Quidditch ~ Round Three

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?

a. Europa

b. Fiji

c North America

d. 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. True or false?
a. True
b. 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?
a. Emmeline Vance
b. Dorcas Meadowes
c. Amelia Susan Bones
d. Bellatrix Regulax

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?
a. Alice Longbottom
b. Marlene McKinnon
c. Emma Fenwick
d. Dorcas Meadowes

5. Which two fifth year Ravenclaw students does Dumbledore choose to be prefects?
a. Terry Boot and Mandy Brocklehurst
b. Luna Lovegood and Ernie Macmillan
c. Cho Chang and Michael Corner
d. Anthony Goldstein and Padma Patil

6. Which house was Rose Zeller sorted into?
a. Gryffindor
b. Slytherin
c. Ravenclaw
d. Hufflepuff

7. What is the color of Murtlap's essence?
a. Pink
b. Peach
c. Yellow
d. It is transparent

8. Name the Ravenclaw girl who became prefect in Harry's fifth year.
a. Hannah Abott
b. Padma Patil
c. Luna Lovegood
d. Marietta Edgecombe

9. According to a healer's portrait at St. Mungo's hospital, which disease was Ron suffering from?
a. Splattergroit
b. Splittygrot
c. Spottygroit
d. Spattergroit

10. Which book did Harry give Hermione for Christmas?
a. "New Theory of Numberology"
b. "A Compendium of Common Curses and their Counter-Actions"
c. "Acheivements in Charming"
d. "Moste Potente Potions"


Picture Scavenger Hunt

Padma Patil

Hannah Abbott

Percy Weasley

Dumbledore's Army
Cedric Diggory

(Extra 5 pts - What movie will Robert Pattinson star in this December?)

Twilight as Edward Cullen (born Edward Anthony Masen)

Package Almost Ready!!

My package is almost ready to go. I'm so glad that the headmistress is giving us a few more days! I might not post the whole kit here tomorrow, but I will definitely post a few teasers for Wisteria. Sorry to make this another short post!! I wanted to get my post in for the week and I completely forgot until now. I'll leave you with one of my favorite songs: The Rose.

Short, but sweet!

Eeeeeek!! Another week quickly gone by. So sorry! This was a crazy busy week. We are preparing for the youth camp and time just flew.

We just got in from a movie, so I won't make this long. I'll post something more substantial tomorrow.

Good night!

A Week Already????

My goodness! This week was so busy and I'd meant to post last Sunday! The day simply got away from me. I have such awesome, awesome news to share!!! Two really great things happened this week.

Cat and Winnie
Sunday the headmistress and I were able to meet at a nearby Starbucks. We live in adjacent towns - who would have thought? She noticed that my mailing address was near where she lived and she contacted me for a meet up! I was so jazzed. Here is a picture of us with my girls - Grace Ann and Mikayla.

My Kit Arrived!!!!
I still have to email Daisy, but I wanted to display the wonderful package that she sent me. Sorry, Daisy, that I could not post until now.

Daisy knit this beautiful bag!!! I absolutely LOVE it!! Along with the great pattern of a bag she sent these awesome buttons that look like snake eyes.

She also included a beautiful note, these gorgeous green stitch markers, a set of straight needles as well as circular needles, 3 skeins of Patons wool, a knit cup sleeve - love (1) - a Snickers bar, and a coupon for a free Starbucks drink!!! Thank you so much, Daisy!!! You are more than awesome! :)

Now to get cracking on finishing up my kit and those mini socks!!

Busy, busy bee!!

So sorry, Slytherins!! I know that I'm posting just under the wire. Things have been so busy here with the twins that I've nearly forgot all else. Ear aches are no fun, I tell you!

I do have some wonderful news, though! I received a wonderful package just yesterday from the ROAK swap from our dear fearless leader, Arabella!! Thank you so much for the lovely yarns! I love angora and wool. Within the next couple of days I'll be picking somone from the ROAK list on our Ravelry board and shipping out a little goodness too! So, look out for your mailboxes because you never know who it's going to be!

Also, my package for my partner is coming along nicely. I'm running a little behind on knitting up something so, a beautifully sewed bag it will have to be. I might give a sneak peak at the fabrics next weekend just before I ship it off.

For those of you that are trying to beat the heat here are a few ways that you can stay cool this summer:

Try a desert trick. When the air outside is dry and cooler than the air inside, hang a damp sheet in an open window. “That’s what we do here in Death Valley,” says Dale Housley, a ranger at Death Valley National Park. Incoming breezes are cooled by the evaporating water.

Block the sun. Closing curtains and blinds (ideally with sun-deflecting white on the window side) can reduce the amount of heat that passes into your home by as much as 45 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Make a makeshift air conditioner. If it’s hot but not humid, place a shallow bowl of ice in front of a fan and enjoy the breeze. As the ice melts, then evaporates, it will cool you off.

Give your A/C some TLC. Clean or replace the filter in room and central air conditioners about once a month during the summer. If you have central air-conditioning, have the ducts checked for leaks, which can reduce a system’s efficiency by as much as 15 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Seal any cracks between a window unit and the frame with peelable caulking or a sealant strip. These steps help ensure good airflow and keep the coils cleaner, which means more efficient and more effective cooling.

Close the damper. While running any kind of air conditioner, shut your fireplace damper. An open one “pulls hot air into your house instead of sucking it out,” says Tommy Spoto, a master chimney sweep at Chimney Chap, in Copiague, New York. “This is called flow reversal.”

Close everything else, too. Whether the air conditioner is on or off, keep windows and doors shut if the temperature outside is more than 77 degrees Fahrenheit (most people start to sweat at 78). Whenever the outside air is hotter than the inside air, opening a window invites heat to creep in.

Fan strategically. If the day’s heat is trapped inside your home, try a little ventilation at night or when the temperature drops below 77. A window fan can help; the trick is to face the blades outside to suck warm air out of the house and pull cooler air in. “Kind of surprising,” says Bill Nye, the Science Guy, a scientist, engineer, comedian, author, and inventor. “Having a fan blowing in is a good idea — but it’s not as effective as one that’s blowing out.”

Spritz yourself. Keep a spray bottle in the refrigerator, and when the going gets hot, give yourself a good squirt. “It’s all about thermal regulation,” says John Lehnhardt, an elephant expert at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. “As the water evaporates, it cools you.” While elephants wet their ears first by blasting water from their trunks, humans should begin with their wrists to quickly cool down the blood flowing through their veins.

Run a fan and an air conditioner simultaneously. You can use the air conditioner at lower power and still feel cool if the fan is blowing over you. That’s because the air conditioner removes humidity from the air while the fan helps evaporate sweat and moves heat away from your body. (Note: Fans don’t cool a room; they just make people feel cooler, so shut them off before you leave.)

Turn on the vent in the bathroom. When taking a shower, be sure to use the vent fan: It helps sticky moisture escape.

Stay cool, Chicas!!

Quidditch ~ Round Two

Picture Scavenger Hunt

Kingsley

Nymphadora

Bellatrix Lestrange
(This is a family portrait of Bella that hangs in the Black family Manor)

Remus
(a sweetheart among sweethearts)

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

b. Professor Umbridge

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

c. Magnolia Crescent

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

c. Narcissa and Bellatrix

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

d. The Vanishing Spell

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?

Answer: ____Dobby_________ (five letters)

6. Who are the members of the Order that met Harry Potter in the Dursely’s house during the summer before his fifth year?

c. Alastor Moody, Nymphadora Tonks, Kingsley Shacklebolt, Elphias Doge, Dedalus Diggle, Remus Lupin, Emmeline Vance, Sturgis Podmore, Hestia Jones

7. Moody used the Disillusionment Charm on Harry.

a. Yes

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

d. All of these

9. At what age did Sirius leave his home?

Answer: _____16____________ (Number)

10. How many of the original Order members were killed (don’t include those who disappeared)?

b. 8

The Forbidden Forest

Not too much homework will be done this week. If you don't see me post too often this week it's because Lav, Ophelia, Emma and I are on a mission to the Forbidden Forest to find her husband. If you are a Slytherin you have access to the notes left by our owls. If you are not a Slytherin, well I suppose that you'll have to wait until we return to get the full story of our travels. Please, wish us luck! I can tell you that we've already come across some magical beings in our travels.

My Patronus

I heard that Professor Lufkin is requiring that everyone needs to post their Patronus, so here is mine:

What Is Your Patronus Charm? You scored as a Owl Patronus Although it took a bit of work, you managed to produce a wise Owl Patronus! Exceptionally intelligent and unbelievably clever, you are by far a genuine person with a mind filled with brilliance and the potential for great things. You generally keep to yourself, but you have a lot going on inside of your head. Any way, you are a wonderful and useful friend. Now go kick some dementor butt! Rabbit Patronus 70% Swan Patronus 70% Owl Patronus 70% Dog Patronus 70% Fox Patronus 70% Horse Patronus 60% Butterfly Patronus 60% Cat Patronus 30%

I wasn't entirely happy with that quiz so I took another:

The TOAD, most may see this as a humiliating patronus. I mean how are you supposed to strike fear into the hearts of evil with a toad... come on. But this patronus is far from a joke; its wisdom surpasses all, giving it a tactical advantage. And by using its massive and adhesive tongue it can spit it out at the enemy and suck it in, making your nemesis’s come to you. Then subsequently swallows them... thus absorbing there power and saving the day. Not a wise patronus to mess with! 27 % from 46252 test takers had this profile!

Noni Contest!!

I just had to write about this. The CraftGossip Blog Network is holding a contest for the Just a Bowl of Pears Noni pattern. Head on over and enter because she's giving away a big of yarn too!!

Hogsmead!!!!

I am so excited! The headmistress announced earlier this week that this weekend is a Hogsmead weekend!! Yay!! I know that I don't want to spend the time in Hogsmead running around like a chicken with my head cut off, so I shall make sure that these stops will be first on my list (anyone care to join me?):

The Three Broomsticks
My favorite drink is the cherry syrup and soda with ice and an umbrella. Madam Rosmerta is such a dear! She always remembers me and as soon as she sees my head pop through the door she begins making my drink. Do you think that she's related to our own Emerald Rosmerta?

Honeydukes Sweetshop
Favorite candies? Of course Fizzing Whizzbees. It is so fun to float for just a few minutes as they dissolve in your mouth. Acid pops and blood flavored lollipops are also among my favorite. I used to love Canary creams, but last year some students went over board and now those things give me nightmares!

Gladrags Wizardwear
I must stop here because I have to get some things for me dad. The American Father's Day is coming up and I wanted to get him a special cloak that he's been eying for some time now.

Well, for now I must get some good sleep so that I can enjoy the trip tomorrow!!

Hufflepuff Slytherin Quiz #3

We have been asked by Hagrid to describe an experience that we've had with a magical creature, so today I'm going to write about my childhood pet that I called Limpy. Limpy is actually a Plimpy.

When I was 2 years old I couldn't say Plimpy very well, so when my parents asked me to repeat my new pet's name I said Limpy. A Plimpy is "a kind of fish, shaped like a ball with two long, rubbery legs and webbed feet. If you happen to spot a plimpy with its legs tied in a knot, you will know that merpeople are around." I had Limpy just about from birth, and because they grow slow he didn't reach full size until I was 4 1/2 years old - just about the time that the old memory storage kicks in.

On our property we have a huge pond, so when Limpy got too big for my little fish tank we put him in the pond. Well, when I was about 4 1/2 the merpeople, who were not in our pond before, showed up. How they got there, I don't know. My parents, who really are fun loving people decided that they did not want merpeople around their daughter, so they decided that Limpy had to be moved to another pond. I remember being so said that I cried for days and days. To this day, every time that I see a pond I wonder if I'll see Limpy.

Curious Meme

The ever curious Lizzie Wytchwood tagged me with this Meme, and I've only now been able to sit down and respond to it :)

1. What was I doing 10 years ago?
Do you mean 10 years in Potter time or muggle time? Well, we'll go with muggle. I was just entering muggle college to get a degree in communications.

2. What are 5 things on my to-do list today?
Change diapers.
Wash clothes.
Change diapers.
Sneaking in a nap.
Playing with the twins.

3. Snacks I enjoy...
Heide Gummy Bears
Ice cream
Oatmeal and raisin cookies

4. Things I would do if I were a billionaire...
Buy my parents a house.
Donate to charity.
Travel.
Invest in my children's education, and
BUY LOTS OF YARN!!!

5. Places I've lived..
San Diego, CA
West Covina, CA

6. Jobs I've had...
McDonald's
Mortgage Company
Women's Ministry Leader

7. Peeps I want to know more about...
I have enjoyed the posts of the following on HSKS and Ravelry, and invite you to respond to this Meme if you care to:
Wisteria Lovegood
Violet le Veela
Cressida Townsbury
Emma Wigworthy

My tribute to a great Slytherin

How can I be Slytherin and be . . .

Harry Potter Personality Quiz by Pirate Monkeys Inc.

Quidditch ~ Round One

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

2. Which of the following is NOT one of Albus Dumbledore's middle names?
a. Ignatius

3. Which educational decree introduced a High Inquisitor to Hogwarts?
d. 23

4. Apart from Harry, Ron, and Hermione, who was the first person to enter the Hog's Head that showed an interest in Harry's Defence against the Dark Arts classes?
b. Neville Longbottom

5. In the first Quidditch match of the year which player attempted to score first?
a. Angelina Johnson

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

7. Why is Mundungus Fletcher disguised as a woman when he witnesses the DA (Dumbledore's Army) meeting in the Hog's Head pub?
b. He was banned from the Hog's Head pub 20 years ago.

8. When Harry and Cho go on their first date to Madam Puddifoot's in Hogsmeade, what is it decorated with for Valentine's Day?
c. Golden cherubs and pink confetti

9. How old is Sturgis Podmore and where does he live?
a. 38 and number 2 Laburnum Gadents Clapham

10. What did Fred and George Weasley do to Montague?
Forced him head-first into a Vanishing Cabinet on the first floor.

Relaxing Weekend!

Would you like to know what I've done this weekend? Lie in bed and read Mercy by Jodi Picoult! Yes, my friends. All of of normal distractions have been taken away by a good friend and I've been allowed to spend the weekend doing things that I normally don't get to do because of my studies and 'other' domestic type duties. Yay for me!! I love, love, love to read. I was even treated to my favorite Starbucks this morning. Can life get any better?

I'm excited to say that I've purchased some very choice items for my partners kit. I haven't obtained any Hogwarts type paraphanelia yet, but those items will probably be last on my list. First I must complete the bag that my partner requested. No peeking yet!! Things are rather slow because I have twin distractions that slow me up a bit, but not to worry, Fair Wisteria! Your package is coming along nicely.

This next week I hope to spend a little time studying with my room mates Ophelia, Emma, and Lavender. They seem to be such wonderful gals. Hopefully, they can help me with my potions homework. I love that class, but sometimes I just don't under stand what Professor Black is talking about. Or maybe it's because I'm distracted by his mysterious dark eyes.

Slytherin House Quiz #1

1. How many goal posts are on the Quidditch Pitch?
Six Goals

2. Who was portrayed in the picture that kept screaming in the headquarters for the Order of the Phoenix?
Walburga Black


3. Who was giving Hagrid all of those bruises and cuts?
Grawp

4. Who left his shift early, leaving Harry open to a dementor attack?
Mundungus

5. What was the name of the Squib who came to Harry's side after the attack?
Mrs. Fig

6. What position was Percy promoted to that made him have a 'row' with Mr. Weasley?
Junior Assistant to Minister Fudge

7. What secret does Hermione know about Rita Skeeter?
Rita is an unregistered Animagus

8. Name one person other than Sirius Black who was scratched off of the Family tree wall?
Marius Black

9. Who discovers the room of requirement?
Neville


10. Where is the first DA meeting held?
Hog's Head Inn

How did my first week go?

Well, there is so much to tell! My class schedule is rather heavy this year, so there is lots and lots of studying for me. I have the standard classes:

Astronomy
Charms
Defense Against the Dark Arts
Herbology
Potions
Transfiguration

I'm also studying Ancient Runes, Care of Magical Creatures and Divination. All while preparing for my O.W.L.s which will take place later this year.

There have been any number of cute wizards at Hogwarts this year, but my eyes have caught Theodore Rosier. I know that I have to focus on my studies, but Theodore, or Theo as I like to call him, is just the cutest boy in the whole school. He is a 6th year Slytherin! Every time he passes me in the hallways I feel like I'm about to pass out. Isn't that love?? Or could it be the fact that his name sake is the patron devil of seduction who tempts humans to fall in love and cause them to act foolishly?

I have spent a little time visiting with Wisteria, my spoilee for the swap, and I am looking forward to getting to know her better. I know that as the deputy headmisstress she must be busy, but I do hope that she will post a little more about herself on her blog. I've already bought a few things for her kit this last week.

Well, I must get back to dreaming of Theo studying!

The Term Has Begun!

I'm so excited! I was visiting the grounds the other night, trying to get acquainted with the layout of Hogwarts and an owl came to rest on my shoulder. The message read:

Dear Cat:
You have been chosen to spoil a very special person at Hogwarts. Her name is Wisteria Lovegood and she is the Deputy Headmistress! Spoil her well :)

You've also been assigned to a room in the Slytherin dungeon with two other Slytherin girls.
Emma Gorodok and Ophelia Crookshanks.

Sincerely,
Winifred Wartbobble and Arabella Moody

I am so excited!!! I can't wait to get to know all these wonderful ladies and to spoil Wisteria :) This will be a good term!

Hogwarts

Hello, all! I've arrived at Hogwarts a little early so that I can get to know some of my house mates before the term begins.

I can't wait to see who my swap partners will be! This is all so exciting! To help pass the time I took a pre-term test to see what my best class would be:

Which Class at Hogwarts Would You Excel at?

You excel at Potions. Either you're one twisted sister or you're on a certain someone's good side.
Take this quiz!








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I made it!!!

I am over joyed!! I can't say much now because I have to begin packing my bags to leave for Hogwarts. Mum and Dad have promised a stop at Diagon Alley, though, so that I may purchase the supplies that I need.

I'm off!! My next post will be from the halls of Hogwarts!

The Excitement is Building!

Watching the HSKS blog is making me excited to join this swap! I'll be a new student, so I'll be one of the one's awake into the late hours of the night ready with the sign up form.

I told my brother, Beauford Lestrange, about this swap and he was wondering if he should join in too. We come from a very artistic family, so my brother knits a little here and there. He knows how to sew too, but doesn't do that as often as knitting. Beau will be attending summer school this year, so he might not have the time to dedicate to a swap. Wouldn't that be fun, though, we both of us carrying on in the Slytherin Dungeon?

Well, I have to run now. Mum has said that I have to get this pigsty of a room cleaned up and organized before my acceptance owl comes from Hogwarts or I'll have to attend another school this term! Can you believe that she would threaten me with such a thing?

The Cat's Meow!

Well, I guess an introduction of sorts is in order. My name is Catriona Lestrange. I am a 5th Year Hogwarts student, though this is the first time that I am participating in the swap activities here at Hogwarts.

I am related to the infamous Bellatrix Lestrange by way of marriage. My uncle is Rodolphus Lestrange, the husband of Bellatrix. You don't hear speak of her, but my mother - Relio Lestrange - was sister to both Rodolphus and Rabastan Lestrange. She is a true Slytherin at heart, but she distanced herself from her brothers when they were caught and given life sentences in Azkaban.

This term at Hogwarts promises great adventure, so I've decided to blog my way through it. I'm a little new to this whole blogging thing, but I'm a quick learner and will work at something until it provides the results that I want to see.

New students will begin arriving in just a little over a week! I'm so excited to learn new things and meet new people. I also believe that Slytherin House can give those Gryffindors a run for their money in the up coming Quidditch tournaments! Woot!