green robes, the paler than usual girl trudged into Cascade Hall and sat by Chrissy and some third-year, and put her head on the table.

The Howard girl only picked up her head when prefects were announced, and clapped especially for Mia and Chrissy, two of the closest things to friends she had at Sonora. Sure, she should have been disappointed to not be chosen for prefect, but in her current state she really didn't care to usher around a bunch of hyper firsties. Merlin they were so loud. She couldn't wait to get to the common room, so she could get to her dorm and sleep.

"Hey Chrissy?" she asked, her voice pained, aware she was interrupting Chrissy's conversation with the third year and not really caring, "They give you the house password yet? I feel like crud."\n\n

0 Jenna Howard I resemble that remark 46 Jenna Howard 0 5

Gwyneth

November 26, 2006 2:42 PM

First year talk by Gwyneth

Gwyneth noticed a couple of things about Meri. First, even though she tried to hide it with a joke, Gwyneth had the impression that Meri didn't always agree with her family and may feel that she didn't fit in with them. 'Now, that is something I can relate to,' Gwyneth thought. Ever since she found out she had magic, her family, especially her sister, had been a little . . . well, weird around her.

The second thing that Gwyneth noted about Meri was they seemed to have a lot in common. "I love to read books, too. History books, especially historical fiction and, don't laugh, okay . . . I really love fantasy books. More so now that I found out some magic really does exist! My favorite author is Anne McCaffrey and her Dragons of Pern series. Do you think dragons are real?" Being Muggle born she really wasn't certain the extent of what magic was real and what was not.

Gwyneth continued, "The only class I AM NOT looking forward to is," and she dropped her head and whispered, "flying lessons. I'm afraid of heights and what kind of witch will I be if I can't fly on a broom???"\n\n

0 Gwyneth First year talk 0 Gwyneth 0 5

Gwyneth Aquillon

November 26, 2006 2:50 PM

Quidditch, again? by Gwyneth Aquillon

Gwyneth nodded to Law, "See that boy and girl a couple of seats down? Well, he's Jake Santoro, captain of our house Quidditch team. And she is Dalila 'Something-or-other' one of the, oooh what did she say she was?" Gwyneth thought for another moment, "Chaser, I think. Do you play Quidditch, Law?" Gwyneth was beginning to worry that this school was going to be as Quidditch crazy as her old school was about football! She guessed she had better learn a bit more about the game if she was going to fit in with these kids.

"So does anyone know our class schedules yet?" she asked to the table in general.\n\n

0 Gwyneth Aquillon Quidditch, again? 0 Gwyneth Aquillon 0 5

Gwyneth

November 26, 2006 2:53 PM

Sorry by Gwyneth

OOC: my bad, I guess I assumed from the threads that these characters would be sitting on either side of her at the table and she was trying to keep up conversation with all. Yes, it is enough to make one's head swim. Sorry if I overstepped boundaries.\n\n

0 Gwyneth Sorry 0 Gwyneth 0 5

Meri

November 26, 2006 3:03 PM

Are you my twin? no, really! by Meri

Meri's eyes got wider and wider with each statement Gwyneth made. Finally, she couldn't restrain herself any longer.

"Me TOO!" she burst out, "I love fantasy books! I've never read that series you mentioned. Yes, dragons are real! But very very dangerous. And exciting!" She grinned, and then dropped her voice even lower.

"And... I am TERRIFIED of flying too!" She closed her eyes tightly and mock-whimpered, although the emotions were very very real. "I hate brooms, I hate flying wagons, I hate flying ANYTHING!" she said vehemently. "I've been wondering for a year and a half now what I was going to do to get out of flying! My mother will NEVER stand for a witch in the family who can't fly!" Her eyes, when she looked at Gwyneth, were full of a mutual understanding and shared fear. "We'll think of something together, right?" She looked so hopefully at Gwyneth.

Mentally, she was thanking her lucky stars that the first person she met was so, well, SIMILAR. She felt like she had found a kindred spirit, to quote a muggle book. She almost grinned, and wondered if Gwyneth had ever read Anne of Green Gables. \n\n

0 Meri Are you my twin? no, really! 0 Meri 0 5

Saul

November 26, 2006 3:20 PM

Pot of Gold by Saul

Saul grinned at the kids as they joined him at the table. They looked even smaller than last year's batch, but then, Saul himself was four inches taller than he'd been as a newly minted second year, so that probably made sense. Now firmly past the five feet mark, measuring up to 5'4" now, the thirteen year old was quite pleased with his vertical progress.

On the social scale, however, there were still a whole year's worth of new kids who didn't know him yet. He hoped that would soon change, and it began with these two. "The Pecari Common room is the best one." He looked around to make sure there weren't any spies from other houses nearby, then continued in a whisper, "You get there from the Gardens."

Raising his voice back up to a normal volume, he pointed out the Potions professor at the staff table. "That's Professor Connell, she's our Head of House and she'll show you the way after the feast. The entrance is a secret for anyone not in Pecari, so don't tell anyone where it is."

Looking to the boy as he moved on to answer that one's question, he continued, "Inside the Pecari area, there's a common room, which is what you walk into first. From there, there's two sets of stairs, one for girls, one for guys. Off each set of stairs are seven rooms, one for each year. You'll be rooming with the other first year boys," he told the boy, "and you'll be rooming with the other first year girls," he told the girl.

"I can show you which one is yours later," he added to the boy, then gave an apologetic look to the girl, "but boys can't go up the girls stairs because of an enchantment on them, so I can't show you yours." Looking back at the boy, he finished, "But I can show you the Corridor Ride, as Stephen calls it, which is what happens when a boy tries to go up the girl's staircase. It's really fun."

Having exhausted the important highlights of the living situation the two new kids would become used to over the next seven years, he asked again, "Any other questions, comments, concerns? But first, I've got one: what are your names?"\n\n

1 Saul Pot of Gold 82 Saul 0 5

Irene Liddowe

November 26, 2006 4:05 PM

Phew! as in, people are talking to me =D by Irene Liddowe

Irene was thrilled that people were talking to her already! She had a tendency to ramble when she was nervous and it surprised her that she hadn't babbled off yet!
"I would. It's not everyday you turn a different color." Matt said, grinning at her. She smiled back.

"Well, that's true!" Irene said. "I wasn't too sure what to expect when I came here and I definitely wasn't expecting to change colors! But, hey, this school's about magic, so its not so unexpected."

She almost laughed when he shook her hand so entusiastically, but she bit it back. This guy seemed pretty fun.

"Pecaris a pretty cool house. We're real active, loud of sorts. But, it's all good, cos you must be that way too if you got in here! Know anyone or are you completely new?" He said.

Irene shook her head. "Nope. I'm completely new. I knew I was a witch because my Mom told me. She was the one with the magic," Irene hesitated before continuing. Her mother wasn't her favorite subject to discuss. She decided to just skip it completely. If she went in, there was no way out, that is, without giving the whole story. No, her past was a conversation no-no. Irene looked down at her hands and saw that they had returned to their normal color.

"Ah, there we go! Back to normal!" She said holding up her hands.\n\n

0 Irene Liddowe Phew! as in, people are talking to me =D 106 Irene Liddowe 0 5

Gwyneth

November 26, 2006 4:39 PM

Just Like ME??? by Gwyneth

Gwyneth could not believe her ears. Within the first few hours she had found someone who seemed she had known forever! Books, fear of flying, she wondered what else they might have in common. She hoped that Meri would be in at least some of her classes. Whether or not, at least they were in the same House!!

"Right, together we can find a way to either get out of flying or figure out a way to make it bearable!!" she said enthusiastically to her new friend. "Maybe, we can invent the first broom with "training wheels", she giggled. "Flying is why I looked so peaked when we first came in. I think I left my stomach somewhere over the desert! But I'm better now, especially since I found . . . a friend?" she said hopefully.

\n\n

0 Gwyneth Just Like ME??? 0 Gwyneth 0 5

Riley Garraway

November 26, 2006 4:41 PM

Oh, hello by Riley Garraway

Riley started when a young red boy approached her. She was completely nervous, totally on edge, and feared that even with only a slight provocation- whatever it may be- she would crumble to little trembling pieces. And then the other students would trample all over her and she'd never get herself back together! What would she do? What...

Riley shook her head, her ponytail swishing against the back of her neck, and rid her overactive imagination of such thoughts. Such ridiculous thoughts, at that. She blamed the goblet they'd given her upon arrival; surely there was something else in it, something attributed to more than just color changing.

With a sigh, she calmed herself down. Oh dear, now the boy was probably giving her weird looks. She was acting rather strangely, and he'd only said hi! Oh, and that his name was Oliver. It was a nice name. She smiled at Oliver, somewhat of an overcompensating smile, and introduced herself. "I'm Riley, it's nice to meet you. Yes, it would seem that we're in the same house." Even as the words left her lips, she felt a small ripple of relief. A potential friend. But what if they didn't like her...?\n\n

0 Riley Garraway Oh, hello 0 Riley Garraway 0 5

Ebony

November 26, 2006 4:54 PM

I'm finally sorted into Aladren by Ebony

Well that was the wierdest way to sort me into a house. I had to drink from a goblet and then i turned a bright blue. I really wasn't expecting any other house really. Daddy had already told me what the houses were all about and as i love my library back at home, Aladren was were i belonged.

Now all i had to do was make a few friends. Not the simpliest of tasks if you're a book loving girl, who rarely gets out and doesn't have any siblings to practise with.

Walking over to my new house table i realised that i have actually finally started Sonora Academy! No more bedtime stories i was actually here. I sat down next to the other first years and looked around. They looked okay.

After Headmaster Bulla's opening speech food appeared and i was never happier. My mothers large English Breakfast was a long time ago. Tucking into the chicken i had placed on my plate i turned to the person beside me and timidly said...

"Hello."\n\n

0 Ebony I'm finally sorted into Aladren 0 Ebony 0 5

Professor McKindy

November 26, 2006 5:00 PM

A quick OOC by Professor McKindy

Hello, Ebony! Great to see you posting! This is just a quick reminder that all posts should be in third person, past tense. I'm looking forward to seeing you around the boards this term!

Thanks,
Professor McKindy\n\n

0 Professor McKindy A quick OOC 0 Professor McKindy 0 5

Jake

November 26, 2006 5:32 PM

Erm...thanks by Jake

Jake had been too busy teasing Kaylie to have notice that the potatoe platter had been given to him upon his request. After a moment of chatter with a couple of people beside him, Jake looked down to discover the platter in his hands. For a moment, he stared at it trying to figure out where it had come from. And then he remembered asking for it.

"Oh, hey, thanks for the potatoes Kid." Jake called out to the new first year who had handed him the platter to begin with. A couple of minutes had passed since she had given it to him, but he figured it was better to thank the girl than have said nothing at all.

Looking up from the girl, Jake spotted Dalila beside her. His eyes light up at the sight of her, "Hey Dalila! Have a good summer? Did you hear that Kaylie's a Prefect, we'll have to give her a hard time now just to be sure she's on her toes." Jake said with a grin and a wink in Dalila's direction.\n\n

6 Jake Erm...thanks 42 Jake 0 5

Oliver Abbott

November 26, 2006 5:35 PM

hi there by Oliver Abbott

The girl seemed a bit nervous when Oliver approached her, but then she smiled. “I'm Riley, it's nice to meet you. Yes, it would seem that we're in the same house,” she said. Oliver smiled back, but it felt as though he’d already run out of things to say. He felt so out of his depth here. At least he had found someone in his house to talk to.

Oliver readjusted his glasses although they were fine, really. It was just a habit he had when he was nervous. He smiled again at Riley and searched for something to say. “So, er,” he began, and then stopped. That certainly wasn’t a good start to a sentence. He cleared his throat and tried again. “Do you want to find a seat?” he asked, indicating the hall in general with a sweep of his hand. It probably wasn’t the most interesting thing to say, but they did have to find seats, and Oliver would rather sit with someone he knew, however loosely that term was used, than sit on his own. He looked at Riley, hoping that she too would rather sit with him than alone.
\n\n

0 Oliver Abbott hi there 99 Oliver Abbott 0 5

Bella

November 26, 2006 6:01 PM

Rocks out by Bella

Bella snorted softly at the girl. She had so much attitude and confidence for an eleven year old. Three years prior, Bella had been that same girl. She had been so sure of everything when she had walked through those doors. But, reality changed her outlook on a lot of things. No longer did Bella dream of playing Quidditch. No longer did she have hope of becoming only the best of friends with her roommate. No longer did she think she could rule the world...or even the school.

Life changed her. Bella's mother would just say that she was growing up. "They probably aren't worth it, but doesn't mean they'll make your life any easier." Bella said with a shrug. She knew there were certain characters in the school who, if one looked at them funny, would do everything in their power to make sure that person's life was a living nightmare.

"I do vocals and am learning to perfect the guitar." Bella said with ease. She had been playing the guitar for nine months. And, according to her lessons teacher, she was doing splendidly. "Oh yeah, you guys can play? Good to know, good to know." Bella replied, nodding her head in approval of the two of them. "I'm all about the rock. Don't know much about classical or musicals." Bella said with honesty. "I don't know latin, but I sing in both English and Spanish." Bella said with a shrug. Singing in either language was only natural for her being raised in a Spanish environment, but in the City of Los Angeles.

They suddenly switched tactics on Bella and she had to take a moment to figure out what they were talking about. Apparently they already know one of the students. "Oh, Gray?" Bella asked, remember the Keeper's last name. "I don't know her personally, but she's on the Quidditch team and in our house, Kavin." Bella said, addressing the boy who hadn't said a word to her. "I'd probably know her if I saw her."\n\n

0 Bella *Rocks out* 0 Bella 0 5

Darci and Kavin

November 26, 2006 6:31 PM

Yesss... plays along by Darci and Kavin

Darci smirked at the next statement about older students. "If they try, it'll be me not making their lives very easy. Trust me..." she said, with her grin. Kavin snorted at his sister's confidence. It was true, she hurt someone before who had hurt her, but that girl was the same age. Older students probably knew more. Darci didn't have a lot of power here, she couldn't prove things without the computer. Sure she was a good liar, but to do what she did before, she would need proof, fake or not.

"Yeah, we play. Kavin's about the rock too. He and his friends from home wanted to start a rock band themselves. They're picking out names. WHat was that one that you liked, Kavin?" Darci now turned to her brother. "The one with all the swears in it," here Darci took a point to laugh as Kavin glared. That wasn't true, Kavin's favorite was actually called Freakin' Deakin, after his friend Andrew Deakin, who was planning on being lead vocals. "Latin is a fun language to sing in. But Phantom of the Opera has all my favorit song. I've never sung in Spanish though. I might have to though, I'm planning on a career in music or acting. You'll find I'm also the greatest actress ever." Here Darci grinned again and looked to Kavin, who nodded grudgingly in agreedment.

Yes, Kavin's sister was a good actress. He embarrassingly looked back on that time she had perfected the fake cry in which she tested on him. Because he thought she was upset he told her the stupidest story ever, a crude yet funny story that he knew she liked but swore never to say again since he was so ashamed he made it up. It had turned out that Darci had taped the story and played it to her best friend, Ally, and their entire tennis class. Now everytime Kavin went in there the coaches and students who had heard the story would laugh or glare at Kavin. Embarrassing.

But Kavin and Darci were now given a new ray of hope for their father. It seemed Bella knew this Markner girl. A girl with, what Darci thought, and awesome first name. "Her name's Gray? Wow, that's so cool! See Kavin, we found her! Bella, d'you think that you could point her out when you and Kavin get in Aladren?" Darci exclaimed. She looked over at Kavin, who finally decided to speak.

"Yeah... we need to ask her something," he said, then shut his mouth again, not intending to speak for a while. Darci gave her brother a proud grin and a literal slap on the back. Kavin doubled over and glared at his sister, but Darci didn't notice. She was too busy doing her own little dance.

"We diid it, we diiiiiiiiid it!" she sang.\n\n

0 Darci and Kavin Yesss... *plays along* 0 Darci and Kavin 0 5

Nikki Ramirez

November 26, 2006 7:15 PM

Viva Mexico! by Nikki Ramirez

Nikki walked into the Cascade Hall with her cat, Alejo, in her arms and a smile on her face. She had enjoyed her summer at home in Mexico, but she was glad to be back at Sonora. Now she knew she belonged here. She had favorite teachers. She had a basis of knowledge, both of magic and of how things worked in this country. She had an idea of how to get around this place. She had memories. She had friends.

Speaking of her friends, where were they? She looked around and spotted the twins, Leo and Gil Idoya, walking with a shorter boy whom Nikki had never met. She guessed he was a first year they knew. The boy took a swig of the clear liquid that sorted the first years into their houses. She walked up to them and her smile widened as the boy turned blue. 'Viva Aladren.' Leo said and the boy repeated it.

"Yo sè es cierto." Nikki said. She let Alejo jump out of her arms and hugged her friends. "So, who's the kid?" she asked.\n\n

0 Nikki Ramirez Viva Mexico! 0 Nikki Ramirez 0 5

Nikki

November 26, 2006 7:17 PM

OOC:Translation by Nikki

I forgot to include the translation in my post but

Yo sè es cierto. = I know that's right.\n\n

0 Nikki OOC:Translation 0 Nikki 0 5

Riley Garraway

November 26, 2006 7:26 PM

Yes, a seat sounds nice. by Riley Garraway

Riley smiled, feeling another comforting ripple of relief. Maybe it was just her imagination (seeing that it was so overactive and all) but Oliver seemed a little nervous, too. Maybe not as nervous as Riley, herself, but nervous nonetheless. It must have been a first-year symptom. She nodded. "Yes, a seat sounds nice."

She looked to the table she assumed was for Crotalus, donned with a profusion of red decorations (or maybe that was just the people sitting at it) and moved over there, gesturing for Oliver to follow. She wasn't too keen on standing around all day, either. \n\n

0 Riley Garraway Yes, a seat sounds nice. 0 Riley Garraway 0 5

Matt Tripp

November 26, 2006 7:44 PM

Scared? by Matt Tripp

After he and Rachel went to drop Cole off at the Aladren table, Matt went off to find his fellow Crotalus first years. He spotted two of them, a boy and a girl, who were about to sit down. He walked over to them.

"Hey I'm Matt Tripp." he introduced himself. The others looked nervous. Matt almost laughed at them. Almost, but didn't. "What are you scared or something? Crotali don't get scared." he said, and chuckled a little. "Now Aladrens, they can be really shy. Like my little brother over there," Matt said pointing to the Aladren table, "He's the one that looks exactly like me."\n\n

0 Matt Tripp Scared? 0 Matt Tripp 0 5

Rachel Tripp

November 26, 2006 8:13 PM

May the one to come be happy by Rachel Tripp

Once Cole was safely stowed at the Aladren table and Matt had gone off to find the other Crotali, Rachel headed for her own table. Her mother had told her to keep an eye on her brothers at Sonora. Rachel was the youngest of the triplets but she was the most mature. In more ways than one.

She was only eleven, but she was already 5'3" and rather shapely for her age with long brown hair that fell halfway down her back. Which was why the other thing her mother had told her to watch out for was the older guys. Rachel had laughed at that. By the time guys would really be interested in her, she anticipated she'd have two capable brothers just waiting for some jerk to lay a hand on their baby sister.

As she walked to the Teppenpaw table, she wondered if she'd be able to eat anything. She was too excited. She spotted an empty seat next to a first year boy and an older girl. Just as she was about to sit down, the boy spat his drink out on the older girl. Rachel couldn't help but laugh as she sat down.

"What happened?" she asked him "You look like you've seen a Chinese Fireball or something. I'm Rachel Tripp by the way." she said smiling and extending her hand.\n\n

0 Rachel Tripp May the one to come be happy 0 Rachel Tripp 0 5

Riley Garraway

November 26, 2006 8:34 PM

I'm not scared.. by Riley Garraway

Riley nearly started again when Matt came up to them. She offered him an uncertain smile. She hoped it just felt uncertain, but actually looked confident. "I'm not scared," she said. Perhaps it was Matt's apparent confidence rubbing off on her, but no sooner had the words left her mouth than she began to believe them. "I don't think I'd be at this table otherwise." Her smile took on a pretty quirk. "I'm Riley Garraway," she thought it only fitting to provide her last name since he'd given his, "and this is Oliver." She gestured at her new... acquaintance, possible friend. "Are you a first year, too?"

She hoped Oliver didn't think it rude of her to make his introduction for him, but it just sort of slipped with the rest of her words. She tended to get chatty when she was nervous or excited or both, the latter a deadly combination, indeed. \n\n

0 Riley Garraway I'm not scared.. 0 Riley Garraway 0 5

Law Cooper

November 26, 2006 9:14 PM

is that a bad thing? by Law Cooper

Law made a note to remember the faces for later when he was more settled in at the school. Then, he would have time to introduce himself to the captain and chaser and ask about spots on the team. Did he play Quidditch? He almost snorted into his turkey when asked the question. Wy, he'd gotten his first training broom when he was three! At seven he began using a regular broom. As soon as he could stay aboard for decent amounts of time, he had joined in the pick up Quodpot and Quidditch games around town. True, he was never the best, or one of the best, but he loved flying just the same.

"'Course I play Quidditch," he said between bites, "And Quodpot. Family tradition. Couple of people in my family even went pro."

Which was how a kid in Oregon got started liking the Moose Jaw Meteorites, a Canadian Quidditch team. They had been his Uncle Teddy's rookie team, and Uncle Teddy had been the first Cooper ever to make it pro. Law had his old jersey and Meteorite banners and everything. He planned to hang them over his bed in his Teppenpaw dorm.

"Dunno about the classes. They'll probably give 'em out tomorrow when things are less crazy."\n\n

0 Law Cooper is that a bad thing? 0 Law Cooper 0 5

Kaleb Heindrich

November 26, 2006 9:59 PM

Yuck! What a discusting COLOR! by Kaleb Heindrich

Kaleb had been sorted into Pecari. He had turned a really ugly muddy brown color and he was just waiting for it to disappear. As he went to go find a seat, he passed his brother. "YO BRO!" he yelled. He knew that everyone in the hall was looking at them, but he didn't care. Actually, that was the reaction he was hoping to get. His older brother hated being the center of attention and Kaleb loved to mess with him.

He stood there for a moment, making wierd faces at people who looked at them and then walked away. He smiled. It was good to be able to see Guenther again. He hated living apart from his mother and sisters, but that was divorce for you.

He took a seat next to several other kids and grinned at them. "So, where are you from?"

\n\n

0 Kaleb Heindrich Yuck! What a discusting COLOR! 0 Kaleb Heindrich 0 5

Guenther Heindrich

November 26, 2006 10:15 PM

My younger brother is so embarrassing! by Guenther Heindrich

Guenther was sitting next to Zack, when he heard someone bump him on the shoulder and yell, "YO BRO!"

It was his younger brother, Kaleb. Guenther's face turned a bright red as several people stared at him. He tried to shrink, but that was impossible. His height was just too noticeable. He gave his brother an exasperated look, but it didn't seem like he was watching him at all. He was making funny faces at other people, most likely to draw more attention. That was his little brother; always finding ways to embarrass him.

His brother walked away just as the Headmistress called Zack and a few more people to the front. His head snapped up when he heard Zack being called. What could she want Zack for.

He gaped as he heard what it was all about. ZACK? A PREFECT?! That was really wierd. Guenther respected Zack to the highest degree, but he couldn't believe that the headmistress had picked Zack. Zack, like his brother, was the type of person that, often, the teachers didn't find responsible.

Then he heard Zack ask him a question. "I guess." he answered, scratching his head.

What were the duties involved with being a prefect. "Don't you get to tell people off, too?"\n\n

0 Guenther Heindrich My younger brother is so embarrassing! 0 Guenther Heindrich 0 5

Lizzie Lavine

November 26, 2006 11:50 PM

Ah, Feasts! by Lizzie Lavine

The usual crowd of students was filling the Cascade Hall when Lizzie Lavine entered, fresh-faced and grinning. Liz loved being at Sonora. She had had a brilliant summer, one that had been spent with an assortment of friends and family alike. The three Lavine children had spent time together without interruption for the first time in what felt like forever. It was a comforting feeling that was slightly disrupted by the end-of-summer arrival of her best friend, Jen Zucchero. The slight tension was caused by, what else, teenaged boys. The meeting had been a good idea, however, since the two of them had spent the rest of the summer on different continents and they had a good amount to discuss outside of the realm of boys.

Walking into the Hall, Lizzie's raven black hair was down, at a length that just barely covered her shoulders. She had tanned a little over the summer, but Liz was always a slightly glowy color, something that set her blue eyes distinctly apart from the rest of her face. As she looked for a seat, Liz searched the Pecari table for a certain other dark-haired fifth year. She didn't see Ash yet, but figured that he and Sorrel would be making an appearance sooner or later, so she resigned herself to take a seat next to an empty space in hopes that she could sit next to him. Lizzie waited hungrily as the now Headmaster Bulla made the opening speech and announced prefects. She clapped lightly for Mia, since she had to show House pride. It was just what you did.

The prefects that had been chosen seemed to make sense: Zack was certainly the nerdiest of the Aladrens, Chrissy was both socially acceptable and affluent enough for the Crotalus house, Kaylie was kind Lizzie guessed for Teppenpaw, and Mia was a good Pecari, all biases aside. Liz was slightly disheartened since Jen wasn't the Crotalus Prefect, but Lizzie knew that Jen probably spent too much time in the library with her nose in a book or on the pitch running practices to be the "typical" Crotalus. However, after the speech was over, Liz didn't wait to help herself to some of the food on the table. Her plate and goblet filled, she resumed looking about for some sign of calamity that would signal the Craven Twins’ arrival. This venture proved unsuccessful, so Lizzie began eating, hoping that Ash would see her even if she didn't see him.
\n\n

0 Lizzie Lavine Ah, Feasts! 0 Lizzie Lavine 0 5

Lily Collins

November 26, 2006 11:56 PM

I don't. by Lily Collins

Lily walked into to the hall. She wasn't paying much attention to the firsties being sorted as she sat down by Chrissy. They were four years younger than her and it was unlikely she'd ever speak to them. The only possibilty for that was if someone ticked her off big time (such as by acting like they were the greatest thing ever, something Lily couldn't stand,) or hopefully wanting to be Keeper for Crotalus. She still wished to replace Earl even though it was all Jennifer's decision and he actually had blocked a goal. Lily just didn't like him. He was arrogant and stupid. Arrogant people were even more obnoxious when they had no right to be. She was just so sick and tired of holding in her opinions and felt a growing desire to tell them off and put them in their place.

She helped herself to some spaghetti, noticing breifly when Jenna Howard sat down with them. Lily didn't know Jenna too well even though they were roommates. She seemed okay though, better than her sister.

Lily clapped for the new prefects, especially Chrissy and Kaylie. She didn't know the other two very well, aside from Zack was really smart and Mia was dating Stephen Baxter. She actually felt a bit sorry for Mia because Stephen would probably end up hurting her. Lily hoped she didn't have real high expectations about it because she was sure to be disappointed.

She heaped some spaghetti on to her fork and shoveled it into her mouth as Chrissy came back. Lily swallowed. "Well, you're better for it than I would be." She laughed a bit. She couldn't see herself being helpful and caring for the younger kids. That was more of a Kaylie thing. Lily was probably the least prefect material of anyone in her class other than the Cravens. She simply didn't have the patience.

Lily listened as Gwen spoke. She hadn't really realized the other beater was there. Lily didn't really mind her now. She seemed a bit looney but at least she wasn't as prissy and snooty as Lily had thought. She'd proven herself in the Quidditch game where she nearly killed the Pecari chaser. Plus, Gwen seemed to dislike Earl as much as she did. "You should really stick with it Gwen." Lily added. "You're a good beater. The only nasty part," she grinned "is that we actually have to prevent our own keeper from being hit." Merlin had she ever felt dirty having to do that last year.

She glanced over at Jenna who'd suddenly spoken. The girl looked terrible! "Um maybe you should go to the infirmary." Lily suggested. "I could walk you there." She looked back at Chrissy, grinning wickedly. "I know Chrissy has to take care of the firsties."\n\n

11 Lily Collins I don't. 45 Lily Collins 0 5

Dalila

November 27, 2006 1:28 AM

potatoes and Quidditch: can't get better than that by Dalila

Amidst the talk of Quidditch that had sprung up around her, Dalila heard her name called out. Spotting the source, she grinned at Jake and thinking for a moment, she picked up her plate and goblet and moved around to sit next to her captain, pushing a couple other students down a bit. This perfectly situated her to continue her talk of Quidditch with the firstie (she forgot her name already) and also talk to Jake without having to scream across the table.

Heya, Cap'n Jake! My summer was pretty good. You? And yeah, I just heard about Kaylie...and there's no way in hell that we wouldn't give her a hard time. This is going to be a fun year." Dalila smirked and returned Jake's wink. And as the thought crossed her mind, she added "Oh, and why don't you tell this firstie Tepp over hear" - she waved her hand in the direction of Gwyneth - "And tell her how amazing Teppenpaw is at Quidditch and that we're gonna take the cup this year...again!" \n\n

0 Dalila potatoes and Quidditch: can't get better than that 0 Dalila 0 5

Dolan

November 27, 2006 2:34 AM

depends on if you say abracadabra by Dolan

"Well, if nothing else, at least its not boring," Dolan agreed about his parents' job. "Just you wait. It's NEVER boring here, either." Lutece's wand seemed to mirror his statement, as it let off a flash of sparks. He grinned behind his hand as she carefully put it down on the table.

"We'll learn all kinds of things," he continued, "like how to apparate, how to fight with magic, and how to change the shape of things. How to fly." This last was said with an intense gleam in his eyes; he, for one, was looking forward to trying out for Quidditch. He wondered how well Lutece would take to flying.

"And," he added, as he eyed her speculatively, "I've heard that there's a dance now and then too." He wasn't overly fond of dances. Boring things. But the rate at which she checked her reflection made him think that she'd enjoy such things. b \n\n

0 Dolan depends on if you say abracadabra 0 Dolan 0 5

Oliver Abbott

November 27, 2006 3:24 AM

Me neither! by Oliver Abbott

Riley smiled, and said, “Yes, a seat sounds nice.” Oliver smiled in relief and followed Riley as she led the way to a table. Just as they were about to sit, another kid approached them. He introduced himself as Matt Tripp, and suggested that Oliver and Riley might be scared.

“I’m not scared!” Oliver said defiantly, and felt the corners of his mouth twitch to an almost-smile as Riley said it too, at exactly the same time. Matt mentioned he had a younger brother in Aladren. Oliver peered in the direction indicated, but he couldn’t see anyone who looked ‘just like’ Matt. He didn’t say so, though, because he didn’t think it was that important right now. He was wondering what year Matt was in. He didn’t say he was a first year, and having a younger brother indicated that he was an older student. Oliver was just thinking about this, and considering he should probably introduce himself, when Riley beat him to the mark on both counts. He didn’t mind, really. He said, “Hi,” when Riley mentioned him, and then sat down at the table, eager to start relaxing and feeling less like he should be somewhere else.
\n\n

0 Oliver Abbott Me neither! 99 Oliver Abbott 0 5

Lutece

November 27, 2006 5:25 AM

Allright, so it's a tempermental stick. by Lutece

Apparition? What was that? But she supposed she had already made enough of a fool of herself in front of Dolan; a bit more wouldn't kill her. Better to learn this stuff now then be embarrassed later, right? Even if it was dumb kid stuff.

"What's apparition?" Lutece asked, calmly sipping whatever liquid was in the goblet beforeher. And promptly attempting not to spit it out. Pumpkin? What moron would make a drink flavoured like a gourd of all things? Changing the subject sounded like an excellant idea at this point. "Do you ... wizards ... have any sports around here, do you know? I'm fairly good with soccer, if they have a team."

And then Dolan mentioned dances. She didn't suppose they would be like the middle-and-high school dances Melissa had told her about, with loads of food and decorations, and the latest rap CD playing in the background. She had already discovered that her cell phone didn't work (but then, who would provide service to a nutcase school in the middle of nowhere, acessible only by what seemed to be a flying wagon), and Lutece was getting the sneaking suspician that neither her iPod nor her laptop would either. "Dances can be fun," she settled for, then looked up at Dolan again. "What kind of music do you guys listen to?"\n\n

0 Lutece Allright, so it's a tempermental stick. 0 Lutece 0 5

Zack Dill

November 27, 2006 9:31 AM

I'll take your word for it by Zack Dill

The stunned fog was starting to clear. He looked up at Guenther as he said something, probably in answer to Zack's own question. It took a moment, but Zack managed to focus enough to recall what it was Guenther had said. "Guenther," he stated seriously, "When you're as little as me, you don't tell people off unless you enjoy visiting the insides of lockers." Not that there were lockers at Sonora, but some lessons were too strongly ingrained to be so easily rationalized away.

He looked back up at the Staff Table, adding, "But Headmaster Bulla did say that I could take off House Points." How very freaky. The sheer power in that made Zack feel nearly as big as Guenther was.

Zack grinned, remembering the kid who had dropped by just before Bulla had made his announcement, "So the next time your brother starts making faces at people when I'm around, I can stop him." Either stop him, or take off Pecari points, either of which would be fine by Zack. It would probably be unethical to take off so many that Alderaan finally won the point competition, but it was a nice alternate future that would sadly never meet this reality.

Anyway, back to the present, Guenther, and Guenther's brother. "What did you say his name was again?"\n\n

1 Zack Dill I'll take your word for it 40 Zack Dill 0 5

The Craven Twins

November 27, 2006 12:56 PM

It's ok, we won't let her bite by The Craven Twins

The Craven twins, who usually entered the hall with a boom and bang (or a bang and a boom, depending on who went first) were somewhat more subdued this year. Not only the responsibility of growing up (one topic of which was still causing a lot of friction) but certain family issues weighed heavily on their minds.

"I'm going to the bathroom," Sorrel mumbled, as they neared the Cascade Hall.

"Ok, I'll wait for you," Ash replied. He didn't think Sorrel really needed the loo, but he didn't stop her. He guessed she didn't want to risk embarrassing herself by crying at the sorting ceremony. It had been weird seeing Sorrel get all weepy, like an actual girl. He blamed their mum and Gramma for setting her off. That, and weird girly hormones.

Once she emerged from the toilet, they carried on to the Cascade Hall, entering as the firsties settled into place, hopefully having avoided any major sobbing or faintings from the new acquisitions to Sonora. Heading over the Pecari table, they were just in time to catch Caedence snapping at a first year, who terrifiedly stuttered an apology.

"It's ok, she knows you didn't mean to," Ash told the first year before Caedence had a chance to lash into her.

"I'll dry you," Sorrel offered, kind of quietly. Subtley, she drew her wand and muttered 'sechio'. She sort of hoped that no one had seen her doing that. Just cos she wasn't snappy with the first years didn't mean she should let people see her being soft on them, especially the wussy ones. "Your table's over there - go on," she prompted, ushering the girl towards the Aladren table.

"See you on the pitch Caed," they nodded, it being only polite to acknowledge their team mate before moving around the table.

"Hey, there she- er, Liz is," Ash said, a touch too exuberantly. Sorrel rolled her eyes a little, but at least Liz was a decent girl. It wasn't like her brother had designs on Princess - the thought of that just made her feel sick!

"Hey," they both smiled (Ash more so) sitting down beside their friend. "Good summer?"\n\n

0 The Craven Twins It's ok, we won't let her bite 0 The Craven Twins 0 5

The Craven Twins

November 27, 2006 12:57 PM

OOC - posted further down... by The Craven Twins

... but ended it by sitting next to you! Join us...\n\n

0 The Craven Twins OOC - posted further down... 0 The Craven Twins 0 5

Nathalie

November 27, 2006 1:31 PM

If only!! by Nathalie

Derek did follow her over, and despite the fact that he seemed to be rather eager (though it was the first day), Nathalie found she didn't really mind.

Saul told them where their common room was, and explained that they'd be sharing a room, which was a bit of a nasty revelation, though not really a surprising one. Nathalie had hoped to get her own space - she wasn't really used to sharing a room, what with being an only child. Still, the common room sounded OK, and Saul himself seemed friendly.

"I'm Nathalie, Nathalie Grant." She said, sticking out a hand. "And this is Derek...sorry, I forgot your surname." She added, turning to Derek.\n\n

0 Nathalie If only!! 0 Nathalie 0 5

Jordanna Howard

November 27, 2006 3:43 PM

Mingling with the firsties by Jordanna Howard

Well, this summer had been interesting, to say the least. When Jordanna had come home without Jenna questions were asked, and anger grew. And, seeing as Jenna wasn't there, the anger was taken out on Jordanna, which was unfair. It wasn't like the blond had known anything about her sister's whereabouts other than that it wasn't with the rest of the Howards in northern California. But after the initial anger had subsided, for whatever the reason, it ended with a showering of gifts upon Jordanna. And she of course, had no problem with that. And since the sisters got along far better when they were apart, everything had run pretty smoothly for her at home.

The summer had been very kind to Jordanna. Jenna's potion to cure her skin problem worked wonderously, even Jordanna had to give her sister credit that the brunette had talent. Her growth spurt had slowed down, leaving her at 5'5" and barely growing. The healer said it was likely she'd grow another inch or so over the year, and that she would gain more weight than she was used to- but not to worry, that was healthy. Indeed, she gained several pounds over the summer, and so began the growth of curves.

She'd woken up early to get ready for this dinner, as she planned on doing some work tonight. She was going to wear her green robes of course, but not because she liked them, but because they were the rules. And this year, the year before prefects were picked, she was going to appear to be good. Making prefect was the perfect reason to ask parents for shopping sprees. Anyway, she'd put on a conservative amount of makeup, all neutral colors, and convinced the house elf to fix her hair into a french braid. Tiny silver stars and wands dangled from her ears- anyone had to admit that she looked good, and that made her confident.

Jordanna had sat at a table in the center of the room, waitng for the firsties to drink their vials so that she could find the red ones. It was then that she spotted a blond boy with glasses and a girl with a ponytail who had both turned red. They made there way to a table, where the blond kid sat down and they were soon joined by another boy Jordanna had observed had been sorted into Crotalus. As they were the largest bunch of Crotalus first years she had spotted, the blond walked towards them with a confident demeanor and a smile.

"Hi, I'm Jordanna Howard, Crotalus fourth year," holding her hand out to each of them in turn so that they could shake it, "I just wanted to congratulate you all on being sorted into my house- we're the best one you know, we always win or come pretty close to winning the house cup. Anyway, I just wanted to introduce myself in case you had any questions about Crotalus or Sonora in general."\n\n

0 Jordanna Howard Mingling with the firsties 65 Jordanna Howard 0 5

Jennifer Zucchero

November 27, 2006 4:24 PM

Another Op'ning by Jennifer Zucchero

Another year, another opening feast, another gaggle of first years changing colors. For Jennifer Zucchero, it was both a somewhat somber and somewhat amusing situation. Somber because the return to school meant that she was now in her fifth year at Sonora, an upperclassman, and only two years away from being an adult. Amusing because, well, firsties panicking because of the sudden change to their exterior was a very comical event.

She’d sat near the end of the Crotalus table subconsciously. She was rather fond of that spot, even if a few of her friends were vocal about disliking the wall-flower connotation that came with it. She did regret not sitting nearer to the girls in her year after Bulla made his announcement about prefects, and made a mental note to congratulate Chrissy later. Truth be told, she was slightly disappointed not to be named a prefect, but she was quidditch captain, which the powers that be had probably decided was enough for any one person to handle. Frankly, she agreed with them.

Unbidden, the thought of being quidditch captain called up thoughts of one of her fellows, and she unconsciously scanned the room first for the above-mentioned boy, then for her best friend, to make sure promises were being kept. She was probably paranoid, but, with Lizzie, one never knew just when the southern girl was going to decide to take matters into her own hands, and that was the last thing Jennifer wanted.

As soon as she realized she was doing what some could classify as staring, though, she shook her head, and returned her attention to her plate. It would be rather embarrassing to have lectured Lizzie on secrecy then give herself away at the very first congregation of the students.
\n\n

0 Jennifer Zucchero Another Op'ning 48 Jennifer Zucchero 0 5

Riley Garraway

November 27, 2006 5:19 PM

Nice to meet you by Riley Garraway

Riley flushed happily as the fourth year girl, Jordanna, shook hands with her. So many people already! Maybe not friends yet, but potential friends at best. Matt hadn't answered her question, about what year he was in, but Jordanna seemed to think he was a first year. This hadn't been Riley's first impression of him; he'd seemed far too confident, so much so that Riley envied him for it. And if he was indeed a first year, then she envied him doubly so for it! And the way he spoke of his brother, like he was the older sibling showing his first year sibling around. If that was the case, and his brother was a first year, too, wouldn't that make them the same age? Wouldn't that make them...

"He's the one that looks exactly like me."

twins! Her flush turned into a blush, and she mentally smacked herself for not picking up on that sooner. Matt's brother must have been his twin. She'd have to ask him later, just to make sure. Granted there was a "later" between the two of them. It was likely that they'd go their separate ways after the feast, though she hoped not. He seemed like a fun person. Oliver, too.

"I'm Riley Garraway," Riley introduced herself for the third time. She anticipated having to introduce herself many more times, so it didn't much bother her. She glanced at the two boys and held her tongue this time, not jumping ahead to introduce Oliver or Matt. They might definitely think her overbearing and rude if she kept talking for other people! That was the last thing she wanted, especially on her first day.

She felt a little surer of herself now, especially with Jordanna's generosity. Everything might just be okay.\n\n

0 Riley Garraway Nice to meet you 0 Riley Garraway 0 5

Lizzie Lavine

November 27, 2006 5:22 PM

Can you really guarantee that? by Lizzie Lavine

Lizzie usually wasn’t perturbed by loud noises or crashing objects, so when Caedence’s glass was tipped over by some little firstie, she barely even noticed. It was, however, the arrival of the Craven Twins that caught her attentions. She grinned back at the two of them as they sat down, taking note of the slightly strange behavior Sorrel was exhibiting. The female Craven was actually being nice to a first year? A lot sure had changed over the break.

“Hey,” she replied, refilling her glass with pumpkin juice, “Yes, definitely. And yours? I hope all went well…”

She wondered what had gotten into Sorrel as of late, not that the two of them had been fabulous friends or anything, but the glaringly obvious change in mood was enough to make her wonder. Ash seemed to be alright though, so maybe that meant that the break wasn’t completely horrid for the pair of them. Liz lightly brushed back some straying hair and tucked it behind her ear in order to see Ash without it falling in her eyes.
\n\n

0 Lizzie Lavine Can you really guarantee that? 0 Lizzie Lavine 0 5

Mika

November 27, 2006 5:36 PM

"Fashionably" Late by Mika

((OOC: Sorry guys, for being so ungodly slow. BIC:))

Mika rolled into the hall with the rest of the wee little firsties. The wagon ride had been more than uncomfortable for him, the constant bumping and jaring made his legs ache worse then usual. At least he knew there would be plenty to distract him.

When given his own cup of liquid, he sniffed it carefully. Unlike everyone else, he was not sniffing to determin poisin or quality of taste, he was checking for meat, dairy, or neither. He doubted it was either, but one never knew. This appeared to be neither, and so he took the requested long drink. When his skin turned a violent shade of blue, he looked at his hand mildly, and pushed his glasses up on his nose. It reminded him of this muggle movie he had once seen, Charlie and the Chocolate factory. He hoped he wouldn't turn round like that nasty girl in the movie had.

A bit lost in the crowd, he made his way over to the Aladren table, wheeling paciently around those in his way, and tried to find a spare bit of table to park his wheelchair at. That took a little longer, but he managed. He didn't look at anyone, sure they were staring at him. Not because of the blue hugh but because of his wheelchair, all but unheard of in the wizarding world. When food appeared, he was extremely selective in what he took.\n\n

0 Mika "Fashionably" Late 0 Mika 0 5

Amy Fox

November 27, 2006 6:18 PM

Joining in if I must. winks by Amy Fox

Amy Fox was almost positive that she was experiencing one of the worst weeks in her entire life- the only ones topping it being the one where she had been kicked out of the Quidditch league and the one where she had accepted the job at this dismal little institutition. Of course, her summer hadn't faired much better, as she had been bounced from home to home of her relatives, quickly wearing out her welcome with her terrible attitude.

"Terrible attitude my..." Amy muttered under her breath as she finally took a seat at the staff table. A scowl was the prominent mark on her features, her eyes narrowed as she began to pile food onto her plate.

The icing on the cake, however, had come in the form of a letter just three days prior, smashing all her hopes of possibly being able to quit her job and rejoin the Quidditch league. It seemed that she was still unwelcome as officials still believed that she was a danger to the other players on the field.

The Opening Feast was quickly going by in a whirl as her main focus remained on her plate, her fork stabbing angrilly as she ate. Taking a deep breath, Amy exhaled slowly. It was only then that she realized that she had situated herself near Simon- and just directly down from the two newest professors.

A noise escaped her throat as she tried desperately to hide her amusement at the entire situation. While she was totally miserable at the thought of having to spend another year at this tired old institution, these newbies seemed- well- excited about the whole thing. And the guy's outfit was just priceless.

Her amusement was only furthered as she heard the tail end of a conversation that dealt with scaring students. Of course, unlike her, she assumed that Deck and the newbie were only joking. It seemed, however, that her amusement was only temporary as she was once again reminded that she was barred from doing the one thing in her life that she truly loved- play Quidditch.

Stabbing her fork at her food once again, she returned her attention to her plate. It was another year, it seemed.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

0 Amy Fox Joining in if I must. *winks* 0 Amy Fox 0 5

Matt Tripp

November 27, 2006 6:30 PM

The Same Goes For Me by Matt Tripp

Before Matt could respond to Riley's question as to what year he was in, an older girl came up to them. She introduced herself as a fourth year in their house named Jordanna Howard, and old them that if they had any questions about Crotalus or Sonora that they could ask her.

"Charmed," Matt said, bowing slightly as his pure-blood raising had taught him to do. "I'm Matt Tripp. And to answer your question, Riley, I am a first year. When I mentioned my 'little brother,' I meant by three minutes."

He smiled and he knew he had caught them in what he called, 'the Tripp trap.'

"We're not twins though." He paused to let them ponder the information. "We're two-thirds of a set of triplets. My sister Rachel is five minutes younger than my brother Cole. She's the Teppenpaw who looks like she's a teenager already and will never shut up." he laughed.

"Don't ask why Cole and I look exactly alike and Rachel's a girl. It's complicated. I don't fully understand it myself, even though Cole's told me over and over." He looked over his shoulder. "Well I guess he doesn't look exactly like me right now, what with that weird blue-green color, don't know if it's from the potion or if he's gonna get sick. Either way he looks like an alien."\n\n

0 Matt Tripp The Same Goes For Me 0 Matt Tripp 0 5

Gwen Carey

November 27, 2006 8:20 PM

Nor I. by Gwen Carey

A closer look at the neighbors revealed that she might have made a mistake. The other people at the table were not only roommates to each other and not to her, but they were also all older than her to a girl. Great. She either looked desperate or even more out of touch with what was going on than she sometimes pretended to be. There wasn't much to do for it but smile gamely, pretend she hadn't noticed that she was the odd one out, and hope that Profes - Headmaster Bulla had a headache and dismissed them all early.

But then...The sooner they were released, the sooner she had to go back to sharing space with her roommates. Rocks and hard places didn't even come into it.

Her father and grandmother were both superstitious to a fault, and some of it had either rubbed off or been passed down. If the signs were anywhere near right, this was going to be another long year.

Old habits, deliberately assumed ones no less than the unintentionally assumed variety, died hard, and she found herself blinking in surprise at being addressed. Gwen doubted it would matter that she hadn't really been woolgathering if anyone had noticed. "Oh, you're welcome," she said, smiling again. "And good luck. Maybe they'll all be too shy or too stuck on themselves to annoy you with a lot of questions." She wasn't sure that had come out the way she meant it.

The food was, as always, delicious. It was always good, but the feasts were the best. The general cuisine could be a bit...casual at times. Connor had never managed to explain to her satisfaction what was so good about that odd pie-thing he and the menu called 'pizza'. She wasn't going to think about him, now. If drifting off would make her look odd, scowling at nothing and muttering would make her look even worse. She used the time it took to swallow a mouthful of chicken to work up an answer to Chrissy and Lily's joint query.

"I'm planning to," she said, then grinned back at Lily. "Though it does get hard not to teach Valentine a...lesson, sometimes." Earl hadn't really done anything personal to her – even in their revolutionary days, they had hardly been exchanging cake recipies - but he had made a convenient scapegoat. He was involved in the mess, but she didn't have to share a dorm with him. Having Nicoletta and Cate out for her blood - she wasn't entirely sure Jordanna realized she existed, which suited her just fine - was bad enough without rekindling the animosity between herself and Asher that had characterized the second half of her first year.

Jenna Howard raised her head, and Gwen set about trying to disappear where she sat before the older girl even began to speak. One fact overwhelmed any other she knew about Jenna Howard, and that was that Jenna Howard was Jordanna Howard's sister. Better to avoid her; she felt a flash of relief at Lily's suggestion that Jenna go to the infirmary. The Howard sisters had never struck her as overly fond of each other, but then, Gwen somehow doubted she and Morgaine had the opposite affect on people. She fixed her attention on her green beans. \n\n

0 Gwen Carey Nor I. 63 Gwen Carey 0 5

Riley Garraway

November 27, 2006 9:16 PM

Triplets, hm? by Riley Garraway

Riley craned her neck, peeking over the other heads at the Aladrens. "Ah, I see him..." she said. He was indeed a bluish color at the moment, but it was beginning to fade. It was only supposed to last for a few minutes, or so she'd been told. Her color had already disappeared, much to her relief.

She smiled at Matt, again in awe of his confidence, but this time his charm on top of that. He must have been a pureblood, no doubt about it. And though she was too, she was painfully aware of her own lack of pureblood grace.

"I'd like to meet your siblings," she said. Turning to Oliver, who'd remained rather quiet thus far, she asked, "Do you have any siblings?"\n\n

0 Riley Garraway Triplets, hm? 0 Riley Garraway 0 5

Jenna Howard

November 27, 2006 10:06 PM

not everyone is so lucky ;) by Jenna Howard

Jenna was surprised at Lily's offer, as they had never been very close, and let her head fall back into her arms. But even if they had been close friends, she would have turned it down. The resident healer was going to want an explanation of what was causing her illness, after all. And the fifteen year-old had a strong feeling that explaining that she had been at a party where she had been the youngest one by about six and a half years would go over pretty well. There'd only been about thirty people- Isaiah's "closest" friends, and Jenna had met most of them earlier that summer and they weren't too bad. They weren't horrible drunks or anything, though they were a bit too wild for Jenna's liking, and she usually went home early from their parties or found something else to do with Lenny.

But she digressed, the point was, explaining to anyone was much too complicated. And she didn't have the time or energy to explain to anyone in a way that they wouldn't think she was a freak.

"No," she said, her voice muffled by her arms, "I-I don't need to, I don't need to-" she stopped and winced, as pain shot at her stomach like little daggers piercing at her abdomen.

She gave up, she conceded- would the powers that be be happy now?

"You know what?" she said softly, using the table to balance herself as she got up, hunched over from the pain in her stomach. This was getting humiliating, "I think the Infirmary might be a good idea."\n\n

0 Jenna Howard not everyone is so lucky ;) 46 Jenna Howard 0 5

Echo Elms

November 27, 2006 10:20 PM

Right. I'm going over. by Echo Elms

Echo sort of listened to HeadMaster Bulla. He was glad to see one of the prefects, Zack Dill, had done Novelling Fury. Maybe Zack could use his influence to help their cause this year. If they did it this year. It had been an awful lot of work.

But that kid... Meredith was right. Anything could and did happen around here. Muggle friends showing up at the Opening Feast was sort of unheard of, but that really only made it more likely. The one shot in a million hadn't happened yet.

Bulla finally finished, and he hesitated over the food as Elly and Meredith dug in.

"I'm going over," he decided, formulating a plan. "I'll get a good look at him, and if it's not him I'll just welcome him to Pecari and see if he wants to sit with us or something. I'll be back."

[OOC: Echo hops over to Brett's thread].\n\n

21 Echo Elms Right. I'm going over. 93 Echo Elms 0 5

Echo Elms

November 27, 2006 10:32 PM

Um, excuse me? by Echo Elms

Echo had been watching the new Pecari from across the room during Bulla's greeting. He just couldn't get it out of his head. The kid was Brett. He had to Brett.

But it made no sense. Brett was a muggle from Sundance WY, not a pureblood wizardman. Brett had never displayed any magic freakiness at all. Hadn't he even broken his arm in first grade?

The closer Echo got, though, the more certain he became. Here he was, chatting away like, well not quite like Brett. There was something different in his tone, his manner. Just as Echo started to wonder if maybe he'd made a mistake, though, the grinning kid turned his head, giving Echo a perfect profile view.

It was really him. Wasn't it?

"Hey?" he tried.\n\n

21 Echo Elms Um, excuse me? 93 Echo Elms 0 5

Brett Hodges

November 27, 2006 10:46 PM

Whoa. Echoman! by Brett Hodges

Brett sort of saw someone out of the corner of his eye, and when he heard a "hey" he turned.

Whoa. Echo. Here?

He sported the deer in headlights look for a good two seconds. He might have even doubletaked or blinked blankly at him. Dude. Echo was a wizard.

"Hey," he returned. And then he was caught. Should he talk like he normally did with Echo? Did different locations change how Echo talked to people? Would it alienate this other kid he was talking to? Would it alienate Echo's friends?

Too much thinking. Just be cool. Yeah, Brett was way cool.\n\n

0 Brett Hodges Whoa. Echoman! 0 Brett Hodges 0 5

Kaylie and Adam Brockert

November 28, 2006 12:41 AM

Me? A Prefect? by Kaylie and Adam Brockert

"Kaylie, can I sit with you?" Adam asked his older sister. He'd barely gotten to spend any time with her over the summer...because of that guy . Adam didn't want him around Kaylie. He didn't want that guy to take Kaylie away from him. Besides what if he hurt her?

"Of course" Kaylie replied. She knew Adam had had a rough summer and she felt kind of bad about it. Not that she hadn't wanted to be around Chris. She loved spending time with him but Kaylie knew Adam needed her too and that he'd feel far more comfortable with her. Last year, he'd gotten sick over them being seperated and neither wanted that to happen again.

The two sat down among the Teppenpaws. Kaylie smiled nicely at the people who turned yellow and sized up the ones turning red, hoping at least one of them would be someone whom her brother could connect them. Adam looked at them suspiciously, regardless of what color they turned, though he was a bit less so of the yellow ones. After all, Teppenpaws had to be nice. It was why they were in Teppenpaw. He wasn't real likely to talk to them anyway.

Both siblings looked up when Kaylie's name was called. She got up and went to the front. Adam began to shake a little and the blood drained from his face. He didn't like being left alone in a public place. Calm down, she'll be back soon, he tried to tell himself. Adam didn't want to panic here in front of anyone. They'd laugh at him.

He began clapping as the prefect announcement was made and a somewhat proud look came on to Adam's face. Anytime he was proud, it was of Kaylie. Rarely, if ever, did he feel proud of himself. She was the one who was great.

Up front, Kaylie was amazed. She was prefect? They were trusting her, the class ditz (or so she felt she was at times), with the prefect duties. It was something Kaylie would never have imagined. She always thought Tally, Jake and Dillon were far more responsible. Well, she was going to do very best! She could be helpful. In fact, Kaylie enjoyed looking after people and helping them out.

Just then, a horrifying realization struck her. Was she going to have to show the first years the dance? Kaylie had taken forever to learn it herself (which should be reassuring for the first years if they didn't get it right away.) How was she ever going to be able to teach it?\n\n

11 Kaylie and Adam Brockert Me? A Prefect? 43 Kaylie and Adam Brockert 0 5

Oliver Abbott

November 28, 2006 4:10 AM

Must be fun. by Oliver Abbott

Oliver had only been seated for a moment when an older girl approached him, Riley and Matt. She introduced herself as Jordanna Howard, a fourth year, and extended her hand. Oliver shook it, saying, “Oliver Abbott,” as he did so.

"I just wanted to congratulate you all on being sorted into my house- we're the best one you know, we always win or come pretty close to winning the house cup. Anyway, I just wanted to introduce myself in case you had any questions about Crotalus or Sonora in general," she said. Oliver blinked at her through his glasses. He didn’t have any questions just yet, but he thought it was very nice of her to come and introduce herself and offer to help them.

When Matt introduced himself, he clarified that he was in fact a first year, and that he was the oldest of three triplets. Riley expressed a wish to meet Matt’s siblings, and then asked Oliver if he had any siblings himself. Oliver glanced at Jordanna again before turning to Riley and answering, “Yeah, I got a brother and sister.” He didn’t mention that he was the middle child; he wasn’t sure he was ready for questions about why his older brother wasn’t at Sonora. “How about you?” he asked Riley. He wasn’t really that interested; he just didn’t want to appear rude.
\n\n

0 Oliver Abbott Must be fun. 99 Oliver Abbott 0 5

Riley Garraway

November 28, 2006 6:44 AM

Mm, no. by Riley Garraway

Riley shook her head. "No siblings," she said shortly, though grateful for converesation. She wondered when they'd start to eat; she was feeling a little hungry, not to mention tired from the ride up. She turned to Jordanna then and asked, "Say, how do the sleeping arrangements work? How do we know who our roommates are, and all that?"\n\n

0 Riley Garraway Mm, no. 0 Riley Garraway 0 5

Stephen Baxter

November 28, 2006 7:57 AM

slow grin Oh yeah by Stephen Baxter

Stephen had been checking out the new faces, and wandering around greeting people while looking out for Mia. A whole summer with just phone calls and letters while she had the whole thing with her mom's remarriage happening, and he had done some seriously fast talking and convinced his mom, his dad and his brother that they should totally go biking again.

It had been heaps of fun, and there'd been the opportunity to brag to the guys about his hot girlfriend back at school, and listen to the latest news on how Kimmy had dumped Owen in front of their entire school (Darren had really enjoyed retelling that) and they all lied profusely about just how far they'd managed to get with various girls. Owen hadn't really had much to say in that conversation though, as after his public humiliation he hadn't managed to get another girlfriend yet, and when he did start on about Kimmy, Darren had given him a look that could kill.

Jimmy and Stephen had sniggered about it before Jimmy started on about how he was supposed to be meeting this girl he'd been talking to on the 'net for months now when they got back from their trip. Then it'd been Owen's turn to get a bit of a dig in as he went on about how Jimmy's 'girl' was probably some fat, hairy old man. There'd been a scuffle for a bit after that, but then they all got over it before Alan and his friend Ben had had to interceed, and they'd kicked a ball around before heading into their tents for the night.

It'd been a pretty good holiday really, with lots of catching up and mucking around, if you didn't count the letters that had got his Mom upset. Stephen frowned a little at the memory, pausing and then grabbing the nearest seat when it seemed that Bulla was about to make the opening speech. He still hadn't found Mia. Or Sorrel and Ash.

One of those difficulties was solved for him by the Headmaster. Stephen gave an appreciative wolf-whistle as Mia received her badge, excused himself and worked his way around the eating crowd, running a quick hand through his hair as he worked to get to the spot he'd first seen her walking from, getting there a little after she'd sat back down.

Coming up from behind her, Stephen rested his chin on her shoulder as he too examined the shiny new badge she'd been given.

"It's very nice," he told her, moving back a little and then shooing the kid beside her along so he could sit down himself. "But..." he drew out the word, grinning rakishly. "I think it'd look better," he reached out and took the badge from her hand, and then pinned it prominently on the front of her robes, but a little to the left, "right there. And," he said cheekily leaning in for a quick kiss, "it'll give me a good excuse to use next time you ask me why I'm looking there instead of at your face."\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

39 Stephen Baxter *slow grin* Oh yeah 49 Stephen Baxter 0 5

Geoffrey Spindler

November 28, 2006 8:47 AM

Hello Captain Obvious :-p by Geoffrey Spindler

The holidays had been... a little strange. A little quiet. A little worrying. They were also thankfully over.

Geoffrey, in looking for a seat at the feast, had naturally been drawn towards the end of the table that was most associated with his own house of Crotalus. There were two reasons for that; it tended to be less populated, which meant that he was less likely to be brought into a conversation, and because, subconsciously, he had noticed over the past two years that that was where his Quidditch Captain tended to sit.

He had sat, quite close, if not necessarily in the seat right beside her - and there was a bit more room to spread out up this end, which was also nice - joining in the polite clapping for the new prefects and then glanced at Jennifer, wondering - just a little - how come she wasn't the one named Prefect. He backtrod in his thoughts hurridly, because... well... Chrissy (was her name really Chrysanthemum?) seemed nice enough, and she was on the Quidditch team, just like he was, or had been... depending on how the tryouts worked this year, on just how badly Jennifer decided that he had let down the team. But it was the captain who had taken the time to encourage him, and make him feel more comfortable with school. What was she staring at?

Geoffrey altered his view, trying to work it out, ignoring for once the food that had started to appear despite the rumbling the smell caused to start in his stomach. He glanced at her again, trying to get the angle right, then back across the room. Teppenpaw? Or... Pecari? Was it... he examined the tables, trying to work out who it might be, then glanced back at Jennifer again to try and clarify her target a little better. She was looking at her plate now though, but Geoffrey couldn't help but think that something was odd.

He thought about saying something, but there his courage failed him for the moment, and he too had a look at his plate. His empty plate.

His stomach, encouraged by this new direction of thought rumbled again, this time more insistantly.

The food did look good. With another half glance at Jennifer, Geoffrey started to pile his plate high. This was a day for eating, his mother wasn't there to yell at him or attempt to half-starve him, and... there was a note of unhappiness and distress in the back of his mind. Food would make it better; it always did. He piled the plate further, taking nibbles as he did so before tucking in properly once there was no more room.\n\n

39 Geoffrey Spindler Hello Captain Obvious :-p 79 Geoffrey Spindler 0 5

Meri

November 28, 2006 10:27 AM

sorry for delay... flu SUCKS by Meri

Meri could almost here a chorus of angels singing their joyous melodies in the background as she heard Gwyneth's words. For the first time in her sheltered, sequestered life, she had a friend, and not just anyone--it was a girl who seemed to mirror every aspect of Meri's own fears and dreams. She felt like bursting into song, perhaps the Hallelujah chorus...

She took a deep breath to ground herself. Okay, so what if she spent her whole life until now, learning tedious lessons in a lonely manor. Now she was here, at Sonora, and a new life was starting. She blinked at Gwyneth with eyes that were bright with an unconcealed happiness.

"Of COURSE we're friends," she said simply. How could they not be? "What's your favorite class? I like charms. Its so simple for me to understand." She put her head to the side, shyly. "And... what are training wheels?" She looked embarrassed for not knowing.\n\n

0 Meri sorry for delay... flu SUCKS 0 Meri 0 5

Dolan

November 28, 2006 10:51 AM

sorry for delay...flu sucks! by Dolan

Dolan was relieved that the wand was lying on the table and not pointing at things anymore. He turned his attention to Lutece. He got the impression that she was a bit lost in the magic world, however calm she might seem. His voice gentled; he knew how it felt to be a fish out of water, so to speak. He admitted to himself that he admired her composure, if not her disbelief.

"Apparition is the magic skill of transporting one's self from one location to another instantly. Since its a dangerous skill for beginners, it's not allowed until students are higher up in school years." He was about to continue on the subject, when he saw Lutece almost choke on the drink. He paused, mid reach for his glass, and then withdrew his hand. He grinned at her, wryly. Forewarned was forewarned, after all. "Not all things in the magic world are...wonderful," he added, unnecessarily.

He hoped the feast would be over soon. He couldn't wait to get to his room and set up his stuff. He was very particular about things like that. Almost obsessive compulsive about where things went and why. And wished he could fly and let out some pent up energy into the sky. So he almost grinned when she asked about sports.

"No soccer," he said, and rushed on before she could be disappointed, "But there's a sport you should definitely try. Its called Quidditch, and its played on broomsticks. Think of a particularly complicated game of soccer, add a couple more goals, more balls, add flying, and a lot of violence, and you've got Quidditch." He sounded almost breathless with excitement talking about it. It was the one thing that made him loose his carefully-controlled coolness. It was the one thing his parents allowed him to bask and loose himself in. As long as he did well, that is. And he usually did. He shook himself, and resumed his normal composure.

"As for music..." he shrugged. "Everything. I don't know much about muggle music, ah..." he paused, since he wasn't sure if she knew what muggle meant, "I mean, non-magic music, but I've heard that we have similar music. There's all variety though. The dances usually have more than one kind of music. Traditional, and a rock style." He smiled at her, and hoped that the explanation sufficed. \n\n

0 Dolan sorry for delay...flu sucks! 0 Dolan 0 5

Nicolas Augustine Wolfe, Medic

November 28, 2006 11:07 AM

Late again by Nicolas Augustine Wolfe, Medic

Nicolas was late, again. The opening feast was well underway when he slipped away from the quasi-sanctuary that was the hospital wing. The hall was decorated well enough, but the medic only paid it a passing thought. The staff table seemed to be full, but he would have to join them anyhow. The only problem was the easiest empty seat was near the quidditch instructor. Merlin, that woman was a harpie if there ever was one.

Still, he could not appear to find her distasteful. He must be civil and provide her with the same amount of courtesy he would show any colleague. A small frown was the only indication of Wolfe’s displeasure over the seating arrangements as he sat down.

Quietly he served himself portions of spinach, corn, and ham. He would have to see that the kitchen had adequately prepared the items designated ‘healthy’. ‘How does it go? All work and no play,’ he thought as he spooned the food onto his plate. He really needed a new hobby if his job was taking over his thoughts on food.

Quirking an eyebrow he addressed the woman stabbing at her food. “The object is to get the food to your mouth, and not to destroy it on your plate.”\n\n

0 Nicolas Augustine Wolfe, Medic Late again 0 Nicolas Augustine Wolfe, Medic 0 5

Gwyneth A

November 28, 2006 11:15 AM

hope you're feeling better! by Gwyneth A

Gwyneth couldn't believe her ears or her luck. She had a friend here at Sonora! Not just any friend, but someone very like herself but also different in important ways.

Meri was a witch who seemed to know her way around the magical pitfalls that Gwyneth had been so worried about. She hoped that Meri wouldn't mind her ignorance about most things magical. Oh, she had been a pretty good student back at her old school, but this was different! Here, Gwyneth knew, she would need a guide until she learned her way around!

Meri's two questions screamed to Gwyneth how different life was going to be at Sonora. First, she had no idea what any of the required classes were like and second, where she came from everyone knew what training wheels were. Okay, she thought, maybe she had a few things to offer to Meri in exchange for her help with the magical stuff.

"Well, training wheels. . . ah, help support you when you are learning to ride a bike so you don't fall down. But bikes stay on the ground, so that probably wasn't the best example. I mean, brooms don't stay on the ground and all. I guess I meant that we will figure out a way to support each other if we have to learn to fly." she said to Meri. "Maybe a parachute would have been a better idea," she said thoughtfully to herself.

"As for classes," Gwyneth swallowed some juice from her glass before she could bring herself to admit to her new friend, "I don't anything about them. I mean, back home we studied math and languages, art and music, science and history. We didn't get to study great stuff like charms or potions or magical creatures."

Gwyneth was afraid that her new friend would suddenly put her thumb and finger on her forehead in an "L" shape and turn away to find someone more magically inclined. She hoped she didn't sound too lame when she added, "I like most animals and I LOVE reading about magical creatures in my fantasy books. So that sounds interesting to me."\n\n

0 Gwyneth A hope you're feeling better! 0 Gwyneth A 0 5

Meri

November 28, 2006 11:31 AM

I am! (see OOC post ) by Meri

Meri's face was thoughtful as she considered training wheels or something else for flying. Perhaps some kind of charm to make a person float to the ground slowly if they fell off their broom? She wondered if such a charm existed. As for bikes...

"I never actually rode a bike," she admitted shyly to her friend. Mother didn't consider it lady-like." She giggled. "As if riding a broom is any more proper!" She touched Gwyneth's shoulder lightly. "But hopefully we'll find something to help us deal with flying. I just HATE the thought of falling! So...maybe something, a potion or charm, that would let a person who falls off a broom to float?" She bit her lip thoughtfully. Hopefully the library would have books with something on the subject. She knew, with sudden certainty that she'd have a friend to help her research it. She grinned happily at her friend.

"Don't worry, you'll learn your way around here soon enough!" she said with surprising confidence. "You'll probably do better than me, that's for sure! I'm a lousy student, despite my love for books. I just like, well, stories. And herbology, and defense against the dark arts, well... that's NOT." She grimaced, and shrugged her thin shoulders.

\n\n

0 Meri I am! (see OOC post ) 0 Meri 0 5

Master Simon

November 28, 2006 12:01 PM

snort by Master Simon

Nobody responded to his initial query, Deck being busy talking to the new professors and Amy being busy smiting her food. Simon shrugged and let it go as he dug into the feast, listening in on the new people talking since Amy wasn't exactly socialable on her best days. It did appear, however, that she was also listening in, if her sound of amusement and later her food stabbing were anything to go by.

Simon greeted Wolfe as he took the seat on Amy's other side in spite of his stated dislike of the Quidditch Coach. When the man informed her of the purpose of a fork, Simon couldn't help laughing. He did make a valid point, but seriously? Either he had a death wish or he was living out the plot of thousands of comedies and romances. They hated each other, baited each other, couldn't leave each other alone, and some day they were going to get married.

Fate. That's what it was.

Simon grinned at them both, his eyes alight with the humor of his thoughts. "So you guys are dating," he joked, vastly amused with himself. "When's the wedding planned for?"\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

1 Master Simon *snort* 14 Master Simon 0 5

Saul Pierce

November 28, 2006 12:16 PM

OOC: points down by Saul Pierce

If you want, there's empty Pecari seats next to Saul, Nathalie, and Derek, if you want us to be who you sat down beside.\n\n

1 Saul Pierce OOC: *points down* 82 Saul Pierce 0 5

Amy Fox

November 28, 2006 2:56 PM

A definite death wish by Amy Fox

Amy's spine stiffened as the chair beside her was quickly occupied by the unfashionably late medic. Pausing for only a moment, Amy once again returned to stabbing the mutilated chicken in front of her. How she managed to get stuck by the stuffy, stick-in-the-mud medic, she'd never know but it only seemed to further her agitation. She silently prayed that he'd know what was good for him and remain silent.

“The object is to get the food to your mouth, and not to destroy it on your plate.”

Obviously not.

Stopping mid-stab, Amy turned a venemous glare at the medic. Was he purposely trying to infuriate her? Didn't he realize that she had a weapon in her hand and could just as easily turn that weapon against him? Stupid, stupid man.

Realizing that it wouldn't be polite to attack the medic in the middle of the Cascade Hall during the Opening Feast, let alone acceptable or legal, Amy mentally began to count to ten as she tried to rein in her temper. Inhaling and exhaling deeply, she tightened and released her grip on her fork as she continued to count.

She had only made it to five when Simon busted in. "So you guys are dating. When's the wedding planned for?"

Cutting her eyes at Simon, Amy began to turn a beet red as she realized that they were probably gaining quite a bit more attention that she wanted at the moment. What about her manner asked them to tease her? She had assumed that due to the scowl on her face and her foul manners people would steer clear of her. It seemed that she was wrong. And what about the fact that she had a possible weapon in her hand did they not understand?

"We are not dating," she finally managed to spit out. "Like I would ever date someone as boring and rude as him."

Turning her gaze away from Simon, she returned to look at Wolfe. Drawing in another deep breath, she managed to plant a smile on her face before speaking. "Thank you, Wolfey. You know, I really didn't know that food was for eating. Your comment has definitely served to enlighten me. Were you too busy coming up with a comment like that to be on time?" \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

0 Amy Fox A definite death wish 0 Amy Fox 0 5

Josaih

November 28, 2006 5:08 PM

Hear Hear! by Josaih

"Begging your pardon Miss. I just..I" he began to blush. He looked down at his hands which were mercifully back to their origanal color. He grinned sheepishly. He was about to explain why he had spat when a second girl joined them.

"Well, Miss Triip, I had taken a sip of this wierd potion. And...my skin! Yellow! My name is Josaih Jonathan Ashwood. Of the noble Ashwood line," he winked at her, "Of course without their pompousness," he added. Then he turned to the girl he had spat on, "I truly am sorry, Miss_?" he raised an eyebrow asking her to finish the sentance.

He also handed her a napkin, his ears were hot and he knew he was bright red. Breathing slowly and evenly, he calmed down a bit, but he was still rather humiliated. He busied himself while he waited for the name by loading food onto his plate.\n\n

0 Josaih Hear Hear! 0 Josaih 0 5

Bella

November 28, 2006 6:42 PM

Rocks harder by Bella

This time Bella really did roll her eyes as well as shake her head at the girl in both disbelief as well as utter amusement by the girl's antics. Bella was actually hoping that she would be able to witness any encounter this girl has with someone like Jordanna Howard or even the Craven twins on a bad day. Not that she wished harm to the girl, but just to see how she reacted with them. Bella thought it would make quite the scene.

"I was thinking about starting one here. You know, put up flyers about it and stuff." Bella said in a thoughtful manner before shrugging her shoulders. "Spanish isn't so terrible, but then, I've spoken it all my life." Bella said with a smirk. Being bi-lingual had its advantages. "Good luck with that career choice. I hear it's quite competitive." Bella wouldn't admit to the first year that her dream was to become a famous Rock Star. She thought that, having the same (or close to being the same) dream as an eleven year old might make her out to look stupid.

"Uh, no, I don't think her name is actually Gray." Bella said, not trying to dash this girl's hopes or anything. "But that's what people seem to call her." Bella gave the two a look over once more, curious to their behaviors the longer she spoke with them. "Yeah, it shouldn't be a problem." She answered, she knew Gray by sight alone, so unless she did a drastic makeover, pointing her out wouldn't be an issue.\n\n

0 Bella *Rocks harder* 0 Bella 0 5

Matt

November 28, 2006 7:11 PM

Ah, that too by Matt

"Yeah, I remember last year when I had to get sorted. Bella and Jake were telling us all sorts of sorting stories. They were way worse than the potion. So we were really freaked out. But, it wasn't so bad and it was cool seeing everyone random colors." Matt said in an eager voice. He liked being back at school because then he could be excited and no one would tell him to calm down.

"Yeah, magic is definitely cool, I mean, not that I really know what it's like without it, but I can't wait to be of age and able to do it at home. So many possibilities..." Matt looked whistful for a moment, before shaking his head and grinning at Irene.

"Josh and I are into things that make you turn a different color, we're going to try to figure out how they made that potion. I think it'll be fun. But, we're also into spells that could do it or make your hair stand on end...lots of different things. We're going to try to use most of them on our sister cos...she's Miss Perfect."\n\n

0 Matt Ah, that too 0 Matt 0 5

Lutece

November 28, 2006 7:26 PM

Euergh. How can it not? by Lutece

Lutece had been pretty lost in Dolan's responses, excepting the one about soccer. 'Quidditch'? Sounded like soccer played on broomstick. She wouldn't especially mind if this all turned out to be real, so long as she at least got to play a sport. Plus, the way Dolan was talking about it, this 'Quidditch' sounded uber popular. Which meant that the players were, by default, equally as popular. If she could manage to play this game, it looked as if Lutece would be killing two rather important birds with one stone.

"Will you teach me?" Lutece asked Dolan. She was a bit irritated to show she couldn't figure it out on her own, but Dolan already knew she knew nothing about anything anyway. If one already knew, why not just keep it to that number? "Where do you get these broomsticks, anyway? Does the school provide them?"

The other Crotalus seemed fairly into this Quidditch thing, so it was a fair bet he knew how to play. And fly, for that matter. And if Lutece wanted to start playing, she supposed now would be the time.\n\n

0 Lutece Euergh. How can it not? 0 Lutece 0 5

Tally

November 28, 2006 7:38 PM

...Okay by Tally

Tally was so surprised about having been spat at, that she didn't take into consideration the circumstances of the action. Not that anyone really ought to have blamed her. She had really wanted to make a new start this year, but, instead, she got spit on. She gave a heavy inward sigh at that.

She shook her head in frustration and gave a semi-glare at the new girl who entered into the conversation. She didn't even acknowledge the fact that Tally was even there. She was the victim too. That was totally rude. This time, Tally grimiced visibly. In her momentary lapse of control and heated bit of anger, she had let down her barrier.

It was like a wave of multiple emotions hitting her hard and fast all at once. Too many to be able to distinguish them all at once, but enough to feel as though she were about to be knocked clean off her feet because of them all. Taking a deep breath and closing her eyes, Tally nearly forgotten what had upset her so much and forced her to lose control.

I truly am sorry, Miss...?"

Tally opened her eyes and looked down at both students. She accepted his napkin. "It's alright. You caught me off guard. It's not everyday that I get spit on." Tally said with a small smile and sat back down while whiping off the mess. "No worries, kid. Oh, I'm Tally, by the way, welcome to Sonora and all that jazz."\n\n

0 Tally ...Okay 0 Tally 0 5

Irene Liddowe

November 28, 2006 8:08 PM

Re: Ah, that too by Irene Liddowe

Irene listened to Matt as he explain his sorting and how, what she assumed to be his siblings. She never had a brother or sister, however much she would like one. It must have been nice to have at least a little edge on what was happening. Matt seemed very thrilled to be back, and to be honest, it was wearing off on her! The more he talked, the more excited Irene bacme to be at Sonora.

"It was pretty fun watching everyone change colors!"

Matt went on to talk about when the glorious day would come where they got to use magic out of school. Irene only thought about it for a few seconds and she already had many ideas for ways to get back at Uncle Mike.

"Unlimited magic... That has a lot of prank potential!" Irene said grinning back. She was definitely grinning a lot ever since she came here. It was terrific to be somewhere that she, so far, fit in!
Mike and his (assumed) brother Josh stuck Irene as quite the pranksters. She made a mental note to remember this as to avoid future color changes.

"So Josh is your brother? You two sound like quite the pair! I wouldn't know about sisters, or brothers either. I'm an only child and that's great for me! Not that I wouldn't want one, but with my situation..." Irene broke off from her rambling suddenly. She was getting excited and now she was babbling off everything she had sworn to secrecy...from everyone. Irene was afraid she had said too much already and changed topics before she could say more.

Irene gazed around at the streams of water flowing from the walls.

"It's amazing here! I've never seen anything like it..." Irene said, brushing a strand of her brown hair away from her blue-green eyes.

"This is going to be some year!"\n\n

0 Irene Liddowe Re: Ah, that too 106 Irene Liddowe 0 5

Jennifer

November 28, 2006 8:11 PM

Me? Obvious? by Jennifer

Around the time she was pretty much done with her dinner, Jennifer began to notice that she wasn’t alone. Well, she knew she wasn’t entirely alone, as she was sitting at a crowded table full of her fellow students, but she’d missed out on the fact that one of her teammates was sitting close to her.

She’d always been rather fond of Geoffrey Spindler. After all, he was the first person she could remember brow-beating into anything at this school, and he’d always have special place in her heart for being the first of her chasers to score in a game. While he did seem to eat a lot a great deal of the time, but he was a good player nonetheless.

She finished eating, and then turned to the boy. It had actually been a while since the two of them had talked outside quidditch, and now was as good a time as any to try and catch up.

“So, how did your holidays go?” she asked with a slight grin. “You ready for quidditch to start up again?”
\n\n

0 Jennifer Me? Obvious? 0 Jennifer 0 5

Chrissy

November 28, 2006 8:28 PM

Well...I was going on the name thing... by Chrissy

Lily's quick agreement with Chrissy's thought of Gwen staying on the team, caused Chrissy to grin. She knew nothing of the third year, had never really planned on knowing the third year, but...she still liked the girl well enough. And, she seemed sort of lost sometimes. Or, at least, that's how Chrissy saw it. She didn't really know.

Chrissy, who was still trying to wrap her mind around the idea of her being a Prefect, hadn't noticed Jenna's arrival until the girl began to speak. Turning slightly at her words, Chrissy frowned and shook her head. Was she suppose to know the password ahead of time because she was a Prefect? She had no idea, did she miss that somewhere? Suddenly, the idea that she was supposed to know rules and passwords and everything about Sonora crept into her mind and made Chrissy suddenly feel very nausceous.

"Hardy har har." Chrissy said, making a face at Lily. Though she probably didn't show it on the outside, Chrissy was freaking out on the inside. She was not the right person for his. The worst indeed. This should be Jennifer's or Jenna's or...anyone's, Chrissy wasn't good enough for this job.

Jenna's sudden movement forced Chrissy from her thoughts and stare at her friend. Concern registered onto Chrissy's pale face. "Jenna, are you alright? What's wrong?" Jenna had already missed an entire year of school for reasons unknown to Chrissy, she didn't want to go through another school year without her good friend.\n\n

0 Chrissy Well...I was going on the name thing... 0 Chrissy 0 5

Earl and Eavan Valentine

November 28, 2006 8:35 PM

Re: Opening Feast by Earl and Eavan Valentine

After a bumpy ride in the covered wagons, Earl and Eavan were glad to be on steady ground once more. While Earl had generally gotten used to the motions, this was only Eavan's first time; she looked a tad green.

"Uh, Eavan, maybe you should sit down," Earl gently pulled her into Cascade Hall and guiding her to the nearest table before sliding himself in next to her. Eavan gave her brother an appreciative smile and leaned her head on his arm. Then she realized that was all she could reach. When did he get so tall? she wondered before deciding that thinking was hurting her head. The amazing feast that appeared at the table was going to be wasted on nausea.

Earl let her stay there, trying to gather as much food as he could with only one available arm. As he ate, Earl glanced around the room. He'd spent the entire summer daydreaming about Asher, often soliciting concerned questions about his health from family and friends. This would have to stop. And there were only two ways to do this: 1) stop liking Asher and 2) tell Asher he liked her. Both seemed rather far-fetched. The former because from his time thinking about his feelings towards, he realized that this was not going to go away anytime soon; the latter because the only person he told his feelings to was Eavan...Eavan! She'd know what to do. She could read people like a book. She could help. Earl stared down at his little sister and sighed. He couldn't ask her while she was like this.

His sigh seemed to have woken Eavan from her stupor. Sr stirred and looked up at Earl, smiling slightly.

"You feel better?" Earl asked. She didn't look green anymore at the very least.

"Mhm. Just a little tired is all." Earl frowned. he didn't like it when anyone was sick and he couldn't do anything to help, let alone his sister. Eavan sat up and grabbed a roll.

"Hungry?"

"A little." She nibbled on the roll and glanced at Earl.

"You look sad."

"I'm not sad."

"Well, there's something wrong. Are you going tell me or am I going to have to get it out of you with force?" Eavan grinned and took another bite of her roll.

"I'll tell you my problem when give me the scoop on that boy."

"What boy?"

"That one you're always with, from your house. He's got the twin in Crotalus." Eavan looked down at her plate and grabbed some mashed potatoes.

"He's just a friend." Earl snorted.

"He likes you." Eavan looked up and smiled sadly.

"I know."

"Do you like him back?" Eavan shrugged.

"I don't know. I have to think about it."

"Well, you're too young to think about boys anyways." Eavan smiled and hugged her brother.

"But you're just the right age to think about girls...like that one with the dark hair."

"Wha--" Earl started to say, but he saw Eavan's eyes travel from his face and over his shoulder, apparently seeing someone she recognized.

"Who is it?" Earl asked as he turned to get a glimpse of the person that caught Eavan's interest.
\n\n

0 Earl and Eavan Valentine Re: Opening Feast 0 Earl and Eavan Valentine 0 5

Hannah Laurent

November 28, 2006 9:28 PM

Yay, Kaylie! by Hannah Laurent

Hannah looked around the place a little nervously. Her parents had told her about their experiences going to a magical school and there had been little doubt that she would be going to one when she became of age, but now that it was actually happening, well, it was all so surreal. Even though she wasn't a nervous creature by habit, she couldn't help feeling overwhelmed.

When she had taken the necessary sips from the chalice, she watched as her hands turned a yellow in color, and presumed the rest had as well. So, she was yellow that meant she was in Teppenpaw. She looked for a table that had others of the same color. When she did, she headed over to it. Her stomach dropped in anticipation. What if they didn't like her? She hoped they would. She didn't want to be lonely for the next year without her sister or worse, if her sister didn't get into Sonora, then she would be lonely for the next seven years.

She was trying to spot a friendly face when four names were called. A girl got up from the table. Her gaze shifted to the person that was next to her. A boy, who looked slightly frightened himself. She rationalized the situation. Was he a first year too? It didn't look as though any color was fading from him. He looked as scared as she was. Maybe, because he was, he would understand and therefore, be nice to her. Well, only one way to find out.

Slowly, she went over to the boy and sat down across from him, so as not to get too close. She huddled her small frame inside her robes. She was very small for her age and generally seemed to get lost in a crowd, which on occassion did wonders for her, but today, it was just an awful concept. She didn't want to be run over or forgotten. What if one of the older students tripped over her?

She shook her head. She was just being silly. Now, stop it, Hannah, she told herself. You are supposed to be the older, wiser, serious sister.

Still, that didn't stop her from looking around with wide eyes. She grabbed strands of blonde hair on either side, pulling it towards the front in nervous habit.

Trying to be brave, she tried to talk to the boy in her soft, mouse voice, "I'm sure everything will be okay."\n\n

0 Hannah Laurent Yay, Kaylie! 98 Hannah Laurent 0 5

Jordanna Howard

November 28, 2006 10:00 PM

Assessing by Jordanna Howard

Immediately Jordanna's mind went to work, assessing the situation at hand. They were talkative, a bit too talkative for her liking, but she attributed it to the excitement of their first day. That was what the blond hoped it was, in any case, as if they kept up like this she was liable to get annoyed.

Matt Tripp gave off the appearance of being a pureblood, and Oliver Abbott was being too quiet for Jordanna to tell. Riley Garraway was either very uninformed or not a pureblood, based on the question she asked Jordanna. Jordanna was willing to give her a chance, but if it turned out that the girl was a muggleborn, than there really wasn't much that could be done for her.

Jordanna was just about to excuse herself when Riley asked her question, "There's a staircase in Crotalus common room that leads to two hallways, one leads to girls' dorms, the other to the boys' dorms," she didn't even bother saying that students couldn't go up the opposite genders' hall, because no respectable student would do that anyway, "Your roommates will be all the other Crotalus first year girls. There's usually two to five people in a dorm- but I've heard of more or less," she explained, and then glanced at the feast waiting for them, "Shall we sit down and eat dinner before we have to go to our common room?"\n\n

0 Jordanna Howard Assessing 65 Jordanna Howard 0 5

Riley Garraway

November 28, 2006 10:39 PM

Food by Riley Garraway

Riley smiled a little uneasily. She thanked Jordanna for answering her question, and then nodded. "Yes, let's eat," she said simply, her stomach backing her up with a quiet growl. She looked up and down at the spread, picking the things she liked and piling them onto her plate. As she bit into a dinner roll, she sat back and let her part in their broken conversation dwindle. She felt already as if she was talking too much and giving a bad impression. She tended to loose her bearings when she was nervous (anyone would, she tried to remind herself), and she was probably portraying an image that fell far below acceptable standards (read: her mother's standards).

Riley had trouble seeing past the pomp and circumstance that surrounded pureblood mannerisms and lifestyle, and she had yet to master the grace and decency of her esteemed heritage. She glanced at Matt, one to whom being a pureblood seemed to come so easily, and to Jordanna, who also carried a certain air of quiet hauteur. She couldn't be sure if Jordanna was a pureblood, and thought it rude to ask. She felt stupid; she should be able to tell! Maybe... just maybe she should have paid more attention to her mother than her grandmother over the course of her early years; then maybe she'd have more of that pureblood style. And yet, in retrospect, she was glad of the relationship she and her grandmother had shared, while the thought of her mother was still shed with a light of fearful resentment.\n\n

0 Riley Garraway Food 0 Riley Garraway 0 5

Geoffrey S.

November 29, 2006 10:03 AM

Well... it was directed your way... so.... yeah. by Geoffrey S.

He had just taken a bite of a generous slice of pecan pie when the Captain took it upon herself to address him. Freezing for a moment, Geoffrey tried to work out what to do. Settling for mime, he lifted a hand, the index finger up and others loosely folded down to try and indicate that he would be a moment while he chewed as hard and fast as he could, swallowing the mouthful a little before strictly wise so he could answer without leaving her waiting for too long.

"My holidays were fine," he said, trying not to sound defensive. They hadn't been, not really, but saying so wouldn't make them any better. And that's just assuming that it didn't lead to worse things happening. "And.. er... yes, actually. Only, well, I suppose it sounds a little stupid, but I was thinking that it might be better for the team if I didn't sign up this year. You know, so someone better could take my place."

He paused for a moment, reflecting on the self sacrifice he was making, before shaking his head slightly.

"Who was it that you were sta- I mean, who were you looking at before?" \n\n

39 Geoffrey S. Well... it was directed your way... so.... yeah. 0 Geoffrey S. 0 5

Nicolas Wolfe, Medic

November 29, 2006 3:21 PM

Now darling, control your temper by Nicolas Wolfe, Medic

Nicolas nodded in acknowledgement of Simon’s greeting but was unsure of what to make of the man’s laughter until, “"So you guys are dating. When's the wedding planned for?" Nic felt the sides of his lips turn down automatically. Fox was far most likely to lash out irrationally to a statement like that. He just hoped she wasn’t hiding a bludger under her dress robes.

Fox did not disappoint. "We are not dating. Like I would ever date someone as boring and rude as him." Finding her anger chiefly directed at Simon Nicolas allowed himself a moment of triumph, but she would turn her foul mouth on him soon enough.

"Thank you, Wolfey. You know, I really didn't know that food was for eating. Your comment has definitely served to enlighten me. Were you too busy coming up with a comment like that to be on time?"

“No dearest, I was sending off the invitations to your mother and your old teammates since it seems you left them off the guest list by accident.” He sat his hand on hers and looked at Simon with a lazy smile. “I wanted to throw caution to the wind and elope this summer. You know what a traditionalist my Amy is. She absolutely insists that we wait until next June so she can have all her friends and family around her as she marries the man of her dreams.” \n\n

0 Nicolas Wolfe, Medic Now darling, control your temper 0 Nicolas Wolfe, Medic 0 5

Jennifer

November 29, 2006 4:14 PM

You're not being very nice by Jennifer

Jennifer waited as Geoffrey finished his bite. She felt rather bad, now, since she'd been completely oblivious and hadn't noticed that he was in the middle of eating when she asked him her questions, but that couldn't be helped now, she supposed.

She nodded as he explained his summer had been fine, and then left it at that. It struck her then how little she knew about Geoffrey's home life. She knew he came from a Pureblood family, and that his mother was a bit of a shrew (or, rather, she assumed that, since she recalled him telling her that his mother had told him that he was too fat to play quidditch), but that was about all. Still, she knew as well as any that some people just didn't like to talk about their family, so she didn't really have any right to pry.

Her smile faded, though, when he mentioned he was thinking about not continuing to play on the quidditch team. First off, one of these days she was going to have to deal with his self-consciousness and his lack of self-confidence. Maybe it was a bit hypocritical for her to bemoan someone else's lack of confidence, since she was the one who had been contemplating resigning as captain, but, as long as she kept her position, it really was her right to meddle.

"Yes, I would agree that it sounds a little stupid," Jennifer responded, trying not to sound too harsh, and succeeding, for the most part. Even beyond her fondness for the younger student, the future of her team had to be considered. It took her too long to build one up in the first place. She was not going to let one of her players get away now.

"You really are a great player. If you're upset about last year, don't be. Trust me. If anyone should be displeased with themselves, it should be me." She shrugged, then continued onward. “But, no, I really think you should stay on. The team wouldn’t be anywhere near as good without you. Do you really want to disappoint your poor captain like that?” She raised one eyebrow, a trick she had finally perfected over the summer, and gave him a pseudo-intimidating look.

She was rather surprised by his last question, though, and rather embarrassed. She’d been hoping nobody had noticed that slight lapse in judgment, but it wasn’t like she wasn’t doing anything wrong, just…checking. “Oh, no one in particular,” she said as airily as she could, hoping that Geoffrey didn’t notice any blush that might have happened to appear. “Making sure everyone’s come back. Trying to figure out who a lot of people are again, with how much they’ve changed over the summer.”

She laughed, but it sounded slightly forced. Merlin, she hadn’t thought about how awkward things would be if other people caught on to her. Curse Lizzie for continuing to bring it up in the first place. This was entirely her fault.
\n\n

0 Jennifer You're not being very nice 0 Jennifer 0 5

Amy Fox

November 29, 2006 4:30 PM

Are you sure, sweetums? by Amy Fox

Of all the responses Amy had been expecting, all of the quips and retorts and rude remarks, Wolfe's reply had definitely not been one of them. An outraged gasp escaped her throat as he began speaking, heat quickly rising up the back of her neck and into her ears and cheeks- heat that only intensified when he placed his hand over hers, and she tried desperately to rein in her temper. Fork in her free hand, Amy's eyes darted to it repeatedly as she wondered if she could get away with poking him in the hand without anyone noticing. Most definitely not.

Hand clenching tightly, Amy's fork clanged on her plate as she continued to listen to him detail false plans for a fake wedding that would most assuredly never take place if she remained in her right mind. The main problem she foresaw was that everyone in the blasted school was going to begin talking about this false relationship as they were in front of the entire school population.

Hairs rose on her arm as her eyes cut from Wolfe to Simon and back again. She was going to kill him- take him and use him as a batting target for the next time she needed practice. Millions of scenarios quickly flew threw her head, some rather absurd, but all revolving around a painful death. It had to be painful or it wouldn't be worth it as she knew that she would be going to jail for a very long time afterward.

Well, if she got caught that is.

Forcing a cool smile on her face, she forced herself to keep her hand still as she turned to face Wolfe. "Dear, I can't believe that you're going to talk about 'our plans' in front of the entire hall," she finally stated, putting emphasis on her last words. "As the goddess of your universe, I insist-" At this she gave a well-aimed kick toward his nearest shin without flinching. "-that you allow me the honors of letting people know next time. I really do enjoy discussing your qualities so."

Sitting back in her chair, Amy easily pulled her hand back as she smiled at the thought that she was finally glad that she was able to put her steel-toed boots to use- well for something other than Quidditch, that is.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

0 Amy Fox Are you sure, sweetums? 0 Amy Fox 0 5

Jaeven Dimitri

November 29, 2006 4:51 PM

Spastic firstie coming through.... by Jaeven Dimitri

OOC: As an author, I apologise in advance for Jae's spastic-ness. And complete disregard for most common courtesy. Its him, I swear!

BIC:

Jaeven Dimitri skidded, late, into the hall, gulped some sort of liquid, and turned brown. COOL! This was even more awesome then that Star Wars scene, with Anakin winning that totally MAD COOL race. He looked around at the rest of the students. All of the ones fading brown seemed to be clumped in groups, so he decided to join one.

Half skipping, blond dreadlocks swinging, Jaeven approached two kids who looked around his age, and an older kid. He was grinning ear-to-ear, and his diamond earing sparkled in the Hall's light. Coming up behind the older kid, he hugged him and then skipped to the side.

"Hi! I'm Jaeven Dimitri, but you can call me Jae. I just turned this totally mad weirdo colour! Its AWESOME! Who're you guys? What does that colour mean?" he ran out of breath and drew another one, then sat down in an empty seat and helped himself to some stuff that looked relatively like vegetables, then grinned up at the other people.

This weird new school was going to be FUN!\n\n

0 Jaeven Dimitri Spastic firstie coming through.... 104 Jaeven Dimitri 0 5

Simon

November 29, 2006 6:23 PM

Getting out of the way by Simon

Wow. Just, wow. Simon's eyes were wide with wonder, awe, and possibly even admiration. Boring? Oh no, Simon would never accuse the man of that now. Wolfe lived life on the edge. Well, he did for however little he had left of it. While Simon had dared ask the question in the first place because there were over a hundred students right there as witnesses, Wolfe went far and away past what Simon would consider sane.

Perhaps he hadn't been wrong about the deathwish. Wolfe was commiting suicide by Fox, maybe?

She seemed to be twitching. Her fork clanged ominously against her plate. Her eyes darted back and forth between Simon and Wolfe and it did not take a genius to understand that she was plotting bloody murder. The only question was whether she was planning Simon's or Wolfe's. Or rather, which she was planning first.

She lashed out at Wolfe, so he might be her intended initial target, but it was entirely possible she was blaming the whole mess on Simon for bringing it up not once but twice now, and if she addressed him, she'd just snap and kill him in front of everybody and not have a chance to kill Wolfe before they came and took her away. And that would upset her, and so that was why she wasn't addressing Simon.

At least he'd made it onto television before he died. Granted, he'd hoped for more than a soap opera part, but you took what you could get. It hadn't been a bad life, a little too short for his taste, but at least he wouldn't be remembered as an old and wrinkled guy. He should probably get married to make Auntie Gina happy before he died. She had liked Kiva. Maybe Kiva would marry him as a last request to a dying man.

If he survived the night, he'd seek her out tomorrow and test the waters. In the meantime, he'd try to extend his lifeline and lessen temptation for Amy. He grabbed a piece of pumpkin pie, put it on a napkin and stood up. "I should give the grounds a quick check before the Pecaris leave," he excused himself. "Night, Kiva. Night, all." He hurried away without waiting for replies.\n\n

1 Simon Getting out of the way 14 Simon 0 5

Talen and Danae

November 29, 2006 6:42 PM

Add another one to the fire by Talen and Danae

OCC: Sorry, things have been kinda hectic the last couple days.

BIC:

Talen turned towards an older boy that had interrupted their conversation. Looking back and forth between the two, it was obvious that they knew each other, but seemed a bit surprised to see one another. How odd.

Before he could mention anything, though, another joined their group created a very troublesome foursome. He didn't show it, but Talen felt slightly paniced. He looked from Brett to the older boy to his cousin, Danae.

"Hello, little cousin," Danae piped in with a charming smile. "Who are your friends?"

Casually, she tossed back her dark hair in a slightly flirty manner. Of course, she knew of the one boy, Echo, but had never actually formally met him.

Talen tried not to look disgusted over her obvious use of him.

"Brett, this is my cousin, Danae. Danae, this is Brett, my roommate," he said nodding towards the younger boy. Gesturing at the other, he continued, "I apologize, as we have not been introduced yet. My name is Talen Dupree."\n\n

0 Talen and Danae Add another one to the fire 0 Talen and Danae 0 5

Saul Pierce

November 29, 2006 6:47 PM

The more the merrier by Saul Pierce

Saul was committing the two names, Nathalie and Derek, to memory (there was a lot of power in a name) when arms suddenly wrapped around him and squeezed. Shocked silent, Saul's mouth opened without anything emerging as some kid he'd never met before skipped right around him and took one of the saved firstie seats.

While his backbrain was still trying to decide what to do about getting a sudden and impromptu hug without any sort of warning, his frontbrain was committing a third name to memory. Jaeven. Jae. Nathalie, Derek, and Jae.

And while his front and back brains were busy with hugs and names, his face and tongue were following their training because the show had to go on. He was grinning at the kid, and his tongue was answering, "Heya, Jae. Brown is for Pecari, which is the House you just got sorted into. We're all Pecaris, too. I'm Saul, that's Nathalie and Derek."

His backbrain had finished up its task, deciding that the appropriate course of action had already been taken, and his frontbrain reported in that he had the names down pat.

Continuing on, Saul added, "I'm in the third year." Widening his grin to include Nathalie and Derek again, he finished up with, "Any questions about the school, the teachers, the classes, magic in general, Quidditch, the wizarding world in general, or really, just about anything, I'm your guy. If I don't know, I'll direct you to someone who does."\n\n

1 Saul Pierce The more the merrier 82 Saul Pierce 0 5

Kiva

November 29, 2006 8:33 PM

Looks more like a soon to be CSI by Kiva

Kiva watched him adjust his hat and hoped her facial features didn't give away her uncertainty by such an object to be placed on a person's head. She vaguely wondered what the students would think of a man who wore quite a hat such as that one.

Realizing that he was talking to her again, Kiva had to focus on his words and less on his hat. "Oh, yes, I teach my lessons outside." Kiva responded. She was quite happy to stick on a topic she knew about. The last time she had a conversation...well, the last two times she had conversations with coworkers they had been completely out of her realm. Although, Tarq seemed to be doing much better and she recalled him having a visitor over the holidays and Bulla hadn't fired her from her position yet, so that seemed well enough.

"I don't have a formal classroom and it's easier to teach the students and show off the animals in an open space rather than a confined area." Kiva said in a friendly manner. "You can use my area for some of your classes so long as I'm not teaching at the time." Kiva offered.\n\n

0 Kiva Looks more like a soon to be CSI 0 Kiva 0 5

Aaron

November 29, 2006 8:52 PM

ooh! dons police hat Can I play? by Aaron

Aaron smiled at Kiva as he noticed her staring at his hat. It seemed she was either impressed or intimidated, but since she was still talking to him, he was more inclined towards the latter than the former.

"Thanks," he said, again, as she offered her space. "I'm not quite sure what I'm going to do about lessons yet, but I'll keep it in mind." Aaron ate a bit of chicken, almost absent-mindedly as he looked at his new colleague. "Don't mind the hat too much. It's the most impressive and sane headwear I could dig out of my trunk before coming up here."

Aaron looked down the table at what seemed to be several new staff members having a fairly heated discussion. Next to him, the Astronomy and Divinations teachers were having a discussion about students. Nobody was looking at him oddly (too oddly, at least), he was eating something that he had not made, there were probably some variety of house elves hopping about, and he was talking to a fairly attractive colleague.

Life was working out.

\n\n

0 Aaron ooh! *dons police hat* Can I play? 0 Aaron 0 5

Jae

November 29, 2006 9:02 PM

Merry is FUN! by Jae

Jaeven inhaled all the food on his plate and went back for more. He was growing, slowly but surely. A few inches in the past year may not appear to be much for most people, but for him it meant admittance to a relatively normal height zone for his age. Jae was happy. He was in a new school, which meant his evil principal wouldn't be trying to get him in trouble for excess physical contact, either. And there were PEOPLE at the new school!

Pushing up the short sleeves of his t-shirt, Jae paused long enough in his eating to look up at the older boy and ask, "What's this wizarding stuff you're talking about?" before returning to the meal.

Then he looked around again and fiddled with his earring, noticing the lack of brown about him. PECARI-NESS! Whatever that was, it sounded insanely cool. He grinned widely and dove back into his plate, waiting for a response with green eyes glued on Saul.\n\n

0 Jae Merry is FUN! 0 Jae 0 5

Saul Pierce

November 29, 2006 9:27 PM

I liked Pippin better by Saul Pierce

Saul grinned as Jae demolished his first plate and didn't even slow down when he refilled it again. That was what food was all about. Not the picking and frowning and asking 'does this have dairy products in it?' that his family had devolved to. Like it mattered if there was dairy or meat in it. It was food. It was good. It had taste.

Saul took a leaf out of Jae's book and consumed the contents of his own plate with gusto. Soooo much better than tofu.

As he was winding down to the scooping up the gravy with his bread, Jae asked another question. One that identified him positively as a muggleborn. Saul grinned. "Wizarding stuff is cool. There's a whole world that people without magic don't even know about. Like, this," he waved around the Hall. "We're in the middle of a desert, but the walls are made of waterfalls. Magic is like that."\n\n

1 Saul Pierce I liked Pippin better 82 Saul Pierce 0 5

Jae

November 29, 2006 9:39 PM

I dunno...Hobbits are just generally creepy by Jae

"Magic?" Jaeven nodded thoughtfully. Sounded fun. He had read some books about magic last year in school. It looked to be some pretty cool stuff. And water in the middle of a desert was definitely cool. They didn't have much but swimming pools and resovoirs up in Boulder. There was an awesome mall there, though, with street magicians. His aunt said it was just sleight-of-hand, but it was still COOL!

"How? When can I start? And why did I change colour? What does Pecari mean?" Jae rattled off as he filled his plate again, having consumed the second plateful almost as quickly as the first, but slowing down a bit now. There was also some weird juice in front of him that tasted like Halloweeen. "Do we have to wear those green dresses?" Jae rather liked his cargoes and t-shirts, and would be fairly disappointed to give them up.

"And what classes do we take, and when?" he continued without drawing breath. "And what is this stick for?" Jae asked, removing his wand from his pocket and using it to poke at things with his non-eating hand.\n\n

0 Jae I dunno...Hobbits are just generally creepy 0 Jae 0 5

Adam B.

November 30, 2006 12:31 AM

Re: Yay, Kaylie! by Adam B.

Fear and panic seized Adam when an unfamiliar girl sat down across from him. Being across from people tended to make him very anxious. After all, they'd most likely be looking right at him . Scrutinizing his every move and judging him, most likely negatively. After all, there was nothing positive about him.

Adam looked down at the ground, wishing and hoping that Kaylie would come back soon . He didn't want to be alone here with some strange girl looking at him. Just the thought of anyone watching him made the bile rise up in Adam's stomach.

Suddenly, he heard a small yet gentle and soothing voice saying she was sure everything was going to be okay. Adam looked up at the girl, though did not meet her eyes. "Um, I-I was just.." How could he ever tell her that he didn't like being alone in the Hall and that he hated being away from his sister? She'd only laugh at him. Then again, she was trying to comfort him. She must have been one of the new Teppenpaws. That made Adam slightly calmer. After all, they were nice and less likely to tease him than the other houses. "I'm sure you'll be just fine here" Adam blurted out quickly. He was absolutely awful at speaking to people even if they were slightly less threatening than usual. He never knew what to say. Adam glanced down at the table blushing and feeling like a moron. He wondered if Kaylie was ever going to come back.\n\n

11 Adam B. Re: Yay, Kaylie! 78 Adam B. 0 5

Lily

November 30, 2006 1:03 AM

My author already had a Jenna. by Lily

"Yea," Lily replied to Gwen. "Maybe a stray bludger will hit him during practice." She snickered. "After all, we do need to practice knocking people out. I mean, that's a good strategy. It totally worked for Teppenpaw." Lily paused to take a drink of milk. "Maybe we'll get really lucky and get a new Keeper this term. Or a reserve who can step in if Earl meets with an 'unfortunate accident." She was using the term unfortunate rather loosely.

She shrugged as Jenna insisted she didn't want to go and turned back to Gwen. "Maybe we could lock him up somewhere until the spots are filled." Lily joked. Well, half-joked. It truly didn't seem like a bad idea. "We could slip him a sleeping potion, levitate the body, stash it in a closet somewhere. Give him food and water and a bucket and let him out when sign-ups are done."

Lily gazed back up when Jenna changed her mind. "Okay." She pushed back her plate. Her roommate really did look like she needed medical attention. She seemed way too sick to be sitting in the Hall.\n\n

11 Lily My author already had a Jenna. 45 Lily 0 5

Asher Tallow

November 30, 2006 3:16 AM

Sonora kind of grows on you after a while, you know? by Asher Tallow

Her mother had wanted to employ bone lengthening charms, but much to Asher's eternal gratitude, her father had intervened and veto-ed down that particular idea. Then had come not so subtle suggestions of the more cosmetic nature: high heels, posture lessons, yoga classes, and Asher's personal least favorite: cheek defining make-up. What Asher couldn't understand was why it was so important that she be tall enough for that dress. It was just a dress after all- not even a dress robe like most girls her age had worn at the Gala. Sure, it was made of some sort of special silk harvested from some rare spider's webbing and therefore couldn't be adjusted in any way, magical or otherwise. And sure, as far as dresses go, it was pretty neat looking: darkly toned, and rainbow-ed like an oil slick. But it was still just a dress, and Asher honestly couldn't understand why her mother was so set on her wearing it.

That was until she was forced to dance with one Marvin Touvilles, a seventeen year old disguised as a giant with an under-bite exaggerated enough to resemble a bulldog. The overgrown canine look-alike was the only son of Simon and Colette Touvilles, Montreal's most vocal advocates of the separation of Purebloods and All Other Lesser Bloods in all government sponsored institutions, including schools, banks, the legislature, and the owl post. It was then that she understood what the fuss was all about, and that was when she smashed the ogre-spawn's left foot with her charmed heel, exited the ball sans the dress (she had other clothes stashed away in a guest bedroom on the fourth floor), and ran away.

Being on the run hadn't been all that awful. It had been quite nice, actually. Asher had brought along her wand, and Canada was remarkably lax in tracking down underage magic violators. She spent the last two weeks of her summer vacation camping outside of Calgary in a small, privately owned conservatory that housed a lake full of easily caught fish and very, very few visitors. The whole experience had been, in her opinion, rather exceptional.

The only problem to it all was that summer vacation was over, and some part of her- some responsibility driven part of her psyche- had convinced her to come back to school. She'd owled her father all the pertinent information, like her location in the conservatory, and had thought to include a suitable apology for any worry caused. The response had been immediate: her Apparation-hating father had appeared seven hours later beside her camp fire and proceeded to alternately scold and hug her.

Her mother sent a Howler that arrived later that night. Asher had the good sense to bury it along with the remains of her two-week old campfire.

As it was, Asher felt more comfortable with her return to Sonora than she had in previous years. She looked healthy for once as well; the two week sojourn had added a much needed color to her skin, and the smile that stretched her thin lips came without much thought. She looked, for lack of other words, happy for once. And not being the sort of mind to spend too much time questioning the feeling, she decided to not think about it.

She allowed herself to be loped on into Cascade Hall along with all the other students from the covered wagons. Mikes continued to snub her; he hadn’t said a word to her since she had returned from her adventure in the woods; he walked past her into the Hall without a second glance, and she watched as he sat himself in a very distant corner. She chose not to follow and instead seated herself in the middle area, paying little mind to those who sat around her.

A small smile clung to her lips as the first years took their allotted gulps from the same potion that had dyed her red four years earlier. Asher watched in an easy contentedness as the first years then dispersed and began the ritual of introduction and welcome. Had it really only been a few years earlier that she herself had flung her way into a conversation, making her first friends, meeting her housemates, meeting Earl Valentine-

Her brown eyes widened momentarily once she realized where her gaze had sat for the past ten minutes, looking but not seeing. He was sitting beside his sister, appearing thoughtful as he spoke and his sibling replied. She continued to watch the two, her mind blank but for observation, until she saw that their attention had somehow moved onto her.

Rather than yelling over the two tables that separated them, Asher picked up her school robe from its wadded clump at her side, and meandered between the occupied seats and tables to where the Valentines were. Landing carelessly into a seat next to them, she grinned easily, unconsciously flipping back her now almost shoulder length hair.

“Hey there- I had the absolute best summer.”
\n\n

0 Asher Tallow Sonora kind of grows on you after a while, you know? 1466 Asher Tallow 0 5

Darci and Kavin

November 30, 2006 5:24 PM

Keep it uppp! by Darci and Kavin

Darci frowned when Bella rolled her eyes at her. What, it was true. She could make someone's life a living hell if she wanted. Go ask that Jessica girl, or whatever her name was. She could tell not even her half brother believed that she could make an older student's life hell, she glared at the both of them. She wanted to tell them they'd be first in line, but this was her brother and a nicer person (even if she did roll her eyes), so Darci tried to keep her mouth shut.

"Starting a band?" Kavin spoke up. "Here? Need a guitarist. Or a second guitarist?" He remembered her saying she played the guitar. Darci raised an eyebrow at her brother, but then of course he would start takling when it came to music. Bands, guitars and such. But still, talking about it to a person he just met was a little more out there. But right when Darci believed her brother was opening up, he stopped talking again, and Darci had to fill the silence again.

"Still, her name has to have something to do with 'Gray' or else why would that be her nickname!?" Darci said with a grin. Wither way, Gray was a cool name. Not as cool as hers though. "Thanks, you can point Gray out to Kavin here when you get into Aladren!" She gave Kavin an elbow in the ribs again, saying he better stop being so quiet or he'll scare people away. Kavin mearly answered with a grunt of slight pain.\n\n

0 Darci and Kavin Keep it uppp! 0 Darci and Kavin 0 5

Saul Pierce

November 30, 2006 5:32 PM

I still think Pippin's cool; good name, too by Saul Pierce

Wow, the kid had a lot of questions. Sure, Saul had just offered to answer everything and anything they could throw at him, but he'd sort of thought they'd come one question at a time. He couldn't help if there were more where this flurry came from or if Jae was going to exhaust his supply of questions before Professor Connell had a chance to solicit any. Saul wouldn't want to deprive her of her own fair share.

He was about to cut off the seemingly endless font of them when the last one came and made Saul lunge forward and snatch the wand out of Jae's hand. "Hey! Hey! Don't go poking that around like that!" Giving it back, in spite of his doubts that Jae should be allowed to have one before going through his first day of classes, he said, in a forcibly calm voice, "Gotta be careful with wands." His heart was beating frantically and sweat had broken out on his forehead in response to the near disaster.

Geez. Half of Saul's family couldn't even do magic, but even the nonmagicals (it was too difficult to determine whether they were muggles or squibs given the complicated mess of geneology that was the California Pierces, so the family used more general terms) had known since infancy that you do not go pointing wands around haphazardly.

In his panic, Saul had forgotten most of the questions Jae had asked, but he wiped his forehead with the heel of his hand and tried anyway, "You turned brown because you drank a potion. Potions are one form of magic. Charms and Transfigurations, which use your wand," he emphasized the terminology there, pointing to Jae's, because it was just wrong to call it a stick, "are two other forms. Those are three of the classes you'll be taking this year."

He took a breath, and kept going on the classes theme. That had been one of the questions, right? "The others are Defense Against the Dark Arts - everyone calls it dayda," well, Saul did, that was close enough, right? "or DADA, and Care of Magical Creatures. That one's called Comec," by him, anyway, "or CoMC. Comec is all about different animals that have magical abilities, and Dayda is sort of a combination of wandwork and creatures so you can defend yourself against dangerous magicks."

He was pretty sure he hit most of the questions. "Um, was that it? I didn't lose you guys, did I?" he asked, looking to Nathalie and Derek, too, so hopefully they wouldn't feel completely overwhelmed.\n\n

1 Saul Pierce I still think Pippin's cool; good name, too 82 Saul Pierce 0 5

Kiva

November 30, 2006 6:36 PM

Sure Plays dead by Kiva

Kiva gave the man a small smile at his reply. She hadn't even been thinking about her lessons due to things happening back at home. Of course, she would do her usual lessons, she just needed a way to spice things up a bit. And she definitely didn't want another problem like she had had last year. She wasn't prone to outbursts and certainly didn't like to have one.

"That's sane?" Kiva blurted out when McKindy brought his hat back into the equation. Realizing that she had actually said her disbelief outloud, Kiva's face steadily became a lovely shade of red. "I meant, I just can't imagine what sort of other hats you must have..." Kiva trailed off and looked down at her half eaten salad.

The sound of her name caused Kiva to jump slightly in her chair. Looking around, she found Simon bidding her a goodnight. For a moment, Kiva couldn't figure out why Simon was addressing her directly. Kiva lifted her hand, "Night Simon." Kiva said, feeling awkward as she had done so. Not because she didn't like Simon, but because they hadn't actually spoken to one another for a long while.\n\n

0 Kiva Sure *Plays dead* 0 Kiva 0 5

Earl and Eavan

November 30, 2006 6:58 PM

Oh, I know... by Earl and Eavan

Earl turned seven shades of red when Asher started walking over. Did she hear the conversation he was having with Eavan? She couldn't have Earl decided. Too far away Then another thought occurred. Could she read lips? Earl sucked in his breath as Asher approached, willing her lip-reading ability to be a figment of his imagination. While Earl looked ready to crawl under the table until Asher left, Eavan looked like she was torn between how her brother felt and curiosity to see what would happen in this new development.

Earl stared at Asher's hair as she flipped it back, watching it swish around and catch the light. When it had settled, Earl forced himself to look at Asher's face. Somehow she looked better than ever; her excitement over her summer might have had something to do with it. Earl sighed. If she had heard their conversation, she was showing no sign of it. He decided to pretend that it never happened.

"You-You did? What happened?" His voice sounded a bit high, but other than that, Earl thought he sounded perfectly fine. He gave her a lazy smile and willed his eyes to remain on her face rather than wander to her hair again, or...other parts.

Eavan smiled into her mashed potatoes and watched the scene unfold.\n\n

0 Earl and Eavan Oh, I know... 0 Earl and Eavan 0 5

Jenna Howard

November 30, 2006 7:12 PM

My author was nearly named Jenna by Jenna Howard

Jenna swallowed, and tried to stand up as straight as she possibly could. She didn't want to explain, she didn't want to talk at all. She was tired and all she wanted was for the pain to stop so that she could take a nap. Her mind however, must have not felt like being very cooperative today. It refused to focus on anything other than the pain in her stomach and how she felt like she was going to die, and how annoying it would be to die before she even graduated school, or traveled, or did anything interesting. Of course it was an exaggeration, she was indeed, not in any danger of dying, but when one is sick one doesn't tend to think very rationally.

"Stomach," she muttered in answer to Chrissy’s question of what was the problem, squeezing her eyelids together for a minute, as if that would bring back everything into focus, then nodded at Lily, "Yeah, let’s go.”

Then, amidst the fogginess of the craziness that was currently going on inside her mind, one strain of logical reasoning came forward. If everyone was here, that meant everyone , right?

“Wait- is the medic, is he in the Hall?”
\n\n

0 Jenna Howard My author was nearly named Jenna 46 Jenna Howard 0 5

Jake

November 30, 2006 7:30 PM

Might have scared the firstie away though by Jake

Jake was surprised slightly to see Dalila get up from her seat and move closer to him. He hadn't actually meant for her to move from her spot if she didn't have to. Although, this made for any sorts of conversation with her much easier to be conducted.

"Mine was the same. Hung out in Mexico, hung out in Spain, played Quidditch, had to listen to Bella's dreary music, and had to be suffocated by the family." Jake said in a joking way...even though that was exactly how his summer had gone. "Yeah, it will be." Jake said, in agreement with Dalila's statement.

"Well, Gwyneth, we are quite the team. See, this entire school thought we were total pushovers last year. Can't blame them, we are the house of nice people, but we totally and completely proved them wrong last year. Not only did we win our first game against Crotalus-still feel a bit guilty for that cos Jennifer's my friend-but we also beat out Pecari." Jake said in a proud manner. "They were undefeatable until the championship game last year when we beat them out. Have to give most of the credit to Kaylie and Lexi though. Kaylie caught the snitch and Lexi took out half their team." Jake said with a grin.

"Not that my Chasers aren't something to brag about." Jake said, nudging Dalila. "They've got it all down pat and essential to the team."\n\n

6 Jake Might have scared the firstie away though 42 Jake 0 5

Echo & Brett

November 30, 2006 8:23 PM

Burning brightly by Echo & Brett

Somehow, Echo had managed to go through a whole year at Sonora without ever directly talking to Danae Dupree. He nodded a, "Hey" at Danae, and so did Brett. And Brett made a point to say, "This is Echo," to Talen, while Echo explained, "We're friends from home," to the other Dupree.

Introductions made and having recovered his tongue, Brett rounded back on Echo, "Dude, you are a total freak."

"Yeah," Echo grinned, "like mad whoa. Think I'm bad, just wait."

"Muggleness."

"You," Echo changed the subject, "California-?"

"Dad's a Squib," Brett explained, spreading his hands and giving the eye popping what the crazy weirdo stuff? expression.

News to both of them, then. "Dude."

"Yeah, for real-real."

The entire exchange took maybe ten seconds. Afterward, Echo grinned at his friend. Having Brett here was way cool. He glanced over at his table, at Elly and Meredith, and grinned and nodded and waved, hoping they would see at least one of those things and interpret it as: It's him! It's really him! He couldn't wait to introduce Brett to his friends. That was a crazy turn around... him, Echo Elms, having friends and Brett not having friends. That was just like whoa.

Brett, meanwhile, took care of being polite to the Duprees, explaining to them in somewhat more complete English, "Yeah, it was crazy nutso. I got my letter and mom told me to call dad. It turned out Dad's a Squib, so I spent the last two weeks with him seeing Wizard stuff and meeting my Wizard relatives. The last part was sort of boring but it was way cool anyway. You're cousins so you totally expected your letters?"

Echo caught the last bit of that, the part that said, my wizard relatives and decided to question Brett about that later. \n\n

0 Echo & Brett Burning brightly 0 Echo & Brett 0 5

Irene Liddowe

November 30, 2006 9:09 PM

There's my cue! by Irene Liddowe

Irene looked up as she heard a voice calling for all Pecari first years. There was a Professor standing not too far from her.

She turned to Matt saying brightly, "That's my cue! Thanks for the chat. I'll see you in the common room, I guess."

She waved his a cheery good-bye before turning and following with her fellow first years. \n\n

0 Irene Liddowe There's my cue! 106 Irene Liddowe 0 5

Nicolas Wolfe, Medic

November 30, 2006 11:31 PM

Banshee by Nicolas Wolfe, Medic

Wolfe was so close to breaking every code of civil behavior and snapping the blasted Quidditch instructor's delicate, little neck. She kicked him! What was worse she had lead in her boots or something. Wolfe was trying very hard not to let the pain show on his face.

'This is war,' he thought grimly. 'I'm going to make that banshee's life so miserable she'll wish she never laid eyes on this school. Heaven help her if she ever injures herself badly enough to be taken to my Hospital.'

He did his best to nod as Simon left the table. He would need to leave the hall soon regardless of whether he had finished his meal. Between wanting to strangle Fox and the throbbing in his leg he could scream. Still, he would not give her the satisfaction.

"Good evening madame. Once again you prove to me to be very last witch on this planet that I would choose to spend an evening with. Goodnight." He bowed stiffly and walked as best he could from the faculty table toward the hospital wing. His familiar was going to have a field day with this story. Wolfe was not likely to live this down for weeks.\n\n

0 Nicolas Wolfe, Medic Banshee 0 Nicolas Wolfe, Medic 0 5

Riley Garraway

December 01, 2006 6:39 AM

OOC: Silence by Riley Garraway

OOC:

*silence*

Heelllooo...? Where did everybody go?

Should we end this thread and move on to the common room? Things are starting to happen over there..\n\n

0 Riley Garraway OOC: Silence 0 Riley Garraway 0 5

Gwyneth

December 01, 2006 7:22 AM

To next steps by Gwyneth

As she listened to Meri, Gywneth noticed that other groups of students were starting to leave the feast. One of the professors had called for . . . Aldaran? Another called for Pecaris to follow her. Oh, we must be getting ready to go to our Houses, she thought. Gwyneth poked Meri in the ribs and pointed at the groups leaving the hall. "What do you think? Is there some special order in which houses are called? Will we be going soon?"\n\n

0 Gwyneth To next steps 0 Gwyneth 0 5

Derek

December 01, 2006 10:00 AM

Wow, I've sure been out of it by Derek

OOC: Sorry for the delay

Derek looked at Nathalie. "Samonns, I'm Derek Samonns. It's okay, you'll get to remembering my name soon!" Derek gave her a grin and turned to Saul. "So we do get to share rooms? Sweet!" Derek liked knowing there were people near him. That's why he always liked having the same room with his little brother, Liam.

Before Derek could ask about anything else, some new kid came over and talked about turning colors. Obviously like Derek and Nathalie did, that chose that they were in Pecari. Like Derek's father. And also started eating food frantically and playing with his wand. Derek moved back a bit, afraid of what the wand would do. This kid was Muggle-born, like mom. Except mom wasn't a witch, and dad actually showed mom that wands weren't toys.

Derek was glad when Saul warned this Jae guy. Then Saul went to answering the boy's questions, which Derek found slightly confusing. "Dayda? Comec? Why do people call them that?" Derek asked. "And no, I'm not lost, nice to meet you Jae," Derek said, acknowleging the boy who was more crazy than he normally was.\n\n

0 Derek Wow, I've sure been out of it 0 Derek 0 5

Darla

December 01, 2006 10:10 AM

I wouldn't think so by Darla

When Gwyn mentioned Quidditch, Darla frowned. She never played Quidditch in her life, and neither did her mother. Both preferred the Muggle sports Darla's father introduced. Tennis, ballet, skiing. But Darla never took a liking to dangerous sports, such as Quidditch (and football). She preferred to cook while her little brother planned on joining football, Quidditch, and any other contact sport he could find.

It seemed Law and Gwyn enjoyed it though, as well as this Quadpot. So Darla was starting to feel a tad out of place. Dala shook her head after Law was through. "I don't like sports too much, I prefer cooking," Darla muttered, looking around. "Besides, I'd rather not get beaten down by a Blooder..." or whatever it was called. Since she normally ignored Gavin when he went on about it.

Then, classes came up. This was a little something Darla knew about. "Yeah, they're start first thing tomorrow morning! I personally am I bit scared." Darla wasn't that smart. She was actually quite slow when it came to classes and school. "But Potions sounds like fun." Sounded like cooking. Like Chemistry.\n\n

0 Darla I wouldn't think so 0 Darla 0 5

Nathalie

December 01, 2006 11:45 AM

You two've been busy!! by Nathalie

OOC: That's fine, nice to see you again. Can I also ask we refrain from using the term 'spaz' which is a actually a derogatory way to refer to disability? Thanks.

Jae was weird. And, apparently, a bit of an idiot. Nathalie hadn't even known about magic before she went to Italy, but even she wouldn't ever have poked stuff with a wand. Still, at least she'd had a chance to learn all the class names in English, not Italian, and so hadn't had to ask.

Jae was still shovelling his food down, though Derek hadn't even touched any yet. Looking around, Nath decided she could probably get away with eating and not looking greedy and began delicately selecting food and cutting it up. Still looking around the table, Nathalie tried to spot any other first-year girls.

"Can you lot see anyone else?" She asked, accidentally interrupting Derek.\n\n

0 Nathalie You two've been busy!! 0 Nathalie 0 5

Asher Tallow

December 01, 2006 3:42 PM

Might even manage to grow fond of it this year. by Asher Tallow

Asher's gaze turned curious; Earl's reaction to her arrival was visibly odd. Maybe she had interrupted some awkward sibling ribbing; Merlin knew how often she had a propensity for barging in on things. But Earl appeared to pull himself together enough to reply, and so her grin stretched as she began a description of her adventure.

"Well, it started off dully enough. Helped my dad out in his greenhouse, made sure my brothers didn't get arrested, stuff like that. But then came my mother's half of the summer. She made me go to some stuffy ball thing; I hated it, and so I ran away." She let a pause finagle its way in adequately enough to punctuate the gravity of her statement. "I camped out in this private park outside of Calgary for two weeks sans family and everything. It was great."

"Totally great. . ." she repeated, and then her voice took on a wondering quality. "I'm still sort of surprised that I'm not in more trouble over it. My dad didn't even ground me or anything. My mom did send a howler but nothing after that. . ."

Asher shrugged. There wasn't too much her mother could do anyway- Marguerite Tall- make that Sarto now- Marguerite Sarto had only partial custody. The majority of decision making, discipline giving, and other such parental duties lawfully laid with her father. A fact Asher did not mind in the least. If she could work it her way, this Christmas she wouldn't spend a single second in the presence of her mother. After all, she was turning fifteen this year; that should be more than old enough to get to decide who she spent her time with.

She helped herself to one of the caraffes containing pumpkin juice. The tangy thick pulp of the drink felt cool going down her throat, and after another sip or two, she returned the favor of attention to her housemate.

"Any escapdes of your own this summer, Earl Valentine?"\n\n

0 Asher Tallow Might even manage to grow fond of it this year. 1466 Asher Tallow 0 5

Kaleb Heindrich

December 01, 2006 3:56 PM

Hello there.... by Kaleb Heindrich

"Hi!" Kaleb said cheerfully to the rest of the table. "My name is Kaleb Heindrich. You might know my BIG brother, Guenther. What are your names?"

He gave everyone a wide grin. He was in a good mood today and he wanted everyone to know it. Though, a good mood for him was usually a bad mood for everyone else. Pranks were what he lived for.\n\n

0 Kaleb Heindrich Hello there.... 0 Kaleb Heindrich 0 5

Hannah

December 01, 2006 4:00 PM

I've never been good at subjects by Hannah

Hannah gave the boy a lopsided half grin in response. She hoped he was right. She studied him a little further. He seemed awfully nervous. She wondered why, but didn't want to push him. Instead, she decided to be more open about herself and maybe he would follow suit.

"I'm Hannah, by the way," she said.

She looked back at the girl who was at the front of the room. She looked to be older than the boy. Maybe, they were related?

"Was that your sister that just left?" Hannah asked him.\n\n

0 Hannah I've never been good at subjects 0 Hannah 0 5

Earl

December 01, 2006 6:16 PM

Things have a way of becoming fond by Earl

Earl propped his head up with his hand and tried to listen about Asher's summer, but his thoughts kept slipping to other things. And then Asher said something that made him cock his eyebrow up and suddenly pay rapt attention.

"You ran away?" he said, his voice hiking up again. No mater how many times Earl had wanted to run away from his family, he never did. the thought of turning out to be like his older brother was enough for Earl to generally stay on the right path. Generally.

And then Asher suddenly switched over to him as though running away from home and spending two weeks alone in the...whatever she had called it was no big deal. Earl stared at her for another second, trying to decide if he should try to figure out was exactly was going on in her head, but realized that Asher was girl and he had about as much of a chance of understanding her as he had turning into a girl himself.

"Uh, not really. My summer kinda sucked. Spent it hanging out with a couple old friends. Nothing special. I guess that's why I'm glad to be back, there's actually stuff to do here...and I don't have to hide my magic. That part sucks." \n\n

0 Earl Things have a way of becoming fond 0 Earl 0 5

Chrissy

December 01, 2006 7:22 PM

I know too many J-E-N-...s by Chrissy

Chrissy had to frown as she listened to Lily speak. Having been her roommate long enough, Chrissy knew the sort of grudges Lily carried around. But, she never really knew the depth to which they ran. After sitting there for a few minutes, Chrissy figured out just how deep they truly ran.

And it completely surprised her.

"Whoa, Lily, all this hostile has to be bad for your skin." Chrissy said, half-jokingly. Her brown eyes were slightly larger than normal when she spoke as she watched Lily. "I know Earl has rocks for brains, but all this aggression towards him can't be good for the team." Chrissy said to her roommate before glancing at Gwen. "Have no fear, Gwen, I promise none of us bite." Chrissy said, in hopes to help ease any uncomfortableness between the fourth year and them.

"Feel better, Jenna." Chrissy said to the girl, though still looking concerned, even more so when Jenna spoke or moved. Chrissy looked around the hall for a moment, trying to see if she could locate the man that the Pecari house probably still hated for his actions the year previously. "Well, I think that's him there-" Chrissy pointed to a male leaving the hall, "But, I didn't really get a good look at the face."\n\n

0 Chrissy I know too many J-E-N-...s 0 Chrissy 0 5

Aaron

December 02, 2006 7:41 AM

draws fun shapes around Kiva by Aaron

Aaron was taken almost completely by surprise at Kiva's outburst. He burst out laughing at the expression on her face, then quickly tried to stop as she turned red. Apparently she didn't do things like that too often. The Deputy Head then bid farewell to someone sitting down the table that Aaron couldn't recall meeting. Apparently his name was Simon, though.

After Kiva had finished her goodbye to Simon, Aaron began a response to the sort of half-statement she had made earlier about the hats. "For the most part, they talk, or sing, or change colours, but I've made a few that change shape as well." That couldn't just go without an explanation, though; most wizards did not design their own hats, even those mildly obsessive about Charms. "I usually make or Charm most of my clothing. The charms get pretty complex, and I enjoy it. I'll show you sometime, if you want."

He gazed around the table again, fairly interested in what seemed to be a war zone down at the very end. Where that Simon fellow had sat, actually. Aaron refrained from asking about it though. Turning his attention back to Kiva, he sipped some of the beverage in front of him, hardly tasting it.\n\n

0 Aaron *draws fun shapes around Kiva* 0 Aaron 0 5

Gwyneth

December 02, 2006 9:15 AM

Not scared away by Gwyneth

Gwyneth looked up from the conversation she was having with Meri on her other side and smiled. She was surprised that the upperclassmen were kind enough to acknowledge her.

They seemed to have been engrossed in their own conversations and she really didn't expect to be included. When the conversation came back around to Quidditch (seems like most of the conversations at this school end up talking about Quidditch, she thought with some exasperation) she really didn't understand anything they were saying, but she nodded her head politely. She realized that the older students were really quite nice to include her. Knowing what her old school was like, she knew that it would never have happened there. There had been a distinct "class system", no pun intended, she thought and giggled silently. Freshmen, or firsties, were never included.

She thought she ought to have some response and racked her brain trying to find an appropriate one. She tried to equate Quidditch to football, which was the popular sport at her old school. "So, do you have most of the team from last year returning or did many of them graduate? Are you looking for new players? I'm just asking, I don't play"\n\n

0 Gwyneth Not scared away 0 Gwyneth 0 5

Adam B.

December 02, 2006 5:01 PM

Me neither by Adam B.

He was surprised when she continued to speak to him. Adam had been so sure she'd decide he wasn't worth her time and go find someone else to speak to. Then again, that was Teppenpaws for you. They were kind even to freaks like him.

"I'm Adam," he replied, continuing to look at the table. "Yea, that's my sister, Kaylie. She's the new Teppenpaw prefect." A note of pride crept into Adam's voice at that statement. He was glad to have a sister like Kaylie. She was going to make a great prefect. She was so caring and sweet.

Adam wished she'd come back. Not that Hannah was being mean to him or anything, actually she seemed really nice. It was just that Adam and Kaylie hadn't spent much time together over the summer due to him . Her boyfriend . Plus, now at school, they were in different houses and different classes and Kaylie would probably still hang out with her boyfriend a lot.

He turned back to Hannah, and tried to think of something else to say. "So, uh, do you have any siblings?" Oh, Merlin, Adam was so bad at this. He hated making conversation. If Kaylie came back, she could help things go easier.

Adam pushed his plate away. He couldn't eat, his stomach hurt from nerves. Being in a conversation made him that anxious.

\n\n

11 Adam B. Me neither 78 Adam B. 0 5

Dalila

December 02, 2006 5:40 PM

Good. cause to be scared away by Tepps... by Dalila

Dalila nodded enthusiastically as as Jake talked about the team, but with every word her smile faded a little. He hadn't mentioned the chasers, of which she was one. Then as the very end he added his compliments to the chasers and Dalila instantly perked up. And not just perked up, but blushed. What was that about?

Ignoring that lapse, she quickly answered Gwyneth's question.

"Oh, hopefully everyone will sign up again this year. Nobody's graduated yet. But if a lot of people want to sign up, there'll probably be try-outs or something. Right Cap'n Jake?" She glanced back at Jake for affirmation as she grabbed the salad tongs from the bowl and placed a heaping amount of salad on her already empty plate.\n\n

0 Dalila Good. cause to be scared away by Tepps... 0 Dalila 0 5

Gwen Carey

December 02, 2006 7:21 PM

It could be worse. You could be named Lilac. by Gwen Carey

Gwen nodded approvingly to Lily's suggestions for ridding themselves of Earl without thinking. They left each other alone, but the animosity was there, and Gwen was more than half-convinced that he held up his end of the live-and-let-live bargain because he thought she was crazy, and that couldn't last. Once she was definitely in or definitely out of the family, she would have to be as mundane and normal as humanely possible. Locking Earl up in a closet was even more unfeasible than the crazy plans the old crowd had come up with in first year, but it was fun to imagine. Chrissy seemed to disagree.

Reluctantly, Gwen admitted that Chrissy did have a point. If things came to a head between the Beaters and the Keeper, Jenny might decide to do something about it. She'd have a hard time replacing even one of them, much less all three, but if she felt like making an example...Gwen liked what she did. It was an approved, non-punishment-garnering way of channeling frustration and made her part of a group again. Maybe things could stay at a simmer for three more years. Three years wasn't very long. Not really.

Being addressed again caught her off-guard even more this time than it had the first. "Wha - oh. That's good to know." She found a grin to make the words light. "Earl's a sneaking rat, though. If we could just put Catherine Raines and Nicoletta Dupree in the closet with him..." The grin became a dreamy smile. Something told her that if everyone came out alive, Nikki and Cate would no longer be quite such good friends.

Jenna looked sick to dying, almost, which meant that, regardless of whatever she might have thought, done, or wanted to do under other circumstances, attacking Gwen Carey was most likely somewhere low on her list of priorities at the moment. Jordanna was also the Hen Gwen thought she had personally offended the least. It was reasonably safe to act normally, here. "I'm pretty sure that is him," she said, her eyes following Chrissy's to the man walking out. "Wolfe. He's probably heading back to the hospital wing." \n\n

0 Gwen Carey It could be worse. You could be named Lilac. 63 Gwen Carey 0 5

Law Cooper

December 02, 2006 8:16 PM

Me neither by Law Cooper

"Bludgers," he corrected off-handedly between bites. He was rather surprised that anyone could not like sports, though he had to admit that cooking was a decent hobby. He certainly liked food, anyway. He put down his fork and knife self-consciously, swallowing down a final mouthful of vegetables.

"I'm afraid I'll make something explode," he admitted about Potions. Sure he tried in school, there was really no reason not too and he liked getting good grades. But academics didn't come naturally to him. He had noticed a couple of years ago that he always had to work harder than most of his fellow students.

"You're gonna have to fly, though," he informed her, "My Aunt Tabby says all the first years have to take a flying class." He had to admit that he looked forward to that lesson more than any other class. At least he knew he wouldn’t have too much trouble with that particular subject. Maybe they'd even let them play a game like Quodpot or something. \n\n

0 Law Cooper Me neither 0 Law Cooper 0 5

Lily

December 02, 2006 8:31 PM

Or Geranium. by Lily

Lily made a face at her friend. "Hey, at least I agreed to giving him food and water. Besides, this is an improvement over last year, when I basically wanted him beheaded."

She began to snigger as Gwen spoke. Lily knew the fourth year was all right. "I don't really like them much either." She said in reply to the stuff about Catherine and Nicoletta. "Though not as much as Earl." In fact the only one of the fourth year Crotali she liked was Gwen. Although she didn't know much about Asher Tallow about other than the scene she made in Care of Magical Creatures and that she actually liked Earl. That showed to Lily that she wasn't the best judge of character.

"Hmm, yea, that would make sense." She agreed about the medic. Unfortunately, the man was leaving. Lily sighed. "I guess we can follow him. I'll walk up there with you still." She could talk to Chrissy and Gwen later. She wanted to get to know Jenna better too since they were roommates and the girl did not inspire homicidal feelings in Lily. Though right now, when Jenna was sick wasn't really going to be the time.\n\n

11 Lily Or Geranium. 45 Lily 0 5

Jake

December 02, 2006 10:53 PM

Yeah, seriously. by Jake

Jake couldn't quite get the amusement out of his face when Dalila blushed. Either she had never been complimented on being a Chaser (which was something Jake would surely have to rectify) or Dalila was just weird. Either way, Jake momentarily ignored her blush when the first year spoke about the team.

"Yeah, I'm hoping everyone from the team last year signs up. I'm pretty sure all of my chasers will and Kaylie. Lexi's got too good of an arm to pass up, so that just leaves Pepper." Jake said, frowning slightly. Pepper was a fun girl and the sweetest thing in the world, but she didn't have much confidence in her abilities as a Keeper not to mention her miss last year. He was sure Pepper took that hard even if the team didn't.

"I'm not sure she'll sign up again. I'm hoping to have a talk with her to let her know that she's great at Keeping...it's really up to her though." Jake said, looking slightly put-out at the fact that he might have to find himself another keeper. "So-er-..." Jake just realized that he never got the first year's name, "Sorry, I didn't catch your name, what are you looking forward to?"\n\n

6 Jake Yeah, seriously. 42 Jake 0 5

Jenna Howard

December 03, 2006 12:06 AM

Does anyone really name their kid that? by Jenna Howard

Jenna overheard the conversation (how could she not, really, she was after all, standing right next to them) and despite what her overly-distressed mind was telling her, cracked a smile, and said matter-of-factly, "They're Jordie's friends- it would offend their pureblooded-ness to be in any sort of awkward situation with a non-pureblood." Actually, Jenna was not aware of Earl's blood status. But considering Jordanna's indifference to him, she figured he was no pureblooded heir to anything.

She took a deep breath in, and then exhaled, trying to gain back some clarity. Jenna was not going to die, as her mind repeatedly insisted she would. At least, not today, anyway. Sure her stomach hurt and she felt like garbage, but she was going to be okay. Tomorrow, all of this was going to be a bad memory. The brunette just needed to keep repeating that inside her mind, banishing the bad thoughts just as one might try to ward off vampires with garlic.

"Right," she said tiredly, crossing her arms around her waist, "Let's go stalk the medic. See you later, I guess." Jenna made her way out of the Hall, assuming that Lily was going with her. If Lily wasn't coming, well, that was fine too. Either way, this was all going to be really weird.

OOC: I'll go start a thread in the Hospital Wing now.\n\n

0 Jenna Howard Does anyone really name their kid that? 46 Jenna Howard 0 5

Gwyneth

December 03, 2006 8:23 AM

Re: Yeah, seriously. by Gwyneth

"Oh, sorry, my name is, . . . that is, I'm Gwyneth," she said in a rush. She forgot that she had never really been introduced to him. She had heard Dalila whisper his name when she caught Gwyneth staring at him over the platter of potatoes she was passing. Then Dalila seemed to tease her about being interested in him. Watching the two teammates together, Gwyneth had the distinct impression that Dalilia herself was interested in Jake, on and off the field.

"I'm not sure what to expect here," she said in answer to his second question. She tried to remember some of the classes that she and Meri had been talking about earlier. "Care of Magical Creatures sounds pretty interesting."\n\n

0 Gwyneth Re: Yeah, seriously. 0 Gwyneth 0 5

Asher

December 03, 2006 11:36 AM

Supposedly, absence makes the heart grow fonder. by Asher

Asher nodded slowly and pulled at the hem of her t-shirt. As was with most of her t-shirts, the hem had long ago become unravelled. She had removed most of the loose threads, and now the cloth curled in on itself. It made a better target than her fingernails which had managed to grow beyond the tips of her fingers during her little adventure.

"I guess I'm spoiled," she said between sips of her pumpkin juice. "Whether I'm with my dad or my mom, I'm someplace where I don't need to worry about magic being seen. I never really considered what it must be like for people like you. . ."

The turn of her words sounded awkward, and she quickly realized why. She rushed to clarify. "I mean, people who have to be around muggles all the time. Purebloods generally live in compounds almost- they're all so insular. Sure though, Waxonberry is different since everyone there has magic in some part of their family."

She stopped adruptly and tilted her head in consideration. "For winter holidays, you could come and visit, Earl! See the snow and everything." A half sip later, "Your sister could come to," she added, gesturing to the younger girl. "You know my brother, right? Michael Tallow?"\n\n

0 Asher Supposedly, absence makes the heart grow fonder. 1466 Asher 0 5

Earl and Eavan

December 03, 2006 5:09 PM

I've always found that to be true by Earl and Eavan

Earl's eyebrow was cocked almost the entire time Asher was talking. People like me? he thought and was about to ask her what she meant by that when she offered up an answer all by herself. And Earl's eyebrow lowered back to normal as he laughed at the misunderstanding and shrugged.

"For winter holidays, you could come and visit, Earl! See the snow and everything."

Did she really say that? Earl looked at Asher for a moment, realized that she actually had asked him that, and then "Yeah? You really want me-- uh, I mean us, to come? Yeah! That's be great!" He looked over to Eavan to see how she'd like to see snow and saw her frowning slightly. and staring at her plate.

Eavan looked up from her plate and saw how thrilled Earl was. She directed her answer to Asher.

"I know Michael," she stated not as happily as usual. "And I think it'll be fun to see the snow. Thanks!" Earl stared at her for a second before shrugging and turning his attention back to Asher.

"We'd have to ask our Dad, but he's pretty easy-going. he'll let us. Anyways, Waxonberry's in, like, Minnesota or something, right?"\n\n

0 Earl and Eavan I've always found that to be true 0 Earl and Eavan 0 5

Dalila

December 03, 2006 5:32 PM

Okay, I have nothing to go here... by Dalila

The desserts had appeared and Dalila scrambled to grab the piece of cheesecake in front of her. She munched on, still trying to listen to the conversation. Hmm...she really would have to start remembering people's names. Gwymeth...Gwyneth...

"Oh, Care of Magical Creatures is one of my favorites!" Dalila stated. She set down her fork. "You get to spend the entire time outside, and a lot of the animals are really cute and all of them are really interesting." Dalila picked up her fork again and started on her cheesecake again.

"I don't think it compares to Quidditch, but it's pretty cool."\n\n

0 Dalila Okay, I have nothing to go here... 0 Dalila 0 5

Gwyneth

December 03, 2006 6:21 PM

Headed towards Common Room by Gwyneth

Gwyneth heard Professor Chatterjee call for the first years. Not wanting to keep the professor waiting, she stood, nearly knocking her seat over. As she prepared to follow the professor she turned and said goodbye to Dalila and Jake. She didn't know how to thank them for making her feel included and part of the Teppenpaw house already. Blushing shyly, she just waved goodby and headed toward the group gathering around Professor Chatterjee.\n\n

0 Gwyneth Headed towards Common Room 0 Gwyneth 0 5

Jake

December 03, 2006 9:23 PM

Have a good time! by Jake

Jake was amused to find that Gwyneth was most excited for Care of Magical Creatures. Every year whenever the subject of lessons came up, most people always said that they were most excited for Care of Magical Creatures and by the end of the year, most people said that Professor K. was their favorite professor. Jake had a suspicion that it might not have been Professor K. that they really enjoyed, but the fact that they gave them so much freedom during her lessons.

Before Jake could say much toward the conversation, Gwyneth was getting up to follow Professor Deck? (Jake must have missed the memo telling everyone that the Astronomy Professor was their new Head of House), to the commons. "Nice meeting ya, Gwyneth. See ya in the commons." Jake called out to the first year before turning his attention back to Dalila.

"So, Dalila, I remember a girl who knew nothing about the game of Quidditch besides what she read in a book." Jake said in a teasing manner. "When did you become such a Quidditch junkie?"\n\n

6 Jake Have a good time! 42 Jake 0 5

Guenther Heindrich

December 03, 2006 9:29 PM

^-^ by Guenther Heindrich

"Kaleb. His name is Kaleb and he's bothersome." Guenther said. "He's the one who lives in Germany. Did I tell you that?"

He wasn't sure if he had told Zack, but he knew he had told someone. Grinning at Zack, he pulled out a book. He wondered if Zack had remembered the name of the series of books he had read at every feast so far. "Guess what? I didn't get sick on the way here this year!"

He had so much to tell Zack, it was crazy!\n\n

0 Guenther Heindrich ^-^ 0 Guenther Heindrich 0 5

Rachel

December 03, 2006 9:36 PM

Re: ...Okay by Rachel

(OOC: Sorry I haven't posted, but I've been sick. I'd like to say that I was in a hurry when I wrote the last post, and by leaving out one senttence made the whole thing rude and out of character, hope this'll fix it.)

Rachel suddenly realized that she had just been very rude to this girl, Tally she said her name was.

"I'm so sorry, where are my manners?" she asked rhetorically, "I'm no usually this rude. Please forgive me. Mother and Father would be appaled I can tell you that. Even Matt, my broher, would be upset. He's only eleven, eight minutees older than me. We're triplets, Matt and Cole and I are that is. but anyway, I'm just rambling." She grabbed some napkins off the table and handed them to the older girl. "But you're ssupposed to turn yellow. Or red, blue or brown. The potion tells you what house you're in, and since you turned yellow you must be in Teppenpaw."\n\n

0 Rachel Re: ...Okay 0 Rachel 0 5

Dalila

December 04, 2006 1:56 AM

See ya! by Dalila

Dalila waved enthusiastically as she watched Gwyneth walk away towards Professor Deck. Was she that small as a first year? No. They were just getting smaller every year, Dalila decided. She swiveled her head back around to face Jake, her hair swishing into her face and obscuring her vision for a moment. Her hair still had the orange streaks, but they were faded (she'd have to redo that color charm again) and it grown to just passed her shoulders. She should cut it. or should she leave it long? Who cared, really, except her grandmother who insisted that girls looked better with long hair?

Dalila grinned at Jake's jibe. "Since I found out how much more fun it is to play it than read about it. And how good I've become. Plus, the only reason I had never played before was cause my Nana was dead set against it. Cause I'm a girl and all." Dalila smiled and shrugged at the concept. Some people are just so old-fashioned. \n\n

0 Dalila See ya! 0 Dalila 0 5

Geoffrey S.

December 04, 2006 3:06 AM

What makes you say that? by Geoffrey S.

"No," Geoffrey replied, flinching slightly at the intimidating look being sent his way. He put aside his own doubts to earnestly try and convince Jennifer. "I think you're a great Captain and I'm sorry... I didn't think about it like that. I don't want to let you down. Not at all." There was no way he wanted to let Jennifer down, not after how nice she had been to him the last couple of years.

Feeling slightly uncomfortable after his outburst, Geoffrey took another - smaller this time in case there came need to speak again - bite to eat. It seemed alright, as the Captain spoke about checking to see who was back and how they had changed... except there was something else happening and he didn't really know what it was.

The laugh at the end of the little speech was too much.

"Ok," Geoffrey said uncertainly, as he swallowed the last bit. "I suppose that people can change a bit over the holidays."

He didn't think he had really, except maybe to put on some more weight again. Still there was all the time until Christmas to get rid of it again before he had to go home and visit his family. It was especially important this year, he had been informed, because Grandfather Spindler wanted him to tour the family estates with him. Geoffrey was still undecided as to how he felt about that. Perhaps it was time to get the Captain talking again, so he could just sit back, eat and relax.

"So who would you say has changed the most this year?" he asked.\n\n

39 Geoffrey S. What makes you say that? 0 Geoffrey S. 0 5

Hannah

December 04, 2006 5:42 PM

Guess, we're an awkward pair by Hannah

Hannah smiled brightly when Adam told her that the girl was his sister and she was the Teppenpaw prefect.

"I'm in Teppenpaw," she said a little excitedly.

She looked towards the older girl. She was awfully pretty and to be kind as well meant this girl was defiently role model material. Hannah thought she was plain looking and wished to be beautiful, even though, she really was with her long blonde hair and wide green eyes. But no one had ever told her so.

She had grown up with all the neighborhood kids, which she called her cousins, because they were as close as family, so none of the males thought of her in any other way. She gave a small sigh, hoping that maybe, just maybe one guy would look at her in that way, that way that says 'you are perfect.'

Turning back towards Adam, she answered him, "I have a younger sister named Adelaide. I hope she'll get accepted here next year. She's my best friend."

When Adam pushed his plate away, Hannah looked at him with concern. Was he sick? She hoped not. Being sick was simply horrible!

"Is it your stomach? I have some peppermint," she said pulling one out of her pocket and offered it to Adam. "It's supposed to be good for stomachaches."

\n\n

0 Hannah Guess, we're an awkward pair 0 Hannah 0 5

Jake

December 05, 2006 10:15 PM

mmhmm by Jake

Jake had to admit that playing the sport was, by far, better than having to read it. In fact, Jake thought that reading Quidditch (unless it was a magazine) was a dreadfully boring sort of read. Depending on what it was that he was reading. Quidditch Through the Ages, though spoke of facts and background of Quidditch, didn't have the action or drama that the game truly drowns in.

Jake gave a sly grin, "You, good? Psh, maybe in your dreams." He teased. Jake would never understand why Parents, most especially Mothers, felt that girls weren't meant to play sports. Perhaps it was because, in his family and much within the culture he was raised in, woman were dominant within the family. Of course, he had Julia for an older sister and Lupe as a mother, so his views on things tended to be skewed. "Rubbish. Gender has nothing to do with anything and people are ignorant to think otherwise."\n\n

6 Jake mmhmm 42 Jake 0 5

Dalila

December 06, 2006 1:16 AM

uh huh by Dalila

Dalila put on an overly dramatized pout and gave Jake the sad puppy dog eyes. Then she smiled and playfully slugged him on the arm.

"You know you need me," she said matter-of-factly. She listened to Jake's thoughts on gender, nodding every once in a while. However, for the first time in a very long, Dalila actually thought about what she was going to say next. Although Dalila wholeheartedly agreed with what Jake said, but she couldn't put down her grandmother. Dalila gave a heavy sigh and replied.

"You're right. Gender has absolutely nothing to with playing sports. But my grandmother grew up in different country and in a different time and...well, you try persuading my Nana into letting me play." She ended her spiel with a grin because these heavy topics of conversation were not Dalila's cup of tea. The mood needed lightening.

She glanced around and noticed most of the students were standing up and making their way to their respective common rooms.

"Uh, maybe we should go up..." Dalila suggested.\n\n

0 Dalila uh huh 0 Dalila 0 5

Asher Tallow

December 06, 2006 2:14 AM

Eh. Closeness is even better. by Asher Tallow

Asher gave the younger girl a curious look. Her voice had sounded oddly stilted to Asher's ears when her brother was mentioned. She shrugged off any concern, though. Few people liked Michael, and he liked even fewer in return. She turned her attention back to Earl.

"Yeah. In north-eastern Montana. It's all prairie land, but the town commissioned a river to be re-routed near enough that we can have ice skating this winter. Went tubing on it already. The geomancers the Mayor hired did a really good job of it, too." She puffed at her bangs before polishing off the rest of her pumpkin juice.

"It's pretty amazing, actually. They managed to move the river almost two hundred miles from its original course." She smiled as she remembered the rush of the mild rapids that had knocked her innertube back and forth as it wove through the water.

She pushed back the emptied glass, and stood back up from the table. "Anyway, I need to get my stuff unpacked before all the first years swarm the common room. See you later."

With a slight wave of her hand, Asher grabbed her wrinkled school robes from the chair, and swiftly dodged through the Hall's usual ruckus.\n\n

0 Asher Tallow Eh. Closeness is even better. 1466 Asher Tallow 0 5

Saul Pierce

December 06, 2006 12:50 PM

Howdy by Saul Pierce

"Dayda? Comec? Why do people call them that?"

"Can you lot see anyone else?"

Saul grinned, pleased that the kids hadn't been too overwhelmed by the amount of new information. A little clarification was evidently neccessary for the class names, but overall, everyone seemed to be following.

Well, except Saul himself wasn't exactly sure who Nathalie was looking for. He turned around in time to see a fourth kid join their end of the table, grabbing one of the last of Saul's saved seats.

When the new arrival finished introducing himself, Saul shrugged at Nathalie and commented, "Well, I see Kaleb." He stole another look around the Hall and found most of the other kids had, by now, found seats. "I think that's everyone."

Turning to the new kid, he gave the boy a wide grin and made introduction for them. "I'm Saul Pierce, I'm a third year like Guenther is. That," he pointed first to Nathalie, "is Nathalie. He," Derek, "is Derek, and he," Saul finished up with a finger pointing at the blond kid, "is Jae. They're all firsties, er, first years, like you. I was just saying that I'm here to answer any questions you have."

Picking up his fork again he took another bite of his meat and relished the taste. When he was done chewing and swallowing, he looked back at Derek, "To answer your question about Comec and Dayda, I call them that because that's what their abbreviations spell out and Dayda sounds more mature than Dada. 'Sides, O'Leary would hex you if you tried to call his subject Dada."\n\n

1 Saul Pierce Howdy 82 Saul Pierce 0 5

Zack Dill

December 06, 2006 1:12 PM

Not sick is good by Zack Dill

Zack committed the name 'Kaleb' to memory, and nodded to Guenther's question about whether he had told Zack about Kaleb living in Germany. At least, Zack was pretty sure something of the sort had be mentioned to him, at least indirectly. Zack figured Germany was a good place for bothersome brothers to be sent to and wondered if he could get Nick shipped off to Russia.

Unfortunately for Guenther, Kaleb was in Germany no longer. Zack thanked whatever dieties were out there that Nick had absolutely no magical talent. While he was at it, he added another thank you for having magic himself, because that was the more unlikely of the two.

When Guenther pulled out his book, Zack grinned back, recognizing the same series that Guenther was now setting a tradition for reading at the feast. Before he opened it though, Guenther felt the need to announce he wasn't covered-wagon sick.

Zack grin twisted into half-amusement, half-'Did-you-really-need-to-bring-that-up-while-I'm-eating'. "That's great, Guenther," he congratulated his friend, because it was good that Guenther wasn't sick. "Does that mean you'll actually eat something this year?"

That reminded him that he hadn't put anything onto his own plate yet, and he quickly rectified the lapse, heaping it full of potatoes, turkey, and green beans. "I learned to cook this summer," Zack added, because it seemed relevant. "Mostly out of self-defense. Mom can't even make tv dinners without burning them."

\n\n

1 Zack Dill Not sick is good 40 Zack Dill 0 5

Nathalie

December 06, 2006 1:30 PM

Hola! by Nathalie

"Well, I see Kaleb." Saul said. Nathalie wasn't exactly looking for Kableb, but she smiled and nodded anyway when her name was mentioned. Poor Saul looked as if he just wanted to eat, and so Nathalie bit down her next question (who's O'Leary?), assuming someone else would probably answer it in due course anyway, and picked at some more food.

Continuing to around at the table, Nathalie noticed just how...friendly...every one seemed to be. She hadn't really noticed any defined cliques yet, and each group of friends apparently just merged into the next. The Hall itself was overwhelming, and beautiful. She'd just never seen anything like the sheets of water that poured down, and she committed every part to memory.

"It's just so beautiful." She whispered without even realising it.\n\n

0 Nathalie Hola! 0 Nathalie 0 5

Earl

December 06, 2006 2:24 PM

I've found that to be truer :) by Earl

Earl watched Asher disappear into the small crowd of people leaving the feast early, staring blankly at her swishing hair. Girls with long hair were the best. He'd once forbidden Eavan to chop off her elbow-length hair when she complained of it falling in her face. Just tie it back in a pony-tail he had stated in response. She'd kept it that way ever since. He glanced over at the aforementioned little sister. Eavan's hair was in it's signature pony-tail, but her head was bent over her plate and her eyes were closed. Earl sighed and nudged Eavan.

"Hey...Eavan!" Eavan shot awake and looked at her brother, confused.

"What?"

"You fell asleep. C'mon, up!" Earl stood up and grabbed Eavan by her forearm, pulling her out of her chair.

"Like hell am I carrying you to your room." He thought for a second then added, "I don't even know where it is, come to to think of it." He guided Eavan out of Cascade Hall and down the corridor he was pretty sure led in the general direction of the Teppenpaw common room.

"Promise you're going to straight to sleep, k? No unpacking or anything." Eavan nodded sleepily and slowly continued down the corridor. Earl stayed there, watching her until she disappeared around a corner. Eal sighed and shook his head. It certainly had been an interesting evening. And with a final glance down the hall, Earl turned and headed towards his own common room and a comfy bed.\n\n

0 Earl I've found that to be truer :) 0 Earl 0 5

Mia

December 06, 2006 9:54 PM

I've seen that grin before... by Mia

Mia began to slowly shake her head at the badge in her palm. It wasn’t that she didn’t appreciate getting it, but she would definitely hear it from Isaiah. He always had to add something. And from her mother too. Especially since she was stuck in some odd overly motherly mode that Mia couldn’t understand. This whole wedding business had thrown her mother completely out of whack. April couldn’t come soon enough.

Mia muttered a quick ‘thanks, Irene’ to the congratulations she actually heard from the nearby firstie who turned to talk to someone else. She shook her head a little more clearing the tired fog in her head and began to look at the food. She was far past over the food appearing out of nowhere thing, but the mutters and squeaks from the first years just never got old.

She felt a pressure on her shoulder and started a bit, snapping her head to the side and getting hit in the face by the bottom of her braid, but smiled when she saw Stephen. She felt bad that all she could do was talk over the phone with him or send an owl, which was actually easier to do now that Antonio was around so often. She could borrow his owl instead of having to get her mom to call that magic guy that helped her parents out before with magic things, and ask him to get an owl to them. His owl was cooler anyway. It didn't bite as hard.

Stephen told her that the badge was nice, which she agreed, but of course, he had more to say. He went on with a long ‘but,’ and continued, taking the badge and pinning it to her robes for her. ‘And,’ she kissed him back, and again he wasn’t done.

it'll give me a good excuse to use next time you ask me why I'm looking there instead of at your face. Mia gaped at him, but it was mostly a smile. She laughed and lightly hit his arm. Her charm bracelet jingled on her wrist.

“Stephen, you are terrible.” She looked back at the table still shaking her head good-naturedly. She took some macaroni and cheese and put it on her plate. It looked like a regular portion to any sane person, maybe a little more, but Mia felt she was taking extra just so her mother wouldn’t nag her. Not that Lyn would know, but she tended to have a pretty guilty conscious sometimes. She looked around for something else she might want to trick herself into eating.

“So, you had a good summer? Sorry I couldn’t see you. I wanted to, but right now my mom is…” She could say crazy, but it wasn’t really. It was some weird mix of excitement and nerves that drove the people around her crazy. But they all put up with it because they all knew the same thing. April was always getting a little closer. After a small pause she said, “Crazy doesn’t really fit, but it’s close. She barely gave us time to breathe let alone go anywhere.” A small exaggeration. Very small. She saw sweet potatoes and put some on the plate next to the macaroni. ‘Yeah, that’ll do for now.’\n\n

0 Mia I've seen that grin before... 0 Mia 0 5

Jake

December 07, 2006 9:59 PM

Yuppers by Jake

Jake laughed and pretended as though her punch had truly hurt him. "I don't know, Dalila. The Chaser competition could get a little rough this year." Jake teased. He doubt this would be true. Every year Jake had to beg and plead for people to sign up for the team. He knew this year would be no different.

He still didn't see what Dalila was getting at. "My family is from two separate countries. My generation being the first Americans. Women still have the right to do as they please...though not whom they marry." Jake added, thinking about how upset Jules had been when she couldn't marry the muggleborn. But that was something entirely different. "Your Nana sounds like a member of WAIL." Jake stated to Dalila.

"Oh." Jake said in slight surprise, looking up to see that people really were leaving the hall. "Yeah, I guess so." Jake said, standing and hold out his hand to help Dalila up from her seat. "Come on, let's play 'follow the leader' with the rest of them."\n\n

6 Jake Yuppers 42 Jake 0 5

Jennifer

December 07, 2006 11:11 PM

Instictive reaction by Jennifer

Jennifer was rather impressed with how well the intimidation factor had worked with Geoffrey. In her opinion, she really wasn’t all that frightening, what with being somewhat short and scrawny, and generally a fairly nice person. However, her mother must have rubbed off on her somehow, because Geoffrey immediately made a turnabout. And, as long as she continued to keep her team, it didn’t matter just how it was accomplished.

She breathed an inaudible sigh of relief as he seemed to swallow her explanation about people changing over the summer. She knew it was a bad excuse, she just didn’t want to have to deal with telling anyone about Jake. If she’d had her way, she wouldn’t have told Liz, even. Well, technically, she hadn’t, but that was beside the point.

Then she grew panicked again. How was she supposed to answer a question that had to do with a point she had come up with under pressure in the first place? While she still looked calm, her mind was racing with ways to get out of this situation.

“I really don’t know,” she temporized, still searching for an escape. “Probably one of the guys, since I know for a fact some of them were much shorter when we all left in June.” Then, she realized that the heads of house had already all excited the hall with the first years, and most of the other students were following suit.

“Well, everyone seems to be leaving, and, frankly, I need to get to the common room, put up the quidditch list and all. I’ll see you around, then,” With a small smile, she pushed away from the table, got up, and walked away. It was probably rude, how abruptly she left, but it was also true. She did have things that had to be done, and if that happened to coincide with getting out of an unsuspected and unmeant interrogation, well, so be it.
\n\n

0 Jennifer Instictive reaction 0 Jennifer 0 5

Dalila

December 08, 2006 12:25 AM

yeppers? by Dalila

Dalila made a face at Jake's comment that her grandmother was a member of WAIL.

"She is not!" Dalila huffed. "She'd never do the things WAIL does! They're horrible. My Nana...she's just...old....and-and Egyptian. You're from Mexico, right? Egypt's a lot different in customs and stuff." She stared at Jake's hand, trying to decide if she should take it and decided against it. Pushing herself out of the chair and standing up, she faced Jake with pursed lips and sighed.

A happy conversation had quickly turned very...not happy; something which Dalila did not like. Instead of making things worse and yelling at Jake at the top of her lungs about how he had insulted her grandmother, she grabbed Jake's arm and said, "Look, I don't think we should continue this conversation. Let's just forget it all, okay?" Then she smiled and tugged on his sleeve.

""C'mon, Cap'n Jake. I thought we were supposed to be following the leader."\n\n

0 Dalila yeppers? 0 Dalila 0 5

Adam B.

December 08, 2006 11:56 PM

I am awkwardness personified. by Adam B.

He gave a weak smile to Hannah when she mentioned she was in Teppenpaw. "You're so lucky." Adam told her. "My sister is in there and Teppenpaws are nice. The only bad thing is you have to dance to get in your common room." Kaylie had told him that in order to comfort him. It hadn't really worked. Sure, Adam was glad he didn't have to dance, because he was certain to look stupid if he did. Still, it would have been a small price to pay to be with people who were kind and compassionate, especially Kaylie. The idea depressed him immensely.

Trying to suppress the urges to either cry or throw up from the nerves that came from meeting new people and being in a conversation, Adam listened to her mention that her sister was her best friend. He spoke very quietly, looking down at "That's nice. Kaylie is my best friend too. Besides her, I have three younger sisters and a younger brother. My sister Chelsea is supposed to come next year too."

Adam looked down at his lap. How did he answer Hannah's question about whether or not he was sick. He wasn't, of course. He was just extremely anxious. Adam didn't want to tell her that. She was probably too kind to openly laugh at him, but what if she thought he was a loser? That he was mentally disturbed? He knew his aunts thought so. Adam certainly, didn't want Hannah to think that . It was bad enough that he was beginning to wonder if it was true.

On the other hand, he'd be lying if he said he was sick and Adam didn't like to lie. How could answer this truthfully and not have Hannah run away screaming? "Um, no. I'm not sick," he replied, his voice shaking a little as he continued to stare at the ground.\n\n

11 Adam B. I am awkwardness personified. 78 Adam B. 0 5

Meredith

December 09, 2006 12:26 PM

salutes Good luck. by Meredith

OOC: Sorry this took so long, guys. I've fallen into a hole of my own, but I'm working my way out.

BIC: Meredith gave a sympathetic smile Elly’s way when she said she’d never have found her classes without Saul last year. She would’ve gladly gone exploring with Elly in search of the classes. Meredith wasn’t technically a part of the tour group, but once or twice she ended up following just because they left around the same time. She nodded at Elly’s suggestion for Echo to bring the boy he recognized over. Then Elly answered her.

“Yeah, maybe. Isn’t she going out with that Stephen chap? I mean, you can’t be very strict about rules and stuff if you’re going out with him, can you?” Meredith grinned.

“I guess not and that would make it easier for us. Unless it’s the whole ‘opposites attract’ thing and she’s actually all about the rules.” She shrugged. Stephen didn’t seem like he’d go with a stickler for the rules, but what did she know about going out with someone? It wasn’t something that crossed her mind often, if at all. She had better things to think about, like quidditch. Meredith took some mashed potatoes and gravy and some chicken and started eating.

Echo finally spoke again, deciding to go over to talk to the boy he was talking about. Meredith watched him go over. She was curious if it was really Echo’s friend. Then again, she was curious about a lot of things. She went back and forth between eating and looking at the interaction between him and the first year. After a short while they seemed to start talking.

“I think it is Echo’s friend.” She said to Elly. “Wow, he’s a lucky kid. I don’t think you get many muggleborns at the same school from the same place.” Meredith smiled for her friend. He had always seemed a little awkward, but everyone had a quirk or two. Echo’s was the touching. But he had grown past most of the awkwardness over the year with Elly and Meredith and Saul and whomever else. Now talking to that boy, he seemed completely natural. It was nice to see for someone like him.\n\n

0 Meredith *salutes* Good luck. 0 Meredith 0 5

Jake

December 10, 2006 6:19 PM

Yeah... by Jake

Dalila's indignation of Jake's claims that her Grandmother was a member of WAIL, made Jake smile. He hadn't actually meant to say that she was a member, only that she sounded like one. And to say that being from a different generation and or country was just making up an excuse.

"I agree, WAIL is horrible, but there are many who support it. Heaven forbid women be allowed to choose their own lives without having to also be called a lesbian." Jake had been around his mother and sisters too long as their wisdom and logic was seeping into him withouthesitation.

"Well, techically, I'm American since I was born here. But mi Papa is from Mexico and mi Mama is from Spain." Jake let his hand drop to his side when Dalila rejected his offer to take it. Jake looked down at Dalila in his usual exasperated way whenever he couldn't figure her out.

He shrugged, "Sure, let's go."\n\n

6 Jake Yeah... 42 Jake 0 5

Echo Elms

December 15, 2006 4:29 PM

Come on, Brett, I want you to meet Elly and Meredith by Echo Elms

Before the Danae and Talen could answer, Echo interrupted. He didn't ususally do that sort of thing but, dude, Brett Hodges was in Cascade Hall. Brett Hodges. He intended to wait around and be nice to the Dupress, but he couldn't stand it anymore. Brett had to meet Elly and Meredith now.

"I gotta go back," he told Brett, and made some excuse about food rapidly disappearing from the tables, "Come on, you gotta meet Elly and Meredith." He'd only been talking about them all summer. He realized belatedly, grinning sheepishly at the Duprees, that it was a little mean to run away so soon and take Brett.

Brett noticed it too. He glanced between his two options and shrugged at Talen. "Guess you got Danae, anyway, now. I'll catch you later."

[OOC: Echo and Brett thread jump back to Elly and Meredith's table]\n\n

21 Echo Elms Come on, Brett, I want you to meet Elly and Meredith 93 Echo Elms 0 5

Echo Elms & Brett Hodges

December 15, 2006 4:50 PM

Wherein Echo makes introductions by Echo Elms & Brett Hodges

Dude, this was so cool. Echo was beside himself. It was like worlds colliding. Okay, no. It was worlds colliding For real. Over the last year, he'd made two groups of friends: the ones here at Sonora, and the ones home in Sundance. The groups were crazy different.

And here, all in the same room, were his three favorite people in the world with only the possible exception of his mom. And Brett was incapable of not getting along with people; it was like his job or something.

"Who are we meeting again?" Brett asked.

"Elly and Meredith."

"Elly the one--"

"Brett!" Echo shot him a warning look. Okay, maybe Brett being here wasn't quite as cool as all that.

"Chilled," Brett assured him.

Echo led them to the table, and Brett hung back a little like a proper newcomer should.

"Guys! It's him! Elly, Meredith, I'd like you to meet Brett Hodges. Brett, this is Elly Eriksson and Meredith Lail," Echo beamed at his three best friends.

Brett grinned and nodded at the girls, "Hey."\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

0 Echo Elms & Brett Hodges Wherein Echo makes introductions 0 Echo Elms & Brett Hodges 0 5

Elly

December 17, 2006 12:48 PM

Tum ti tum ti tum... by Elly

“I’m going over,” Echo said. “I’ll be back.” Elly nodded as Echo got up from the seat beside her to ascertain if the new Pecari firstie really was his friend Brett from back home.

Elly took a moment to wonder how she would feel if one of her friends from back home showed up at Sonora. It would be weird, that’s for sure. Elly was surprised, and a little ashamed of herself, to find that she felt she wouldn’t like it at all if someone from her ‘Muggle world’ came to Sonora. Being a witch was the best thing that had ever happened to Elly, and it was something that, outside of Sonora, was all hers. None of her relatives were magical, and it was a secret to all of her friends. In London, being a witch was her thing, and Elly didn’t want to share it with anyone. She wondered if that was how Echo felt about Brett, or if he was okay with sharing his secret world. Elly suddenly felt a bit selfish, and took and extra large mouthful of stir-fry to compensate.

“I think it’s Echo’s friend,” Meredith said. Glad of the distraction from her own thoughts, Elly turned her head and followed Meredith’s gaze to where Echo and maybe-Brett were talking. “Wow, he’s a lucky kid.” Elly forced a smile at Meredith, and then looked back at Echo, who was grinning and waving. Elly’s face split into a genuine grin; seeing Echo’s reaction it was clear that not only had he found his friend, but that he was happy about it, too.

“Yup, I’d say that’s him,” Elly replied to Meredith. “They’re coming over.” Elly swivelled round in her seat so she was facing Echo as he approached.

“Guys! It’s him!” Echo exclaimed unnecessarily. While he made the introductions, Elly was sitting grinning like a fool, partly because she was excited to meet Brett, having heard so much about him, but mostly because Echo was looking like Christmas had come early, and Elly loved it when her friends were happy.

“Hey,” said Brett.

“Hey,” Elly replied with a small wave. She suddenly found she didn’t know what to say. “Congratulations on making Pecari!” Well, it wasn’t a brilliant start, but it would do. Her jaw was starting to hurt from smiling so much.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

0 Elly Tum ti tum ti tum... 0 Elly 0 5

Hannah

December 18, 2006 9:40 PM

It's better than being personified sushi by Hannah

Adam told her that she was lucky. Was she? She hoped so. She wanted to have a good seven years here. To have them be awful would really be too much. She wondered what they were like for him since he seemed to be such a shy one, but she supposed it was good that he had an older sister with him, like how she was for Addie. She wondered how she was doing right now. It would be a full year til they saw each other. Would she change much?

Her gaze returned fully to Adam when he said he wasn't sick in a trembling voice. If he wasn't sick, then why was he...oh, she realized, he must be nervous. It made sense for how shy he was. She wondered if there was some way that she could comfort him. She thought it was slightly ironic that she was the new one, the first year, and here she was trying to help him, a third year, but there was something almost poetic about it too. She smiled wistfully.

Then, a thought occured to her, maybe she could get Adam to smile, but she would need to be closer to him. She ducked under the table. She knew he was probably wondering what in the world she was doing. Underneath was a mixture of feet, but her goal was straight across to the empty seat next to Adam. Once to the other side, she popped her blonde head back up and sat next to him.

"Guess what, Adam," she told him, taking his hand and grinning. "We are going to go do something very important right now."

She wasn't prone to acts of spontenaty, but this seemed to call for one. The poor guy needed a pick me up.\n\n

0 Hannah It's better than being personified sushi 0 Hannah 0 5

Adam B.

December 19, 2006 11:38 PM

My curiosity overcame me... by Adam B.

A confused look spread over Adam's face when Hannah vanished beneath the table. He hadn't seen her drop anything so he had no idea what she could be doing down there. It couldn't be that she simply wanted to get away from him because she would have made an excuse to leave and got up and walked away instead of ducking below the table. Besides, he couldn't think of anything he'd said that would make her want to leave. All Adam had said was that he wasn't sick, which should have been a relief to Hannah as it meant she couldn't catch it from him.

Perhaps there was food about to be thrown at him, and she was getting out of the way but then again, it would have hit by now- "Bah!" Adam cried out as Hannah suddenly popped back up and sat next to him. His face flushed instantly. "Sorry, you just surprised me, that's all."

Adam was about to turn away and look at his untouched food when Hannah took his hand and told him they were going to do something very important. He was a bit more startled at this and it made him blush harder.

"Um what are we going to do?" Adam inquired. He was nervous of course, but his curiosity was a bit piqued. He hoped it wouldn't involve flying or crowds or anything dangerous.\n\n

11 Adam B. My curiosity overcame me... 78 Adam B. 0 5

Brett Hodges

December 22, 2006 10:12 AM

do be do be do? by Brett Hodges

"Thanks," Brett said, at being welcomed to Pecari house. His wide mouth with its smaller than average teeth was still grinning like a Cheshire cat.

Meredith and Elly were friendlier, so far, than he'd imagined them. Of course, they'd have to have been friendly to have befriended Echo. He was glad they were fit. It wasn't like unfit people weren't cool, just that the best thing about people ever was their ability to play soccer, ice hockey, and other stuff. The main thing he remembered Echo telling him about the girls was that Elly played field hockey and Meredith did gymnastics. You could sorta tell which was which just by that. Elly was too tall to be a gymnast, and Meredith was perfect for it. Back home in Crook County, they did a gymnastics in gym. Brett liked the rings. They were crazy. He'd seen guys on TV do amazing things on them. Of course, he was sort of scrawny and gave up practically before he began at least partially on account of the weird clothes gymnast men wore on TV.

Soccer players, on the other hand, looked great on TV. And that wizard sport looked amazing. He hadn't seen that on TV, though, but in the newspaper at his Uncle Stanley's house. It was that thing with the brooms and the football stadiium. Witch-it?

He felt like a newbie, but he didn't want to ask questions that would make him look like one. He was five months younger than Echo. That was it. And he's always been sort of the leader between them.

He settled on, "so, what do you guys do around here? I mean, like, once you're done digging the magic like its your job?"

He was nowhere near done digging the magic.\n\n

0 Brett Hodges do be do be do? 0 Brett Hodges 0 5

Guenther Heindrich

December 23, 2006 5:41 PM

Your mom too? by Guenther Heindrich

Guenther grinned when Zack said, "Does that mean you'll actually eat something this year?"

"If you remember," Guenther said still grinning madly. "I had a huge plate of food my first year."

He started piling some spicy chicken wings onto his plate."YUM YUM!"

When Zack said something about how his mom couldn't cook and he had learned to cook, Guenther nearly spit out his food. He finished chewing, swallowed, and then said, "My mom can't cook either. My mom is a bit...thick. She failed Sonora Academy and got kicked out. She had little talent for magic." He smiled, getting back to the point. "Unfortunatly, I can't cook worth anything, even out of desparation. We usually end up ordering out for supper."

\n\n

0 Guenther Heindrich Your mom too? 0 Guenther Heindrich 0 5

Meredith

December 30, 2006 1:13 AM

*laughs at image of Scooby-Doo eating Tums by Meredith

“Yup, I’d say that’s him. They’re coming over.” Elly said. They both watched Echo bring his friend over to where they were sitting. Meredith smiled at Echo’s excitement as he introduced Brett to her and Elly. Brett said ‘hey’ and Elly answered with a ‘hey’ of her own.

“Hey there.” Meredith greeted with a friendly grin before Elly continued.

“Congratulations on making Pecari!” Meredith nodded.

“Welcome to the best of the four houses.” Meredith gave a thumbs-up. There was nothing wrong with a little house pride.

"So, what do you guys do around here? I mean, like, once you're done digging the magic like its your job?" Meredith didn’t know what he meant by the second part of his question, but did her best to answer. It sounded to her like how she sounded to people when she got really excited over something and they couldn’t understand her past her southern accent if they weren’t used to it.

“There are a million things to do here, like exploring the Labyrinth Gardens. Elly made a swing in there and it’s a lot of fun. The entrance to our common room is right there anyway so it’s quick to get there. And there are portraits all over school that’ll talk to you. Don’t get on their bad sides because they’re helpful when you get lost. Believe me, I know.” She had been lost plenty of times in her first year. “Not all of them are crabby like old Tavarius out there.” She pointed towards the entrance of Cascade Hall.

“Oh, and there’s the Quidditch Pitch, which, by the way, Quidditch is the greatest thing ever invented ever.” She smiled, not able to keep a mock serious face for very long, but she was very sincere in her words. She tugged at her ponytail, tightening the stumpy thing a little and looked at Elly and Echo.

“Feel free to go on, you guys.” Meredith told them, managing to stop her explanation casually before going on a tangent. She remembered last year when Echo had asked about what kinds of magic there were, her long explanation didn’t help their cause much for finding secret passages. She wasn’t going to make Brett sit and listen to her go on about everything you could do at Sonora Academy (especially if that wasn’t what he was asking, digging magic like what?). Maybe he could sit through it if it was a list of what you couldn’t do. Not to mention, she thought as she started prodding some pasta with her fork, she was still hungry. \n\n

0 Meredith *laughs at image of Scooby-Doo eating Tums 0 Meredith 0 5

Headmaster Bulla

Opening Feast by Headmaster Bulla

DH Kijewski

Another year already by DH Kijewski

Zack Dill

Prefect? Like Ford? by Zack Dill

Professor Aaron McKindy

Just a year in general for me, though by Professor Aaron McKindy

Lutece Anthony

An interestingly coloured firstie by Lutece Anthony

Grail Markner

Ah, new year... by Grail Markner

Dolan Everwyld

Indeed by Dolan Everwyld

Meredith Havernash

A ray of light by Meredith Havernash

Professor Niobe Yuma

Newness! by Professor Niobe Yuma

Brett Hodges

Whoa. I'm like chocolate. by Brett Hodges

Echo Elms

Elly! Meredith! by Echo Elms

Gwyneth Aquillon

"So, this is really Sonora Academy!" by Gwyneth Aquillon

Talen Dupree

Chocolate is the best by Talen Dupree

Professor Declan Chatterjee

Cutting in. by Professor Declan Chatterjee

Lawrence Cooper

Yellow: the primary color between green and orange by Lawrence Cooper

Paul Simon Tellerman

Sitting down by Paul Simon Tellerman

Professor Aaron McKindy

So many people! by Professor Aaron McKindy

Lutece

Or in thought? by Lutece

Brett Hodges

It sure beats vanilla. by Brett Hodges

Nath

It's like some sort of bizarre rainbow by Nath

Kiva

Should I flee? by Kiva

Leo and Gil Idoya, and Cisco Vargas

Viva la Familia Idoya! by Leo and Gil Idoya, and Cisco Vargas

Dolan

As you wish! by Dolan

Darci and Kavin Analai

Darci roooocks (Kavin: not really) by Darci and Kavin Analai

Meri

You are my Sunshine... by Meri

Elly Eriksson

Here! by Elly Eriksson

Mia Kerova

Prefect, huh? This should be fun. by Mia Kerova

Gwyneth Aquillon

"Make New Friends . . ." by Gwyneth Aquillon

Caedence Redoak

She's Ba-ack! by Caedence Redoak

Talen

Yeah, not a big fan of myself by Talen

Josaih Ashwood

Ooh! I'm yellow! by Josaih Ashwood

Jake Santoro

Holy Crud, I'm a Fifth Year by Jake Santoro

Darla Park

... what? by Darla Park

Aaron

And miss all the <i>fun</i>? by Aaron

Meredith Lail

The gang is back for year 2. by Meredith Lail

Tally Adams

Another year gone by by Tally Adams

Hyana Kamiya

I can't believe this by Hyana Kamiya

Bella Santoro

Let's Rock Out. by Bella Santoro

Darci and Kavin

Woot! Let's! by Darci and Kavin

Brett Hodges

A small fan, maybe? by Brett Hodges

phew! by Irene Liddowe