The Pensieve: Edition Eight

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Subject: The Pensieve: Edition Eight Sun Dec 07 2008, 01:29

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Editors Babble.

Welcome to another jam packed edition of the Pensieve in our new home, the notice board. Not quite as glamorous as our first home, but still glamorous enough for us mere mortals.

As everyone is gearing up to Christmas, I sit back and watch the world pass me by. It's never easy at this time of year when your mind is as empty as your wallet. There will be no Christmas tree in my home this year, nor will their be any presents, alas Christmas has lost its sparkle and appeal for me.

So, Christmas is cancelled at my home, but apparently not in the Hufflepuff Common Room. Only this morning I caught sight of Mr Pickles measuring the windows and mantle piece for, and I quote, “The tinsel and fairy lights, Etta, need a home as well,” I was all for strangling him with his tape measure when he stuck out his bottom lip, let it tremble and, the icing on the cake, made a tear roll down his cheek. I crumbled like a broken digestive biscuit.

Well, now Pickles has his tape measure back, Bobette is helping erect the Christmas Tree, Rosie and Skie, dressed as a cross between Satan and Santa's little helpers, have gone off on Minion business (their kidnapping a present for me) and I am left alone to reflect on times long since past.

Was it only this time last year we found ourselves thrown into the dark emptiness of the Pensieve Head quarters? Has it really been a year since we geared up for our first edition of the paper. Yes, it has, and yet it still feels like only yesterday we were laughing and talking about the new and improved paper.

So with the birthday of the “reborn” Pensieve approaching, I propose a party, in the ChatBox. Drinks are on Elfie!

As always this was my babble and I am running out the door.

Until next time, consider this: Why is a boxing ring square?

Introducing our new Deputy Assistant Editor ....

During the last few weeks the staff of the Pensieve have been voting for who they want to replace Streams of Silver as D.A.E of the paper. Well ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, i give you, in all her glory .... *hands the new D.A.E a baby wipe to clean away the chocolate from her mouth* .... STEPHY!

Role Player's (RP) Dimension
By stephy

Today we shall be looking at a character by the name of Violet LeRanda Riddle. Violet is the child of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named and her half sister is Oddie Riddle. She is sixteen at the moment but was changed into a vampire at the age of 15. Violet has black hair that she like to wear up in a pony tail, she wears dark make-up and dark red lip stick. Her attire is composed of either black or violet clothing and she doesn't wear shoes beacuse of her lifestyle when she was younger. She did not recieve her first pair of shoes until she was about 3 years old. Violet is only 4' 8". Violet can at times be a little bratty.

Violet has many firends and they are Phoenix and Seth Rosenburg, Shadow Roth, Jamie Carton, Oddie Riddle (her half sister), Elladora, Lynn Malfoy, Alice Cullen, Bella, Nat and Holly. Even though she has many firends she also has a few enemies and they are Raven Roth, her father, Snape, and Kar, Shadow and Raven’s dad.

Violet's mother is Lily Potter and her father was He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. Unbelieveable I know but Lily was cursed into following the Dark Lord until the spell was broken. Violet had lived with Lily and James until that dreadful night arrived and they were both killed. After their deaths Violet had to go live with her godfather Snape. Snape did not treat her well because of who her father was, he had spent most of his time not paying attention to her but than at the age of three Violet let Snape. She was found by a muggle couple whom she called Aunt Sam and Uncle Parker. At the age of eleven she went to Hogwarts just like any witch and wizard does. Once at school she met her brother but stayed away from him. She lived with these two muggles until she turned to the age of fourteen. After she left the muggles her father came for her and she followed him and listened to him until she turned sixteen. She became a spy for the Order and one day might become a Healer.

Now that we have taken a look at Violet let's learn some cool facts about her creator viletriddle. Her name is Lesley but she perfers to be called Violet or Vi. She lives in Alabama and has been a member since Feburary 15. Her friends on the site are Stephy, Lynn, Kimmers, Nixy, Matt, Hannah, Lucy, Smartie, Jamiko, Ratty(Ziggy), Chrissy boy(Magicguy93), and Jen. She likes chocolate Harry Potter, Twilight, murder/mystery books, anything Italian, Diet Pepsi Max, Amy Lee, Gothic Metal, Linkin Park, singing, writing, graphic making. Also she loves this site as one can tell by how many posts she has made already. She dislaikes preppy people who thinks their life revolves around the phone, white chocolate which she thinks is too sweet, Asain food, some seafoods, Romance Novels unless they sound to good you have to read them, clowns, cockroaches, Paris Hilton, Miley Cyrus, Rap, Akon, T-Pain, Romione, cell phones, normal people, and people who like to call over and over and over and can't take a hint you don't like them. When asked what she would like changed on the sight she kind of coughed and I thought I made out the words "five line rule back". Well that's all there is to know about Violet and violetriddle for now.

Unanswerable Questions, answered by Bobbette Hufflepuff.

** Why is it considered necessary to nail down the lid of a coffin?**
To keep the living out!

** Why does the sun lighten our hair, but darken our skin?**
Because you need to change the setting.

** Why can't women put on mascara with their mouth closed?**
They can, but they choose not to.

** Why doesn't glue stick to the inside of the bottle?**
Because the maker asked it not to.

** Why don't you ever see the headline "Psychic Wins Lottery"?**
Because Etta forseen the Headline and forced the Editors to change it at the last moment to protect herself and her millions.

** Why is "abbreviated" such a long word?**
To make us all pay attention in cla.....zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

** Why is it called lipstick if you can still move your lips?**
It was a manufacturing error, they forgot to add the glue.

** Why is it that doctors call what they do "practice"?**
Because they are just "practising" until the real Doctor comes along. *points to the little blue box parked across the road*

** Why is it that rain drops but snow falls?**
Because rain comes from a tap and snow comes from the Freezer, and we all know stuff doesn't drop out of the Freezer, it falls out.

** Why is it that when you're driving and looking for an address, you turn down the volume on the radio?**
So you can hear your eyes

** Why is lemon juice made with artificial flavour, and dish washing liquid made with real lemons?**
Because you're too lazy to squeeze real lemons for juice.

** Why is the man who invests all your money called a broker?**
Because he's really poor

** Why isn't there mouse-flavoured cat food?**
Because Cats really love Mice and don't actually eat them, they just pretend to.

** Why can't they make the whole plane out of the same substance that little indestructible black box is?**
Because it would take too long.

Horoscopes With Kayz

hello reader
sorry i have been away for a while i hope your past will be as good as your future.

Aries
Revamping your budget is essential if a close relationship is to continue. Having an honest conversation about money will prove revealing. Often, arguments over finances are smokescreens for power struggles. An exciting job offer could give you a break. Although the work excites you, the salary doesn't. If you're not able to squeeze more money out of your would be employer, ask for more perks. A company car, longer holidays or working from home are all possibilities.

Taurus
A surprise option gives you the chance to travel, study, or use your inventive writing skills. Be sure to accept a friend's help with such ventures. Although this partnership will require you to make compromises, at least you will have a chance to make a cherished dream come true. Stop being so stubborn and embrace the opportunity before you. If you're single, you could meet the love of your life at a religious, cultural, or educational institution.

Gemini
Finding a new job should be relatively easy in the next two weeks. If you're dissatisfied with your current position, send out a slew of CVs. Opportunities related to medicine, security, or antique restoration are all strong possibilities. You may have to work a lot of hours at first, but you actually enjoy being busy. Besides, you could use the extra money. If you're happy with your job, this would be a good time to embark on a fitness regime.

Cancer
You're sick and tired of staying cloistered at home. Venturing into the unknown proves thrilling. Go ahead and visit an exotic country, ask someone for a date, or experiment with an unfamiliar artistic medium. You need to prove you're not just a one trick pony. If you've been craving romance, you could find it at a shadowy nightclub or darkened movie theatre. Anywhere with an air of mystery holds promise for you.

Leo
Matters related to property are highly favoured. Buying or selling houses will provide financial security. If you're looking for a new home, find one near your job. This will cut down on your commuting costs and give you more leisure time. If you're happy with your current living situation, you may want to consider working from home. Such an arrangement will shield you from office politics and allow you to work in comfortable surroundings.

Virgo
Teaching, writing, and lecturing are all favoured in the weeks ahead. You've been blessed with a keen intellect, and people are prepared to pay for your opinions and guidance. If you've ever wanted to write a book, begin today. Jot down the first things that come to mind. The words will flow from you like a mighty river. Turn a deaf ear to your internal censor. Right now, you've got to concentrate on quantity, not quality.

Libra
A fresh source of income could enrich your bank account. Resist the urge to increase your spending. Living beneath your means will allow you to build a sizable nest egg. This may not seem important now, when you're flush with cash. However, you never know when you'll be forced to tighten your belt. Even if the lean times never come, you'll have extra cash to spend on something you really love. A holiday, new care or new home are all worth looking into.

Scorpio
You're ready to make a fresh start, but may be unsure of how to proceed. Start by changing your appearance in some way. Altering your hair style, updating your wardrobe, or losing weight will inspire you to make more fundamental changes. You're the type who gets restless if you stay in one place for too long. Moving abroad, learning a foreign language, or publishing a book will give you a new lease on life. This could also put you in line for more money.

Sagittarius
Retreating from public view will be a welcome relief. Recently, you've been spending a lot of time with friends, family, and neighbours. And while you usually come to life in the company of others, all of this sustained social activity is starting to wear on your nerves. Head for some quiet retreat where you can recharge your batteries. An exciting financial opportunity could come your way, although you won't get public acknowledgement for this work.

Capricorn
Female friends are especially supportive of a cherished dream. Look to them for help if you encounter an obstacle. They can offer you financial and emotional assistance. Be willing to accept a generous loan. Although you hate taking charity, you have to admit you need cash to get this project off the ground. Your energy, enthusiasm, and leadership ability inspire confidence. Draw on these qualities when circumstances conspire to block your way.

Aquarius
Career matters are highly favoured over the next two weeks. If you've been thinking of changing industries, strike now, while the iron is hot. You could have marvellous luck with opportunities involving education, publishing, or the law. Banking and property also hold promise. Trust your intuition with regard to a company that offers you a job with plenty of growth opportunity. You may have to take a pay cut at first, but you'll soon get a series of raises.

Pisces
A strong desire to travel could prompt you to pack your bags and leave for unknown parts. Ask a friend to accompany you on this journey. Together, you can explore places you'd usually avoid. Choose a companion who is light hearted and adventurous. The last thing you want is to have a chronic complainer anchored to your side. If you've been thinking of adding to your learning, skills and qualifications you should take the plunge now

Subject: Re: The Pensieve: Edition Eight Sun Dec 07 2008, 01:30

For the Record:
CD Review:

PINK – Funhouse.

1 Badger = Poor, 2 Badgers = nothing to shout about, 3 Badgers = Good, 4 Badgers = Excellent and 5 Badgers = MUST HAVE CD

In the Hot seat this edition for our CD review is Pink's long awaited for 5th album release. Following the two year vacation from the recording studio, Pink has come back and let go. This album is 70% based on her relationship breakdown with the gorgeous Carey Hart.

So, let us rewind two months, when So What, the debut single off this album burst onto our air waves. This single set the pace for the album, the bar of expectation was set, the fans began a long walk to the record shops, waiting, hoping, to see their idol smash the bar left with the breath taking work of art known as I'm Not Dead. Could Pink really top the work she created two years earlier? If So What was anything to go by, most fans would say yes.

Well, lets hit the stereo, turn up the volume and clear house, it's time to hit play and step into Pink's world of relationship breakdown.

First up, is ....

Track One

So What:

I guess I just lost my husband/I don't know where he went ...

Nice opening line. Ah Pink has returned! There is no doubting why this single hit the top spot of music charts across the world. Sticking her middle finger up at the world, her marriage and possibly everyone else, Pink unleashes a rant. This anthem of break up is the kind of song you would play repeatedly down the phone to your Ex when you're drunk, which ladies may I say is a rather pitiful thing to do, phoning him, not the drunk part, moving back to the record! *does a jumpy dance* I can't possibly find fault with this song, and have to say I will be playing it repeatedly, to remind the BF that he is not irreplaceable. 5 outta 5

Track Two

Sober:

Till you're trying to find the you that you once had/I have heard myself cry, never again/Broken down in agony just tryna find a fit

The second single off this album and I can understand why. A sombre start for a song which follows So What, as the music began I knew I just had to wait for the more edgy side of Pink to break out, and I was right. With a catchy chorus, not as catchy as So What, Sober hits deep within you. Straight from the heart of Pink, the song takes us through the front of being the heart broken. When you find yourself suddenly single, after a heavy relationship, your mind, heart and soul goes through so much but on the outside you have a continued front, that fixed smile, the eyes that lie and say “I'm good.” If you let your front fall and show your real emotions, it's your own fault. Pink used the therapy of recording this album to unleash such an intimate insight of her own heart and soul and emotion to bring us a brilliant song in the form of Sober. 5 outta 5

Track Three

I Don't Believe You:

No, I don't believe you/When you say you don't need me anymore/So don't pretend/To not love me at all/Cos I don't believe you

An acoustic ballad, straight from Pink's heart. You can't not listen to this song and not be moved, you can't not listen to this and in some way shape or form, relate to the emotions, the words, the broken promises and pleading. We are only human after all. This song explains itself with just the first listen. A truly beautiful song. 5 outta 5.

Track Four

One Foot Wrong:

All the lights are on/But I'm in the dark/Who's gonna find me/Who's gonna find me

Hmm, not as good as the first three songs, still good though, worthy of a listen, it's sort of lazy/sleepy, slightly edgy, very throaty ... And yet I can still find a piece of myself within the lyrics. For me this song is like walking the tightrope of life, one step wrong and you'll fall, make one mistake and its game over, no-one can save you but yourself. One Foot Wrong, is for me, a cry for help to find a way out of the darkness. 3 outta 5.

Track Five

Please Don't Leave Me:

Can't you tell that this is just a contest/The one that wins will be the one that hits the hardest/But baby i don't mean it/I mean it, I promise

Up beat, I has thought the album would be depressing ballad one after another, thank god I was wrong! Up beat but still following on the footsteps of the previous four. A clear cry to her hubby, Pink pleads for him to not leave. She expresses her regrets, she apologises and my god the Da Da Da's are so freakin annoying! Great song, even with those annoying Da Da Da's. 5 outta 5

Track Six

Bad Influence

Alright ma'am (ma'am)/Calm down I know your son said he was in my house (my house)/He was the captain of the football team but I turned him out

Haha I love it! This is my song, not depressing, up beat, catchy, you'll find yourself giggling at the lyrics, classic Pink! Its a simple song, fun, but simple, still great though, it reminds me very much of some of Pink's early songs, very poppy. Alas it doesn't quite fit in with the tracks on Funhouse though. 4 outta 5.

Track Seven

Funhouse

This used to be a funhouse/But now it's full of evil clowns/It's time to start the countdown/I'm gonna burn it down down down

One of my favourite songs off this album, its upbeat, it's hard hitting, honest and deep. Her home was once a happy place, filled with love and laughter, now, after the breakdown of the marriage it's nothing more than a horrible memory of what used to be, a constant reminder of what they had, the only option is to burn it down ... Well ... I can see her point.... And I agree ... Clowns are evil. Haha 5 outta 5

Track Eight

Crystal Ball:

Sometimes you think everything is wrapped inside a diamond ring/Love just needs a witness and a little forgiveness.

Filled with so much emotion, you think back to Pink's last album and the deep emotional song Dear Mr President. A beautiful song dealing with Pink with her heart on her sleeve. Wonderful vocals and the song is kept simple with just an acoustic guitar with no over powering drums or keyboards, heavy rifts. Crystal Ball is brilliantly written and sung just as brilliantly. My second favourite song off this album, 5 outta 5.

Track Nine

Mean:

Use to send me flowers if you ******in my dreams/I use to make you laugh with all the silly **** I did now you roll your eyes and walk away and shake your head

Whaaa a country sounding start, loving the rift though haha. The song is straight forward, it questions how the relationship got to the point where it did, how could they move on from that point, should they stay together? All these questions, we each ask when faced with the inevitable end of a relationship, with so many questions pounding away at your head, you can't blame Pink for unleashing them all in this song and facing up to the answers that she finds. Beautiful. 5 outta 5.

Track Ten

It's All Your Fault:

I'd conjure up the thought of being gone/But I'd probably even do that wrong

Not one of my favourites, possibly one of the weaker songs on a so far exceptional album. With a powerfully vocal, you can almost feel Pink;s desperation as she sings. Not much to say other that. 3 outta 5.

Track Eleven

Ave Mary A:

If we don't kill each other then the side effects will/Deep down I think we got a problem

A strange song, seriously weird. Not very catchy, yet worth a listen. At the end of verse she changes the destination to say things like “London I think we got a problem” “Tokyo I think we got a problem.” Its mainly about what's happening in today's world with reference to suicide bombers and shot students. Lyric wise, great, vocal wise, great in some parts not so hot in others. 3 outta 5.

Track Twelve

Glitter In The Air:

Have you ever thrown a fist full of glitter in the air?/Have you ever looked fear in the face/And said I just don't care

Ah my FAVOURITE SONG! An exceptional song to “end” the album – before you get to the bonus tracks. Pink asks the questions and before you know it, you're either saying yes or no, out loud as well (try to not to listen to this track in public, otherwise you'll get some funny looks, trust me haha) and then if you say, you'll ask yourself why not? An extremely deep song, powerful vocal, Pink's best vocal in my opinion. Glitter in the Air will no doubt have everyone talking.

Overall:

Well, this long awaited for album lived up to my expectations and succeeded them.

Pink's way to deal with her relationship breakdown brought us this outstanding album, and with only a couple of truly weak tracks, the album overall is a massive success and tops all recordings brought to us by the tortured soul of Pink. Instead of going to therapy, she hit the studio and channelled her raw emotions into Funhouse, and with those raw emotions, Pink found an even great vocal, if anyone says this girl can't sing, well they obviously haven't listened to this album.

I give this album ...... 5 Badgers

So what you waiting for? GO BUY IT NOW!!!!

Subject: Re: The Pensieve: Edition Eight Sun Dec 07 2008, 01:31

An Earful of the World:
Pink - "Funhouse"
by Gemma Cullen-Malfoy

Two years after her last album "I'm Not Dead", Alecia Beth Moore alias P!nk is back. And while the latter was published shortly after her getting married, "Funhouse" with its timing just has to be made of break-up, with depressing ballads and whatnot - right? Well, let's just hit play and see...

1 Muffin:
As wannabe as Voldiepants...
2 Muffins:
Did Crabbe and Goyle come up with this?
3 Muffins:
Might impress a Malfoy, maybe.
4 Muffins:
Snape'd be proud!
5 Muffins:
Wow, this is worthy of Salazar Slytherin himself...

Track One: So What?

I gotta brand new attitude/and I'm gonna wear it tonight

Let's be honest, there'll be barely a soul out there not knowing this song yet. Energetic and just very Pink, So What portrays a woman that stands her ground despite a recent divorce - with just the slightest weakness, maybe. I loved it the first time I heard it and never got tired of it, the catchy beat and lyrics got right into my mind and whenever it's on the radio I can barely resist the urge to dance crazily. Great opener for an album that could have been all tears and whiny ballads.

4 out of 5

Track Two: Sober

When it's good, then it's good, it's so good till it goes bad/Till you're trying to find the you that you once had

When I first listened to this song, I was sure it was about being drunk, again and again, alcohol as a facade and not knowing how to feel happy without it. I also thought it wasn't really a good song, everything seemed monotonous and half-hearted. After listening a second, third, fourth time, however, I changed my mind. It seems to rather deal with general facades and acting all perfectly fine, getting lost in the cobweb of acting, and darn it's really quite good!

5 out of 5

Track Three: I Don't Believe You

I don’t mind it/I don’t mind at all...

A very emotionally intense track, touching and seemingly right from the heart. The slow pace, calm music, focus on the clear vocals, all of it make it a nice ballad, but it's more than today's just too common whiny ones. It admits to problems, showing the process of denying them despite seeing them, the insecurity, not being able to contemplate and accept that the end might have come, not wanting to understand the other doesn't want to go on the way things are but he indeed means the goodbye. A good song and probably easy to relate to for any of us, for we all have made our fair share of mistakes for sure...

4 out of 5

Track Four: One Foot Wrong

Just one foot wrong/You'll have to love me/When I'm gone

Though originally about drugs gone wrong, this song also shows how easy it is in life to step wrong just once and lose everything. To me, it meant confusion and self-destruction on a path that doesn't allow trial and error, a harsh and strict path: life. And while the topic's interesting as that, the lyrics just seem a little too repetitive [apparently not much can be said about a bad trip], plus I couldn't get rid of the boring note of it. Pity it didn't get up to the first three songs' standards.

3 out of 5

Track Five: Please Don't Leave Me

I forgot to say out loud how beautiful you really are to me/I can't be without you my perfect little punching bag/And I need you, I'm sorry

A little more of the So What style again, this upbeat track tells of hurting the other and driving him away when all you want is for them to stay. The alleged toughness and independence is something I could easily imagine Pink [and so many other humans] displaying while actually just yearning for not being left - but how to phrase that? If you ignore the annoying little dadas, this song seems emotional yet energetic and is easy to relate to.

5 out of 5

Track Six: Bad Influence

I'm a story to tell the alibi/They wanna go home i asked them (why)/It's daylight (not night)

Now what do we have here? This doesn't sound at all like any of the songs before, and indeed it doesn't even really seem to relate to the prevalent break-up theme at all. Instead we here from what seems to be a true party person talking about herself and all the partying. It might seem like a bit troubled a person, but in general it very much reminds me of some older Pink songs, say "Don't let me get me" for instance. It certainly is as upbeat and catchy, even with the little sense I myself find in the lyrics.

4 out of 5

Track Seven: Funhouse

Pictures framing up the past/Your taunting smirk behind the glass

This song once more seems to be typical of Pink, coming from a woman who spent very happy times in her home but now that those are over, she can't bear living there anymore. The good memories have become evil clowns in the face of loss, and somehow she still manages to make me feel good and want to sing along. How the woman does that, I have no idea. Great thing she does, however, and one more song I really didn't expect [though by now I know that was utterly stupid of me]. The dodos, as she uses this time around, do annoy me though.

4 out of 5

Track Eight: Crystal Ball

Drinking wine and thinking bliss is on the other side of this/I just need a compass and a willing accomplice

Now this is, in one way, more of what I expected of the whole Funhouse; a slow, emotional ballad that speaks of lessons learned and enduring the pain that comes with this process, about what little love actually requires, and how so much bad luck might come once there's imperfection, little flaws, problems - but why be afraid when so many good things could also come from a situation like this? It might not have worked out once, but if there is another chance it still might...that is my impression of what the song wants to convey. With the feelings turned audible by just one voice and those thoughtful lyrics, it might just be the most emotional song of the whole CD.

4 out of 5

Track Nine: Mean

We opened up the wine and we just let it breathe/But we shoulda drank it down while it was still sweet/It all goes bad eventually

Now, go and rule out that last sentence about the last song. Just as I thought I'd found the emotional pearl of the CD, I got proven wrong: no matter how much more of a ballad "Crystal Ball" was, this one is even so much more beautiful...It shows a lot of feeling without being slow or dragging along endlessly, and I could whole-heartedly understand the wondering and hurting. How come a relationship just changes, and for the worse, without you yourself wanting it to or even so much as realizing it does until it's too late? Why is it that something beautiful just turns into mean behaviour, doubts and mental abuse on both parts? And once it had indeed happened, what's left to do about it? On top of this touching lyrics, the music and vocals compliment each other really well, which makes it all the more intense.

5 out of 5

Track Ten: It's All Your Fault

I would never pull the trigger/But I've cried wolf a thousand times...

Blame me for being stupid, if you will. I think it took me an estimated ten to twenty times of listening to this song and at least three times of more or less closely reading the lyrics before I figured out what seems to be the actual content. I did grasp a concept of having changed for a loved one only to find out that, once all's over and he won't come back, one can't go back to being as before. I did, however, blatantly miss the implications [were they even such?] of leaving behind that life altogether only to realize one couldn't even do that at the current point. And really, it's all just the other's fault for being ood and nice and then leaving. Another energetic yet emotional song, which I love, but could someone please tell her to finally cut out those dadadas?

4 out of 5

Track Eleven: Ave Mary A

Where does everybody go when they go/The go so fast I don't think they know/We hate so fast/And we love too slow

I'm really usure as to what to make of this song. It does rock and is catchy in a somewhat different way, but it did confuse me a great deal when first listening to it. And, being the nagging thing I sometimes am, I sorted through the lyrics carefully to untangle the retelling of today's mad world, the global chaos and problems that must surely lighten up soon, because this cannot be anything but the darkest hour. And really, the rather quickly sung words portray that fast-paced lifestyle we inherit today quite well, whether intentionally or not.

3 out of 5

Track Twelve: Glitter in the Air

Have you ever fed a lover with just your hands?/Closed your eyes and trusted, just trusted?

These questions Pink asks here, most of them demand me to answer "No, I haven't." And then, they make me wonder why I haven't, just as she lets me know that it isn't too late to do that stuff - yet. Then I marvle a little at her intriguing voice, fall in love with the music, and then I think about her questions again. And maybe, just maybe I should do some of it, because it seems they're things that make her feel really great, and I wouldn't want to miss out on such opportunities. Nice and made to evoke thinking, what a great way to wrap up a CD. And still something small seems missing to me, which keeps it from being the perfect end.

4 out of 5

Overall:

There is one major problem I see with this album: it wasn't made for people like me to review. Not that I want to complain, but I change my mood like others change their facial expressions, and these songs are all so multi-faceted that every time I listen, I think differently about them. If I would start now again at the first song to re-check my review, I'd probably end up turning it upside down all the way and change every single rating. But in its way, that's one hell of a good thing, since I'm sure I'll never get tired of Funhouse.
And also, the songs never seem to get worse. They change, most often for the better, but they're quite great as they are.

That's 4 Muffins!

And me saying buy if you liked anything by Pink so far, but stay away if you loathed all her songs. Or if you want a pained, self-pitying, self-loathing break-up album. Surely those have their advantages, but you won't find such here...And now, if you'd please excuse me - I need to find some glitter!

Assorted Quidditch Bits'n'Pieces
by Gemma Cullen-Malfoy

Blistering cold cuts one's face, cheers and hooting sail trough the air alongside wrapped up packages of different colours, and somewhere in the middle of it all, two black orbs go trashing about. What might sound fairly weird and even somewhat violent to the unknwoing is nothing else but Quidditch, of course, our well-beloved main HE sport.

Or is it? With the many disciplines the Olympics offer at the moment, and the seeming withdrawal from everyday events like classes, some might say Quidditch is suffering as well. There used to be somewhat more activity in those matches, and maybe also a little more accuracy as the increasing forum size seems to take up more and more time of those in charge.

And yet, those who manage to remain faithful should, if my opinion counts anything, rejoice. Last term, activity used to be strong in many of the matches, but there was also a certain annoyance present in the usage of extremely short posts, and many of them. Now, as once new people have come to fit in extremely well, there is a new air to all of Quidditch. And for my part, I can only say that while I sometimes wished for more participation [on my part, even], I am glad that those times are over where you went offline for a few hours and came back to be struck by countless new posts to the match.

That said, onto the current standings and such. Unluckily, only two matches have yet been graded, with twelve matches already opened [if not all finished]. As of now, standings are this:

Hufflepuff: Played 1, Won 1, Lost 0 :: Total: 253
Slytherin: Played 1, Won 0, Lost 1 :: Total: 249
Ravenclaw: Played 1, Won 1, Lost 0 :: Total: 331
Gryffindor: Played 1, Won 0, Lost 1 :: Total: 181

Of course for a real prognosis there, we'll have to wait for some people to send in their scores, but until then just from looking at the matches, I'd say participation is dropping in all matches. There were more than fifteen to each match, two times more than thirty, as the season rolled into excistence, but now it's going down to some numbers between five and ten posts. If things go on like this, will Quidditch die? Will there even be so much as a deservig winner at the end of the term?

I cannot answer these questions now, just as I cannot really fulfill the original purpose of this article, informing on the latest happenings in Quidditch: really, there isn't much to it at the moment. If you read this, and are on one of the teams, please try and make Quidditch alive again. I'm trying, too, but I find it hard with real life interfering in all of my team, and you probably all know problems of that kind. Regardless of it, let's try together. What fun would Quidditch be without players on the field?

If you aren't on a team, and have read this still, consider it. Consider signing up for your house team and supporting them in the cause of keeping Quidditch alive and your house winnig those valueable house points. In our Slytherin team, it's come down to the exchange of award points for participation. Sad, really, that this might need to go on to keep people playing, when originally it should all be for the sheer fun of it. Can we really let Quidditch go down like this?

What will we do once the Olympics here are over? Shall we all just sit in our Common Rooms then, getting fat and fatter in need of the regular exercise? Shall we just close up the Quidditch forum soon, saying 'Ah well, it was nice while it lasted. It's not you, it's me. This just doesn't work out anymore!', as if it were a relationship we wanted desperately to get rid off? Reconsider, if you can, and help getting Quidditch back to life.

Subject: Re: The Pensieve: Edition Eight Sun Dec 07 2008, 01:32

A Post-War Interview with Severus Snape

I stare up at the colorful umbrella that shades the quaint white table that I always sit at for these interviews, and smile. A soft breeze blows past me and I start to tap my foot while glancing at my watch. It’s almost time for the interview, and for the third time in the past five minutes I wonder why I chose to get here early, especially for an interview like this. I breathe deeply to calm my nerves. Oh well… hopefully he – it – won’t be late. I glance at my watch once more and, as I’m about to raise my head, a shadow falls over me that isn’t caused by the table’s umbrella. I look up and smile a little, relieved: right on time. I stand as is only courteous and shake his hand, this man who has done this favor for me.

“Thank you, Mr. Longbottom,” I say, glancing down at the large rectangle that the Herbology Professor has propped up on the chair opposite mine.

He grins and replies, “It was no trouble. Flitwick was going to come, but – well – his age is catching up to him so he asked me to do him a favor and take his place.” He gestures to the rectangular object and quickly adds, “But please call me Neville. We were at school together, weren’t we?”

I smile more strongly as the butterflies settle in my stomach and say, “Yes, actually. I was a few years behind you, but I was a Gryffindor and I remember seeing you a few times. How’s Hannah?”

The smile that he shows now is radiant, and I think how wonderful it must be to be in love. “She’s doing great!” Neville says enthusiastically. “But, well… I was going to use this time to shop for an anniversary gift and I was wondering, when should I get back?”

I nod in understanding and smile to myself: Here was a man who could actually remember his anniversary. I glance down at my watch, even though it’s unnecessary. “I think an hour’s all that we’ll need.” I shoot a quick look at the intimidating rectangular figure shrouded in black and add in a whisper that loses its joking quality halfway through, “I think an hour’s all I’ll be able to take.”

Neville chuckles, nods, and says, “Well, see you in an hour then! Good luck.”

“Thanks, and good luck with the gift, though I’m sure Hannah will love whatever you get her.”
He leaves with a twirl and a soft popping sound, and I turn to regard the object resting in the opposite chair with excitement, anxiety, and more than a little apprehension. I sit in my seat and flick my wand. The sheet of black velvet previously covering the object slides off in one fluid motion and settles itself into a neatly folded triangle. It reveals a large portrait featuring a very familiar face that once haunted my nightmares back at school. With another flick of my wand, I make it so that no one but me can see the portrait, except for Neville when he comes back.

“Pr-Professor,” I say softly, instantly reprimanding myself for still stuttering his title even after many years of no longer being his student.

“Miss Mei,” he replies slowly, scrutinizing me with glittering black eyes that, for some reason, don’t seem as cold and hate-filled as they did when he lived. Perhaps it’s because of what I’ve heard from rumors and from the people themselves… but then again, it could quite possibly be because even magic couldn’t have captured those terrorizing eyes in a portrait.

“Professor Snape,” I say again, wondering why I can’t just get on with my questions.

“I do believe we’ve already established that,” he says as he rolls his eyes. Well, it’s not like he was ever one for polite restraint. “You haven’t changed very much have you, Miss Mei?” he continues. “Still the little Gryffindor who asks all those incessant questions? At least Miss Granger answered them.”

I force myself to get back in gear, in control, and to remember that Professor Snape can’t do anything besides regurgitate insults that I was supposed to get used to a long time ago. “Yes, Professor,” I say, and I get my red-and-gold streaked quill and my pad of parchment out of my bag, “which is why we’re here in the first place. I knew there was a reason why I became a journalist; all of your words must have sparked me to continue to ask my ‘incessant questions’.”

I notice an almost imperceptible sneer on my late Professor’s face as he sees my quill. “Gryffindor,” he mutters, but is it my imagination, or is there a slight hint of admiration in his eyes for my retort? I hope so, but I know that I need to finish this interview either before Neville gets back, or before my self-confidence completely crumbles. “Idiots,” the Professor adds and my hopes for admiration are dashed. Fan-bloody-tastic.

“Yes, Professor,” I say. Absolutely, definitely, whatever you say so I can get this interview moving! Resisting the urge to tear up a sheet of paper, I balance the tip of my quill on my pad and continue. “Shall we get down to business then, Professor?”

He looks at me grudgingly for a few moments, but finally says with the air of a prisoner succumbing to torture, “If we must.”

“And we must,” I say somewhat unnecessarily, determined not to get sidetracked and undermined. This is my interview and no ex-Professor of mine is going to ruin it! “So, Professor, one of the many things that the public wants to know about you is: Why did you choose to become a spy against Lord Voldemort?”

Professor Snape’s eyes take on an almost faraway quality, as if he’s thinking about something that is very long gone – which it is, of course – and that is bittersweet. “Many reasons,” he says bluntly, and I wait for him to elaborate.

He doesn’t.

“And those reasons were?” I ask, pressing for more information. Honestly, does he really expect me to print “Many reasons” as the answer to so many peoples’ questions?

He shoots me a look similar to the recurring glares that Mr. Malfoy gave me when I interviewed him, and though I quail inside for a second, his eyes soon gain that reminiscing quality once more. “I realized that in my chaotic youth, I had been… misled by people that I had previously believed to be my friends, and - ”

I know that I shouldn’t, but at that moment I can’t resist interrupting him. “Who?” I ask quickly, preparing for the glare that I know will come.

I’m right. Professor Snape breaks off and gives me such a scathing look that a little part of me dies inside. “How do you expect to find out any information, Miss Mei, if you interrupt everyone at every bend and turn?” I open my mouth to object but he cuts me off, adding, “And no, I will not tell you who they were; they’re all dead anyway.” He shrugs in his portrait and raises an eyebrow. “Now, if I may continue…?”

I snap my mouth shut and nod quickly; I’d almost forgotten how intimidating Professor Snape could be when he wanted to.

“As I was saying before I was so rudely interrupted,” Professor Snape begins again, his eyes slowly travelling up to look at the umbrella above our table, “I realized that people I had thought were my friends had lied to me about a number of things, and I also realized how cruel the Dark Lord could be when - ” He breaks off again and I bite back a frustrated groan as he gives me a strange look. “How many people will be reading this interview, Miss Mei?”

Taken aback by the question, I stare at him for a moment before quickly answering, “A lot of people. Since all of the Pensieve staff are ex-Hogwarts students, a batch of the most current edition gets sent to Hogwarts, and, well, I like to believe that we are well-known outside Hogwarts as well. Not as popular as the Daily Prophet used to be in its heyday, but we’re a very respectable paper.”

Professor Snape sighs and closes his eyes for a quick moment, almost as if he’s in pain, though I’m sure that’s impossible for him. “Well then… I suppose… if I must…”

“If you must what, Professor?” I ask, leaning forward; my interest is piqued now.

“I suppose you’ll want to know everything?” he asks, giving me a longsuffering look, “as you always do?”

Well, obviously. But I keep my thoughts to myself and reply, “It’s my job, Professor, and also, I’m naturally a curious person as - ”

“As I, of course, am quite overly aware of,” he says, completing my sentence. I nod, confused. “Well then…”

I sit back and check on my quill, noting that yes, it is working properly. I look up again, eager to hear more of my old Professor’s story. I don’t think I’ve ever been so excited to hear him speak.

“Continuing from your original tangent,” Professor Snape continues, a look of loss crossing his face, “I realized how cruel the Dark Lord could be when… when he ordered the Potters killed based on information I had given him. I… I had had a certain amount of respect for the family and I hadn’t thought that he would hurt her – them, and that indirectly, I would hurt them.”

My eyes widen in surprise; so the rumors were true! Professor Snape had actually cared for the Potters and my penchant for a good story began to connect the dots. He wasn’t saying it outright, but at that point I was relatively sure that this great, black, looming, intimidating, downright scary bat of a Professor, had actually been in love… and with Lily Potter, no less! Well alright, he didn’t actually say that, but it was a justifiable journalistic inference if you take into account all the rumors flying around after Harry Potter named his son Albus Severus, and – well- I can’t very well ignore them, can I?

Professor Snape continued. “I went to Dumbledore and asked him for help, and it was because of him and other issues that persuaded me to become a spy.” He sighs and that pained look comes over his face once more. I never thought that I would ever see Professor Snape look less than menacing, but if it hadn’t been for the fact that he was the scariest teacher I’d ever had, I might actually sympathize!

“What happened then?” I ask, unable to stay silent any longer. I know, just know, that there has to be more to the story.

He shrugs as only a portrait can shrug, and says, “One thing lead to another. The Potters died. I became Potions Professor, though that Defense job was meant to be mine for longer than a year. I was his spy, until the Dark Lord fell, though I resumed the job when he rose once more.” He shrugged once more and added, “I’m sure you know the rest.”

I do, and so does the public, most of it anyway.

“Done yet?” a voice asks from beside me and I look up, startled from my thoughts.

“Just finished!” I say, smiling. In all actuality, I do have more questions for my former Professor, but after what he’s revealed – well – I think it’s good to keep the public wondering a few things, isn’t it? I stand and nod to the portrait. “Good bye, Professor,” I say, “It was an enlightening conversation.”

He raises an eyebrow and smoothly says, “To someone like you, perhaps,” before he nods, indicating dismissal.

I hide a an exasperated smile: Professor Snape will always be Professor Snape. I cover his
portrait once more with the velvet cloth and take down the privacy charm. “Thanks, Neville, Professor,” I say, handing the portrait back to the Gryffindor.

He stows it somewhere and smiles. “I hope this was helpful, Rhia,” he says, and I nod.

“Very.” I pull my purse over my shoulder after putting away my quill and pad. “Good bye!” As I turn to apparate, the sight of Fortescue’s new flavor of ice cream, Raspberry Release, makes me smile a little. It lifts my spirits, in a way, and I wonder what it tastes like. Probably something new, something fresh, but also something sweet… Well, perhaps I’ll be able to try it out the next time I stop by.

- RhiannonMei

Fanfic recs:
By RhiannonMei

Echoes by Duck the Duck
http://www.hogwarts-quill.com/viewstory.php?sid=159
Summary: What if Lily and James hadn’t died all those years ago, but had lived their lives as Muggles, with no knowledge of the magical world? Will they give up their new life for a world they know nothing about, and a son they don’t remember? Semi-AU, Post-DH.

No Greater Love by elfbwillow
http://www.hogwarts-quill.com/viewstory.php?sid=25
Summary: “Wouldn’t you do anything for the ones you love?” That was the question Harry asked as he knelt by his unconscious Godfather Sirius. Sirius had been caught, and no matter how hard Remus, Dumbledore and Harry pleaded, the Ministry was still sending him back to Azkaban to receive the Dementors kiss. Harry would do just about anything for his Godfather, including a dark magic body swap to save him from the grasps of the Dementors.

With All My Love by Lady Chi
http://www.phoenixsong.net/fanfiction/story/1368/
Summary: Seventh year starts off with a bang for Lily, James and the Marauders. Voldemort is rising to power, Remus is in danger, and Lily and James are falling in love... Can they face Voldemort and live? Can they face each other
and live? Read and find out!

After the End by Arabella and Zsenya
http://www.sugarquill.net/read.php?storyid=619&chapno=1
Summary: It's the summer after seventh year, and Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, and the rest of the wizarding world must learn to live without fear. This story was written prior to the release of "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix."

The Seventh Horcrux by Melindaleo
http://www.fictionalley.org/authors/melindaleo2000/TSH01.html
Summary: The hunt for the Horcruxes begins. Harry has to decide who to trust as he moves closer to fulfilling his destiny. Will he be able to find and destroy all the Horcruxes? And at what price? Will he be able to find the strength within himself - the Power the Dark Lord Knows Not - in order to succeed in vanquishing Voldemort? And...can he do it and still get the girl? Join Harry and his faithful friends on their quest to finally defeat a Dark Lord.
H/G, R/Hr

This Means War by Jeconais
http://jeconais.fanficauthors.net/This_Means_War/index.php
Summary: When the Weasley Boys interfere in Ginny's relationship with Dean, they make the biggest mistake of their lives. The witch decides that revenge is in order, and her first point of call is a new boyfriend - Harry.

When a Lioness Fights by Kayly Silverstorm
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/2162474/1/
Hermione Granger, master spy, and Severus Snape, spymaster to the Order. An unlikely partnership, forged to defeat the Dark Lord on his own ground. But to do so, they must confront their own darkness within. Spying, torture, angst and love.

An Aunt's Love by Emma Lipardi
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/2196609/1/
Summary: Harry comes home from school and Petunia is upset at the change in her nephew. Petunia decides to do what she should have been doing all along. Dumbledore had better stay away. Petunia Dursley is upset. H, Hr

Subject: Re: The Pensieve: Edition Eight Sun Dec 07 2008, 20:06

Well done everyone with the articles guys... I enjoyed reading them The Pensieve: Edition Eight 436937

Subject: Re: The Pensieve: Edition Eight Mon Dec 08 2008, 02:44

*sighs* I miss the old text, this new text is too small to be reading the entire pensieve i'm sitting to close to my monitor lol.

Great job everyone.

Subject: Re: The Pensieve: Edition Eight Mon Dec 08 2008, 06:18

Great issue everyone!

(Etta, you know you can change the font size when posting? Click the button that looks like two "A's" on top of each other and you'll see the options)

Subject: Re: The Pensieve: Edition Eight Mon Dec 08 2008, 18:44

ROOBERY!!!

Ave Mary A is worth a 5!!!!!!!!!!

*loves reading reviews*

Subject: Re: The Pensieve: Edition Eight Tue Dec 09 2008, 02:15

Lol and i love writing reviews! Anyways, Ave Mary A is a bit pants.

Feel free to suggest Bands/Artists who have new albums out for us to review!

» Edition Ten of The Pensieve
» Pensieve Christmas Edition
» The Pensieve: Edition Nine
» The Hogwarts Pensieve: Edition Two
» Edition Three of the Hogwarts Pensieve is up!