Help and advice....
Apr. 4th, 2004 10:03 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
essayelHaven't been about much lately and there's so much I could witter on about - like having had a leather beer mug for a Mother's Day present or replacing my army boots which have sadly parted company at the sole. But that's all very boring I know so instead I am going to shamelessly beg for some help.
I am percolating a story called "It's In The Stars" which is sort of about astrology about which I know nothing. I can read up on it of course but where I need help is with HP birthdays.
Here are the characters I want to use:
Draco Malfoy
Harry Potter (He's a Leo, isn't he?)
Vernon Dursley
Dudley Dursley
Sirius Black
Remus Lupin
Hermione Granger's mad Aunt Lizzie
A taxi-driver who once saw a flying Ford Anglia
Alastor Moody
Cornelius Fudge
Lord Voldemort
Two OCs that I have pegged as Gemini
and here are the star signs:
Aries Mar21-Apr20
Taurus Apr21-May 21 (I rather fancy this one for Sirius, what do you think?)
Gemini May22-Jun21 (Already using this for Marty Harris and Gerry Waring)
Cancer Jun22-July23
Leo July24-Aug23
Virgo Aug24-Sep23
Libra Sept24-Oct23
Scorpio Oct24-Nov22 (I think Draco, perhaps...)
Sagitarrius Nov23-Dec21
Capricorn Dec22-Jan10
Aquarius Jan21-Feb19
Pisces Feb20-Mar 20
Any suggestions will be gratefully accepted. The little poll we did about Draco's sexuality (Baaaah! Down Flossie!) really got my mind working!
Anyway, just to prove that I am not wasting my time completely and utterly (though that depends on the POV - my Mum thinks I'm daft), here are snippets:
The Amazing Disappearing Potter - continued.
30. part of owl that might have been found in the Dursley dustbin, December 19th, 1995, if anyone had thought to look.
“...changed his mind and will be staying at school for the holidays as usual. I am sorry and hope that you have not gone to any trouble....[rest obscured by curry stains].”
31. owl HP to RW, December 27th, 1995.
“...weird. It would never have occurred have occurred to me to stuff a turkey with prunes but, strangely, it tasted OK. Sirius said there were only two ‘forcemeat’ recipes in the book he was cooking from – you wouldn’t believe how domesticated my godfather can be when he’s not covered in black fluff – and somehow he thought I’d prefer prunes to calf’s udders. The pudding was OK though except the brandy butter was so sloshy that we each had a glassful in stead of putting it in the dish. Remus says he had to put us both to bed. I don’t remember it if he did but I woke up in my clothes so I suppose he might.
It seems odd not to be at Hogwarts but Sirius has suggested that you Floo over tomorrow as he and Remus will enchant the garden full of snow and we can sledge across the lawn. There’s plenty of turkey and pudding left and this time Sirius says he’ll try to light it like the Muggles do.”
32. owl RW to MW, December 28th, 1995.
“...only a little fire and I’m stopping over for a week to help redecorate. Luckily Remus’s study wasn’t damaged otherwise Sirius would still think he’s a rabbit. So, you are not to worry! We are all perfectly all right, though Sirius has an upset stomach from all the lettuce.”
33. owl MW to RW, December 28th, 1995, crashlanded from weight of parcel.
“...two complete changes of clothing, another box of mincepies and my spare copy of “Cooking for the Utterly Unadventurous” by Geoffrey Tandem-Bouncer. The recipes in there are filling and nutritious and most of the ingredients are easy to come by and will be a nice change for them. Tell Sirius he may keep it.”
34. owl SB to MW, December 29th, 1995.
“...so kind. The section in the back on mixing cocktails will come in particularly useful for the New Year.”
From "Over my Dead Body"
Outside Florian Fortescue’s Ice Cream Parlour the sun shone warmly and especially warmly on Harry who was lounging at his ease sideways in his chair with one leg over the arm. Dressed in a bizarre mix of wizard and Muggle gear, he attracted attention even without the violent crimson stripes that now streaked his hair.
“F’r instance,” Ron said, “Dad would kill me if I did that to my hair.”
“I’m not surprised, Ron,” a cheerful voice commented and Sirius stepped between them and placed two more triple chocolate maple coffee sundaes on the table. “It wouldn’t suit you. Not red on red. Purple now...” and with that he moved off to take the order of a table of witches from the fashion section of the Daily Prophet, stooping attentively over them and just oozing ‘I am availablity’.
“Purple!” Ron said. “Harry, he is just so cool.”
Both boys ate their sundaes watching and admiring the technique. Fortescue had taken a chance employing a notorious ex-convict as a waiter but it was paying off.
“See that,” Harry whispered. “The blonde gave him her Floo address. The kitchen cupboard is papered with those. He makes far more in tips than Fortescue pays him.”
Sirius paused at another table, one hand splayed with his thumb hooked into his waistband rivetting the attention of a wizard at another table as he paid his bill. As Sirius passed on his way back to the kitchen he made a face at Harry and flashed yet another slip of paper.
“Yes, life’s pretty good,” Harry said. “A new home, a new family – coz Remus is like an uncle, sort of, - and my very first ever birthday party.”
And finally something for which there is no rational explanation other than I can't resist a challenge.
When Shaodws fall.
By Wumpscut
Summary: I wrote thisnn forn my best fiend \Looshusbabey/ and she’d better be really greateful or \i’ll spam her with much spam – spammity spam spam like thsat. The reeely funney fic has Hermonie maKING A MESS IN pOTIONS and accidnertally making a potions with starling rissults. Much hilarrity inshoes.
And it’s ratedd so be warned.
WHEN SHOADWSS FEEL
Don’t be a git Ron,’ Hermone grolwed as she chpped up some herbs and roots and stuff and tossed them in to her coaldrun. Then she chopped some gerbil bits and tossed them into.
“Quidich,” Ron whisperdd to Harry and laughed.
Then he jogged her elbom and oopps hermone dropped the lots into the coaldrum and there was an emous bang and the lights whent out and evrone screamed and screamed.
“OMG’ screamed Ron. “WTf screamed harry and “that’s about enoght if that evryone screamed Perfassor Sanpe. “Let me see what you have done you stupid girl. Oh a hundred points from Gryffindoe evrone else may go the the informary to have their lesions dressed bu tmiss Groiinger stay behind your are detinaedfor furder qestoning.”
‘but sir,’ hermone portestd it want me it were Ron.’
Anothr fity poits for laing’ Sanpe ansard.
Sanpe sweppt towards her like an beeky angel of dome anr pured into her coaldrun. Then he diped his fingers in the coaldrun and licked them off. Lick lick went his tonge and hermone woched fasserrnatied.
Sorry about that - I'll stop now.
I am percolating a story called "It's In The Stars" which is sort of about astrology about which I know nothing. I can read up on it of course but where I need help is with HP birthdays.
Here are the characters I want to use:
Draco Malfoy
Harry Potter (He's a Leo, isn't he?)
Vernon Dursley
Dudley Dursley
Sirius Black
Remus Lupin
Hermione Granger's mad Aunt Lizzie
A taxi-driver who once saw a flying Ford Anglia
Alastor Moody
Cornelius Fudge
Lord Voldemort
Two OCs that I have pegged as Gemini
and here are the star signs:
Aries Mar21-Apr20
Taurus Apr21-May 21 (I rather fancy this one for Sirius, what do you think?)
Gemini May22-Jun21 (Already using this for Marty Harris and Gerry Waring)
Cancer Jun22-July23
Leo July24-Aug23
Virgo Aug24-Sep23
Libra Sept24-Oct23
Scorpio Oct24-Nov22 (I think Draco, perhaps...)
Sagitarrius Nov23-Dec21
Capricorn Dec22-Jan10
Aquarius Jan21-Feb19
Pisces Feb20-Mar 20
Any suggestions will be gratefully accepted. The little poll we did about Draco's sexuality (Baaaah! Down Flossie!) really got my mind working!
Anyway, just to prove that I am not wasting my time completely and utterly (though that depends on the POV - my Mum thinks I'm daft), here are snippets:
The Amazing Disappearing Potter - continued.
30. part of owl that might have been found in the Dursley dustbin, December 19th, 1995, if anyone had thought to look.
“...changed his mind and will be staying at school for the holidays as usual. I am sorry and hope that you have not gone to any trouble....[rest obscured by curry stains].”
31. owl HP to RW, December 27th, 1995.
“...weird. It would never have occurred have occurred to me to stuff a turkey with prunes but, strangely, it tasted OK. Sirius said there were only two ‘forcemeat’ recipes in the book he was cooking from – you wouldn’t believe how domesticated my godfather can be when he’s not covered in black fluff – and somehow he thought I’d prefer prunes to calf’s udders. The pudding was OK though except the brandy butter was so sloshy that we each had a glassful in stead of putting it in the dish. Remus says he had to put us both to bed. I don’t remember it if he did but I woke up in my clothes so I suppose he might.
It seems odd not to be at Hogwarts but Sirius has suggested that you Floo over tomorrow as he and Remus will enchant the garden full of snow and we can sledge across the lawn. There’s plenty of turkey and pudding left and this time Sirius says he’ll try to light it like the Muggles do.”
32. owl RW to MW, December 28th, 1995.
“...only a little fire and I’m stopping over for a week to help redecorate. Luckily Remus’s study wasn’t damaged otherwise Sirius would still think he’s a rabbit. So, you are not to worry! We are all perfectly all right, though Sirius has an upset stomach from all the lettuce.”
33. owl MW to RW, December 28th, 1995, crashlanded from weight of parcel.
“...two complete changes of clothing, another box of mincepies and my spare copy of “Cooking for the Utterly Unadventurous” by Geoffrey Tandem-Bouncer. The recipes in there are filling and nutritious and most of the ingredients are easy to come by and will be a nice change for them. Tell Sirius he may keep it.”
34. owl SB to MW, December 29th, 1995.
“...so kind. The section in the back on mixing cocktails will come in particularly useful for the New Year.”
From "Over my Dead Body"
Outside Florian Fortescue’s Ice Cream Parlour the sun shone warmly and especially warmly on Harry who was lounging at his ease sideways in his chair with one leg over the arm. Dressed in a bizarre mix of wizard and Muggle gear, he attracted attention even without the violent crimson stripes that now streaked his hair.
“F’r instance,” Ron said, “Dad would kill me if I did that to my hair.”
“I’m not surprised, Ron,” a cheerful voice commented and Sirius stepped between them and placed two more triple chocolate maple coffee sundaes on the table. “It wouldn’t suit you. Not red on red. Purple now...” and with that he moved off to take the order of a table of witches from the fashion section of the Daily Prophet, stooping attentively over them and just oozing ‘I am availablity’.
“Purple!” Ron said. “Harry, he is just so cool.”
Both boys ate their sundaes watching and admiring the technique. Fortescue had taken a chance employing a notorious ex-convict as a waiter but it was paying off.
“See that,” Harry whispered. “The blonde gave him her Floo address. The kitchen cupboard is papered with those. He makes far more in tips than Fortescue pays him.”
Sirius paused at another table, one hand splayed with his thumb hooked into his waistband rivetting the attention of a wizard at another table as he paid his bill. As Sirius passed on his way back to the kitchen he made a face at Harry and flashed yet another slip of paper.
“Yes, life’s pretty good,” Harry said. “A new home, a new family – coz Remus is like an uncle, sort of, - and my very first ever birthday party.”
And finally something for which there is no rational explanation other than I can't resist a challenge.
When Shaodws fall.
By Wumpscut
Summary: I wrote thisnn forn my best fiend \Looshusbabey/ and she’d better be really greateful or \i’ll spam her with much spam – spammity spam spam like thsat. The reeely funney fic has Hermonie maKING A MESS IN pOTIONS and accidnertally making a potions with starling rissults. Much hilarrity inshoes.
And it’s ratedd so be warned.
WHEN SHOADWSS FEEL
Don’t be a git Ron,’ Hermone grolwed as she chpped up some herbs and roots and stuff and tossed them in to her coaldrun. Then she chopped some gerbil bits and tossed them into.
“Quidich,” Ron whisperdd to Harry and laughed.
Then he jogged her elbom and oopps hermone dropped the lots into the coaldrum and there was an emous bang and the lights whent out and evrone screamed and screamed.
“OMG’ screamed Ron. “WTf screamed harry and “that’s about enoght if that evryone screamed Perfassor Sanpe. “Let me see what you have done you stupid girl. Oh a hundred points from Gryffindoe evrone else may go the the informary to have their lesions dressed bu tmiss Groiinger stay behind your are detinaedfor furder qestoning.”
‘but sir,’ hermone portestd it want me it were Ron.’
Anothr fity poits for laing’ Sanpe ansard.
Sanpe sweppt towards her like an beeky angel of dome anr pured into her coaldrun. Then he diped his fingers in the coaldrun and licked them off. Lick lick went his tonge and hermone woched fasserrnatied.
Sorry about that - I'll stop now.
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
(no subject)
Date: 2004-04-04 03:03 am (UTC)Harry Potter- Leo. Canon has his birthday as July 31st
Vernon Dursley- I honestly have no idea!
Dudley Dursley- I *think* it says in canon
that he was born in the summer. He could be
a leo or Gemini. There's no way he's a Cancer!
Sirius Black- Cancer. (days ruled by the star Sirius. Emotional, fiercely protective, moody, sacrificing)
I never thought of him as a Taurus. He's not
earthy enough, IMO. I always see him as some
combination of Water and Fire. Emotional and
impuslsive. But that's only, IMO!
Remus Lupin- Libra (Fair, indecisive,
gentle-seeming but with a core of steel)
Hermione Granger's mad Aunt Lizzie-
Ah... Pisces?
A taxi-driver who once saw a flying Ford Anglia
How about Aquarius?
Alastor Moody- Aries
Cornelius Fudge- Virgo or Capricorn
Lord Voldemort- Scorpio
(no subject)
Date: 2004-04-04 04:26 am (UTC)hmmm...my brain has been played with by
share a birhtday yes yes we does) and Sirius is a cancer.
Never gave it much thoght before teh! Sirius-expert came
into my life though.
The rest I had in mind and planned to list here until I read the
snippets. Please tell me that last bit was from the april fool's
challenge fic that I've heard praises about. I STILL have
tears in my eyes. Now how long does ittake you to misspell
on purpose like that?
although Sirius as a waiter...that definitly is an intriguign image.
thanks!
(no subject)
Date: 2004-04-04 04:30 am (UTC)I fancied Taurus for Sirius because I see Draco very much as a Scorp and Taurus is about the only sign that gets along well with them - I need them to get along well. But Cancer as you describe it fits his character brilliantly. Also that makes him on of the youngest in his year at Hogwarts which will fit very well with one of the other stories.
I'd already more or less plumped for Libra for Remus - its the balance between man and monster that made me feel that.
If Dudders is a summer baby I'll make him Virgo because that would make him 11 months older than Harry will all that implies in terms of advantage in development etc. They'll be in the same school year but only just. mind you, my fics are so AU now that I suppose I can put him wherever I like!
(no subject)
Date: 2004-04-04 04:59 am (UTC)a cusp born Virgo- (Born within a
few days of the sign's change from Leo)
In my experience cusp born children
often take on the qualities of both
signs... in this case the bad ones,
which actually suit him quite well.
Cancer and Scorpio can get along...
Generally signs with the same element
(in this case water)coexist reasonably
well. Most of the time.
(no subject)
Date: 2004-04-04 05:29 am (UTC)Also, 17 August was the date given in the song for the Galway Races, a sort of epic horserace song, that I happened to be listening to at the time.
I haven't actually used a date for Remus but I mentally classed him as a Sagittarius, because of centaurs, you know, the most famous of whom was Charon, a teacher. Wise, patient, etc.
Yeah, I agree Draco should be a Scorpio!
A mad Aunt Lizzie-- hmmm. There are a couple signs that specify a tendency to brood and be moody: it's been a while since I read up on this, but as I recall, Pisces or Cancer would do.
Oh yes, make Dudley a Virgo-- there are only two people in my circle of acquaintance that I really don't like; both are petty and bitchy, always angry about something-- AND they're both Virgos!Sufficient research there. :D
Moody's another Leo-- the battle-scarred type.
The taxi driver could be an Aquarius, I suppose...
Lord Voldemort doesn't have any real personality traits, does he, except cleverness and bigotry, and a thirst for power. It might be interesting, and tie him even further to Harry, to make him a Leo too: Leo gone bad. :D
You should also look at Chinese astrology-- I did this too, and can't remember now what I wrote down. Pertinent years would 1960 for S & R; 1980 for Harry and Dudley. I'll have a look and see if I can't come up with my notes.
I was born in the Year of the Dog, and I have a lovely pendant from my Chinese sister in law that says "dog" on it. I wear it sometimes and laugh when people ask me what it says.
Rushing downstairs to find the book....
(no subject)
Date: 2004-04-04 05:40 am (UTC)I like the idea of having a story told entirely in letters!
And I'll just bet Sirius gets more tips than your average waiter....
(no subject)
Date: 2004-04-04 02:04 pm (UTC)Harry Potter (He's a Leo, isn't he?) - Yes, Harry is a Leo.
Vernon Dursley - Taurus, he's stubborn and likes his food and other creature comforts.
Dudley Dursley - Possibly Taurus. Both he and his da exemplify the negative traits of this sign.
Sirius Black - Definitely not Taurus, he's a fire sign such as Aries or Sag.
Remus Lupin - I am tempted to say Cancer because it is ruled by the moon, and is introverted in nature.
Hermione Granger's mad Aunt Lizzie - don't know the character
A taxi-driver who once saw a flying Ford Anglia - don't know the character
Alastor Moody - Sagittarius. Has the love of travel, the impulsiveness, the love of odd things, and the out-of-control mouth.
Cornelius Fudge - never thought about it.
Lord Voldemort - Tom Riddle strikes me as either Capricorn or Scorpio, or possibly Aquarius given the fact that he's rather detached from people and a utopian, albeit a messed-up one. I don't know if he got a new chart when he was 'reborn'.
I used to do charts for a living, which is probably why I list several different signs for some of these people--it's the interaction of the signs that makes the personality.
(no subject)
Date: 2004-04-04 02:09 pm (UTC)The odd OCs can go in to fill up the roster just about anywhere - they will be useful to take up the slack.
So far it looks as though Draco will be a Scorpio but for all the others I may as well stick a pin in a chart!!
moved this to here & added some part 1
Date: 2004-04-08 10:31 pm (UTC)There is no mention of several of the above's b-days in the books. However the ones who are mentioned are:
.
Harry is a Leo (July 31, 1980),
Neville is also very close day-wise (re: Sybil’s prediction fits both)
Hermione is a Virgo (Sept. 18, 1980),
Ron's a Pisces (March 1s, 1980)
Just from the descriptions/characterizations...
Remus seems like a Cancer to me (last week of June & most of July - nurturing, pushes food a lot, knows his stuff, but doesn't seek the limelight, quiet and unassuming, ruled by the Moon (big clue), feelings easily hurt/doesn't trust that he's actually accepted for a long time, strong like deep water/the ocean, bouts of depression)
I think Sirius is a Scorpio, but they so hate to have their covers blown, so he could possibly be a Leo, also. (end of Oct & most of Nov) perceptive, charismatic, bright, volatile if buttons pushed, ruthless if need be, sensual, problems with dropping a grudge (Snape). He's got such a good healthy ego that he might be a Leo ~ which fits with her paralleling of young Harry and older Sirius, but he's got so much more depth (Leo's are vain and shallow, though great and magnanimous as long as you don't show them any of the flaws in their concepts)... I don't think a Leo would have the chutzpah to defy their powerful family and move in with James at 16... that's much more Scorpionic. <- They're big on "nuke-ing" problems, hence the MoM battle is so perfect, better to die on your feet than live in hiding with a wretched house elf.
Fudge is probably a Libra. They are good at screwing everybody if their world is out of balance, like things esthetically pleasant and beautiful, both situations and places, and are good at hosting fancy "do's" and "making nice". natural facilitators, Passive-aggressive was invented for Libras.
By position as the Minister, he would need those abilities... and wouldn't want to be defamed by anything so messy as Voldy coming back on his shift, so if we cover it up, life will go on just fine and still be pretty, too bad about the casualties, what casualties?.....
Vernon is probably a Taurus ~ Taurus' want material comforts, no boat-rocking, frequently go overweight in middle-age, stubborn, like social conventions, care what the neighbors think. Want things "safe".... with a comfy chair and nice dinner.
Dudders is so repulsive that I haven't gotten a "fix" on him yet, let me think out loud a while. He likes food (but that could be learned behavior, neurotic and spoiled) which is both a Taurus and Cancer trait, and he has the thick Taurean neck, so perhaps JKR made him a jr Vernon clone? The beginning of Ch 3 of PS says that Harry had gotten his longest punishment for the snake incident on Dudders birthday and wasn't allowed out until school was out/summer holidays began... so that timing would fit with Duders being a Taurus.
the Taxi guy could go anyway you want to take it. Aquarius is easiest as they seem to accept eccentric things without batting an eyelash. But if he's babbling and afraid then Aquarius won't do.
Ditto Herm's Aunt... need more info.
moved & added to part 2
Date: 2004-04-08 10:36 pm (UTC)moved & added to part 2
Date: 2004-04-08 10:40 pm (UTC)Geminis need to have at least 3 trains of thought running simultaneously... even when they are engrossed in a conversation with you. Jack-of-all-trades. Knows a little about everything. They're the ones who blow the end of the movie for everyone because they have it figured out before the middle, even when no one's seen it before. They LOVE word games and various mental gymnastics, even math. If you want to torture one, put them in a stimulus-deprived environment with NO BOOKS... they'll be twitchy in no time. They do just fine walking up to a stranger and chatting at parties... on the street... when you don't want them to. They ALWAYS seem younger and more vital than they really are.
BTW - There are other dual signs, Pisces and Libra for instance ... Scorpio actually has 3 levels/symbols (leave it to Scorpie to do it with pizzazz!)
Moody is another I'm not sure of. As wretched-but-on-going as his body is, he could be a Cappy, but they aren't prone to being paranoid, they're too logical and unimaginative. Aquarius likes to save the world, but they don't like to get messy doing it. Sagg is Diogenes, always looking for the honest man and living out of a suitcase, but I don't think of them as resolute enough to be an Auror... Aries perhaps? There is always an accent on the nose with Aries, and he's got that. As my high school friend always said of her Aries Dad, "You can always tell an Aries... just not very much."
Voldy/Riddle has heavy Plutonian involvement, so he seems like he could be an elemental Scorpio. The power, the secrets... life & death... retribution... control.... all of those are biggies on Scorp's negative list of attributes...
Draco ~ has the Air Signs' build. Most Air people look a bit whispy and awkward/gangly even if they are overweight... and fine thin-ish hair is air-sign, too. BUT ~ Air Signs are usually only arrogant in their intellectual abilities, no matter how warped their upbringing. [Air signs = Libra, Aquarius, Gemini]. Most Geminis can argue every side and aspect of a problem - to the point of not ever making a decision/stand. He seems more decisive than Air... I'm picking too many Scorpios here, but he does have that energy, too. However, I think I would put him down as a Virgo. Virgo's have the analytical ability of a computer, logic is important to them, HYPER-CRITICAL comments roll off their tongues as easily as kind ones, maybe more easily.... and they are more critical of themselves than any sign I've ever seen (which would work with the lack of "love" Dad and Snape show him when he doesn't live up to their athletic expectations... another sign would crumble at least a bit, instead he stuff's his own pain and goes at it again). They are fastidious. Impecable. Details are their religion... nit-picky... So, I vote Virgo for young master Malfoy. [Earth signs are Capricorn, Taurus, and Virgo.]