Down River Review

Down River by John Hart


Rating: 4 of 5 stars

After two of the bookstore emails I get recommended this author, I decided to pick up his first book. Unfortunately, I couldn't find it at the store I was at, so I opted for this one instead. And let me tell you, I'm not sorry I did! This book definitely lived up to its Edgar Allen Award worthiness. The characters were flawed and passionate and the plot kept you from putting the book down. I am a fan of mysteries and can, from time to time, figure out who did it before the story is over. With this book though, that was definitely NOT the case. I love a good twist at the end (as long as its not TOO out of left field!) and this was a great one. Even better was the fact that not everything was completely resolved at the end. You knew that these people's lives were still evolving and I really like that.


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Vision in White Review

Vision In White by Nora Roberts


Rating: 3 of 5 stars

Surprise, surprise... Nora Roberts got back into the swing of things! I wouldn't go so far as to say she's back to her old level of excellence, but she has CERTAINLY improved upon her last two trilogies. The two main characters were well developed and extrememly charming. The plot was well thought out and went at a good pace and I'm actually really looking forward to what will happen next. I'm still not sure if it was worth the trade paper price, but I'm not feeling like I want my money back! Thanks, Nora! :)


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What a difference a day makes!

I have a beautiful dogwood tree in my front yard. It's in bloom right now, so I snapped some pictures to show my mom. You see, her tree is a little sickly and never quite looks like it's going to make it. Well, as many of you may know, the DC area (and beyond) has been showered upon for days and, well, the tree has taken a hit. So, here you have it...

Before:

After:

So, there you have it. In less than a week, my tree went from being lush and lovely to... well, not so lush and lovely. Ahh... Spring is here!

I'm Number One! I'm Number One!

Lucky you! You can be Number 1, too!

Mad Lib Time

Ok... here's the story to go with the list.

I have to tell you about the pretty time I had in Diagon Alley last weekend! My friend Agatha Vablatsky and I decided that we really needed some new stitchmarkers and had to get over to Diagon Alley immediately. Agatha put on their belt because it was huge and did not want to get a cold. I grabbed my keys and we headed to the trains.

While waiting for our train to Diagon Alley, we chatted with Callisto Verity and Thalia Tinkwych who were planning to visit Gringott’s. Thalia did not want to go alone because she was collecting a hydrangea bush and that was very purple and brought Callisto along for their excellence in protecting spells.

The train arrived and off we went. Our seats were very comfortable and the train sped along towards Diagon Alley and we were there in a flash! Before heading to the Yrsa’s Yarn Shoppe, we went into a house that sells the mean cakes!!! As we neared the house, we noticed quite a lot of commotion! The house owner had set the cake-making machine and it had gotten stuck! Cakes were boring everywhere! I ducked as a cream-filled cake came boring right at me and it fascinated into Professor Flitwick’s hat just as they walked through the door! A buttery cake did a nose dive and splattered all over the window most elaborately! We made it out of the store just as a cake frog and a kettle of Bertie Bott’s every flavor beans collided in a rainstorm of goo!

Since we were still blank, we walked the 28 blocks over to Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream Parlor! I decided on a cone with sour ice cream and Agatha got the hot fudge sundae with extra fudge! Yummy! Professor Flitwick had made his way over there as well after the incident at the cake shoppe and had chosen a butterbeer float.

After that, we passed Gringott’s and headed to Yrsa’s Yarn Shoppe! I tried not to look at the beautiful skeins of silk and bamboo and wool and instead, headed toward the stitchmarkers while Agatha stopped to swim the stitch markers. I found a silly stitchmarker made out of steel and made my purchase. Agatha kept hedging between the stitchmarkers she came for and a pattern for a scarf. She chose the scarf pattern and we walked the back towards the train station just in time to make the 12:30 train.

After sitting down, we noticed Callisto and Thalia were on the train as well. Thalia looked quite smart to have the hydrangea bush with them. Callisto however did not look smart at all. While waiting to go into the vault, a baby goblin waiting in line with his Mommy, had drank on Callisto getting chocolate all over their clean robes! The smell really was just horrendous! Apparently, Callisto’s protecting spells don’t work well against chocolate!! We made our way to a less smelly compartment and talked about how we were going explain missing Professor McGonagall’s lecture on the valuable ways thestral’s are working with the Department of Mysteries in solving unsolvable Londons!

More Homework

1- Pretty
2- Agatha Vablatsky
3- A stitchmarker
4- A belt
5- Huge
6- Keys
7- Callisto Verity
8- Thalia Tinkwych
9- Hydranga bush
10- Purple
11- House
12- Mean
13- Cake
14- Boring
15- Fascinated
16- Professor Flitwick
17- A hat
18- Buttery
19- A window
20- Blank
21- 28
22- Sour
23- Fudge
24- Butterbeer
25- Swam
26- Silly
27- A scarf
28- Smart
29- Drank
30- Chocolate
31- Professor McGonagall
32- Thestral
33- London

One last quiz

I'm off to Blacksburg this weekend, but before I go, here is one last quiz. Can't let my fellow Claws down!

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 Greed 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 Flamel

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

Picture Hunt

George

McGonagall

Patil

Where the Wild Things Are

DC Requirement

The picture below seems to be a requirement for this time of year if you are a DC area resident. Yes, that is a cherry blossom. However, it's not from one of THOSE cherry blossom trees, it's from a tree close to my office. I did not head into the craziness that was The Cherry Blossom Festival this past weekend. Instead, I headed out to Berryville to take my little brother to his art school audition. You see, my stepdad had to have his appendix removed, so I took care of Noah so mom could take care of Michael. Afterwards, I went to my BFF Jamie's for a girl's night of wine and chick flicks. Good times. Oh, and even BETTER?! I FINALLY lined the bag for my HSKS7 spoilee! Oh man am I glad to have that off my plate. The package went out on Monday. Once Pandora gets it, I'll share some pictures, but until then, it's still a secret!

The pretty cherry blossoms near my office.

Fabulous things await!

It came, it came! Oh happy day it came! "It" being my reveal package from my SP 13 pal -- Brooke! And let me say how fabulous this package is and how worth the wait it was! I really don't the words to justify it, you'll have to just see for yourself.

Here is the box right after I opened it. Looks promising!

This was under the pattern and letter. Look at the pretty pink cloud of yarn!

This is the tea cup and saucer that is to be used for chai tea. I am instructed to drink while I peruse the patterns or book she also sent. I think that is an EXCELLENT idea!

Ok, so the pretty pink cloud was the "buddy shawl" that she started for me. She got me to about the half way point and I'm all set to finish. The yarn is so delicate and soft -- I'm loving it!

Here is the shawl with the pretty little jars of pampering goodness. We have body whip and body sugar. Both smell divine!

Here is a new pair of Crystal Palace circs and a super cute mint candy tape measure. Love it!

She also sent along the premiere issue of Debbie Bliss magazine, the pattern for the Fiber Trends felted hat and some more lace patterns.

A hank of Cascade 220 in a pretty shade of brown -- I think I'll pair it with some soft gray Cascade 220 I have to make a felted hat.

This is two hanks of Handpaint Originals in some really pretty blues, reds and oranges. Super soft stuff!

And finally, here is the whole package all together. The book she sent was In Her Shoes. I really enjoyed the movie and can't wait to read the book!

Brooke, thank you so much for such a generous package! I know that this has not been the easiest time for you -- which just makes these gifts all the more special. Thank you for being so kind and I wish you nothing but the best. I feel really lucky to have had you as my Secret Pal and I hope we can now be pals period! Thank you!!!

Scrambler

This week's Ravenclaw homework was to take the word Ravenclaw and make as many words as possible out of it. There were two caveats however. One, each word MUST contain the letter "R". Two, the only letter that can be repeated in the word is "A", since it is the only one that appears twice in Ravenclaw. Also, as a bonus round, you can list all of the words you can think of that DON'T contain an "R". So, here we go.

Words with an "R"
Wren
Raw
Crave
Crew
Care
Arc
Car
Crawl
Craw
Arena
War
Care
Lear
Real
Ran
Vernal
Craven
Carnal
Raven
Wane
Acre
Carve
Crane
Ware
Near
Carnal
Warn
Arcane
Waver
Renal
Learn
Lacer
Aware
Race
Wear
Rave
Area
Earn
Ear
Larvae
Clear
Narc
Earl
Rev
Raw
Era
Are

Bonus Round
Valance
Lance
Calve
Warn
Wave
Veal
Vane
Nave
Lawn
Lava
Lace
Clan
Lean
Lave
Elan
Lane
Claw
Anew
Wan
Van
New
Awe
Acne
Law
Venal
Navel
Naval
Clean
Canal
Vale
Cave
Cane
Awl
Can
Ace

Weekend in the Park

The weekend following the one with yarny goodness, I headed out to Berryville where my mom lives. Also visiting were my brother Justin, his wife, three daughters and new puppy. I was heading out for only the day, but lots of fun was to be had.

For the most part, we just hung out around the house and chatted. I met my newest niece, Hailey. She generously "baptised" me within five minutes of picking her up. What a welcome! She's awfully cute and has curious look about her. I have this great picture of her with her dad, where he holds her by her feet in one hand, forcing her to use her legs to stand. It sounds very dangerous, but is actually very beneficial. She strengthens a lot of her muscles and learns balance. See the picture below to see what I'm talking about.

Justin holding Hailey up with one hand. See, it's not THAT bad, right?!

Next we went to the park. The two older girls ran around while the adults tried to keep up. Lots of rides down the slide and pushes on the swing were to be had. It was a lot of fun -- and also a reminder of how much I need to head back to the gym! After that, we went for an early dinner and I headed home. All in all, it was a great day! My family rocks!

Justin helping Lexie (the middle girl) walk across the balance beam.

Tessa (the oldest) at the bottom of the slide. Check out the static electricity!

Even the grown ups had some fun!

Weekend of Yarny Goodness!

The weekend of March 14 was all about yarny goodness. Saturday was Knit Happens' fifth birthday and the store celebrated with a great sale. I love the great deals they give you during their sales. This time around, my favorite deal was the 50% off all books and patterns. I got French Girl Knits (Rav link) and another book which I cannot mention because I got it for a spoilee. I also got FIVE skeins of Rowan Big Wool (Rav link) so I can make Wrenna (Rav link) from French Girl Knits. I got all of that for the low, low price of $66! Woo hoo! Thanks, Knit Happens and Happy Birthday!

The next day, the roommate and I headed up to Savage, MD and the Savage Mill for the Homespun Yarn Party. When Wendy and I got there the place was PACKED! We did one turn around the place and then decided to get some lunch and come back for another turn and buy things then. This was an EXCELLENT idea because when we got back from lunch, it was a LOT easier to get around. It was SO worth the drive up there, too. So many great hand dyed yarns -- many of which I have been coveting for a while. I also got to meet one of my swap pals. Shelby from the fall Starbuck's & Yarn Swap has a line of sock yarn that she was selling. I got a skein of Nagini that has silver threads in it. So pretty! I also got some Wullenstudio sock yarn called Mama Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to be Cowboys that is a great blend of turquoise and teal. I also was on the hunt for something for my RAOK package and I found the PERFECT thing. I hope she likes it!

Shelby and I at her booth. Look at all of her pretty, pretty yarn!

The Nagini sock yarn I bought from Shelby.

The Wullenstudio sock yarn that I bought.

HSKS 7 Quidditch Round 2

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 Dumbledore's 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 ressrection 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. Dumbldore 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

Ron

Snape

Luna

Godric's Hollow

Catching up with my classmates

Going through the blogroll of my fellow Hogwarts students taught me some great things this week.

Minerva Lovegood of Gryffindor suffered from a small panic attack last week. I hope it wasn't because of our hat duel! Those are supposed to be fun, not stressful. I should have sent her some chocolate with my hat, it would have smoothed out the rough edges!

I learned through Violet Starfire that the Puffs are learning more about their fellow students. Have they caught on to how the Claws find the snitch?! Uh oh! Also, she has a bit of a sweet tooth and is using Drooble's Best Blowing Gum to trap a jumping spider. What a clever girl!

Emma Gorodok, a fellow Ravenclaw, is a VERY lucky girl. She's about to leave for a visit with her parents. Then she's off to London and then finally Edinburgh to visit with the European contingent of HSKS. Have fun! Oh, and I also saw fabulous pictures of her in a newly crocheted lace shawl. What talent!

The biggest lesson I learned was from Callisto Verity of Slytherin! I know, a SLYTHERIN had something to teach me! ;) But while she's currently recovering from a broken arm (courtesey of a bludger in the last Quidditch match), she caught up on a LOT of her school work. It made her wonder though about us Claws. She wondered what we DID with all of the knowledge we seek. She sees the Gryffindors and Slytherins putting it to practical use, but can't say the same for the Ravenclaws. I believe that searching for answers and knowledge DOES serve a practical purpose. It leads to the great findings of our lives. Sometimes, pure research is what it takes to make those great discoveries and breakthroughs. It's later that the theories and knowledge can be put into practice.

Thank you to all of my fellow classmates for teaching me so many great things. I learn so much from all of you and greatly appreciate it! :)

What a week!

Greetings! I have just returned to VA after spending the better part of a week in Miami. And let me just say that I was loathe to return! I was in sunny and warm climes and returned to dreary and cold winter. Not exactly my dream.

So, I was in Miami for the eRetailer Summit (which is my association's mid-winter meeting). The hotel we were at, the InterContinental, was really nice. I had such a great view! Check it out! I got to see the pretty water. I have another picture which shows you the cruise ships that I looked down on as well, but it doesn't look as good.

I am the Education Manager at ERA, which means that I am in charge of all of the logistics for the speakers at our meetings as well as helping to create the educational content. At this meeting, we had two GREAT keynote speakers. One was Greg Waldorf who is the CEO of eHarmony. He's in the picture to the left, standing on the stage. His presentation was so great and such a treat to watch. Our other keynote speaker, Chris Rosica, gave everyone so many great ideas on how to get their brands out there. Over and over I just kept hearing about how great the educational offerings were, which really brought a smile to my face!

In other news, I completed the second round dueling hat for HSKS7! This time, the pattern was a little trickier as I had to learn a new stitch. Looking at the picture below, I can't really tell if it lives up to its name of "Quilted Diamonds", but whatever. It's on its way to the cold north of Northern Michigan. Here's hoping my owl doesn't freeze!

Anywho, it's time to get back to all of the post-meeting follow up. I'm really excited about it... I swear!

Protest

Ok, I'm just going to come right out and say it. We Ravenclaws were assigned an INSANE amount of homework. I looked at the assignments for the other houses and I had to ask myself -- how did we get so loaded down? There were THREE LONG assignements. Those three could have easily been spread out over three weeks and no one would have been the wiser. So, in protest (and the fact that I'm heading down to Miami for a conference), I'm not doing it. I'm sorry ladies, but I'm not. I know that when I signed onto this swap, there would be assignments, but I thought they would have been like last term. Or, if you had wanted to challenge us more, maybe ONE of those assignments at a time. But not three at once. Sorry... ain't gonna happen!

In other HSKS 7 news, work is progressing on my spoilee's kit. I've gotten a lot of the little goodies and have started on the handmade bag. The sticking point is still the kit itself. I think I finally found something that will work though. I just hope my spoilee likes it!

Anywho, back to the paying job. Talk to you all when I get back from Miami! :)

My long weekend

I was so happy when 5:30 PM rolled around this past Friday because it meant the start of a long weekend. This weekend was going to be for me! Since I'm a singleton with no one to celebrate Valentine's Day with, I figured I would treat myself this weekend.

After work I went to Knit Happens (my all time FAVORITE LYS) to pick up a button for my dueling hat. While I was there I also found a set of handles for the bag I'm making for my HSKS7 spoilee. After that was done I took myself out to dinner at Bertucci's (oh the bread!). I then went home and watched some TV while finishing my dueling hat. I finished the hat around midnight or so. Go me! Finished another hat in less than a day!

Saturday I woke up bright and early to tack down the flap of the hat and add the button. After getting some shots of the FO, I left for the Post Office to ship it off to Thalia Tinkwych in England. Here's hoping mine gets to HER before hers gets to ME! That errand completed, I went in search of a new bed. Now, I was SUPER excited about getting this bed. It was the EXACT style I was looking for and wasn't TOO expensive. I found it at Crate & Barrel and it is scheduled to be delivered to my house on Friday, Feb. 27! So excited!

Sunday was my movie day. I saw Confessions of a Shopaholic and He's Just Not that Into You. The first was predictable and funny, but not much to write home about. The second however, was better than I expected. I really only have ONE issue with it. If you know anything about the book, you know that it was written to help women with this idea that men play games. For example, he's not calling because he lost your number, it's because he's just not that into you! It's not mean, per se, it's saying that you are fabulous, and you shouldn't be wasting your time on a guy who doesn't see that. A guy that IS interested in you will stop at nothing to call or see you. Well, this movie did a really great job of portraying this -- until the end.

One of the guys, played by Justin Long, says that most girls AREN'T the exception, that in fact most of us are the rule. However, (SPOILER ALERT!) in the end he tells the girl he ends up with, played by Ginnfer Goodwin, that she IS the exception -- for him! I mean come on! I get that it's a rom-com and people want a happy ending, but that defeats the whole purpose of the book. I mean, are we really supposed to continue to constantly hope that WE'RE the exception for that ONE guy?! Or are we supposed to be empowered and independent women who know that you shouldn't have to CHANGE a guy (or yourself for that matter!) for them to be interested in you. Well, I guess this where the argument where it IS only a movie and movies are supposed to be a place where you can escape reality. What do you think?

To finish off the weekend, I worked on my final package for SP13, did some laundry and tried to fix my DVD player. I think the DVD player is a lost cause and I'm going to have to replace it. So sad!

How was your weekend?

Photo Tag

I was tagged by my swap mate today, Pandora Phelps. Here are the rules:
1. Go to your pictures on your computer
2. Open the 6th folder
3. Choose the 6th picture
4. Show the picture on your blog and write something about it.
5. Invite 6 new people to this challenge.
6. Link to them and let them know they have been tagged.




Here we have my niece Lexie the day after my sister's wedding. She's my birthday buddy! She's also one of the happiest and easiest going kids I know. Aww... and she's so CUTE!

I'm tagging: Thalia Tinkwych, Callisto Verity, Arriana Stylos, Minerva Wood, Cassandra Goode and Hermione Bagnold. Have fun ladies! :)

Quidditch Round #1

1. What momentous event was the reason that the members of the Order of the Phoenix felt it necessary to move Harry out of the Dursley’s house?

a. The start of the new school year

b. The Dursleys kicking him out

c. Voldemort’s escape from Azkaban

d. Harry’s upcoming birthday

2. Who revealed the actual date of Harry’s transfer to Voldemort, despite the misinformation the Order had been spreading around that the move would occur on the eve of his actual birthday?

a. Mundungus

b. Snape

c. Yaxley

d. Shacklebolt

3. With the use of Polyjuice Potion (and to confuse any possible attack by Death Eaters), six members of the Order were disguised as Harry and escorted out of Privet Drive, along with the real Harry. Which member of the order did not survive that night?

a. Mad-Eye Moody

b. Nymphadora Tonks

c. Hagrid

d. George Weasley

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

a. Kingsley Shaclebolt

b. Minerva McGonalgall

c. Arthur Weasley

d. Rufus Scimgeour

5. During the wedding celebration for Bill and Fleur, Kingsley Shacklebolt sent a Patronus to tell the guests that the Ministry had fallen, Scrimgeour (the Minister) was dead and the wedding celebration was about to be attacked by Death Eaters. What form did the Patronus take?

a. A lynx

b. An otter

c. A doe

d. A stag

6. Escaping from the wedding to London, our three friends found themselves confronted by a pair of Death Eaters, disguised as workmen. This close brush impressed on them the need to find someplace to hide. Where did they decide to go?

a. The Leaky Cauldron

b. Sirius Black’s house

c. The Dursley’s house

d. Ron’s Auntie Muriel’s house

7. Kreacher’s animosity towards Harry, Ron and especially Hermione (a Mudblood) was well documented in book five, “The Order of the Phoenix.” His initial interaction with them showed that his attitude had not changed. How did they win him over?

a. By giving him clothes and his freedom

b. They didn’t win him over!

c. By giving him something to eat

d. By giving him Regulus Black’s old locket

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

a. Severus Snape

b. Lucius Malfoy

c. Lord Voldemort

d. Dolores Umbridge

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

a. Moody’s magical eye

b. Nymphadora’s purple hair

c. Hedwig’s head

d. George Weasley’s ear

10. After retrieving the Horcrux, they tried to return to their safe place but they were pursued (actually Yaxley tagged along when they disapparated). This meant that the Death Eaters knew their hiding place and they had to go somewhere else. Where did Hermione take them?

a. To Godric’s Hollow

b. To the Forbidden Forest

c. Back to the Burrow

d. To the site of the Quidditch World Cup

Picture Scavenger Hunt

Mad-Eye Moody

Nymphadora Tonks

George Weasley

The Dursley's House

Kreacher

Ravenclaw Assignment #2

I usually avoid these kinds of "tell me about yourself" kind of surveys, but since it's for school I can't avoid it. So, here it goes!

1- What form does your Patronus take? What does it symbolize for you? My Patronus takes the form of a wolf… a symbol of loyalty, independence and intelligence.
2- Did you bring a cat, an owl, a toad, or other pet with you? What is their name? I brought my cat Matilda.
3- What is your favorite class here at Hogwarts? I would have to say my favorite class is Runes.
4- What is worth sneaking out of the castle for, even if you got caught? Helping out a friend in need.
5- What has made you laugh so hard that you've had butterbeer come out your nose? Watching Snape slip on a wet spot in the Great Hall.
6- What yarn do you covet? Link please... Debbie Bliss Pure Cashmere
7- What is your favorite flavor... the one thing you could simply not live without? Is brand important? Chocolate hazelnut… specifically Nutella chocolate spread… so many uses, so little time!
8- How many HSKS terms have you participated in? This is my second.
9- Do you have a birthday, anniversary or other big Muggle event during this year at Hogwarts? If yes, please tell us what. No, all of my big events happen at the END of the year.
10- You in 5 words. Curious, trustworthy, persistent, friendly and intelligent.