The CBB :: View topic - Joanna Creates a Sensation

Joanna Creates a Sensation - part 1

The CBB -> St Clare's House

#401: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2005 3:21 pm

poor Mary-Lou. it's really not her fault... Twisted Evil

Thanks for another fantastic update Joey

#402: Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!!

Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2005 6:05 pm

*giggles*

Thanks Joey, as fantastic as ever

#403: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2005 7:00 pm

Chuckled over the line about it being dangerous to bring Jo when she wasn't the centre of attention, but leaving her behind was even worse.

Poor Jo, she DOES get a bad press.

Thanks Joey.

#404: Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria

Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2005 7:46 pm

MaryR wrote:

Chuckled over the line about it being dangerous to bring Jo when she wasn't the centre of attention, but leaving her behind was even worse.

Poor Jo, she DOES get a bad press.

Thanks Joey.

Isn't it the same for \mary-Lou?
Thanks Joey.
(maybe you could get someone to post for you OR take your computer on hols? Wink

#405: Author: Liane, Location: Manchester England

Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2005 10:26 pm

Good plan nikki!
Thanks for the update Joey

#406: Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks

Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2005 11:58 pm

nikkie wrote:

(maybe you could get someone to post for you OR take your computer on hols? Wink

Mutters sweet nothings to Joey about York uni having lots of computers

realistically knows there will be NO spare time available for her to use them

heaves big sigh

#407: Author: Mollio, Location: Ireland

Posted: Tue Jul 12, 2005 1:18 am

Joey,
You're creating junkies here with this drabble. Don't know how we'll manage for TWO WHOLE WEEKS.
Thank you.

#408: Author: Elle,

Posted: Tue Jul 12, 2005 7:55 am

Howeverm the new HP does come out on Friday, so maybe if we read that it would help us to come to terms with the lack of drabble for two weeks!

Mexican Wave

#409: Author: Joey, Location: Cambridge

Posted: Tue Jul 12, 2005 12:17 pm

I most certainly am not cancelling my holiday! Although I dread to think how much I'll have to catch up with when I get back....

Dawn, I don't know what you're muttering sweet nothings about. You'll be in York too, so even if I did post you wouldn't have time to read it!

Missing Joanna for two weeks will be good for you all. Occasional breaks will stop you getting bored.

Next bit...

The next stop was Ollivander's, the wand shop. By a stroke of good fortune, Master Ollivander himself was there (selling wand polish to a young man clad in green robes, who ran away when he saw them, leaving the polish behind) and his old-fashioned courtesy charmed Grandmamma, though Joanna wasn't entirely convinced that it was genuine.

"Each wand," he gushed, as his tape measure, like Madam Malkin's, worked on its own, "is made of a particular kind of wood, carefully selected for its own properties. And each wand has a unique core of some magical substance - usually unicorn hair, dragon heartstring or phoenix tailfeather. And each wand is a different length. With these three variables, there are an infinite number of combinations, such that no two wands are alike, any more than any two wizards are alike."

"What is your wand made of?" Joanna asked Mary-Lou, who jumped.

"Mine is oak wood with a phoenix tailfeather," she said, glancing at Master Ollivander, who nodded.

"An unusually long wand," he said, in his soft voice. "Eighteen inches, and surprisingly flexible for oak. Now then, Miss Entwistle." He lifted a narrow box from the shelf and presented it to her with a flourish. "Suppose you try this one? Just pick it up and wave it in the air," he said, in what was probably intended to be an encouraging tone. Joanna looked at the dark-coloured wand nestling in a bed of cotton wool and shook her head.

"It won't be that one," she said. "It doesn't look right." She heard Grandmamma draw in her breath sharply, but she thought Master Ollivander looked at her with much more respect.

#410: Author: Chair, Location: Kent, England

Posted: Tue Jul 12, 2005 12:23 pm

I wonder why Joey took in her breath sharply.

#411: Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester

Posted: Tue Jul 12, 2005 12:39 pm

Me too!

Oh, I really want to know what Joanna's will be now!

#412: Author: Joyful, Location: Manchester

Posted: Tue Jul 12, 2005 1:01 pm

I was thinking Joey was shocked and appalled because a Chalet girl does NOT answer back. Instant obedience at all times!

#413: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Tue Jul 12, 2005 4:13 pm

Thanks Joey - very interested in what Joanna's wand will be made from.

#414: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Tue Jul 12, 2005 4:15 pm

Thank you, Joey.

*now wondering about significance of ML's wand*
(fascinating description)

#415: Author: Róisín, Location: Dublin

Posted: Tue Jul 12, 2005 5:22 pm

Joey! I've just found this and read it all in one sitting. It's amazingly good and interesting and sucks the reader in. And so timely with the release of the new HP book in a few days. I was going to start a reread before it comes out but have decided that this will do instead. Very Happy

Great stuff - can't wait til you come back and post more.

#416: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Tue Jul 12, 2005 9:19 pm

Joey this is great....will we get to see a certain a certain other person before you go on your holiday?

#417: Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW

Posted: Wed Jul 13, 2005 5:05 am

francesn wrote:

Joey this is great....will we get to see a certain a certain other person before you go on your holiday?

He Who Must Not Be Named for example? Is it true that he was in South America under a muggle alibi as a certain Mr T. on the ill fated Murray Cameron expedition?

(wasting time thinking up ridiculous plot twists to keep self amused until Joey returns from her holiday)

#418: Author: RuthY, Location: Anyone's guess

Posted: Wed Jul 13, 2005 10:55 am

Thanks Joey. I am also wondering about the importance of Mary-Lou's wand, and what type of wand Joanna will get.

You need to come back and update Joey!

Ruth

#419: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Wed Jul 13, 2005 11:12 am

Just caught up on a whole heap fo this, Joey. Fab as ever - have been giggling madly into my mid-morning coffee Laughing

#420: Author: Joey, Location: Cambridge

Posted: Wed Jul 13, 2005 12:06 pm

Joyful's right. Joey gasped at Joanna's audacity - Chalet girls don't answer back.

Glad to see you're making the most of your gloating rights, Fran! Yes.

Miss Di, If you've already started passing the time till I get back from holiday, you'll have run out of time-passing techniques by the time I go!

Warning: I am only working half days tomorrow and Friday so can't promise I'll have time to post as I'll have to prioritise work. (I know, shocking behaviour.)

Next bit.

To Joanna’s surprise, Master Ollivander threw wand and box over his shoulder and pulled another one from the shelf. This one was longer, paler and thinner, but Joanna still shook her head.

The next half hour passed like a dream. Master Ollivander grew more and more excited as he thrust wand after wand in front of her - Joanna couldn't help noticing that each wand cane from exactly the same place on the same shelf; obviously they were moving themselves around and presenting themselves to Master Ollivander. At last he held out the right box. She put out her hand, and wasn't at all surprised when the wand jumped into her hand.

"Ah," said Master Ollivander in satisfied tones. "Ten and half inches, rowan and unicorn tail hair." He looked at Joanna. "And Entwistle is going to be a name to watch out for, isn't it, young lady?"

Joanna was embarrassed and looked at her shoes, but she could see Grandmamma swell with pride from the corner of her eye.

The next shop they visited was Flourish and Blott's, the bookshop, and the first person they saw there was...

#421: Author: Emma A, Location: The Soke of Peterborough

Posted: Wed Jul 13, 2005 1:09 pm

The green man, by any chance?

Thanks, Joey - this is really good (like Joey swelling with pride at Ollivander's comment about Joanna).

#422: Author: RuthY, Location: Anyone's guess

Posted: Wed Jul 13, 2005 1:53 pm

Wondered about that to!

Thanks Jo!

Ruth

#423: Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester

Posted: Wed Jul 13, 2005 1:55 pm

Awww, lovely. Great description of Ollivander's shop!

#424: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Wed Jul 13, 2005 2:04 pm

Could it be anybody but the green man!

Thank you Joey - loved the wand jumping into her hand!

#425: Author: Chair, Location: Kent, England

Posted: Wed Jul 13, 2005 2:49 pm

The wand sounds like the perfect wand for Joanna. I wonder who has entered the shop?

#426: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Wed Jul 13, 2005 3:46 pm

That wand is just the job but is it the green man ...... or someone not yet mentioned?

Am enjoying it all, Joey. Thank you.

#427: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Wed Jul 13, 2005 5:34 pm

Love the wand!

Thanks Joey - but working? Surely not! Rolling Eyes

#428: Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!!

Posted: Wed Jul 13, 2005 6:40 pm

Yay for Joanna! And lol at Joey being proud!

Thanks Joey Very Happy

#429: Author: Róisín, Location: Dublin

Posted: Wed Jul 13, 2005 7:26 pm

Cheers for that bit Joey.

The first person they saw was Draco Malfoy!

#430: Author: Joey, Location: Cambridge

Posted: Thu Jul 14, 2005 12:48 pm

I should have gone home 20 mins ago, but here is a tiny bit for you. Don't say I never give you anything!

I don't believe it! I always thought Muggles were harmless, if stupid. Now I'm not so sure. That awful old bat isn't harmless. She looked as though she was going to ding me over the head with her bag, just because I bumped into her granddaughter! And why does she keep on insulting me in German? How does she know I speak German?

Or is it possible that she's trying to talk about me behind my back? I don't allow anyone to do that and get away with it!

#431: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Thu Jul 14, 2005 7:39 pm

Lovely liitle bit Joey - thanks. Laughing

#432: Author: Chair, Location: Kent, England

Posted: Thu Jul 14, 2005 7:41 pm

Thanks for posting the last bit before you went home, Joey. I am looking forward to finding out who the 'voice' is.

#433: Author: Laura, Location: London (ish)

Posted: Thu Jul 14, 2005 9:34 pm

Thanks Joey! So who is our mysterious green man?

#434: Author: Elle,

Posted: Fri Jul 15, 2005 7:29 am

Thank you for the extra bit!

Very Happy

#435: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Fri Jul 15, 2005 11:02 am

oooh thank you Joey!

I do love your Joey...and her German insults!

#436: Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline

Posted: Sun Jul 17, 2005 2:33 pm

Oh Joey, how wonderful. I've just loved catching up on this. The last little bit was classic. Hope you have a good time away.

#437: Author: claire, Location: South Wales

Posted: Sun Jul 17, 2005 7:21 pm

Teeny request here (and I hope I'm not spoiling anything - but I don't think it's of any minescule scale) can you put Verity in as working in a shop in diagon alley as she is in HBP - please

#438: Author: Joey, Location: Cambridge

Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2005 11:46 am

Yes, I spotted that, Claire. Will have to think about it...

Only nine more working days, including today, till my hols!

Today's bit...

Joanna was charmed to meet old Madam Blott, an elderly, white-haired witch who said her grandmother had founded the bookshop three hundred years ago. She was obviously prepared for first-year students, because she had sets of schoolbooks already tied up with string behind the counter. And when Joey asked for a couple of books for ignorant Muggle grandparents and parents to read, she smiled and produced another, smaller packet of books.

The last stop before meeting Madam Pounce at Follett's Feline Fancy was the potions shop. As they approached, a furious man, whose face was by now almost as green as his robes, came out of the shop and pushed past Joanna so violently that she stumbled and tripped on the cobbles.

#439: Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline

Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2005 12:44 pm

Ooooh dear. I dont think that he is going to be popular! Thanks Joey

#440: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2005 12:46 pm

Thanks, Joey. Are you going away somewhere nice, or staying home to write and post more of this?

#441: Author: Joyful, Location: Manchester

Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2005 1:34 pm

Joey wrote:

And when Joey asked for a couple of books for ignorant Muggle grandparents and parents to read, she smiled and produced another, smaller packet of books.

That's nice - Joey's stopped thinking that she knows everything! Obviously Diagon Alley had some effect (maybe shock and dismay that there was a bit of the world that she didn't know about!) Laughing

#442: Author: Chair, Location: Kent, England

Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2005 2:50 pm

I didn't know that ordinary books were sold in the shop as well as wizarding books!

#443: Author: Róisín, Location: Dublin

Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2005 2:50 pm

Thank you! More please!

#444: Author: Mollio, Location: Ireland

Posted: Tue Jul 19, 2005 8:59 am

Keep it comin'! (Thanks, by the way!)

Mexican Wave

#445: Author: Joey, Location: Cambridge

Posted: Tue Jul 19, 2005 12:09 pm

Jennie, I shall be in York for about ten days - eight days at Yearly Meeting (see you soon, Dawn!) and a couple of days relaxing. I shall have a couple of days at home, but I'm hoping to put in some work on my novel!

Chair, the books Madam Blott sells Joey are aimed at Muggles, but they are about the wizarding world. (Anyone ever wonder what Muggle Studies is useful for?)

Here is the last bit of this chapter...

Joanna looked up at him with tears in her eyes, and Grandmamma said one brief, bitter word -

"Schweinhund!" and then bent over her granddaughter.

How dare she! It is not my fault the Mudblood brat got in my way. How dare she? I'm sure that Trelawney woman has been shadowing my footsteps. How dare she? Between them they have ruined my day, and the whole of this trip to England.

That is it. What is the best way of overcoming cowardice? Working through it. Ignoring it. Acting bravely despite it.

I have decided. I will tell them tonight. I, Lucius Malfoy, am ready to join the Order of Death Eaters.

And I wish death to all Muggles and Mudbloods. How dare they.

#446: Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester

Posted: Tue Jul 19, 2005 12:26 pm

Aha, so it was Lucius! And we already know how he turns out Smile

At least Joey does care for Joanna! Smile

#447: Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!!

Posted: Tue Jul 19, 2005 12:41 pm

Hehe, so thats how be became a death eater!! Thanks Joey Very Happy

#448: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Tue Jul 19, 2005 1:07 pm

Lovely, Joey. Thank you.

#449: Author: Chair, Location: Kent, England

Posted: Tue Jul 19, 2005 2:52 pm

I wonder if Lucius was a student at Hogwarts. It will be interesting to see what he was like as a boy.

#450: Author: claire, Location: South Wales

Posted: Tue Jul 19, 2005 7:02 pm

Lucius was definately at Hogwarts - Draco says something about him being in Slytherin

#451: Author: Liane, Location: Manchester England

Posted: Tue Jul 19, 2005 7:48 pm

So we have Joey to blame for the nastinass of Lucius!
thanks for the update

#452: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Tue Jul 19, 2005 9:09 pm

Thought it had to be Lucius - nasty ****

Thanks Joey.

#453: Author: Joey, Location: Cambridge

Posted: Tue Jul 19, 2005 9:19 pm

Gah. Whoever persuaded me that moving offices four working days before my summer holiday is in serious trouble (when I remember who it was...). I want to know where all the rubbish has come from! And we are only moving within the same building.

Since I am still here, and will probably be so for another couple of hours, and since you've been having short bits recently, let's start the next chapter...

Chapter 7 - Fear and Felines

Mary-Lou stared after him with narrowed eyes, and muttered,

"Lucius Malfoy, you will pay for this."

Then she pushed Joey and Joanna in the direction of the Fortescue’s ice cream parlour and instructed them to wait there while she bought Joanna's cauldron and elementary potion ingredients. Joanna, having been brought up by Len Entwistle, asked for a small vanilla cornet, whereupon Joey surprised them both by ordering a double chocolate scoop with chopped nuts.

They were a quarter of an hour late to meet Madam Pounce, and her first question - to Mary-Lou - was,

"Who was it, and what are you going to do about it?"

"It was Lucius Malfoy, and I am going to bide my time," said Mary-Lou. "Apart from anything else, he is in Buda-Pesth at the moment. I have always been fond of Buda-Pesth and it does not deserve the worst I can do to him."

"I will only say one thing, Mary-Lou -"

"Yes, I know," said Mary-Lou. "Stay in control. You need not fear, Madam Pounce. I have learned that lesson now."

Last edited by Joey on Wed Jul 20, 2005 6:18 am; edited 1 time in total

#454: Author: Chair, Location: Kent, England

Posted: Tue Jul 19, 2005 9:23 pm

Please could somebody remind me which chapter we find out how Mary-Lou is connected to the wizarding world? My memory seems to get worse day by day!

#455: Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline

Posted: Tue Jul 19, 2005 10:18 pm

Um if you mean Have we found out Chair, then the answer is we havn't. As for When we find out, I'm not sure - if we were told I cant remember at the moment. And Joey, Thanks, That was brilliant. *Wondering exactly WHAT ML's "worst" might be!

#456: Author: Róisín, Location: Dublin

Posted: Tue Jul 19, 2005 10:32 pm

This is especially great as I'm reading HP6 right now.

#457: Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks

Posted: Tue Jul 19, 2005 10:54 pm

Joey wrote:

Wow - lots more updates

Thanks Joey - I did wonder when you said you were moving just before Yearly Meeting Wink

Rather you than me - mind you we've got a very alcoholic wedding in Birmingham on the Friday night and are drving up on Sat from that Rolling Eyes

looking forward to ML doing her worst

#458: Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW

Posted: Wed Jul 20, 2005 2:08 am

Was That Joey Swearing? My flabber couldn't be more gasted!

Enjoy your yearly meeting (even if the moving isn't so much fun).

#459: Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW

Posted: Wed Jul 20, 2005 2:33 am

Have just found and read all of this....amd amazed and impressed!!!

#460: Author: Joey, Location: Cambridge

Posted: Wed Jul 20, 2005 7:50 am

Yuck. It got to 1 am and I was still sorting out stuff for the move. I wasn't prepared to cycle home at that hour, so I went to sleep on the settee in the new staff room. It's a very comfy settee, but I still woke up at 5.30. (And, being me, was working again by 6.) Yuck.

Have some more story...

Madam Pounce looked at Mary-Lou over, under and finally through her spectacles. Then she gave a slight nod and turned to Joanna.

"Sorry about that, Joanna," she said briskly. "I won't ask if you're feeling better because I'm sure you'd rather forget about it." Joanna nodded gratefully. Madam Pounce turned to the witch behind the counter and bowed.

"Madam Follett, this is Miss Entwistle," she announced grandly. "She needs a witch's cat."

"She has come to the right place," said Madam Follett, who was wearing a black-and-white cat round her shoulders and two ginger kittens on her hat - one on each side of the brim. Joanna couldn't help wondering how they managed to balance.

If she had been asked, Joanna would have said she supposed a cat shop must have cats in boxes and cages around the walls. Instead there were cats on shelves, cats on chairs and under chairs, cats in boxes and on boxes and in corners and behind screens. There were black cats, white cats, black-and white cats, orange and marmalade, grey, brown, tortoiseshell and tabby cats. There were elderly cats, defending their dignity against all intruders, and young kittens playing with each other and with balls and pieces of string. There were green eyes, yellow eyes and deep blue kitten-eyes, all regarding Joanna with interest.

#461: Author: Róisín, Location: Dublin

Posted: Wed Jul 20, 2005 8:06 am

Hurrah! *chews breakfast honey toast and commences speaking with mouth full* Joanna's getting a cat! Thanks Jo. Very Happy

#462: Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline

Posted: Wed Jul 20, 2005 9:40 am

What a nice post, thanks Joey. Sorry that you were at work at that time of the morning though. Not much like being at home!

#463: Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester

Posted: Wed Jul 20, 2005 9:42 am

Lovely description. Hope she picks a lively one! Smile

#464: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Wed Jul 20, 2005 9:54 am

Being an total cat freak, I loved the bit about the hats draped on her hat!! Could just picture my own cat up there, mistress of all she surveys. Rolling Eyes

And I loved the scene in the shop with cats everywhere. Am now picturing just what cat might attach itself to Joanna. It will have to be very special.

Thanks Jo.

#465: Author: Chair, Location: Kent, England

Posted: Wed Jul 20, 2005 2:23 pm

I wonder which cat Joanna will choose? My cat is a milk chocolate colour. If it was me choosing, I would choose a playful kitten.

#466: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Wed Jul 20, 2005 6:27 pm

Definitely a kitten - and I'd have gone for a cat rather than an owl or anything else.

#467: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Wed Jul 20, 2005 7:10 pm

Great Jo, thank you. I do hope you catch up with sleep eventually Confused

#468: Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW

Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2005 2:46 am

Ooh, a cat-lover's delight! I imagine they are rather like wands...you will KNOW which one is yours!

#469: Author: Helen Miriam,

Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2005 12:35 pm

Finally caught up, so I'll stop lurking long enough to say Yey! and Grr! because now I have to wait for you to post more instead of whizzing through, pages at a time, dammit.

Drop me a mail some time...

#470: Author: Joey, Location: Cambridge

Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2005 12:36 pm

I was obviously tireder than I thought! My deputy made me go home at 4 yesterday. By 5 I was asleep, and slept straight through till 1 am! Had a drink and then slept again till 7. That's more than 13 hours' sleep! I feel much more human now.

Today's bit...

"What do you know about witches' cats, Miss Entwistle?" asked Madam Follett.

"Nothing at all," said Joanna candidly.

"Excellent," beamed Madam Follett. "That means you don't have any mistakes to unlearn."

"How are witches' cats different from ordinary pet cats?" asked Joanna. "And what about wizards' cats?"

"In the wizarding world, a cat is usually known as a witch's cat to distinguish it from a Muggle cat." said Madam Follett. "It doesn't matter whether it belongs to a witch or a wizard. Just as we call it the wizarding world, not the witch and wizarding world." That made sense, but Joanna couldn't help smiling to herself at the thought of a Muggle cat. She repeated her first question.

"So, what is special about a witch's cat?"

"There are three things to look out for," said Madam Follett. "First, a glossy coat and bright, intelligent eyes." Joanna glanced round the shop again.

"They all have that," she said. "I suppose they wouldn't be here if they didn't."

"Very good," said Madam Follett. "The second is something you can't find out for yourself, but must be told by the breeder - or in this case, by the shopkeeper. A good witch's cat will have some quality or ability that is unusual in a cat, such as observation, communication or memory."

"Those things aren't unusual, even in Muggle cats," said Joanna.

"Indeed not," said Madam Follett. "but there are cats who have the skills in greater measure than others. This is true even of Muggle cats." Joanna considered this, then nodded.

"And what's the third quality to look for?" she asked.

"Loyalty," said Madam Pounce.

#471: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2005 12:45 pm

I'm sure Joanna will find the perfect cat with Madame Pounce's help.

Thank you Joey. Glad you got lots of sleep adn are feeling more human today!

#472: Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester

Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2005 12:52 pm

Looking forward to seeing which she choose Smile

Thanks for the update!

#473: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2005 2:02 pm

Glad that you had a good long sleep. Thanks for that episode.

#474: Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!!

Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2005 2:03 pm

Thanks Joey, Im looking forward to the cat decisioning Very Happy

#475: Author: Róisín, Location: Dublin

Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2005 6:11 pm

This is great Joey, don't stop now!

#476: Author: claire, Location: South Wales

Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2005 7:55 pm

I've got a feeling it's going to be the cat choosing the witch, rather than the other way round

#477: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2005 8:06 pm

I'm glad you got a good long sleep. It was obvioulsy much needed!

Thanks Joey. I agree with Claire - even Muggle cats do the choosing!

#478: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2005 8:24 pm

Thanks Joey - and glad you caught up on your sleep - you obviously needed it!

#479: Author: Chair, Location: Kent, England

Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2005 9:11 pm

When I said to my cheeky boyfriend that my cat had a tiny brain because she does mad things, my boyfriend said my cat was like me!

I liked hearing about Muggle Cats. They sound really interesting.

#480: Author: Joyful, Location: Manchester

Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2005 9:41 pm

Just catching up...this is really good Joey!

Joey wrote:

Joanna, having been brought up by Len Entwistle, asked for a small vanilla cornet, whereupon Joey surprised them both by ordering a double chocolate scoop with chopped nuts.

#481: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2005 11:37 pm

*g*

I know all about Mary-Lou...oh yes indeed *smirks and gloats alternately*

so which "ability" did Crookshanks have? or was annoying Ron considered special enough?!

#482: Author: Joey, Location: Cambridge

Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2005 10:05 am

Chair, your cat must be a Muggle cat - unless there's something you're not telling us! So I can't be telling you anything about Muggle cats.

Crookshanks is observant. He noticed that Scabbers was not what he seemed.

As for Mary-Lou, you will find out about her when I'm good and ready. Which at the moment is about chapter 14, but that could change.

Next bit...

"A good witch's cats will always be loyal to her own witch," said Madam Follett.

"Loyalty isn't something that is often associated with cats," said Joanna.

"It is with witches' cats," said Madam Follett. "It is that, above all else, that makes them able to work with us. A witch's or wizard's animal is not just a pet, you know. They are working animals. Owls, cats, rats, even toads - though they are not very fashionable these days - all have their own unique qualities to bring to the magic of their chosen human companion."

"That's something you will understand, Joanna," interjected Grandmamma. "Pets have always been working animals in our family."

Grandmamma liked to believe that her boisterous, untrained St. Bernards were working dogs. Joanna and Mary-Lou looked at each other, and pulled "let's humour her" faces.

"Yes, of course, Grandmamma," said Joanna. She turned back to Madams Pounce and Follett. "Does that mean I must let my cat choose me?" The two witches beamed at her.

"What do you suppose will happen if no cat chooses you?" asked Madam Pounce. Joanna was surprised.

"That will mean it isn't time for me to have a cat, of course," she said.

"You'll do," said Madam Follett. "What's your name? Entwistle? I'll watch out for that name."

"What will you call your cat?" asked Madam Pounce. Joanna thought for a moment.

"Malkin," she said at last. "Malkin means a cat, doesn't it? And Madam Malkin is your sister, too." She bent down and picked up the pretty grey kitten that was winding round her ankles. "She's only young," said Joanna. "We can learn about witchcraft together."

"I didn't know you had any sisters!" cried Mary-Lou to Madam Pounce, looking shocked.

"Didn't you, dearie?" said Madam Pounce. "It's no secret." Grandmamma stepped forward, hands clasped, eyes shining.

"You're triplets!" she cried. "I've never met any triplets, except my own."

Last edited by Joey on Fri Jul 22, 2005 11:28 am; edited 1 time in total

#483: Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline

Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2005 11:03 am

What a lovely installment Joey. Laughing

- at Mary-Lou and Joanna having to humor Joey over her dogs being working animals.

Thankyou - there is so much here that is good that it is difficult to comment fully on it.

#484: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2005 11:41 am

Thanks Joey. Love that Madame Pounce is a triplet, and wondering what Mary-Lou's got up her sleeve for Lucius!

#485: Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester

Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2005 11:54 am

Hehe, something Mary-Lou didn't know! Laughing

Thanks Joey.

#486: Author: Chair, Location: Kent, England

Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2005 12:41 pm

You're telling me my cat is a Muggle cat? I always thought different. Laughing

I like the sound of Malkin and the fact that he and Joanna will learn together.

#487: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2005 12:41 pm

Love the fact that being a triplet makes her respectable in Joey's eyes!

#488: Author: Chair, Location: Kent, England

Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2005 12:45 pm

I forgot to add that I know two people who are triplets - what I mean is I don't know the third triplet. I also met them separately!

#489: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2005 1:07 pm

*g* at Joey

*points and laughs at all the poor CBBers wondering what Mary-Lou's involvement is*

gloat gloat gloat

#490: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2005 1:09 pm

I loved those two episodes, Joey, learning the qualities of a witch's cat. My husband thinks our cat is a witch's cat - me being the witch, of course Shocked

I like Joanna's attitude that they can learn together and am looking forward to some humorous episodes with said kitten. Eek, sorry! Embarassed

Putting words in your mouth.

#491: Author: claire, Location: South Wales

Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2005 8:03 pm

Crookshanks is half Kneazle - he's not a proper cat
(From the Harry Potter Bestiary)
This very intelligent cat-like creature can detect unsavory or suspicious persons very well and will react badly to them. However, if a kneazle takes a liking to a witch or wizard, it makes an excellent pet. The kneazle has spotted fur, large ears, and a lion-like tail

#492: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2005 8:10 pm

One of my cats is pure black with green eyes - does he count as a witch's cat?

Thanks Joey.

#493: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2005 8:37 pm

Lesley wrote:

One of my cats is pure black with green eyes - does he count as a witch's cat?

Thanks Joey.

I think, Lesley, dear, that rather depends on whether you are a witch Twisted Evil

Thank you Joey. I am wondering how Jo (CS) knew that Madam Pounce was one of triplets?

#494: Author: Mollio, Location: Ireland

Posted: Sun Jul 24, 2005 1:12 am

What on earth have they given Jo Maynard?!

#495: Author: Lyanne, Location: Ipswich, England

Posted: Sun Jul 24, 2005 11:39 am

Patmac wrote

Quote:

I am wondering how Jo (CS) knew that Madam Pounce was one of triplets?

I think it's because Joanna said

Quote:

And Madam Malkin is your sister, too.

thus implying that Madame Follet was Madam Pounce's sister. It gave Jo the nudge to push her super triplet detecting powers into action!

#496: Author: Joey, Location: Cambridge

Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2005 1:05 pm

Well, we moved offices ok, but my computer decided to lose its network connection, to the extent that the server denies it has ever existed. My tech support person, S, says this is impossible, but the computer isn't listening. So today my computer is being taken to pieces and resurrected (with many *colourful* comments from S), and I'm using a spare. And all the drabble I had ready to post is in limbo until I get my computer back, which is annoying as I wanted to post two pieces today. Bah humbug.

#497: Author: Chair, Location: Kent, England

Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2005 1:07 pm

I'm sorry you're having these problems, Joey. I hope it will be sorted out soon.

#498: Author: Joey, Location: Cambridge

Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2005 4:59 pm

Hurrah, I have my computer back and can post! Thanks for your patience, everyone. Here are two bits in one to make up for it!

Incidentally, let me make this clear once and for all: if you are a Muggle, your cat is a Muggle cat. (Or are Muggle cats, if you have more than one.) If your cat is a witch's cat, you are a witch, and therefore must have gone to Hogwarts. (Mary-Lou is unique, as if you didn't know!) If you went to Hogwarts, please identify yourself so that I can pick your brains!

"My Mamma has triplet sisters,” said Joanna. “That’s how I knew.”

"I'm afraid I'm not very observant," said Mary-Lou ruefully. "I grew up with Helen, Connie and Margot. I should have noticed."

"Not necessarily," said Madam Pounce. "Observation isn't your greatest gift, and Miss Entwistle clearly notices things." Mary-Lou shrugged.

"I can't argue with that!" she conceded.

Joanna and Malkin had been making friends. Slowly, they became aware that they were being watched by four beaming, benevolent adults. Malkin didn't like it, and tried to hide in Joanna's armpit. Joanna giggled.

"It's all right, Malkin," she said. "They're only nosy grown-ups." She and Malkin went into a corner of the shop while the grown-ups discussed boring necessities like travelling and sleeping baskets.

After a while, Joanna became aware of a huge pair of eyes looking at her through the shop window. They belonged to the most extraordinary face she had ever seen, but Joanna didn't have time to do more than register that fact before the face's owner hit itself hard on the head and backed away from the window as fast as it could, banging itself on the head and with tears pouring down its face.

Joanna turned to look for Mary-Lou, with a question on her lips, but Mary-Lou didn't give her a chance to ask it.

"Time to go back to the hotel," she said. "Madam Follett can send Malkin ahead of us."

"Well, she needn't then," said Joanna, more fiercely than she meant to. "We don't want her to."

Grandmamma frowned, but Madam Pounce beamed.

"Excellent," she said. "All the best witches and wizards have strong bonds with their animals." Madam Follett nodded smilingly behind her.

"The residents and I will be listening out for your name," she said. At the word "residents", the three cats Madam Follett was wearing all opened one eye, yawned - at slightly different times, of course; you would never catch cats doing anything in unison - and closed their eyes again.

Last edited by Joey on Mon Jul 25, 2005 6:26 pm; edited 2 times in total

#499: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2005 5:25 pm

yay!

*sends lovely presents to the technical support people*

i do so love your portraits of witches cats

#500: Author: Chair, Location: Kent, England

Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2005 5:32 pm

I like the way Joanna and Malkin have taken to each other. I'm glad for you that your computer is up and running again, Joey.

#501: Author: Róisín, Location: Dublin

Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2005 6:14 pm

Ooh, Joanna and Malkin sound like they're bonded in the same way the people and animals were in the His Dark Materials trilogy... can't think of the word now...

Anyhoo, thanks a lot, more please!

#502: Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!!

Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2005 6:16 pm

Huzzah for solved pootle problems. Glad to see Malkin (an excellent name for a witches cat) and Joanna getting along magnificently. Thanks Joey

#503: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2005 6:23 pm

daemon do you mean Roísín?

#504: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2005 8:01 pm

Thanks Joey - love Joanne's response to her cat. Laughing

#505: Author: Róisín, Location: Dublin

Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2005 8:02 pm

francesn wrote:

daemon do you mean Roísín?

That's it. Cheers Frances.

#506: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2005 8:39 pm

Thanks, this was great. It's so easy for a master/servant relationship to develop with a cat. I know that Felicity thinks that she's the boss and I'm Staff.

#507: Author: Liane, Location: Manchester England

Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2005 9:53 pm

Thanks for the update. Love the fact that OOAO is not seen as being observent!

#508: Author: BethC, Location: Worcester, UK

Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2005 10:05 pm

Thanks, this is really good - I particularly liked the touch of yawning at slightly different times.

#509: Author: Joey, Location: Cambridge

Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2005 11:04 am

I'm glad you haven't all got bored of this story and run away screaming yet!

Next bit.

When they emerged from the Leaky Cauldron back into Muggle London, blinking in the sunlight which for some reason seemed brighter here, the first thing Grandmamma did was hail a cab.

"O come on, Joey, the hotel isn't that far," protested Mary-Lou.

"No, but my granddaughter has had a difficult day, and she has a long journey tomorrow," said Joey. "Besides, a London black cab is an experience everyone should have at least once."

The cabby who arrived at this point was very solicitous about Malkin, who didn't really like her travelling basket, and strapped her in with her own seatbelt between Joanna and Mary-Lou. Joanna leaned against the window and watched Muggle London go past, as first listening to Grandmamma and Mary-Lou arguing about driving in Switzerland, and then watching the cab driver with more and more interest. At last, after a particularly unlikely piece of manoeuvring, she leaned forwards and slid back the glass panel behind the driver.

"I'm so sorry to bother you," she said apologetically," but are you a wizard?"

#510: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2005 12:58 pm

Glad that you've finally managed the move, Joey, and also retrieved your computer and drabble.

A lovely little episode, especially Malkin and Joanna creeping off tp have a little time out.

One in the eye for Mary-Lou, being told she is not very observant. Laughing

And who is the man with the tears in his eyes? The green man again?

Thanks, Joey.

#511: Author: Chair, Location: Kent, England

Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2005 1:00 pm

I wonder how Joanna could tell the man might be a wizard. Also, are they returning to Switzerland now or are they staying on in London?

#512: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2005 1:30 pm

Lovely Joey! I'm glad your computer is behaving again. I had a little chortle at your 'S' saying it was impossible. Our's says that too!

Joanne is really coming along nicely isn't she. I like the way Jo (CS) is behaving. I can't decide whether she has had a spell cast on her or whether there is just a teensy bit of wizard genes in there? Whichever, long may it last!

#513: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2005 2:52 pm

awww Joanna is so sweet!

but *horrid thought* what if the cabby isn't a wizard?!

#514: Author: Sarah, Location: Ormskirk, Lancashire

Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2005 3:03 pm

This is fantastic Joey! Very Happy

I've just read it ALL and I'm loving it! Razz

#515: Author: Joey, Location: Cambridge

Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2005 4:46 pm

Sometimes you all seem like a very un-observant lot of drabble readers to me! Only Mary appears to have noticed the person with tears pouring down its face in the last installment but one. I suggest you all go back and re-read, and think about who might have large eyes, a very odd appearance, and a penchant for hitting itself over the head.

However, despite your lack of observation skills, I am so nice that here is another bit for your delectation and delight.

There was a shocked silence from Mary-Lou and Grandmamma, but the cabby beamed at Joanna in the rear view mirror. "Course I am," he said. "All black cabbies in London is. Not many people knows that. You've got eyes in your head, ain't you, kiddo?"

Mary-Lou perked up at this piece of information.

"Then is The Knowledge some kind of magical initiation?" she asked. The cabby looked at her, and Joanna noticed that his eyes darkened for a split second. But when he spoke, it was as heartily as ever.

"You're the Trelawney woman, ain't you?" he said. "I bet you'd like to know that." He tapped the side of his nose. Mary-Lou frowned slightly, but then smiled.

"I shall do my best to find out," she said.

"You do that," said the cabby.

#516: Author: Chair, Location: Kent, England

Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2005 4:50 pm

I have to admit I'm not the world's most observant person.

#517: Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!!

Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2005 4:51 pm

Ermm I just assummed it was a House elf, very possibly Dobby and then thought no more of it.... (now I think Ive made it up Embarassed

) I love Joanna's perception though, it leaves mine lagging far far behind! Wink

#518: Author: Joyful, Location: Manchester

Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2005 4:53 pm

Did notice first time round! ...but so many mysterious things I don't know in this drabble, that I've become content to sit back and presume all will be revealed in the fullness of time!
(maybe that means I have no brain power left to work things out...!)
Tis very enjoyable though Very Happy

thanks Joey

#519: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2005 6:50 pm

I too assumed it was a House Elf - presumably one of the Malfoys minions.

One in the eye for M-L there!

Quote:

the Trelawney woman

#520: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2005 7:14 pm

I assumed a house elf too! I was too interested in Joanne and Jo (CS) to think any further.

I was NOT surprised to learn that all Black Cab drivers are Wizards! It's something in the way the cab absolutely must get narrower to squeeze through the gaps between buses and lorries!

btw. I'm dying to know Mary Lou's story. Everyone seems to have heard of her!

#521: Author: Lyanne, Location: Ipswich, England

Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2005 8:59 pm

Why was Jo so insisent that Joanna should ride in a Black Cab? Just Jo being Jo, got to show everyone the right way to do it? Or...?

#522: Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria

Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2005 10:15 pm

patmac wrote:

I was NOT surprised to learn that all Black Cab drivers are Wizards! It's something in the way the cab absolutely must get narrower to squeeze through the gaps between buses and lorries!

!

Like the Knight bus!
I loved that in the film.

#523: Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester

Posted: Wed Jul 27, 2005 12:35 pm

What a fantastic idea about London cabbies!! Smile

Thanks for the update!

#524: Author: Joey, Location: Cambridge

Posted: Wed Jul 27, 2005 1:28 pm

In that case I beg your pardons, one and all. But after none of you noticed that Connie was wearing lime green and cream, I hope you understand my temporary lack of faith! Very Happy

Next bit...

"’Ere we are,” said the cabby as they drew up outside the hotel. “You need picking up tomorrow? Hogwarts Express at nine o' clock?"

"That would be very kind," said Grandmamma.

"No problem," he said. He looked at Malkin, and bent over and whispered to her. Then he straightened up. "What's your room number?" he asked Joanna. She told him, and he pulled his wand out and tapped Malkin's basket once. By this time, Joanna wasn't surprised to see it vanish. "That'll stop 'em asking awkward questions," beamed the cabby.

"Thank you," said Joanna and Grandmamma heartily, and Mary-Lou was less than a second behind them.

When they went to collect their room keys, the receptionist said brightly,

"Lady Maynard? There's a visitor for you." Joey blushed furiously - she was so unaccustomed to her new title that she still frequently forgot about it - and tried to cover up by saying freezingly,

"Don't be silly. We are not expecting anyone."

"I am, though," said Mary-Lou delightedly. She grabbed Joey and Joanna by an arm each and steered them towards the visitors' lounge. She shut the door behind them, and the solitary occupant glanced up and then threw herself at Joey with a shout of,

"Mamma!"

#525: Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester

Posted: Wed Jul 27, 2005 2:14 pm

Arg, a cliff! I wonder which of Joey's daughters it is?

#526: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Wed Jul 27, 2005 2:50 pm

Thank you Joey!

I think the reason we miss bits is that there is so much detail packed in - that is NOT a complaint. All the best books need reading at least twice or you miss things.

I'm glad Jack got his knighthood.

Which daughter? I'm not going to guess. I always get it wrong.

#527: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Wed Jul 27, 2005 3:12 pm

Thank you for the gold star and the Smartie, Joey! Laughing

And thank you for the mysterious end to this episode! Shocked

Like patmac I shall make no guess whatsoever!

#528: Author: Chair, Location: Kent, England

Posted: Wed Jul 27, 2005 6:11 pm

If I guessed Len, I would have a 1 in 7 chance of getting it right wouldn't I? These are all the daughters I counted: Len, Con, Margot, Felicity, Phil, Claire, Erica.

#529: Author: Helen P, Location: Cheshire

Posted: Wed Jul 27, 2005 6:21 pm

Joey, I just read this from the start and it is great!

Will be keeping up with it from now on.

I'm going to make a guess, just for fun:

Cecil? Question

#530: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Wed Jul 27, 2005 6:31 pm

Thanks for that Joey - that makes my brother a wizard then as he's done the Knowledge - though he's not driven a cab for years now.

Another who did notice Dobby/house elf. Laughing

#531: Author: Róisín, Location: Dublin

Posted: Wed Jul 27, 2005 8:14 pm

Joey this is great, keep it coming. We want bigger chunks! More times a day! *starts marching up and down the thread, waving placard*

#532: Author: Joey, Location: Cambridge

Posted: Thu Jul 28, 2005 10:03 am

I don't know, call yourselves Chalet School fans? Joey Maynard has ten daughters: Helen, Connie, Margot, Ruey, Adrienne, Erica, Felicity, Cecily, Pip and Claire. And it's hardly likely to be Helen when she's having problems with her pregnancy and is on bed rest in the San!

I love it when you try & guess things, it's so funny! Very Happy

There are two bits for you today, and then I am away till August 10th. And I am unlikely to have time to update on the 10th, because there'll be a lot to catch up with at work.

"Claire!" cried Joey. To Joanna's embarrassment, she began to weep. "O, Claire!" she said, smiling through her tears (further evidence, to Joanna, of the peculiarity of grown-ups in general and Grandmamma in particular). "My babiest baby! I miss you so much."

"I don't believe you," said Claire. "I've only been gone three weeks, and you've had the excitement of getting Joanna ready for her new school - how does it feel to be an ambassador, Jojo? - and Jackie, Charlie and Grace ready to go back to school. And aren't Jemmy and Dickon starting at St. Nick's this week?" Joanna nodded, since Grandmamma seemed incapable. "Well then, with Helen in hospital and Reg at her side day and night - I know him! - you haven't had time to miss me."

"You'd be surprised," said Joey, who seemed determined to feel sorry for herself. "I may have been busy, but you're my babiest baby, and you've left home for the first time!"

"I may have done, but Pip hasn't," said Claire. "And I'll be back at Christmas. And Flix, Cecily and Geoffy still regard Freudesheim as home, if anywhere is."

Joey laughed despite herself, and blinked.

"You're not going to let me be sentimental, are you?"

"No fear," said Claire. "Joey Maynard being sentimental? What a horrible thought. Pull yourself together, Mamma."

"Would you have said that to a homesick junior at the Chalet School?" challenged Joey.

"No, but you've never been a homesick junior at the Chalet School, or even close. Now shut up, I want to talk to Joanna."

Grandmamma shut up and subsided into a chair - Claire had always been the best of any of them at managing her mother, thought Joanna - and Claire turned to her niece.

"Sorry about that, Jojo," she said. "How does it feel to be an ambassador?"

Joanna took a deep breath.

"Scary," she said.

#533: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Thu Jul 28, 2005 10:15 am

Jo defeated!

ETA: does a happy war-dance!

#534: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Thu Jul 28, 2005 10:55 am

Lovely to see Claire as an adult - and for her handling of Joey Maynard!

Thanks Joey.

#535: Author: Elle,

Posted: Thu Jul 28, 2005 5:24 pm

Róisín wrote:

*starts marching up and down the thread, waving placard*

*makes own placard and joins in*

#536: Author: Chair, Location: Kent, England

Posted: Thu Jul 28, 2005 5:29 pm

I'm really sorry I forgot Cecily. I had also forgotten that Helen was having total bed rest. I wasn't sure if Adrienne and Ruey were counted as daughters. I wasn't sure if Adrienne was still attached to the family and if Ruey's father was still alive.

#537: Author: Joey, Location: Cambridge

Posted: Thu Jul 28, 2005 5:36 pm

Last bit for now.

Have a super Gather, those who are going, and a super non-Gather, those who aren't!

I'll be back on 10th August, but, as I've already mentioned, may not be able to update the day I get back because my desk will be knee high in paperwork.

To Joanna's surprise, once she had started, she didn't seem able to stop.

"Professor McGonegall said I'm lucky because I've been at boarding school since I was six, but that was the Chalet School. We don't get any favours for being related to Aunty Madge and Mamma, but everyone knows who we are. And it's boarding school, but it's not far from home. Jackie and Charlie and all the rest of the boys come to the UK when they're eight, but again that's to Polgarth, where all the uncles and cousins have been, so everyone knows them. Aunty Flixy came to the Royal Ballet School when she was eleven, but she had Lucy Peters with her, and Uncle Geoffy went too, but Flixy was already there. No-one from our family has ever been a witch or a wizard before, and none of us has been to school in Scotland before, and the only person there I've ever seen before is Professor McGonegall, and she's the deputy head, and lots of people seem to know Mary-Lou but they're all scared of her, and, and, and," she took an even deeper breath, "and I'm so excited and it's brilliant and I can't wait, but I am scared." She looked up to find three pairs of eyes looking at her with concern.

"I'm sorry, Joanna," said Mary-Lou at last. "I've been so excited for you that I forgot how new it all is."

"Does your school have visiting days, Jojo?" asked Claire.

"I don't know, said Joanna in a small voice.

"Yes, once a term," said Mary-Lou.

"Are Muggle relatives allowed to visit?"

"Yes," said Mary-Lou. Joanna looked at Aunty Claire, not sure what she meant.

"Excellent, you can take me to the first one, Mary-Lou," said Claire. "I'd love to see Scotland."

"Of course, but Joanna may not want me to come," said Mary-Lou.

Joanna felt much better at the thought of seeing familiar faces before Christmas, so she said, with a beaming smile,

“Of course you have to come and see me, Mary-Lou. I want to know why everyone would run away from you if they weren't too polite."

#538: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Thu Jul 28, 2005 5:46 pm

Great posts, Joey! I love the way Claire handled Jo.

I can imagine Joanne just rushing all that out in one breath as well.

I do like your Claire.

Have a great holiday and I suppose we must possess out collective souls in patience till you come back to find out what mystery surrounds Mary Lou. She obviously know quite a bit about Hogwarts even though she was at CS through her childhood.

#539: Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!!

Posted: Thu Jul 28, 2005 6:30 pm

*g* at excited Joanna and Claire is lovely! Thanks Joey Very Happy

#540: Author: Helen P, Location: Cheshire

Posted: Thu Jul 28, 2005 6:33 pm

Thankyou very much Joey! Very Happy

Have a lovely holiday - we'll all be here waiting when you get back!

#541: Author: Chair, Location: Kent, England

Posted: Thu Jul 28, 2005 7:35 pm

It would be lovely to find out what Mary-Lou's secret is. That's the bit I'm most looking forward to out of all the sections on the board.

#542: Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria

Posted: Thu Jul 28, 2005 8:45 pm

Thanks Joey, hvae a great holiday

#543: Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW

Posted: Fri Jul 29, 2005 2:17 am

"I want to know why everyone would run away from you if they weren't too polite". Curiously enough I can understand that... Very Happy

Sorry if this isn't quite accurate - I haven't mastered quotes yet!

#544: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Fri Jul 29, 2005 12:32 pm

We want the secret, we want the secret.

#545: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Sun Aug 07, 2005 6:28 pm

I know the secret, I know secret

mwahahahahahaha

Thank Jo - good to see Claire making an appearance!

#546: Author: Tiphany,

Posted: Thu Aug 11, 2005 9:02 pm

*draws deep breath* I've only just found this (I must be as blind as a bat! but still...) and I've just read it all the way through, and I love it. It's FANTABULOUS! I want to find out more about Luscious Malfoy, and what Mary-Lou's secret is, and whether Joanna meets James and Sirius, and what's going on in Joey's head...

#547: Author: Joey, Location: Cambridge

Posted: Wed Aug 17, 2005 11:45 am

Thanks for your patience, everyone. Can hardly believe I've been back a week already!

I should warn you that I have changed some characters' ages so that they fit in with my drabble. Claire is a few years younger than she should be, and the family who are introduced in this chapter are a few years older. I make no apologies for this - EBD and JKR both get their characters' ages wrong sometimes, and change them deliberately when it suits their purposes - Maeve suddenly becoming younger than Josette is just the first example that comes into my head. I reckon, if it's good enough for them, it's good enough for me too! Smile

On with the story...

Chapter 8 - The Hogwarts Express

Half past eight the following morning saw their tame cab driver unloading Joanna's trunk and Malkin's basket onto a luggage trolley.

"There you go," he said. "You coming home for Christmas? You are? Excellent, I'll see you then. And I'll listen out for the name Entwistle in the meantime!" And with that, he slapped her on the back - harder than he meant to: Joanna almost stumbled - and vanished into the crowd.

"I've never been to King's Cross on Hogwarts Express day," said Mary-Lou distractedly. "Stay close to me, both of you. I don't want to lose us."

The area around platforms nine and ten was full of an unlikely assortment of obvious witches and wizards, confused-looking Muggles and a vast number of assorted children and young people, all apparently shouting at the tops of their voices. Mary-Lou looked round at them all, then took the trolley handles from Joanna and steered a path to the barrier between the platforms. Joanna used her eyes, as usual, and saw someone leaning apparently casually against the barrier. The next moment, he had vanished.

"How does it work, Mary-Lou?" she asked. "It can't be a very complicated spell, or Muggle-born children who don't have witches to show them the way wouldn't know what to do."

"What?" said Mary-Lou distractedly. "O, sorry, Jojo. The magic's in the barrier; all you have to do is push through it."

"Then what happens when Muggles lean against it?" asked Joanna anxiously. "They're bound to do so sometimes, you know."

"Yes, I suppose so," said Mary-Lou. "Do you know, I never thought of that. Were you always top of your form at the Chalet?" she asked, apparently irrelevantly. Joanna looked shocked.

"Mamma would have had something to say if I hadn't been!" she exclaimed. "Charlie and Grace are always top too, but Jackie isn't."

"And does Mamma say things to him?"

"No, because Jackie is more practical," said Joanna. "He likes woodwork and knitting. Last term, he was fifth in his form, and Mamma said he'd done really well."

Mary-Lou was saved from having to respond to this by the fact that they had reached the barrier. She nodded for Joanna to go first.

Joanna glanced back at Grandmamma, hovering anxiously at Mary-Lou's shoulder, took a deep breath and then pushed through the barrier between platforms nine and ten, onto platform nine and three-quarters and into the wizarding world.

Last edited by Joey on Fri Aug 19, 2005 3:22 pm; edited 1 time in total

#548: Author: Laura, Location: London (ish)

Posted: Wed Aug 17, 2005 11:58 am

Ooh, I love finding updates first! Thanks Joey, hope you had a good holiday!

#549: Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline

Posted: Wed Aug 17, 2005 11:59 am

Lovely to see Joanna thinking things out for herself - and the taxi driver's respect for her. Also very interested to see that if Len know's her children are not so academically minded she lets them off with form places, but if they are more able with lessons they need to get first place in form!

#550: Author: Katie, Location: A Yorkshire lass in London

Posted: Wed Aug 17, 2005 12:17 pm

She's a sharp one, that Joanna. I have wondered about the whole barrier thing myself, but decided it was just one of those times when you had to suspend your disbelief a little bit more than usual and just glossed over it!

Thanks Joey, glad to see this back after your break. Smile

#551: Author: Chair, Location: Kent, England

Posted: Wed Aug 17, 2005 1:27 pm

Thanks for this, Joey. It's great to have this back. I'm looking forward to seeing how Joanna gets on at school.

#552: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Wed Aug 17, 2005 1:38 pm

Nice to see you back Joey and the update, too, of course.

I'd always just supposed the barrier knew who should go through and who shouldn't Confused

Now they're on their way, I'm looking forward to seeing Joanne mixing in with the other pupils.

#553: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Wed Aug 17, 2005 1:51 pm

Thank you Joey! Looking forward to see how Joanna gets on with the other pupils!

#554: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Wed Aug 17, 2005 6:18 pm

Very clever Joanna - Thanks Joey.

#555: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Wed Aug 17, 2005 9:51 pm

Excellent!
Thank you Joey!!!

#556: Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW

Posted: Thu Aug 18, 2005 5:58 am

Hope you had a lovely holiday. Lovely to find an update!

I always wondered how the barrier thing worked.

#557: Author: Joey, Location: Cambridge

Posted: Thu Aug 18, 2005 10:26 am

Thanks to everyone who asked - I had a fantastic holiday. More detail in COT if you really want to know!

Next bit...

Joanna blinked as she looked round. There was a bright green steam engine, with - she counted quickly - twenty carriages behind it, hissing at the edge of the platform. There was nearly as much confusion here as there had been on the other side of the barrier, except that the majority of the people here were clearly wizards, or schoolchildren, or both.

Joanna's eyes were drawn to a family, all of whom had hair as red as her own. There was a boy of Joanna's age, one a little older, and a toddler who was tugging at his mother's skirt. She was bending over a double pushchair and appeared to be scolding the occupants hard. Joanna involuntarily edged a little closer.

" ...behave yourselves for five minutes!" finished their mother, shaking her finger at the twins.

"Mu-um!" whined the toddler urgently.

"Yes, all right, Percy, I'm coming," said his mother distractedly. "Bill and Charlie, wait here for Dad - we'll only be a few minutes - and keep an eye on Freddie and Georgie." She was obviously reluctant to leave the twins - Joanna, who was very much accustomed to babies, reckoned they were about seventeen months old - but Percy was now pulling so hard she had no choice other than to follow.

Two small pairs of brown eyes followed her carefully, unaware that a single of pair of green eyes was watching them just as closely - Joanna was used to Terrible Twins, as well as to babies in general.

So when there was a loud crack! and Charlie and Bill Weasley looked round, horrified, to see that their baby brothers had Vanished the safety straps on their pushchair and were rapidly crawling in opposite directions down the platform, - crawling as rapidly, that is, as only young wizards with little respect for authority can - they were surprised and gratified when a small red-headed witch ran past them, shouting at the top of her voice,

"Go after Freddie! I'll head off Georgie!"

#558: Author: Joyful, Location: Manchester

Posted: Thu Aug 18, 2005 10:31 am

aww...little Fred and George! So sweet! and so Fred and George-like!
Good for Joanna though, and at this rate everyone will know her before she even gets to Hogwarts!

#559: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Thu Aug 18, 2005 10:33 am

Wonderful I was hoping for the Weasleys, it wouldn't be Hogwarts without them.

#560: Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!!

Posted: Thu Aug 18, 2005 10:33 am

Thanks Joey

Seems Joanna has no problem in correctly identifying the twins Very Happy

#561: Author: Helen C, Location: Sheffield/Luton

Posted: Thu Aug 18, 2005 10:34 am

Thanks Joey. Oh excellent the Weasleys.

#562: Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline

Posted: Thu Aug 18, 2005 10:40 am

Brilliant, thanks Joey, just what we needed - to see young versions of the Weasly's! *Very interested in seeing what happens next*

#563: Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester

Posted: Thu Aug 18, 2005 11:16 am

Ooooh, Weasleys!

Glad you had a good holiday!

#564: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Thu Aug 18, 2005 1:58 pm

Little Weasleys! Razz

I'd not thought of the red haired similarity - at least she's not fazed by small children.

Thanks Joey.

#565: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Thu Aug 18, 2005 5:32 pm

Lovely!!!
Thank you Joey!!

#566: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Thu Aug 18, 2005 7:57 pm

Thanks Joey!

#567: Author: Chair, Location: Kent, England

Posted: Thu Aug 18, 2005 7:59 pm

I wonder if she'll be the same age as any of the Weasleys? It's great to see them included in the story.

#568: Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline

Posted: Thu Aug 18, 2005 8:39 pm

She is Chair - the first thing Joanna notices is that there is a boy of her age, one a little older, a toddler and the twins in the pushchair.

#569: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Thu Aug 18, 2005 10:55 pm

oooooh fabbity-fab!

You know I can just see Fred and George doing that as toddlers

#570: Author: Joey, Location: Cambridge

Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 9:40 am

Writing about the Weasleys is fun! Gald you're all enjoying reading about them.

Today's bit...

Ten minutes later, the Terrible Twins were restored to their pushchair, wriggling furiously but tightly strapped in once more. Each, in addition, was firmly grasped by an older brother.

"Thanks," said the bigger boy, looking somewhat embarrassed. "I'm Bill Weasley. This is Charlie."

"How did you know what our twins are called?" asked Charlie, hopping on one foot (without letting go of Freddie's shoulder, of course). "And how do you know which is which?"

"Yes, we've had them for nearly a year and a half, and only Mum can tell them apart," said Bill with a touch of indignation.

"I'm Joanna Entwistle," said Joanna. "I'm Muggle-born so I don't know anyone here, but I know all about Terrible Twins. You have to watch them all the time, or you'll never keep ahead; and when you have lots of twins, you soon get used to telling them apart!"

"Do you have Terrible Twins in your family, too?" asked Charlie.

"Yes, and yours look nearly as naughty as Jemmy and Dickon," said Joanna with feeling. "And of course they're wizards too, which makes it even worse."

"Tell us how to tell them apart, then," said Bill.

"O, that's easy," said Joanna. "Freddie's left ear is a tiny bit lower than the right, you see? And Georgie's nose is a shade bigger, and he has a useful extra patch of freckles high on his right cheek, see?" Their brothers stared at Freddie and Georgie in silence for some minutes, and the twins glared back.

Last edited by Joey on Fri Aug 19, 2005 3:29 pm; edited 2 times in total

#571: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 9:52 am

Wonderful Joey, thank you. Loving the Weasley's!

#572: Author: Katie, Location: A Yorkshire lass in London

Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 10:22 am

Ooh, I don't think Freddie and Georgie will be too happy now they can be told apart! I'm assuming (hoping?) Joanna will be in Gryffindor so we can see more of Bill and Charlie? Thanks Joey. Very Happy

#573: Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline

Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 11:12 am

That would be good, especially as they have some kind of friendship already. Lol, the twins are just fab. Thanks Joey

#574: Author: Chair, Location: Kent, England

Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 11:16 am

I'm glad Joanna has found an excuse to get to know the Weasley older boys. I like the way she can define the Weasley twins!

#575: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 11:55 am

I've just caught up on all your recent posts, Joey, and have been having a good giggle.

Lovely to see the Weasleys as little mischief makers.

Thank you.

#576: Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester

Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 5:59 pm

Well she may have made friends with Bill and Charlie but I suspect she's made mortal enemies of the toddler twins *grins*

#577: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 6:30 pm

Love it - it'll be nice that Joanna can get to know the older Weasleys - not Percy though - he's a pillock! Laughing

#578: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 7:55 pm

Fantastic identification of the twins by Joanna there! I'm sure the twins won't thank her for that. Despite that Mrs Weasley never seems to manage to tell them apart!

Thanks Joey, I'm loving this

#579: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 8:46 pm

Loving it Joey!
More soon please hunny!

#580: Author: Lyanne, Location: Ipswich, England

Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 9:56 pm

Frances wrote

Quote:

Fantastic identification of the twins by Joanna there! I'm sure the twins won't thank her for that. Despite that Mrs Weasley never seems to manage to tell them apart!

But then Mrs Weasley is... distractable?

#581: Author: Liane, Location: Manchester England

Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2005 8:24 am

Fantastic couple of updates and to go back a post, I love the colour of the train!

#582: Author: Mollio, Location: Ireland

Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2005 1:12 am

Delighted you're back after a good holiday, Joey. I missed this! Very Happy

#583: Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester

Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2005 9:54 am

Love Joanna explaining how she knows, lol! She really is used to many sets of siblings, being related to Joey Smile

#584: Author: Joey, Location: Cambridge

Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2005 10:16 am

I'm all excited cos I'm going to look at a flat this evening, and a house on Wednesday.

Today's bit...

"Well, I can see it now," said Bill at last. "But I wouldn't have known if you hadn't pointed it out, and that doesn't help with telling them apart at a distance."

"But that's easy too," said Joanna. "Freddie's right-handed and Georgie's left-handed, which makes a small difference to the way they move. And Georgie's going to be a bit taller."

"So how do you tell which is which, at a distance, when you can only see one of them?" said Bill slowly.

"That's the hardest of all," admitted Joanna. "The right- and left-handedness helps - Dad says that's one of the best design features of twins – often, one is right-handed and the other is left-handed; he says it makes life marginally less impossible for families that can't get away from twins - but really, you just need to get to know them. That's the only way any of us at home manage with ours."

"How old are your twins?" asked Charlie, who was still regarding Joanna with awe.

"They're six," said Joanna. "But we have two-year-old quads, too, and they are two sets of identical twins. Phoebe and Laina are identical, and so are Rafe and Robbie."

Bill looked at her compassionately.

"I thought I was badly off with four little brothers," he said. "But you've got six younger than you! And you're only eleven."

"No, I've got nine younger brothers and sisters," said Joanna with some satisfaction. "Though my twin's only half an hour younger."

"Are you a Terrible Twin, too?" asked Charlie.

"Where's your sister?" asked Bill, looking round the platform.

"No-o," said Joanna reluctantly. "Jackie's a boy, and he hasn't got red hair, and he's a Muggle. We’re just twins, not Terrible ones."

#585: Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline

Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2005 10:41 am

Awwww - that must have been a hard admission to make. I hoep the boys can react alright to it and help Joanna feel better about it. Love the continuing discussion about how to tell the twins apart though. Thanks Joey, and hope the flat and house seeing go well

#586: Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester

Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2005 11:57 am

Awwww

#587: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2005 12:49 pm

Thanks, Joey.

#588: Author: Chair, Location: Kent, England

Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2005 12:53 pm

I liked the way Joanna explained all her knowledge about twins. I also liked Bill and Charlie's reactions to Joanna being the oldest of 10!

#589: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2005 4:50 pm

Thanks, Joey, and good luck with the house-hunting. Wink

#590: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2005 7:23 pm

Len managed to beat her mother all over didn't she? Laughing

Thanks Joey.

#591: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2005 7:46 pm

Thanks, Joey. Razz

#592: Author: Joey, Location: Cambridge

Posted: Tue Aug 23, 2005 10:35 am

The flat wasn't brilliant and had gone by this morning anyway - so here's hoping the house'll be better!

Today's bit...

Bill and Charlie looked serious.

"I've never heard of that happening before," said Bill. "Not with twins."

Joanna was saved from having to answer by the arrival of a tall, thin red-haired man who could only be Mr. Weasley. Joanna was surprised to see that he was closely followed by Mary-Lou and Grandmamma.

"There you are, boys!" said Mr. Weasley heartily. "This is Madam Trelawney. Very unusual case - told you about her the other week -"

"Arthur!" said a voice from just behind him, and Mr. Weasley stopped in obvious confusion. Mrs. Weasley had just returned, with three-year-old Percy in tow. She glared at Mr. Weasley, then turned to Mary-Lou.

"Hello, Madam Trelawney," she said graciously. "We have met. Arthur told me you were bringing a young relative to Hogwarts."

Joanna looked at Mary-Lou curiously.

"Yes, this is Joanna," said Mary-Lou. "She's a kind of adopted cousin. She doesn't know anything at all about the wizarding world - the first she knew was when the owl post arrived."

"Well, you won't be the only one," said Mrs. Weasley encouragingly to Joanna. "And you're lucky - you had Madam Trelawney to show you round Diagon Alley. Most people have to make do with a guide from the Leaky Cauldron."

#593: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Tue Aug 23, 2005 11:05 am

And she now knows Bill and Charlie so has friends already! Thank you Joey. Am very intrigued about ML's story though...

#594: Author: Tiphany,

Posted: Tue Aug 23, 2005 12:41 pm

Yay for the Weasleys! Joanna should marry Bill when they grow up... I never liked that Fleur hussy.

This is fantastic, Joey, thankyou!

#595: Author: Chair, Location: Kent, England

Posted: Tue Aug 23, 2005 12:44 pm

I'm very intrigued to find out what Mary-Lou's case is. It's lovely to see the Weasleys as young kids. I wonder if Mrs Weasley was pregnant with Ron at the time?

#596: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Tue Aug 23, 2005 8:15 pm

Thanks Joey - and good luck with the house.

#597: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Tue Aug 23, 2005 9:24 pm

Sorry the flat was no good and I hope the house is better. If not, it wasn;t rigtht for you anyway and the right place is just waiting for you.

I'm as intrigued as everyone else to find out ML's story.

I know all about 'patience is a virtue' but I still want to KNOW!

#598: Author: Joey, Location: Cambridge

Posted: Wed Aug 24, 2005 12:31 pm

Has everyone seen Nineveh's drabble, Joey is Turned into a Toad? It's set in the garden at Freudesheim when Joanna and Jackie are three years old, and it's very funny. Go and read it if you haven't.

Today's installment...

"Chin up, Joanna," said Grandmamma heartily. "Chalet School girls always meet new adventures bravely."

"Are you from the Chalet School?" said Mr. Weasley eagerly, looking at Joanna with even more interest.

"Of course she is, Arthur, don't be silly -" began Mrs. Weasley. At that moment, the train let out a piercing whistle. Mrs. Weasley grabbed her two eldest sons and began to issue last-minute instructions in a rapid staccato. Mary-Lou and Grandmamma both put their arms round Joanna and drew her to one side.

"Try not to worry, Jojo," said Grandmamma. Joanna was surprised and pleased - Grandmamma rarely abbreviated her name. "There will be news from Mamma soon, and I'll send you an Owl as soon as there's anything to tell you." (Joey Maynard had, of course, stayed awake nearly all night reading the books Madam Blott had supplied for the education of ignorant Muggle relatives, so she knew all about communication in the wizarding world.)

"Thank you, Grandmamma," said Joanna in a small voice. "I know Dad and the other doctors will look after her, but I still don't understand why she's poorly now, when she never has been before."

"None of us are sure why that should be, Joanna, but you know we'll all look after your Mamma for you, don't you?" said Grandmamma.

#599: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Wed Aug 24, 2005 1:05 pm

thank you Joey. It seems the connection with the CS goes farther than ML and Joanna, then?

Thanks for the pointer to Ninevah's drabble, too. I'd vowed not to add to my collection of must reads at the moment but ....... Wink

#600: Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline

Posted: Wed Aug 24, 2005 1:35 pm