NationStates Jolt Archive

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Only a few hours ago, as darkness fell over the green countryside, the Exeter Express has come to a stop after its several hundred-mile trip. The students, under direction from the 7th Year seniors, had dressed in their school robes in preparation for the beginning of the year.

Second years through seventh years had been whisked up to the castle and took their seats at the House long tables. First years, on the other hand, stayed behind momentarily before being led by Mrs. Lucile Dirkan, professor of Muggle Studies, through the same double doors into the Grand Hall.

The sorting process, though exciting at times and filled with both cheers and "boos" from the various tables, took a long time. Each year as the students experienced it again and again, and the thrill lessened more and more, it seemed to take longer. This year's sorting of some forty kids into the four houses took about an hour without breaks.

But finally, when it was done, Headmaster Alexander Sagieux Barbelanc stood, raising his left hand to silence the room of busily gossiping students. Each year he gave his opening speech, and this year was no different. He spoke of work and fun, learning and teaching, adventure and mischief, and, above all else, friendship...

When he was through with his speech, a crystal glass appeared in his raised left hand, filled with his favorite beverage. "A toast to the new year... may it bring all that you wish." With that final comment, food appeared all along the tables as dinner began and the school year was underway...


[OOC: Here it is - the Main IC thread. All of the school events, classes, free time, and everything else goes here. Pretty much anything that has to do with the current happenings at school is free to be posted here. See the Main OOC (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=537142) thread for questions, rules, and comments. Cheers.]

Reserved

Al sat and waited as the scared looking First Years filed into the Hall as they prepared for the Sorting. Al had always been impatient during this period ever sense that night he was sorted. In his opinion the only good First Years were for was as dummies the Older & more experienced could practice there skills on. As he sat lost in thought about the School Year he had noticed that the Sorting was now over and that the Headmaster was midway through his speech. That was of course another amazingly dull part of the beginning of the School Year. The Headmaster always elaborated on things such as friendship and Courage, all a Waste of ones time. He looked up at the Teachers once again. He then took note of the Newly hired teachers(I am assuming that Exeter always have new teachers) and took note that he could most easily brake the rules in the Presence of those Idiots.

As the Headmaster finally finished his speech he raised his Goblet high in the air and gave a toast to the New Year. "Finally" Al thought as food appeared in front of him. He began to pile food from every dish in the Vicinity onto his plate and began to eat Like a mad man.

After Yuri took his seat at Broc and watching the sorting, the headmaster began his yearly speech. As Yuri sat and listened to the Headmaster's speech, he drank all of it in and was interested. This old man had some very interesting comments. When the glass appeared in his hand, Yuri was surprised. He spoke "Russian Vodka", but the glass didn't respond. He rolled his eyes "Never hurts to try. Orange Juice." After the drink filled, he remembered his small bottles that he kept in his pack (swiped from various airplanes, with the help of a invisibility potion) and after looking around grabbed one. He chuckled as he poured some of the best stuff into his drink. Than he put the bottle back, sat back, and started eating the food.

Tobias, like many Emantricos, listened intently. He heared the usual chatter but swore under his breath at the mention of a few newly forbidden objects. When he was done, Tobias picked up his glass, said "Apple cider" and took a sip before snatching a serving of shepherds pie.

Samantha sat at the Titanus table and watched the sorting. She remained quiet during the headmasters speach. She whispered, Choclate Milk and once it appeared took a drink. Samantha looked at the Emantricos table for Derrick, once she picked him out she gave a wave and started to eat. She wasnt really looking forward to classes this year, with the massive tests she had to take and all, it didnt look to pretty.

Tobias, like many Emantricos, listened intently. He heared the usual chatter but swore under his breath at the mention of a few newly forbidden objects. When he was done, Tobias picked up his glass, said "Apple cider" and took a sip before snatching a serving of shepherds pie.

John smiled as he said "Root Beer!" and he drank his mug and raised it and said to Tobias "To a good school year ahead!"

Tobias chuckled. "Come on, it's Exeter. There's ALWAYS something good going on."

The Broc table didn't seem as excited this year-a bit of a dissapointment for Natalie as she got set at the table to eat. The headmaster's usual words were supposed to be inspiring, but like the majority of the kids here, she was hungry. After her goblet filled up with water-she decided on simplicity to the other kids's choices-she dug in, gratefully. The train ride had been fairly long and no one had stopped by her cabin-a downer to start the year, as Nat was an extrovert who liked to socialize. School was back, classes starting again the next day...but hey, on the first day, Natalie would try to enjoy herself. She hadn't seen Angela since the day at Strayt Way, which was slightly disappointing, though...

Aggy was completely sobered up from his train ride escapades, and now it was time to eat. Aggy rubbed his hands together and dug in.

Now for his annual chick hunt. Looking around, Aggy made mental list of every attractive female in the hall. Of course he didn't pay any attention to the first, second, and third years. Other than that, there were some pretty cute girls.

Suddenly Aggy knew what had to be done. They needed a party. Something to kick off the year.

He turned to Yuri, "Hey mate, you got yerself some booze eh? Listen, I was thinkin, we should have a little mixer. Yeh know, a little party to get everyone loose for the new year, eh? We'd keep the kiddies out of it of course, nothin's worse then wakin up next to a first year the morning after heh heh heh."

Sure, what he was suggesting was completely against school policy, but as his father always said 'Eh, f*ck rules."

Aggy was completely sobered up from his train ride escapades, and now it was time to eat. Aggy rubbed his hands together and dug in.

Now for his annual chick hunt. Looking around, Aggy made mental list of every attractive female in the hall. Of course he didn't pay any attention to the first, second, and third years. Other than that, there were some pretty cute girls.

Suddenly Aggy knew what had to be done. They needed a party. Something to kick off the year.

He turned to Yuri, "Hey mate, you got yerself some booze eh? Listen, I was thinkin, we should have a little mixer. Yeh know, a little party to get everyone loose for the new year, eh? We'd keep the kiddies out of it of course, nothin's worse then wakin up next to a first year the morning after heh heh heh."

Sure, what he was suggesting was completely against school policy, but as his father always said 'Eh, f*ck rules."

Yuri looked at him and smiled. "Mixer, sure. But... only Broc of course." He opened his bag. "Only got a bit of the good stuff, but its Russian, so that means it's good. And lots of Muggle popcorn. Extra butter too." He gave his best grin. "And the best part, got an I-Pod infused with magic and internet. Plays Rhapsody, any song. Couple of minor sound edits and it will be as good as any juke box." "So," He asked. "When's the party?"

OOC: Be gone till 4 pm today.

Yuri looked at him and smiled. "Mixer, sure. But... only Broc of course." He opened his bag. "Only got a bit of the good stuff, but its Russian, so that means it's good. And lots of Muggle popcorn. Extra butter too." He gave his best grin. "And the best part, got an I-Pod infused with magic and internet. Plays Rhapsody, any song. Couple of minor sound edits and it will be as good as any juke box." "So," He asked. "When's the party?"

OOC: Be gone till 4 pm today.

"Mate, yeh gotta think outside the box!!" Aggy held out a hand, indicating the entire hall. "Girls is girls mate. Unless you ain't into that sort of thing.." Aggy lifted an eyebrow mischeviously. "What I'm tryin' to say here is that we need to invite the other houses. Sure, we have some fine ladies, but I wouldn't mind me some of that!" indicating Samantha Conners and Angela Harrison of Titanus.

"As for where, I know the perfect place." Aggy remembered his first Exter party. It had been two years ago, he had been roaming the halls that night because some Dracos had taken and hidden his favorite pair of shades. Suddenly a door had appeared out of no where and a drunk sixth year had fallen out of it. Aggy quickly entered the door before it disappeared again. Of course they had kicked him out, but Aggy had learned the secret. The room was one of Exter Academy's "Rooms Of Requirement", completely hidden unless the need arose to use it. And of course it was always supplied with everything one needed...

Aggy explained all of this to Yuri and grinned widely "So, whaddya think?"

Tobias leaned back from his table toward Broc's. Before Yuri could reply, he spoke up. "Hate to interrupt, but I hope you're thinking 'yes' because there's this great little shop in Cheshire. Need anything, and I mean ANYTHING, imported, this is the place to go. My mum is... friendly with the owner, and I'd bet she could easily lay hands on your precious Russian Vodka right down to a town of your choice. Did I mention they have discrete and disguised delivery?" His mouth spread in a smile identical in nearly every way to Aggy's.

John smiled and said "I smuggled a bunch of beer into the school once, avoided punishment by the care taker, by getting myself sick with the flu, so I couldn't serve my detention.."

Tobias leaned back from his table toward Broc's. Before Yuri could reply, he spoke up. "Hate to interrupt, but I hope you're thinking 'yes' because there's this great little shop in Cheshire. Need anything, and I mean ANYTHING, imported, this is the place to go. My mum is... friendly with the owner, and I'd bet she could easily lay hands on your precious Russian Vodka right down to a town of your choice. Did I mention they have discrete and disguised delivery?" His mouth spread in a smile identical in nearly every way to Aggy's.


Aggy nodded in approval, "Aight then! The Room of Requirement will probably give us beer, but I don't think it'll provide the real nice stuff. I was actually thinkin we could throw it at the end of the week? Sound good?"

Aggy nodded in approval, "Aight then! The Room of Requirement will probably give us beer, but I don't think it'll provide the real nice stuff. I was actually thinkin we could throw it at the end of the week? Sound good?"

Yuri clapped his hands together. "Sweet," He grinned. "I'll provide the music and some of the food. What can you guys get?"

Tobias leaned back from his table toward Broc's. Before Yuri could reply, he spoke up. "Hate to interrupt, but I hope you're thinking 'yes' because there's this great little shop in Cheshire. Need anything, and I mean ANYTHING, imported, this is the place to go. My mum is... friendly with the owner, and I'd bet she could easily lay hands on your precious Russian Vodka right down to a town of your choice. Did I mention they have discrete and disguised delivery?" His mouth spread in a smile identical in nearly every way to Aggy's.

"Contact me with the info. I will of course pay for it."

"The room will probably give us the non-alcoholic stuff. I'd probably get a nice German lager too. As for the info, I'll send my cat tomorrow morning." Tobias' grin looked much more natural now as he turned his face and stomach, but not necessarily his ears, back the the feast on his plate. He took a couple bites then looked at John. "I remember your smuggling act. You left me to clean the teacher's bathrooms. Do you have any idea just how much there is to polish in there!?"

"The room will probably give us the non-alcoholic stuff. I'd probably get a nice German lager too. As for the info, I'll send my cat tomorrow morning." Tobias' grin looked much more natural now as he turned his face and stomach, but not necessarily his ears, back the the feast on his plate. He took a couple bites then looked at John. "I remember tour smuggling act. You left me to clean the teacher's bathrooms. Do you have any idea just how much there is to polish in there!?"

John smirked and said "Ooh yeah, I knew, I was just giving you a hard time... Hehe, that was awesome, I've never done any smuggling since then though.."

Yuri rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "You know, never heard of this Room. And believe me, I know probably half of the secret passages out of this castle." He laughed. "Sounds nice, though. I'll have to hide some of my stuff in there." He looked at the girl Angela. "Didn't I meet her at Stayrt Way along with you? What happened? First we were going for drinks and next thing I remember is waking up in my room, late for the train."

OOC: Yes, I have read all the Potter books, but my character doesn't know that the room exists.

Bump

Yuri rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "You know, never heard of this Room. And believe me, I know probably half of the secret passages out of this castle." He laughed. "Sounds nice, though. I'll have to hide some of my stuff in there." He looked at the girl Angela. "Didn't I meet her at Stayrt Way along with you? What happened? First we were going for drinks and next thing I remember is waking up in my room, late for the train."

OOC: Yes, I have read all the Potter books, but my character doesn't know that the room exists.

"Well, mate, the Room is magic, jus' like the rest of the castle," Aggy explained, "It only appears if someone has a dire need for it. Usually it'll be stocked with whatever you need. Say yeh need to take a piss, the Room will suddenly show up and have a golden urinal in it." he now took off his sunglasses, which he had been wearing the entire time, revealing big brown eyes, "As for the foxy mama over there, she's my year, so you might not know her. I've actually never talked to her in my five years here, but hopefully that'll change friday night.."

John smirked and said "Ooh yeah, I knew, I was just giving you a hard time... Hehe, that was awesome, I've never done any smuggling since then though.."

Tobias took a swig of his cider. "I know. And that's a good thing because I doubt even getting the flu, bronchitis, and pneumonia would save you this time."

Samantha remained sitting after eating. She planned to wait for a bit then maybe treat herself to a nice dessert. The food was as delicious as always, same with her drink. Now her mind began to wander to other things, like what she would be doing this first weekend. Already she was contemplating ways to annoy the caretaker and not get expelled in the process.

Samantha remained sitting after eating. She planned to wait for a bit then maybe treat herself to a nice dessert. The food was as delicious as always, same with her drink. Now her mind began to wander to other things, like what she would be doing this first weekend. Already she was contemplating ways to annoy the caretaker and not get expelled in the process.

Aggy excused himself from his seat and went over to the Titanus table. He approached Samantha and held out his hand, "Hey, I don't think we've ever actually met. I'm Aggy Shackleford from Broc house. I was wondering if you were doing anything Friday? Me an' some of the other Broc's were thinkin' of havin' a party Friday night, to welcome in the new year, yeh know? Of course it would be strictly older kids, no firsties through thirdies allowed, don't want a bunch of kiddies pukin an' pissin' theyselves right? Invite any friends you want, it's gonna be a blast!"

Aggy excused himself from his seat and went over to the Titanus table. He approached Samantha and held out his hand, "Hey, I don't think we've ever actually met. I'm Aggy Shackleford from Broc house. I was wondering if you were doing anything Friday? Me an' some of the other Broc's were thinkin' of havin' a party Friday night, to welcome in the new year, yeh know? Of course it would be strictly older kids, no firsties through thirdies allowed, don't want a bunch of kiddies pukin an' pissin' theyselves right? Invite any friends you want, it's gonna be a blast!"

Samantha saw Aggy coming. She took his hand and shook it. "Actually, I am free on friday. Ill be glad to come." She giggled after he said the part obout first years. "Ya, that just ruins everything doesnt it?" She said back. It was an odd occasion to see an older student from another house come over to this one, well for her anyways. "Anything else? Want to sit?" She asked him sliding over.

Tobias drained the last bit of cider to wash down his dinner before waiting for desert. Looking to John, he said "Well, it looks like Aggy is getting friendly with Samantha. Looks like this party won't be a horrible idea after all." As the students began to finish their suppers, deserts began to fill the tables. Tobias quickly found the unfairly judged Green Tomato pie.

Samantha saw Aggy coming. She took his hand and shook it. "Actually, I am free on friday. Ill be glad to come." She giggled after he said the part obout first years. "Ya, that just ruins everything doesnt it?" She said back. It was an odd occasion to see an older student from another house come over to this one, well for her anyways. "Anything else? Want to sit?" She asked him sliding over.

"Sure," he sat down next to her, obviously pleased with himself, "How was your summer, do anythin' interestin'?"

Tobias drained the last bit of cider to wash down his dinner before waiting for desert. Looking to John, he said "Well, it looks like Aggy is getting friendly with Samantha. Looks like this party won't be a horrible idea after all." As the students began to finish their suppers, deserts began to fill the tables. Tobias quickly found the unfairly judged Green Tomato pie.

Yuri smiled "If we get a lot of people, i might set up some muggle internet fps. Lots of guns and heck lot of fun. You do know how to play a FPS, right?" He shrugged. "Either way, no drugs, no guns, possibly some romance, lots of alcohol." He clapped his hands together. "This will be better than a New Years riot in Moscow!" He exclaimed as he grabbed some cake.

Yuri smiled "If we get a lot of people, i might set up some muggle internet fps. Lots of guns and heck lot of fun. You do know how to play a FPS, right?" He shrugged. "Either way, no drugs, no guns, possibly some romance, lots of alcohol." He clapped his hands together. "This will be better than a New Years riot in Moscow!" He exclaimed as he grabbed some cake.

Tobias chuckled. "Sorry. I've lived in Cheshire as long as I could remember. I don't get into muggle stuff. Besides, doesn't a lot of it have problems around the school? I know there's ways around that, but still. As far as New Years in Moscow, there's still muggles. Come to Cheshire some year, we'll show you a REAL New Years celebration."

"Sure," he sat down next to her, obviously pleased with himself, "How was your summer, do anythin' interestin'?"

Samantha barly could fit Aggy in, and as such was very close to him. "Not much, I mostly travelled. Even went all the way to Samarkand for a week." She said. She looked him over. "So, whos idea was the party this weekend?"

John said "I've given up smuggling for this year Tobias, so you will not have to worry. I just wish that I had some good Butterbeer though.."

Henry McGiffin, still shaken up after being sorted into Draco, sat and ate quietly. Still, he might as well make some friends in the house, even if he didn't particularly like being here. With that in mind, he looked up and down the table for someone to talk to.

Samantha barly could fit Aggy in, and as such was very close to him. "Not much, I mostly travelled. Even went all the way to Samarkand for a week." She said. She looked him over. "So, whos idea was the party this weekend?"

"Well, of course it was mine!" Aggy chuckled. "I thought that we needed to start off the year with a bang, eh? We got it all planned out. I'm really glad you can come!"

Aggy was grinning from ear to ear. He had always noticed Samantha in the hallways, but he had never actually talked to her, even though he had always wanted too.

It looked like this year wasn't going to be so bad after all..

Tobias chuckled. "Sorry. I've lived in Cheshire as long as I could remember. I don't get into muggle stuff. Besides, doesn't a lot of it have problems around the school? I know there's ways around that, but still. As far as New Years in Moscow, there's still muggles. Come to Cheshire some year, we'll show you a REAL New Years celebration."

Yuri shrugged. "Moscow. Nice place, if it wasn't for the damned KGB. Course riots have more guns than the party."

Yuri shrugged. "Moscow. Nice place, if it wasn't for the damned KGB. Course riots have more guns than the party."

Tobias replied. "John, let's keep it that way, shall we? As for Moscow, I'd love to be able to go see it some time, but Cheshire is fairly peaceful and quiet. We like our parties, but things always stay at least mostly under control."

John said "Alright Tobias, I don't know why I go to this school, maybe to learn, but I am not very good at it, I hope to become better, I've decided to devote 100% of my free time to studying this year in hopes I become better.."

Tobias gained another chance to chuckle. "Then you may not want to attend Friday's party, it'll take away from the study time! Haha! Course, I'm not exactly one to talk some days, but hey."

John said "Alright Tobias, I don't know why I go to this school, maybe to learn, but I am not very good at it, I hope to become better, I've decided to devote 100% of my free time to studying this year in hopes I become better.."

Yuri laughed. "Studying," He began. "is only good for 3 things. 1. stuff you like. 2. how to get weapons. 3. how to learn how to toke alcohol and gamble."

Yuri laughed. "Studying," He began. "is only good for 3 things. 1. stuff you like. 2. how to get weapons. 3. how to learn how to toke alcohol and gamble."

Tobias chuckled. "We're wizards. We have weapons in our wands! As for the alcohol, I think we should study that with a couple bottles of butterbeer."

"Well, of course it was mine!" Aggy chuckled. "I thought that we needed to start off the year with a bang, eh? We got it all planned out. I'm really glad you can come!"

Aggy was grinning from ear to ear. He had always noticed Samantha in the hallways, but he had never actually talked to her, even though he had always wanted too.

It looked like this year wasn't going to be so bad after all..

Samantha smiled. "Ya. I ve always been a fan of things like that." She paused for a second. "So I can invite whoever I want? Besides the kiddies of course?" She asked still smiling. She had noticed Aggys looks at her in the hallways, and always wondered why he never came to talk to her.

Tobias chuckled. "We're wizards. We have weapons in our wands! As for the alcohol, I think we should study that with a couple bottles of butterbeer."

John laughed and said "Yeah I agree, that'd be good. I have had some very fine butterbeer before, I mixed in vanilla ice cream, put whipped cream on top, kabam!, it's a very fine mixture.."

Samantha smiled. "Ya. I ve always been a fan of things like that." She paused for a second. "So I can invite whoever I want? Besides the kiddies of course?" She asked still smiling. She had noticed Aggys looks at her in the hallways, and always wondered why he never came to talk to her.

"Right. It would be great if we could get some girls, I mean we don't want a complete sausage fest do we? Heh heh heh."

OOC: Note to anyone with a younger character, although technically you are not allowed to go to the party, you CAN attempt to sneak in.

John laughed and said "Yeah I agree, that'd be good. I have had some very fine butterbeer before, I mixed in vanilla ice cream, put whipped cream on top, kabam!, it's a very fine mixture.."

Tobias just looked blankly at him. "That however doesn't sound remotely good. A good beer is meant to be enjoyed as it is. The exception is warm beer, add ice."

Tobias just looked blankly at him. "That however doesn't sound remotely good. A good beer is meant to be enjoyed as it is. The exception is warm beer, add ice."

John said "Oh, I was mistaken, I was talking about rootbeer. Yeah, beer's better cold. I got to stay with my cousin in Russia this summer, she's very nice, and pretty. She lives near Leningrad.."

John said "Oh, I was mistaken, I was talking about rootbeer. Yeah, beer's better cold. I got to stay with my cousin in Russia this summer, she's very nice, and pretty. She lives near Leningrad.."

Tobias' face lifted from disgust to enjoyment. "That does sound a LOT better. And at least you got to go somewhere cool. I found out the hard way that I was to get a summer job, or no pocket money. I suppose I should just be happy the mademoiselle who runs the bar didn't mind having some help cleaning up and such. What did you do in Russia anyway?"

"Right. It would be great if we could get some girls, I mean we don't want a complete sausage fest do we? Heh heh heh."

OOC: Note to anyone with a younger character, although technically you are not allowed to go to the party, you CAN attempt to sneak in.

Samantha giggled. SHe had to comment on that. "Sure, thats not what YOU want, but me?" She stopped for a second. "It sounds like it will be some fun." Samantha added. In reality this event made her realize something, she really only had one friend, Derrick. It was actually a strange thought considering her outgoing personality. She was always so busy dragging him along with her on her shinanigans that she never had time to make other friends. This party might be a nice start.

Tobias' face lifted from disgust to enjoyment. "That does sound a LOT better. And at least you got to go somewhere cool. I found out the hard way that I was to get a summer job, or no pocket money. I suppose I should just be happy the mademoiselle who runs the bar didn't mind having some help cleaning up and such. What did you do in Russia anyway?"

John said "I basically studied at a Russian wizarding school that I forgot the name, I got to sleep in the Kremlin for 2 weeks thanks to some contacts she has, and she also arranged for me to fly in the Russian Muggle jets.. And I am going to Russia next summer too.."

John said "I basically studied at a Russian wizarding school that I forgot the name, I got to sleep in the Kremlin for 2 weeks thanks to some contacts she has, and she also arranged for me to fly in the Russian Muggle jets.. And I am going to Russia next summer too.."

"Sounds like it was a load of fun. Better than cleaning up after the local drunk at least. I'd bet your spell-casting improved at least a little then. Also, what is it with you and your fascination with jets?" Tobias finished off the last bits of his desert.

The seventh years, seniors of the school, were encouraged by their Head of Houses to mingle among the younger years during the opening ceremony and dinner time in order to promote good leadership and responsibility skills. They mentioned something about getting ready for being an adult in the real world or something, but most of the seniors followed instructions only hollowly.

Victor was no different... except for the fact that while the other seniors were eighteen or would soon turn it, he had just turned seventeen a couple of days earlier. So as he sat at the Titanus table amongst the sixth years, he was actually no older than them.

Briefly he checked on Valentine at the Emantrico table, and then went back to listening and talking to the other students. Some of the more "enthusiastic ones," both boys and girls of varying ages, were pestering him about his recent or future happenings in Quidditch and Dueling. They always wanted to confirm the newest rumor, or hear about practicing with the London Quidditch squad, or even learn about his most recent bout in the Dueling leagues. Though arrogant as he was when it came to his successes, sometimes it became just a bit too much...

"Sounds like it was a load of fun. Better than cleaning up after the local drunk at least. I'd bet your spell-casting improved at least a little then. Also, what is it with you and your fascination with jets?" Tobias finished off the last bits of his desert.

John smiled as he finished his ice cream and cherry pie and said "It did, it was loads of fun. I am fascinated with jets because my cousin's brother flies in the Russian Air Force, and plus they're loud and noisy and cool.."

John said "Oh, I was mistaken, I was talking about rootbeer. Yeah, beer's better cold. I got to stay with my cousin in Russia this summer, she's very nice, and pretty. She lives near Leningrad.."

Yuri grinned. "Sounds nice. What's here name? Might look her up next time i sneak into Russia."

Tobias chuckled. "We're wizards. We have weapons in our wands! As for the alcohol, I think we should study that with a couple bottles of butterbeer."

He faked a frown. "Since when is a wand that fun? Nothing better than watching people scream like idiots while waving guns." He leaned back and drank a sip of his orange juice-vodka. "Ah good times."

Yuri grinned. "Sounds nice. What's here name? Might look her up next time i sneak into Russia."



He faked a frown. "Since when is a wand that fun? Nothing better than watching people scream like idiots while waving guns." He leaned back and drank a sip of his orange juice-vodka. "Ah good times."

Tobias rebuttled. "A wand has been fun since I learned a few nice spells over the summer. There's a real nasty one that works great on sleeping drunks. It beats them over the head with the nearest heavy and/or blunt object. And you spiked that didn't you?"

Marius was somewhat irked at the clock, which he still need to figure out how to kick, had sent Valentine to a different house. After taking his seat and listening to the 'Welcome to, Welcome back' speech by the Headmaster, he looked around for a brief moment at the teachers before the food appeared.

His head snapped back to the table at a speed that should have sent him to the hospital for whiplash as he set into the food. A running gag in the Kent household was that Charles, which is what his parents insisted on calling him no matter how many times he asked to the contrary, had not just one hollow leg but both and his arms as well.

While a few of the higher grades and a couple first years made comments to the effect of 'Save some for the rest of us', Marius heard the Russiany senior make mention of a party as well as mention being made of something called the Room of Requirement, both of which merited investigation if only because the first was excluding first years.

He did get to know another first year named Mark, a thin kid with brown hair and grey eyes who seemed to be a bit of a klutz but otherwise was ok. There was also a somewhat odd girl just slightly across from him that he would have sworn her eyes changed colour for a moment as she talked to another girl but while accepting of magic he was, he was not that accepting just yet.

Samantha giggled. SHe had to comment on that. "Sure, thats not what YOU want, but me?" She stopped for a second. "It sounds like it will be some fun." Samantha added. In reality this event made her realize something, she really only had one friend, Derrick. It was actually a strange thought considering her outgoing personality. She was always so busy dragging him along with her on her shinanigans that she never had time to make other friends. This party might be a nice start.

"Well, I guess all men would be aight...if you wanna get passed 'round like a peace pipe." Aggy winked. He stood up, "Well mate, I gotta be headin' off to tell more people, but I hope to see you there!" With that he headed off.

As he walked away he grinned.

As the most senior member in terms of both Year and number of years on the teams, Victor had been named Captain of the Titanus House Team in Quidditch as well as the Exeter Academy Team. In his mind, it was never too early to send out alerts seeking the next Quidditch star for his teams. And as he was talking non-stop about the sport that moment, it was as good a time as ever to begin that search.

With a flick of his wrist, his wand sparked red and lots of little pamphlets and notices began dropping into people’s laps and onto the table. At the Titanus table, they got two different ones: one inviting them to try out for the House team and the other for the School team. They proclaimed:

Open tryouts all first week for the Exeter Academy Team and the Titanus squad! See Victor Lockhart!

The seventh year smiled as he sat amongst the group of wide-eyed kids at his job well done... a rare sight when not in the Dueling Arena or Quidditch Pitch.

Tobias looked at the flyer for the school quidditch team. "This looks interesting. Though I would have to tell my parents to send my broom over. Are either of you planning on trying out?"

Tobias looked at the flyer for the school quidditch team. "This looks interesting. Though I would have to tell my parents to send my broom over. Are either of you planning on trying out?"

John nodded and said "I am, that is why I brought my Firebolt with me. I hope I am a chaser or a seeker."

John nodded and said "I am, that is why I brought my Firebolt with me. I hope I am a chaser or a seeker."

Yuri shrugged. "It's fun, but I prefer either in an aircraft, or in an race car."

Yuri shrugged. "It's fun, but I prefer either in an aircraft, or in an race car."

Garreth Replied, "WHAT? Those things are so slow! And you need to constantly repair them! Or whatever you call it..."

Garreth Replied, "WHAT? Those things are so slow! And you need to constantly repair them! Or whatever you call it..."

"The guy has a point." Tobias agreed. "Besides, a little polish here, a clip of a bent twig there and viola! A brand new broom."

"The guy has a point." Tobias agreed. "Besides, a little polish here, a clip of a bent twig there and viola! A brand new broom."

Yuri shifted uncomfortably. "Yeah, but there is nothing funnier than hell when the KGB try to catch you in a race car."

Yuri shifted uncomfortably. "Yeah, but there is nothing funnier than hell when the KGB try to catch you in a race car."

John nodded sagely and said "Yeah, I am just glad that the KGB doesn't exist here in England.."

"What the?" Were Marius' reaction as the card appeared in front of him and most everyone else. Not having much else to do with it, he put it in a pocket and began to polish over multiple servings of dessert. After finishing he decided to do a bit of exploring.

Heading down he fell in behind a couple Emantrico seniors who were engrossed in their own converstation. He was wondering where thier dorm was so he could stop and visit Valentine later. He saw where they stopped and heard them say something that sounded of a password.

Quickly looking about to see if there was anyone around, and when he didn't see any, he walked over to where the two had been and said the word to see if he'd get the same reaction as they had and entrance into the dorm.

Samantha stood and decided to go over to Derrick and tell him about the party on the weekend. She stood and went over to the Emantrico table to talk with him. On the way she passed a Russian boy and his neighbor who were talking. She heard the bit about the KGB and smiled to herself. She pushed the boy sitting beside Derrick out of the way and sat down besdie him. "Hey. enjoing your supper?" She asked.

John nodded sagely and said "Yeah, I am just glad that the KGB doesn't exist here in England.."

Yuri grinned. "If it did, you would know why I love them. Most are so damn stupid compared to a wizard, and a couple of the smart ones can be put out of action with a couple of disease spells." "Not harmful ones," He said quickly. "but ones that are hilarious to watch."

Nat was fairly bored at the Broc table-for some reason, the majority of Brocs were the type who tried to play the game of "who can be the better person." It was really most dull to Nat, who'd rather have idly chit-chatted about gossip and the latest social events-more akin to the normal high schooler than these magical people, who had seemed to have lost all contact with their own childhood (which-gasp-they were living!). That and the attitudes of most Brocs that seemed to put them head and shoulders over the Dracos-sure, they weren't cool, but the reverse attitude wasn't either-culminated in Nat mostly listening and not talking during the evening.

A note settled down from thin air onto the table in front of her-from the Quidditch guy who thought he was everything, Lockhart. Different house, different year, yet seemingly everybody else talked about him. Nat was an adept Chaser from basketball prowess in the real world, and she considered the Seeker position to be the least skillful-it only required a keen eye, and then flying after the snitch. It lacked teamwork, yet the position was overvalued. While every other position appealed to her, Nat couldn't stand Seekers.

Nevertheless, she felt she was a better Chaser than plenty of the Quidditch players at the school-thanks to the overvaluement of the Seeker position, Broc had a lead of over seventy points reduced to nothing by Lockhart's grab last year in the school finals. That contributed to Nat's anger over the position, as she and the rest of the team had played exceptional, until the "sharp-eyed" kid over in Titanus had spotted the snitch and snatched it. Real tough there-it wasn't as if he was catching the snitch surrounded by three defensive backs while running down the field and trying to stay in bounds, as modern wide recievers did.

She had a pen in her robe pocket-unsanctioned equipment, maybe, but it was far easier than a quill and ink, which took far too much time and was too antiquated. Nat was good enough to know that people wouldn't like the "piece of technology", which provoked her to wait until no one was looking to write out a brief message on the back of the sheet.

School team? When do we meet?

-Natalie...Broc

Though Natalie hadn't mentioned much on the message, she was becoming better known in the school Quidditch circles, and the Brocs probaly had the best chaser tandem in the school. Broc defense was fairly bad, but the offense defined the team-and led to points being scored in bunches. She figured that Lockhart would be able to figure out who she was, especially since she'd scored forty alone in the loss to Titanus in the house championship the prior year with nearly the entire Broc team-breaking in one new Beater this year-returning.

Graned, they'd have open tryouts, but based on the success of last year's team, Broc was pretty much set at the depth chart for the coming season.

Muttering an incantation and flipping her wand, Natalie sent the paper flipping over Lockhart's head towards his table.

Valentine, being kind of tired and bored from just listening to other people around her talk, had left the banquet and found her way to the Emantrico's dorm. Their Head of House had given them the password, though it seemed rather silly as it would still only work for students of that house. Each House entrance's guardian could deny anybody entry, even if they had the right password, and thus they stuck to generally just letting in the kids of the right House.

Inside, Valentine was sitting in an oversized chair before a roaring fire. It wasn't exactly necessary in early September when the weather was still warm, but she could tell that it'd be nice when the snow filled winter came. The common room was quiet - a lot of kids were tired or had retired to their dorms already - and she sat reading a book about the legends of Quidditch history. Briefly, she glanced up at the door as two older kids walked in and passed by her without a sideways glance.

---------

As Marius whispered the word he had heard to the door, the man in the painting shook is head rigidly. "Entrance is only permitted to those of the great House of Emantrico and those who an Emantrico allows in." How the guardian already knew that Marius had been sorted into a different House was one of those bits of unexplained magic.

As the most senior member in terms of both Year and number of years on the teams, Victor had been named Captain of the Titanus House Team in Quidditch as well as the Exeter Academy Team. In his mind, it was never too early to send out alerts seeking the next Quidditch star for his teams. And as he was talking non-stop about the sport that moment, it was as good a time as ever to begin that search.

With a flick of his wrist, his wand sparked red and lots of little pamphlets and notices began dropping into people’s laps and onto the table. At the Titanus table, they got two different ones: one inviting them to try out for the House team and the other for the School team. They proclaimed:

Open tryouts all first week for the Exeter Academy Team and the Titanus squad! See Victor Lockhart!

The seventh year smiled as he sat amongst the group of wide-eyed kids at his job well done... a rare sight when not in the Dueling Arena or Quidditch Pitch.


"Hey mate, put me down for beater!" Aggy strode up to Victor. Aggy had played for the Broc team since second year. He was well known as one of the most ferocious beaters in the school.

He hadn't made the cut for the Academy team last year, but he had been training over the summer, and hopefully all his hard work had payed off.

The evening was winding down a bit. A bunch of students, especially those worried about classes, were leaving by the bunch to return their Houses and find their beds. Many a straight arrow was trying to catch a good night's sleep before the first day so that they could be alert and ready to answer every question in class. However, for someone like Victor who didn't care about class, sitting around in the Great Hall doing virtually nothing was better than going to bed early. And perhaps later in the year he would use that excuse to get away from some of the more annoying people talking to him, but today wasn't even the first day really, so he decided to tolerate them a bit more.

However, he was quite relieved to see a note fluttering through the air towards him to break the boredom.

School team? When do we meet?

-Natalie...Broc

It was a wonder that with all of the notices he had dropped during dinner, that only a couple of people had responded yet. But then few people thought they were actually good enough for the School Team - most were right - and didn't want to be embarrassed by getting rejected or schooled on the pitch.

Natalie... Natalie Chambers, though she was a little bit more than two years younger than him, Victor knew the name. It seemed that with every passing year in school, he knew less and less people by name - though the inverse was generally true that more and more people knew him by name. However, Victor knew almost everyone on the House Quidditch Teams, and Natalie was someone with a growing reputation. She was a fourth year with quite a bit of skill at the chaser position. Watching her briefly during last year's House Championship match, he couldn't help but notice that she played just a bit differently than most other Chasers. Whatever she did, though, it certainly helped her score a few.

Taking his time to scribble out a response, he sent the note fluttering back to its origin.

Umm... I've been telling people to meet tomorrow at 5:30 tomorrow by the Cloisters on the way to the Pitch. I'll decide more details there.

-Victor

"Hey mate, put me down for beater!" Aggy strode up to Victor. Aggy had played for the Broc team since second year. He was well known as one of the most ferocious beaters in the school.

He hadn't made the cut for the Academy team last year, but he had been training over the summer, and hopefully all his hard work had payed off.

Aggy was probably among the few people that Victor would've known by reputation and name even if he didn't play Quidditch. However, he had on occasion found himself on the receiving or dodging end of one's bludgers during a match.

He was erratic at times, Victor had noted while watching a Broc-Draco match-up last year, but he certainly had some inner rage that he released with the bat.

"Alright," Victor responded as he sat at the Titanus bench with now only a few other people. "First meeting is tomorrow at five-thirty... free period, ya know. We're just gonna talk and go over some basics about the team. No need to bring your broom. I think everyone who is interested will meet up by the Cloisters... the ones in the Castle near the path to the Pitch. Remember, five-thirty."

Angela ran into the main hall; holding her books for the day; "Damn it I'm late; I'm late I'm late" she repeated; having woken up later than usual and not having a chance to see people on the train meant she'd barely had time to take a shower and get dressed before zipping off to break fast; she'd have to eat fast to finish in time for her first class. Putting her books down on the table she picked up some cereal; two rounds of toast with jam and a cup of coffee; a fairly light breakfast. She waved to Natalie who looked like she was utterly 'enjoying' her time on the broc table. Angela was a little uncertain what to do; torn between going to see her friend and breaking 'house rules' that required her to sit with her house for meals…eventually she decided the former and made her way over.

Angela was an odd one at times; and loyalty to her friends meant more to her than anything else. She brushed a free lock of hair behind her ear; such as it was; her hair had grown out a bit since last term now looking like a short 'mop' of tangled red instead of its usually neat boyish cut; for once she looked like more of a girl. Though she admitted she'd like to get it cut and dyed; "Mind if I sit with you Nat?" she said with a happy smile; Angela on the whole was a very happy person but prone to mood swings if the wrong thing irked her she could go from joyfully happy to raging anger in a second; Exeter Academy was nothing new to her; she remembered when she first came here it was so awe inspiring and a little intimidating; now it was just school though she could tell the first years; bright eyed and bushy tailed for the new year; she mentally noted to go see the clock some time this week and have a chat….one of her few guilty pleasures and something her house called her mad for.

The message back from Victor was good enough for Natalie-she'd show up. Apart from socializing and interacting, Quidditch was one of the main things of her school year. She hadn't played for the school team yet-she had decided not to try out last year as she was still getting accustomated to the sport; besides, last year had truly been her breakout year anyway after figuring to apply what she'd learned in basketball and soccer to Quidditch. It had turned out to work awfully nicely.

Angela showing up was a positive. Somehow, all of Natalie's best aquaintances were in other houses, apart from the incumbent beater on Broc's team, Aggy (who everyone knew anyway).

"Sure, better than a bunch of these guys," she said, beginning excitedly but dropping her voice towards the end.

Truthfully, house Titanus seemed a leg up on house Broc-from the people to the Quidditch record.

Aggy was probably among the few people that Victor would've known by reputation and name even if he didn't play Quidditch. However, he had on occasion found himself on the receiving or dodging end of one's bludgers during a match.

He was erratic at times, Victor had noted while watching a Broc-Draco match-up last year, but he certainly had some inner rage that he released with the bat.

"Alright," Victor responded as he sat at the Titanus bench with now only a few other people. "First meeting is tomorrow at five-thirty... free period, ya know. We're just gonna talk and go over some basics about the team. No need to bring your broom. I think everyone who is interested will meet up by the Cloisters... the ones in the Castle near the path to the Pitch. Remember, five-thirty."

"Thanks mate", Aggy grinned. The last time he had seen Ol' Victor, he had almost broken the poor bastard's nose. "Hey, by they way chummer, a couple of upperclassmen were thinking of having a little party this friday, you should come!" Aggy shook Victor's hand and headed off to go sleep. Snorting that Dust on the train had made him really tired.

As Aggy fell asleep in his bunk, he thought: Man, this is gonna be one CRAZY year...

He had no idea....

"Then do you know who's in the dorm and can you get a message to them?" Marius asked for if Valentine was in then he'd say hi and if not, he'd ask the painting to say hi for him. Of course he was having a bit of an issue with a talking painting that was also moving but then if he had problems with every bit of weirdness he'd go crazy in days.

[OOC: lol, Ani, you're a morning ahead, but whatever, we can work with it. Plus, we should probably get onto the next day anyway.]

"Party, eh? If you can get some girls to come, I might just drop by..." Victor said with a wink of his eye and a half-salute, a signature of his. Getting busted at a party - that he assumed would not be school-condoned - would not be the best way to start the year on a good note, especially now that he was a 7th Year and the Exeter Quidditch Captain (and Titanus)... but a party was a party, and he always like him a party so long as the girl-to-guy ratio was beneficial.

Wonder where they'll hold it... he thought as he got up from the Titanus table and said his goodbyes. It was getting late and now he was just plain tired. Leaving the Great Hall for his dormitory, he glanced backwards and grinned slightly at the pieces of parchment scattered every which way reminding people about the Quidditch tryouts. Hopefully they'll see them tomorrow too... His last thought drifted off into nothingness as he found himself laying on his bed - shirtless and without the sheets covering him as normal - and drifting off to sleep.

"Then do you know who's in the dorm and can you get a message to them?" Marius asked for if Valentine was in then he'd say hi and if not, he'd ask the painting to say hi for him. Of course he was having a bit of an issue with a talking painting that was also moving but then if he had problems with every bit of weirdness he'd go crazy in days.

"Only if they're in the common room," the man replied as he disappeared from his picture frame, presumably to go check inside.

About ten minutes later he reappeared from the same side of the frame as he had disappeared. "Sorry about that chap, got stuck talking to Ms. Mildred four frames over," he apologized, though didn't appear to be too deep of an apology. "There is two lads - fourth years, I reckon you don't know them - by the window, a sixth and seventh year couple near the back, and a first year girl sitting by the fire."

Yuri grinned. "If it did, you would know why I love them. Most are so damn stupid compared to a wizard, and a couple of the smart ones can be put out of action with a couple of disease spells." "Not harmful ones," He said quickly. "but ones that are hilarious to watch."

Tobias had his chuckle. "Well, since we don't have those idiots, we just make due with the regular muggles. There's a nice little spot outside Cheshire where the muggle repelling charms kick in. It's funny how they react when they remember a fake appointment or that they planned to clean the house. Ever heard of the Cheshire Statue? It's the person that simply sits still as a board but looks so lifelike when the muggles come calling. But they never looks the same two days in a row. On top of that, it's not always there. That 'statue' is be my siblings and I having the time of our life watching the muggles."

Tobias had his chuckle. "Well, since we don't have those idiots, we just make due with the regular muggles. There's a nice little spot outside Cheshire where the muggle repelling charms kick in. It's funny how they react when they remember a fake appointment or that they planned to clean the house. Ever heard of the Cheshire Statue? It's the person that simply sits still as a board but looks so lifelike when the muggles come calling. But they never looks the same two days in a row. On top of that, it's not always there. That 'statue' is be my siblings and I having the time of our life watching the muggles."

John said "Is the Cheshire Statue one of your sibilings for real Tobias?"

Samantha stood and decided to go over to Derrick and tell him about the party on the weekend. She stood and went over to the Emantrico table to talk with him. On the way she passed a Russian boy and his neighbor who were talking. She heard the bit about the KGB and smiled to herself. She pushed the boy sitting beside Derrick out of the way and sat down beside him. "Hey. enjoing your supper?" She asked.

Derrick saw his friend coming. "Yes actually, its just as good as every year." He said. He had seen her talking to Aggy and was now curious as to what they spoke about.

"The first year, could you ask if her name is Valentine and if so, tell her Marius wishes to say hi?" Marius asked the painting, hoping it wouldn't take quite so long this time as he'd been just about to depart in boredom the last time.

Derrick saw his friend coming. "Yes actually, its just as good as every year." He said. He had seen her talking to Aggy and was now curious as to what they spoke about.

"Well, I just wanted to tell you that there is a party this friday, Ill meet you before we go." Samantha said. She was getting excited about this now. It would be the first party she had been to before, she didnt know what to expect or what would happen. Although she deemed that it would at least prove to be a nights entertainment.

John said "Is the Cheshire Statue one of your sibilings for real Tobias?"

Tobias looked at him. "Wait, you're thinking one of us got petrified aren't you. No, we just sit still enough the instant we spot a muggle in the distance that they think we're a statue."

"The first year, could you ask if her name is Valentine and if so, tell her Marius wishes to say hi?" Marius asked the painting, hoping it wouldn't take quite so long this time as he'd been just about to depart in boredom the last time.

Slightly annoyed had being asked to do tasks by this first year, the man nodded grimly and then disappeared off the side of the picture again. Normally, people just asked an Emantrico wandering buy if they could let them in.

A minute later, the door creaked open and Valentine stood smiling. "Hiya!" she greeted, relatively perky for a dimming time of night.

"Hi. I guess the fates were against us today as we ended up in different houses." He commented, pausing for a second at the sight of one of the pictures moving around before continuing, "I overheard one of the seniors planning a party for later in the week, wanna sneak in?"

"Yeah, bummer..." Valentine replied as she glanced back into the common room where the last few Emantricos were.

She frowned at his news. "We'll get in trouble if we get caught... by either the teachers or the upperclassmen. You don't think they'll appreciate having first years there, do you?" She added rhetorically.

"I don't think the teachers will object, namely because I don't think they'll know about it and the seniors are asking for it. If they didn't want us showing up then they shouldn't have been talking around me." Marius replied with a grin. His theorum on permission was that unless forbidden then it was implied consent.

Yuri frowned, he felt something. A disturbance. He hadn't felt it since... 3rd year when a 1st year tried to sneak into a party. He has no clue, but he has some sort of sense when someone tries to sneak into a party, though he can't pinpoint the disturbance. Probably from his dads experiments. "This will be interesting." He muttered, deciding to not tell the others.

"Yeah, well I'm more worried about what they will do once they catch us, Marius. It's not like we won't stand out." Valentine was clearly skeptical and not very excited about the idea, but it was late and she didn't feel like arguing about it. "It's getting late... we can talk about this more tomorrow."

Yuri frowned, he felt something. A disturbance. He hadn't felt it since... 3rd year when a 1st year tried to sneak into a party. He has no clue, but he has some sort of sense when someone tries to sneak into a party, though he can't pinpoint the disturbance. Probably from his dads experiments. "This will be interesting." He muttered, deciding to not tell the others.

Tobias looked at him. "You alright? You look like a ghost just passed through you." He took a drink from his goblet after it had refilled for a second time, waiting for the headmaster to make a speech before they were to be whisked off to bed.

"If they try to do anything, we just mention that our mouths still work and the teachers still have ears." He replied with a wry grin. "I'll let you think about it and see you tomorrow."

Giving her a smile and wave, he headed back to his house and after saying hi to those who shared his room, he got into bed and drifted off only to find himself staring into the sun as it rose.

Samantha left Derrick. He was off to bed for the night. She began to think of something. If young kids wanted in, there wasnt much stopping them. She began to think of a way to keep undesirables out, just in case. Still, Samantha was tired and couldnt think much more tonight. She headed off ready to go to bed.

Angela smiled and sat down next to Natalie with her food; wolfing some of it down; "so what's your plans for today" Angela asked bubbly. A lot more relaxed now she knew she wasn't going to be late and had a friend to talk to; it was kind of annoying that her best friends here in other houses. Still she got on fairly well with her house members even if some of them thought she had a 'dark' personality at times; the fact she'd helped bail them out of a few problems with there potions homework had certainly earned her house points with her class mates. Angela had an odd skill when it came to potions; she hated it with a passion but was very good at it.

Angela stooped Cornflakes into her mouth waiting on a reply from Natalie; she glanced over at the Lockheart boy; she was sure he must have had a twin brother or something. He looked exactly like a boy in a picture a friend of hers had sent from another magic school in her monthly letter; she got on ok with the Lockheart boy he was good natured and laid back

A owls began to swoop into the hall, a small black cat strode up to Tobias. "Hey Lilly. I have a little job for you. Find Yuri, he's Russian and sitting at the Broc table. Trust me, you can't miss him." He tucked a small roll of paper into her collar with the information he promised scrawled on it in a neat of handwriting he could manage. As he dug into scrambled eggs, Lilly began batting at Yuri's ankle in an attempt to get his attention.

Tobias looked at him. "You alright? You look like a ghost just passed through you." He took a drink from his goblet after it had refilled for a second time, waiting for the headmaster to make a speech before they were to be whisked off to bed.

Yuri looked far off into the air. "Something is wrong," He muttered. "I just don't know what..." He shuddered and drank his drink in silence.

Day 1

When Victor had gone to bed the night before, only ashes remained in the fireplace and the common room was vacant. A similar scene met him with the rising sun. Unable to sleep much that night, though he would never admit it was due to nerves or excitement, he had woken up early and lay in bed until the sun rose around six fifteen or so. He showered, lingering even longer than his normal extensive sessions under the warm water, dressed up, and headed downstairs.

There were few people in the Great Hall when arrived for breakfast, and although it wasn't scheduled to start until seven, the food was already out and accessible. Scooping up a plate and bowl full, he walked over to the Titanus table and sat down. Surprisingly, while his table was mostly vacant, he noticed that Angela and Natalie were already conversing a table or two over.

However, as he sat munching his toast, it was Quidditch that was on his mind...

Samantha saw Victor already at the Titanus table. Very few others where already waiting. Samantha made sure her hair was proper and decided to go over and talk with him, and maybe get some food into her before class. She couldnt wait until friday and was still thinking about what do to if it was found out and the teachers caught on.

John said to Tobias "I am sure looking forward to our classes this year, I hope that they will be interesting enough to hold our attention."

A owls began to swoop into the hall, a small black cat strode up to Tobias. "Hey Lilly. I have a little job for you. Find Yuri, he's Russian and sitting at the Broc table. Trust me, you can't miss him." He tucked a small roll of paper into her collar with the information he promised scrawled on it in a neat of handwriting he could manage. As he dug into scrambled eggs, Lilly began batting at Yuri's ankle in an attempt to get his attention.

Yuri took the letter from the owl and put a coin in it's beak.

Samantha saw Victor already at the Titanus table. Very few others where already waiting. Samantha made sure her hair was proper and decided to go over and talk with him, and maybe get some food into her before class. She couldnt wait until friday and was still thinking about what do to if it was found out and the teachers caught on.

Between shovels of oatmeal and thoughts of Quidditch, Victor noticed Samantha walking toward him. She was quite the sight, Victor had noted the first time he had laid eyes on her six years before, and now was no different. Oddly though, while he was a year ahead of her in school, she was actually older than he. He didn't know exactly when her birthday was, but she was already seventeen and he had just turned so a couple days earlier.

"Hey Samantha, how's it going?" he greeted as he set his spoon down.

Between shovels of oatmeal and thoughts of Quidditch, Victor noticed Samantha walking toward him. She was quite the sight, Victor had noted the first time he had laid eyes on her six years before, and now was no different. Oddly though, while he was a year ahead of her in school, she was actually older than he. He didn't know exactly when her birthday was, but she was already seventeen and he had just turned so a couple days earlier.

"Hey Samantha, how's it going?" he greeted as he set his spoon down.

Samantha sat down beside Victor and started to gather herself some food for the morning. "So, you excited to see me again?" She asked him adding some bacon and toast to her eggs so she could make a nice 'egg mc muffin' as her father styled it.

Samantha sat down beside Victor and started to gather herself some food for the morning. "So, you excited to see me again?" She asked him adding some bacon and toast to her eggs so she could make a nice 'egg mc muffin' as her father styled it.

"Mmm... no, not really," Victor joked with a telling smile across his face. "I was kind of hoping you wouldn't show up this year," he added with a sincere laugh rarely seen by those that surrounded him.

"Joking! Just joking..." Victor added after a moment as he caught Samantha's telling eyes. "Of course I'm excited to see you. But only if you cheer real loud this year..."

"Mmm... no, not really," Victor joked with a telling smile across his face. "I was kind of hoping you wouldn't show up this year," he added with a sincere laugh rarely seen by those that surrounded him.

"Joking! Just joking..." Victor added after a moment as he caught Samantha's telling eyes. "Of course I'm excited to see you. But only if you cheer real loud this year..."

Samantha smiled. "Of course I will!" She said. "Cant have Draco winning any games this year can we?" She added before taking a large bite of her breakfast sandwhich. "Hey, did you hear about the party on friday?" She said quietly making sure no young kids were around. She was waiting for his anser before continueing.

"And they won't if I have anything to do with it," Victor responded with a cocked eyebrow. Draco was always a strong team, but in the last couple of years Broc had passed them for second in the league behind the perennial Quidditch powerhouse, Titanus.

"The party? Yeah, Aggy told me about it..." He replied, meeting her whispered and closed tone so that unwanted ears could not hear. "Not sure how they plan on keeping it secret from the teachers between now and then, nor where they plan on hiding it so they don't find out."

"We'll see though," Victor said as he raised his head back from the table. "You know I am always up for a party, but I got to be sure that'll be good first. At the least, I think I'll drop in for a bit."

Samantha looked at him. "Bah, the teachers hate me enough already, this little event will just make them laugh. Besides," Samantha waved her blonde hair back and smiled. "It has to be good if im going." She could barly hold a giggle in herself at this. "I just wish I wasnt the only person going that didnt have two heads." She said to herself. She thought that a few other girls were going to, but she never missed a chance for a snide and happy comment.

"Can you blame them?" he joked, though honestly he didn't know why they hated her - it was hard to know what teachers were thinking when you didn't pay any attention in class. In fact, Victor was just as likely to be looking at Samantha or the through the windows then at the chalkboard and professor.

"Hey, hey, hey... low blow," Victor replied with a smirk, cleverly adding the pun, which was unusual for him to recognize. "Like you said, it's got to be good if you're going, so it's not our fault if sometimes we don't think straight..."

"But that's why I was thinking about not going. I get enough of the guys during Dueling and Quidditch and talking about Dueling and Quidditch. I prefer a better... ratio in my free time."

Marius was the last male first-year Broc to rise for he had been awake a good time after the lights had gone out. Not afeared of the dark as one of the others had been from the noises he'd been making but to watch the moon. For some reason the night sky relaxed him, it had as far back as he could remember regardless of the sky's condition.

As he sat down for breakfast, he didn't notice Valentine but figured that she'd probably already eaten as he was sitting down to the meal quite late in the hour. After polishing off the three plates and one bowl of food he picked up his satchel and hurried off to class.

Sliding into one of the unoccupied chairs right at the front, it being one of the only left open he waited for Mrs. Astora.

If one knew Agememnon Shackleford, then the way he was attired as he entered the Great Hall was not strange at all. He was wearing a dark violet robe with gold trimmings, on his feet were bunny slippers, one pink, one blue. His dredlocks were loose this morning, while the top of his head was covered by a Rasta tam. And of course, as always, he was wearing his favorite shades.

He slumped down at the Broc table and began to eat vigorously. Last night had left him unbearably hungry. As he ate, he pulled out a bag of tobacco and some rolling paper. He packed the paper with tobacco, and then, making sure no one was looking, sprinkled a small amount of Fairy Dust in. He then finished rolling the cigarette and put it in his pocket.

Looking around his table, he saw Angela Harrison at his table talking to Nat. He got up and went over to talk to her.

"Hello, I don't know that we ever met. The name's Aggy, Aggy Shackleford."

Yuri took the letter from the owl and put a coin in it's beak.

Lilly returned as Tobias was replying. "I hope so too. Of course, Restoration is always interesting. You never know when someone is going to make a gash worse instead of sealing it up." He picked the cat up and said "Good job. Now Victor." The small piece of paper had a simple statement on it. See you at Exeter Quidditch tryouts. -Tobias S.

Natalie stopped eating for a sec; she didn't really know what she was doing for the day. A good question, indeed.

Swallowing a bit of egg, Natalie rummaged around in her pocket for her schedule. The crumpled paper was deep, but she fished it out quickly enough.

"Let's see..." Natalie said, looking down at the ink on the paper marking out her classes. "I have Advanced history first thing in the morning. Sounds like a sleeper," she let out a half-laugh before going on, "I think I have all my mandatories in the morning except for defensive magic. Potions right after history...I guess that'll wake me up. Transfiguration after that, and-ugh! Charms right before lunch. Maybe I can charm something into a sandwich..."

The schedule in the morning didn't look particularly promising-the middle was nice, but the bookends of the morning classes were sleepers, and right in the wrong positions-being right after breakfast and right before lunch, one of which she'd be tired, and the other hungry. It was like a bad defensive line, with two good tackles and two bad ends. That meant all her electives would be in the afternoon, however, and since she'd picked them, hopefully that would be a bit better.

"They must hate me," she laughed, "They put defensive magic at the very end of my day at 4:30. After lunch I got Restoration...I guess that'll be helpful if I eat too much. Natural World studies after that...I hope they let us play with the animals more than learn about them. I'm taking that class so I can get outdoors at least part of my day. Magical Compression between that and defensive magic."

Not a horrid schedule; it could have been far worse. Still, the morning would define her day quite often, and it was a bummer of a morning.

"This is my first year taking advances courses," she said, "I hope they're not too much of a jump. I'm not all that smart..."

The classes weren't a real big concern for her, though. Natalie had never been one particularly aware of classes and work; she much preferred taking part of sports and simply hanging loose. It reduced stress a lot, something she saw in great quantities in some of the Exeter students.

"What's your schedule look like?" Natalie asked Angela, her mouth full of food.

After getting a fairly good amount of sleep that night (probably cause of all the booze), Yuri got dressed and went to the Broc table, dressed in his pajamas, a green lower and a 'In America, you got mail; In Soviet Russia, we get mail from you!' shirt (also his fav), all the while thinking of the Quidditch tryouts. He mainly went there only to watch the second years fall. Then, as he was eating some eggs, bacon and toast, he remembered the note he got. "Snap," He muttered. Pulling it out. It read:

See you at Exeter Quidditch tryouts. -Tobias S.

Yuri grinned. "So Tobias will be going," he pondered. "Well," he decided, "just another person to bet with". He looked around to see if Aggy was here. He saw Aggy roll up a cigarette and hide it. Then he walked over to see a girl. "Probably to flirt with her." he muttered. "Well," He thought. "not a bad looking one, too." He than went up and walked over to Aggy. "Sorry to bother you Aggy," He said. "but are you gonna go to the Quidditch tryouts? Figure I can get some money by betting. You in or what?"

After getting a fairly good amount of sleep that night (probably cause of all the booze), Yuri got dressed and went to the Broc table, dressed in his pajamas, a green lower and a 'In America, you got mail; In Soviet Russia, we get mail from you!' shirt (also his fav), all the while thinking of the Quidditch tryouts. He mainly went there only to watch the second years fall. Then, as he was eating some eggs, bacon and toast, he remembered the note he got. "Snap," He muttered. Pulling it out. It read:

See you at Exeter Quidditch tryouts. -Tobias S.

Yuri grinned. "So Tobias will be going," he pondered. "Well," he decided, "just another person to bet with". He looked around to see if Aggy was here. He saw Aggy roll up a cigarette and hide it. Then he walked over to see a girl. "Probably to flirt with her." he muttered. "Well," He thought. "not a bad looking one, too." He than went up and walked over to Aggy. "Sorry to bother you Aggy," He said. "but are you gonna go to the Quidditch tryouts? Figure I can get some money by betting. You in or what?"


"As long as you bet on Broc mate!" Aggy chuckled, "I ain't never gonna take a fall though. You play eh?"

"As long as you bet on Broc mate!" Aggy chuckled, "I ain't never gonna take a fall though. You play eh?"

"Yup," He said, grinning. "and I want you to try and name a Russian who doesn't!"

"Yup," He said, grinning. "and I want you to try and name a Russian who doesn't!"

"Noice! So what position you be playing eh?"

Valentine had slipped off to breakfast mid-period, having taken her time waking up and getting ready. She took the books and supplies she would need for her first classes of the morning rather than return to her dorm after her meal.

The Great Hall was relatively full when she arrived, but there were still a bunch of open seats at the long table that belonged to the House of Emantrico. After only half a day at school, she had made few friends in her house. Most of the people in Emantrico were nice enough, but she had only really talked to a few...

Breakfast would be a quick meal and then off to her first experience of learning magic...

John slipped off to breakfest and sat down at the Emantrico table and started eating, looking around for any familar faces.

"Noice! So what position you be playing eh?"

Yuri looked confuse. "What, Quidditch?" He smiled. "I meant gambling. Never liked flying that much, prefer staying on the ground."

John slipped off to breakfest and sat down at the Emantrico table and started eating, looking around for any familar faces.

"Morning John. How's it going?" Tobias sat munching on an apple turnover.

Samantha kept quiet as she ate. Her mind went blank a for a few minutes for an almost unknown reason. Her plate was now empty and she looked around waiting for the school day to start. She simply couldnt wait until friday.

Mathieu sat in silence at the Draco table. He had potions this morning and that wasn't something he looked forward to. On the other hand, Magical Compression was this afternoon, so he was able to eat his omelet in quiet contemplation of the rest of the school.

"Well, this was nice..." Victor said as he got up from his seat beside Samantha, finished with his breakfast and soon to hear the morning bells that ushered in the first wave of classes.

"It's nearly eight," he said as he pulled out a creased and worn piece of parchment. "And I've gotttt... Advanced Jinxing & Defensive Magics. At least it won't be as boring as the other classes... eh?"

Wondering if they'd be in any classes together, Victor left Samantha to finish her breakfast and headed through the filling corridors to the classroom on the second floor. Jinxing & Defensive Magics, though widely liked by most students, was one that could change day-to-day in terms of enjoyment and boredom for Victor. And the professor wasn't especially mean, but Ivanovic Izzard was still the Draco Head of House.

Taking a seat amongst the other students - two lines of desks had been made on either side of the wall with the professor's desk facing between them from one end - he waited for the class to fill, the bell to ring, and the professor to emerge...

Angela nodded along as her friend spoke; equally filling her mouth with food; she must have been quite a sight; she smiled shoving a spoon full of cereal in her mouth. She quickly fished around in her robes for the little piece of paper that had her schedule; something she did miss about the outside world was clothes. Robes were just not her style; they showed off none of her curves for starters; all that was missing was a ninja mask.

Angela laughed you eat fine; its healthy and its done nothing to hurt your figure" Angela said with a wink. "You'll do great in your advanced classes I'm sure of it, you’re a lot smarter than you think you know". Angela gave a reassuring look; it wasn't just a friend propping up an ego though Angela did honestly believe in Natalie's abilities.

"Let's see; well looks like we share a lot of the same morning classes; though we don’t see each other much this afternoon though I got Advanced Flying and Magical Theory after lunch. Then we share Magical Compression and Defensive Magic's" Angela said with a nod; "Though I might be taking Curses and Advanced Magic some time this week I hope I pass the exams" she added with a small burp. "Pardon me" Angela said quickly and took a sip of her drink to wash down her breakfast.

"So you joining the qudidich team this year? You know with your skills your house could do with you on there squad"

"Morning John. How's it going?" Tobias sat munching on an apple turnover.

John said "Good Tobias, and yourself?" John was eating a cherry turnover as he said it.

John said "Good Tobias, and yourself?" John was eating a cherry turnover as he said it.

Picking up his bag to head to class he said. "Alright. I'm about to head to Advanced Jinxing and Defensive magics though. You might want to finish that and head to class yourself." He started the trip down the long table to the door.

Derrick was already waiting for Samantha in Advanced Jinxes And Charms. He was always on time as he should be. Derrick sat and read ahead through his textbook out of sheer boredom. He would rather not have been there at this moment, he liked the summer break. It was always fun to go swimming and boating each day.

Samantha walked into her Jinxes and Charms class. It had taken her unusually long to find the classroom she had wandered far to the wrong wing, even after all these years a small setback in this school made things substantially more difficult.

Mathieu walked in and took a seat as far from the teacher's desk as possible. He pulled out his materials, then a book he had picked up in London. It may have been a muggle author, but it was still and interesting read for him.

Yuri looked confuse. "What, Quidditch?" He smiled. "I meant gambling. Never liked flying that much, prefer staying on the ground."

Aggy laughed at the misunderstanding...that is, until he saw the clock.

"AW SHI' MATE!" Aggy ran off, he had to get to class.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Aggy entered the Charms classroom huffing and puffing. His smoking over the summer probably didn't help. Pushing one of his dredlocks out of his face, he prepared himself for class.

As Adrianne came into the Advanced Jinxing & Defensive Magics room, every straight male turned their head to gawk. Adrianne was incredibly attractive, rumors abounded that her maternal grandmother was a veela. It was easy to see how such a rumor got started.

As she walked down the aisle, searching for a desk suitable for her immaculate hiney, one could almost hear the frantic prayers of boys, wishing that she would grace them with her prescence.

There was a soft groan as she choose to sit by Victor.

"Hey Vicky! How was your summer?"

Though many girls practically through themselves at him - or at least would dote over him - and he had a chance with most others, there were always a couple that just enthralled his attention and called on his libido. Adrianne was one of those girls. She had the appearance of an angel, the attitude of a witch, and could be considered forbidden fruit as a Draco.

The fact that she decided to sit right next to him in Advanced Jinxing & Defensive Magics would just make his life a bit more interesting... and a bit more difficult.

Victor hated being called Vicky. But what could he do? There were certain girls he had a weakness for and Adrianne was definitely one of them.

"Hey Adrian-ne..." Had he just stumbled on his words? ""Sum-mer...? It was fine," he said, gathering himself quickly. "Same as usual, you know? Quidditch, Dueling, family time, couple of trips..." Summers for Victor, contrary to many wizards, were as exciting as the school year if not more so. "How about you?"

Samantha sat down beside Derrick. He was already reading through his book, and class hadnt even started yet. She made sure her books were in order before looking at him. He hadnt even noticed her yet.

Tobias entered the room to see a slight lack of available seating left. Either sit so close to the Draco girl that looked better than a hundred veela that she would smell his fear or sit next to the Draco boy that might hunt him down while he slept. Mathieu however barely glanced at his neighbor as Tobias took his seat. He had barely begun to take out his books when the teacher strode in.
He was a tall, thin man but oozed confidence and commanded respect. His voice however was light and friendly. Everyone in the class knew this teacher loved to joke around unless he was teaching, then he was all business. "Pardon my tardiness, I just miss sleeping in over the summer."

Derrick smiled as Sam came to sit beside him. He looked up from the book at her. She was indeed a beautiful girl. He smiled. "So, how was breakfast for you then?" He asked her. He noticed how much she had grown over the summer and smiled to himself again.

Though many girls practically through themselves at him - or at least would dote over him - and he had a chance with most others, there were always a couple that just enthralled his attention and called on his libido. Adrianne was one of those girls. She had the appearance of an angel, the attitude of a witch, and could be considered forbidden fruit as a Draco.

The fact that she decided to sit right next to him in Advanced Jinxing & Defensive Magics would just make his life a bit more interesting... and a bit more difficult.

Victor hated being called Vicky. But what could he do? There were certain girls he had a weakness for and Adrianne was definitely one of them.

"Hey Adrian-ne..." Had he just stumbled on his words? ""Sum-mer...? It was fine," he said, gathering himself quickly. "Same as usual, you know? Quidditch, Dueling, family time, couple of trips..." Summers for Victor, contrary to many wizards, were as exciting as the school year if not more so. "How about you?"

"Aww thats great!" Adrianne giggled,"Daddy took me an my mum on a tour of Asia this summer! He had a bunch of conferences, something about a Euro-Asian wizarding alliance. It was really pretty there!" She looked Victor up and down, "Wow Vicky, have you been working out? Lookin' good!" She winked and giggled again.

Yuri checked the clock and swore. "Crap." He ran to his first class, Potions. After sitting down he waited for the teacher to get there.

"Aww thats great!" Adrianne giggled,"Daddy took me an my mum on a tour of Asia this summer! He had a bunch of conferences, something about a Euro-Asian wizarding alliance. It was really pretty there!" She looked Victor up and down, "Wow Vicky, have you been working out? Lookin' good!" She winked and giggled again.

"Uh... thanks. You too..." Victor responded nervously. He hadn't really been lifting weights or anything, but perhaps his body was naturally increasing its muscle mass as he matured. "Nothing more than usual - nothing more than just playing..."

Derrick smiled as Sam came to sit beside him. He looked up from the book at her. She was indeed a beautiful girl. He smiled. "So, how was breakfast for you then?" He asked her. He noticed how much she had grown over the summer and smiled to himself again.

"As good as it always is." Samantha said back to him. "It would have been better with you there though." She added, even though she was blonde Samantha wasnt an idiot, she knew Derrick had already looked her over. His smile was one give away on top of it. She rolled her eyes at him. He was a typical boy.

Mrs. Astora was somewhat late, bearing a faint but sever smile. Youngish with reddish-brown hair. With nary a friendly word for the new students she launched into a lecture on the subject of Potions, the components, preparations and uses of the liquids and materials created by potioneers.

Marius didn't have any time to think as his quill frantically scritched across the sheets of parchment, something difficult for him as until he'd arrived at Exter the writing implement of convience had been the pencil and the ink bearing quill was much different than the graphite based writing stick. With any luck one of the other first years was able to take notes easily so he could copy them until he got use to the tricky way of writing without ripping paper.

"Uh... thanks. You too..." Victor responded nervously. He hadn't really been lifting weights or anything, but perhaps his body was naturally increasing its muscle mass as he matured. "Nothing more than usual - nothing more than just playing..."

"Quidditch? O wow! You play Seeker, right? Ooo I can't wait to see you play!"
Adrianne smiled, pushing her long, soft hair out of her eyes seductively.

"When does Titan play Draco?"

"Yeah. Going to root for me?" Victor asked with a smile. He doubted she really would root even if she said yes for more reasons than one, including that the Draco and Titanus Houses didn't exactly get along.

"Hmmm..." He began as he thought of the schedule. "December... December 2nd, I believe. Right before the break so we can get ready for the inter-school matches..." The words that came out of his mouth brought his mind to the meeting later that day under the Cloisters...

Professor Izzard stepped behind his desk that stood at one between the rows of students and withdrew his charm. "This is Advanced Jinxing & Defensive Magics," he spoke with the words suddenly appearing on the board behind him. "If you are not capable of advanced magic, leave now..." His tone and demeanor dared anyone to get up and go yet his eyes singed those who were nervous about their own skill.

"Good. We will begin with a simple exercise. This," he said as he licked his wrist and said the proper incantation aloud, "is the Shield Charm." A couple of students chuckled at what seemed like a condescending attitude. "This," he began again, showing the wand movement and incantation of another spell, "is the Impediment Jinx. Also called by some the Impediment Curse..."

"Now pair off and began practicing - take turns switching off and only use the spells I have indicated."

OOC: Sorry guys I have gotten a little behind in the ball game.....My character ought to get expelled for not attending classes.....if you get my drift......

Samantha tried the charm after partnering off with Derrick. He would cast the Shield Charm as she did the Impediment Curse on him. She readied herself and waited for him to be ready for it.

OOC:Sorry about bad post, but I have alot of other work to do today.

John praticed doing the Shield Charm with Tobias, he felt he was getting it, albiet with a slight struggle. He then switched to the Impediment Jinx and he got it down by the end of the lesson.

John praticed doing the Shield Charm with Tobias, he felt he was getting it, albiet with a slight struggle. He then switched to the Impediment Jinx and he got it down by the end of the lesson.

John's shield gave way the first couple times, but after a while, Tobias' jinx bounced right off. Tobias however had a bit more trouble with it, only managing it once, and the result was that the Jinx shot toward the teacher, who was forced to protect himself. "It could have been worse I guess." He said in the end.

John's shield gave way the first couple times, but after a while, Tobias' jinx bounced right off. Tobias however had a bit more trouble with it, only managing it once, and the result was that the Jinx shot toward the teacher, who was forced to protect himself. "It could have been worse I guess." He said in the end.

John said "Yeah, It could've been an enlarging charm..."

John said "Yeah, It could've been an enlarging charm..."

Tobias chuckled. "That wouldn't have been good at all. Especially since we both hit each other a couple times."

Tobias chuckled. "That wouldn't have been good at all. Especially since we both hit each other a couple times."

John said "It would've been horrible if we were hit with the Tickiling CHarm, that would've been torture.."

John said "It would've been horrible if we were hit with the Tickiling CHarm, that would've been torture.."

A grimiace spread across Tobias' face. "Forget torture, that would have been just unbearable. That's one thing you've got down better than anyone else I know.

A grimiace spread across Tobias' face. "Forget torture, that would have been just unbearable. That's one thing you've got down better than anyone else I know.

John nodded and said "Yeah, that'd be a bummer for you wouldn't it?, I like the teacher of this class."

John nodded and said "Yeah, that'd be a bummer for you wouldn't it?, I like the teacher of this class."

"I do too." Tobias replied. "At least he keeps us busy most days. And he's practical, unlike a lot of teachers that do a ton of theory, then, finally, a day of practical lessons."

Samantha tried the charm after partnering off with Derrick. He would cast the Shield Charm as she did the Impediment Curse on him. She readied herself and waited for him to be ready for it.

OOC:Sorry about bad post, but I have alot of other work to do today.

Derrick was ready and waited for her to cast the Jinx. He worked on blocking it and eventually got the hang of it. He took his turn and was far more accustomed to the Jinx than the shield. He got the hang of the Jinx after just a few tries and smiled to himself. "Ha! See, I tol you! I am getting better!"

"Yeah. Going to root for me?" Victor asked with a smile. He doubted she really would root even if she said yes for more reasons than one, including that the Draco and Titanus Houses didn't exactly get along.

"Hmmm..." He began as he thought of the schedule. "December... December 2nd, I believe. Right before the break so we can get ready for the inter-school matches..." The words that came out of his mouth brought his mind to the meeting later that day under the Cloisters...

"Well, I guess it all depends...", Adrianne answered coyly, "Did you hear about that party? Seems like that weirdo Aggy is throwing it... I wasn't sure if I was going....unless of course, I knew someone there..."

"Well, I guess it all depends...", Adrianne answered coyly, "Did you hear about that party? Seems like that weirdo Aggy is throwing it... I wasn't sure if I was going....unless of course, I knew someone there..."

"Yeah I heard about it..." Victor said as he got out of his seat. The two of them, Adrianne and he, had become a de facto pairing for the exercise due to them sitting next to each other. It probably helped that most of the guys were intimidated by Adrianne, most of the girls were cattily envious, and most everyone was afraid of 'dueling' with Victor.

The two began practicing as they continued to talk. In all honesty though, Victor would only perform as well as most of the other students despite his knack for dueling. His skills only came out when his adrenaline started pumping and he was actually competing for something... not in practice.

"Didn't originally plan on going, but a couple of people talked me into showing up. I think I am going to drop in for a few minutes, but I don't know really..."

"I do too." Tobias replied. "At least he keeps us busy most days. And he's practical, unlike a lot of teachers that do a ton of theory, then, finally, a day of practical lessons."

John nodded in agreement and he said "I'd take a practical teacher over one that only teaches theory, for what good is theory if you can't practice in the lessons, and when there is one practical lesson, you are ill prepared basically."

Tobias took his seat again. "But you can't just have all practical if you think about it. You do need to have some theory because some spells are more complex."

OOC: Damn I got here late.
IC: Foxfire woke up the Broc tower. He glanced at his silver watch, given to him by his father. "Shit!" He hurriedly pulled on his robes and grabbed his wand, 1 foot and 3 inchs long made of cherry wood with fox hair inside. The fox hair tended to make the wand unruley and wild, especially in the hands of anyone other than it's owner, but was rather more powerful than your average wand. Foxfire was late to his first class, Jinxing & Defensive Magics. He slipped inside, hoping not to be noticed, but winced when Professor Ivanovic Izzard spoke curtley. "Late again, Mr. Rose? Detention, my office, 7:00. Let's not have a repeat of last year." Foxfire flushed. "Yes Sir." he muttered, sinking into his seat.

Tobias took his seat again. "But you can't just have all practical if you think about it. You do need to have some theory because some spells are more complex."

John said "That was what I was about to say, you are correct Tobias, we must have a balance of practical and theory."

John said "That was what I was about to say, you are correct Tobias, we must have a balance of practical and theory."

Tobias leaned back in his seat. "So true. There's a lot in life that needs balance or it won't work right."
Mr. I stood at the head of the classroom. "Good job today class, especially since it's right after summer break. And look at the time, class is already over. Dismissed!" He shouted the last word as the bell rang.

Tobias leaned back in his seat. "So true. There's a lot in life that needs balance or it won't work right."
Mr. I stood at the head of the classroom. "Good job today class, especially since it's right after summer break. And look at the time, class is already over. Dismissed!" He shouted the last word as the bell rang.

John nodded as they walked out he said to Tobias "What's our next class?"

John nodded as they walked out he said to Tobias "What's our next class?"

Tobias dug through his bag looking for the already crumpled bit of parchment his schedule was written on. "Let me check. Advanced Charms with Silvanis. Aw man, that's on the other side of the castle!"

Foxfire got up, gathering his stuff. Should have skipped the stupid class entirely. He thought to himself. He checked her schedule. Unknown Magic Studies, second period. Of course, he couldn't actually start the class yet. He had to pass the test-in. He hurried there, not wanting to be late and get another detention.

After a fairly interesting lesson on basic counter-poisons in Potions, Yuri checked his class list. Charms. While Yuri liked Charms, he preferred History. Damn, he thought, half way across the school. Faster than most kids his age with a backpack would, he raced down the hallway towards Charms.

Tobias dug through his bag looking for the already crumpled bit of parchment his schedule was written on. "Let me check. Advanced Charms with Silvanis. Aw man, that's on the other side of the castle!"

John cursed Charms underneath his breath as he ran with Tobias to Advanced Charms and he said "I wonder what Silvanis will be having us learn today?"

John cursed Charms underneath his breath as he ran with Tobias to Advanced Charms and he said "I wonder what Silvanis will be having us learn today?"

Tobias shoved his schedule into his bag as he went, tearing it in half. "Oh, that can't be good. And I don't know what she wants to teach, but it's detention if we're late."

Finally getting to Charms, with only minutes to spare, he sat in the back. Yuri noticed that most of the class was already here. However he did have two seats next to him missing occupants. Yuri prayed he didn't get stuck with some jackass.

Tobias shoved his schedule into his bag as he went, tearing it in half. "Oh, that can't be good. And I don't know what she wants to teach, but it's detention if we're late."

John groaned and he said "I dearly hope we won't be late.."

Tobias made it his seat, just a minute to spare. "Oh thank God! I hate her detentions." Then, noticing who he was sitting by said. "Hey, Yuri, how's it going?"

Tobias made it his seat, just a minute to spare. "Oh thank God! I hate her detentions." Then, noticing who he was sitting by said. "Hey, Yuri, how's it going?"

John wiped his brow and he also saw Yuri and said "Hi Yuri!, how are you this fine morning?"

Tobias made it his seat, just a minute to spare. "Oh thank God! I hate her detentions." Then, noticing who he was sitting by said. "Hey, Yuri, how's it going?"

"Good," Yuri shrugged. "but can't wait till Friday."

"Good," Yuri shrugged. "but can't wait till Friday."

John said "Does Friday have something do to with Quiditch?"

Tobias laughed. "Not quite. Friday night, the party! Come on, I'm sure you've at least heard of it by now."

John said "Oh yeah, the party! That's right! whoops, I've forgot, I am excited about the party, although mixing beer with quidditch would be interesting.."

John said "Does Friday have something do to with Quiditch?"

Tobias laughed. "Not quite. Friday night, the party! Come on, I'm sure you've at least heard of it by now."

Marius was a bit annoyed as he departed Potions with the rest of the class before heading to History. Unlike what he'd expected, which had been something along the lines of a mad scientist's workshop, the set up had been classroomish. And instead of strange concoctions fit to drive men mad the stuff they were learning reminded him most strongly of cooking and he loathed to cook. He was one of the unfortunates who could burn water.

History was certain to be dull but at least that would give him time to leaf through the book for the next class and mark down things that looked interesting or important.

As it was for countless other students, History would be highly boring for Valentine. There were always interesting pieces like about some famous wizards or witches, but most of it was just dates, boring events, Ministry stuff, and the like. The units on the Wizarding Wars were always a hit, especially with the boys, but they only lasted so long. After only a week of the class, most everybody knew that they were in for years of boredom.

Nonetheless, Valentine took her seat at the front of the class - a mistake she would grow to regret - and waited for the first hour in a series of hundreds of boring hours.

After an hour's worth of trading spells with the beautiful Adrianne, the class was over. Had it not been for him spending the entire hour with Adrianne, it would have been one of the most boring classes of Jinxing & Defensive Magics in recent memory.

"Advanced Charms up next... you coming?" he asked his partner as he tucked his wand away and walked out of the door.

The next class was a fair distance away, especially in the crazy school, but Victor wasn't one to rush or run to the next class. If he showed up a moment late, so be it.

Mathieu, already having 6 years of experience in getting around the school, knew a short cut. Behind a tapestry just around the corner was a narrow walkway that took just half the time it took to go around the long way. "I'm surprised that they never closed these things up. You never know who or what you'll find in here." He said as we walked to the next class.

Tobias laughed. "Not quite. Friday night, the party! Come on, I'm sure you've at least heard of it by now."

John nodded and said "Yeah, I remember. That's what Yuri is talking about then.."

John nodded and said "Yeah, I remember. That's what Yuri is talking about then.."

"Exactly!" Tobias nearly shouted. "I hope he knows exactly what he wants or my 'contact' in Cheshire will have a harder time finding it."

"Exactly!" Tobias nearly shouted. "I hope he knows exactly what he wants or my 'contact' in Cheshire will have a harder time finding it."

Yuri grinned. "Yep," He said. "got the list right here." Pulling out a fairly small list, Yuri began reading off it. "10 gallons of butterbeer, 5 cases of cheap vodka, 10 more gallons of regular muggle beer, and one case of vodka. So," He said to both
John and Tobias. "anything else we might need? Though I can get my friends in the area to get us some of our more 'legal' favors, such as food and other crap."

Yuri grinned. "Yep," He said. "got the list right here." Pulling out a fairly small list, Yuri began reading off it. "10 gallons of butterbeer, 5 cases of cheap vodka, 10 more gallons of regular muggle beer, and one case of vodka. So," He said to both
John and Tobias. "anything else we might need? Though I can get my friends in the area to get us some of our more 'legal' favors, such as food and other crap."

"Hmmm..." Tobias began to ponder other ideas. "I really can't think of anything. I already ordered a couple cases of German beer, so I think we're going to be pretty well off on alcohol! I think we'll be ok on food unless you really want something. The house elves in the kitchen are damn helpful. They'd give me half a roast pig if I asked politely enough. I'll check with them over break on catering, I think they'd be glad to do so knowing them."

"Hmmm..." Tobias began to ponder other ideas. "I really can't think of anything. I already ordered a couple cases of German beer, so I think we're going to be pretty well off on alcohol! I think we'll be ok on food unless you really want something. The house elves in the kitchen are damn helpful. They'd give me half a roast pig if I asked politely enough. I'll check with them over break on catering, I think they'd be glad to do so knowing them."

"Alright, so we got some good food?" Yuri said clapping his hands together. "Well, now that just leaves one thing. Guests. Who do we got coming and what ideas for any others?"

Tobias leaned forward. "Hmm, Well, we don't want ANY Dracos showing up, that's obvious. I guess I really don't know who to invite. It's pretty much a spread the word thing and hope a bunch of great girls show up."

Tobias leaned forward. "Hmm, Well, we don't want ANY Dracos showing up, that's obvious. I guess I really don't know who to invite. It's pretty much a spread the word thing and hope a bunch of great girls show up."

"Right," Yuri says leaning in. "what we gonna have for security? 'cause I don't like the Dracos anymore than you, but some of them sure as hell can cast some damn good spells, and possibly get in. What should we do for security, like some spells or that kinda crap? Or should we hire out one of the kitchen elves, cause I bet some would willingly help." Then Yuri thought. "Or, do just want me to take care of security?"

"Well, the house elves have to obey humans, so it wouldn't hurt to take just one elf from the kitchens. Besides, if one of us has to take security, it takes out all the fun of having a party to begin with." Tobias replied.

"Well, the house elves have to obey humans, so it wouldn't hurt to take just one elf from the kitchens. Besides, if one of us has to take security, it takes out all the fun of having a party to begin with." Tobias replied.

John said "I'll volunteer to be security, since I'll have some beers after I change me shift. I propose we have multiple shifts, that way we can keep the security, secure.."

John said "I'll volunteer to be security, since I'll have some beers after I change me shift. I propose we have multiple shifts, that way we can keep the security, secure.."

"Shifts work." Said Tobias. "I'll take the last shift because nobody else will and it's when things wind down anyway."

"Shifts work." Said Tobias. "I'll take the last shift because nobody else will and it's when things wind down anyway."

"No, no," Says Yuri shaking his head. "I mean I can try and arrange some 'help' with the security. I got some kids I know who will sure as hell work for about... 1 galleon an hour. Although the shift thing and a house elf is a good idea."

"No, no," Says Yuri shaking his head. "I mean I can try and arrange some 'help' with the security. I got some kids I know who will sure as hell work for about... 1 galleon an hour. Although the shift thing and a house elf is a good idea."

"Sounds good to me!" Tobias laughed. "Are all the teachers going to be late today?"

Noticing Valentine taking a seat a couple rows further up led him to guess that she hadn't noticed him and was about to try and get her attention before the dreadfully dull lecture began and he began reading while making brief jot notes in an almost absent-minded fashion.

"Sounds good to me!" Tobias laughed. "Are all the teachers going to be late today?"

Yuri scoffed. "Probably, those bloody teachers can barely keep track of the time. Anyways, so I'll ta-" Yuri was cut short as the teacher finally arrive. "Good morning," the man spoke. "sorry about being late, but had to get something from my room. Anyhow onto the lesson..." As the teacher began to speak. Yuri whispered. "Talk later."

Yuri scoffed. "Probably, those bloody teachers can barely keep track of the time. Anyways, so I'll ta-" Yuri was cut short as the teacher finally arrive. "Good morning," the man spoke. "sorry about being late, but had to get something from my room. Anyhow onto the lesson..." As the teacher began to speak. Yuri whispered. "Talk later."

Tobias straightened up. "Yup, later." The teacher began to drone on and on. All he spoke of was the simple rules ("respect one another and class will be fun!"), the syllabys, and he began to ask what everyone did for summer, But fortunately the bell rang. "So, Yuri." Tobias started after class. "Does the count for later?"

Tobias straightened up. "Yup, later." The teacher began to drone on and on. All he spoke of was the simple rules ("respect one another and class will be fun!"), the syllabys, and he began to ask what everyone did for summer, But fortunately the bell rang. "So, Yuri." Tobias started after class. "Does the count for later?"

John yawned and said "That was the most dullest class I've been to so far this morning.."

Tobias straightened up. "Yup, later." The teacher began to drone on and on. All he spoke of was the simple rules ("respect one another and class will be fun!"), the syllabys, and he began to ask what everyone did for summer, But fortunately the bell rang. "So, Yuri." Tobias started after class. "Does the count for later?"

Yuri laughed. "Hell yeah. Anyhow, so I'll take security and some of our more... 'questionable' assets, such as muggle food and drink. What you want to take care of?"

John yawned and said "That was the most dullest class I've been to so far this morning.."

"Damn straight. Bloody Magical History is better than that, least we got a good teach."

Yuri laughed. "Hell yeah. Anyhow, so I'll take security and some of our more... 'questionable' assets, such as muggle food and drink. What you want to take care of?"



"Damn straight. Bloody Magical History is better than that, least we got a good teach."

John said "Yeah, Magical History was better then this Charms class. I am hopeful that the teacher will teach us more interesting stuff.."

John said "Yeah, Magical History was better then this Charms class. I am hopeful that the teacher will teach us more interesting stuff.."

"Oh man," said Tobias. "What WASN'T better than that? He usually gets better as the year goes on at least. Also, I'll take magical drink and entertainment."

"Oh man," said Tobias. "What WASN'T better than that? He usually gets better as the year goes on at least. Also, I'll take magical drink and entertainment."

"'K," Yuri says. "What do you plan on getting, cause I got my boom box, though I'm not sure if it will work here..."

John said "Yeah, Magical History was better then this Charms class. I am hopeful that the teacher will teach us more interesting stuff.."

Yuri laughed. "Yep, cause the more violent the merrier as we say in Soviet Russia. Anyhow Johnny-boy, you want to take charge of anything?"

"'K," Yuri says. "What do you plan on getting, cause I got my I-Pod, though I'm not sure if it will work..."



Yuri laughed. "Yep, cause the more violent the merrier as we say in Soviet Russia. Anyhow Johnny-boy, you want to take charge of anything?"

"Ya, come on John. We're taking charge, now don't you shirk off responsibility!" Tobias raised an eyebrow. "However, I have a question. What's a boom box?"

"Ya, come on John. We're taking charge, now don't you shirk off responsibility!" Tobias raised an eyebrow. "However, I have a question. What's an iPod?"

OOC: Sorry, forgot that this is in the 80s... do'h!!! Switched to boom box.

Yuri laughed and said "Boom box, muggle music. Fairly good, too. So, John what do you want to do?"

Tobias' eyes were still blank. "Not that I'm going to ask you to keep explaining, but I've never lived anywhere near muggles, at least not that I can remember, so what on God's green earth would make you think I knew what a 'boom box' was? The 'muggle magic' part I can understand, but it sounds like you're talking about some kind of explosive."

"Ya, come on John. We're taking charge, now don't you shirk off responsibility!" Tobias raised an eyebrow. "However, I have a question. What's a boom box?"

John said "I'll help get the drinks into the room and get it all set up."

Tobias' eyes were still blank. "Not that I'm going to ask you to keep explaining, but I've never lived anywhere near muggles, at least not that I can remember, so what on God's green earth would make you think I knew what a 'boom box' was? The 'muggle magic' part I can understand, but it sounds like you're talking about some kind of explosive."

Yuri shook his head. "No, no Tobias. Your thinking of the boomstick. There is a difference. Anyhow, boom box. A music player of muggle cds, a type of music recording device. The shits not half bad, actually. And thats from a guy who spent 11 of his years fighting the bloody Russian Spentez. Does that answer your question? Cause I sure as hell am bringing it to the party.'

Tobias rolled his eyes. "Good luck. I know for a fact that with well over a thousand wizards, protective charms and other spells being on Hogwarts all the time, that it's not going to work. Muggle electronics go crazy around here. Hell, if there's a party in cheshire there's problems with some of it. And thank you John for finally deciding to take part. What class do we have next anyway?"

Tobias rolled his eyes. "Good luck. I know for a fact that with well over a thousand wizards, protective charms and other spells being on Hogwarts all the time, that it's not going to work. Muggle electronics go crazy around here. Hell, if there's a party in cheshire there's problems with some of it. And thank you John for finally deciding to take part. What class do we have next anyway?"

Yuri checked his list. "I got history...hope its good. Anyhow, yeah I know that some stuff doesn't work here and I have been working on that for the past 5 years. I've finally found a breakthrough from a fence in Sydney, who has been workin' on it for the whole summer. Won't say what the spell is, but cost me the back of my shirt so it better be worth it. He knows what happens when you piss of a Russian, especially a wizard one."

Yuri checked his list. "I got history...hope its good. Anyhow, yeah I know that some stuff doesn't work here and I have been working on that for the past 5 years. I've finally found a breakthrough from a fence in Sydney, who has been workin' on it for the whole summer. Won't say what the spell is, but cost me the back of my shirt so it better be worth it. He knows what happens when you piss of a Russian, especially a wizard one."

Tobias got a chuckle out of that. "A single spell protecting against a thousand others. This oughta be good. I'm just waiting for it to backfire so I can laugh and see what kind of torture you bring on the poor guy. You don't mind if I tag along to watch you attack him do you?"

Tobias got a chuckle out of that. "A single spell protecting against a thousand others. This oughta be good. I'm just waiting for it to backfire so I can laugh and see what kind of torture you bring on the poor guy. You don't mind if I tag along to watch you attack him do you?"

Yuri laughed. "Nope. This will probably backfire, but hey its worth a try."

Yuri laughed. "Nope. This will probably backfire, but hey its worth a try."

Tobias laughed. "Now I'm really anxious for Friday. Not only do I get to attend a party, but I also get to watch a spell blow up, probably literally, and I get to see what a true Russian does when double-crossed. If this isn't good, nothing is."

Tobias laughed. "Now I'm really anxious for Friday. Not only do I get to attend a party, but I also get to watch a spell blow up, probably literally, and I get to see what a true Russian does when double-crossed. If this isn't good, nothing is."

"Still, the punishment won't be too bad." Yuri said. "Good at fence some more...illicitly gotten goods, but ain't the best wizard when it comes to spells. But trust me, I've seen what the Russian Mafia does when its double-crossed and let me say, it makes even damn serial killers cringe." He said as he walked to History.

Tobias laughed. "Now I'm really anxious for Friday. Not only do I get to attend a party, but I also get to watch a spell blow up, probably literally, and I get to see what a true Russian does when double-crossed. If this isn't good, nothing is."

John said "Yeah, that'll be fun to watch, as long as it doesn't scar me for life. I am also anxious to see what a Russian does when double crossed, probably as scary as Genghis Khan on his bad days.."

"Still, the punishment won't be too bad." Yuri said. "Good at fence some more...illicitly gotten goods, but ain't the best wizard when it comes to spells. But trust me, I've seen what the Russian Mafia does when its double-crossed and let me say, it makes even damn serial killers cringe." He said as he walked to History.

"I think I just died a little on the inside about hearing that." Tobias cringed.

John said "Yeah, that'll be fun to watch, as long as it doesn't scar me for life. I am also anxious to see what a Russian does when double crossed, probably as scary as Genghis Khan on his bad days.."

"I don't know about Genghis Kahn, but maybe we should put up a blast shield between us and Yuri when he jinxes the poor man." Tobias laughed while pulling out the tattered schedule. "Come on, we got potions next."

"I think I just died a little on the inside about hearing that." Tobias cringed.

Yuri just grinned.



"I don't know about Genghis Kahn, but maybe we should put up a blast shield between us and Yuri when he jinxes the poor man." Tobias laughed while pulling out the tattered schedule. "Come on, we got potions next."[/QUOTE]

"Da," Says Yuri, still grinning from Tobias's uneasiness. "see you guys later." Yuri walks away, whistling 'Beyond the Sea', to History of Magic.

Ooc: live!!!!!