Quidditch!

I have not been a very good student this term at Hogwarts. Too much other stuff going on in my muggle life, unfortunately. But I have mostly kept up with my homework... Here's the answers for the last Quidditch match of the term.

1. Who was Tom Riddle Sr.'s girlfriend before Merope gave him the love potion?
Cecilia

2. What does Luna say floated into Harry's ear when he was in the train car that supposedly caused him to lose focus? Wrackspurt

3. How much do the primary Apparition lessons cost? 12 galleons

4. What is Professor Merrythought's first name? Galatea

5. What Hogwarts club was Eileen Prince captain of? Gobstones Club

6. Who is head of the Goblin Liaison office? Dirk Crestwell

7. Mrs. Weasley offers Fleur a goblin-made tiara for the wedding with Bill. What family member is currently in possession of the tiara? Aunt Muriel

8. How many points does Snape take from Gryffindor for Harry's late arrival and muggle attire? 70

9. When Profressory Slughorn first meets Hermione, he asks her whether she is related to Hector Dagworth-Granger. What society did Dagworth-Granger found? The Most Extraordinary Society of Potioneers

10. Which of these describes Golpalott's Third Law? The antidote for a blended poison will be equal to more than the sum of the antidotes for each of the separte components

RavenClaw Secret Quiz

Well, the RavenClaws are *determined* to win the House Cup. And, of course, we're a very frinedly bunch. We want to know our fellow Hogwarts students. So... Here's the answers to the quiz. (I had to swipe a couple of these ansers...)
1. Astrid Cloverleaf
2. Cassandra Grubbly-Plank
3. Enna Kirts--my spoiler from last term!
4. Selena Starfire
5. Henry Longstaff
6. Cecily Fortescue
7. Mona Ravenscroft
8. Argentia Pascal
9. Prendolyn Wilcox
10. Lizzie Wychwood
11. Ursula Longbottom
12. Rowena Weasley
13. Aurora Curlyfur
14. Lily May Clearwater
15. Megaera Black

Bonus 1: smileynetta

Hand Painting Yarn

I got together with some Muggle friends this weekend and we practiced the muggle art of turning plain white yarn into rainbows. It wasn't magic, of course, but I must admit the muggles have a certain je ne sais quoi ... Perhaps it is a way of coming close to magic. First we had to wind the yarn into skeins, then soak the fiber for an hour to thoroughly wet it.

Then we mixed up the dye in little bottles. Professor Snape would have had a fit, I'm sure, to see Muggles mixing a potion. We removed the fiber from the tubs they had soaked in and laid them out flat on plastic to protect the tables. Then we went mad squirting and brushing the dye on the yarn in wild and disharmonic color combinations that nonetheless turned out beautiful. We had to hang the yarn to dry.

Now we have beautiful hand painted yarn to knit with!

My Package Arrived!

And, boy, is it great!!

The cats like it too!

It began with a nice note from Penelope (Daisy) Clearwater of Slytherin, explaining in Harry Potter terms what each item was . Bath salts = potions, balls of yarn & needles = Muggle artifacts, hand sewn purse = wand pouch. Everything was so nice. It was obvious that Daisy had selected each item with an eye to my wish list. On my list I had said I'd like to try the Lantern Moon Sox Sticks, but I knew they were too expensive for a swap. But I got them - Ebony, size 2.25! I also said I wanted to try out the Panda wool and bamboo sock yarn, and I got 4 skeins in a gorgeous blue/green mix, plus a pattern that looks marvelous, called Lupine Lace Socks from Fiber Trends. I got a fun Christmas card with a picture of a box of "fast growing moths" which is what Santa gives to naughty knitters. There was a nifty little knitters notebook with pen, a tin of ginger candies, bath salts, a can of spice tea, two bars of really nummy chocolate. All those items were on my wish list. The one thing I really did not expect to recieve is a tea pot. I collect tea pots. My spoiler didn't disappoint. She gave me a ceramic tea bag holder (like a spoon rest) in the shape of a teapot. It's adorable. So I really did get everything I had wanted, and more than I expected. Thank you Daisy! It is a lovely package. And tonight I am planning on opening one of the chocolate bars and having a cup of tea.

Bad News

My brother in law was found in his home this morning, dead. It appears he had died several days ago. He and my sister have been estranged for the last two months, trying to reconcile but unable to reach any agreement. The cause of death is unknown, but may be self inflicted. My five year old niece doesn't know what is going on and my sister is overwelmed. Please pray for us.

Here is a picture of my sister, her husband and their daughter a couple years ago.

I am going now to take comfort in the lovely assortment of goodies my spoiler sent me. I think a cup of tea is just what I need right now. I am not able to properly post about my package now, but I will post tomorrow.

Handmade item finished!

I got my handmade item finished in time for the deadline on Friday. See? Here's my scroll.

yay! Now I have to wait for the witchy knitting needles to arrive by owl before my package is complete.

RavenClaw Quiz

Here's the next house quiz for Ravenclaw. I'm guessing on a couple of these:


What security question does Mr. Weasley ask Mrs. Weasley before he enters the Burrow? What is the answer? Mr Weasley asks what is his private name for her? Mollywobbles

What two names does Mrs. Cole call Dumbledore when she takes him to see Tom Riddle at the orphanage? Mr. Dumberton/Mr. Dunderbore

What is the name of Ginny's Pygmy Puff? Arnold

What three D's are needed for apparating? Destination, Determination, and Deliberation

What spell did Harry perform when he was attacked by Dementors? Patronus Charm

Who did an arrow salute at Dumbledore's funeral? the centaurs

What did Dumbledore set on fire to prove to Tom Riddle that he was a wizard? Tom's wardrobe

What Christmas present did Kreacher give Harry? a large number of maggots

What is on top of the Weasleys' Christmas tree? a golden garden gnome in a ballet costume

What was the most popular item at Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes? Love potions

Why did Harry threaten to kick Ron off the Griffindor Quidditch team? His bad attitude about the other players

What happens if you break an Unbreakable Vow? You die

Who did Hermoine go to Slughorn's party with? Connor McLaggen

Who is Mrs. Weasley's favorite singer? Celestina Warbeck

Who are the only two people who know the full contents of the prophecy made about Harry and Lord Voldemort? Harry and Dumbledore

A Dollar Short and A Day Late

That would be me...

My Favorite Character and Magical Animal

Really, how can anyone choose one absolute favorite Harry Potter character? My friend Daye would chose Snape hands down. She teaches literature at a Michigan university, and one of her classes is actually about Harry Potter. She's written scholarly papers on the appeal of Snape's character. And don['t get me wrong, Snape is a very complex and well written character. But somehow I'm drawn to the bad boy openly on Harry's side: Sirius Black.

Unicorns have been sadly over-done. They tend to look almost cartoon-ish. Anyone who has read Anne Bishop's Black Jewels books knows that unicorns are not sweet cartoons.

Time For Quidditch Again!!

Hopefully the RavenClaws will get the Snitch this time. Rah-Rah-RavenClah!!


Quidditch Round 2
1. What animal does the portrait in the Muggle Prime Minster’s office resemble?b. Frog

2. What drink does Romilda Vane try to give Harry?a. Gillywater

3. What is the name of the person who heads the Holyhead Harpies?b. Gwenog Jones

4. How many ‘Exceeds Expectation’ grades does Harry receive in his O.W.L’s?c. 5

5. What is Professor Sughorn’s favorite candy?d. Crystallized Pineapple

6. What tattoo is Harry reported to have on his chest?c. Hippogriff

7. What color robes do the staff at the Weasley’s shop wear?b. Magenta

8. What is the man outside Flourish and Blotts selling?a. Amulets

9. How much is the skull, which Hermione enquires about at Borgin and Burkes, worth?c. 16 Galleons

10. What are Professor Slughorn’s initials?b. H.E.F.

A Great Time At Crown Tourney!

I just got back from my trip away from Hogwarts for my home country's semi-annual armored combat tournament to determine our next King and Queen. I got to put away my school robes and put on my native garb. The talented Lady Berenice spent half an hour putting my hair up in the stylishly elaborate braids and loops that are the current fashion at home.

I made my curtsey to the King and Queen and their new heirs.

I had a wonderful time renewing my friendships with the friends from home.

I even snuck out with a couple friends to investigate a local yarn shop. Naturally I spent my entire allowance there. :)

I'm back now in good old Ravenclaw Tower, and I have some hard studying to do to get caught up with my school work. I've been in the irmfirmaty so much this year I bet my room mates don't even know what I look like! I'll have to re-introduce myself.

What a Week!

The entire month of September was horrible, health-wise. October has been better, except that at my annual exam they found a cyst, so I've been in and out of the clinic for that. Getting a cyst in a highly tender place cut out is... um... uncomfortable. yeah, that's the word. It's sad that when you hit a certain age things just go downhill.

Tonight I'm heading out to the other end of the state for the Kingdom of Northshield Crown Tourney. They're supposed to get 9-12" of snow on Saturday and Sunday. :( But I'm hoping to get my life together during the week after the Tourney. I'm gonna clean lilke a madwoman and knit as much as possible.

Ravenclaw House Quiz

*What potion has the strange side effects of excessive singing and nose-tweaking? Euphoria Elixir
*What ingredient can be used to counteract the effect of the above side effects? Peppermint
*How much can you get for Acromantula venom? 100 Galleons a pint
*What is the most powerful love potion in the world? Amortentia
*What antidote does Harry use to help Ron when he is poisoned by Madam Rosmerta's finest mead? A bezoar
*How does Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes' Owl Order Service get their potions past the security at Hogwarts to their customers? Cough syrups and perfumes
*What did Draco Malfoy make in Potions class when Professor Slughorn assigned them to make something amusing? Hiccuping solution
*What spells will not work in an area affected by Instant Darkness Powder? Light or fire spells
*What are the ingredients for the Draught of Living Death? Wormwood, Asphodel, Valerian roots, and a Sopopherous bean
*How much will unicorn tail hair fetch? 10 Galleons a hair

Extra Credit:

I. I prefer to knit
II. I don't think I have a favorite weight to knit with, it depends on the project. For socks I like sock/fingering weight. For hats and scarves I like worsted or aran.
III. I really don't like the feel of acrylic, although there are some decent acrylics out there now. FAves? I made socks out of a cashmere blend once and it was heavenly to work with.
IV. I'm not sure how many socks I've made i nthe past 6 years... maybe 30?
V. Right now I'm on a hat kick. But I bet I'll get sick of it soon. Sock knitting desires may come and go, but I'll always have a pair of socks going.
VI. Fave treat? Hmmm... high quality chocolate. Caramels and nuts.
VII. I drink coffee in the morning, herbal tea (cinnamon or spice is good) in the evening.
VIII. I did put a "things I collect" list on this blog.
IX. I am in about 10 Ravelry groups, but I really only look at 4 of them regularly.
X. We don't have really decent silk or linen fabric here in North Dakota. Or the Harry Potteryar nby Opal. Sigh.

Knitsy is a Good Elf!

Knitsy the house elf in Ravenclaw Tower is keeping my on my toes. I feel terrible when I leave the dorm a mess and I come back and everything is in its place. But I have to admit I wish she wouldn't put my natural dye materials with my potions equipment. Why, this morning I accidentally added powdered logwood to the potion I was working on in class and it turned the lovelieset dusty purple. It was really a beautiful color. But Professor Snape wasn't impressed at all...

quidditch!

Quidditch!
click above to see the pix!

Here's the quiz for this round.
1. At the beginning of the book, Cornelius Fudge is talking to the Muggle Prime Minister. Which member of the Order of the Phoenix has recently been found dead?c. Emmeline Vance
2. What animal does Bellatrix Lestrange kill when she and her sister, Narcissa, are going to see Professor Snape?b. Fox
3. What time does Professor Dumbledore collect Harry from Privet Drive?b. 11 p.m.
4. What did Professor Slughorn transform into when he was trying to hide from Harry and Professor Dumbledore?a. An armchair
5. What grade did Harry get for Herbology?a. E – Exceeds Expectation
6. Herbert Chorley, the Prime Minister’s Junior Minster, has been entertaining the public by impersonating which animal?b. A duck
7. What is Professor Sprout’s first name?d. Pomona
8. What is Dumbledore’s idea of ‘a few words’?d. nitwit, oddment, blubber and tweak
9. Who is Marcus Belby’s famous uncle?b. Damocles
10. What is Snape’s mother’s name?b. Eileen Prince
Posted by Chrysta the Cursed at 3:23 PM 0 comments Links to this post

On The Mend

At LAST I'm starting to recover from pneumonia. I made it through all my classes today, even Potions, although the smell made me feel quite dreadfully ill. Thanks to my thoughtful roommate Minerva Kwikspell I even had all my cauldrons when I needed them. Thanks Minee! I must get to work on the quiz for Quidditch. But to be honest after a full day I think I need my rest tonight. Besides, the Minnesota Twins are playing on muggle television. Does it make me a bad witch to admit I enjoy the muggle sport of baseball even more than Quidditch?

Pictures of me

Still pretty sick so will keep this short. I don't like any pictures of me. But here are a couple that show me. The first is a painting made to look like a Byzantine illumination. (See my kitties? Isn't that sweet?) The second is a pic of me in the dress that inspired the illumination and a couple friends. The third is me and my sister. I'm on the left with the longer hair.

I was Naughty and Now I'm paying for it...

I felt somewhat better this morning so I called my friend and we went on our 180 mile round trip Yarn Shop Hop today after all. That was a mistake. Now I feel much worse. My mom ( a retired registered nurse) is on her way over to my place insisting that she take me to the hospital. My temp is over 103 F and I haven't eaten much for the past 3 days. In fact I dropped almost 6 pounds since Tuesday. So if you don't hear from me for a few days you'll know where I am.

This is all the fault of my rotten sinuses, which have been infected on and off for the past 15 years. When in doubt, blame the sinuses. That's the reason I have asthma. And that's the reason I get bronchitis twice a year that developes into pneumonia once a year....

Sick, very sick

A couple weeks ago I had bronchitis. But I got over it and was able to enjoy life. Now I'm back to being sick. A friend and I had planned a Yarn Shop Hop for Sept 20. But now I am sick again. I'm so disappointed to not be able to go. This time I have bronchitis again plus nausea. Blah. Must be the medicine. The infirmary is a necessary place, but I hate it. I hope Wisty and Minee are taking good care of my cats.
Back to bed before Madam Pomfrey catches me up.

New Term Quiz

Potter Name: Chrysta the Cursed-- don't ask...
Rav ID: Terese
I am allergic to: aspirin, advil, mold and cats. Don't ask why I have three of the things
Pets that I have: 3 cats, Merry-Miaow, Black Magic Cat and Masuku (whom I usually call Little Bit)
My favorite yarn: Don't have a favorite, but I'd like to try some Socks that Rock or something from Panda
If you are a Ravenclaw, do you prefer the film colors or the book colors? It doesn't matter, Both are nice. I like really rich blues, tho, if that helps
My favorite flavor: Hm. Ginger is nice and spicy. But chocolate is always yummy
My favorite holiday: Halloween, Thanksgiving or Christmas. Definitely Christmas!
I would like to receive a: (Sock kit, scarf kit or yarn dyeing kit) I can't decide. Probably a sock kit, but I wouldn't want to muffle my spoilee's creativity. Whichever she decides is great.
List your favorite brand of needles or hooks, including size and length: I like the Addi double points, the shorter ones, in whatever size is appropriate for the yarn being given.
Is there a brand that you are dying to try?: maybe the Hiya Hiya?
I've participated in HSKS: (How many times have you participated in HSKS swaps?) This is the third. I've been in on 1, 5 and now 6
Do you have a birthday during this swap? If so which day? Yep, September 22.

House Elf

We've been asked to post a suggestion for a name for Ravenclaw's new House Elf. Hm... I'm not good with names. When I was young we had a cat named Cat. Cat passed and we got a new super sized cat that we called Big Cat. Then we got a new little cat so we called him Little Cat. Then one of Cat's progeny came to live with us and we named him Little Big Cat. We did break the mold when we got a girl kitty and called her Catti. I loved cats when I was young and still do. here are two of mine, Black Magic Cat and little Masuku.

I'm not sure I have a good suggestion for a house elf name.

We've lost a lot of Emmas this term. Would it be confusing to Emma Wigworthy to call the house elf Emma? Yeah, probably.

Can't Wait For My Spoilee!

Very soon now we'll be receiving our swap partner assignments and I can't wait to start collecting stuff and knitting a little something special. Will my partner be a Slytherin like last year? Or maybe a bold Gryffindor? If s/he is Ravenclaw I have a little something I picked up at a fiber festival earlier this year.

I am in a strength training class that meets at work. My employers pay for the certified trainer to come in twice a week with the hand weights and resistance bands etc (I work for an insurance company. Makes sense that they would rather pay a little now to help us be more fit and save money on health claims later) I was out for a week with a sinus infection/bronchitis, and I coughed so much I almost died on Tuesday. I managed to complete the 35 minute workout, and I didn't feel any lingering soreness. Today I went and although I felt pretty good, my arms and shoulders are still sore. I guess it doesn't take much for us middle aged women to lose what little fitness we are able to build up. Yikes. Off to take a hot shower and then read for ahour before bed.

Signed Up For the New Term!

Well, I signed up for the new term at Hogwarts today. I'm sure I'll be in Ravenclaw House again, which is good. But I'll sure miss my old roomie Elanor. She has gone over to the dark side... But Wisteria and Minee have invited me to share their dorm this term, so that should be all good and exciting.

I have been laid low by a horrid cold. I made myself go to work every day this week, but I gave up after a couple hours today. Now that I've completed filling out the forms for the next term I'm going to lay down. Need to save my energy for moving into the dorms...

The term is ending soon!

It's hard to believe, but the term is almost over. I have not done very well in my schoolwork. I'm not sure I will even get an Acceptable this term. Sigh. Oh, well, maybe school is not for me...

On a brighter note, I entered a contest to get to read and ARC (advanced readers copy) of the fifth book in a series that I love. My roomie Elanor congratulated me on my win, but added sorrwofully that it was not Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer. But we don't have so long to wait for that one!

Quidditch!

1. When Hagrid returns to Hogwarts after being sent to see the giants with Madame Maxime, Professor Umbridge questions him on his late return to school. She suspects that Hagrid had been to the mountains, but where does he tell her he has been? South of France



2. Professor Umbridge comes to Hagrid's Hut and searches his cabin one evening (as she believes Harry, Ron and Hermione are there visiting him at night when they are not supposed to). When she walks past the place where Harry, Ron and Hermione are hiding under the Invisibility Cloak, Harry holds his breath. False



3. A stately-looking witch in an emerald green shawl is one of the members of the Advance Guard who rescues Harry from Privet Drive. What is her name? Emmeline Vance



4. What is the name of the witch who was killed two weeks after the photo of the original Order of the Phoenix was taken? Marlene McKinnon



5. Which two fifth year Ravenclaw students does Dumbledore choose to be prefects? Anthony Goldstein and Padma Patil



6. Which house was Rose Zeller sorted into? Hufflepuff



7. What is the color of Murtlap's essence? Yellow



8. Name the Ravenclaw girl who became prefect in Harry's fifth year Padma Patil



9. According to a healer's portrait at St. Mungo's hospital, which disease was Ron suffering from? Spattergroit



10. Which book did Harry give Hermione for Christmas? "New Theory of Numberology"

EXTRA POINTS: The actor who played Cedric Diggory in Harry Potter will play Edward Cullen in Twilight.

I Cannot Rave Enough

about my spoiler, who has totally lived up to her title! Just look at all the fantastic things she sent me. Enna Kirts, you rock! She's from one of the larger cities in the Netherlands. In the middle ages it was a center for trade thanks to a canal that was dug to allow goods to go from the Rhine to Utrecht more easily. It was also important in church history.

First, I had to pick up the box at the post office because it was too large to fit in my mailbox. So I picked up it on my break at work. Boy, I had to sit with it at my desk all day at work without opening it. That was TORTURE! I didn't dare leave it in the car all day in 90 degree heat. What if she had sent me some of that delicious European chocolate?

As soon as I got home I tore the box open and tossed all the newspaper (written in Dutch. Lenny Kravitz was in the Dutch newspaper. Weird.) out of the box. Look! It's stuffed full of good things. Right on top was a post card of some of the famous sights in Utrecht like the Dom, and the canal. Enna had written me a nice note describing the contents of the box for me. She apologized for not including more items that were directly related to Hogwarts. Silly girl. She put in a lovely assortment of things related to the Netherlands including fabric with a Dutch theme. Can you see it it the pictures? Windmills and tulips and a Dutch boy and girl kissing. I think I'll make a table runner for the breakfast nook. And, yep, there's chocolate. A nice thick bar of the very best milk chocolate. I have to keep telling myself: Not until after supper! And there's a bag of yummy peppermints and another of Stroopwafels, which Enna confessed she had to buy a couple times because she kept eating them herself!

How can I even begin to describe the wonderful things Enna sent me? First there's the knitted bag in my favorite colors. I'm gonna take that with me to my knitting group this weekend, along with the handpainted Ravenclaw yarn. I haven't decided yet whether to make the Millicent Socks from

Cookie A. or the Chuck's Cabled Socks yet. I think the skein of variegated Regia will be nifty for the two-tone cabled socks. I have the KnitPicks Harmony needles to use, and the very nice stitch markers in Ravenclaw blue. She also sent a zippered bag to hold my double point knitting needles. Very very nice.


For me the very nicest thing in the box were the items that related to the Cathedral of St. Maarten. In case you couldn't tell from my opening paragraph, I am devoted to European history, particularly European history in the 13 and 14th centuries. I believe the Dutch refer to the catherdral today as the Dom. It is a masterpiece of late Gothic architecture built in the 13th Century. Part of earning my history degree required a fairly in depth paper on a topic of our choice, and I chose Gothic architecture. I wanted to avoid all the obvious monuments like Chartres and Notre Dame and the cathedrals in built in France in the 12-13th centuries and concentrated on the later Gothic period in northern and western Europe. OK,OK, I'll stop teaching now. Anyway, my point is: this cathedral is one I had used in my paper. And Enna, that mind reading angel, sent me postcards and pictures from that church. See the postcards and the smaller lighter medieval images? They are *exactly* what I would have bought for myself if I had been in Utrecht. I'm dancing with glee.

Thank you, Enna! This is the best present I've had all year!

Homework for Ravenclaws

1. What is the literal translation of "Albus Dumbledore"?
White Busy Bee
2. "Occlumency" is not, in reality, a word. However, it seems to be derived from a familiar real word that means "to block". What is that word?
Occlude
3. Remus Lupin, the werewolf, has a name that is a double reminder of his traits. From what languages are his two names derived?
Greek and Latin
4. Percy Weasley's owl takes its name, quite appropriately, from the Greek messenger god. Who is this god?
Hermes
5. Many of the creatures studied in the Care of Magical Creatures class or encountered by Hogwarts students are based on mythological animals while many others were made up. Name a mythological animal which is studied and/or encourntered by Hogwarts students.
Unicorn
6. Harry is tried for the "crime" of using magic outside Hogwarts by the Wizengamot. From
what culture is the name "Wizengamot" derived?
Old Norse
7. The hospital in OotP is called St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries. Who was the real St. Mungo?
Saint Mungo is the commonly used name for Saint Kentigern (also known as Cantigernus (Latin) or Cyndeyrn Garthwys (Welsh)). He was the late 6th century apostle of the Brythonic Kingdom of Strathclyde in modern Scotland, and patron saint and founder of the city of Glasgow.
8. Dobby the house-elf gets his name from another kind of creature. In English folklore, what is a dobby?
A work horse
9. Mundungus Fletcher is a disreputable little wizard with a penchant for trading in stolen goods. What exactly does mundungus mean?
Poop
10. Harry's arch-nemesis throughout OotP is Professor Umbridge. Why is her name appropriate for her?
Because she takes umbrage at everything - especially at the breaking of rules/lawsAnd because almost everyone takes umbrage at her attitude

My Owl Has Left the Building

I tied the package I'm sending to my Spoilee to my Owl's leg and sent it off this afternoon. I hope she likes everything. I have almost nothing that is specifically Slytherin and I'm wishing now that I had gathered more things from Hogwarts.

Oh, well, too late to second guess myself. I guess I'll hear in a few days if she liked it.

Allergies Lead to Asthma and Asthma Leads to...

I honestly don't know what is more frightening than not being able to breathe. I did manage to drive myself to the Walk-In Clinic, but there was quite a wait and everyone could hear my struggles to breathe so they walked me down the hall to the ER.

So... I guess I need to make an appointment with my doctor to review my asthma meds. Gee, I sure wish I could go to the infirmary wing and let Madam Pomfrey heal me.

The worst thing is, this is the first time all term that I haven't blogged at least once during the week. Usually I blog multiple times.

End of Term is Getting Closer

The end of term is right around the corner. I have most everything I want for my spoilee's package. I'm just waiting on an item to come by owl and to put some last touches on the bag, and then it's off by owl. My plan is to finish everything up and get it sent by July 7.

The goofiest thing happened this morning. I went downtown to a specialty boutique I know to pick up a little goody for Perenelle and when I tried to open the shop door I found it was locked. I looked through the glass door and there was a woman wearing only her bra and knickers standing by the counter. The moment our eyes connected she dropped to hide behind the counter. I stared for a moment and decided that I would not get that particular item for my spoilee's package. Sorry, Perenelle. I wish Elanor had been with me. She would have made me laugh about it.

House points

Well, Ravenclaw House is firmly in third.

Good thing this is only a game! Competitive people don't take being in third place well.

Quidditch time again!

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

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

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

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


5. Who comes to warn Harry and the rest of Dumbledore's Army that Umbridge and her group of followers are coming to break up their meeting?
Dobby the House Elf

6. Who are the members of the Order that met Harry Potter in the Dursely's house during the summer before his fifth year?
Alastor Moody, Nymphadora Tonks, Kingsley Shacklebolt, Emphias Doge, Dedalus Diggle, Remus Lupin, Emmeline Vance, Sturgis Podmore, Hestia Jones

7. Moody used the Disillusionment Charm on Harry.

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

9. At what age did Sirius leave his home?
when he was 16

10. How many of the original Order members were killed?
8

Our Room Reeks Again

Sorry, Emma. I know Elanor never did quite get that odorbegone charm to work...

I got my Bare yarn yesterday by owl and couldn't wait to get going on dying it in lovely Slytherin colors. I also dyed a skein for me. I did have a little boo-boo, though. Instead of the green for my spoilee I grabbed the teal I was going to use for me. I didn't figure it out until after I had used quite a bit of it. Oops. It doesn't look bad, does it? I mean a Slytherin might like to wear socks (or a shawl or whatever she may like to use it for) with some teal mixed in with the green and gray and white, right?

Will some of you fine Slytherins let me know if this is acceptable? If it is too blue-ish I do have some other yarn she might like. For the past few months I been buying every skein of green yarn I've seen. So I do have other choices if this isn't appropriate.

Here's a pic of the yarn I dyed for me, too. See how nice the teal looks there?

Another Ravenclaw Quiz

Some of these answers I'm absolutely postive of. Some are really good guesses. Some are what my friends think and I have no reason to doubt them. Did I mention that I lost my Order of the Phoenix textbook when I moved a couple months ago? Musta lent it to someone. So these answers are strictly off the top of my head.

Below are some quotes taken from Order of the Phoenix. I would like you to identify who spoke each.
1. It's changing out there. Just like last time. There's a storm coming, Harry. And we all best be ready when she comes. Dumbledore

2. Dumbledore's Army was about doing something real. Or was that all just words to you? Neville

3. Dementors in Little Winging? Whatever next? The whole world's going topsy-turvy. Mrs Figg

4. The mind is not a book, to be opened at will and examined at leisure. Thoughts are not etched on the inside of skulls, to be perused by an invader. The mind is a complex and many-layered thing. Snape! :)

5. Face it, Petunia. Our boy has gone lumpy. Uncle Vernon

6. You're a fool, Harry Potter, and you will lose everything. He Who Must not Be Named?

7. Practicing is good, but there's something else that's even more important: believing in yourself. Look at it this way: every wizard in history has started out as nothing more than we are now -- students. If they can do it, why not us? Harry

8. I WILL have order! Umbridge9. When are you going to get it into your head? We're in this together. Hermione? Ron10. When all this is over we'll be a proper family, you'll see. Sirius

11. That's right. Anyway, my mum always said things we lose have a way of coming back to us in the end. If not always in the way we expect. Luna, when harry ws mourning Sirius while everyone else was at the end of term feast

12. You may not like him, Minister, but you can't deny: Dumbledore's got style.Phineas Nigelus Black

13. Who wants to watch me take off Snivelly's trousers? James Potter

14. One person can't feel all that, they'd explode! Ron

15. They're very clean, these Muggles. It's unnatural. Tonks

16. How dare you speak his name! YOU FILTHY HALF BLOOD! Bellatrix le Strange

17. Just because you can use magic now does not mean you have to whip your wands out for everything. Mrs Weasley

18. Did you actually believe, or are you truly naive enough to think that children stood a chance against us? I'll make this simple, Potter. Give me the prophecy now, or watch your friends die. Lucius Malfoy

19. You sort of start thinking anything's possible if you've got enough nerve. Ginny

20. Ah, I thought we might hit this little snag. You seem to be laboring under the delusion that I am going to -- what is the phrase? -- come quietly. Dumbledore

Hogsmead Trip

This weekend I went with Elanor to Hogsmead. She was wanting to pick up some more tea and chocolate and a new quill. I always want chocolate, of course, but what I really wanted was to get my hair cut. Not a lot of course. When I got out of the muggle American army after 8 years I swore to never have short hair again. Since that was 16 years ago, and I usually get a trim only once a year, my hair is pretty long. When I wear it in a single braid down my back it goes to my waist. When it's unbraided it goes down a bit past my waist. I DO NOT want to cut it short. I am a bit vain of my hair and like to wear hair sticks and other types of hair jewelry, especially in the summer when I like to keep it up off my neck. But when it gets to a certain length it tends to look ratty.

It's at that length now, so it must be time for my annual hair cut. I thought I should have maybe 5 inches taken off. While Elanor was off doing her shopping I went to a place that cuts hair. I watched while one customer whose hair was about down to mid-back told the hair cutter repeatedly that she wanted only 2 inches removed. I watched with horror when the hair cutter took at least six inches off. I got up and left the waiting room in great haste. Too bad I couldn't have gotten a "Stupify!" out in time to save that poor girl's hair.

So I did not have my hair cut after all. Oh. well. I'll work up the nerve eventually.

It's really hard to get a picture of your hair when you don't have someone else to take the picture!

My personality test

Hmm... Not sure who i wanted to be, but Dumbledore is certainly acceptable.



Harry Potter Personality Quiz by Pirate Monkeys Inc.

Pop Quiz

This is a great way to get to know our housemates better!

1. Which Ravenclaw does not like games?
Miranda Moonstone

2. Who is taking a course in Remedial Magical Symphony?
Miz Kettleburn

3. Who got 3 puncture wounds in the bottom of her foot by stepping on a hair brush?
Ophelia Hopkirk

4. Who was formerly employed by the Ministry of Magic?
Emma Diggory

5. Who has been enrolled in a Magic Fibres Class in order to learn to knit?
Stuart Cauldwell- read his blog! It'a a hoot

6. Whose mother is a squib?
Minee’s

7. Whose father is an auror?
That would be ME!

8. Whose room smells like wet wool most of the time?
That would be our room, mine, Elanor Cadogan and Emma Diggory's. Altho you can't blame poor Emma. She just has to put up with it.


9. What Ravenclaws spent time in the infirmary for allergies?
Wisteria Lovegoods, Allitrya Spelling, me...

10. Whose wand is made of holly with a kelpie feather?
Hydrangea MacDuff

11. Whose mother was a Ravenclaw and father was a Hufflepuff when they met at Hogwarts?Olive Bladvak

12. Whose silencing potion backfired?
Emma Scrimgeour, Andromache Tonks, and Patonga Pinkstone

13. Who has purple hair?
Andromache Tonks

14. Whose son attends Hogwarts?
Emma Diggory’s son

Hufflepuff Sock Knitter's Bag

Dear Diary,

Last week I decided it was time to get started knitting a simple bag as an "angel" gift. In my stash I had some odd balls of yellow/gold and black. Obviously those would make a nice little bag for a 'Puff. And I do think that after i felt it and add a lining it will be quite nice. And of course it's a good thing to do. And I should be pleased that a Hufflepuff caught the snitch during our first Quidditch match of the year.

So why am I feeling so pouty?

Maybe my roomates Elanor and Emma have some butterbeer stashed around our room somewhere? I need some cheering up...

Quiddich! (or whatever that wizarding game is...)

Dear Diary, We are to complete a quiz of 10 questions and find an post some pictures for this week's quidditch match.



1. Which of Arabella's Figg's cats ran from under the car?

Tibbles

2. Which is NOT one of Albus Dumbledore's middle names?

Ignatius

3. Which educational decree indroduced a high inquisitor to Horgwarts?

#23

4. Apart from Harry, Ron and Hermione, who was the first peron to enter the Hog's head that showed an interest in Harry's Defense agaisnt the Dark Arts classes?

Neville Longbottom

5. In the first Qui9dditch match of the year which player attempted to score first?

Angelina

6. What kind of bush does Harry hide behind to listen to the news?

hydrangea

7. Why is Mundungus Fletcher disguised as a woman when he witnesses the DA's meeting in the Hog's Head Pub?

he was banned from the Hog's Head 20 years ago

8. When Harry and Cho go on their first date to Madam Puddifoot's in Hogsmeade, wh is is decorated with for Valentine's Day?

Golden cherubs and pink confetti

9. How old is Sturgis Podmore and where does he live?

38 and #2 Laburnum Gardens, Clapham

10. Waht did Fred and George Weasley do to Montague?

Pushed him head first into a Vanishing Cabinet on the fifth floor