Charms Assignment - HLBOES

Project Assignment:

Out of 25 possible points.
Due: August 4 (Tuesday)

For every Charms student, a wand is the most essential tool. I would like each of you to try your hand at wand-making. Using common household items (and whatever else you may be able to find at the local crafts store), please construct a wand for yourself.
In addition to constructing your wand, please include the following: a list of (Muggle) materials you used and 2-5 sentences about why your wand has picked you. You can talk about wand wood, core, length, flexibility or anything else that may be special.
Also, each student must have a place to put his or her wand when class is over. For part of the assignment, you are to construct a wand pouch. Again, use whichever materials you can find at the local crafts store, but I have found that both knitting and crocheting work quite well.

Grading Rubric:
Wand Construction: (10 points)

• Is this portion of the assignment finished and did the student follow directions? (3)
• Did the student make a decent wand that would be functional in the classroom? (4)
• How much artistic style did the student put into making the wand? (3)

Wand Pouch Construction: (10 points)

• Is the assignment finished and did the student follow directions? (4)
• What is the quality of the pouch? How well will it function? (4)
• Is the wand pouch aesthetically pleasing? (2)

Written Portion: (5 points)

• List of Muggle materials? (2)
• Short written analysis of his or her wand? (3)

Disclaimer:
I reserve the right to give partial credit for completed assignments.

Callisto Verity
Charms Professor
Ravenclaw HoH

HLBOES Update

So, it's been a long time since I've updated last, but I just got a note from Grandma Beth, offering me a teaching spot at HLBOES's Hogwarts!!! I am to be teaching Charms and acting as the Head of Ravenclaw. I didn't always enjoy Charms class, mostly because that Charivnyk kid was always sitting in the back of class, being distracting with his hair changing color and all that.

Oh, I do wish Dad knew about this! He would be so proud of me. And Mum. But they've been busy as of late, with Ali's wedding and all that. Did I mention she's engaged to Emrick? Probably not. But they are and they'll be married in the beginning of July. Isn't it odd?

But I'm back to my beloved Ravenclaw, sporting the blue and bronze. I think it was Spencer who originally said that it didn't match my hair, but whatever. My hair's still purple (as always) and I don't think I'll be doing anything to change it. Oh, I should really get going now. I promised Daniel I'd help him with non-verbal spellcasting. He's only a fourth year, but I started learning the non-verbal stuff when I started my third year, so I don't think it's too early. Plus, he's a Ravenclaw and everyone knows that Ravenclaws are the smartest people around!

Quidditch, Round Three

Will Finish this Later

1. This “Harry Potter” character’s first name comes from Roman mythology. The mythological character’s twin brother is named Romulus. What is the Harry Potter character last name?
b. Lupin

2. Which “Harry Potter” character’s first name is the Roman equivalent of the Greed Goddess Athena?
c. McGonagall

3. In ‘Harry Potter’ World, this wizard has created the Philosopher’s Stone (called the Sorcerer Stone in the US). The historical figure from the 14th and 15th centuries was a scribe and a manuscript-seller who became famous as an alchemist. Who is this individual?
Nicholas Flamel

4. What is the first name of a character whose last name is the name of a Bulgarian leader from early 9th century who doubled the country’s territory?
a. Theodore
b. Cedric
c. Viktor
d. Vincent

5. Which character’s name is the name of goddess in Indian mythology?
b. Patil

6. “Where the Wild Things Are” tells the story of Max, a young boy sent to bed without his supper for his wild antics. Who created this winner of the Caldecott Medal?
a. Maurice Sendak

7. What was NOT one of the unexpected defense mechanisms that Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Griphook encountered in their attempt to rob Gringotts?
a. The Flagrante Curse
b. The Thieves’ Downfall
c. Anti-summoning Enchantments
d. The Geminio Curse

8. What was Snape aiming at when he cut off George’s ear?
c. Another Death Eater’s wand hand

9. How much older than James was Lily? (Referring to Harry’s parents, not children).
d. 2 months

10. Food is one of the five exceptions to what magical law?
a. Grimp’s Law of Elemental Transfiguration
b. Gamp’s Law of Elemental Transfiguration
c. Gamp’s Law of Fundamental Transfiguration
d. Grimp’s Law of Fundamental Transfiguration

Picture Hunt
George
McGonagall
Patil
Where the Wild Things Are

I haz been spoilt!

So, yesterday, I went to see if I had any packages and I found that I recieved one in the mail from Bathilda Boomslang. She's a Slytherin and my spoiler for HSKS7. Since I cannot find my camera cord (I owe, like, a ton of pictures!), I'll just tell you what she spoiled me with and show you later, okay?

• Knitpicks Shine Sport yarn in Grass and Silver Sage. It feels so soft and I can't wait to make something totally awesome out of it!
• A felted scrub pad that is dark green, burgandy and tan. It is also very soft, but not as soft as the yarn.
• A place to hold my dpns!!! Finally, I have a proper storage roll for them. Unfortunately, one of my size 3 harmony dpns broke the other day, so I'm down to only having five of those. :(
• A snake in something crystaline. This came in a bag that once had Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans. I'm glad I didn't get any of those. Once Ali got one that was soap flavored. But the bags are really cool!
• A leather keychain that will be going on my school bag as soon as it stops snowing and raining so much. Also, a lanyard keychain in Slytherin colors. This is going right on my school bag as soon as I get off the computer!
  
• A lovely Slytherin colored hemp anklet that I'm pretty sure Bathilda made it herself. I will have to wear it when the weather gets warm enough.
• A set of size 4 harmony circulars. The best part is that they're interchangeable, so now I can start collecting different size tips for the cables!
• A bag of my favorite spearmint candies! They're even green. ^_^
• A pattern for fingerless gloves
• And... best of all... the bag! Unlike the bag I'm making (which is knitted), this was made with needlepoint on plastic canvas. Definitely creative and I love the zig-zag pattern on the front.
  

And I shall post pictures as soon as I can find my camera and the cable cord for it. I really need to take a picture of Bernadette's kit before I send it off to her (especially the bag, which is just about finished... finally!).

OT: Kit Update

Well, I am almost done with getting the things ready for Bernadette's kit! I was able to go to the store today and pick up some of the last few things I needed and now all I have to do is finish her bag and wait for the stuff I ordered to arrive in the mail (hopefully early this week!). That way, I can get her kit in the mail by Friday for the early deadline.

I don't have much more to do on the bag. Only about ten more rows of knitting, lining it and weaving in the loose ends. This really shouldn't be too challenging, seeing as how I am a much better knitter than I was during the last term!

And Vanya (she's my owl) should be flying out early next week with a little surprise for someone in the castle. Or maybe I'll borrow Lazarus, Emrick's owl, to deliver it so that Vanya can be rested to fly all the way to Bernadette's place. Yes, borrowing Lazarus sounds like a good idea. Much better than having Vanya fly such a long distance.

The Miracle Worker?

Well, I have only been able to knit since Friday, but already, I am about 75% of the way done with the bag for Bernadette. I guess I have a lot to owe to the fact that it's not a very difficult pattern, but even I didn't know I could knit that fast. Now, I just have to finish the flap, the shoulder strap (haha, I can't crochet, so that should be fun...) and put in the lining. Am I amazing or what?

And I have a few extra surprises I need to finish up for her, but I doubt those will take very long. And I need to wait for the stuff that I ordered in the mail to arrive and pick out the pattern I am going to send her... I have a few ideas. Then my package will be ready to go! In fact, we have another week until the early mailing deadline and I think there is a very good chance that I will make it!!!

This is really amazing news because I missed the early mailing deadline last term by less than a week (I was having major difficulties with some of the knitting projects I had chosen to take on) and it's even more amazing considering the fact that at one point, I wasn't sure if I would be able to stay in the swap and a week ago, I was pretty sure I would have to figure out something completely different to use for the handmade object.

I am just very thankful that I can knit again and still be a part of HSKS7. I have made quite a few friends through these past two swaps, most notably, Cassandra C and Minerva Wood of Ravenclaw, Andromeda Finch-Fletchley of Slytherin and quite a few others. In my opinion, this is the best part of the swaps... being able to meet new people and make new friends. I am thankful for all of you and I also really hope that Bernadette likes my package ^_^

Well, I should really be going soon. We have an exam in Professor Ockham's class later this week and his exams are always tough. Did I mention he used to be a Ravenclaw? Somehow, that doesn't surprise me. I'll write more later.

~Callisto

Update on Project

I just got back to knitting and I am pleased to say that I have been working on a beautiful bag for my Hufflepuff spoilee, Bernadette Hobsworth. I can't say much here because Hufflepuffs are sneaky and get into places they shouldn't be, but it's coming along quite well. There is even a possibility I will have the entire kit complete in time to make the early sending deadline, especially if I knit a lot next weekend!

Thank goodness I already had the yarn and the needles. That makes it a lot easier. And that I'm writing the pattern and it's easy to follow. I think I should make a list of things I need to finish getting together before I send her kit off. Especially so I don't forget something.

Old Ravenclaw Homework...

1- What form does your Patronus take?
Mine would take the form of a mongoose. It's kind of like a rodent, but it fights with snakes. Ironic because I'm a Slytherclaw. [My writer's patronus would take the form of a giant manta ray. She won't tell me why.]
2- Did you bring a cat, an owl, a toad, or other pet with you? What is their name?
I brought an owl with me. Her name is Vanya.
3- What is your favorite class here at Hogwarts?
Definitely Potions! Or DADA 'cause we keep having lots of new professors. But Professor Gunner is one of my favorite professors.
4- What is worth sneaking out of the castle for, even if you got caught?
Well, there was that time that Sophia and I went to the Forbidden Forest (last semester) to get something to make a Confusing and Befuddlement Drought for Potions class...
5- What has made you laugh so hard that you've had butterbeer come out your nose?
Sometimes the big kids make me laugh that hard. Or the time when one of them turned into a wolf and Emrick screamed. He screams like a girl.
7- What is your favorite flavor... the one thing you could simply not live without?
Probably mint stuff.
8- How many HSKS terms have you participated in?
This is my second.
9- Do you have a birthday, anniversary or other big Muggle event during this year at Hogwarts?
Nope. Mine was between terms.
10- You in 5 words.
Curious, challenging, determined, argumentative, quick.

Long week and RAOK

Well, life has been a bit crazy, between trying to avoid detention (and Mr. Head Boy), an amount of schoolwork, getting to visit home (and spend time with Lara and Daniel) last week and general stuff. Like Emrick and Hana getting into a huge fight last week over something that Professor McAllistair said in class. We all have Potions together and, well, let's just say our Potions professor is a bit odd. Did you know that there are Muggle-born Slytherins? He's one of them, but that's not the weirdest thing about him. He said that being a Muggle-born Slytherin was harder than being any other type of student in any other House. Hana said that being a Gryffindor who's afraid of everything would be harder and Emrick (being a Slytherin) disagreed with that.

I don't know why they always argue like that. They fight more than Ali and me do during the summer holidays 'cause we're always stuck inside and helping Mum and Dad... well, usually Dad's at work. So that's been my week. I really miss spending time with Daniel and even Lara.

Oh, and did you know that a fabulous RAOK package came my way? It was all the way from Ravenclaw Tower (I miss being a Ravenclaw... stupid Sorting Hat!) and from someone I think I know, but I'm not sure. I think I might have met her in the Great Hall once last semester. It's from Cassandra C! But I got the most awesome pair of Knit Picks double pointed needles (in size 2) AND a very awesome skein of hand-dyed merino yarn. It's green! Which is my second favourite colour (aside from purple, of course). When I can knit again, I think I'll use it to make myself a pair of socks. ^_^

Unfortunately, Donovan told me that Vanya has been waiting in the Slytherin Common Room with the package since last week. Honestly, sometimes I don't know HOW he knows these things. But this week, I need to get an RAOK out to go to someone very special. I don't know who I'll be sending it to yet, but I hope thry'll like it. :)

A Long Week

I really need to get blogging before I end up on the Crucio list for the week. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to knit and even if I was, I wouldn't have the time. But what I did do was spend all of Wednesday night up at the top of the Astronomy Tower. Professor Frey assigned us homework (labelling a star diagram), but not many students were up there. I did see Rachel, one of my roommates, but she's an odd girl. Tycho Brynhild was also up there, but he was reading most of the time... well, when he wasn't yelling at those wierd Hufflepuff kids to stop messing with the telescopes.

In other news, I got into a huge argument with Adrien Bontecou. I don't know what it is about him, but eveything he says... everything he does irks the daylights out of me. I don't know what to do about him. At least he wasn't up on the Tower the other night. I just don't know. I think I need to go to that Chess Club meeting that one of the Ravenclaws is putting on. That might be fun and take my mind off of things.

Snow Week

So everyone else got to have fun in the snow at Hogwarts, but I was stuck inside due to still feeling sick from the after effects of the Skele-gro that Madame Pomfrey gave me after our Quidditch match. At least I can move my arm now, but she still advised me that I should give it a rest (like for a few weeks) and then when I tried to convince Professor McAllistair that I was perfectly fine, he also snapped at me that I shouldn't try too much. One would think he'd push his students to try harder in his class, not allow slacking off in any way. Even if they can't really help it. Thankfully, Potions isn't very heavy on the wand-waving and Hana and I are in the same class, so she can help me chop things up until I can use my hand fully again.

While I could hear everyone else playing outside in the snow, I was mostly working on the essay we had for Arithmancy and the translation assignment for Ancient Runes. I do love my classes, but I'm beginning to think that Ravenclaws don't get it. Like they love to learn things, but what do they do with what they know? Slytherins and Gryffindors use knowledge to further their purposes; that's one thing I've seen from the differences between Professor Gunner's class and Professor Ockham's class. Professor Ockham is the Transfiguration teacher, in case you didn't know.

Uh oh... here comes Andrew. I guess I'll write more later, okay?

Sad Tale of a Substitute Beater...

I am such a bad student because I didn't do my homework this week, but I have visited Madame Pomfrey at least twice. I can't stand the fact that a BEATER has to get hit with a Bludger during a Quidditch game, especially since we were doing so well. I heard that one of the Seekers from one of the other teams got hurt when he fell off his broom trying to catch the Snitch, so I'm glad I'm not the only one. Misery does love company, right?

Madame Pomfrey gave me a little bit of Skelegrow, but I'm not sure it had the desired effect. Or maybe one's arm is supposed to hurt like hell after trying (and epically failing) to keep a Bludger from smacking into her best Chaser friend. This is Andrew, not Spencer, though I must say that Spencer is quite cute. But Andrew's one of my best friends ever.

So now I'm off the Quidditch team (I think Vorian decided this because Yuri had been one of the ones who tried to convince me to try out again this year) for probably the rest of the season and that snobby Bontecou kid is now the other Beater. Oh well. Maybe I can have fun and actually watch a game and since I'm still a substitute, I'll be showing up at practice.

~Callisto Verity

Quidditch: Round One

I am doing this without a book, so hopefully my answers are accurate...

1. What momentous event was the reason that the members of the Order of the Phoenix felt it necessary to move Harry out of the Dursley's house?
a. The start of the new school year
b. The Dursleys kicking him out
c. Voldemort's escape from Azkaban
d. Harry's upcoming birthday

2. Who revealed the actual date of Harry's transfer to Voldemort, despite the misinformation the Order had been spreading around that the move would occur on the eve of his actual birthday?
a. Mundungus
b. Snape
c. Yaxley
d. Shacklebolt

3. With the use of Polyjuice Potion (and to confuse any possible attack by Death Eaters), six member of the Order were disguised as Harry and escorted out of Privet Drive, along with the real Harry. Which member of the order did not survive that night?
a. Mad-Eye Moody
b. Nymp0hadora Tonks
c. Hagrid
d. George Weasley

4. Who informed Harry, Ron and Hermione of the bequests left to them in Dumbledore's will?
a. Kingley Shaclebolt
b. Minerva McGonalgall
c. Arthur Weasley
d. Rufus Scimgeour

5. During the wedding celebration for Bill and Fleur, Kingley Shacklebolt sent a Patronus to tell the guests that the Ministry had fallen, Scrimgeour (the Minister) was dead and the wedding celebration was about to be attacked by Death Eaters. What form did the Patronus take?
a. A lynx
b. An otter
c. A doe
d. A stag

6. Escaping from the wedding to London, our three friends found themselves confronted by a pair of Death Eaters, disguised as workmen. This close brush impressed on them the need to find someplace to hide. Where did they decide to go?
a. The Leaky Cauldron
b. Sirius Black's house
c. The Dursley's house
d. Ron's Auntie Muriel's house

7. Kreacher's animosity towards Harry, Ron and especially Hermione (a Mudblood) was well documented in book five, "The Order of the Phoenix." His initial interaction with them showed that his attitude had not changed. How did they win him over?
a. By giving him clothes and his freedom
b. They didn't win him over!
c. By giving him something to eat
d. By giving him Regulus Black's old locket

8. Who did they eventually find was in possession of the locket/Horcrux?
a. Severus Snape
b. Lucius Malfoy
c. Lord Voldemort
d. Dolores Umbridge

9. What did Harry find embedded in the door of Umbrdige's office?
a. Moody's magical eye
b. Nymphadora's purple hair
c. Hedwig's head
d. George Weasley's ear

10. After retrieving the Horcrux, they tried to return to their safe place but they were pursued (actually Yaxley tagged along when they disapparated). This meant that the Death Eaters knew their hiding place and they had to go somewhere else. Where did Hermione take them?
a. To Godric's Hollow
b. To the Forbidden Forest
c. Back to the Burrow
d. To the site of the Quidditch World Cup

Picture Scavenger Hunt
The pictures must be posted on your blog or at least linked to from your blog. Make sure that the links work or you will not get credit.

Mad-Eye Moody

Nymphadora Tonks

George Weasley

The Dursley's House

Kreacher

There you have it!

Slytherin House Quiz Two

Quiz`Two: Get to Know Your Housemates

1. Which housemate has an 11 ½ inch holly wand with a Dragon Heartstring core?

That's Bathilda Boomslang, my spoiler. I'm so lucky to have a fellow snake to spoil me this term!

2. Which housemate creates rockin’ sock patterns?

Emma Wigworthy makes the most awesome sock patterns! I love them very much and even though I'm not good at making socks, I can only dream of the day when I'm good enough to knit something that looks like one of the patterns she has up. I especially like her Durmstrang socks.

3. Which housemate has the hots for David Boreanez?

Oh my! That Cassandra Puddlemere is so funny sometimes! I heard from Peeves that she seems to have something for a Mr. Boreanez... Peeves is so silly! I think he might be fabricating a tale, but shh... don't tell Cass I said that!

4. Which housemate used to be the top badger who made a habit of eating snakes?

I think they're talking about Quinn here. She used to be a Hufflepuff, but now she's one of us!

5. Which housemate shows off her awards from HSKS6 on her blog?

Madam Ferula Finnegan. She has almost as many awards as in the Hogwarts Trophy Room!

6. Which housemate makes kicka* * cookies IRL?

Since Esmerelda Beanswallow has a picture of a crocheted pie on her blog and she has a link to the HSKS recipe blog, I shall just assume that she is the one who makes very good cookies. Perhaps she will make some without chocolate to share with the rest of us?

7. Which housemate is a third year Slytherclaw, whatever the hell that means?

Haha... that's me, Callisto Verity. A Slytherclaw is someone who is either a Slytherin or a Ravenclaw, but displays traits of the other House... not like a Gryffindork, who is someone who is in Gryffindor who happens to be a dork (like Donovan).

8. Which housemate wants Plymouth to make her feet happy?

Belladonna Boomslang is the one who likes that particular type of yarn! Is she somehow related to Bathilda, I wonder?

9. Which housemate is a knitting addict? (Ok, all of us, but one in particular.)

Lily of Flitwick is a self-proclaimed knitting addict, but I think all of us are addicted, whether we'd admit it or not!

10. Which housemate loves to sing?

I heard Diana Lockhart singing the other day. She actually has a pretty nice voice.

11. Which housemate has issues with muggle devices?

That's Ginny Crookshanks. It's too bad so many Slytherins underestimate the importance of being able to use these things. I grew up in a mostly Muggle neighborhood, so I know how to use all that stuff.

12. Which housemate likes Darth HelloKitty?

Ceciley Fortescue. I thought HelloKitty was strictly a Muggle thing - or that's what Emrick told Hana - but I guess not.

13. Which housemate has a member of the family with his own fan club?

Prince Corey, who is the son of HRH Queen Frysia the Fierce has his own fan club within the Snake Pit.

14. Which housemate has never-ending PMS?

Would that be Olivia Moody Gaunt, by any chance?

15. Which housemate originally comes from South New Joisey?

Twenty questions for twenty Slytherins... I'm assuming that no one would use the same person twice, so the only one left on the list (assuming I got all these correct) is Penelope Caerphilly. This was the last question I answered.

16. Which housemate “adores” European chocolates?

I don't know this one, but I'm guessing it is Clara Clovenhoof. The type of chocolate she listed in her blog is apparently an Italian chocolate. Not that I know much about chocolate, seeing as how I can't eat it.

17. Which housemate has a roommate who seriously put a crimp in her communication abilities?

Rowena Weasley seems to not like something her roommate did. What is this "Comcast" people speak of? Is it some Muggle way of talking to people?

18. Which housemate was fortunate enough to lose her HP husband?

That's Lavender Diggory-Dolohov, but I'm not sure if she think's she feels all that unfortunate to have lost Sirius.

19. Which housemate likes some Nascar dude?

That would be Andromeda Finch-Fletchley. I've also heard she fancies Oliver Wood...

20. Which housemate needs a new time-turner?

Ophelia Crookshanks. Does she know how tightly the Ministry controls those things? I do hope she's able to get one, though...

That was a hard quiz! But I think it was well worth the effort to go stalking looking around on people's blogs.

Saturday Six

Since this is Callisto's blog, I shall be answering these how she would.

Have you had any snow lately?

Yes! It always snows here during the winter at Hogwarts. Just a few days ago, it snowed another couple of inches... and there's always someone making enchanted snow in the Great Hall.

Do you love to play in the snow?

Not really. It's kind of cold and nasty. I like to stay inside and read instead... I'm so much of a Ravenclaw!

Is a bit of snow a good excuse for a day of work/school?

Yes! Playing Quidditch in the snow is incredibly hard, it turns out and what else can you do outside the Common Room, other than play Quidditch and hex stupid Hufflepuffs and Gryffindorks who don't know their counterspells?

Do you think people panic when it snows, specially when they are not used to it?

Yes. I remember my first year at Hogwarts and I'd known Donovan for a few years by then. He's from America, where it doesn't snow. When the older kids got to go to Hogsmeade (lucky!) and it was snowing really hard, he totally started freaking out. It would've been funny, but Emrick told me that only he was allowed to make fun of his cousin. Emrick doesn't know it, but I think I make fun of him more! Of course, Ali always tells me to stop and that it isn't nice. I've never given him a nasty hex before... just a stinging jinx every now and then and Petrificus Totalus a few times.

Is it Christmas without any snow?

Well, it's always snowed on Christmas here for as long as I can remember and even if it doesn't, Mum can enchant our backyard to be covered in snow if she wants. She's never done that on Christmas before, but she did it on Lara's birthday (her birthday's in the middle of July) one year. She had to cast protective charms to keep the nosey Muggle neighbours away.

If it was to snow tomorrow and you had 10 inches of snow outside your front door what would you do?

I would wonder if the professors or the Ravenclaws were playing a joke on us because I live down in the dungeons. It's probably cold enough down here to snow, but I don't think Miss Wartbobble would let that happen! Or Quinn because she is good with magic and she can fix things.

Slytherin House Quiz 1

Slytherin House Quiz 1

1. What are your three most favorite colors?

Purple, green and black!

2. What are you three least favorite colors?

Orange, yellow and pink.

3. Your favorite candy is _________________.

Those green and white hard candies that are kind of like peppermints only they aren't peppermint. I think they're spearmint.

4. Draco, Lucius, or Snape?

Snape, most definitely. Not only does he know more about Potions than almost anyone else, but he is very smart and brave. He's a lot braver than people think he is and he shows us not to underestimate people... because that may be your downfall. Plus, he's a half-blood, like me. No offense or anything, but Draco's kind of a wimp. And Lucius is a pretty boy who can read and throw a mean hex. Slightly better than that prat of a son he has.

5. Do you knit, crochet, or both?

I knit. I try to crochet, but it doesn't get past trying and then cursing at the yarn.

6. What type of kit did you ask for?

I think I asked for either fingerless gloves or a bag kit. I love making bags for people and I am planning to make one for myself as soon as I get enough time. Making gloves or mittens would also be fun; I've never done it before.

7. Acrylic—has its uses, should all be burned, best yarn to work with (choose one)?

I tend to use mostly acrylic yarn because I am slightly allergic to wool (though I can work with Cascade 220). I really like the Lionbrand Homespun, even if it is a pain to work with. For worsted weight, I enjoy Caron Simply Soft (and Caron Simply Soft Eco). I tend to use a lot of Red Heart because the projects I make do not require luxury yarns.

8. Who is the Slytherin Head Girl this term?

Quinn! Who was formerly known as Lav A. She can be our house Badger-Snake. ^_^

9. Name four “extras” you would love to receive in your kit.

Maybe something to help me count my rows other than using a piece of scratch paper and pencil... and pens! I love pens. I also collect stuffed animals, mostly marine ones. And something from where my spoilee lives would be nice, especially if they are international or live on the East Coast. Or if it has to do with knitting, I really don't have a good place to store my knitting needles yet, other than an old box.

10. What are your three most favorite scents?

I have almost no sense of smell (this makes it nice for Potions labs!), but I do enjoy the smell of mint. I don't enjoy scented items, though; they make my eyes water. I honestly have a severe lack of

11. Do you prefer salty or sweet snacks?

Sweet! Though not overly so.

12. Which Slytherin is the Keeper of the Crucio List?

Isn't that Cassandra Puddlemere?

13. Do you really need more stitch markers?

I've been using the plastic ones I picked up from the local cheap store and I have a nice set of handmade ones in Slytherin colors that Penelope Caerphilly made me. So not really, but I do like them. Some in purple and silver would be awesome!

14. Dpns, circular, or straight?

I make my own dpns, but I am always looking for circular needles. My most used needle is a circular US size 8 needle with a fairly short cable (it has a project on it, so I can't measure it) that Andromeda Finch-Fletchley gave to me when she sent me the dueling hat. I would love a set of US 4 or 5 circulars.

15. What yarn makes you squee?

I haven't had enough exposure to different yarns to really squee at any of them, but I like the softness of Caron Simply Soft. I would love to find something that is not acrylic (or wool) and would feel about like that so I could make myself a nice pair of fingerless gloves out of that.

16. Favorite HP Movie?

I enjoyed them all, but Goblet of Fire is probably my favourite to date. Prisoner of Azkaban and Half-Blood Prince are my favourite books by far. Especially seeing how Lupin and Snape interact in PoA.

17. Favorite HP character?

Remus Lupin! Well, him and Professor Snape. I love that Lupin is a werewolf and that he's still able to be part of the Order. Even though he is in Gryffindor, he is very intelligent and thoughtful, unlike his classmates. One of the two times that I cried during the HP series was when Tonks insisted on marry Lupin, despite the fact that he's a werewolf. The other time was when Snape died. Professor Snape has always been one of my favourite characters and in many ways, he reminds me of myself. He is such a tragic character.

18. Who was your first choice for DADA professor?

Colin Firth! ^_^

19. What is the Slytherin Common Room called?

The Snake Pit... is that what you mean?

20. What makes you worthy of being in Slytherin House?

Well, I am a brilliant person, but I could care less about studying for the sake of studying like those Ravenclaws do. I enjoy throwing a good hex in the direction of another student if they deserve it.

Sorting Hat

And the Sorting Hat says SLYTHERIN!

I don't quite understand why I'm in Slytherin this term, of all places. Nor do I understand why they think it's funny to re-sort us at random. That'd really mess up where you're going and what you're doing. Ali ended up in Hufflepuff - like Mum - and when I told Father, he said it'd be okay. Emrick's still in Slytherin, Bri and Abbi went to Ravenclaw (why do they get to have all the fun?) and Hana's in Hufflepuff with Ali. If you asked me, she always belonged there. Both of them, really. It's nauseating how Ali sticks up for anything that moves, sometimes.

At least Isaacs isn't in Slytherin. Or is he? I haven't checked the new listings of who's in which House. At least Emrick's still here with me, so we can have some fun. And maybe I'll make new friends. Haha. Like that's ever going to happen. And I doubt anyone'll want to play wizard's chess with me or do homework together. I think those are things that only Ravenclaws do, not half-blooded Slytherins who shouldn't even be in the Serpent House. *shudders* Oh, Emrick just told me that Donovan's in Hufflepuff. And good riddance.

Pre-Term Entry

We haven't really started the term yet, but I'm going back for a second year in the wonderful House of Ravenclaw. Ali won't stop talking on the phone to Roger and Lara's crying 'cause she's still too young to come with us. Too bad for her. I can't wait to go to Diagon Alley and get my school stuff! Emrick said he'd beg his aunt to let him come with me and Ali and Hana, but I'm not sure she'll let him. Emrick's one of my best friends, even though he's a Slytherin and a pure-blood. That means he doesn't have any close Muggle relatives. Ali and I are both in Ravenclaw, though why she's there I don't know. Hana and Bri are both in Gryffindor and Abbigayle is in Hufflepuff. Abbi's a pure-blood, too. I don't know why we're all still friends, but we are.

I guess I don't know what else to say, other than the fact that I can't wait to leave home for another year! Even though I got detention last year and had to scrub out cauldrons.

I suppose I'll have to wait for another year to start. I do hope that cute Ravenclaw boy (I don't know his name, but he does play Quidditch!) is still around. No one else knows this, but I used to sit in the Common Room and pretend to read, but I'd be spying on him instead.

~Callisto Jasmine Verity