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Author:	Sugar [ Tue Dec 01, 2009 5:40 pm ]
Post subject:	Communal Christmas Drabble!
Sue posted this on another board we belong to a few years ago and it was a great success so I have nabbed it (with her permission!) to post on here! The idea being it is a communal drabble for advent or longer! The old lady looked at the gaily jacketed books on the shelves of the book case. Christmas rarely featured in the books there. Most of them were school stories so didn't have many home scenes. Some were adventure stories and the timescale covered the summer holidays. How would some of them cope with Christmas? If they all turned up would they bring ponies, would any insist on camping? Sinking into the armchair situated beside the bookshelves for browsing in comfort she gave herself up to dreaming of all her favourite characters meeting up for a Christmas party, a time of laughter and fun. Lots of decorations, good food and drink. Suddenly she found herself sitting at her typwriter. Dear................................ (she typed) You are inviited to a Christmas Houseparty at................................................................ from December 1st 2009 to Dec 24th 2009 RSVP.

Author:	Sugar [ Tue Dec 01, 2009 5:43 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Communal Christmas Drabble!
Sorry (or not!) for spreeing "Advent Morning!" Len shrieked as she ran down the stairs. "Countdown to Christmas - 24 sleeps to go!" "Morning Len darling" smiled her mother as she helped Felix with his porridge and jiggled a grizzly Phil on her lap. "Rosli has the flu and Anna is baking mince pies for me to take to the School Christmas Fayre tomorrow. Can you get the post for me pet? I heard the box clang a few minutes ago but I'm a bit overwhelmed at the moment. Then we'll light the Advent Candle when we've got the post." As Joey was talking to Len, Felicity was scattering sugar granules all over the tablecloth, a Viennese present from Wanda Von Gluck last Christmas. As Len left the room to gather the day's post she heard her mother admonishing Felicity and complaining of the thoughtlessness of Rosli having the flu. "Here you go Mamma" She said brightily. "Four for you, some look like cards and the usual round robin letters and there's this one." She handed the pile to her and left the remaining stack for her siblings to fight over after extracting her father's post and leaving it to one side. Helping her self to porridge with honey and warm milk she watched her mother curiously. The envelope had been crimson in colour, very ornate with Italian style handwriting on. Not the usual style of her mother's mail at all. Len was intrigued. Her mother sipped her coffee, brandished her letter opener wildly, nearly taking baby Phil's eye out in the process. She opened the envelope, removed the letter and her eyes widened. "Goodness gracious a party invitation!" "How exciting - is it for you and Papa?" Len asked. "No it says Josephine M Bettany / Jo Maynard." She handed it to Len. " I wonder who else will be there." She reeled off a list of old Chaletians and staff "...crumbs it's today and look at the state of me!- Here take missy and look after the brats I must go and get ready!" Handing over Phil to Len she left the room muttering "Lime green with cream or or not so lime green with cream, I wonder which one has been pressed." The Advent Candle lay forgotten.

Author:	ChubbyMonkey [ Tue Dec 01, 2009 5:57 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Communal Christmas Drabble!
Meanwhile, in a completely different setting, Miss Annersley sipped luxouriously on her coffee, bed covers spread across her legs and jacket wrapped firmly around her shoulders, for although it couldn't hope to match the icy climes of Switzerland, the winter was cold. Setting her now empty bowl of porridge to one side, she picked up the post on the table. One was from Nancy, who was holidaying with Kathy over the Christmas season, and another was a postcard from a fellow Head with whom she kept up an intermittent correspondance. Neither promised to be as interesting as the crimson envelope, which she slowly opened. Extracting the snow-white paper, she read the ornately styled letters, before smiling to herself and beginning to move dishes so that she could get out of bed. Usually she objected to flying, but on this occasion she thought that she could justify it. Hastily she rang for a maid, intending to discover whether Penny Rest really could do anything. Having ordered a flight out of England for that day, she began to get dressed, wondering which of her other friends would be at the gathering as she did.

Author:	Nightwing [ Tue Dec 01, 2009 7:55 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Communal Christmas Drabble!
I hope that a crossover is OK - it is in St S., after all! The invitation arrived by pigeon post, which was, as Dick had pointed out last summer, the best kind of post. The D's hadn't arrived at the lake yet, nor were the Swallows, as they were both arriving after Christmas. Nancy and Peggy were meant to be planning a New Year's Feast for everyone, but since the arrival of the G.A. yesterday they had mostly been sitting by the fire in white dresses and singing Christmas carols, although after Nancy had accidentally sung that shepherds were watching their socks by night they weren't even allowed to do that. Luckily, the pigeon had found its way to Peggy's room, so the G.A. hadn't been able to intercept it. Peggy read it by torch-light, and then tiptoed to Nancy's room so she could read it too. "We are going, aren't we?" Peggy asked anxiously. "Jibbooms and bobstays, of course we are!" They scurried about quietly, getting dressed in warm clothes and collecting their best red head-scarves, and Peggy conscientiously writing a note to Mother so she'd know where they were, then crept out the door to the white world outside. "Uh-oh," said Peggy, seeing a tall man glaring down at them. Nancy had already seen the red invitation at his hand. "Three million cheers!" she whispered. "Are you coming with us, Uncle Jim?" "I suppose I'd better," Captain Flint said grimly. Secretly he was hoping that there'd be Christmas punch at the party. He always needed a glass or two of punch when his aunt came for a visit.

Author:	Sugar [ Tue Dec 01, 2009 8:12 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Communal Christmas Drabble!
Nightwing wrote: I hope that a crossover is OK - it is in St S., after all! Yes, Crossover is fine!! That's why I posted it in here! Should have said before Sorry!

Author:	cestina [ Tue Dec 01, 2009 9:04 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Communal Christmas Drabble!
Miss Marple sighed softly to herself as she lifted up the pile of envelopes from the small brass tray that Mabel, her latest maid-of-all-work, had carefully - but not carefully enough - carried in to the sitting room where Miss Marple was waiting for them, gazing as usual out of the window as she did so. Mabel was really too clumsy to have in her little cottage she thought – she bumped into door posts, dropped the letters onto the hearthrug, and then knocked the fireirons over as she bent down to pick them up. Miss Marple had softly chided her and suggested that she should take a little more time over everything she tried to do. “You will then find, my dear” she said in her gentle way “that more haste really does make less speed – slow down and you will accomplish every task more efficiently and with far less noise”. Mabel sniffed as she left the room. She had hoped to catch a glimpse of the contents of the intriguing crimson envelope which even now Miss Marple was genteelly raising to her little nose and delicately trying to decide whether it smelled of anything she could identify. She decided regretfully that it did not. There was nothing for it but to open the beautiful envelope. She hoped that she could do it carefully so that she could use it in the future to store some of her large collection of knitting patterns. “The dolls clothes patterns would fit nicely” she thought. “And most appropriate since I knit them as Christmas gifts and this envelope is so beautifully seasonal”. She picked up the elegant silver paper knife that her extremely clever barrister nephew Raymond had given her and slit the envelope……

Author:

abbeybufo [ Tue Dec 01, 2009 10:14 pm ]

Post subject:

Re: Communal Christmas Drabble!

Tall, curly-headed Jen was sitting in her sun-parlour, with the latest baby kicking on the rug beside her, when the maid brought in the post. She opened the intriguing envelope with an approving nod at the tasteful crimson and the contrasting white of its stiff, embossed card. Ten children had not diminished her love of beauty whenever she found it.

When, a few minutes later, red-haired Joy appeared in the doorway, holding a similar missive, she looked up with a grin.

“Have you rung Ros and Maidie? I wonder if they’re invited too!”

“I spoke to Maid, and she’s safe to come. I couldn’t get through to Kentisbury.”

The phone rang, and Jen, called by the maid, went to take the call.

“Oh Mrs Brown!” It was Rachel calling from the Abbey, using the nickname she had given Jen before she knew she was Lady Marchwood. “I’ve had such a puzzling invitation,” she continued. “And Littlejan’s with me too. She’s just popped in from the Herb Garden to ask me what to do about it.”

* * * * * *
In her Castle on the Sussex coast, the Countess of Kentisbury looked again at the envelope and card that lay on the silver salver beside her on an antique sofa table. She picked the card up and read it again, then turned it between her fingers.

“I must speak to Maid, evidently, and perhaps Joy and Jen,” she mused. “I wonder who wants us all in the same place at the same time…?”

* * * * * *
Of them all, only Joan, in her low grey house under the Sussex downs, had not received a crimson envelope. She was not at all put out when Jen began to be indignant on her behalf.

“I wouldn’t have wanted to go anyway,” she declared. “You know Jack and I live quietly out of the way here nowadays. Jansy is going, and she — and the rest of you — can tell me all about it.”

After the event, they were all to be very grateful that everyone seemed to forget about Joan …

Author:	keren [ Tue Dec 01, 2009 10:26 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Communal Christmas Drabble!
Darrel and Sally were packing up after their first term at St. Andrews. Alicia ran in with the last load of letters for that term, there were 3 envelopes with invitations for a special Chistmas party. "Are you going?" Darrel asked Sally eagerly "Yes, we will just make it". And 3 more people set out for that unique destination. _______________________________

Author:	Nightwing [ Tue Dec 01, 2009 10:50 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Communal Christmas Drabble!
Love Miss Marple joining in! And since Miss Marple's coming, you just know there's going to be a murder sooner or later... Susan hadn't been invited to the gathering, but that wasn't really a problem when you'd inherited your grandfather's ability to walk through walls. She much would have preferred a quiet celebration, but Lobsang was always particularly busy this time of year - no pun intended - and she did not plan on spending Hogswatch with the Death of Rats. Somehow, she had found herself here instead. It was a strange mix of people, she thought, helping herself to some of the punch. Mostly women and girls, few of whom seemed to know anyone else there, although most of them were making friends quickly. One or two of them had looked like they were approaching Susan, at first, but she had quickly faded away, anxious not to be noticed. None of them seemed the least bit interesting or unusual, which Susan found to be something of a relief. "Oh my hat!" the woman dressed in a rather worrying shade of green exclaimed to the older lady she was talking too. "I didn't even think to find out who had invited us. The post came late, so I just scrammed." "That always was your problem, Jo," her friend responded. "You ought to think before you act, not just go dashing about like a hurricane!" Suddenly, a piercing scream rang out through the air. A teenaged girl, inexplicably wearing a gym slip and carrying a hockey stick, had opened a cupboard and found the last thing anyone there had expected to see. "It's Gwendoline Mary," the girl said in a jolly voice. "Someone's finally offed her!"* "Gosh, Alison!" replied an identically-dressed girl. "I didn't even think she'd been invited!" Susan sighed. Just once she'd hoped for a nice, normal Hogswatch - was that really too much to ask for? She would bet anything that Grandfather had something to do with this. Technically speaking, he wasn't her grandfather, but there was no point letting a little thing like genetics get in the way of a good narrative. *Gwendoline Mary held the record at Malory Towers for having thwarted the most attempts on her life. In several universes she had survived by sheer determination, in three because she was a zombie, and in one particularly unlikely universe because she was the daughter of the God of Lumpy Mashed Potatoes, a deity feared and loathed at boarding schools everywhere.

Author:	Sugar [ Tue Dec 01, 2009 11:37 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Communal Christmas Drabble!
Loads of responses! Thanks for joining in...I have no idea who abbey or nightwing wrote about mind you! “Potter, a word if I may?” the sharp Scottish accent caught the three by surprise and they stopped muttering about Double Potions and spun around to face Professor McGonagall on the stairs. “Away from here, quickly the three of you.” she said “We’ll hold up the rampage to breakfast in the Great Hall or be flattened to flat Stanley’s if we aren’t careful….” Both the boys looked at her gobsmacked. What in heaven’s name was a flat Stanley? Whereas Hermione looked at them smugly, recognising the reference to a muggle children’s book though did cross her mind as to how her head of house, a pureblood witch, knew that book. “No pushing Goyle and Malfoy did you not brush your hair this morning or this that the latest Slytherin fashion?” She quickly ushered the three into an empty classroom, sending a put out Peeves on his way as she did so. Peeves blew a raspberry at her and disappeared through the wall as Harry shut the door. McGonagall opened it again, stuck her head out into the tidal wave of students swarming past and collared the Weasley twins and their younger sister Ginny. “Professor, I’m starving …” began George “and it’s bacon I can smell it,” interjected Fred "and my belly thinks my throat's been cut!” “What’s up?” enquired Ginny, having spied the three others looking sheepish. “Enough!” the Professor’s voice cut through the mayhem. “No-one is in any trouble, unless there is something I do not know about.” She looked at the twin’s quizzically. “No, the reason I have taken you aside is much more exciting than that.” Her eyes danced merilly but the children never saw. “You have each had a delivery of the most unusual sort, even you Miss Grainger. They came by muggle post!” She handed them each an envelope, bearing their name and House and the School’s address. “You Weasley twins have a joint one, obviously we at Hogwarts and your parent’s aren’t the only ones who find individual identification slightly taxing.” She handed the twins an enevelope which said Mssrs Fred and George Weasley Mssrs George and Fred Weasley Mssrs Feorge and Gred Weasley Mssrs The Weasley Twins Meanwhile the triumvirate of Harry, Hermione and Ron had eagerly opened their envelope and Harry was staring at his with a bewildered look on his face. Hermione was grinning excitedly. “We’ve all been invited to a party,” he said “but why?” “Professor, why does that name ring a bell?” asked Hermione curiously. “I’m sure I recognise it from somewhere but I can’t think of who she is.” Ron’s response was equally as characteristic. “Bloody hell!” “Quite, Mr Weasley” interrupted McGonagall “But what an honour. Personally I can’t wait!” “You coming too then Professor?” asked George. “Indeed I am! I’ve ordered new dress robes especially, Damson velvet they are.” She said proudly “and so is Dumbledore coming, he’s just apparated to tell your parents, who are also invited. He was most excited and managed to upset quite a few portraits by his bragging.” Fred groaned. “Really? That means we can’t have any fun!” He was in enough trouble with his mother over bewitching her knives to do the conga and by the sound of Howler she sent last week she had still a long way to go to being calm. “You can’t be up to any wizarding tricks there boys. It just wouldn’t do!” “I suppose there will be a lot of muggles going, given the location.” said Hermione wisely. “There will be, we are a small minority really so best behaviour from all of you. And you must keep this to yourselves. No one else has been invited from here, just you, the Headmaster and myself.” “No Slimy Slytherins?” asked Ginny. “Aparantly not, but then the hostess knows troublemakers when she sees them.” replied McGonagall briskly. “How are we getting there?”asked Harry trying to change the subject. “I’ve no idea where it is.” “Leave that to Dumbledore to sort out the details, but most probably a combination of Mr Weasley’s blue Ford Anglican, floo power, if we can divert the network and include a muggle venue, your invisibility clock, Harry and broomsticks, so we can arrive inconspicuously.” “Bloody hell, nothing like going the whole hog and arriving in Wizarding style!” exclaimed Ron excitedly.

Author:	cestina [ Wed Dec 02, 2009 12:27 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Communal Christmas Drabble!
Miss Marple sat quietly in her corner of the room, looking on at the lively gathering, as was her wont. No one seemed unduly concerned by the body that had fallen out of the cupboard, although she supposed that at some point in the festivities she would feel impelled to make certain suggestions as to what might have happened to it. She noticed an attractive young girl looking over her shoulder once or twice, and then leaning backwards to address a shadowy, skeletal figure – who could it be? She could not quite make out who the girl was so clearly scolding. She thought she had caught the name Susan coming from the ghostly figure and surely the child was addressing the looming figure as “Grandfather”? She decided that this couple would bear more than the usual scrutiny and with a little wriggle of pleasure she laid aside her knitting, picked up her glass of heavily diluted punch, and settled back to enjoy herself. “Such debauchery” she thought.

Author:	Sugar [ Wed Dec 02, 2009 12:45 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Communal Christmas Drabble!
“Right, have we got everyone?” “Excuse me Dumbledore Sir, but can I come with yer?” Hagrid banged the door behind him and the glass rattled in the windows. “I have me invitation from her.” he waved a rather crumpled looking piece of cartridge paper at the Headmaster, knocking off his purple hat as it did so. “It’s just I dunno where I’m goin’ and I’d hate to stand out like..” You alright there Professor?” he turned to McGonagall who had suddenly started coughing and her eyes were watering rather alarmingly. “Oh yes fine Hagrid, just something in my eye.” she replied breathlessly as she tried to get her coughing under control. “What’s got into her?” Ron asked Harry quietly “I think it was the thought of Hagrid trying to blend in and keep your voice down for heaven’s sake!” interrupted Hermione. “Yes yes fine Hagrid,” said Dumbledore replacing his hat firmly. "Now where was I? Ah yes I remember. Arthur and Molly, one two four weasley children, he counted ginger heads, Harry and Hermione, Minerva and I… and Hagrid. Hagrid, you’ll have to fly as apparition is out of the question for you and I seriously doubt you’ll fit under Harry’s invisibility cloak," he looked at Hagrid dubiously “and the portkey is taken, pity we couldn’t connect to the floo network but our esteemed hostess thought some of her more highly strung guests might be a tad alarmed by persons appearing in the flames and knowing some of them I agree with her.” “Who is in charge Headmaster, while we are away?” enquired Professor McGonagall “Professors Sprout and Hooch, don’t look at me like that Minerva!” McGongall straightened her facial expression. “I do know what I’m doing and I assumed you had wanted to come?” “Thirty seconds to go Albus before the portkey is activated.” Arthur Weasley interrupted. “Right Molly and the rest of my lot grab hold of this," he took a copy of the Christmas Radiotimes out of his pocket. "….you too Hermione.” “Dad, we’re apparating.” Fred interrupted “Dumbledore said so” Continued George. “Fine fine,” said their mother, “just do it properly!” “Harry, Hagrid, you get off too. You do know where you’re going don’t you? Actually Minerva you go with them.” Jo Maynard sat in the car in a deserted street and checked her hair in the mirror, whilst slicking on another layer of magenta lipstick. It was boiling inside and she was feeling rather neglected so decided lipstick was the answer! “Ow that’s my foot Ron!" "Sorry Hermione dear, that was me.” Apologised Mrs Weasley as Ron glared at his friend in the darkness. “Goodness, look at that house.” Arthur Weasley pointed across the street to where they had arrived at a house decorated with an inflatable Santa and a glowing Christmas tree in the front garden, with illuminated icicles and Merry Christmas hanging on the house. “Bloody Hell!” said Ron as he turned to look. Hermione laughed “Yes some muggles do go a bit over the top with house decorating, some papers and TV shows even run a competition to find the best.” Jo looked at the group as she shut the door and locked the driver’s door. I’m sure they weren’t there when I got in for my lipstick, she thought. Wonder who they are, they can’t be coming to the party, too shabilly dressed and what an assault on the eyes that ginger was, unlike her triplets own auburn shades. “But my Aunty Jo’s here!” “Yeah ?” “Yes she is, there must have been some misunderstanding, I’m bound to have been invited.” He looked at her, and tried again. “Look love, what’s your name?… “hello you are?" He addressed the two young girls who had ridden up to the doorway on a beautiful white horse. “Tamzin Grey and Clarissa … Tamzin answered for them “Right in you go both of you. Have a great time.” “You let them in!” She stamped her foot. “They were invited!” he was getting more impatient with this woman by the minute. “So was I!” she screeched. “Aunty Joeyyyyy!!!!” “Look here madam! Keep the noise down! It’s a private party!” At that point, Hilda appeared with her companion and smiled graciously at the doorman who inclined his head in acknowledgement “Where’s Helena?” he asked looking at the lady standing beside her with a puzzled expression. “She’s got some awful bug, so I bought my alterego. Will that be OK do you think?” she asked “Sppose so… it says HA + 1 on the list anyhow. Go on in love, what’s your woman’s name though – just for fire regs and the police in case they drop in!“Green Lesley… I mean Lesley Green!” she stuttered, agitated slightly by the thought of the police. She did so like a man in uniform, her mind thinking fleetingly of Colonel Black. The doorman let out a low whistle. “What? The real ‘un?” “No, she’s a blessed cardboard cut out! Of course the real one! Why wouldn’t she be real?” “Dunno, you never know in here!” Suddenly Jo appeared. “Hello Ms Bettany.” He acknowledged her, recognising her face from the many dust jackets she adorned in the library. He stepped aside to let her in. “Aunty Jo he won’t let me in!” she moaned to her aunt. “But you must let her in, I’ll take her as my guest!” Jo appeared to get round the problem easily. “You weren’t asked to bring a guest Mrs Maynard” “But she’s our one and only Mary Lou…” Jo began “Don’t care if she’s the Queen of Sheba. If you’re name’s not on the list then you’re not coming in!”

Author:	ChubbyMonkey [ Wed Dec 02, 2009 4:24 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Communal Christmas Drabble!
Well, if we're having some of the HP cast.... Only a certain Head whose eyes have never yet needed glasses could deal with these two! - X - Meanwhile, some time in the past, Jame and Sirius stared at their find in awe. They had known that there were all sorts of things - living and dead - rattling around in the loft of the Black family home, but a Time Turner was too much temptation. They threw the chain around their necks, then glanced at each other. "Forwards," said James as, simultaneously, Sirius decreed, "Back." Before there could be protest, James grabbed the clock face and began to twist. Unfortunately, he twisted rather more than he thought he had...

Author:	Nightwing [ Wed Dec 02, 2009 8:15 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Communal Christmas Drabble!
Having been abandoned by her Aunty Jo on the doorstep - and she needn't have been so cheerful about it, Mary-Lou thought - she considered her options. She could just go home, but Gran would no doubt tell her off for having just run off like that. Better to stay out late enough to make it worth it. "Hello, Mary-Louise," said a prim voice. Mary-Lou's pouting face brightened. "Verity-Anne! What are you doing here? And I wish you'd call me Mary-Lou." She hoped Verity-Anne hadn't received an invitation. That really would be too much! "I heard someone screaming," Verity-Anne said in her silvery voice. "I thought it would be best to see if anyone needed my aid." "Me too," Mary-Lou replied, relieved. "But I can't get in. Should we try and find another way?" "We might, perhaps." The two friends crept around the side of the house to where a drainpipe was handily protruding, and - after removing their stockings, so as not to tear them - shimmied up to an open second story window. Verity-Anne tumbled in first, with Mary-Lou narrowly missing her as she landed. The two girls stood up and brushed themselves off, then took in their surroundings. "Oh," said Verity-Anne, wonder in her voice. There before them was the most magnificent Christmas tree she had ever seen - and such presents! There would have been enough to give a gift to everyone at school, staff, students, maids and everyone! "I suppose we better not open them," Mary-Lou said reluctantly, although she thought she saw one which was clearly labeled, 'Mary-Lou Trelawney'. Which was odd, wasn't it, because she hadn't been invited, so how would anyone know she was coming? Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of a thump behind them, and both girls spun around to find themselves face-to-face with two boys who were not much older than Clem. "Who are you?" Mary-Lou asked bluntly, at the same time as one of the boys said, "James, I thought you said we were going to the future?"

Author:	Sugar [ Wed Dec 02, 2009 9:58 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Communal Christmas Drabble!
Are people reading this? There doesn't seem to be any feedback. The room buzzed with conversation and the stereo seemed to have been set to a contionuous repeat of Christmas songs. This fact was annoying Meryon somewhat. And he was grumbling to Roger. “Oh do be quiet Meryon, it’s a party and music gets people dancing.” “I just wish it wasn’t telling me “It’s Christmmmmasssssssssssss!” in quite such a loud way” he moaned. “Are you still moaning Meryon?” Rissa asked as she passed by with a plate full of food. “Oy, get your own!” She moved her plate out of his reach as he swiped a quails egg and some smoked Austrian cheese off her plate. “There is a really good spread!” “Food sounds like a good idea, coming Tam?” “Yes, if I don’t eat something soon my tummy might start rumbling… Is this supposed to be a fancy dress party?” she asked him as they made their way over the large table straining under the weight of the food. “Don’t think so.. why?” asked Roger as he picked up a plate. “Well there’s a man dressed up in a wizards outfit, even a pointy hat over there..” “Tamzin don’t point like that!” he hissed, nevertheless turning to look. “Oh yes I see him, he’s with a witch as well. What interesting costume.” He grinned at the purple cloak embossed by silver stars that the wizard was wearing. “Zackly, and there are a bunch of kids, maybe our age, dressed up in academic gowns and a woman in the most lurid lime green and cream get up…. And I’m sure I saw a tiny person..dressed like a elf … looked like he’d been covered in chocolate!” “Don’t be daft Tamzin! I think the bubbles in that cherryade has gone to your brain cells.” He scoffed at her. Elsewhere in the room, the little elf-like creature had caught someone else’s attention. Hermione peered into the distance, she was sure she’d just seen an Oompa –Loompa. “Ron, can you see that little elf over there by the Christmas tree?” “What?… No… there’s a bloomin huge horse in the way. Who on earth would bring a thing that size into a house.” “I’m sure it’s an Oompa-Loompa. But I’m sure they were imaginary.” She frowned. “A What-A Who-A?” Ron looked at her bemused. “Oh never mind I’m going to find Professor McGonagall.” And she stalked off, catching a glance of a tall regal looking lady with shiny bobbed hair whose eye’s appeared to be changing colour at will, steel grey, piercing blue, then rich brown. Most peculiar. She found Professor’s Dumbledore and McGonagall standing talking to Hagrid, who looked rather fed up. “Ello ‘Ermione,” “Hello Hagrid.. are you enjoying the party?” she asked brightly with a suspicion that he wasn’t. “I’m a bit limited …” he sat hunched into a chintz armchair nursing a mug of warming butterbeer. “I keep knocking into them ruddy dangly lights…and whats-her-names bodyguard or whoever he is told me to stop wrecking the joint or he’d kick me out.” “That’s not very nice…” “Never mind Hagrid… chandeliers are expensive and he probably doesn’t want her upset.” “She does look like she’s having a great time though…” Dumbledore looked over to where Timmy was being petted by the little old lady who was holding an animated conversation with the woman in the green dress with the most appalling hairstyle, personally he thought she was going for the princess Leia look, and a young girl with dark untidy hair who was holding the dog firmly. “Professor could I ask you something?” “Which Professor would you like?" Dumbledore and McGonagall laughed. "Either really … it’s just …I think I’ve just seen….” She lowered her voice to a whisper…. “An Oompa-Loompa…” she stopped feeling foolish then carried on talking very quickly. “I mean I know there are in a story.. Mum and Dad read them too me when I was small but I’m sure I just saw a tiny little chocolate figure.” "Yes probably, I saw Charlie Bucket a while back…And Violet Beauregarde was just told to stop blowing such huge bubbles with that gum of hers." “Really? Who by?” Minevera McGonagall was intrigued. "That bodyguard – the one who looks like one of Mitchell brothers" “Good.. it’s a revolting habit!” “Aye, and Augustus Gloop was in the kitchen, trying to monopolise the Chocolate fountains. I think if he’s not careful the Karens and Annas will throw him into it.” Hagrid added “But I don’t understand!” Hermione stopped the friendly chatter. “What don’t you understand Miss Granger?” Dumbledore asked her kindly. “They are character’s in a story! They aren’t REAL!” “Hermione everyone who is a character in a book is real.” Dumbledore explained. “We are real aren’t we?” “Yeah but, not but yeah but.. yeah.” Hermione stalled. “And you know that the Scottish lady who I see regularly writes about what happens in school, and Voldermort.” Everyone flinched. “Everyone who appears in a story is real and what they do is real.” “Except when it goes a bit 'Chalet School'…” interrupted McGongall, more to herself than to anyone else. “I’ve heard of those…. Wasn’t there hundreds of them?” “59 or 62 depending on who yer ask.” Hagrid answered “Sppose we’ll be like that at some point, cut down to the bare interesting bits and the extra bits and pieces that hinge it all together got rid of.” “Hermione, it’s ok … my poor girl did you think characters in books were imaginary people.” McGongall could see she was struggling. “Well, yes…but what did you mean everything is real except when it goes “Chalet School” “To answer that very briefly, cos here is not the time or the place, the woman who approached the Chalet School to write about them, became a bit obsessed and managed to hynoptise them and control their movements and it was a bit nasty for a while.” “What happened to them?” asked Hermione fearfully, holding a mug of butterbeer offered by Hagrid tightly. “And will it happen to us?” “Doubtful, we know Joanne has only 7 books planned and although people who like reading about our life, sometimes write alternative stories, we know it’s false and make-believe. The Chalet people are OK now- they got rescued by a wonderful author who took them to Austrailia and looks after them. The only time they are under threat is during Advent, two women with a slightly bizarre preoccupation with morbidity during December… and that wonderful author who saved the Chalet Schol and gets sucked into Adventitis...but luckily it’s just a story on the conventional sense.” “Oh ok” replied Hermione, “I think I’ll go and see if I can find an Oompa Loompa if you don’t mind.” “No dear, see you later.” “Poor girl – I think that might have been too much. But have you seen today’s Advent Dribble. It’s exceedingly good.” “Drabble Minerva Drabble.”

Author:	Pat [ Wed Dec 02, 2009 10:08 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Communal Christmas Drabble!
I'm loving this, especially all the cross-overs. Love it when communal drabbles really work like this one is.

Author:	Lesley [ Wed Dec 02, 2009 10:25 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Communal Christmas Drabble!
I'm reading Sugar - thank you, i think!

Author:	ammonite [ Wed Dec 02, 2009 11:15 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Communal Christmas Drabble!
Meanwhile, back at the 100 Acre Wood, Christopher Robin looked at the ornate invitation in his hand and then looked at Pooh, who had climbed on his table and was investigating the remains of a pot of honey. 'So Pooh, are you coming?' he said. Pooh grunted and between licking his paw and the next dive into the sticky pot said 'Will there be honey?' 'Yes Pooh, I'm sure there will be' said Christopher Robin somewhat impatiently over a crash as Tigger bounced into view excitedly waving a large red envelope followed by Piglet and Eeyore. I found this nice invitation' said Eeyore dismally 'but it can't be for me, nobody would invite me to a party' Christopher Robin looked at it and said brightly 'Yes, Eeyore it is for you. Now is everyone ready, Pooh, come out of the honey pot. And off they trekked through the snowy wood to the party with the birds singing around them with Pooh humming gently to himself as he marched along and Eeyore glumly bringing up the rear.

Author:	cestina [ Wed Dec 02, 2009 11:18 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Communal Christmas Drabble!
Sugar wrote: Are people reading this? There doesn't seem to be any feedback. [/i] Well there've been 217 views so far - they can't all be from the ten or so writers surely?

Author:	Cath V-P [ Thu Dec 03, 2009 1:26 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Communal Christmas Drabble!
Well, I'm reading it, and I think it's great! I love the idea of Hagrid trying to blend in...and Lesley subbing for Nell is excellent, and McGonagall as a CS fan clearly familiar with dribbles.... Here's a contribution. Nell sighed, pushed her diary aside and glanced disconsolately at the clock – no, 9.30 am was a little too early for a restorative scotch, no matter how trying the circumstances. That was the trouble with the holidays; there was always far too much to do and too little time in which to do it. She and Hilda had hoped to visit Milan and see exactly how their new premises were progressing, but now that Hilda had been despatched to that monument to middle-class boredom in Cornwall, ostensibly to recover from ‘flu, but really, Nell suspected, to remove her from the presence of what had suddenly been perceived as a pernicious influence - namely Nell herself – that plan had been splendidly scuppered. And worse, Nell had realised that without Hilda her workload had not only effectively doubled, but that as she was nowhere near as talented as Hilda in the noble art of misdirection, there was every possibility that their splendid new venture would be revealed to the public view before either of them were ready, and that would be problematic to say the least. And just as everything was starting to fall into place so nicely…. Scowling, she picked up the mail that Gillian Culver had dropped onto the desk, sorting rapidly through it. Bill, bill, quotation, (heavens, the price of that wallpaper!) application, application, bill - what was this? An expensive red envelope, in a hand that she didn’t recognise; smooth sleek paper, very elegant and - oh! A party invitation – but it was for today, she couldn’t possibly – or, wait a moment, could she? There were such things as aeroplanes after all; idly she toyed with the notion of some sort of magical travel that would allow you to appear instantly at your destination, then laughed aloud at her own folly. Still, if there was a seat available at such short notice, then why not? She reached for the phone, her mouth setting in lines of determination; there was really far too much for her to do by herself, and besides as Hilda said, they must be constantly on the lookout for the discreet making of contacts that would make their new business venture the success that they knew that it could be – and where else but at a party might these contacts be made? Really, it was her duty to attend!

Author:	shazwales [ Thu Dec 03, 2009 3:51 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Communal Christmas Drabble!
I'm reading it and loving all of it so far

Author:	Emma A [ Thu Dec 03, 2009 9:38 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Communal Christmas Drabble!
This is quite some house, to accommodate so many guests Who is the mystery hostess, I wonder - and when is anyone going to do anything about the dead body? (Does this mean I should write that myself?)

Author:	cestina [ Thu Dec 03, 2009 9:48 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Communal Christmas Drabble!
Emma A wrote: This is quite some house, to accommodate so many guests Who is the mystery hostess, I wonder - and when is anyone going to do anything about the dead body? (Does this mean I should write that myself?) If you feel so inspired Miss Marple is quietly observing it of course .....hopefully she will not get punch drunk

Author:	cal562301 [ Thu Dec 03, 2009 11:20 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Communal Christmas Drabble!
'Good morning, everyone,' said Lucy. 'Have you received the invitation?' 'To the party?' asked Edmund. 'I think it could be fun, so long as there's no Turkish Delight.' 'And it will make a change from having to be all grown up and 'regal' all the time,' chipped in Peter. 'I'd love a break from all those talking animals, too. You can't have a private conversation anywhere, because you know that they can understand every word,' said Susan. 'I wonder whether we could take Aslan along,' mused Lucy. 'I'm not sure,' said Peter. 'After all, he's not a tame lion.' '

Author:	aitchemelle [ Thu Dec 03, 2009 11:31 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Communal Christmas Drabble!
Loving this so far!! "Will I have to wear a dress?" scowled the curly haired girl. "Yes, George dear, it is a party" replied Aunt Fanny. George stomped upstairs to her bedroom, "Bet Julian and Dick don't have to dress up for it!" she muttered under her breath. In the bedroom which she shared with her cousin Anne, there were party dresses all over both the beds. "I like the pink, but my teddy thinks the gold is better!" said Anne, George's younger cousin. "Or perhaps this blue will match my eyes?" she pondered, twirling in front of the mirror, dress held out in front of her. "Stupid dresses. I wish I was a boy." sulked George, swiping her cousin's dresses onto the floor before flinging herself face down on the bed. "I don't even want to go to the party!" "Oh George, don't be silly and spoil it. See? Timmy wants to go," she reasoned, pointing to Timmy who was clearly asleep and dreaming of rabbits. "Besides," continued Anne, "There is bound to be a smashing tea and lashings of ginger beer!" ETC my terrible mistakes!

Author:	cestina [ Thu Dec 03, 2009 11:57 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Communal Christmas Drabble!
Miss Marple was beginning to feel a little cramped in her corner of the room. More and more people seemed to be pouring in, mainly young and noisy, although there were some very strange older people, the like of which she had never seen in St Mary Mead. This disconcerted her. After all, her good reputation - as she liked to think of it - as a skilled detective depended on her being able to draw parallels with people she knew from her sheltered village life. But had she ever met anyone like that giant of a man who was cowering in a corner, clearly trying to make himself inconspicuous? She racked her brains for a moment. Perhaps she had been partaking of too much punch. She did not seem to be able to see as clearly as usual. Then, after a moment, it came to her – he was so like the new veterinary surgeon who had recently joined the small village community. He insisted on living in the woods, surrounded by stray animals he had collected and he only came into the village reluctantly to run his surgeries. It was said that he preferred working with large, fierce animals rather than gentle, tame ones like her own much loved pussy cat. Miss Marple had not yet had occasion for any dealings with him and she rather dreaded the time when she might have to call on his services. Her gaze wandered once more to the large cupboard from which the body had fallen. Someone had cast a tartan rug over it and horror of horrors – one of the newcomers, who was not aware that it was a body, was about to make use of it as an extra settee. Miss Marple stifled a scream and tutted gently to the young girl next to her – Susan, she thought. Susan responded at once, Miss Marple could not quite tell how, but she seemed to be sending thought waves across the room and the newcomer turned away from the tartan-clad body and sat elsewhere. “How did you do that, my dear?” enquired Miss Marple curiously. “Do what?” responded Susan. “I saw you divert that woman’s attention but I could not see how you achieved it”. “Oh”, said Susan dismissively. “It’s just a trick of the trade. Would you like some more punch?” “If you think it wise my dear” said Miss Marple, holding out her glass with more enthusiasm than good manners might dictate. “After all”, she thought to herself “this is a party!”. ETC punctuation, spelling

Author:	Jenefer [ Thu Dec 03, 2009 4:25 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Communal Christmas Drabble!
The party was in full swing when two children on ponies approached the house. "I was right to take Jester" the girl said " it was too far for Danny" "You should have asked David first" her older cousin said "He's not going to be too pleased when he finds his pony gone even if you did leave a note" They came to a halt and dismounted. "Guy Charlton and Patience Elliot" the doorman said checking his list. "Don't worry about the ponies, they will be looked after for you. We have valet parking so to speak." He whistled and a groom appeared and led the ponies away.

Author:	PaulineS [ Thu Dec 03, 2009 4:42 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Communal Christmas Drabble!
I am reading it and enjoying it, but have not thought out my drabble yet. As there were no comments only new drabble entries I was waiting until I could work out a drabble.

Author:	cestina [ Thu Dec 03, 2009 5:01 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Communal Christmas Drabble!
Oh I am glad to see Guy and Patience. He could come in useful to do legwork for Miss Marple if necessary. Definitely a young man to be trusted ...... now all we need is the amazingly beautiful Sebastian

Author:	cal562301 [ Thu Dec 03, 2009 6:12 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Communal Christmas Drabble!
Miss Marple was a little surprised to see four children, dressed in fur coats, coming out of the wardrobe. 'This is a bit different to Narnia,' said Lucy. 'I wonder if Mr Tumnus got an invite.' 'Just so long as Jadis didn't get one!' muttered Edmund darkly. 'She would spoil the fun. Though she might bring some Turkish Delight to add to the goodies.' 'I'm taking my coat off. Much too hot in here,' said Susan. 'I wonder where all the snow went.' 'Probably melted in this heat. I don't know how it got so hot with only coal fires. The professor's house was always so cold.' 'It's a shame Aslan turned down the invitation,' said Lucy. 'I think he might have enjoyed meeting all these people. And I think there are some here who could use his help.' 'He might still turn up, Lucy.' Peter reassured her. 'Remember, he has a habit of appearing at unexpected times and in unexpected places.

Author:	Nightwing [ Thu Dec 03, 2009 7:48 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Communal Christmas Drabble!
Nancy liberally filled a paper cup with punch - no, rum - and handed it to Captain Flint. He seemed a lot more relaxed now then he had before his first two cups, and she meant to see he stayed that way. She glanced around for Peggy, but she was deep in conversation with a girl with messy brown hair and braces, who was dressed in a black robe and was saying, "But do you mean you've never even heard of Hogwarts: A History?" Glad that her sister was enjoying herself, Nancy helped herself to a piece of shortbread and looked around for something to do. "Do stop scowling, George," she heard someone say. She turned to see a pretty girl dressed in a pink party frock, and a second, scowling girl dressed in a blue one. "Shan't," said George. "I hate wearing this dress, I hate this party, and I loathe being a girl!" "But why ever?" Nancy broke in, interested. The girl George gave her a scathing look. "I wouldn't expect you to understand," she sniffed, and turned and walked off. "Oh dear, I am sorry about that," Anne said, sounding worried. "George is such a tomboy, you see..." "Well, I understand about the dresses," Nancy replied, with feeling, "but I don't see what's so bad about being a girl! There's plenty of female pirates, you know." She glanced at the stairs at the far side of the room. "P'raps we could find her some more comfortable clothes upstairs?" She suggested. Anne paled. "I don't think we're supposed to go... maybe if I should ask Julian..." but Nancy was already off, stories of smugglers in her head, and Anne made up her mind to follow her. As long as they didn't get into any trouble!

Author:	abbeybufo [ Thu Dec 03, 2009 8:05 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Communal Christmas Drabble!
The Abbey crowd soon found like-minded folk to talk to. Joy Quellyn was deep in conversation with Nina Rutherford, Jen Marchwood was talking folk-dancing with Jean of Storms, Littlejan and Jansy were talking to Nancy Caird, Dimsie and Gisela about being leaders in their various Schools. Maidlin Robertson had found a fellow singer in Kit Haverard and Ros Kane was chatting happily with Harriet Wimsey (nee Vane), someone else who had married into the peerage. Rachel Ellerton and Prim Beton were talking about old buildings and archaeology. It was a shame that the grown-up Mary-Lou wasn’t there – but the child-version of that character, having inveigled herself in through a side door, was butting into conversations all over the place. Susan Sto-Helit was finding Miss Marple a very congenial companion, she had a healthy respect for the older woman’s common-sense and perception. “I wonder, my dear,” said the latter, “if perhaps we should let people discover the body? Or do you think it wiser to wait until the end of the party?”

Author:	ammonite [ Thu Dec 03, 2009 10:26 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Communal Christmas Drabble!
Having found to her surprise that butting into conversations didn't seem to be working after having been snubbed in term by a lady with red-gold hair talking with Nina Rutherford, a large wild looking giant of a man and an extraordinarily boney thin man dressed in black robes not to mention having been abandoned by the boys that had suddenly appeared upstairs. Mary Lou was looking around for someone else to charm and cheer up. Then a path across the room suddenly cleared for a moment and she saw a small glum donkey. She launched herself across the room in three giant strides falling over the end of a blanket covered form on the way but her curiousity wasn't stirred and she strode on determined to make a difference. In her usual clarion tones, not impaired yet by the punch she had been drinking, she started a conversation 'Hi, I'm Mary Lou, I'm glad to meet you. Is everything alright?' To her surprise she was ignored and the donkey just kept chewing on his thistle miserably watching the bustle of the party. She couldn't have this, so she tried again 'So what's your name?' 'Eeyore' The donkey mumbled and with this start she was off, finally she had found someone who needed her butting in, there was obviously something desperately wrong, and she thought that she knew how to fix it.

Author:	Abi [ Thu Dec 03, 2009 10:52 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Communal Christmas Drabble!
Very much enjoying reading this, though my imagination doesn't feel equal to contributing!

Author:	Jenefer [ Fri Dec 04, 2009 4:32 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Communal Christmas Drabble!
Patience was looking for the bathroom after her long ride. She opened a door and found herself in a utility room with a washing machine and dryer. Next to a clothes horse was an ironing board where a hedgehog in oldfashioned clothes was busy ironing. Their eyes met. For once, Patience did not know what to say, then she backed out of the room and closed the door, Much to her relief, the next door she tried was the bathroom.

Author:	LizzieC [ Fri Dec 04, 2009 11:33 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Communal Christmas Drabble!
Unfortunately it was already occupied by a lady dressed entirely in lime green and cream! ETA: (Really enjoying this so far BTW )

Author:	cestina [ Sat Dec 05, 2009 12:00 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Communal Christmas Drabble!
Susan turned back to Miss Marple – she had been contemplating with some disapproval the ever-increasing level of noise in the by-now closely packed room. “Oh I think someone is bound to find it quite soon” she said “ I think we should …..” She broke off suddenly to address the tall, skeletal man in black robes who loomed up behind Miss Marple’s chair “Go away grandfather” she said sharply “There is nothing for you here – yet.” “I just thought….” began the boney figure “…she is after all very old…..” “Haven’t you caused enough trouble already this evening?” Susan snapped. “Leave her alone, we’re going to need her tonight anyway if we are going to have any chance of sorting matters out without a scandal” The figure slouched away, grumbling to himself and Susan smiled nervously at Miss Marple, who fortunately seemed oblivious of the conversation that (which?)had been going on over her head. “I really must do something about the noise” declared Susan energetically and with that she stood up suddenly and glared around the room. A deathly silence fell, broken only by a lugubrious chuckle from the boney man. Then, after a moment, people started to chat again, but a great deal more quietly than before. “I see you have some experience of dealing with children my dear” said Miss Marple, much impressed. “Are you a teacher?” “Er, not exactly” replied Susan “Well, not any more that is. I have taught in the past” “Your classes must have been very well behaved then” said Miss Marple. “Now about that body…….”

Author:	Nightwing [ Sat Dec 05, 2009 9:00 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Communal Christmas Drabble!
"Excuse me, did you say a body?" Nancy Drew was rather enjoying the party so far, particularly since she'd bumped into Frank Hardy the moment that she'd entered the room, but at the mention of a body things were suddenly looking a lot more interesting. "Nancy, you promised you wouldn't get involved in any mysteries today..." One of the Nancy's best friends, Bess, moaned quietly. "Is there a mystery?" Nancy asked the old lady eagerly. "If you call a dead body falling out of a closet mysterious," the dark-haired woman, Susan, said. "If you call no one taking notice of it mysterious. If you call-" "Yeah, we get it." Joe Hardy, who'd been lounging nearby, interrupted rudely. "If no one's surprised or upset, that makes them suspects, in my book." "Well that's swell," his brother replied. "That means everyone's a suspect." The little old lady glanced at the boys, then at Nancy and Bess, and finally at her younger companion. "Not necessarily," she said, almost as though she were saying it to herself. "No, not necessarily."

Author:	ChubbyMonkey [ Sat Dec 05, 2009 10:05 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Communal Christmas Drabble!
I've completely lost track of who is here and who isn't! So please excuse any inaccuracies. Meanwhile, Joey, having left the bathroom, was mingling successfully, one hand on Mary-Lou's shoulder. As they approached the rather giant man skulking in one corner, she started and then fixed a smile to her face. Brightly, she said, "It's lovely to meet you. This is Mary-Lou; my mantle rather fell on her, so I tend to look after her." "Nice to meet you," said the tall man nervously, shaking hands with Mary-Lou and nearly breaking her fingers in the process. "Here, you don't know where Albus went do you? I'm surrounded by all these muggles giving me odd looks..." "Er." Joey tailed off hopelessly, then turned rather gratefully when someone touched her elbow, leaving Mary-Lou eying Hagrid with great interest.

Author:	shazwales [ Sat Dec 05, 2009 12:16 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Communal Christmas Drabble!
Thank you all this is brilliant!

Author:	Susan [ Sat Dec 05, 2009 11:22 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Communal Christmas Drabble!
This is fabulous - what a wonderful mix of characters. Joy Quellyn suddenly realised she had seen nothing of Jen Marchwood for a couple of hours and having promised Ken to keep an eye on her, she decided to rectify matters at once. Making her excuses to the group she was talking to, she left them and began her search for Jen. With a skill born of practise, she avoided the settee where the grey haired old lady that reminded her of Auntie Shirley sat trying to pretend she wasn't watching everyone, and the group of oddly dressed characters in the corner, this brought her to a group of young people who reminded her of the twinnies, vaguely wondering why they hadn't been invited she continued her tour of the room. With a slight feeling of panic she realised Jen wasn't in the room. Finding a door she slipped out into a dimly lit corridor and seeing an open door wandered into a brightly lit room opposite. This room was quiet as no-one seemed to be in there. Joy's attention was caught by a piano situated in a huge bay window - the piano was open and mucis was on the stand. JOy wandered over to have a look and abandoning her search for Jen she sat down and ran her hands over the keys.

Author:	Dawn [ Sun Dec 06, 2009 8:01 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Communal Christmas Drabble!
This fabulous - thankyou everyone for your contributions and so far I've recognised all the characters (although not actually read some of them )

Author:	Nightwing [ Sun Dec 06, 2009 8:23 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Communal Christmas Drabble!
Captain Nancy had managed to, er, borrow some boys' clothes, and had given them to Anne to take to her cousin. She was just considering taking Captain Flint another cup of rum when she found herself roughly grabbed and pulled into a side-room. "Watch it!" she cried. "Oh, hallo, Peggy!" she added, because Peggy was already sitting inside the room, looking rather glum. Nancy's captors quickly introduced themselves as Nancy and George, and explained that they were detectives, not kidnappers. There was a third person in the room, an elderly woman who didn't seem to be paying any attention to the goings-on since she was rather concentrated on her knitting. "Detectives?" Nancy asked. "Barbequed billygoats! Do you mean to say that there really is a smuggler?" The two teens exchanged glances. "What do you think there's a smuggler?" the other Nancy asked. "Well, there were all those packages upstairs..." "We're not here to ask about a smuggler," George cut in quickly. "It's about a murder. The murder of Gwendoline Mary. Did you know her?" Nancy thought hard. "I don't think we know a Gwendoline, do we, Peg?" "No," the First Mate said, "but we did know a Gwinny." Nancy felt her face flush. "The Siren!" She'd forgotten about her. She couldn't actually sing very well, but she had caused the Amazons to shipwreck, twice, and Nancy had never forgiven her. "She used to holiday near where we live." "So she was a friend of yours," the old lady piped up suddenly. "No!" the cry came from Nancy and Peggy both at once. "She was awful," Peggy explained. "She'd complain if she got her feet wet, but she wanted to come sailing with us anyway-" "-and when we said no her mother came and complained to Mother-" "-and then we got in an awful row-" "-and she wouldn't even learn any shanties, let alone how to raise a sail," Nancy finished. "We ought to be going," she said reluctantly. "We have to keep an eye on Uncle Jim, you see." "One last thing," the old woman said. "What were your names, dears?" "Nancy and Peggy Blackett," Nancy said. "Well, it's Ruth and Margaret, really," Peggy added. "Why on earth does she call herself Nancy if her name is Ruth?" George asked when they were gone. "I think," Miss Marple said quietly, "she knows that pirates have to be ruthless." But were the two girls ruthless enough to kill? They certainly hadn't liked the poor unfortunate Gwendoline Mary, but then no one really had.

Author:	Elle [ Sun Dec 13, 2009 11:22 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Communal Christmas Drabble!
"I say Julian! Anne's got a letter!" said Dick as he watched his sister clean the tent, fetch water for the washing up, make the beds and cook breakfast all at the same time. "Hurry up with that toast old girl," said Julian, adding, "What do you mean Anne has got a letter?" "Here," replied Dick, handing it over, as Anne found a cow and began to milk it so the five could have some fresh milk with their bacon, eggs, beans, fried potatoes, more bacon, mushrooms gathered at dawn by Anne with the dew still fresh on them, more bacon, lashings of ginger beer and fresh bread made by Anne as she gathered the mushrooms. "Gosh!" said Julian, opening the letter, "Anne's been invited to a party." "What about us?" demanded George emerging all flushed from the tent with Timmy. "We are not invited," said Julian crossly. "Pass us a pen Dick old bean," and he rapidly added their names to the invite. "That's better," he said with satisfaction, as Anne arrived with a table, napkins, silver, cut glass coffee mugs and the previously mentioned breakfast. Julian handed the letter to Anne as he needed both hands to eat with. "Bugger," said Anne, looking at the letter, "We've missed the start."

Author:	shazwales [ Mon Dec 14, 2009 7:51 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Communal Christmas Drabble!

Author:	cestina [ Mon Dec 21, 2009 2:06 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Communal Christmas Drabble!
"This is really beyond a joke now", said Miss Marple as she rose painfully to her feet. "I have been sitting in this corner, imbibing too freely of the mulled wine, and it has befuddled my senses. There has been murder done here and it behoves us to do something about it. The more people that arrive, the more difficult it will become to unravel this particular tangled skein". She made her way through the thronging masses, ignoring the appeals for help that were coming from various quarters, as the room finally became too small to absorb any further bodies and those in the centre were becoming crushed by those pressing further into the room. "I shall have to put a stop to this" she muttered to herself "Clearly I am one of the few people here to retain any sense of what is proper. Now where did that sensible girl Susan go? She told me she was going in search of some mince pies but that was a quarter of an hour ago. Maybe something untoward has occurred?" As she came to the door of the room she noticed a tall woman with black hair, arranged in earphones, speaking rapidly in fluent German to someone just behind her. "Und sofort bitte!" she heard her say sharply. Miss Marple dredged her mind to find a few phrases of school German - not a popular subject when she had been at school since the First World War was in full swing at that time. She believed that it meant "At once please!" "Excuse me," she said tentatively to the earphoned lady "but do you also speak English?" "Indeed I do" the lady replied "and fluent French, German, Italian, Belsornian and a smattering of Hindustani. I can also make shift in Welsh, the Tirolean dialect and Schwiizertüütsch. Some Romansch too if you like" Miss Marple looked puzzled "I am not acquainted with the last two languages you mentioned" she said. "Ah no - the first is the Swiss version of German and the other is only spoken in a very small corner of Switzerland, which is where I have come from today" "I believe you were giving an order to someone" said Miss Marple. "I was indeed" replied the woman briskly. "I have uncovered a body beneath that tartan rug over there and I feel it should be removed as soon as possible. I sent for some strong men to deal with it." At that point a reluctant Hagrid arrived, together with an even more surly looking Gaudenz. "Oh dear me no" said Miss Marple. "Nothing should be disturbed till the police come" "Police!" exclaimed the tall lady "Surely we can manage without their interference? Are you not the incomparable Miss Marple?" Miss Marple blushed faintly "Well yes, my dear, I am. However I feel somewhat at a loss in this melee of people. Do you know any of them?" "Well for a start I am Joey Maynard" responded the woman. "Now let me see........"

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