Quidditch 3

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

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

3. How much do the primary Apparition lessons cost? d. 12 galleons

4. What is Professor Merrythought’s first name? b. Galatea

5. What Hogwarts club was Eileen Prince captain of? b. Gobstones Club

6. Who is head of the Goblin Liaison office? b. Dirk Cresswell

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

8. How many points does Snape take from Gryffindor for Harry’s late arrival and muggle attire? b. 70
   

9. When Profressory Slughorn first meets Hermione, he asks her whether she is related to Hector Dagworth-Granger. What society did Dgworth-Granger found? d. The Most Extraordinary Society of Potioneers

10. Which of these describes Golpalott’s Third Law? d. The antidote for a blended poison will be equal to more than the sum of the antidotes for each of the separtea components

AND my pal's package went out today via priority owl post. I can't wait to see it arrive!

Belated Halloween Pic

Opps, I never did end up posting my picture of my Halloween costume. I was a "mad scientist."



And in my pocket you can see the amazingly cute felted bat I made for the costume. (Because like Slytherins, mad scientists are also fond of dark dungeons.) There is more info about that project on my my blog post.

Owl Received

I have been quite remiss! I received an amazing package from Pandora Phelps, but I have had several set backs in actually blogging about it.


Not only were there all sorts of fun pictures to open, but there was also one addressed to my "little witch-in-training". She was thrilled! And she is planning to use the bracelet making kit this week.


I was far from forgotten though. Inside were a bunch of green goodies. There were DPNs in a size I didn't have, and cute sock point protectors to use with them. Also included was enough Tofutsies sock yarn that I think I could make a good size toddler sweater if I wanted to. And not one, but two tins of minty goodness!

And last, but not least, a beautiful needle case. If I didn't know the guidelines for the swap I would totally have thought it was commercially made, it is really that well done. The perfect seams, the beautiful fabric, the elegant binding, the flawless zipper installation; I am seriously impressed.

Thank you so much for everything. This package is amazing!

Halloween 2008

Alas I won't be able to post my Halloween costume until tomorrow (too late for the Slytherin prompt), but I will share since it was lots of fun.

Yesterday we went straight from school to a friend's house for dinner. Then we headed over to see the Anti-morris (done at sun-down on Samhain in silence rather than sun-up on May Day with bells). Very fun! Then we skipped the mumming in favor of trick-or-treating. Hopefully soon in a year to come we will get to stay and watch the mumming plays though, since it looked really interesting.

HSKS6 Pals

Ack! Somehow I just realized that I have not yet mentioned much about my pals for this term. This round I get to spoil another Ravenclaw of the name Molly Crookshanks. I am really excited about my package for her, but I am still pulling together final details. I am also lucky enough to have Pandora Phelps of Gryffindor for a pal, who is totally an inspiration as far as swap pals go. She is so good about checking in with me, I have to admit it makes me feel a little guilty about my own correspondence.

HSKS6 Quidditch Round 2

1. What animal does the portrait in the Muggle Prime Minster’s office resemble? b. Frog

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

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

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

5. What is Professor Sughorn’s favorite candy? d. Crystallized Pineapple

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

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

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

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

10. What are Professor Slughorn’s initials? b. H.E.F.
    

Sneaking in Sock Time

I have been busy sneaking in time between classes to work on a new pair of Slytherin house socks for me.
I have finished the heels of one of these, and am now turning the heel on the other. That magical researcher Cat Bohrdi must have been the cleverest witch of her year. I am working on her River Bed pathway, and it is absolutely inspired!

Slytherin House Quiz 2

1. Are you a sock knitter?What are your foot measurements? Yes I like to knit socks. I wear a size 6.5 shoe US Women's shoe, and my foot is about 9 inches long
2. Do you have a yarn winder and/or a swift? Yes, both.
3. Where/how to you keep you needles/hooks? In clear zippered pouches in a drawer. I really want to make a hanging circular case though, where the needles can hang out so that the tips stick out on either end.
4. Do you collect anything? I have several small dragon figurines in my bathroom, but I am not actively collecting them. Probably what I collect most are hobbies...
5. What is your favorite type of music? Are you MP3 ready? I really like acapella, happy hardcore, vocal trance, operatic rock, wrock, musicals, and most music with good female vocals. I have a nano iPod, but also listen to a lot of podcasts from my computer.
6. Do you like sweets? What are your favorites? I really like gummy things, mint-flavored things and of course chocolate.
7. What is your living situation like? Any pets? Children? I live in a tiny apartment that fits 2.5 people. We have an african fat-tailed gecko and a 9 year old little girl for pets. I mean children. I mean... nevermind.
8. Do you have an online wish list (Amazon, Etsy, Loopy Ewe, etc.)? Not really. I may have to think about that.
9. Favorite Harry Potter movie character? It changes regular, depending what fan fiction I have read recently. I have been playing with Pansy Parkinson recently though, since she isn't a character we get to know terribly well in canon.

Dorm 5

Did I mention my dormmates yet? How remiss! I really like them all so far. There is a great mix of new and returning students.

Jade Bladvak
Ceciley Fortescue
Emma Gorodok
Winnie Wartbobbble

Jade is even the sister of my swap pal last term, Olive Bladvak. The only problem is that I keep finding her watching me suspiciously. I wonder what Olive might have told her about me...

Quidditch Round 1

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

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

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

4. What did Professor Sluhorn transform into when he was trying to hide from Harry and Professor Dumbledore?
a. An armchair

5. What grade did Harry get for Herbology?
a. E – Exceeds Expectation

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

7. What is Professor Sprout’s first name?
d. Pomona

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

9. Who is Marcus Belby’s famous uncle?
b. Damocles

10. What is Snape’s mother’s name?
b. Eileen Prince

Pictures

Narcissa
Snape
Bellatrix
Professor Sprout
Professor Dumbledore

Class Photo Day

Today is Picture Day. As you can see, all that time down in the dungeons has left me a bit fluorescent white. I am moderately convinced that the sun and I simply can not get along.
I didn't spend much time on the grounds though, since I have volunteered to help with the grading for first year potions. Good thing that it is a subject I love, because it is taking way more time than I was planning to spend on it this term. Guess it is time to go back to work though. They just had their first test on Friday, and I should have everything graded and ready for the Professor to look through by this evening.

Slytherin Quiz #1

1. Do you knit and/or crochet: yes both
   
2. How long have you been at your craft? 4 years/2 years
   
3. Do you spin? yes
   
4. What type of spinning do you do (drop spindle or wheel)? wheel
   
5. Are there any other crafts that you participate in? sewing, drawing, painting
   
6. What are your favorite yarns/fibers? I like wool and cotton a great deal.
   
7. What are your LEAST favorite yarns/fibers? mohair in significant quantities
   
8. Are there any types/brands of yarn that you are dying to work with but haven’t gotten a chance? I am curious about the Berroco Comfort sock yarn.
   
9. What are your favorite types of projects to knit/crochet? I really like hats and socks. Portability is awesome.
   
10. What are you currently working on? An afghan for my brother's wedding
    
11. Anything you plan to start this autumn? socks and maybe a new Slytherin item (vest or socks, undecided)
    
12. What is your favorite Finished Object? (Please, post a picture if you would like.) I am probably most proud of my sister's wedding shawl, but among those I use and love I would have to say my Slytherin Quidditch sweater.
    
13. Are their any knitting/crochet techniques that you would like to learn? I would like to improve my fair-isle skills (very rudimentary) to do Latvian mittens
    

HSKS6 Questionaire

Another term at Hogwarts begins, and I am really excited. The headmistress has asked up to post a few things about ourselves, so here goes:

Potter Name: Matilda Edgecombe (though you can call me Mati)

Rav ID: omly

I am allergic to: um, mold

Pets that I have: an african fat-tailed gecko

My favorite yarn: don't know that I have one

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

My favorite flavor: mint

My favorite holiday: Halloween

I would like to receive a: (Sock kit, scarf kit or yarn dyeing kit) surprise me :)

List your favorite brand of needles or hooks, including size and length: turbo addi (needles or hooks), clover soft touch (hooks), or metal circular needles in general

Is there a brand that you are dying to try?: not really, but I tend not to be a fan of bamboo (KP harmony are okay though)

I've participated in HSKS: (How many times have you participated in HSKS swaps?) 3

Do you have a birthday during this swap? If so which day? nope

Owl Delivery

My package arrived while I was away for the weekend! Look what arrived from Olive Bladvak.

You can read more about this package on my muggle blog.

Making New Robes

Given the wear and tear of the semester, I have decided that I should make myself some new robes. I have started with the lining as practice before moving on to the outer layer.
Um, please ignore the pajama pants.
It still seems a little long, but I can take up the extra length when I sew the outing robe and lining together.

Quidditch Round 3

1. When Hagrid returns to Hogwarts after being sent to see the giants with Madame Maxime, Professor Umbridge questions him on his late return to school. She suspects that Hagrid had been to the mountains, but where does he tell her he has been?
d. South of France

2. Professor Umbridge comes to Hagrid's Hut and searches his cabin one evening (as she believes Harry, Ron and Hermione are there visiting him at night when they are not supposed to). When she walks past the place where Harry, Ron and Hermione are hiding under the Invisibility Cloak, Harry holds his breath. True or false?
b. False

3. A stately-looking witch in an emerald green shawl is one of the members of the Advance Guard who rescues Harry from Privet Drive. What is her name?
a. Emmeline Vance

4. What is the name of the witch who was killed two weeks after the photo of the original Order of the Phoenix was taken?
b. Marlene McKinnon

5. Which two fifth year Ravenclaw students does Dumbledore choose to be prefects?
d. Anthony Goldstein and Padma Patil

6. Which house was Rose Zeller sorted into?
d. Hufflepuff

7. What is the color of Murtlap's essence?
c. Yellow

8. Name the Ravenclaw girl who became prefect in Harry's fifth year.
b. Padma Patil

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

10. Which book did Harry give Hermione for Christmas?
a. "New Theory of Numberology"

Picture Scavenger Hunt
Padma Patil
Hannah Abott
Percy
Dumbledore's Army
Cedric Diggory

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

Terminus

I am desperately looking for a ticket to Terminus. (Imagine a whole bunch of wizards and witches converging on Chicago.) Unfortunately registration closed July 1st while I was finishing up my preparations for my defense, and I totally missed it. There is still a chance I can get a transfer membership though, which seems more possible than showing up at the door for at-the-door registration.

Defended!

Thank you for all of the good wishes I received privately, here and on my muggle blog. My defense was successful, and so soon I will be certified in a specialized field of potions. My mother is already asking if I have lined up work for after Hogwarts gets out, but I don't feel ready yet!

Checking In

So very tired... I have just a few more days until my big school project is done though. Which means soon there will be lots more time for knitting, blogging and generally having fun.

Birthday Giveaway

It's my birthday! If you would like to celebrate with me, go visit my muggle blog for more information on my birthday give-away.

Quidditch Round 2

1. b. Professor Umbridge
2. c. Magnolia Crescent
3. c. Narcissa and Bellatrix
4. b. The Shrinking Spell
5. Dobby
6. c. Alastor Moody, Nymphadora Tonks, Kingsley Shacklebolt, Elphias Doge, Dedalus Diggle, Remus Lupin, Emmeline Vance, Sturgis Podmore, Hestia Jones
7. a. Yes
8. d. All of these
9. 16
10. b. 8

Picture Scavenger

Kingsley Shacklebolt
Bellatrix Lestrange
Nymphadora Tonks
Remus Lupin

New Sweater In Progress

Look I started a new House Sweater! Okay maybe it isn't the most exciting knit, but it is incredibly soothing to knit, which definitely counts for something at the moment.



I had to do some math to get a bust measurement that would fit me well, but I am pleased with both the fabric and the size at the moment. The grey is a yarn I had never worked with before called Mei Mei Camel. It is so soft, and will be perfect for keeping out drafts in the dungeons.

Care of Magical Creatures Homework

Care of Magical Creatures Homework Assignment

I have always had a weakness for runespoors. I know that some might wonder what sort of beast that was, while others might withdraw in horror. I first saw these creatures in horrible conditions near the entrance of Knockturn Alley on my first pre-Hogwarts Diagon Alley shopping trip.

For those unfamiliar, the runespoor is a magical three-headed, snake that is bright orange with black banding and are often 6 - 7 " long. They are also unique among known magical beasts for producing its eggs through its mouths.

Part of the problem is their unfortunate reputation, since the species was once a favorite type of pet for Dark wizards, mostly due to its intimidating appearance. They are not intrinsically Dark creatures, however, and due to the threat that wizards have put them in with poaching, they are severely threatened.

Though it would mean having to move to Burkina Faso, where they are native, and there are several forests are designated as preserves for its sole use, working with these animals and their habitat seems one of the few ways to help them given the current lack of Ministry interest in their welfare.

Given that runespoors rarely live to a great age, as each head (containing independent brains with different personalities) tends to attack each other, their own natures would be threat enough even without the blackmarket trade in them. Currently the black market in both the serpents and their eggs, which has existed for centuries, has seen significant growth. The complete ban of these creatures by the Ministry has actual threatened them more than a careful controlled flow on to the market.

Change of Plans

Sadly I recently got an email that my partner, Minerva Caerphilly, had to drop from the swap for personal reasons. I hope that everything is okay Minerva! But that means that Olive Bladvak and I will be each other's partners, which is sort of fun too. Now I am off to work out a few changes to the package I am putting together.

Quidditch Round 1

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Picture Scavenger Hunt
Fred and George Weasley (Together)
Hog’s Head Pub
Sirius Black
Mr. Weasley & Harry (Together)
Draco Malfoy

Slytherin Ripple Afghan

I finally finished up the blanket I have been crocheting for my bed. I can't believe I started it last year! Seems like actually working on it makes it go a lot faster though.

It is just perfect for warding off the chill of the dungeons, just warm enough without being sweltering.

Slytherin House Quiz #1

1. How many goal posts are on the Quidditch Pitch?
6 total

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. Name one person other than Sirius Black who was scratched off of the Family tree wall?
Andromeda (Black) Tonks

9. Who discovers the room of requirement?
Dobby, Dumbledore, Draco, and Voldemort

10. Where is the first DA meeting held?
the Hog’s Head in Hogsmeade

Moving

I am so exhausted. I have been working on an extra potions project and have been pulling really late hours again as a result. I need to present my work so far on Tuesday, and I might get a brief breather after that.

In other news, it looks like I am changing rooms. I am leaving the Ravishing Furies (dorm room #3) for the Silent Succubi (dorm room number #5). Megaera Black, Danazraella Deamonova, Lucretia Plunkett, and Enna Kirts, I will miss you!

These rooms just are not built for more than 4 though. Because the Succumbi only had 3 in their room, our Prefect Moody asked for volunteers for one of us to move. Since no one else came forward, I figured I might as well do it rather than split up everyone else there.

My new roommates (Bella Shacklebolt, Daisy Scrimgeour and Narcissa Shrivelfigs) all seem really nice. So hopefully it will be a good match.

Owl Landed

A few weeks ago I was a little sad that I hadn't heard anything from my HSKS4 pal, but I had such fun making up the package I sent out and I got such a generous package from HSS3 that honestly it was okay. Then I got an owl from Minerva Kwikspell that she was going to be my "angel" for the swap. Knowing that she herself hadn't received a package from her pal, I could not believe her largeness of spirit over the whole thing. I admit I was already planning a secret return angeling once I got her address on my package when I saw that Ravenclaw house had surprise angeled her. It could not have happened to a more deserving person.

The owl arrived yesterday, but I didn't get a chance to take photos since I slept off most of the afternoon and evening with a sleeping potion administered by Madam Pomfrey. (But I feel much better now!) Having remedied that I can now share with you how above and beyond the call of duty she went.


I am so incredibly touched by all the time and thought she put into this. Everything from the beautifully printed pattern (which is totally in my queue) to the intricately beaded book thong and stitch-markers to the "Kwikspell Konfections" was so incredibly thoughtful. This would have been amazing package from anyone, and to have been gifted such an amazing package by an angel simply blows me away with its generosity.

Little Seeker

This weekend I got to spend some time with my little niece. In among my luggage I packed a snitch to encourage her interest in Quidditch.
She absolutely loved it! She wanted to hold it all the time, and if she got separated from it somehow she would crawl as fast as she could after it. Great instincts! What do you think? Is this going to be Slytherin's next great seeker?

Owl Post

As expected my owl arrived when we were returning from our seaside trip. I get to spoil Gryffindor Minerva Caerphilly and will be spoiled by Ravenclaw Olive Bladvak. I can't wait to get started!

First Entry

My mother gave me this special journal to write about my experiences at Hogwarts this year. She said that I could use it to share my experiences with new friends, and I hope that she is right.

This is my second year at Hogwarts (in Slytherin of course), and I am settling my roommate situation as we speak. It sounds as if one of my roommates doesn't like snakes, which is sad. I love reptiles and will miss my pet lizard, Cupric, who will be staying home while I am at school. Maybe he could visit since he isn't a snake.

I am really looking forward to Potions. I have been studying my copy of Advanced Potion-Making by Libatius Borage extensively and am particularly looking forward to making a Hair-raising Solution. For my additional classes that I am taking this year I am adding Ancient Runes and Arithmancy. Arithmancy in particular looks fascinating.

I hear that people have begun getting their owls to tell them who their partner will be for this term . Unfortunately I am not home though, so I will have to wait to find out. We are taking mother to the ocean for Mother's Day and a special treat before the start of term. We should return tomorrow night though, so I will find out then.