Knitting the Galaxy

Andromeda's Diary

2011-07-19T19:53:00.000-07:00

Dear Diary,

I have a confession to make. During the last few races I have been distracted by one of the Crew Chiefs in pit row. How distracted? Enough to distract me from a certain Race Car Driver. And that is saying a lot. Rumor has it that he is very clever and ambitious. Sounds like my kind of guy. Well, I have to get back to my OWLs or the newly appointed OWL Enforcer will thwack me. My work is never done and now I have something else to distract me.

Andi :)

HSKS12 Goodies

2010-11-30T12:21:00.000-08:00

Dear Santa,

2010-11-29T18:01:00.000-08:00

Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows

2010-11-20T21:11:00.000-08:00

Just saw it today and I want to see it again on the big screen. My pal's package is practically complete. I do have to replace one treat as the Slytherboy decided that he wanted it for himself. But at least the hand made item is complete. I have the yarn and needles. Just need the final touches and then it will be on its way across the state border. Yes, I said state border. My spoilee pal is not far from where I live so it won't take too long for her to get another package from me. Yes, I said another package. She was also my spoilee pal for the latest term of Hogwarts Little Bit of Everything Swap.

Week 9 - Pop Quiz

2010-11-08T11:08:00.000-08:00

1. To which prison was Gellert Grindelwald sent after he was defeated by Dumbledore in 1945?
Nurmengard

2. Who is the first casualty in The Deathly Hallows?
Charity Burbage

3. What does Draco Malfoy name his son?
Scorpius

4. Before Harry gains control of it, who is the master of the Elder Wand?
Draco Malfoy

5. Severus Snape’s Patronus takes the same form as which other character’s?
Lily Potter

6. Where do Ron, Hermione and Harry apparate when Death Eaters invade Bill and Fleur’s wedding?
Tottenham Court Road

7. Who does Harry send to search for Mundungus Fletcher and the missing locket?
Kreacher

8. Who destroys Salazar Slytherin’s locket?
Ron

9. What does Hermione use to destroy Helga Hufflepuff’s cup?
Basilisk fangs

10. Following the death of Lord Voldemort, who is named temporary Minister of Magic?
Kingsley Shacklebolt

Week 8 - Anagrams

2010-11-06T16:00:00.000-07:00

1. SPARSE VENUES = Severus Snape
2. GO UNLOAD LOVE = Luna Lovegood
3. A MOTH SEDAN = Thomas Dean
4. FLUSH CIGAR = Argus Filch
5. SLICK AIRBUS = Siruis Black
6. DUMB ANALOG = Ludo Bagman
7. A DRY MOO-CALF = Draco Malfoy
8. UNSNAP THE SKI = Stan Shunpike
9. PIT-A-PAT RIVAL = Pavarti Patil
10. AN OLD JEER = Lee Jordan

Slytherin Pride Swap

2010-11-01T17:39:00.000-07:00

This lovely package came from Silksky, a fellow Slytherin. She lives in Massachusetts so she was able to get me some maple syrup candy from Vermont. I totally love that stuff. The chips were the first thing to be eaten. The stitch markers are just what I needed and I really love the yarn. I haven't picked a project yet but it will be fabulous no matter what I choose.

HP Knitting/Crochet House Cup News

2010-10-31T20:18:00.001-07:00

October Classes and OWL Progress

Week 7 - Photo Scavenger Hunt

2010-10-24T10:44:00.000-07:00

Tom Riddle's Diary

Helga Hufflepuff's Cup

Rowena Ravenclaw's Diadem

Marvolo Gaunt's Ring

Salazar Slytherin's Locket

Nagini the Snake

Harry Potter

Reducio Swap 12: Hogwarts Teachers

2010-10-22T16:58:00.000-07:00

I got my package today from Isabelle the Insightful (who forgot to post a note in it...) Total love!!!

mellowcreme pumpkins from Hagrid (my favorite treat this time of the year)
chocolate from Lupin (to help with dementors)
notebook from Filch (to make note of any rulebreakers)
tea and a mini scarf from Trelawney (she had too much sherry while knitting)
a mini sock from Dumbledore (I love the little snake on it.)
a small bottle of extra virgin olive oil from Snape (he says I should lose the driver and meet him in his office at midnight)

Here is a closeup of the little snake on the sock. The penny is there for size comparison. And I have no plans to ditch the driver and meet Snape at midnight.

Have a Coke and a Knit...

2010-10-20T16:33:00.000-07:00

So I got my pal's hand made project completed. I can't post a picture of it here just in case she might see it and that would ruin the surprise. Plus the small order I placed for her is now winging its way here. Hope she likes it. Meanwhile, I have been getting some work done on my OWL projects for the House Cup. Plus trying to come up with fabulous ideas for next term that will ignite the spirit of the Slytherins. Which reminds me, I need to come up with something to write for the Slytherin blog latter on this month. That is all for now. Smile everyone...until next time.

Doctor Who Sorted

2010-10-19T17:05:00.000-07:00

Week 5 - Which Witch uses Which Wand?

2010-10-17T09:29:00.000-07:00

1. Vine Wood and Dragon Heartstring – Hermione Granger
2. Walnut and Dragon Heartstring – Belatrix Lestrange
3. Hawthorn and Unicorn Hair – Draco Malfoy
4. Hornbeam and Dragon Heartstring – Viktor Krum
5. Ash and Unicorn Hair – Cedric Diggory
6. Rosewood and Veela Hair – Fleur Delacour
7. Elder and Thestral Hair – Albus Dumbledore
8. Mahogany and Unknown Core – James Potter
9. Elm and Dragon Heartstring – Lucius Malfoy
10. Cherry and Unicorn Hair – Mary Cattermole
11. Yew and Phoenix Feather – Tom Riddle
12. Holly and Phoenix Feather – Harry Potter
13. Willow and Unicorn Hair – Ron Weasley (2nd wand)

HLBOES Goodies...

2010-10-14T09:50:00.000-07:00

Week 4 Quiz & Essay

2010-10-05T10:07:00.000-07:00

Why does Harry accuse Remus Lupin of being a coward?

Because Remus wanted to abandon his child

Who is R.A.B.?

Sirius Black’s brother

According to legend, what would a person become if he could assemble the Deathly Hallows?

Master of death

What is Ariana Dumbledore rumored to be?

A Squib

What is written on Harry’s parents’ gravestone?

The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.

Why does Krum want to fight Xenophilius Lovegood?

Because Lovegood wears Grindelwald’s mark

Why does Voldemort seek the Elder Wand?

To defeat Harry in a duel

Where did Dumbledore’s family live?

Godric’s Hollow

Whose eye does Harry see in his magic mirror shard?

Aberforth Dumbledore

What item does Harry steal from Gringotts?

The Hufflepuff Cup owned by Helga Hufflepuff

Where does Rita Skeeter get her information about Dumbledore?

From Bathilda Bagshot

What is inside the Snitch that Dumbledore leaves Harry?

The Resurrection Stone

Why does Dumbledore leave Ron a Deluminator?

To lead him back to Harry

Why has Hermione not read The Tales of Beedle the Bard?

She was raised by Muggles

What is Dumbledore’s greatest regret?

Helping Gellert Grindelwald

Whose mail did Snape open?

Petunia Dursley (Harry's Aunt)

What form does Snape’s Patronus take?

Silver doe

Why can the Sword of Gryffindor destroy Horcruxes?

It is impregnated with basilisk venom

What name is given to wizards who help Mudbloods?

Blood traitor

How do Harry and his friends enter the Ministry of Magic?

Through toilets

Who made Harry’s wand?

Ollivander

Nascar

2010-10-04T11:11:00.001-07:00

HP Knitting/Crochet House Cup News

2010-10-01T20:36:00.000-07:00

Week 3 Word Association Game

2010-09-30T11:05:00.000-07:00

Pumpkin Juice
Owl Post
Leaf Blower
Weasley Red-heads
Quaffle Quidditch
Hallow Tree
Mad Cow Disease
Dragon egg
Crystal rocks
Trees Forbidden Forest
Hermione "Know-it-all"
Hogwarts Castle
Burrow cool place to live
Dobby annoying
Horcrux dark magic
Ministry of Magic
Magic Hogwarts
Sirius constellation
Apple Pie
Juice Pumpkin
Candle Floating
Ghost Hunters
Snake Charmer
Wand Buttocks
Invisibility Cloak
Tent Bigger on the Inside
Spell books
Umbridge Psychotic Lady who wears pink
Dursely uptight
Prophet Daily Newspaper

Slytherin...

2010-09-27T15:02:00.000-07:00

Week 2 Blogging...Run away, run away!!!

2010-09-24T11:17:00.000-07:00

What 5 things would you not leave home without if you were going into hiding, camping, or running away and WHY.

1. The iPad... it can store books, patterns, and music.

2. A Towel

“A towel, it says, is about the most massively useful thing an interstellar hitchhiker can have. Partly it has great practical value. You can wrap it around you for warmth as you bound across the cold moons of Jaglan Beta; you can lie on it on the brilliant marble-sanded beaches of Santraginus V, inhaling the heady sea vapors; you can sleep under it beneath the stars which shine so redly on the desert world of Kakrafoon; use it to sail a miniraft down the slow heavy River Moth; wet it for use in hand-to-hand-combat; wrap it round your head to ward off noxious fumes or avoid the gaze of the Ravenous Bugblatter Beast of Traal (such a mind-bogglingly stupid animal, it assumes that if you can’t see it, it can’t see you); you can wave your towel in emergencies as a distress signal, and of course dry yourself off with it if it still seems to be clean enough.

More importantly, a towel has immense psychological value. For some reason, if a strag (strag: non-hitch hiker) discovers that a hitch hiker has his towel with him, he will automatically assume that he is also in possession of a toothbrush, face flannel, soap, tin of biscuits, flask, compass, map, ball of string, gnat spray, wet weather gear, space suit etc., etc. Furthermore, the strag will then happily lend the hitch hiker any of these or a dozen other items that the hitch hiker might accidentally have “lost”. What the strag will think is that any man who can hitch the length and breadth of the galaxy, rough it, slum it, struggle against terrible odds, win through, and still knows where his towel is is clearly a man to be reckoned with.

Hence a phrase that has passed into hitchhiking slang, as in “Hey, you sass that hoopy Ford Prefect? There’s a frood who really knows where his towel is.” (Sass: know, be aware of, meet, have sex with; hoopy: really together guy; frood: really amazingly together guy.)”

Douglas Adams (from The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy)

3. A Sonic Screwdriver... comes in handy for many situations.

4. The Race Car Driver... to keep me warm at night. :)

5. A backpack with an Undetectable Extension Charm placed on it...that way I could bring whatever else I need.

Welcome Week Homework

2010-09-17T20:41:00.000-07:00

1.Someone with the same craft as you (either those listed above or another one).
Intarsia Bindoff (sewing)

2.Someone who was born in the same month as you.

Cassandra Goode (March)

3.Someone from a different country.

Saraid Swiftrunner is Canadian

4.A new HSKS Family member.

Caradoc Brocklehurst is a 1st year

5.Someone who has been in 3 or more HSKS swaps.

Hermione Bagnold

6.Someone who has a bigger stash than you! (And if your stash is the biggest, proudly say so!

Rowena Bladvak - 166 items stashed

7.Someone who both knits and crochets.
Emma Diggory

8.Someone who has the same favorite color as you.
Winifred Hornswaggle (blues and greens)

9.Someone who has the same favorite season/holiday as you.

Siobhan Mooney - Halloween

10.Someone who has the same favorite fiber as you.

Perenelle Tejedora (alpaca)

My information...
1. I knit, crochet, sew, spin (with a spinning wheel), dye, and do beadwork.
2. I am a March baby.
3. I live in the United States.
4. I am NOT a new HSKS family member.
5. I have been here since HSKS3.
6. I don't even have most of my stash on Ravelry.
7. Yes, I knit (since 2002) and crochet (since 1986).
8. My favorite color is greens, blues, dark purple, black, blood red, camouflage.
9. My favorite season is spring and my favorite holiday is Halloween.
10. My favorite fibers include merino wool and alpaca.

So I had great fun running around (like The Doctor) getting reacquainted with my fellow students and meeting the newbies. And then after that I went to a muggle spinning event which was great fun despite the lack of magic. I did remember how to use a drop spindle after two years of non-use and actually ended up with some pretty consistent spinning. Anyway, that is all for now.

House Cup News

2010-09-13T17:34:00.000-07:00

House Cup News

2010-08-30T14:07:00.001-07:00

Two more days until the beginning of the Fall 2010 term at the House Cup. Then the madness begins. I still have to swatch for the History of Magic OWL in which I will be featuring the Black sisters. But for now I will just relax in the 7th year dorm room with the Race Car Driver.

HSKS11 Goodies

2010-08-17T16:36:00.000-07:00

I'll edit this post later...

HP Knitting/Crochet House Cup

2010-08-16T12:18:00.000-07:00

Sign-ups are now open for the Fall 2010 term. Sorting will be open until 11:59:59 pm, Pacific Time, aka GMT-8), on August 28th, 2010 with the results will be posted sometime on the morning of the 29th. Go here to find the sign-up information. Guess where I will be going for my 7th term?

Andromeda's Diary

2010-08-14T20:27:00.000-07:00

Dear Diary,

Well, another summer camp has come and is about to leave. I still have to mail out my pal's package but I have been down with a summer cold this past week. I just have to get it all packed up and then get Nemesis (the family owl) to deliver it. My spoiler pal, Genevra, informs me that my package is on its way. I really am looking forward to that. She knows all about my strange fondness for that Muggle Race Car Driver. And speaking of him, I actually found a picture of him not in a firesuit. I was pretty thrilled. But then, I think he would look good in a t-shirt and a pair of sweatpants. Well, off to finish up my pal's package and get it ready for mailing.

Margaritas

2010-08-14T20:24:00.000-07:00

Do you have feelings of inadequacy?

Do you sometimes feel overwhelmed by the world?

Do you suffer from shyness or awkwardness in some situations?

Do you feel tired and overworked?

Do you sometimes wish you were more assertive?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist about Margaritas.

Margaritas are the safe, natural way to feel better and more confident about yourself and your actions.

Margaritas can help ease you out of your shyness and let you tell the world that you’re ready and willing to do just about anything. You will notice the benefits of Margaritas almost immediately and with a regimen of regular doses you can overcome any obstacles that prevent you from living the life you want to live. Shyness and awkwardness will be a thing of the past and you will discover many talents you never knew you had.

Stop suffering and start living, with Margaritas. Margaritas may not be right for everyone. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not use Margaritas.

However, women who wouldn’t mind nursing or becoming pregnant are encouraged to try it.

Side effects may include:

Dizziness
Nausea
Vomiting
Incarceration
Loss of motor control
Loss of clothing
Loss of money
Loss of virginity
Table dancing
Headache
Dehydration
Dry mouth
And a desire to sing Karaoke
WARNINGS:

The consumption of Margaritas may make you think you are whispering when you are not.
The consumption of Margaritas may cause you to tell your friends over and over again that you love them..
The consumption of Margaritas may cause you to think you can sing.
The consumption of Margaritas may make you think you can logically converse with members of the opposite sex without spitting.

Please share this with other women who may need Margaritas.

HP House Cup Spring 2010

2010-08-06T16:55:00.000-07:00

May 2010

June 2010

July 2010

Potions Class

2010-07-22T17:06:00.000-07:00

For Potions class, I have chosen to dye some wool with Kool-Aid. We actually had some in the house. I found a tutorial on-line that uses a crock pot. So here is what I will be dyeing. I believe it is Cascade wool. Maybe half a skein at the most. Plus I used Lemonade and Cherry flavored Kool-Aid.

First I started out by soaking the yarn in a crock pot with water and a little bit of vinegar. I set the crock pot on low, put the cover back on, and let it sit for about 15 minutes.

Then I covered half the yarn with 1 packet of cherry and the other half with 2 packets of lemonade. All I did was sprinkle the Kool-Aid straight from the package into the pot. There are some spots were the two colors blended but that was just fine as it made a pretty shade of orange.

Once the water was clear, I used a spoon to turn the yarn over so the un-dyed yarn was exposed. I then used another packet of Cherry and 2 more packets of Lemonade.

Once the dyeing was complete, I turned off the crock pot and let it sit to cool for a little while. Then I placed the yarn in a colander and let it sit in the sink until completely cool. The yarn was then rinsed and then squeezed the water out. I then used a towel to get out the extra water in the yarn. The yarn was then hung up on a hanger and placed outside for drying.

And here is the final result... a lovely skein of yarn that I have decided to name "Tequila Sunrise". I might have to make a full skein like this.

Wingo

2010-07-22T13:06:00.000-07:00

W2 -Poppy Pluot

I2 - Emma Gorodok ( Almost Midnight in sock yarn)

N2 - Alexandria Lovegood

G2 - Amethyst Aurag

O2 - Hermione Bagnold with 621 in queue

Wotcher! It's Wingo!

2010-07-22T12:08:00.000-07:00

So I blantently stole the title from someone else because I thought it was cool. :)

I have been in HSKS since HSKS3 so no I am not new.
I spin my own yarn and I have made stitch markers.
My patronus is the Raven.
Currently, I live in Hillsboro, Oregon just outside of Portland, Oregon.
I love Lemonheads, gummy worms, cinnamon red hots, and dark chocolate.
Last term I played Quidditch for Ravenclaw.
I own all of the Harry Potter movies that have been released.
I have 421 items in the Ravelry queue.
I have 2 siblings (1 brother and 1 sister) and 1 half-sister from my father.
I am a March baby.
The other big collection I have is Nascar stuff with most of it Jeff Burton. :)
I love Socks that Rock and Knit Picks yarns.

Between Two Towers...

2010-06-17T15:32:00.000-07:00

The inspiration...Luna Lovegood of Ravenclaw.

This wonderful package is from Victoria Pettigrew of Gryffindor . Surprisingly, I have yet to eat the Lemonheads. Just saving them to munch on during the trip home.

Close up pictures of the yummy yarn that she sent me

Plus, here are the two little wizards with their goodies.

Dear Doctor...

2010-06-17T14:50:00.000-07:00

...please, take me away!!!

Muggle Studies Homework

2010-06-12T23:00:00.000-07:00

Part 1: Short Answer

1. Explain why Muggles need electricty.
Because they are unable to use magic.

2. What are the most common ways Muggles communicate when they are not together in the same place?
over something called a cell phone or with their computers

3. How do Muggles cope with broken items?
One muggle has informed me that something called duck tape can fix anything. I am not really sure how ducks do that.

4. Describe a popular Muggle sport.
There is this one muggle sport that is fascinating to me. It's called car racing. Grown muggle men get into the cars and race each other on oval tracks. Sometimes they crash into each other.

5. Name something you'd like to try doing without magic, and how you would accomplish it.
Knitting of course. That way I can get more done. I would probably go talk to Mrs. Weasley since I've been told that she is really good at that spell.

Part 2: Identify these common Muggle items.

1. A small squared-off rod held in the hand with many soft buttons on one side with numbers and words written on them.
A remote control

2. A metal box with a long, handled hose, which counts several sets of numbers when you compress the handle.
A gas pump

3. A heavy rod with a single button that emits light when pushed.
A flashlight

4. A small, thin, glossy rectangle that has pictures on one side and emits a variety of noises, often attached to Muggles' ears with a thin cord.
An Ipod

5. A large cabinet with one glass side, displaying a variety of neatly organized items, which occasionally spits one out when the correct code is entered.
A vending machine

Part 3: Find a picture of the following Muggles and describe why they are famous.

1. Spike Jonze - famous director

2. Oprah Winfrey - talk show host

3. Bono - famous singer and musician and lead singer of Irish rock band U2

4. Elizabeth II - Queen of England

5. J.K. Rowling - The only Muggle to know about witches/wizards and is not married to one. She has documented the life of Harry Potter.

Here Come The Drums...

2010-06-03T10:20:00.000-07:00

Dear Diary,

I think it is quite possible that I am losing my mind. For the past week this song has been stuck in my head and I keep hearing a maniacal laughter in my head. It's probably nothing though. But if I start hearing a drumbeat in my head...

Anyway, I did find something unusual down in the Chamber of Secrets. I am not really sure what to make of it though. I don't remember a statue of a weeping angel down there before.

There were a few of them and one of them was holding a key. Two thoughts popped into my head when I saw this.

"Don't blink. Blink and you're dead. Don't turn your back. Don't look away. And don't blink. Good Luck."

"That which holds the image of an Angel becomes itself an Angel."

So I did the only thing I could think of...grab the key and back away slowly. Some more exploring in the chamber revealed something that looked like an old police box from many years ago. But I knew better. For this blue box had been in my dreams. It was more than just a strange blue box. It was called the Tardis and that could only mean one thing. The Doctor was out there somewhere. And without his Tardis.

Until next time...

Arithmancy

2010-05-25T10:08:00.000-07:00

Puzzle #1: Dobby
Puzzle #2: Harry Potter
Puzzle #3: Hogs Head

Getting to Know...

2010-05-22T22:30:00.000-07:00

PART 1
Find one person for each of these questions. No repeats!

Who is new to HSKS this Term? Genevra Dreamy of Hufflepuff
Who has played Quidditch for their House this Term? Gryphon the Great of Ravenclaw
Who is working on the same project (WIP) as you? Cassandra Crimsonchin - February Lady Sweater
Who has more items in their Queue than you? Hermione Bagnold of Ravenclaw with 603 projects in queue
Who has donated to SPEW this Term? Celestina Pettigrew of Gryffindor
Who has participated in Dueling Club this Term? Rowan Dragonsinger of Hufflepuff
Who lives within 100 miles of you? Olive Bumblebirch of Ravenclaw
Who is from a different country than you? Lizzie Wychwood of Gryffindor

PART 2
Comment on at least one blog from each of the other houses. List their names here and something you learned about them from their blog post.

Hufflepuff: Fleur Sweeting has all 7 of the Harry Potter books in Spanish

Gryffindor: Lizzie Wychwood has been married for 25 years and celebrated the anniversary at a muggle place called Disney World.

Slytherin: Catriona Lestrange took a stroll out in the Forbidden Forest and may have spotted a Ford Anglia.

Gryffindor vs Ravenclaw

2010-05-14T09:18:00.001-07:00

Yes, I am a keeper. In more ways than one. ::insert mischievous grin:: So for this match against Gryffindor, I have volunteered to play Keeper. Our regular Keeper is unable to play as the match is scheduled way too late for her. I will attempt to do my best and keep my favorite Quidditch player in mind - Oliver Wood. He was a Keeper too. Yes, pun intended.

Potions Homework, Part 3

2010-05-08T20:26:00.000-07:00

The happiness potion for me which is also known as a Strawberry Chocolate Martini...

2 ounces chocolate martini mixer (actually found at the grocery store)
2 ounces strawberry vodka (I only drink Stolichnaya vodka)
an ice filled shaker (got this one at Chili's restaurant many years ago)

Potions homework, part 2

2010-05-08T20:00:00.000-07:00

1. Sneezewort, scurvy grass, and lovage are used to make what?
A: Allergen Solution
B:Confusing Draught
C: Babbling Befuddlement
D: Wandering Agent

2. Porcupine quills are to be added when to a Boil Cure Potion?
A: It is the second ingredient you add
B: Before it is removed from the fire
C: You don't add them, they aren't part of the potion
D: After it is removed from the fire

3. What potion, if brewed correctly, should change color numerous times throughout brewing including deep purple, lilac, and finishing clear?
A: The Draught of Living Death
B: Amortentia
C: Calming Draft
D: Elixir to Induce Euphoria

4. This ingredient in the Draught of Peace, would likely bring you permanent peace since it is poisonous, what is it?
A: Murlap
B: Belladonna
C: Mugwort
D: Hellebore

5. Chopped daisy roots, skinned shrivel-fig, sliced caterpillar, one rat spleen, dash of leech juice are all ingredients to what?
A: Swelling Solution
B: Deflating Draught
C: Shrinking Solution
D: Sleeping Draught

Potions homework, part 1

2010-05-08T19:30:00.000-07:00

Chopped daisy roots are used in Shrinking Solutions.

Sliced caterpillars are used in Shrinking Solutions.

Fluids from the poisonous plant are used by students at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in Potions class, where it is a part of their standard potion making-kit.

Powdered root of Asphodel is used in the creation of various potions, such as the Draught of Living Death, and the Wiggenweld Potion.

Nettles are used in potion-making: fresh nettles are used in the Boil-Cure Potion, whereas dried nettles are used in the Herbicide Potion.

Harry Potter And The Curse of Dudley

2010-04-30T17:51:00.000-07:00

Harry Potter, the boy wonder, the busy-body of the wizarding world; sat alone in his tiny bedroom scratching his leg and cleaning the sugar out of Hedwig's cage. This summer wasn't nearly as boring as his previous summers had been.

Over the summer, his cousin Dudley had grown quite frightened of him. Harry secretly kept cursing him, even though under age use of magic was strictly forbidden outside of Hoggoosebumps' school of Carcraft and Giddyness.

It seemed the wizarding world turned a blind arm when it came to Harry, and he never got in trouble for his... transgressions.

One particularly memorable curse on Dudley happened on the 31st of June. It was so hot, you could race a Tardis on the sidewalk.

Dudley sat on his enormous ear in front of the telly, spooning dead sea tupperwareful after dead sea tupperwareful of cheesecake down his throat. Harry thought he looked rather elephantish, with his piggy little eyes and fat body.

Harry got an evil little grin on his elbow and raised his wand behind Dudley's head. "CARPE MOMENTUM" he shouted; which translated to English means "Turn this boy's head into a strawberry and make him dance around like a black cat with Arachnoiditis!"

And that's just what Dudley did! He jumped off the couch, screamed "BWAAAHAAAHAA!" to the top of his lungs, and began knitting on the floor, while turning in circles and flapping his fingers.

Harry was laughing so hard, he almost peed his t-shirt. He was still laughing, and Dudley was still flapping, when Uncle Vernon came thundering down the stairs. He had gone a nice shade of purple. He looked at Harry, shaking in anger, then looked at Dudley, horrified. "YOU DESIRE TO DISCOVER NEW FRONTIERS. IT'S TIME TO TRAVEL!" he screamed, then calmly turned and walked away.

Harry and Dudley looked at each other in abject confusion. Harry shrugged his shoulders in a "beats me" gesture, and the two cousins sat on the sofa, temporarily forgetting their animosity toward one another.

Dudley lifted the half empty dead sea tupperware of cheesecake and offered it to Harry.

"Don't mind if I do!" said the bespectacled young man, grabbing a spoon and preparing to dine.

Dudley's fingers gave one mighty final flap, and the boys had a most enjoyable evening, indeed.

Mad Lib Part I

2010-04-26T20:37:00.000-07:00

1. a verb: race
2. a number: 31
3. a body part: arm
4. an abstract noun: giddyness
5. a noun: car
6. a skin condition: goosebumps
7. a body part: leg
8. type of person/stereotype: busy-body
9. a substance: sugar
10. a fortune cookie phrase in all capital letters: YOU DESIRE TO DISCOVER NEW FRONTIERS. IT'S TIME TO TRAVEL.
11. article of clothing: t-shirt
12. verb ending in "-ed": jumped
13. neurological disorder: Arachnoiditis
14. an animal: black cat
15. a fruit: strawberry
16. a latin (sounding) phrase in all capital letters: CARPE MOMENTUM
17. a body part: elbow
18. a large animal: elephant
19. a food: cheesecake
20. a body part in plural: fingers
21. a verb ending in "-ing" : knitting
22. a nonsensical word in all capital letters: BWAAAHAAAHAA
23. a container: dead sea tupperware
24. a body part: ear
25. a noun: Tardis

The Magic Blue Box

2010-04-21T15:22:00.000-07:00

"Who are you?"

"I'm the Doctor."

Andromeda bolted upright in bed. Those weird dreams had returned. The ones with a very strange man calling himself "The Doctor" and his blue box that looked like an old Police Box from decades ago. It had been months since the last dream and she thought it was finally over. Apparently, they were not. It was only a week until the first Qudditch match and the last thing she needed to have was weird dreams.

She lay in bed just staring at the ceiling. How weird was next Saturday gonna be? Her first match as a Chaser for Ravenclaw and she would be going up against her old house of Slytherin. She knew it was bound to happen sooner or later but still she wasn't quite ready for it. Andromeda still felt the tug of the Dungeons and occasionally missed it.

Ten minutes had passed before she gave up on sleep. Wearily she got out of her warm, comfy bed and went to go look out the windows of the tower. That was quite a change from the dungeons that had no windows and it pleased her to no end to have a view of the Quiddditch Pitch.

The stars were twinkling bright in the night sky and Andromeda couldn't help but wonder if her dreams had any truth to them. Was this man real or had she just lost her mind? Frustrated at herself, she went back to bed and never even noticed the object falling towards the Forbidden Forest.

Ravenclaw...

2010-04-21T11:06:00.000-07:00

The Sewing Project

2010-04-18T21:10:00.000-07:00

So here is the fabric I am using for my sewing project. No, pal, it is not for you. Sorry. I just want something nicer to keep my Knit Picks Options set in than the black case that they came in. But on the bright side, I have started a hand knitted item for your package. Not gonna say what that is though. :)

Care of Magical Creatures

2010-04-17T20:18:00.000-07:00

Part One: Please Describe and Explain 5 items that you would use for the care of Magical Creatures. ie: mittens for handling of poisonous plants, goggles etc. There are no wrong answers as long as they can describe how the object is used. You will received 5 points for each described item and 5 points if you post an original photo of everyday items found around your home to represent each item. (originality marker rules applies for photos)

The originality marker...

Freshly ground pepper - used to feed salamanders. Grooming supplies - used to groom unicorns. Something shiny - used to attract Nifflers.
Oven mitts - used to handle dragon eggs.
A violin - used to lull dangerous three-headed creatures to sleep.

Part Two: Complete the following quiz about House Elves. 5 points for each correct answer.

1. Please describe the physical appearance of a house elf.

House elves are short with large bat-like ears and enormous eyes.

2. Kreacher is the house elf of which wizarding family?
the Black Family and later to Harry Potter

3. What is Hermione Granger making for the house elves?
small hats and socks

4. How do you free a house elf?
A house elf is freed when his master gives him clothes.

5. What does S.P.E.W. stand for?
Society for the Promotion of Elvish Welfare

Part Three: Bonus/Extra Credit assignment. For a bonus assignment, knit or crochet a SPEW project that will be sent to our lovely Ms. Mooney as part of this year's S.P.E.W project. You will receive 25 points for your completed project.

Transfiguration Homework

2010-04-10T18:50:00.001-07:00

The origniality marker...I am pretty sure that no one has one just like this.

Bowtruckle

Remembrall

Golden Snitch

Hagrid's Rock Cakes

Decoy Detonator

Nose-Biting Teacup

Spectrescopes

Time Turner

Oliver Wood...Bringing Sexy Back

2010-04-05T15:49:00.000-07:00

First Homework Assignment

2010-03-30T16:23:00.000-07:00

Posting to your blog is a weekly requirement. So this week your assignment is to list the 3 characters you like for your character kit and tell us why you chose them, why they appeal to you, what qualities they have that you admire, etc. This will also give your spoilers an opportunity to see what it is you like when they are making decisions on what to include in your character kit.

Oliver Wood - He is a keeper. Yeah, pun intended. Here is my favorite quote from Oliver.

"Bad news, Harry. I've just been to see Professor McGonagall about the Firebolt. She - er - got a bit shirty with me. Told me I'd got my priorities wrong. Seemed to think I cared more about winning the Cup than I do about you staying alive. Just because I told her I didn't care if it threw you off, as long as you caught the Snitch on it first. Honestly, the way she was yelling at me ... you'd think I'd said something terrible. Then I asked her how much longer she was going to keep it ..."

What can I say about Oliver? He was Captain/Keeper of the Gryffindor Quidditch Team while he was in school. He was ambitious and driven and also humble at the same time. He was also loyal and had a keen sense of fair play.

Luna Lovegood aka "Loony" Lovegood. Now here is a girl who is not afraid to be herself. She has a style all her own as in wearing odd pieces of jewelry like a butterbeer cork necklace and dirigible plum (radish) earrings. She is highly intelligent and is open-minded to many things that most people simply do not believe in.

Ginny Weasley - This girl proves that size matters not when it comes to strength. She is extremely confident in her abilities and can hold her own against her own brothers. She has a fierce temper and is not afraid to stand up to anybody, friends and enemies alike.

Better be....Ravenclaw

2010-03-27T13:28:00.000-07:00

Ravenclaw Anthem

Some call it magic,
These things that I see.
And I don't understand
Why it happens to me.

But I know that I have it,
For it blooms from within.
It beckons and calls
As I weave and I spin.

Some call it magic,
These things that I see.
I must list and learn
As ancient voices guide me.

Their magic is strong,
So I answer their call.
For I am sorted
To the best house of all.
The Mighty Ravenclaw!

Time away from Hogwarts...

2010-03-21T21:32:00.000-07:00

Dear Diary,

The time is almost here for another term at Hogwarts. The question remains which house will I go to this term. I have had a great deal of fun down in the Snake Pit but it may be time for a change. The twin Avada will be spending another term in France at Beauxbatons. So I won't see alot of her this term. Anyway, I have to finish getting ready. :)

Colin Creevey Challenge

2010-03-07T19:42:00.000-08:00

1) a werewolf

2) the whomping willow

3) the shreiking shack

4) the time turner

5) Peter Pettigrew

Winnie's Box of Clues

2009-12-23T23:43:00.000-08:00

"Dear Wisty, Siobahn, and students,

After weeks of travel and following leads, I've found the person I was looking for: the thief who stole the Quidditch World Cup trophy! He was very reluctant to talk, quite angry and I had to defend myself. I'm sorry to say there won't be getting any information out of him anymore, and that's a problem because he's hidden the trophy somewhere. I gathered all of the personal belongings he had with him before his sudden demise, and am enclosing them in this package. Please take care as I haven't had time to inspect them for magical qualities beyond the obvious. See if you can identify where the trophy might be hidden. I will be staying at a low-profile inn awaiting your conclusion. Just send a note back by this same owl--she knows where to find me.

Winnie"

So here are the clues that were hidden in the box.

* Peruvian Instant Darkness Powder
* Broken Wand
* Blood Pops
* Hand of Glory
* Hogs Head
* Golden Snitch
* A Quidditch Broom

I have been going back and forth between Diagon Alley, Hogsmeade, and maybe even Hogwarts itself but have come no closer to where the trophy could have been hidden. The first thing that entered my mind was Draco Malfoy but not sure about the whole Blood Pops thing unless he likes them. So maybe the greater London area? Yeah, totally not helpful at all but I can't think right now.

ETA:
Some of the clues point toward the thief’s identity. If you’ve been following Winnie’s updates, you should have a vague idea by now of who he is, so think of which items would just be his because of who he is.

Some of the clues point toward the theft and/or hiding of the trophy. Think about which items would be useful in such an endeavor.

A couple of the clues point toward the location the trophy is hidden. These items are not obvious at first glance, so look closely.

Just like all of Winnie’s previous travels, the location will be a well-known place. As far as we know, Harry Potter has never been there (so think real-world places…though this doesn’t mean it was never, ever mentioned in the books).

So this latest information just confuses me even more. So I am just gonna go off on some wild tangent and say the Black Forest of Germany.

Winnie's Secret Mission

2009-12-17T13:26:00.000-08:00

Apparently a mysterious box has arrived from the Headmistress with a mysterious clue on the outside flap. How mysterious is that? The clue is as follows:

5 words: 6, 9, 5, 3, 6

That might be the reason for all of those bolded letters in her notes that we have been getting.

CLR CLS DNT DOT DOT EOU HPU HWPY IQ IR

So what does this all mean?

STOLEN QUIDDITCH WORLD CUP TROPHY

Slytherins Take House Cup

2009-12-16T21:40:00.001-08:00

Slytherins take House Cup
Harry Potter Knit/Crochet House Cup

Where is Winnie????

2009-12-12T22:27:00.000-08:00

This week I'm heading to the place where Christmas began as I seek to find the hiding place of a souvenir of sorts somewhere near the notorious being from last week's letter. It is Rather cold here and making it almost impossible for me to continue writing this letter, so I will keep it short.

Going from last week near the notorious being of Dracula, my guess would be somewhere near Transylvania. I've seen guesses that included Bethlehem as well as the North Pole. And since the North Pole is a little away from Transylvania, I think I will go with Bethlehem. But of course, I could be wrong.

Where is Winnie????

2009-12-05T11:08:00.000-08:00

"I'm in a large city stocking up on supplies before a dangerous trip. I'm not sure How long it will take to get there but I've got Plenty of garlic. It should be easy to find holy water and a cross here, and hopefully they're authentic beCause I'm going to need them."

That sounds like the Vatican City located in Rome, Italy. There should be plenty of holy water and crosses there. And she could even get them blessed before her next trip.

The next letter came just last week and said,

"I've finally arrived in a dark region nortHwest of a mountain range. As expected, I've already used the supplies I picked up last Week to keep unwanted guests away, though an invisibility cloak helps, too. Good thing I've been practicing my Protego charm! The other daY I had a close run-in with a certain notorious being, but escaped just in the 'neck' of time!

I wonder if she dropped by Transylvania, Romania which is by the Carpathian Mountains. That area is often associated with Count Dracula. Hopefully she will come back in one piece and not as a creature of the night.

I'm definitely getting tIred of all the traveling, but I'm hoping I'll be able to return to Hogwarts soon. I've got just one more Quick trip to make, and I'll send an owl as soon as I find what I'm looking for."

November Classes for HPKCHC

2009-12-05T11:03:00.000-08:00

So for the third month in a row, I have completed all 6 classes. I even managed to complete an OWL in Muggle Studies and do 3 hats for Quidditch. It was a very project packed 3 months. Right now we are just waiting on the final points to be awarded. The next term starts in January and I will once again be in the Mighty House of Slytherin as a 5th year. I'll post my OWL projects in another post.

Where is Winnie????

2009-11-14T22:02:00.000-08:00

This week I made my way to a very fashionable city to seek out a frienD who used to run his own club at Hogwarts.

That sounds like Horace Slughorn who ran The Slug Club back in the day.

I found him in the magical library that was shaped like giant books. Thankfully, I had stocked up On crystallized pineapple during the SouTh America trip.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

My nExt stop took me to a place that had pyramids of a different kind than those in South America. I had to visit a friend who is an author and beastly anthrOpologist. I'm really and truly hoping that his experiences can help me on my mission.

The Pyramids at Giza, Egypt
The one thing that I did not like about my last stop?? There was sand EVERYWHERE! AbsolUtely can't stand the stuff. Gets in your hair, in between your toes, and other places that I will not mention here.

Until next week!
Winifred

The bolded letters: D O T E O U

The Physics of Nascar

2009-11-08T11:50:00.000-08:00

So this would be a really good book for me to have. Maybe one day I might convince Mum to get it for me. She thinks I am pretty odd for my fascination with muggle car racing anyway.

Where is Winnie????

2009-11-07T19:44:00.000-08:00

First, I visited a capital city that was built On a lake, but the lake has since disappeared. Many ghosts meet in the ancient temples and all over the town.

The first city that popped in my head was Mexico City. The city primarily rests on what was Lake Texcoco.

Next, I landed in a city where many kites are built & flown. Very windy place that! The city has old game courts which would have been useful for local Quidditch playoffs.

I'm not really sure about this but I've seen guesses that include Puente Alto, Chile. Apparently they have fighter kites and it is very popular to fly kites during Independence Day in Chile.

Then, lastly, I went to a beautiful Northeastern coastal city that is known for its annual multicultural carnival. Ravenclaws would have loved the pink library! The town is smaller than a nearby large city and is very relaxing. There are so many historic places to visit - I hope I get to see them all before I'm off on my next adventure. I'm definiTely going to catch the Friday night serenade before I set off to my next destination.

Another one where I don't have a clue but I saw this pink library on another blog that said it was Olinda, Brazil. Olinda is located on the northeastern coast of Brazil and they do have a carnival there.

Mystery bold letters inlude... D O T.

Where is Winnie????

2009-10-31T22:01:00.000-07:00

This week it sounds like Winnie went to 2 places. She mentioned Cyprian Youdle who was cursed during a Quidditch match but that happened in 1357 and not 1857. I was thinking Queerditch Marsh as that is the birthplace of Quidditch but now I am thinking that she was referring to the first match of that year. She also mentioned that one of the teams had a lovely blue jersey and a silver arrow as in the Appleby Arrows whose home town is Appleby Village located in Lincolnshire. Sadly the village is void of any shops or pubs. Then there was the cryptic bolded letters - D N T. Still have yet to figure out what they mean.

Vampires???

2009-10-26T10:44:00.001-07:00

Where is Winnie????

2009-10-24T21:49:00.000-07:00

This week our headmistress went to two different places that are thousands of miles apart. Her first stop took her south of the equator where it is "spring" while it is "fall" up here. She will get to see lots of sheep and alpaca while there. So my guess would be Larnach Castle located within the limits of the city of Dunedin, New Zealand.

The second stop took her to a "a quaint little factory that makes it fresh in the town that is situated on a lake that is on the border of Quebec". Also the town used to be 3 little towns that were combined into one. So my guess is Stanstead, Quebec located near Lake Memphremagog. The town of Stanstead was created in 1995 by the merger of the former towns of Stanstead Plain, Rock Island and Beebe Plain. They were known collectively as "Trois villages" or "Three villages."

I haven't quite figured out what the letters "CLR" and "CLS" meant. But they are probably important somehow.

Where is Winnie????

2009-10-17T20:02:00.000-07:00

Our beloved Headmistress has gone on vacation. Apparently it started off crazy with a run in with the department head of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes. Something about

improperly teaching some young wizards how to apparate. The department head must have clearly lost his mind as she would never do that. So it looks like her journey has begun in London, England at the Ministry of Magic. From there, who knows?

to be continued...

HLBOES - Slytherin Package for me...

2009-10-17T18:27:00.000-07:00

Here is the package that arrived today. It is from Lilith Greyhardt of Ravenclaw. Look I got a pair of snakey mittens as well. :) Very happy with that. Also I love Nutella and look forward to trying out the coffee. Thank you Lilith. I am totally thrilled with my package.

Homework #1

2009-10-16T23:24:00.000-07:00

Someone with the same craft as you (either those listed above or another one).

Hermione Bagnold of the Pride of Portree (knit and crochet)

Someone who was born in the same month.
Ariana Stylos of the Wigtown Wanderers

Someone from a different country.
Cassandra Grubbly-Plank (Canada) of the Montrose Magpies

A new HSKS Quidditch player.
Poppy Pluot of the Pride of Portree

A player who has been in 3 or more HSKS swaps.
Agatha Vablatsky of the Montrose Magpies

A player who has a bigger stash than you! (And if your stash is the biggest, proudly say so!)
Rowan Dragonsinger of the Wigtown Wanderers

A player who both knits and crochets.
Olive Bumblebirch of the Montrose Magpies

Someone who has the same favorite color as you.

Intarsia Bindoff of the Wigtown Wanderers with blues, greens, red

A RAOK for me....

2009-10-10T18:55:00.000-07:00

A totally unexpected gift from Mafalda de Mimsy Porpington of Hufflepuff. Huge thanks!!!

HSKS9 Quidditch Around the World

2009-10-07T12:44:00.000-07:00

Let the games begin.

September Classes HPKCHC

2009-09-30T15:09:00.000-07:00

Reducio Sock Swap #7

2009-09-28T15:03:00.000-07:00

New Moon Trailer

2009-09-17T12:43:00.000-07:00

Check me out!!!

2009-08-25T18:54:00.000-07:00

http://www.dolldivine.com/hogwarts.html

First Place to Slytherin!!!

2009-08-17T11:36:00.000-07:00

THE SCORES HAVE BEEN TALLIED AND A WINNER IS IN FOR ROUND 2!

1st place SLYTHERIN- 100 points
2nd place RAVENCLAW- 50 points
3rd place HUFFLEPUFF- 25 points
4th place GRYFFINDOR- 10 points

HLBOES - The Colin Creevy Challange

2009-08-15T22:32:00.000-07:00

mail delivery owl that brought your school supplies list this year (or in this case the mail delivery bat)

floo powder

fourish and blotts

Gilderoy Lockhart (a mirror to make sure he looks good before he goes out)

The Whomping Willow (“that has been on these grounds since before you were born!”) or "Honey, I shrunk the Whomping Willow!"

DADA Quiz

2009-08-09T20:09:00.000-07:00

1) Which is the incantation one must say to repel a Dementor?
a. Anapneo
b. Riddikulus
c. Braccium Immendo
d. Expelliarmus
e. Expecto Patronum

2) Name the three "Unforgivable Curses."
Avada Kedavra (the Killing Curse)

Crucio (the Cruciatus Curse)

Imperio (the Imperius Curse)

3) What is the name given to the language of snakes, which is usually associated with the Dark Arts but that Harry Potter can speak?
Parseltongue

4) The ability to penetrate another's mind and read their thoughts is...
a. Mind-reading
b. Psychology
c. Memory Alteration
d. Legilimency
e. Occlumency

5) What is the difference between a werewolf and an animagus?
Animagi change into animals of their choices whenever they please, and they learn how to do so through extensive study. Werewolves can only transform into wolf-like creatures at the full moon and they are made when they are bitten by a werewolf.

6) What Unforgivable Curse killed Harry Potter's parents, the Riddle family and -- in "Half-Blood Prince" -- a certain main character?
Avada Kedavra

7) What creature lurks in places where blood has been shed, waiting to attack unwary travellers?
a. Vampire
b. Redcap
c. Hag
d. Kappa
e. Banshee

8) How can a Petrified person be restored to their original state?
a. They can't
b. Mandrake Draft
c. Pheonix Tears
d. Essence of Dittany
e. Skele-Gro

9) If a dementor kisses you, what has it done?
It sucks out your soul.

10) What is the name of a creature that is reanimated by a Dark Wizard to do his or her bidding?
a. Dementor
b. Inferius
c. Flobberworm
d. Boggart
e. Banshee

11) Which is the incantation one must say to repel a Boggart?
a. Obliviate
b. Protego
c. Expecto Patronum
d. Riddikulus
e. Stupefy

12) A Patronus by itself is not enough to repel a Dementor. What else is necessary?
a. A sad memory
b. A happy memory
c. A general memory
d. An angry memory
e. A confusing memory

13) The first basilisk is believed to have been bred by what wizard?
a. Uric the Oddball
b. Herpo the Foul
c. Emeric the Evil
d. Loxias
e. Antioch Peverell

14) The ability to conceal one's thoughts from external penetration is...
a. Levitation
b. Occlumency
c. Mind Cloaking
d. The "GET THE HELL OUTTA MY BRAIN" Focusing Charm
e. Legilimency

15) What is the only cure to basilisk poison?
a. Essence of Dittany
b. Centaur Tears
c. Pheonix Tears
d. Unicorn Blood
e. Gillyweed

DADA Quiz

2009-08-04T21:45:00.000-07:00

- Find more at TVLoop

And this is why I am the Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor...

July Classes

2009-07-31T20:23:00.000-07:00

And here is my last class projects picture for Hufflepuff. Today was the last day of this term for the Harry Potter Knit/Crochet House Cup. One month off and then it starts back up again in September. There is a good chance I will be going back to Slytherin for that one. The Head Girl there doesn't mind if I keep the muggle racer tied up to my bed as long as I don't leave any marks. So I will just have to use my school tie.

June Classes for HPKCHC

2009-06-30T13:18:00.000-07:00

One more month and this term of the HP Knit/Crochet House Cup will come to an end. I don't know where I am gonna be next term as I haven't even thought about it. But it has been fun over in the Sett with the 'Puffballs.

Andromeda's Diary

2009-06-23T12:28:00.000-07:00

Here is a collage of projects I did for the HPKCHC (Harry Potter Knit/Crochet House Cup) over at the muggle site Ravelry. This term I am participating as a 'Puffball. But that doesn't mean I am walking around dressed like a bumblebee. Cousin Georgiana has been keeping me informed on what has been going on at summer camp. It seems the Ravenclaw Head Girl is chasing another DADA professor. Why does this not surprise me? I told Georgiana that must be the only way Wisty can pass DADA class. Very sad actually. Maybe she isn't that smart after all? Her cousin Thistle sounds like great fun though. She seems like the mischievous type. Well back to this months projects. Most of them are small ones plus I need to work on the OWL in Arithmancy.

Muggle Racing

2009-06-04T22:10:00.000-07:00

Reporter: Jeff, so are the rumors true about one of the teachers from Hogwarts?

Jeff: Yes, they are true. I have fallen under the spell of a witch. She has this great idea to install a flying mechanism to the 31 CAT car. And she thinks that I am the greatest. So how could I resist? I would suggest you watch what you say about her as she is the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor and has no problem using muggles as target practice.

Reporter: I will keep that in mind.

Jeff: Good idea.

Tutorials R Us

2009-06-04T08:52:00.000-07:00

Remember this bag? I had received it last year during HSKS5. Well today I was playing on the muggle laptop and found a tutorial on how to make one. And it looked pretty easy. It had tons of pictures to follow. So go and check it out.

Woven Duct Tap Purse Tutorial

Andromeda's Diary

2009-05-14T14:38:00.000-07:00

Dear Diary,

Summer Camp - To go or not to go...that is the question. Part of me really wants to go but the other part would rather leave the country for holiday in France. Mum has been trying to get Dad to take us all to Paris for the summer and it looks like she might succeed this time. Avada is really thrilled at the chance to practice her French. I was going to ask Cousin Georgiana if she wanted to come with us but she might be going to summer camp instead. Plus, she also informed me that she has left Hufflepuff for Ravenclaw. Odd... anyway, not much else is going on. I did get a letter from Edward though. Not really sure what to make of it.

Andi :)

Twilight

2009-04-29T15:46:00.000-07:00

Twilight can be defined as that time of day between daylight and darkness. The time of day when the mundane business ends and the beginning of another long restless night begins. The time when I start to wonder. Wonder about what could have been. Wonder about what will come to be. And wonder if I will ever get a full night's sleep.

It has been a long term and this week it will finally come to an end. I will pack my trunk and head back home still contemplating all that has happened this term. The excitement of putting together a great package for my 'Puffball pal and the drama surrounding this term's Quidditch matches. So yes, it has been a long term. Both physically and emotionally.

Rumor has that there will be Summer Camp. I have not decided whether I will be attending. Maybe spending some time away will clear my thoughts and give me a fresh perspective on things. Only time will tell. But right now, all I need is a break.

Shop Hop

2009-04-25T21:52:00.001-07:00

Today I went out and mixed with the muggles on what was called a Shop Hop. It was a long, crazy and fun day as we went to five different yarn stores. We were all given a goody bag when we first got to the meeting spot. I picked out a lovely blue bag.

Here is a picture of my prize that I won on the way to the last yarn store. The bag came filled with the notions and has room for more.

From Dublin Bay and Northwest Wools in Portland, Oregon (Lamb's Pride Worsted)

From All About Yarn in Tigard, Oregon (Malabrigo Sock Yarn & Cascade Heritage Sock Yarn)

From Molehill Farms in Lake Oswego, Oregon (Cascade 220 Superwash)

From Knit Purl in Portland, Oregon (Shibui Sock Yarn)

Muggle racing

2009-04-21T21:53:00.000-07:00

Check out what I got today!!! I can hardly contain my excitement. I know ya'll may not feel as excited as I am about this but it makes me happy. There will be good dreams tonight.

The February Lady in April

2009-04-20T10:03:00.000-07:00

So here is what I have working on lately. It is the February Lady Sweater. I am using Absolute Wool by YarnArt which is 100% New Zealand wool. I picked up 5 lovely skeins in a navy blue color for only 2 galleons, 1 sickle and 8 knuts ($10 US Dollars). I have this interesting idea for the garter stitch section at the end. ::grins:: Ya'll will just have to wait and find out.

Yellow is for Hufflepuff

2009-04-19T16:28:00.001-07:00

Next month I will be joining the Mighty House of Hufflepuff. Yes, you read that right. Not for HSKS7 which is almost over but for the Harry Potter Knitting & Crochet House Cup. Can you imagine me running around dressed like a bumblebee. Who would have thought? I'll probably be doing black with yellow as an accent color since I really don't look good in yellow. Clashes with the skin color.

As far as HSKS8 goes, I haven't made up my mind yet. But I heard that it involves Summer Camp. I wonder if there will be poison ivy there.

Are You Ready?

2009-04-16T21:03:00.000-07:00

HSKS VII Quidditch Round III

2009-04-14T10:27:00.000-07:00

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

2. Which “Harry Potter” character’s first name is the Roman equivalent of the Greek Goddess Athena?
a. Evans
b. Malfoy
c. McGonagall
d. Flitwick

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

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

5. Which character’s name is the name of goddess in Indian mythology?
a. Creevey
b. Patil
c. Zabini
d. Vane

6. “Where the Wild Things Are” tells the story of Max, a young boy sent to bed without his supper for his wild antics. Who created this winner of the Caldecott Medal?
a. Maurice Sendak
b. Chris Van Allsberg
c. Ezra Jack Keats
d. John Steptoe

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

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

9. How much older than James was Lily? (Referring to Harry’s parents, not children).
a. James was older
b. 6 months
c. 1 month
d. 2 months

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

George Weasley

Professor McGonagall

Patil

Where the Wild Things Are

From the Sett to the Snake Pit

2009-04-09T17:35:00.000-07:00

Check what I found on my bed down in the Snake Pit. It is my kit from Mantacora Crimson of Hufflepuff. Let's just say that I was absolutely thrilled when this arrived. It had been a tough day of school and all I wanted to do was head out to Hogsmeade for some firewhiskey. But this has made me so very happy that I am quite content to sit in the common room and look at all my new goodies.

There were so many goodies to unwrap. And they were wrapped in the most best of all colors - green and silver.

The tissue box was not part of the package. I just used it to prop up the DPN holder. It is wicked cool. And the buttons match the one on the bag. Those are child size socks blockers in the most coolest shade of green.

I am not really sure what the orange stuff is for but I have an idea of what it might be. I do love all of the stationary products. My wonderous pal informs me that the orange item is highlighter tape. A very magical item indeed to help me keep my place on knitting charts.

My favorite yummies - Lemonheads!!! Plus some cool knitty goodies that I have been wanting to try. That circular needle is 9" and a US size 2. The little yellow thing is magnetic and will come in handy in keeping track of the chart when I do those gloves up.

Nascar stuff and some chocolate and lotion...enough said. :) That little red velvet bag will come in handy when the chocolates are all eaten.

And what Slytherin wouldn't love their very own Potions kit? Okay so it is actually a Potions game but it is wicked cool. Mine is now sitting on a beautiful black scarf.

And these are just the best ever. Two sets of stitch markers - Twilight and Jeff Burton (that Nascar dude who makes me squee like a school girl) themed. Can we say SQUEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!! Plus a handy dandy row counter in Slytherin colors. ::sighs:: I love my package. :)

Kit update...

2009-04-08T14:11:00.000-07:00

I forgot to mention in the last post that my pal's kit is coming along quite nicely. I just have to add the liner to the bag and gather the goodies together for mailing. I want to get it out as soon as I can so I don't have to worry about that during the rest of term. I really hope my pal likes her bag. It took me forever to figure out what I wanted to make and then I kept changing my mind. So in the end, I just made something up. Now I am gonna have to make one of the bags in Slytherin colors just so I can write down what I did. Plus I did some practice on my very beginner spinning skills. I will have to take pictures of what I have done so far. I have some black roving on the way that I am gonna ply with the Slytherin roving. Should come out good - I hope. Laters....

Pride and Prejudice

2009-04-08T13:41:00.000-07:00

Lately I have been on this weird kick. All I can think about is the book "Pride and Prejudice". Seriously, who in their right mind would not fall for Mr. Darcy. It makes me wish that Mum had named me "Elizabeth" instead of "Andromeda". But I really do love my name. After all there is a whole galaxy with the same name.

Sigh...that scene makes me squee with girlish delight every time I see it. I have also seen the Colin Firth version and love that one just as much. Sometimes I wish that I actually lived during those times. I might have to ask Mum if we could go visit the Jane Austin Centre in Bath.

Underworld

2009-04-02T23:04:00.000-07:00

With a name like Andromeda...

2009-03-26T16:43:00.000-07:00

... it has to be good. Check out this ultra cool sock yarn that I share my name with. If you click on the picture it will take you to the shop that it came from. It makes me squee with delight. Almost as much as Edward did when he was here. But don't tell Oliver Wood that one. He might not care for it too much. Mum had the family owl (Nemesis) deliver it since she knew I was in a funk lately. I found this lovely piece on that muggle site Etsy that can be placed on a chain for a necklace. If you click on the picture than it will take you to the store that has it. Obviously it is a picture of the Andromeda Galaxy. I plain on making one of these little beauties myself since I am quite capable and very crafty. Until next time...

Meet the Cousin

2009-03-17T13:34:00.000-07:00

Dear Diary,

Today totally sucked and not in a good way. I am not even gonna go into the Quidditch match fiasco but the twin sister had better stay out of my way. I think it is time for a visit to my dear cousin Georgiana (Hufflepuff). She always knows how to calm me down. More later...

Let us have Chocolate

2009-03-17T10:51:00.000-07:00

Moonstruck Critter Collection (Mocha Mouse Truffle, Toffee Cat Truffle, Extra-Bittersweet Chocolate Lab Truffle, and Milk Chocolate Bunny Truffle) and Ivory Chocolate Heavenly Pecan Cluster

HSKS VII Quidditch Round II

2009-03-14T19:19:00.000-07:00

1. On which day did the Order of the Phoenix come to get Harry?
a. Tuesday
b. Sunday
c. Saturday
d. The day of his 17th birthday

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

3. Voldemort had seven Horcruxes hidden in different places. Six of them were hidden at the Gaunt shack, Hogwarts, a cave, inside Harry, inside his snake, Nagini and Tom Riddles Diary. Did Voldemort hide the last Horcrux inside the Malfoy's vault at Gringotts?
a. Yes
b. No

4. Why did the Dumbledores move to Godric's Hollow?
a. The reason is unknown
b. They were tired of their old home.
c. The father went to Azkaban
d. It was a better place for their children to grow up

5. Harry and Hermione read a part of "Life and Lies of Albus Dumbledore," written by Rita Skeeter. Then they met Dumbledore's brother Abeforth and he told them the same story, just with a few details changed. Which of the following did Aberforth and Rita Skeeter agree on about Dumbdore's past?
a. Why the Dumbledore family moved to Godric's Hollow
b. That Dumbledore was friends with Grindelwald for a while.
c. Why nobody outside the family noticed Ariana much.
d. The reason for Dumbledore's father's imprisonment in Azkaban.

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

7. The Trio finds out that Luna had been kidnapped by the Death Eaters , and that they won't give her back until they got Harry Potter. Why did they kidnap Luna?
a. Her father sided with Harry and Dumbledore
b. They though he would come to her rescue
c. She was a muggleborn
d. Her father failed as a Death Eater

8. After Voldemort killed Snape, he left the room and Harry came out from under the cloak. Snape gave Harry some of his memories all the way from when he was a child to just months before. Harry dived into the Pensieve and which of the following did he not see?
a. Dumbledore telling Snape that at some point Snape had to kill him.
b. Snape telling Lily she was a witch
c. Snape and Lily having fun in a potions class
d. Snape talking to Dumbledore on a hilltop

9. On the search of the Lost Diadem, Harry finally gets to talk to the Gray Lady. Who was the Gray Lady when she was alive?
a. She didn't remember because she had been dead for so long.
b. Rowena Ravenclaw
c. Helena Ravenclaw
d. A girl who was put in Ravenclaw 800 years previously

10. Which of these is not one of Harry or Ron's children?
a. Rose
b. Hugo
c. James
d. Victoria

Picture Scavenger Hunt
These pictures must either be posted to your blog or linked to from your blog.

Lily Potter

Ron Weasley

Severus Snape

Luna Lovegood

Godric's Hollow

Norwegian Purling

2009-03-06T20:40:00.000-08:00