An owl brought me a present this week!

My spoiler, Victoria Pettigrew, sent me a little package that arrived this week. She plans to send me several little packages rather than one big one, which promises to be fun! This week's had a few, very cute items, including a Japanese flip-book and a couple of "matchstick gardens." The matchstick gardens promise that I can grow wildflowers and herbs from them! I can't wait to try them out!

Thanks, Victoria! I'm looking forward to the next installment. :D

Quidditch, Round 2

1. On which day did the Order of the Phoenix come to get Harry?

c. Saturday

2. During all this chaos with Voldemort and the Death Eaters, people still had lives to live and Ron's oldest brother, Bill decided to marry Fleur Delacour? Who were the uninvited guests at Bill and Fleur's wedding?

b. Death Eaters

3. Voldemort had seven Horcruxes hidden in different places. Six of them were hidden at the Gaunt shack, Hogwarts, a cave, inside Harry, inside his snake, Nagini and Tom Riddles Diary. Did Voldemort hide the last Horcrux inside the Malfoy's vault at Gringotts?

b. No

4. Why did the Dumbledore's move to Godric's Hollow?

c. The father went to Azkaban

5. Harry and Hermione read a part of "Life and Lies of Albus Dumbledore," written by Rita Skeeter. Then they met Dumbledore's brother Aberforth and he told them the same story, just with a few details changed. Which of the following did Aberforth and Rita Skeeter agree on about Dumbledore's past?

b. That Dumbledore was friends with Grindelwald for a while.

6. When Harry and Hermione visit Godric's Hollow, they visit the graveyard to see Harry's parents' graves. Harry walks by a tombstone that we later learn belong to tone of "The Three Brothers." The brother buried there once owned what?

b. The cloak

7. The Trio finds out that Luna had been kidnapped by the Death Eaters , and that they won't give her back until they got Harry Potter. Why did they kidnap Luna?

a. Her father sided with Harry and Dumbledore

8. After Voldemort killed Snape, he left the room and Harry came out from under the cloak. Snape gave Harry some of his memories all the way from when he was a child to just months before. Harry dived into the Pensieve and which of the following did he not see?

c. Snape and Lily having fun in a potions class

9. On the search of the Lost Diadem, Harry finally gets to talk to the Gray Lady. Who was the Gray Lady when she was alive?

c. Helena Ravenclaw.

10. Which of these is not one of Harry or Ron's children?

d. Victoria

Picture Scavenger Hunt
These pictures must either be posted to your blog or linked to from your blog.
Lily
Ron
Snape
Luna
Godric's Hollow

weekly posting

Wow, this has been a crazy week. It's supposed to be my "quiet week," but it sure didn't turn out that way. Work was crazy and then I was totally beat afterward so I haven't even managed to do my homework! And I love writing stories! :(

I may try to do it tomorrow anyway--the start we were given is intriguing! Also, I need to remember to go read everyone else's take on it in their blogs. It'll be fun seeing the different directions people go.

Sorry this is such a short post; I'll try to do better next time. :)

Coraline

Wow, another week has gone by already?? I've been so busy with (school)work and things that I've hardly had a chance to talk to anyone! Today's busy-ness was of a fun nature, though. We went to see Coraline 3D! I'd already read the book so I was very interested to see how the movie came out (and how well the 3D effects worked with it). I was VERY impressed! The movie was great and the 3D definitely seemed to add to it--it wasn't just a gimmick.

If you still have the chance to see it in 3D, you should try to go! (Unfortunately, it got kicked off most 3D screens as of yesterday so the Jonas Brothers movie could take over the space--Bleh.)

After that we went to Mom's for dinner and visiting. Now I'm back but I'm afraid I don't have time to do much other than this quick post before bed!

Quidditch, Round 1

Trivia

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?

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?

b. Snape

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

4. Who informed Harry, Ron and Hermione of the bequests left to them in Dumbledore’s will?

d. Rufus Scrimgeour

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

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?

b. Sirius Black’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?

d. By giving him Regulus Black’s old locket

8. Who did they eventually find was in possession of the locket/Horcrux?

d. Dolores Umbridge

9. What did Harry find embedded in the door of Umbridge’s office?

a. Moody’s magical eye

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?

d. To the site of the Quidditch World Cup

Picture Scavenger Hunt

Mad-Eye Moody
Nymphadora Tonks
George Weasley
The Dursley's House
Kreacher

Week 2 Homework

Hey everyone! I'm back from Hawaii and settling in at Hogwarts (only a week or so later than everyone else...). Can't wait to meet more of my schoolmates--this term is going to be fun!

Here's my homework for the week:

1- What form does your Patronus take? What does it symbolize for you?

A mountain lion. Strength, courage, and resilience.

2- Did you bring a cat, an owl, a toad, or other pet with you? What is their name?

A cat; her name is Tobias (Toby for short).

3- What is your favorite class here at Hogwarts?

Arithmancy--I love numbers!

4- What is worth sneaking out of the castle for, even if you got caught?

Escaping to spend time at a yarn shop or with a knit group is ALWAYS worthwhile!

5- What has made you laugh so hard that you've had butterbeer come out your nose?

My brother--when he gets on a roll, he's the funniest person ever. Even better when my brother and my husband start playing off each other.

6- What yarn do you covet? Link please...

Hmm. I'm not sure there is a specific yarn I'm coveting at the moment. I love indie-dyed sock yarns with a passion, though--I'm sure there are many out there I haven't experienced yet! If I stumble on something specific, I'll come back and update this.

7- What is your favorite flavor... the one thing you could simply not live without? Is brand important?

Lemon...? Not sure what my favorite flavor is--I like lots! As such, no, I don't think brand matters.

8- How many HSKS terms have you participated in?

This is my third! :D

9- Do you have a birthday, anniversary or other big Muggle event during this year at Hogwarts? If yes, please tell us what.

Er, not exactly...not a traditional event anyway. However, next Saturday (Feb 21) marks two years cancer-free, so to me that's a pretty big day.

10- You in 5 words.

Kind, empathetic, analytical, creative, stubborn.

Did I mention that I'm in Hawaii?

I took this photo just a few blocks from where I'm staying:

I think I've done a pretty good job this week of participating in Hogwarts happenings even though I won't really be joining you all at school until next week. I doubt if anyone has really noticed that I'm not exactly there, thanks to a combination of magic and muggle technology.

It's so lovely and warm here, I don't ever want to go home!

HSKS7!

Yay, it's almost time for the new term to start! I can't wait.

Quidditch, Round 3

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

b. Cecilia

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

c. Wrackspurt

3. How much do the primary Apparition lessons cost?

d. 12 galleons

4. What is Professor Merrythought's first name?

b. Galatea

5. What Hogwarts club was Eileen Prince captain of?

b. Gobstones Club

6. Who is head of the Goblin Liaison office?

b. Dirk Cresswell

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

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

b. 70

9. When Professor Slughorn first meets Hermione, he asks her whether she is related to Hector Dagworth-Granger. What society did Dagworth-Granger found?

d. The Most Extraordinary Society of Potioneers

10. Which of these describes Golpalott's Third Law?

d. The antidote for a blended poison will be equal to more than the sum of the antidotes for each of the separate components

Super Secret House Quiz

1) Astrid Cloverleaf

2) Cassandra Grubbly-Plank

3) Enna Kirts

4) Selena Starfire

5) Henry Longstaff

6) Cecily Fortescue

7) Mona Ravenscroft

8) Argentia Pascal

9) Prendolyn Wilcox

10) Lizzie Wychwood

11) Ursula Longbottom

12) Rowena Weasley

13) Aurora Curlyfur

14) Lily May Clearwater

15) Megaera Black

Bonus 1) smileynetta

Bonus 2) less than half

House Quiz #2

1. What security question does Mr. Weasley ask Mrs. Weasley before he enters the Burrow? What is the answer? - “What do you like me to call you when we’re alone together?” - “Mollywobbles”
   
2. What two names does Mrs. Cole call Dumbledore when she takes him to see Tom Riddle at the orphanage? Dumberton and Dunderbore
   
3. What is the name of Ginny's Pygmy Puff? Arnold
   
4. What three D's are needed for apparating? Destination, Determination, Deliberation
   
5. What spell did Harry perform when he was attacked by Dementors? Expecto Patronum
   
6. Who did an arrow salute at Dumbledore's funeral? the centaurs
   
7. What did Dumbledore set on fire to prove to Tom Riddle that he was a wizard? the wardrobe
   
8. What Christmas present did Kreacher give Harry? maggots
   
9. What is on top of the Weasleys' Christmas tree? a garden gnome
   
10. What was the most popular item at Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes? Nosebleed Nougat
    
11. Why did Harry threaten to kick Ron off the Gryffindor Quidditch team? for being aggressive and mean to his teammates
    
12. What happens if you break an Unbreakable Vow? you die
    
13. Who did Hermione go to Slughorn's party with? McLaggen
    
14. Who is Mrs. Weasley's favorite singer? Celestina Warbeck
    
15. Who are the only two people who know the full contents of the prophecy made about Harry and Lord Voldemort? Dumbledore and Snape
    

Quidditch, Round 2

1. What animal does the portrait in the Muggle Prime Minister’s office resemble?

b. Frog

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

a. Gillywater

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

b. Gwenog Jones

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

c. 5

5. What is Professor Slughorn’s favorite candy?

d. Crystallized Pineapple

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

c. Hippogriff

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

b. Magenta

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

a. Amulets

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

c. 16 Galleons

10. What are Professor Slughorn’s initials?

b. H.E.F.

Ravenclaw Treasure Hunt

It was fun finding items that fit the descriptions given for our treasure hunt. Here's what I found:

a broom: [doesn't need much explanation...]



an engagement ring: [it could also be described as a wedding ring]



house socks (being worn): [hey, they're socks and they're in my house...and I even knit them! sorry about the dark picture--there are much better shots of these socks out there if you want a better look]



a magical creature: [I'm not sure what you'd call it, but it's definitely not like any NON-magical creature I'm familiar with...maybe it's a hippospring?]



a muggle artifact: [we took a walk through a muggle park and found this...not sure what it's purpose is, but spinning around and around and around on it is fun!]





a glass of butterbeer: [yum!]



a government employee: [she's a registered animagus who works for the ministry; she won't really talk about what she does, but I suspect it has something to do with muggle relations or muggle studies...she seems to prefer her cat form.]



a horcrux: [the candlestick, not Don Quixote...though now that I think about it, maybe I should look a little closer at the Don ;)]



a lucky potion: [you'll have to trust me that the potion in the bottle is lucky; it's DEFINITELY yummy!]



public art: [from a neighborhood library]



a raven's feather: [the black one, of course]



a shady shop: [okay, it's a shop in the shade--best I could do with the neighborhood at hand ;)]



a tree changing seasons: [they're everywhere around here right now! I tried to find a particularly pretty one though]



a used textbook: [I'm not sure how I ended up with Uncle Harry's copy of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, but there it was on my shelf; oh, and he's not really my uncle--just a family friend, you know]

House Quiz #1

House Quiz

1. What potion has the strange side effects of excessive singing and nose-tweaking? An Elixir to Induce Euphoria
   

2. What ingredient can be used to counteract the effect of the above side effects? peppermint
   

3. How much can you get for Acromantula venom? a hundred Galleons a pint
   

4. What is the most powerful love potion in the world? Amortentia
   

5. What antidote does Harry use to help Ron when he is poisoned by Madam Rosmerta's finest mead? a bezoar
   

6. How does Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes' Owl Order Service get their potions past the security at Hogwarts to their customers? they disguise the potions as perfumes and cough potions
   

7. What did Draco Malfoy make in Potions class when Professor Slughorn assigned them to make something amusing? Hiccuping Solution
   

8. What spells will not work in an area affected by Instant Darkness Powder? light spells: Lumos, Incendio
   

9. What are the ingredients for the Draught of Living Death? valerian root, sopophorous bean
   

10. How much will unicorn tail hair fetch? ten 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.

1. Do you prefer to knit or crochet? I like both, but I guess I prefer knitting since I do it more often :)
   

2. What is your favorite weight yarn to knit/crochet with? sock and lace weight
   

3. What fiber contents do you most like to knit/crochet with? What fiber contents do you dislike knitting/crocheting with? wool wool wool! also other animal fibers, silk, bamboo...I like just about anything but plasticky yarns (acrylic, etc.)
   

4. How many complete pair of socks have you knit/crochet? three pairs! (knit)
   

5. What is your favorite item to knit/crochet? hmm...tough question. I think my favorite thing to knit is lace--stoles, shawls, scarves, etc.
   

6. What is your favorite treat? since it's Halloween time, I'll say candy corn and caramels--but really I'm pretty easy to please (ice cream is my actual favorite treat, but it doesn't ship well!)
   

7. Do you drink coffee, tea, or both? neither--I can't have caffeine. I do like herbal teas, though (caffeine free, not decaf).
   

8. Do you have an online wish list? If so, where? I have an Amazon wish list
   

9. How many Ravelry groups are you in? 52!
   

10. Is there any special item you have been really wanting, but can't find in your local area? the only thing I can think of off-hand is some of the harder to find indie-dyers' sock yarns, but I don't really have any specifics in mind (for instance, I've never used--or even seen--Wollmeise, and while I'm sure I'd love it if some landed in my lap I'm not burning up the internets looking for it either *shrug*)
    

arrggghhhhh

I just spent the last hour working on the house quiz and lost all my work when I was nearly ready to post. *sigh*

I'll try again tomorrow...

Quidditch, Round 1

1. At the beginning of the book, Cornelius Fudge is talking to the Muggle Prime Minister. Which member of the Order of the Phoenix has recently been found dead?

c. Emmeline Vance

2. What animal does Bellatrix Lestrange kill when she and her sister, Narcissa, are going to see Professor Snape?

b. Fox

3. What time does Professor Dumbledore collect Harry from Privet Drive?

b. 11 p.m.

4. What did Professor Slughorn transform into when he was trying to hide from Harry and Professor Dumbledore?

a. An armchair

5. What grade did Harry get for Herbology?

a. E – Exceeds Expectation

6. Herbert Chorley, the Prime Minister’s Junior Minster, has been entertaining the public by impersonating which animal?

b. A duck

7. What is Professor Sprout’s first name?

d. Pomona

8. What is Dumbledore’s idea of ‘a few words’?

d. nitwit, oddment, blubber and tweak

9. Who is Marcus Belby’s famous uncle?

b. Damocles

10. What is Snape’s mother’s name?

b. Eileen Prince


Pictures

Narcissa, Snape, and Bellatrix (three birds with one stone!)
Professor Sprout (with bonus McGonagall, Dumbledore and Snape)
Professor Dumbledore

Picture Day!

Me, with my muggle husband mere moments before the wedding! :)

Questionnaire answers

Potter Name: Andromache Tonks

Rav ID: elvisneedsboats

I am allergic to: not allergic to any fiber that I'm aware of; odd food allergies that probably won't come up (if my spoiler is worried about this, feel free to ask!)

Pets that I have: one cat, Toby

My favorite yarn: Dream in Color (that is by no means an absolute, though, I have many favorites and they change often!)

If you are a Ravenclaw, do you prefer the film colors or the book colors? book colors

My favorite flavor: hmm. Probably lemon...but I like lots of things.

My favorite holiday: Christmas

I would like to receive a: Sock kit

List your favorite brand of needles or hooks, including size and length: Addi Turbo Lace, usually 24"--I have most of the smaller sizes, but don't have a US7 or US8.

Is there a brand that you are dying to try? Knit Picks Harmony DPNs (the 6" wood ones)

I've participated in HSKS: This is my second time.

Do you have a birthday during this swap? If so which day? No, sadly my birthday fell between terms. EXACTLY like when I was in muggle school. Sigh.

it's almost time!

Yay, the student lists are posted and I'm in Ravenclaw for my second term! I'm looking forward to finding out who I'll room with and getting to know the new students. It looks like one of my roomies from last term (Emma) isn't coming back this term, but the other (Patonga) is.

I can't wait to get back to Hogwarts and see the teachers and start my new classes...

How is everyone? I hope you had a great summer!