Harvest Gatherings

Gail Allen
Editor

Turniphead

”Adriel!” his brother's voice was clearly excited and Adriel put down his book with a fond smile. ”What is it Hilyas?” he called. He could hear the footsteps of his brother change direction; they were now coming directly towards him... was he right when he felt certain that he was even faster than he had been before.
What he saw when Hilyas entered moments later wasn't his brother, but a giant turnip with a wide grin carved into it mounted on Hilyas' shoulders. ”Has helping with the harvest turned you into a vegetable now?” Adriel asked with a laugh.

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Prof. Sky Alton
Writer, Gryffindor

Reaping the Benefits

The morning sun shone brightly, gilding the rustling rows of wheat. The day looked set to be fine, perfect weather for the harvest. Two figures sat on the fence at the edge of the field, watching the cloudless sky.

“A very fine crop this year.”
“Never seen one so good.”
“You seen that scarecrow?”
“He’s really made an effort this year.”
“Yeah, added a new hat and everything.”
“Still not scary though, is it?”
“Not fooling anyone.”
“Shall we?”
“Absolutely. I’m starving.”

And with that, the two crows descended on the ripening wheat while an impeccably dressed scarecrow watched on.

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Kendra Givens
Writer, Ravenclaw

I’d never been to the east coast before. When we were leaving, I complained so much about how far the trip was. Yes, I want to spend Thanksgiving with my uncle and cousins, but I hate that they are now an eighteen hour drive away from us. Suddenly, I am jolted awake by a hard step on the brakes. I have no idea for how long I’d been asleep. I open my eyes to see leaves of vivid red, yellow, and orange covering the trees. I’ve never seen anything more beautiful in my life. ‘Welcome to Maine,’ my mom says.

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Prof. Sky Alton
Writer, Gryffindor

Preparations

With difficulty, he twisted the top onto the last jar. Afternoon light made the deep red preserve inside look like it was glowing. He carried the jars into the pantry, trying to ignore the slight trembling in his arms. It would be the first thing his granddaughters would ask for when they came tumbling into the house next week. After helping him tend the strawberry patch when they stayed over the summer, they were very invested in what the fruit turned into. Perhaps he should bake a cake for them too? It was only right to do the harvest justice.

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Gail Allen
Editor

Throughout time people have gathered to celebrate successful harvests; Another winter they will not have to go hungry. Whether the harvest is made up of crops you have planted and tended for a whole season or plants that nature have provided, it is important to the community and so as a community you give thanks and share the relief that once again you have filled your barns. It brings people together and it is also the culmination of a lot of hard work; Harvesting is not easy and requires effort from everyone involved – and everyone has to be involved.