Stu-Pendous

Package arrived!

2009-12-29T13:43:00.000-08:00

It was very cold here this morning (-25 Celsius) when a poor, icicle-laden owl landed on my doorstep. Poor Artimus! It seems he was delayed by Customs...in Quebec. I'm not sure how that happened--the fastest route to my place would be via Toronto--perhaps he got some bad directions? Poor owl. We're going to keep him here for a few days so he can defrost, and bundle him up well before we send him back.

Dorian was super excited about the package. He couldn't wait to break into it!

The first thing I found was a letter from Canada Customs. :S

I don't think anything was damaged or missing from the package, though.

Here is how it looked:

I was pretty excited when I found out that Antonio was going to be my swap partner. He has an uncle who dyes yarn (and is pretty good at it, as you'll see!) My package came with two skeins of yarn: one, from his uncle's Paca Peds, dyed an unbelievable variegated blue, and the other, a one of a kind semi-solid blue worsted weight from Lorna's Lace. I'm not sure what I like more: the yarns or the felted bag they came with!

Almost as cool as the yarn are the local items he picked out for me:

Mmm...I can taste the wings now!! (And the wing sauce is milk-free, so my poor allergic sister will be able to indulge with me.)

I also got two sets of Knit Picks Harmony needles; one for a hat and one for a scarf. There was also chocolates (yum!) and a sweater stone

Thank you so much, Antonio! You're the best!

Getting ready!

2009-12-04T14:06:00.001-08:00

I placed a big order with Knit Picks last Thursday. One of the dangers
with Knit Picks for me is that if the order is being shipped to
Canada, the shipping is a flat rate after the first $20 you spend. So
once you've spent that $20, you might as well order as much as you
can, because it's going to cost the same to get it here. (Note: this
is very, very unusual for American companies shipping to Canada; Knit
Picks also charges you an extra 10% and takes care of all taxes and
duties at the border, so there's no risk of terrible "surprise"
charges when the package arrives.) I picked up some needles for my
spoilee, a bag kit for a friend in my guild, and thirteen (!) balls of
the Swish Worsted in Lemongrass Heather to make my mom a Rogue
sweater. The order arrived in a great big box today, much to my
surprise. It only took a week to get here, which is awesome.

So with the needles in place, I only have a few loose ends to collect
up, and I'm hoping to be able to ship my package out to the lovely
Enna later this week. Huzzah!

Giving thanks

2009-11-20T12:32:00.001-08:00

Like any good Canadian, I know that Thanksgiving really comes in
October, but I very firmly believe that there is never a bad time to
give thanks and to be thankful.

I am thankful for my partner/soon-to-be husband. I am thankful that
we've been able to grow our relationship through good times and bad,
and that in just over ten months we will exchange wedding vows in
front of our friends and family.

I am thankful for my family. My parents celebrated their 32nd wedding
anniversary this week, and I am thankful for their love and the
positive example they have set for me. I'm thankful for my sisters,
who I can count among my best friends.

I am thankful for the cat, even though right now he loves his dad more
than he loves me. And even though he keeps unravelling WIP socks.

I am thankful for my house and my car, and my job, which allows me to
have these things. I am thankful to be doing something that I love.

I am thankful for Ravelry, which has allowed me to meet so many people
and to learn so many new things.

I am thankful to have a swap partner from outside of Canada, because I
can send her lots of things that would be mundane to other Canadians,
but might be exotic and fun to someone else. Today, I picked up two
chocolate bars from a Canadian chain of chocolate stores, and I really
hope that she likes them.

Updates

2009-11-13T17:55:00.001-08:00

First things first: I believe Winnie has visited Al Mamzar, in Dubai,
and Cairo, in Egypt. I hope she doesn't accidentally set off any of
the curses on the old pyramid.

Now that that's out of the way, I can report in on the knitting front.
I finished my second February Lady Sweater, or, as I've taken to
calling it, the Infernal Sweater. I love this sweater--it looks
beautiful, it's flattering on lots of people--but man oh man is it a
snooze to knit. Sure, that's good in the sense that it's easy. My
knitting group was doing an informal KAL for the sweater this summer,
and I'm the only one who has finished so far. (Granted, I had a two
month vacation this summer, in which I had little to do other than
knit.) I can definitely see why so many other people have gotten
bogged down knitting it--if it weren't for the fact that this second
sweater is a gift for my sister, I probably would've given up. (Or
shoved it in a drawer in my craft room, never to be seen again.)

My next few projects are going to be my handmade item for my partner,
and a Swallowtail Shawl for my grandmother. I also want to get
started on making some tiny ornament sweaters to give to people for
Christmas. If I start early, I won't have to cram them into the wee
hours of Christmas Eve, right?!

Getting over the Voldemorts

2009-11-06T17:03:00.001-08:00

Ugh. Just my luck that on the eve of my Quidditch career, I should
come down with a virus. It's a Muggle sickness, naturally, so it
can't be treated by normal Magical means: I actually had to go to a
Muggle walk in clinic and speak to a Muggle doctor. She told me that I
have an "unnamed viral infection", so we have been calling it the
Voldemort virus. It's likely to be H1N1 or the seasonal flu. Either
way I have been feeling like junk for the last little bit.

But, I am on my way back to health, and once I kick this lingering
cough I'll be back on a broom in no time.

I've been doing a little bit of knitting to stay occupied while I
recuperate. I have a February Lady Sweater for my sister that just
needs a couple of sleeves (which may take a while since I am B-O-R-E-D
of working on it). I also cast on my first pair of socks in almost
five months--the Fascine Braid Socks. Now that the weather is getting
cooler, I'm noticing that my storebought socks just don't cut it.

I'm hoping to make some big progress on my kit tomorrow.

Training Up

2009-10-22T19:09:00.001-07:00

What a busy week with training! My broom has been acting a bit dodgy
lately--I think the brake is wearing out--and I may well have to buy
a new one before the season really gets under way. Thankfully the
signing bonus should take some of the sting out of that major
purchase. Any ideas on brooms I could look into?

I've been enjoying reading about our former Headmistress's antics on
the main blog. Right now I believe she is at Lanarch Castle, New
Zealand. I'm quite envious of that--I've always wanted to go to New
Zealand, but I don't fancy the trip to get there. That's a long time
to be on a broom. If she has a chance, she should see if she can find
some possum yarn--it's quite soft and warm.

Where's Winnie?

2009-10-16T12:52:00.001-07:00

Right now, Winnie is at the Ministry of Magic in London. I wonder what
she's doing there?

Homework #1

2009-10-16T08:55:00.000-07:00

Elanor Cadogan is also a knitter
Pandora Phelps is not only born in the same month, but on the same day!
My partner, Enna Kirts, lives in a different country. I'm excited to send her things from Canada.
Poppy Plout is new!
My old friend Cassandra Grubbly-Plank has been in several!
Wisteria Lovegood has a big stash!
Megaera Black can do both. She's quite talented.
Antonio dela Weasley loves blue, just like me.

I spent most of today wandering around and getting to know people. There were lots of familiar faces, so it was nice to touch base with the people I knew at Hogwarts. There were also a few new faces--we've got a few particularly keen players in Portree.

A long hiatus

2009-10-13T17:53:00.000-07:00

It has been a while, but I'm very pleased to be back here to blog. Remember how I used to be rubbish at Quidditch? Well, a few spare inches and some strategically placed muscle (to say nothing of a really top rate broom) and I am suddenly in the game. I've just made Pride of Portree, much to my mum's delight, and I can't believe how many familiar faces from my old Hogwarts days there are.

The league is big on cooperation between teams, so we're supposed to put together packages for our competition. I have a feeling my knitting skills will come in handy there. I've been assigned Enna Kirts from the Magpies. I don't know her well, but she is friends with Eugene, my old roommate from Hogwarts.

I'll be getting a kit from Antonio dela Weasley over in Appleby. Apparently I ought to write up a wishlist of some sort and some information about myself to help him get to know me, so here goes.

I like blues, greens, and purples best, but really anything that isn't yellow or orange is okay by me.

I knit best with wood or bamboo needles. My mains are a set of Knit Picks Harmony Options, but I've had good experiences with the Zephyrs as well. When I knit socks I use Magic Loop--cables of 40" or longer prefered.

I like pretty much all weights of yarn (except cobweb--I'm not that much of a masochist) although I'm starting to realize that I like sock yarn a lot more than I like actually knitting socks.

I knit just about everything. I've done a couple of sweaters in the last few months, and I've got lots of babies to knit for in the next little bit. I also like to knit scarves, hats, mitts, shawls, and socks. I also love bags and purses, especially felted bags and project bags. There's just something about putting a project in its own bag that appeals to me.

I prefer natural fibres (wool, alpaca, silk, etc.) but I also believe in using a fibre appropriate to the project.

I live in a pretty cold part of the world (it's snowed already, though I was thankfully able to cast a meteological spell that prevented the snow from sticking around) so I prefer full mittens/gloves to fingerless ones, and I prefer mittens to gloves as well.

I drink lots of tea (anything but jasmine green tea) and hot chocolate, but I've yet to turn to the dark side that is coffee. I prefer salty/savoury snacks on the whole, but my sweet tooth loves dark chocolate, toffee, peanut butter, Skittles, and stale gummy candies. (They're chewier when they're stale, and they really are better that way.)

My favourite part of a swap package is always the homemade item, and I love it when my partner includes something from where they are.

I will turn 28 during this swap.

In my Muggle life, I teach English literature and writing at a university. I have a cat and I'm getting married next October. I'm currently watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer for the first time and intend to move on to The Tudors after that. When I'm not reading for work, I read historical fiction, graphic novels, science fiction, and fantasy--but really, I will read anything.

That's about all I can think to write about myself for now! I'll have to post my homework tomorrow once I've had a chance to read some more blogs.

My kit!

2008-11-19T19:38:00.000-08:00

I wasn't home yesterday because I got special permission to leave Hogwarts for the night and travel home to see my parents. My mother has spent the last two weeks in South America working as a Healer in rural Muggle communities, and she came home yesterday, which was also my parents' wedding anniversary. My father had bought us front row tickets to see the Weird Sisters, so of course everyone was very excited (and very, very tired today). They played for three hours, and we stood and danced the whole time.

And, as such things tend to go, I arrived back at Ravenclaw Tower to find that Nate, Megaera Black's owl, had come by with my parcel. Naturally, Dorian was quite excited about this visitor (and quite indignant that I'd left him home alone overnight). I'm not sure what he and Nate got up to but there were both feathers and fur on the floor around my bed. I had an early Transfiguration class, but I couldn't wait to open my package--and what an awesome surprise it was:

Believe it or not, she fit all of that into one box. I had said that I wanted a surprise kit, and that's definitely what I got. It was a combo of a Dye kit and a Sock kit. I got some beautiful KnitPicks Imagination Sock yarn in Pixie Dust (which actually looks a lot more Ravenclaw-y than I would have guessed.) I, er, bought myself some of the Imagination when I was getting things for CGP's kit, and just started knitting with it last week. It's lovely yarn. (I bought the "Wicked Witch" colourway, and I'm making the Bellatrix socks out of it. Appropriate, no?) Meg also sent me ~~two skeins of the Bare superwash sock yarn~~ one skein of Bare superwash, and one skein of Bare Merino Silk (which explains why I kept thinking, "This one feels different for some reason!") and dye in Sapphire Blue and Silver.

The bag she sent was also really cool:

There were also lots of really neat accessories: A mini sock keychain in Ravenclaw colours, a set of magnets for chart reading (which I need, because I am USELESS at that), a Ravenclaw keychain, a Care of Magical Creatures magnet, some Bunny Butt Apothecary hand stuff (an etailer I've heard loads about but haven't tried yet!), a Ravenclaw tie crest, some delicious looking chocolate rock candy, 2.75mm KP Harmony needles, a yummy bar of cherry-scented soap, and a really neat pendant shaped like a Scrabble tile with a tiny piece of the story on it (It's one of the Hedwig parts, which is SO cool). She managed to fit most of this into a little wooden chest.

In the midst of all that awesome, the stitch markers stood out:

(I love owls.)

To go along with my yarn and dye, I also received a copy of The Yarn Lover's Guide to Hand Dyeing. I've had it recommended to me several times by friends as one of the best books for dye beginners, and I'm really excited to read it. When I opened the book, there was one last surprise--a copy of Kate Gilbert's Bird In the Hand mitten pattern. I've been ogling this pattern for months now, and I actually bought the yarn to make a pair for my mom for Christmas on the weekend. What an awesome surprise.

Thank you so much to Megaera and Maylee! This was an awesome surprise kit, and I can't wait to get knitting and dyeing!

spinning 'round and 'round...

2008-11-18T06:46:00.001-08:00

For once I am all caught up on my homework (take that, transfiguration!), so I got to actually do something fun last night. I'd almost forgotten what that feels like, especially after our crushing defeat at the hands of Hufflepuff in the weekend Quidditch match. Very sad, really.

Anyhow, one of the school's old students came back yesterday to visit, and she brought so much stuffh with her. I think the Headmistress had told her about how many of us were interested in magical fibre arts, so she packed up all kinds of little samples of different fibres for us to feel. She had quivit, alpaca, different sheep, silk, llama, angora, mohair...all kinds of stuff. It was so neat to feel.

Then she gave each of us a little batt of wool, a piece of yarn, and a simple drop spindle, and we got to practice spinning our own yarn. It was really tricky--mine has a little bit too much twist. It was a lot of fun, though.

She had her spinning wheel there, too, but I didn't want to try it. I am desperately afraid that I will love spinning, and I just don't have time (or money) for it right now. Plus I want to save something for later, you know?

Quidditch

2008-11-15T14:00:00.000-08:00

1. Who was Tom Riddle Sr.'s girlfriend before Merope gave him the love potion?
a. Eleanor
b. Cecilia
c. Sally
d. Mandy

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

3. How much do the primary Apparition lessons cost?
a. 10 galleons
b. 8 galleons
c. 15 galleons
d. 12 galleons

4. What is Professor Merrythought's first name?
a. Eileen
b. Galatea
c. Carol
d. Jocelyn

5. What Hogwarts club was Eileen Prince captain of?
a. Charms Club
b. Gobstones Club
c. The Slug Club
d. Occlumency Club

6. Who is head of the Goblin Liaison office?
a. Ambrosius Flume
b. Dirk Cresswell
c. Ciceron Harkiss
d. Barnabas Cuffe

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

8. How many points does Snape take from Gryffindor for Harry's late arrival and muggle attire?
a. 30
b. 70
c. 50
d. 90

9. When Profressory Slughorn first meets Hermione, he asks her whether she is related to Hector Dagworth-Granger. What society did Dgworth-Granger found?
a. The Most Extraordinary Society of Charms
d. The Most Extraordinary Society of Herbology
c. The Most Extraordinary Society of the Defense Against the Dark Arts
d. The Most Extraordinary Society of Potioneers

10. Which of these describes Golpalott's Third Law?
a. The antidote for blended poison will be equal to less than the sum of the antidotes for each of the separate components
b. The antidote for a blended poison will be equal to less than the product of the antidotes for each of the separate compenents
c. The antidote for a blended poison will be equal to more than the product of the antidotes for each of the separate compenents
d. The antidote for a blended poison will be equal to more than the sum of the antidotes for each of the separtea components

ravenclaw quiz

2008-11-05T18:00:00.000-08:00

1- Astrid Cloverleaf
2- Cassandra Grubbly Plank
3- Enna Kirts
4- Selena Starfire
5- Henry Longstaff
6- Ceciley 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 (except she's a puppy)

Bonus1- Hermione Bagnold/Smileynetta
Bonus2- 37 (which is less than half, by my count)

Birthday Madness and Kit Completion

2008-11-05T17:48:00.001-08:00

Thank you to everyone for all of the birthday wishes, and especially to my splendiforous partner Megaera Black, who surprised me with a generous and awesome gift: a gift card for my favourite bath and body store, Lush. I'm so excited for that, especially since they now have all of their holiday products available.

The birthday itself was pretty uneventful. Dorian got the day off to a less-than-spectacular start by vomiting copiously all over my brand new duvet at half past five in the morning. He is six months old now, and I somehow managed to book his appointment for the Big Snip for the morning of my birthday. He wasn't allowed to have any food after 8 p.m. the night before, and I think that in his hunger he started nibbling on the one plant Eugene and I have here in the room, which caused him to be sick.

Everyone down at Care of Magical Creatures just loved him, though, and one of the first years almost refused to let me take him back to Ravenclaw Tower. He was Very Angry with me for the rest of the day, and hid in his pet carrier while making a point of snuggling up close to Eugene whenever I was around.

I did receive a ball winder and a swift as gifts as well, so now I am all set to get started on my holiday knitting.

alpaca, alpaca, alpaca

2008-11-01T12:49:00.000-07:00

The strangest thing of all happened this week: Eugene and I were actually alone in the common room together, so we chatted about knitting and literature. It was marvellous. I also had an opportunity to do something for extra credit - a field trip to an alpaca farm.

Here's something you should know: I love alpacas. I love their fleece, I love the weird humming noises that they make, and I love the way they look. They just have very sweet eyes, I think. The trip to the farm was a lot of fun, and I only broke my self-imposed yarn diet a little--but then, I don't think diets should count for local yarn.

Two alpacas frolicking.

The two guard llamas.

An alpaca named Raven, who loves humans and human contact, and was described by her owner as being like "a giant dog."

Including laying down on the floor like this.

Some of the white alpacas.

This one kept looking right at me! I think he wants to be my friend.

House Quiz!

2008-10-24T16:23:00.000-07:00

What security question does Mr. Weasley ask Mrs. Weasley before he enters the Burrow? What is the answer? What is Arthur's nickname for Molly when they're alone? Mollywobbles

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

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

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

What spell did Harry perform when he was attacked by Dementors?
Expecto Patronum - the Patronus charm

Who did an arrow salute at Dumbledore's funeral?
The centaurs were saluting Dumbledore

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

What Christmas present did Kreacher give Harry?
Maggots (ugh ugh ugh)

What is on top of the Weasleys' Christmas tree?
A garden gnome disguised as an angel

What was the most popular item at Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes?
Nosebleed Nougat (and I quite agree--much nicer than vomiting)

Why did Harry threaten to kick Ron off the Griffindor Quidditch team?
For being a jerk to the others on the team

What happens if you break an Unbreakable Vow?
You die.

Who did Hermoine go to Slughorn's party with?
Cormac 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

Quidditch

2008-10-17T09:05:00.000-07:00

1. What animal does the portrait in the Muggle Prime Minster’s office resemble?
a. Rat
b. Frog
c. Cat
d. Lion

2. What drink does Romilda Vane try to give Harry?
a. Gillywater
b. Butterbeer
c. Pumpkin Juice
d. Elf-Made Wine

3. What is the name of the person who heads the Holyhead Harpies?
a. Gwenog Smith
b. Gwenog Jones
c. Glen Jones
d. Glen Smith

4. How many ‘Exceeds Expectation’ grades does Harry receive in his O.W.L’s?
a. 6
b. 3
c. 5
d. 4

5. What is Professor Sughorn’s favorite candy?
a. Cockroach Clusters
b. Sherbet Lemon
c. Acid Pops
d. Crystallized Pineapple

6. What tattoo is Harry reported to have on his chest?
a. Mermaid
b. Blast Ended Skrewt
c. Hippogriff
d. Unicorn

7. What color robes do the staff at the Weasley’s shop wear?
a. Buttercup
b. Magenta
c. Royal Blue
d. Aqua

8. What is the man outside Flourish and Blotts selling?
a. Amulets
b. Cloaks
c. Wands
d. Hats

9. How much is the skull, which Hermione enquires about at Borgin and Burkes, worth?
a. 9 Galleons
b. 18 Galleons
c. 16 Galleons
d. 12 Galleons

10. What are Professor Slughorn’s initials?
a. H.F.G.
b. H.E.F.
c. H.A.L.
d. H.K.D.

Extra Super Awesome Ravenclaw Bonus Round:

package preparations and a plethora of post-class ponderings

2008-10-15T13:25:00.000-07:00

I have received package one of four that are due to arrive by owl over the next week or so. There is a very small part of me that still gets quite excited whenever I see the owls soaring down the street. (Especially when I know that these packages will be full of yarny goodness.)

Once all of this comes in, I'll have all of the pieces of my package, and it will simply be a matter of assembling everything together.

Someone once told me that the further you went at Hogwarts, the harder the work got, and I have to say that they really weren't kidding about that. I cannot believe the amount of homework we've been given this year. I've hardly had any time for knitting in the last week or so--thankfully sock projects are good for small knitting. On the other hand, I have learned how to transfigure tea cups, and I can solve (some) quadratic equations in Arithmancy...it's just a pity that there's not more time for the things I enjoy, like spending time in the Common Room, or getting Eugene to teach me new things.

phototastic!

2008-10-08T18:31:00.000-07:00

1. Alfred with textbook, 2. Alfred with pygmy puffs, 3. Alfred with raven's feather, 4. Alfred with engagement ring, 5. Alfred with Horcrux (Riddle diary), 6. Alfred with broom (and Dorian), 7. Alfred with butterbeer, 8. Alfred with muggle artifact, 9. Alfred wearing house socks

Created with fd's Flickr Toys.

Things I should explain:
1) Dorian was very hurt that I did not use him as my originality marker so he ate a couple of pygmy puffs and kept trying to horn in on the pictures
2) The engagement ring was given to me by my boyfriend about a week after we started dating four years ago. He was the ticket booth attendant at a historic site, and i was one of the costumed people outside, so he made it out of office supplies.
3) Alfred is the sock monkey incarnation of my boyfriend. They both have one green eye and one brown eye. Alfred's mate's name is Alfrieda, and she has blue eyes like me.

Hogsmeade Weekend

2008-10-02T15:09:00.000-07:00

Hurray! Our first Hogsmeade weekend is coming up, and I can't wait to get there. I've been making plans with Eugene to collect all of the things that we need for the scavenger hunt, so I think we will have to visit most of the stores in the village. Thankfully one of the things we need to photography is Butterbeer, so we won't have to cut short our time at the Three Broomsticks.

House Quiz #1

2008-09-30T07:22:00.000-07:00

(Note to Minee and Wisteria: I'll be working on this for a little bit, so that's why some of the questions don't have answers yet.)

House Quiz

What potion has the strange side effects of excessive singing and nose-tweaking?
The Elixir of Euphoria

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?
Ars Amorentia

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?
They disguise them as perfume

What did Draco Malfoy make in Potions class when Professor Slughorn assigned them to make something amusing?
A hiccoughing potion

What spells will not work in an area affected by Instant Darkness Powder?
Lumos (light spells) or fire spells

What are the ingredients for the Draught of Living Death?
Asphodel, Wormwood, Valerian Roots, and a single Sophorous Bean

How much will unicorn tail hair fetch?
10 Galleons a hair

Extra Credit

Answering the following questions are extra credit and will earn you an additional ticket in the drawing for the prize.

Do you prefer to knit or crochet?
I prefer to knit, although sometimes I appreciate the quickness of crochet.

What is your favorite weight yarn to knit/crochet with?
I like worsted/aran weights.

What fiber contents do you most like to knit/crochet with? What fiber contents do you dislike knitting/crocheting with?
I like wool and alpaca. I love Bluefaced Leicester in particular. There's nothing that I really hate, unless it's really harsh on my hands when I'm working with it. My hands tend to be dry to begin with, so if the yarn is rough I really feel it.

How many complete pair of socks have you knit/crochet?
3.

What is your favorite item to knit/crochet?
I like bags and mittens, but I am learning to like socks too.

What is your favorite treat?
Kettle chips.

Do you drink coffee, tea, or both?
Mostly tea, but I do have the occasional cup of coffee.

Do you have an online wish list? If so, where?
I don't have one. I'm always a bit leery of wishlists for things like this--I never want my partner to feel like she HAS to buy me the things that are on it.

How many Ravelry groups are you in?
Apparently 33! I had no idea it was so many.

Is there any special item you have been really wanting, but can't find in your local area?
Um...everything? ;) No LYS for this wizard.

HSKS6 Quidditch Round One

2008-09-24T10:23:00.000-07:00

Trivia and pictures must be posted to your blog before the Snitch is release in order to receive House points. The Snitch will be released on Saturday. Time is still to be determined.

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?
a. Hestia Jones
b. Elphais Doge
c. Emmeline Vance
d. Dedalus Diggle

2. What animal does Bellatrix Lestrange kill when she and her sister, Narcissa, are going to see Professor Snape?
a. Owl
b. Fox
c. Rabbit
d. Cat

3. What time does Professor Dumbledore collect Harry from Privet Drive?
a. Midnight
b. 11 p.m.
c. Noon
d. 11 a.m.

4. What did Professor Sluhorn transform into when he was trying to hide from Harry and Professor Dumbledore?
a. An armchair
b. A bed
c. A table
d. A wardrobe

5. What grade did Harry get for Herbology?
a. E – Exceeds Expectation
b. P – Poor
c. O – Outstanding
d. A – Acceptable

6. Herbert Chorley, the Prime Minister’s Junior Minster, has been entertaining the public by impersonating which animal?
a. A hen
b. A duck
c. A lion
d. A squirrel

7. What is Professor Sprout’s first name?
a. Pimmy
b. Pomony
c. Pommy
d. Pomona

8. What is Dumbledore’s idea of ‘a few words’?
a. nitwit, odder, blubber rand tweak
b. nitwit, odder, bubblegum and tweak
c. nitwit, oddment, bubblegum and tweak
d. nitwit, oddment, blubber and tweak

9. Who is Marcus Belby’s famous uncle?
a. Bertie
b. Damocles
c. Tiberius
d. Savage

10. What is Snape’s mother’s name?
a. Helana Prince
b. Eileen Prince
c. Lily Prince
d. Elizabeth Prine

Pictures
Post pictures to your blogs or link to the pictures from your blog post.

Narcissa

Snape

Bellatrix

Professor Sprout

Professor Dumbledore

picture day!

2008-09-22T16:56:00.000-07:00

I am slow posting today, I know, but Mondays have my heaviest schedule. Double Potions, double Herbology, and double Transfiguration. No wonder I don't want to get up in the morning on Mondays.

I always picture Stuart looking like one of two characters (both of whom are from Disney cartoons, so go figure). The first of these is Wart from The Sword and The Stone.

The second is Roger from 101 Dalmations.

The character of Stuart is based pretty heavily on my own father, though, and I think that Stuart definitely resembles him. This picture is of my father when he was 13, so they are the same age (and anyone who sees this picture thinks that my dad looks pretty much exactly the same 40 years later).

And so do I:

In which Stuart is revealed as a "losey Suzie"

2008-09-21T17:16:00.000-07:00

Well, it's official: Eugene has moved into the boys' dormitory. It's a bit strange to have another body in there, but he's a bit more lively than either Michael or Euan, so I think this will be a fun term. At the very least it is comforting to have some company in knitting, and will hopefully stop those two from taking the piss out of us.

Assuming we can break out of our unlucky mould, that is. He had a pretty terrible day today, and I wasn't much better. I lost my (nearly brand new) set of Knit Picks Harmony Options--I've only had them for a few weeks, and I've had to put a couple of projects on hold as a result. I really hope they turn up soon. :(

He's participating in the Dueling Club (which I am not because I worry that no matter how fast I knit, my owl would not be efficient enough to deliver in a timely fashion) and I have high hopes for him. He will do Ravenclaw proud, no doubt.

Concealment Charm

2008-09-17T15:25:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I received my prize for my concealment charm last term. It is so awesome! I got a yarn cutting disk (love this), Floo powder candy, and a keychain sock blocker and mini sock pattern. It was funny because I had just told my knitting guild the night before how much I wanted one of these! I kind of feel like maybe everyone will be getting one for Christmas this year...

All about me

2008-09-14T08:39:00.000-07:00

Potter Name: Stuart Cauldwell (it's a long story)

Rav ID: fineskylark

I am allergic to: dust

Pets that I have: one cat, named Dorian. He's almost six months old and is huge. And a little dumb.

My favorite yarn: Berroco Ultra Alpaca in any weight. I'm not going to lie, though: I just like yarn. Ooooh, I do love Fleece Artist/Handmaiden though.

If you are a Ravenclaw, do you prefer the film colors or the book colors?: I like both. I don't have any real preference.

My favorite flavor: Umm...I like salt. Don't get me wrong, I like chocolate and peppermint and toffee, but I honestly crave salty snacks over anything else. I love kettle cooked chips, especially plain or salt and vinegar.

My favorite holiday: Umm...Hallowe'en. I love dressing up.

I would like to receive a: Surprise kit.

List your favorite brand of needles or hooks, including size and length: I really like Knit Picks Harmony lines. I just got the Options and am totally in love with them, and wouldn't mind picking up more of the fixed circs, especially in 2-3mm sizes.

Is there a brand that you are dying to try?: Not especially. The closest LYS of note is more than an hour and a half away, so I only get there very sporadically. Local yarn purchasing is limited to Wal-mart and Zellers, so I'm generally happy with anything that breaks me out of that mould.

I've participated in HSKS: HSKS4 (Serafina Stafire) and HSKS5 (Stuart Cauldwell), so this is round 3 for me.

Do you have a birthday during this swap? If so which day? Yes - I will turn 27 on November 3rd!

House elves

2008-09-13T19:46:00.000-07:00

There are those who might tell you that the mark of a good house elf is that you don't know that it's there. My family doesn't have one, so I was pretty excited when I found out that Hogwarts has so many working here. They're fascinating creatures. It's unfortunate that the saying about house elves is somewhat true--you really don't know they are here.

I caught a glimpse of one yesterday, though. I'd forgotten one of my books in my trunk, and I'd gone back to find it. She was cleaning up our dormroom, I think because we might be getting a new roommate. She had on a clean green tea towel, worn kind of like a toga, and she was very, very shy. She darted under the bed as soon as I saw her. I could hear her whimpering and muttering to herself down there, so I sat down on the floor and waited for her to come out.

She cried with fear again when she saw that I was still there:

"Oh-oh. You is not to be here, you is not."

"I know," I said. "I forgot my book. I'm sorry that I startled you."

"Nippy is just working, she is," she squeaked. "She is cleaning up after young wizards who are playing in the mud. She knows that they are going too close to the Forbidden Forest, but she does not tell, because she likes the tall wizard. He leaves her snacks sometimes, under his pillowcase."

"The tall wizard?" I asked blankly. A second later, it clicked in. "The tall wizard? You mean Michael, Nippy?" Michael has shot up easily a good ten centimetres over the break.

"Yes, yes, the tall wizard, who is too big for his robes already, he worries that his mother will be angry if he asks for new ones. Nippy wants to fix them but she must wait to ask Professor Dumbledore first." While we'd been talking, she'd gotten up, and started cleaning again, as though it were automatic to her. Which, I suppose, it is.

"And the smaller wizard, he is missing his family...and you, you is liking that girl. Nippy knows all the secrets, even about the Head Girl and the pretty teacher, and tries to help her wizards and her witches when she can, but she is only one elf, and is not doing enough." At this, she seemed to get upset, tears leaking out of her eyes, the shining liquid highlighting their beautiful green.

I wasn't sure what to say, so I muttered, "It's alright, Nippy." She sniffed some more, but kept sweeping the same pile of dirt around on the floor. My eye caught the open lid to my trunk, and a small pile of candy.

"Here, Nippy," I said. "Have a Fizzing Whizzbee. Please?"

She didn't say anything, so I put the candy on my bed, and ran back down to the grounds. The candy was gone when I came back, though, and I can't say for sure, but I think the area around my bed was extra clean.

return to school

2008-09-11T14:22:00.000-07:00

The repairs to Ravenclaw Tower were completed over the summer, and I'm quite happy to be back in my old room here. Michael and Euan ought to be returning to Hogwarts shortly, and I think we might have a new roommate this term as well.

I've decided to keep up with the knitting. My mum was over the moon when she saw the scarf I made for her last term, and I feel as though that particular brand of parental approval might be useful in the future...perhaps if I decide to engage in some underage magic.

The class I'm looking forward to most is Transfiguration, I think. It's supposed to get a lot harder this term, and that's quite exciting. There's nothing a Ravenclaw likes like a challenge.

The truth about Stuart Cauldwell.

2008-07-28T17:12:00.000-07:00

From the beginning of the term, people have been wondering who exactly this Stuart Cauldwell character is. Still curious to know?

At the end of HSKS4, Headmistress Wartbobble posted a list of names that she wanted people to avoid choosing in HSKS5. Both my first name and my surname made the list, so I decided to reinvent myself for the next swap. Thus, Serafina Starfire stepped aside, and I created a new persona: Stuart Cauldwell, erstwhile mischief maker of Ravenclaw Tower.

I thought it would be fun to try to experience knitting through the eyes of a young boy, and even more fun to see how long I could pull off the deception. I know some of you were pretty suspicious (particularly Elanor Cadogan) but I did manage to make the whole swap.

I chose Stuart's name very carefully. Stuart is my father's middle name, and Cauldwell is my best friend's maiden name. Stuart comes from the same part of Scotland that my dad is originally from. I did indeed buy my first home and move into it during the course of the swap, and I did adopt a tiny kitten named Dorian (who is not likely to stay tiny for all that much longer, I don't think). As some of you had asked for photos of both, click here for photos of the house, and here for photos of the kitten. Building all of these pieces of the persona out of reality made it a lot easier to keep track of things, and I had SO much fun thinking up situations for Stuart to get himself into (and out of) all term.

None of this would have been possible without the help of the powers that be: Miss Wartbobble, Neila, and Minee were all instrumental in helping me to keep my identity a secret. Both my spoiler and my spoilee helped to keep the secret too; CGP in particular did an excellent job of playing along.

The real me is 26, female, and an English Lit prof at a small university in northern Ontario. I love knitting, alpacas, tea, reading, sewing, writing, baseball, curling, and loads of other stuff. I am very much a Ravenclaw in pretty much every possible way, thought I do have a side streak of Hufflepuff, too. I usually blog at http://academianuts.blogspot.com, but it's been a little slow lately because of how busy I've been.

Thank you all for reading this far, and I hope you enjoyed Stuart as much as I did. I hope even more you'll have him back next term!

in the summertime, when the weather is hot...

2008-07-23T12:49:00.000-07:00

Does anyone else have any big plans for the summer? It's been a busy term here at Hogwarts, and we definitely all deserve a holiday before gearing up again for HSKS6. I've not yet decided how much I'll be involved next term; I guess we'll have to see how I make out with the knitting over the break.

I had an owl from my mum yesterday, saying that she wants to go down to Edinburgh during the break, and catch part of the Festival if we can. I'd be quite happy to do that too, as the Fringe Festival will be on at the same time and one of my cousins is working as a Muggle actress, and she's supposed to have a play opening for that.

That, and Edinburgh is just a grand city to spend some time in. The castle, the palace, the penguins at the Zoo...I'll be quite happy to have a fortnight there.

quidditch

2008-07-17T04:02:00.000-07:00

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

Dumbledore's Army

Cedric Diggory

(Extra 5 pts - What movie will Robert Patterson star in this December?)
(The answer, of course, is Twilight.)

quidditch, exams, and next year's adventure...

2008-07-16T13:19:00.000-07:00

It has been a good term for me here at Hogwarts. Headmistress Wartbobble's idea that knitting would keep me out of trouble seems to have been successful, much to Michael and Euan's disappointment. I'm not likely to come out tops in any of our classes (it's a tremendous feat for us Ravenclaws) but I don't think I'll be too far off the mark, either. I've made lots of new friends amongst the other knitters here in the castle, and they've even invited me to take some more advanced classes with them next term. I haven't decided just yet, but I will definitely be thinking about it. I've enjoyed it much more than I would have thought possible.

A big topic of conversation around the castle in the last few days has been dyeing yarn. A lot of the other knitters here are dyers as well, and the things that they come up with our truly magical. I've purchased some natural yarn, and am hoping to try to work some magic upon it soon--it's my treat to myself once the term is over and I'm all done exams.

Dorian the kitten continues to be cute all of the time. When he sleeps, he looks like he has no spine. He curves all over the place. There's one Quidditch match left, and I'm going to kit him out in some Ravenclaw gear...which will hopefully bring us a little luck.

ugh

2008-07-14T06:43:00.000-07:00

I ran into my swap partner in the library yesterday, and she asked me for some help in researching some foolish divination thing she was interested in. I tried my best to help her, but I don't think I was successful. We were looking at a huge book, and when it fell over on me, she didn't help me up. It took one heck of a Wingardium Leviosa charm to get that thing off me.

I am definitely putting some Pygmy Puffs in her package. (Which I have, miracle of miracles, actually finished, and will be hiring an owl for shortly.)

It turns out the kittens love knitting, especially for eating.

the newest member of Ravenclaw tower

2008-07-11T18:17:00.000-07:00

This tiny ball of fur is the newest inhabitant of Ravenclaw Tower. His name is Dorian, and he is ten weeks old. He is ungainly and clumsy, but full of love and purrs, and is quite pleased to be somewhere where so many hands are always looking to pet him.

Michael, Euan, and I are starting to settle into our new quarters here. We've been busier than I had imagined we would be--apparently there is never any shortage of work to be done, and the Headmistress has some odd ideas about things being done without magic, so we've been working hard at getting things into shape.
The kitten likes to help, if by help we mean "sleep often, get frightened by dust bunnies, and eat loads of food".

Ravenclaw Quiz!

2008-07-11T18:10:00.000-07:00

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.
Cerebus

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?

Ooh, great question! He was also known as St. Kentigern, and he was a Scottish holy man who was the founder of Glasgow. He performed four miracles during his life, and his tomb is in Glasgow Cathedral.

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?
Excrement

10. Harry's arch-nemesis throughout OotP is Professor Umbridge. Why is her name appropriate for her?
It's a play on the word 'umbrage', which means pique or resentment at a perceived slight, and it's appropriate for her because she does that quite frequently.

one very lucky guy

2008-06-30T18:32:00.000-07:00

Michael, Euan, and I have been in our new quarters for a few days, and it's just starting to feel a little more settled. I cannot believe how much stuff we have, especially given that we really only go to Hogsmeade once in a while, and home less often than that.

I received my first owl in my new quarters today. A very sweet, but very determined express owl brought me my swap kit from Cassandra Grubbly-Plank. CGP outdid herself in making sure I got the package quickly, and what a wonderful surprise it was. I will definitely be nominating her for best swap kit, as this is quite above and beyond what I was hoping for--I'm only sorry it took me so bloody long to find my camera to take the photos of the kit.

She wrote me a very nice letter too, and even sent me a special "tower warming" gift: two male Pygmy Puffs. Well, I don't know who sold them to her, or if they know anything about Pygmy Puffs, but I think it's safe to say that one of them definitely wasn't male, as I am now the proud owner of approximately 37 of the little buggers. It's a good thing they're cute, that's for sure.

To be showered with this kind of generosity is always overwhelming, and never more so than at a time when everything around you is changing. The thoughtfulness of this package means a lot to me; CGP is truly an Outstanding level swap partner.

Tempted Yarn's Glam Grrl in the Rowena Colourway. If I had to pick a favourite part of the whole kit, it would probably be this. My experience in knitting is so limited that I haven't got to do a lot of projects with really interesting or really fun fibres, and I think this qualifies under both.

It's a superwash merino/silk/nylon/silver blend, and you can actually see the silver here. I love the subtle complexity of the colours!

My Puddlemere United bookbag!

And P.U. mug for tea (also filled with different teas!)

Lunchpail tin with candies in the Ravenclaw colours (what a clever idea). Must research charms to prevent tin from being opened by anyone (Michael and Euan) other than me...

Owl and snitch cotton clothes.

Blue and silver Ravenclaw stitch marks, on a neat striped holder.

Mini Sorting Hat, Hogwarts textbooks, and card game

Ridiculously soft and awesome felted bag. (If I picked a second favourite part, it would be this - this bag came out perfectly, as best I can tell, and the felted i-cord handle looks fantastic and sturdy.)

Thunderstorm candle, cat, owl patch, and journal. (I especially enjoy the elastic band, which will keep it in nice condition in my bag.)

Owl knee sock pattern (I think the owl on my cloth comes from here?), Magic Loop book, and 40" circular needle from KnitPicks

Chocolate wand and some delicious dark chocolate.

A lone Pygmy Puff.

All of his buddies.

So, if anyone would like a Pygmy Puff, just let me know!

Not fair...

2008-06-23T13:42:00.000-07:00

My mum and dad took advantage of being on holiday last week, and went to visit my dad's sister Nettie, who is living on the Isle of Skye right now. The Isle of Skye is supposed to be one of the nicest parts of Scotland to visit (a fact I cannot confirm, as every time I've gone to visit Nettie it has been raining). My parents got lucky, it seems, as the weather was nice the whole time they were there, and they wound up renting a Muggle car and touring around the island. (Apparently you can "see more" this way, as opposed to travelling by broomstick; I rather think my father was just happy to get his hands on the wheel of a Citroen again.)

As they were driving, my mother noticed a sign that said, "Handspun - turn right," and she compelled my father to turn the car. (A look from her is often more effective than confunding someone, my father has often said.) As they were travelling down the road towards this farm/studio, they saw this:

They got to have a look around at all of the facilities, including all of these fabulous yarns:

I think these ones were silk or silk blends:

The worst part of all this is that my parents didn't buy anything. Apparently they didn't have any Muggle money on them!

(It was at the precise moment that my mother confessed to not buying anything at this shop and I became quite irate with her that I realized I have converted to this knitting thing wholy and completely. I can't wait to try making socks.)

Quidditch Round #2

2008-06-19T12:07:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

6. Who are the members of the Order that met Harry Potter in the Dursely's house during the summer before his fifth year?
Answer: c. 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.
Answer: Yes

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

9. At what age did Sirius leave his home?
Answer: 16

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

SCAVENGER HUNT:

Gifts of which I am not worthy

2008-06-18T12:28:00.001-07:00

It's no secret around Ravenclaw Tower, but the rest of Hogwarts may not know that I will be moving to another part of the Tower next week. The boys' section needs to undergo some repairs to the tower structure, and so Michael, Euan, and I are being shunted around. The headmistress was hoping that the repairs could be held off until the term finishes, but after all the rain we've had in the last few weeks, they'll have to be started sooner as opposed to later.

Since the move is still a week away, I haven't started packing yet.

I awoke to a very pleasant surprise this morning. My spoiler, the lovely and talented Seeker from Gryffindor, Cassandra Grubbly-Plank, had borrowed an express owl to send me a very special package. (See photo above.) I guess she has heard through the grapevine about the move, and thought I might need a little motivation to get things together. She sent me some Spellotape for the boxes (with a dispenser, too, which will hopefully prevent me from taping my hands or my wand to my robe), some markers to label my boxes, and a pen and notepads to keep track of everything. She also very thoughtfully included some Gummy Bears, which are one of my favourite Muggle treats, and which will be very useful in keeping myself motivated over the next few days...

Thanks so much, CGP!!

homework

2008-06-13T12:59:00.000-07:00

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.

Rubeus Hagrid

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

Neville Longbottom

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

Arabella 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.

Severus Snape

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

Vernon Dursley

6. You're a fool, Harry Potter, and you will lose everything.

Lord Voldemort

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 Potter

8. I WILL have order!

Dolores Umbridge

9. When are you going to get it into your head? We're in this together.

Hermione Granger

10. When all this is over we'll be a proper family, you'll see.

Sirius Black

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 Lovegood

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

Kingsley Shacklebolt (in the film version--as others have pointed out in the book, the quote is slightly different and it's spoken by Phineas Nigellus)

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 Weasley

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

Nymphadora Tonks

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

Bellatrix Lestrange

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

Molly 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 Weasley

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.

Albus Dumbledore

Hogsmeade Weekend

2008-06-11T16:29:00.000-07:00

Our trip to Hogsmeade was fantastic - exactly what we Ravenclaws needed to get over our Quidditch loss. I was even more excited about it because my mother had sent Weeps to me last week to let me know she'd ordered a surprise for me and that it would be waiting for pick up at Gladrags.

This left me thinking, What on earth could my mother possibly have ordered for me that I'd have to pick up at Gladrags?

Michael, Euan, and I hit up Zonko's, and I managed to restrain myself quite admirably/to live vicariously through Michael and Euan (saving my pennies for the swap - and is it just me or are all the owls S-L-O-W right now?). Michael bought some Whizzing Worms and Hiccoughing Sweets, and Euan found some special wizarding photograph film that allows you to choose a different background for your pictures. He took one of me and Michael in front of the Hog's Head, but the photograph shows us in front of a pyramid down in Egypt. I'll have to see if he'll let me scan it in to show you. In the photograph, I am punching Michael on the arm.

Scrivenshaft's was fun to go to; I like looking at all the different parchments they have there. They've also got seals, which I think are tremendously interesting (mostly because you get to use fire to melt the wax before you stamp with the seal). Some of the spells you can work into the wax are pretty amazing--one will transform the letter into a letter to your Great-Aunt Ethel if anyone but the recipient breaks the seal.

When we finally made it to Gladrags, I went in and gave the saleswitch my name. "Stuart Cauldwell?" she said. "Oh yes, we just got your package in. You'll needing to try it on to ensure the fit." She went back to retrieve my gift, and I told Michael and Euan that they could go on ahead and that I'd meet them at the Three Broomsticks, but of course they were more than happy to stay around while I got to try something on. In the words of Euan, "If your mum bought it for you *and* you have to try it on, it's probably something that's going to be something that makes you look stupid."

As soon as the saleswitch brought it out, though, I knew exactly what it was. As I wrote in my biography a few weeks ago, my family is pureblood, but what I didn't mention is that we're also closely connected to some Muggle families, specifically the Scottish Clan Gordon. One of the branches of the early clan showed some magical talent, and over time gradually became part of wizarding society. They never forgot their obligation to the clan, however. When my dad's mother passed away, she left some money to my parents to buy Jim and myself proper Highland regalia.

(Euan took a picture of me but it placed me in front of somewhere most unspeakable so I will not be looking to post it.)

Patronus charm

2008-06-08T19:46:00.000-07:00

The Patronus charm did not come easily to me, perhaps because I've been fussing at my finger and not focusing my mind as I should. (Madam Pomfrey is ready to kill me, since I have apparently managed to undo the healing spells she cast on it.)

I did get there eventually, though, and here was the result:

What Is Your Patronus Charm?
created with QuizFarm.com

You scored as Rabbit Patronus

Although it took a bit of work, you managed to produce a swift Rabbit Patronus! Quick-witted and clever, you truly know how to think on your feet. You are usually an organized, structured person, glued to schedule and an admirer of cleanliness. But those are not your only good points. As a friend, you are committed and generous, willing to devote all of your time to that lucky person. You are a very special someone, and you should share your extraordinariness with others. Now go kick some dementor butt!

Rabbit Patronus

80%

Fox Patronus

70%

Owl Patronus

60%

Dog Patronus

50%

Cat Patronus

50%

Horse Patronus

40%

Butterfly Patronus

40%

Swan Patronus

20%

We went into Hogsmeade for the weekend, and I got something really special. I'll write more about it later, but for now I need to go back to the infirmary so Madam Pomfrey can have another go at my finger.

bollocks

2008-06-06T17:33:00.000-07:00

I was in Potions today, and we had to chop Shrivelfigs quite finely to make a Shrinking Solution, so of course I managed to slice right into my finger. Madam Pomfrey was as kind and gentle as she always is, and I'm certain it will heal up properly, but it's quite sore right now. I'm really terrible clumsy--it's a wonder I can manage the dexterity to knit at all.

homework

2008-06-06T17:23:00.000-07:00

1. Which Ravenclaw does not like games?

Miranda Moonstone

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

The lovely and talented Cecelia 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, but in the United States.

5. Who has been enrolled in a Magic Fibres Class in order to learn to knit?

That's me (and I am actually enjoying it).

6. Whose mother is a squib?

Minee Kwikspell

7. Whose father is an auror?

Chrysta the Cursed

8. Whose room smells like wet wool most of the time?

Elanor Cadogan, Emma Diggory, and Chrysta the Cursed (Glad that none of this goes on in the boys' half of the tower)

9. What Ravenclaws spent time in the infirmary for allergies?

Wisteria Lovegoods, Agatha Vablatsky and Minee

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’s group effort

13. Who has purple hair?

Andromache Tonks

14. Whose son attends Hogwarts?

Emma Wigworthy's!

blast and double blast

2008-05-31T08:45:00.000-07:00

Well, we lost at Quidditch...again. At least it wasn't one of the bloody Gryffindors who caught the snitch, so we won't have to hear about it again and again and again in the Great Hall from now until the end of term.

To add insult to injury, when we were coming off the pitch, I tripped over the edge of my robe (I'm not a natural player, so I had to borrow Michael's robes, and he is a wee smidge taller than I am) and fell on the grass. Bruised shin to go with the bruised ego...charming.

Quidditch!

2008-05-30T08:03:00.000-07:00

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?
b. 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. He is 38 and number 2 Laburnum Gardens Clapham

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

Pictures:

Fred and George Weasley (Together)

(from Mary @ Picasa)

Hog’s Head Pub

Sirius Black

Mr. Weasley & Harry (Together)

Draco Malfoy

soar ravenclaw!

2008-05-27T21:09:00.000-07:00

Wol is looking better today--much less tired. He brought me a mouse. I'm never quite sure what to say to that. "Thanks for the food, mate, but get that foul carcass away from me." He's just not a very neat hunter, I guess.

School is starting to pick up steam, and Quidditch starts later today. Michael and Euan are quite excited for it. They're trying to transfigure a writing desk into a raven to fly above the crowd at the pitch this weekend. I also saw some adverts in the Prophet for some magical kites. Apparently most wizards don't know much about them, but my parents had Muggle friends who used to collect them (well, non-magic ones) and I must say that they are some of the most interesting things that Muggles have come up with, so I can't even imagine what magic ones might be like.

Wisteria's out of the tower for a bit, so I'm thinking this is an excellent opportunity to have some real fun around here. Time to bring in the Butterbeer!

Owls in the Family

2008-05-25T17:58:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone for the well wishes. The sniffling is almost done, although I find the dungeons during Potions sometimes make it come back.

The most exciting thing that's happened in the last few days has been that my Great Horned owl, Wol, has finally made it back from delivering a package to my grandmother in Majorca, where she's been vacationing for the last few weeks. He seems quite chuffed to be back at Hogwarts--I think the house elves feed him up a bit, he always seems to look a bit...puffier after he's been here for a few days. My brother Jim's owl, Weeps, always to shrink by comparison whenever I go home.

Now that I have him back I can start sending him out to get some things for my swap partner. I wish the Headmistress would tell us when the Hosgmeade visit is, as I'm told there are a few places to pick things up there, but barring that it will all be owl orders for me. One of the girls showed me the Etsy site and Knit Picks and I'm finding some pretty interesting things on there.

I've got 4 inches to do for Potions, so I'd best be off to the library.

What have I done to deserve this?

2008-05-22T19:50:00.000-07:00

A dreadful stomach virus is making its way through the boys' side of Ravenclaw Tower, and I'd sad to say that I was one of the first claimed as a victim. The girls seem to all be allergic to stuff, but over here it is all tummies and fevers. I sent an owl out to my mum to tell her I wasn't feeling well, and she sent me back a letter addressed to "My Poor Little Bunny" which directed me to have a look at this video:

Not funny, Mum, not funny.

The only thing I can say for being sick is that I've had more time to focus on my knitting. Casting on is going to be the next step--I can't keep running downstairs to the Common Room to find one of the girls to do it for me.

I saw the girl who is making me a kit, Cassandra, in the hall the other day. She's in my Transfiguration and Arithmancy classes, but sits on the other side of the room. I don't think she thinks I'm very smart--I flubbed an easy question in Transfiguration and she and her friends all laughed. I bet she thinks she's so cool because she caught the snitch last year and beat Ravenclaw at Quidditch.

We'll just have to show her! Right, 'claws?

Homework

2008-05-19T11:16:00.000-07:00

This is my favourite kind of homework--it's the Ravenclaw in me.

Can you keep a secret? The headquarters for the Order of the Phoenix is at No. 12 Grimmauld Place.

A Brief History of...Me

2008-05-16T16:11:00.000-07:00

Wisteria wants us to write up a brief biography, so here goes:

I'm twelve years old, born April 15th, and originally from Dunfermline, in Scotland. My parents are both magic, as is my younger brother Jim. My dad's family is quite interested in wizarding geneaology--they're not blood maniacs (well, not all of them) but they think it's quite interesting to see how magical abilities move around and through different families and countries at different times.

I've taken music lessons since I was quite small--piano and flute mostly, but I asked for a bass guitar for my birthday last year (yes, rather than the broomstick my father wanted to give to me) and I haven't look back. His name is Sid, after Sid Vicious. If you don't know who that is, I'm afraid I can't help you.

My favourite subject is Transfiguration, and I suspect I'm really going to like Arithmancy this year. I also don't find History of Magic as boring as everyone else seems to--perhaps it's because I'm used to hearing all of that from my grandparents.

Oh, and I've mastered the knit stitch. Pictures are coming once I convince someone to lend me a camera.

revenge of the knitter

2008-05-14T08:27:00.000-07:00

I took my letter of apology up to the Hufflepuff table during breakfast this morning, but the mere sight of me upset the poor girl I scared (what is her name, anyway?) so much that she burst into tears again, and I had to leave it with her prefect. I wanted to hand deliver it rather than send it by owl in case the Headmistress was watching, but she wasn't even there.

Michael and Euan couldn't believe I'd got off that easy--they were sure I was going to be spending the rest of my days here at Hogwarts trailing behind Filch as a junior slave. When Michael saw me struggling with my knit stitches (I have to have four inches of 'garter stitch', which is just knitting back and forth, done to show the Headmistress later today), he told me I should just find a knitting charm to do it for me. His mum does quite a lot of her knitting that way. My mum...well, she's not exactly the knitting type, I guess.

We set out to find a book in the library. Apparently there are rather a lot of household charms that are quite useful. We finally found a good knitting one, but apparently they take a fair bit of practice, since we couldn't do anything other than make the yarn tie itself into more knots. Wisteria, our prefect, came over to see what we were doing (as there were plenty of sparks and possibly some swearing), and she says that creative spells like knitting spells seldom work well unless you actually know the basics of knitting first, and that furthermore, she was quite sure that the Headmistress would like me to persevere in learning to knit by hand, no matter how lumpy or knotted the result.

Michael and Euan, the idiots, couldn't stop laughing at me as I tried to untangle my wool. "Guess we'll be calling you Old Knitty for the rest of the semester," said Euan. I told him, in no uncertain terms, to sod off. "Oh, go on, we don't want to make poor Stuie upset now, do we, Michael? He might throw his yarn at us."

"I'll do more than that," I retorted hotly. "I'll fix you g--" But just then one of the third year girls came over to us--the one with the red hair that Michael's always eyeing up.

"W-would you like to come over and join us, Stuart?" she asked softly. "We might be able to give you a hand with that knitting."

Living well is the best revenge. There are now six girls (Allitrya, Cecelia, Elanor, Emma, Minerva, and Olive) who all know my name, and have given me a standing invitation to join their knitting circle. They are all participating in the kit swap organized by the Headmistress as well, so it looks as though they will be able to help me put together a proper kit. Considering that neither of those two chumps can even say hello to a girl, I'd say I came off pretty well.

Knitting? She can't be serious...

2008-05-11T16:07:00.000-07:00

I woke up early yesterday to get myself ready for my meeting with the headmistress. I washed everything--twice--and polished my wand and my shoes. I got out my new hat. While I waited in the common room, I read two chapters of Hogwarts: A History in case she decided to quiz me on any of the other heads of school.

When I arrived at the gargoyles outside her office, she was waiting for me. "This way, please, Mr. Cauldwell," she said, and swept off down the corridor. I followed her, having to move very quickly in order to keep up. She stopped when we got to a corridor with no doors along it. "Stay here," she commanded imperiously, and began to pace. After a few minutes, a door appeared in the wall, and the Headmistress grasped its handle, and pushed it open. She gestured for me to follow her.

My heart was hammering beneath my ribs. Was this some kind of mediaeval torture chamber from the days of corporal punishment? Had Filch, the old blighter, finally won the day with his arguments about thumbscrews? Surely in invisible rooms hidden in castle walls, no one would hear me scream. I entered the room...

...and found wall upon wall of yarn, all colours of the rainbow, all slotted into cubbyholes; shelves full of books with titles like Knitting Without Tears and Stitchionary; baskets full of knitting needles in all shapes and sizes; and in the centre of the room there were two massive armchairs, separated by a small table with a steaming teapot and two teacups.

"Sit," commanded the Headmistress. As I did so, she poured us each a cup of tea from the pot. "Now, Mr. Cauldwell, I have given a great deal of thought to your misdeeds. As I understand that your intentions were not to cause harm to anyone, so must you understand that your intentions count for very little here, and you have harmed poor Miss Abbott." I stammered something in reply, setting down the teacup that my shaking hands were rattling in its saucer. "Naturally, you will be writing her a letter of apology, and if she should find herself in need of assistance in any of her school subjects during the next term, I fully expect you to put your talents into tutoring her. Do I make myself clear?" I nodded--scarcely daring to imagine that this might be the full extent of my punishment.

"Well then, Mr. Cauldwell, tell me this: Do you knit?"

Even now, several hours later, it does seem quite real. The Headmistress is enrolling me in a Magical Fibres class, where I will learn to knit (KNIT?!?) , and craft a whole kit for another student here to make socks. She feels that learning to knit will provide me with positive experiences outside of my realm of experience, and that it will keep me sufficiently busy to prevent me from causing any more mischief. Too bad I can't seem to keep a knit stitch straight for longer than thirty seconds.

What have I gotten myself into?

If no news is good news, then this must be crap

2008-05-09T19:07:00.000-07:00

I've really done it this time.

Wisteria and Minee, our prefect and head girl respectively, were to host a welcome back party in our common room last night. In fact, they did host a welcome back party, but I didn't get to attend. Rather, I spent the evening waiting outside of Headmistress Wartbobble's office, waiting to speak to her.

Remember how I was saying earlier that the thing I remember most about first year is getting lost all the time? I had said as much to Michael and Euan as well, and somehow, between the three of us, we came up with the idea of drawing up some maps of the school grounds, and selling them to the first years. We were going to make just regular maps, and then Euan suggested we charm it so that you could tell it where you wanted to go, and it would map out your route. Sounds relatively harmless?

It was, at least until we thought it would be funny to make maps that would misdirect people on purpose...In retrospect, it may not have been the best idea to have the maps direct the holders to Professor Black's personal quarters...or to the Forbidden Forest. Between Black's anger and the tears on the face of the little Hufflepuff girl who spent three hours wandering around the Forest, completely lost, it's a wonder I wasn't expelled.

When I finally got to see the Headmistress, she really had very little to say to me. I stammered for about twenty minutes about how sorry I was. At the end, she just looked me and asked, "Am I right to imagine that these maps were not solely the product of your talents, Mr. Cauldwell?" I couldn't meet her eyes. "Very well, Mr. Cauldwell," she said. "You may return to your common room, and I hope you will tell your associates how fortunate they are that you have neglected to name them as party to this idiocy. I shall expect you to return tomorrow morning, however, and then we can discuss how you might begin to make amends for the...distress that you have caused today. You will go straight to bed, this evening, and I will see you immediately after breakfast. Do I make myself clear?"

I am so dead tomorrow.

Great Hall

2008-05-06T15:39:00.000-07:00

The thing I probably remember the most about last year is that it took me forever to find my way around the castle. It's quite funny to watch the first years struggle with it this year.

Every time I go through the Great Hall, there's always a whole gaggle of girls milling about, drinking tea and eating snacks. The last time I was down that way, they invited me to stop and chat for a bit. One of the girls makes these pumpkin pasties that are just fantastic--my own mum couldn't make better. (It turns out she's our Head Girl over here in Ravenclaw, and I'm hoping that means more treats!) One of the older girls from Slytherin had brought a keg of Butterbeer. I think it was a lot bigger than what she had imagined, because she had a hard time moving it into the Great Hall. What's a bloke to do then? Help a lady of course. Sure enough, they offered me a pint for my troubles--it certainly can pay to help those as need it. The new House unity initiative the Headmistress has put into place is helping to liven people up a bit. Everyone was quite content to hang around and chat. I don't even know when I've laughed so hard as that--I think it's fair to say I've seen and heard things I never imagined.

The girls are all quite nice, really, so I stop to chat them up a bit every time I find myself down there. Yesterday, when Michael, Euan, and I were out walking after our swimming misadventure, we passed a group of the Slytherin girls in the courtyard. They all turned to each other and giggled, in that way that girls have, and then turned back to us, calling, "Hiiiiiii, Stuart" and then giggling again. You could have knocked Michael and Euan over with a feather! All the way back to Ravenclaw Tower, all I could hear was "How do you know all the girls already?" - "Did you see that redhead smile at me?" - "Did you see the one who smiled at Stuart?" and so forth. I've a feeling that my next walk through the Hall may not be taken alone...

advetures in mischief making

2008-05-05T11:11:00.000-07:00

More and more people are arriving everyday here. Ravenclaw Tower is nearly full up! Still no classes, so Michael and Euan and I are still making the most of the time off. In some Muggle communities, there' s a tradition called the Polar Bear Dip--on 1 May, no matter how cold it is, you take a swim in the water. I can't say that this sounded like a lot of fun, but be it far from me to back down from a challenge...so, of course, in the early morning of 1 May, we snuck out of the Tower and down to the lake.

It was Michael's idea (he's Muggleborn, which is where all of these nutter's ideas come from, in case that isn't obvious) so Euan and I made him go first. He let out a terrific yell, which stopped the second he crashed through the water and into the lake. I reckon it took about twenty minutes before his voice came back, aside from a few small squeaks of pain. Not to be outdone, though, Euan and I went in next. I don't know that I've ever experienced anything quite that cold. Every single portion of my body began to scream, "Retreat! Retreat!"

We were yelling and splashing and cursing Michael, who'd gotten out by that point, when all of a sudden I felt something wrap around my ankle. I made to look over at Euan, but just as I did so, it pulled me down under the water. I hardly had any time to realize what was happening when I felt myself moving forward again through the water...and then through the air!

Landing on the bank hurt more than going into the water, I have to say; my arm still hurts. Michael reckons it was the giant squid. He claims he saw the tentacles and everything, but I'm quite certain it let go before we broke the surface of the water.

As we got back up to the Tower, the prefect, Wisteria Lovegood, was waiting for us. Apparently she saw the whole thing through the window--just our luck to have a tower that overlooks the lake. She looked pretty upset until she saw how sad and foolish we looked, and then she just started to laugh, and sent us off to the baths.

When I returned from the bath, there was a pot of tea and a plate of crumpets waiting for me, with a note that said, "In the future, stay out of the lake."

Adventures Already

2008-04-30T14:00:00.001-07:00

Not too many people are back at school yet, since it isn't the start of term for a few more days. Michael Cromwell and Euan Gordon and I are the only ones occupying the boys' half of Ravenclaw Tower at the moment, so of course we've been having fun. Michael's Muggleborn and apparently there is a Muggle...thing called Slip'n'Slide that he thought would be fun to set up on the stairs of the dormitory. It was terrific fun, too, although the bruises on my shins might tell you otherwise.

Naturally, no fun thing goes unnoticed, and we were told to take it all down, so we've been playing Quidditch outdoors in the evenings. I'm no great shakes at it, but it's fun enough to watch those two. They're always so serious when they get on their brooms. I got winded last night after a Bludger hit me in the arm, so I decided to pack it in for the night (there are a few more able Quidditch players around now, so my presence wasn't as necessary). I was coming up to the castle and thinking about my bass guitar, Sid, and whether being bad at Quidditch could make for a good song, when I found myself in the middle of some sort of girl meeting in the Great Hall.

Girl meeting. That doesn't even begin to cover it. I recognized a few of the girls as being in my year (loads of Ravenclaws for some reason) but I still don't quite know why they were all meeting in the Hall like that.

It so happened that as I was passing through, a keg of Butterbeer had just arrived, so I offered to help one of the girls carry it in. The next thing I knew, she had offered me a pint, so I stayed and chatted with them for a couple of hours. I thought we'd been getting up to some crazy business, us boys, but it turns out that we're not a patch on that group of girls. There was some Firewhiskey making the rounds too, and as the night went on they just kept getting louder and more excited.

So excited, in fact...well, actually, maybe I won't tell that part of the story. Let's just say that I'll be trying to wander through the Great Hall on more Tuesday evenings if that's the kind of reception I'm going to get.

Best sign off for now--Euan thinks he's found a new secret passage, and I want to check it out before tea.