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  As the third quarter of the school year drags on through the grimest part of winter, there is a strange tension growing in the castle.  Not in any little part from the growing Dementor threat across the countryside.  The Hogwarts staff are in conflict about how to deal with it.  But it was well that they did as not a few days later, two dementors attacked a group of students and staff just outside of the walls!
  
  Life or death isn't the only threat to students' peace of mind.  They face their first test as grown witches and wizards in their Apparition classes.  Luckily, there was no sign of splinching. 
  
  Meanwhile, students and teachers went about their lives.  A collaboration between the Potions Master and Defense Professor.  A Gryffindor and Slytherin striking up the beginnings of a peculiar friendship.  And two little first years sit in silence as a great deal of mystery passes between them.  And the Hogwarts Howler gets a new directive.
  
  

• 
  
  The dementors are causing havoc in the wizarding world, attacking Hogwarts, the very cheek of them! The Minister cannot let her government be seen as weak, and sends strong advice to Headmistress McGonagall.
  
  But it is not all dark and dreary, as families prepare to have their offspring back for a little while ahead of the school exams, and Spring is in full bloom.  At Puddifoot's a new employee endures a trial by fire, a husband has a homecoming, and creatures being regulated on level four.
  
  Don't forget to tune in to St. Mungo's were the pain of the werewolf curse has touched another family.
  
  

Career Fair Sign-Ups - could your adult character promote a career at this event?
Career Day 2010 - more information about the event
Zonko's Internship - calling students and new graduates
Emergency Medical Magic Services - join the discussion on how this works in the wizarding world
Dementors Dementing - Those pesky dementors
Spring Break Topics? - What will Hogwarts students get up to?

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• 
  
  
  Fifth Anniversary!
  
  January 20 marked five years of Absit Omen roleplaying and we've been celebrating with a spruced up mobile theme, merch in a Society6 shop, and in-character advertisements on the walls of Diagon and Knockturn Alley!
  
  It's incredible to have reached such a milestone and to think of all the writers who have come and gone and all the wonderful stories we've told together.
  
  
  Fourth Tournament Task?
  
  As we enter the final term for this Hogwarts academic year, we are nearing the end of the Tetra-wizard Tournament, and soon our foreign guests will depart.
  
  Back in August 2009 the other schools arrived, and in early September the Goblet of Fire was opened to begin the tournament.
  
  In September we had the first task with acromantulas.
  
  In November the second task saw the champions navigate the Chamber of Secrets.
  
  In January the third task was to catch a golden snidget.
  
  It is now several months since the third task, and speculation is rife as to whether there will be a fourth task. Traditionally a tri-wizard tournament has been three tasks, but with the addition of the fourth school this year…
  
  The standings are currently:
  
  
  • Salem 1149
  • Durmstrang 965
  • Hogwarts 859
  • Beauxbatons 534
  
  Is there a fourth task? You decide!
  
  We're opening up the decision to the Absit Omen community to decide if you would like to take part in one final task before the Tetra-wizard tournament concludes.
  
  Please vote only once per writer!
  
  

London Forecast for April 15-30, 2010

The weather is brightening up, and for the most of the latter half of April, the weather is warmer and brighter with only a sprinkling of rain as the month leaves for May. Temperatures reach the low twenties (70s F) on some days. Nights remain fairly chilly though until month's end.

Best Sunny Days: 24th, 27th, 28th
Showers expected: 25th, 29th, 30th

Hogsmeade & Hogwarts Forecast for April 15-30, 2010

Hogwarts keeps the rain for much of April, though the odd warmer day starts to promise summer could be right around the corner. Nights are still cold with a touch of ground frost and the wind picks up as we go into May.

Warmer days: 16th, 24th-28th, 30th
Wettest days: 22-24th, 27th


Interested in taking a lead role with Hogwarts? The following Level  I Major Roles are available. These roles will have the two week proposal period.

• Head of Hufflepuff First come first serve.
  

Interested in involvement with Hogwarts and the Tetrawizard Tournament? Or in managing an entire department within the Ministry of Magic? Perhaps helping with coordinating the next Quidditch World Cup? The following Level  II Major Roles are available.

• St. Mungo's Healer-In-Charge
• Head of Department for Magical Law Enforcement
• Head of Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures
• Head of Department of Magical Transportation
• Head of Department of Magical Games and Sports
• Head of Department of Mysteries
• Headmaster/Headmistress of Beauxbatons
• Headmaster/Headmistress of Durmstrang
• Hogwarts Ancient Runes Professor
• Hogwarts Divination Professor

Also available are several Level III Major Roles in student leadership for students in good standing who are  willing to take on a little extra responsibility.

• Head Girl
• Head Boy
• Female Gryffindor Sixth Year Prefect
• Male Ravenclaw Sixth Year Prefect
• All Seventh Year Prefect positions
• Hufflepuff, Gryffindor, & Ravenclaw Quidditch Captains

If interested in any of these positions, submit a supplementary form today! All Major Roles are subject to special requirements, and requests will be considered on a first come, first serve basis.

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