Once upon a time, the Badgers counted their House Points with Socks. Yes, with Socks. Now, who knows where those Socks had been? How many Quidditch practices had they endured? Had Parker played with them? And besides which, our Head Prefect, CheekyXVx!Cosmo was tired of knitting Socks and she wanted to knit something more enthralling — like a poster of Lew Ayres.
No, Tarma got that wrong. I'd rather spend some time knitting a cardigan while watching a Lew Ayres movie. Now back to your regularly scheduled article. -CB

So, we wondered and played with notions of what could replace the Socks as a way of counting in-house Hufflepuff points. Each of the other Houses had some sort of stone, it was realized. What would we want as a stone? Was there anything that was shiny enough, tough enough, and pretty enough that we'd want to claim it for our own?

Yes. We found the wonderful stone called a Citrine. The Citrine Cove was formed to keep track of all the Citrines that Badgers and Badger visitors had earned. Some Badgers were earning sackfuls of Citrines! So to show appreciation of these folks who participated in so many Sett activities, some awards were created.

These awards are
Citrine Hoarder — For the person, Badger or not, who has the third highest number of Citrines earned in the months July-June;
Citrine Hoarder Extraordinaire — For the person, Badger or not, who has the second highest number of Citrines earned in the months July-June; and
Citrine Hoarder Specialist — For the person, Badger or not, who gathered the most Citrines during the months July-June.

During the 2007-2008 school year, lots of Citrines were earned throughout the House, but a few Badgers really outdid themselves. You should see their bags overflowing with golden gems!

In first place, for the second year in a row, the person who won the Citrine Hoarder Specialist award was Kath Snape with an absolutely astounding 2,255 Citrines.
In second place, Rorey Padfoot won the Citrine Hoarder Extraordinaire award with 1,745 Citrines. Actually, she earned more Citrines than Kath did the first year — but it wasn't quite enough to get that first place.
In third place, Tarma Black won the Citrine Hoarder award, with 1,621 Citrines.
(There is a rumour that Felicia Hartwick was right in there almost catching her, but Tarma distracted Felicia with flyers of a shoe sale in Diagon Alley.)

Say you play in some of the many DoHGaS games and challenges, participate in the Bookshelf Discussions, are a member of The 100 Club, bot a lot, or do other of the activities that earn Citrines. You don't know that you want to be quite so enthusiastic about earning Citrines as the previously named people, but you have acquired some. What can you do with then?

You can go to the SettShop and SPEND them! :)

Yes, our Sett Shop is stocked with many many items that you may purchase!

Chocolate Galleons
Parker Repellent
Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans
Pocket Sneakoscope
Godiva Chocolates
Deluxe Eagle-Feather Quill
Omnioculars
Acid Pops
Chocoballs
Spellotape

I have, myself, purchased quite a few bottles of Parker Repellent, as well as some of the more delicious items.... And, to spread some more rumours, Tegan Rowley told Abigail Chalmers she saw Wilbur the House-Elf carrying several bright magenta boxes, possibly in the direction of the SettShop, so who knows? More items may be coming soon!

The school year 2008-2009 has started and Citrines have been earned in July and August. According to the latest compilation of Citrines, Rachel Sandersen is in the lead! But, guess who is hot on her tail! Right now, Rachel has 512 Citrines, with Kath right behind her with 495 Citrines, and Rorey right behind her with 461 Citrines!