Leaky Cauldron
Author: Angelina
Date: 11-16-02 03:15

I stepped out of the fireplace of the Leaky Cauldron and looked around. Tom the pub keeper looked at me and grinned. "Hello Miss Logan," he greeted and I gave a nod. As I entered I felt nervous and walked around, as I went to one corner I heard a familiar voice.

"Long time Angelina." Turning I lowered my hood and saw someone from long ago. "William," I whispered and slowly went to the booth he was at. Sitting down as if in a dream I couldn't believe it was him. "How are you?" He asked and offered me a drink. Tom came up and took the order then went back for my usual a butterbeer.

"Still hooked on that I see," William said as I just slowly nodded. "If you must know I'm fine and teaching at Hogwarts School for now. Everyone there knows about me and I feel I'm in no danger." William put down his mug and shook his head. "I have some news for you. It's about you and your grandfather."

I didn't mind hearing anything about me, but my grandfather was another subject. "Your grandfather had to be moved from his current location. The Dark Lord's Death Eaters found out where he is. He's safe but his health is not getting any better." My hands shook as he spoke and I took a deep breath. "And me?"

It was all I could manage. "Word has it there is a spy among you for the Dark Lord. He's gone back to them. I don't know why but I thought you must know. Stay close to those who can help, especially Dumbledore. If anything goes wrong send Thor. He knows where I am."

I just looked at William the years apart seemed to age him and I wasn't sure about what he was saying. My mind rang out alarms as he spoke, but my heart ached for his touch once again. "William why did you just up and leave like you did?" The words just came out and I knew they had to be asked.

William looked at me and I waited for his answer.



Re: The Visit
Author: Shayna Ryan
Date: 11-16-02 04:06

I was sitting on a bench in Merrion Square, in Dublin when I heard someone shouting something. I couldn't hear what they were saying, but it sounded like Neo. So, I looked in the direction the voice came, and I saw him walking towards me, and I smiled.

When he was close, I stood up to talk to him. He spoke first.

"Shayna! It's great to see you!" He said, making me smile.

"Thanks Neo, it's good to see you too!" I replied.

Our eyes locked before he continued, "You look........you look... very pretty Shayna!"

"Thanks. You don't look half bad yourself." I told him. He smiled.

"Thanks...so...uhh...how was your summer with your dad?" He asked.

"Well, it was fun. He took me to some interesting places. The best part about it was my Aunt stayed in England," We both smiled, "The hardest part was adjusting to the different time zones. So, how was your summer?"



The Three Spies
Author: Neo Anderson
Date: 11-16-02 09:01

"It wasn't that bad, just trying to get out of the house most times, my parents are embarrassing!" Neo explained. Shayna just laughed. "Your laughter is wonderful!... I mean...." Neo started to say. Shayna just said, "Thanks Neo."

After a little conversation, Shayna stopped and pointed something out behind her. "My mother is behind me in the binoculars, she's suppose to be bird watching," she said. Neo was about to look to see where Shayna's mother was, when Shayna explained not to look behind her. "I'm pretty sure that birds aren't this low to the ground when there is so many people here, don't you think Neo?" she said.

Neo understood, then Shayna looked behind Neo. "Who are those two people?" she asked. Neo turned around. Ohhhhhh nooooooooo..... he thought, once he noticed his mother and father also sharing some binoculars to spy on him. He quickly looked back at Shayna. "I guess my parents have decided to follow me as well..." he explained, and they both broke up in laughter.


Arrival of the Grandparents
Author: Remadi Ye
Date: 11-16-02 12:19

Heathrow Airport, London, England

"Do you see them? Do you," Remadi asks excitedly. Neko meows at her from his shoulder perch and Tony shakes his head.

"Don't worry, they'll be here. You just be careful with Neko. They see him in here, they're going to throw you out, and then you'll miss them," Tony says as he keeps his eye on the gate and the various people coming through.

"Neko can take care of himself," she replies distractedly. "I see them! I see them!" She says before rushing off to an old Chinese couple just coming through the gates.

"Remadi!" the woman says as Remadi squeals out a "Grandma!" They hug each other and Neko jumps off just barely in time not to get crushed. He gives a loud meow in protest as Remadi then hugs the man. After they part, Neko quickly takes his place back on Remadi's shoulder. She scratches his ears and speaks quietly to him, making up for making him jump off.

"How was your trip to China?" Remadi asks as they wait for their luggage to show up.

"It was nice," Grandma Suyuan says in Cantonese, the language she always speaks to Remadi in. "We saw both of our families and visited some old friends. We took pictures, so once they're developed we can show them to you."

"I canŐt wait." Remadi replies happily in English before spotting a piece of her grandparents' luggage and retrieving it.

"I want to talk to you when we're alone, Remadi," her grandmother whispers into her ear when she gets back with the luggage. "Oh, your mother would be so proud of you. I know I am."

"Thank you," is all that Remadi can get out in her soft voice. She spots another piece of their luggage and hurries to pick it up.


Preparing for Another Term
Author: Annabella Mayberry
Date: 11-16-02 12:22

Annabella ran into the house upon seeing her father's car parked in the driveway. Her older sister, Elaine, following right behind as both girls ran into the kitchen to find their parents busily unpacking what looked like school supplies from large bags that stood tall on the kitchen table.

"Dad!" Annabella exclaimed as both sisters ran to greet their father. They hadn't seen him for days and were both happy that he was back from his business trip to London. "Anna! Elaine! I wondered when you girls would be coming back, I see you've been shopping again?" He threw a questioning look at the bags that both Annabella and Elaine held. Both girls giggled, and let the bags fall to the floor, their attention being captivated by the large bags on the kitchen table.

"I think your father remembered everything, what do you girls think?" said their mother and the girls knew that this was an open invitation to start unwrapping everything. They soon saw the familiar names of Flourish & Blotts and knew that these would be Annabella's school supplies for her next term at Hogwarts.

Anna saw her mother flip through the books that Mr. Mayberry had bought in London, a look of excitement and puzzlement spread on her face. Even though her mother was muggle born, she was still fascinated by all things that involved magic and had only found out about it after marrying Mr. Mayberry who had also attended Hogwarts. Elaine had also been schooled there and had finished two years ago.

"Something smells really good!" exclaimed Mr. Mayberry after a while, and Mrs. Mayberry informed him that she had made his favorite meal. "Now you two should wash up before dinner is ready..." her voice trailed off as she returned to prepare the meal. The sisters carried their shopping bags as well as Anna's supplies upstairs and dumped it all on her bed.

Elaine saw a partially packed trunk that stood in the corner, and looked back at Anna who was staring out of the window that overlooked their small garden with the large towers of the Castle of Edinburgh visible in the distance. "I see you've started packing already?" said Elaine, giggling. "I can't believe that another term will be starting so soon!" said Anna, her blue eyes betraying how excited she was to go back to Hogwarts. She tied her blond hair in a ponytail, and with the help of her sister began to pack her new supplies before dinner was ready.


Re: The Three Spies
Author: Shayna Ryan
Date: 11-16-02 19:54

Our laughter died down after a while. We stood there for a few moments, looking at the other's parents. Neo's appeared to be very interested in me, for some reason. They were practically fighting over ownership of the binoculars.

"Neo? Do you want to meet my mom, she asked me to introduce you to her." I asked him, quietly.

"Sure," he quickly said. I led him over to where my mother was standing. When we got close enough, she stood, and walked a few steps towards us. We came up to her and stopped, so we could talk.

"Hi, Mom, this is Neo Anderson. Neo, this is my mom, Mrs. Ryan."

My mom held out her hand, "It's a pleasure to meet you."

"The pleasure is all mine, Mrs. Ryan," Neo replied as he shook her hand.

"How long have you known Shayna?"

"Only since the train ride from Hogwarts at the end of last term. She was wondering around, and I invited her to join us."

"I see, I figured the story about the two of you being a couple was my sister's over protective nature." There was some laughter after that.

"It was a pleasure to talk to you, Mr. Anderson, but I am afraid I must be going. Take care." She shook hands with Neo, and gave me a hug before walking away.

We watched her leave, and then I asked Neo, "Don't you think it's about time we tried to straighten your parents out about me?"



School Shopping
Author: Amerah Patterson
Date: 11-16-02 21:05

Mom and I shop for school supplies. I am anxious to go back to school but I also feel a pang of sadness knowing Kendra won't be there. She will never play quidditch with us again. It just doesn't seem right of fair. Knowing my thoughts, my mom hugs me gently. I smile to assure her I'm OK.



Funeral
Author: Bronwyn Dewhurst
Date: 11-16-02 22:03

A small group of somber people surrounded a rectangular hole in the earth in a cemetery just outside of London. What appeared to be an ordinary funeral service was in fact anything but. All magical elements of the event were hidden from the Muggle eye, as to prevent any questions from being raised if someone would happen to stumble upon the wizarding funeral.

Bronwyn backhanded the un-ending stream of tears that cascaded down her cheeks. She watched through blurred vision as the coffin magically lowered itself into the ground. Hopelessly unable to control her sobs, Bronwyn covered her mouth with her hand and desperately wished the pain of losing her best friend would leave her heart.

A comforting arm slipped around her shoulder and pulled her close. Bronwyn buried her face in Toby's chest and continued to cry. She could feel his own tears fall onto her skin, and it pained her even more.

Oh, Kendra, Bronwyn thought to herself. I miss you so much. How will I ever live without you here with me?


Back Home
Author: Albus Dumbledore
Date: 11-17-02 13:40

Following the meeting with Remus and Michael, I decide the best place for me to watch over things, would be from Hogwarts. I step into the small anteroom and look around at the various art objects in the collection. There, on the table at the far end of the room is the old Grecian urn. The brass plaque beneath simply says "Hogsmeade". I reach out and touch one handle of the portkey and, POOF, I am standing at the foot of the hill leading up to the Castle gates. Wearily, I start the short climb, not even pausing for a quick butterbeer at The Three Broomsticks.

As I pass the gates and head for the main entrance, I see a flash of gold disappear around the side of Hagrid's Hut. I don't mean just a little flash. I mean, FLASH, as from some kind of largish, golden-furred creature. I take a quick detour to see just what is going on here. As I round the corner of the Castle, I see Hagrid "playing" with an animal that is considerably larger than a Belgian Draught Horse and slightly smaller than an elephant.

"Rubeus!" I say, after clearing my throat several times to get his attention. "What was our agreement regarding importation of magical creatures? Did we not decide that you would check with me before bringing any new creatures onto the grounds?" He looks at me in surprize. "Arrrr.... Yeah, Perfesser! Tha's jus' what we agreed!" He pauses to collect his thoughts while I observe this animal which appears to be a great, oversized lion. "But, ya see..." he continues. '"'Twasn't me thut brought 'im. I s'pose 'e rightfully b'longs ta Miss Angelina. Ya see! This here be The Gryffindor Lion."

"And just what does The Gryffindor Lion eat for his supper?" I ask.

"Tha's jus whut we were tryin ta figger out," he says, scraching his beard. "He seems ta understand, but... well, mebbe he jus ain't hungry."

"Well, just be sure he doesn't go roaming too far afield," I suggest. "Even though the students are home for the summer, there's always the possibility of a Ministry visitor dropping by."

With a smile for the effect this has on my large friend, I turn and head inside. I fear I have work to do. I am still mumbling over my list of things to do as I enter the Castle and start up the stairs to the base of my tower.



Already Missing Adriana
Author: Bill Weasley
Date: 11-17-02 14:16

Bill held his beloved Adriana close to his chest and brushed his lips against her hair. "I'll write you everyday and apparate to town as often as I can."

"I'm going to miss you so much, Bill, but I just can't leave my job right now..." Adriana fought back the tears that were welling up in her eyes. "I have to be here...for...the students...and Harry...and..."

"Shh, Adriana." Bill rubbed her back soothingly and whispered, "I know, Sweetheart. I know. Everything will be all right."

He gently pulled her head from his chest and kissed her forehead tenderly. "Do something for me while I'm away?" he pleaded, wiping stray tears from the Muggle Studies professor's soft cheeks.

"Anything, Bill."

Bill sighed and brought his lips back to Adriana's forehead. "Keep an eye on Ron and Ginny for me, will you?"

"I will, of course."

"Thank you, Adriana. It means so much to me..." Bill lifted her chin and kissed her delicately on the lips. "As much as it pains me to leave you now, I really must go. They're expecting me in Cairo soon and goblins do not have any patience for tardiness!"

Adriana smiled faintly. "Take care of yourself, Bill. Write me as soon as you get there."

"I will, Adriana. I will." He kissed her again and whispered, "I love you."

It took a great amount of strength to finally leave her embrace, yet Bill finally left Hogwarts castle and headed for Hogsmeade to gather his things and say some more goodbyes.


Difficult to Say Goodbye
Author: Bill Weasley
Date: 11-17-02 15:09

Bill stood outside Briar's Bakery and debated with himself about whether or not he should go inside and tell Briar that he was leaving town for Egypt later that day. He hadn't set foot within the shop since that day she accused him of spilling her secret to Adriana. Neither Briar nor Bill had spoken with one another since that day either.

The estrangement pained Bill because he had missed the company of his dear friend. His end of the separation wasn't by choice–knowledge that Adriana knew the truth about Briar had come as such a shock to her, that she simply needed some time away from both the professor and her significant other. Reluctantly, Bill had accepted this and had given up his daily morning coffee at the bakery for plain pumpkin juice at the inn.

As Bill stood outside the bakery, he saw Briar walk behind the counter from the back room. Perhaps she knew he was watching her, because she looked up and saw him through the window. A pained expression crept upon her face, forcing Bill to remain rooted where he stood. She watched him for a few moments, and finally walked out from behind the counter and came outside. She went no further than the front step.

"Briar," Bill began when he found his voice. "I just wanted to let you know that I'm leaving Hogsmeade. Gringotts Bank has called me back to Cairo and I need to report there this afternoon. I've already said goodbye to..." He didn't need to fill in the name.

Briar didn't say a word, but seemed upset by the news.

Bill continued, "I'll be writing to Charlie and Adr...I'll be writing to Charlie often. I'm sure he'll be able to keep you up-to-date regarding my adventures in Egypt, if you're interested that this." He suddenly felt very awkward and resorted to staring at his feet. "If you want, I can write to you too...or, not. It's really up to you. Erm, I don't expect I'll be coming to town often. On the other hand, I'm not sure what my work-schedule will be like yet, so I may be able to have time for a visit every now and again..."

He found the courage to raise his eyes from the ground and saw that Briar's eyes were brimmed with tears. She was about to speak when a voice cut in, "Briar, can I talk to you for a second. It's really important."

Both Bill and Briar turned and saw Helena Tufton step towards them. She wore a concerned expression on her face, which only increased when she noticed the pained looks upon Bill and Briar's faces.

"Oh, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to interrupt." Helena started to back away, but Bill reached out and asked her to stay.

"I need to get back to the inn anyway...need to say goodbye to Charlie and get my things..." Bill rubbed the back of his neck with his hand and exclaimed, "Bye, Helena. Take care of yourself. Take care of my brother, too." He reached out and gave her a quick hug and then turned to Briar...



Tragedy
Author: Dierna ní Cíaran
Date: 11-17-02 20:23

I watch Tennille carefully for a few moments. I know I cannot waste time here, if I cannot get through to her at once, I will have to leave with Harry and return with reinforcements to get Tennille. I really hope it does not come to that, though. This is one tourist attraction I don't plan to visit again. I have heard about Hands - on learning, but the past four months took that to an entirely new extreme.

The more immediate problem is how hard Tennille is fighting against the control; and how hard Voldemort is trying to keep her controlled. Based on the conversation (or rather, the ultimatum), she is fighting hard enough to be alert for long and often enough to cause trouble among the troupes. But fighting too hard agaisnt a strong spell can be disastrous.

Tennille watches where Voldemort exited into another room or corridor, then starts to leave. But part way through stops.

"What am I doing? I can't dally here. I must find where he's holding Dierna and Harry." That would be a queue.

"Tennille. Over here." I stick my head out of the cloak. She turns around and looks. "Dierna! How did you get out?"

"I'll tell you when we are out of this place. Get under Harry's cloak."

She begins to duck under the cloak when she stops, the vacant expression on her face again.

"Tennille, listen to me. Fight it!" She seems undecided, turning as if to call Voldemort back, then turning back to us. I realize that she is dangerously close to the breakdown point. Her own fierceness battling against the power of Voldemort's control. She beings to walk over to a chair, and starts talking to it like it was another death eater. Then she seems to come back to herself.

"Dierna. You have to get out of here. Your winged horse–" She stops and puts her head in her hands, sinking to the floor. "No! NO I won't!"

"Yes. Tennille where are they keeping Scaithmor?"

"Stables - Go. You can't help me. You know it."

"I can't, but your grandfather can."

"No. Too late." Then a slithering sound sliding across the floor.

"Nagini."

"She's right, you know. You can't help her." I spin towards the door. Voldemort must have just been in an antechamber. He steps in the other room, followed by a Dementor and looks to Tennille. He waves his wand and the room is charmed to stillness. "I did warn you, I should have just killed you off the first." He looked to the Dementor, and gives a quick nod. I know exactly what he plans to do, but it's as if the room is charmed to stillness. I can't react, can't move to take the wand to summon a Patronus...I can only watch in horror as the creature pulls back its hood and sucks the soul from Tennille.

The kiss administered, Voldemort releases the room from the stillness. "As for you, Auror, why don't you tell me where Potter is. I know he must be somewhere, you are too noble to look after your own life and leave without him." I find that I still can't move, I give silence as my answer, and he raises his wand towards me. "AVADA KE – " But Harry pulls me out of the way just on time. The spell hits the wall, and it cracks. "Dierna, let's go!"

"Wait, I must bring her back to Dumbledore. I won't let her rot here. Lend me your wand, Harry, please. Just for a moment." I use the wand to summon the lifeless, soulless body of Tennille to me and charm it to feather lightness so I can carry it. I can't use the mobilarus charm, having her floating behind us would be a dead giveaway to our location, even if we are invisible. Then I nod. "Let's go." As we dash madly to evade the Death Eaters, now alerted to our escape.


School Shopping
Author: Gabriel Garisson
Date: 11-17-02 23:13

Gabriel watched the Fisherman's Wharf pass by, absently fingering the locket around his neck. Twin silver crescent moons, one atop the other, shined in the daylight. Lilly had said that it was passed on from Lillywen. Inside was two pictures, one of his family and one of Lillywen when she was young. She really did look much like him, with silver hair past her shoulders and brown eyes that held a hint of silver themselves.

Pulling into a small parking stall in front of the restaurant called the Billowing Sails, Gabriel and Lilly climbed out of the silver Mirage. Holding the letter of acceptance in his hands, Gabriel looked up at the sign and at Lilly.

"Are you sure this is where the letter said to go?" Lilly asked dubiously.

"It said the Billowing Sails Restaurant, then a man will take us to shop for my supplies." Gabriel said.

"Alright," Lilly sighed, "I guess that we go and a some lunch before the man would come for us."

Gabriel and Lilly walked in and sat near the entrance. Lilly ordered a BLT and a glass of ice tea for herself and Gabriel a Cheeseburger and a Coke. Not long after their lunch came and they finished quickly. Just as Gabriel finished his last french fry, a gentleman walked up and introduced himself.

"If you'll please follow me, I'll take you to Gryphon Gateway." The man whispered.

Lilly quickly took care of the bill while Gabriel and the gentleman walked towards what looked like the back door of the restaurant. Lilly caught up, returning her wallet to her purse.

Lilly looked dubiously at the gentleman and Gabriel, "I thought you said that you were going to take us to Gryphon Gateway."

"I am, you are a muggle then." he said to Gabriel, noticing his confused look and quickly added, "Non-magic folk. You're one of Lillywen's descendants, aren't you?"

Gabriel look at the man more cautiously, "How'd did you know?"

"My boy, you look much like her, and that locket is unmistakenly her style. Many who study Charms know her name, she was famous for her skill in Charms and Herbology. While a considerable less know her face, there are enough to reconize her kin." Pulling a pocket-watch from his tan slacks he looked shocked at the time but stuffed it back quickly, "I've wasted enough of your time. Go to W&W Bank to trade in your muggle money for knuts and galleons."

Opening the door, the gentleman gave Gabriel a little nudge to get him moving and a considerable more nudge to move Lilly. Gabriel glanced down at his list:

Uniform.
First Year students will require
1. Three sets of plain work robes (black)
2. One plain pointed hat (black) for daywear.
3. One pair of protective gloves (Dragon-hide or similar)
4. One winter cloak (black, silver fastenings)
Please note that all pupils' clothes should carry nametags.

The list continued though the books for his courses and the other equipment he would need. Lilly stared at all the different people walking by, but Gabriel took it in stride, he liked the difference.

Quickly getting their money changed, Gabriel and Lilly first stopped at Lady Madrigal's Robes and Coats. Getting fitted for his robes and cloak, Gabriel glanced at Lilly, a big smile on her face. Smiling back Gabriel knew that she had begun to take his heritage and destiny happily. After paying for his clothes, they headed next to MacKenna's Magical Nook for his wand. After ten different wands, he finally got one. Nine inches, Yew, phoenix tail feather. After leaving the shop, Gabriel and Lilly went to Parchment and Quills.

"Welcome, Gabriel Garrison." the clerk said as he entered. "Your books are ready." Paying for the books, Gabriel took a few glances at the top book, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. It fascinated him immediately. Most of the beasts he had made drawings off. Unicorns and Centaurs and Dragons. He smiled. At the Apothecary, Gabriel picked up the rest of his supplies and left the store. Now all he needed was an animal. He had Rose'. But that owl had sent him a message from England. He decided to get an owl, maybe later asking to bring Rose' along when she got older. Raising the cage, the snowy barn owl hooted softly. Almost like saying hello.

"I'll name her Stardancer." Gabriel smiled at the owl, which hooted again and shook her feathers. He laughed, "You like it?"

After leaving the shop, Lilly looked at her watch "Come on Gabriel, we need to get home."

"Alright, mom." Gabriel said looking at Stardancer, sleeping with her head in her wing.


A New Teacher
Author: Minerva McGonagall
Date: 11-18-02 14:34

First impressions were never something McGonagall believed in. She would rely on skills and knowledge more than looks and politeness, but it was very hard for her to separate these feelings at this moment.

Mr. Somerset was a charming young man. As Minerva held out her hand he took it, and instead of shaking it, he kissed the back of her hand lightly. "I am very pleased to be here, Professor McGongall."

"Thank you. Please, would you sit down?" She extended her hand to the chair in front of her large desk and returned to her own. Ethan waited until she settled in her chair to sit in his own.

"I'd like to ask how much knowledge you have of the dark arts, Mr. Somerset." She paused, pushing her spectacles up her nose. "What kind of experience do you have?"

She dipped her quill pen in the dark green ink ready to take a few notes to bring to Dumbledore when the interview was over.



Reflecting on Fun Times
Author: Isolde
Date: 11-18-02 16:09

Isolde kicked open the door to her room and plopped down on her bed, a bright smile lighting up her face. She had spent a good part of yesterday and last night with Pyrrhus and Azaelia in Japan touring dark magic sites. The threesome had notified their parents and fibbed about their actual locations, claiming they were in fact at each other's houses instead of traveling around Japanese tourist attractions.

All three Slytherins had spent more money than necessary, but none of them seemed to mind. Among the many things Isolde bought were a beautiful pair of Japanese sandals for Alexis, a red and gold kimono for Mrs. Stratford, and munchies for Draco, Clara and Tempest. For herself, Isolde got a Slytherin green oriental dress with silver clasps. Matching slippers accompanied her purchase, and Pyrrhus even threw in a jade hair clip to complete the ensemble.

Isolde hoped the rest of the summer would be as exciting as the last 24 hours were, but somehow she doubted it. One whole month before the new school year would begin...whatever would she do with her time until then?

The blonde girl rolled off of her bed and crossed the room. When she reached the mahogony desk, she flipped open her day planner and marked an X one month from the current date. Last night, she had made plans to meet Pyrrhus et al at Diagon Alley for back-to-school shopping. "One whole month..." Isolde mumbled under her breath. Boy, she couldn't wait to get back to Hogwarts.


Experienced
Author: Ethan Somerset
Date: 11-18-02 19:28

"What kind of experience do you have?" Professor McGonagall watched him kindly through her spectacles and kept her quill poised over a piece of parchment.

Ethan felt a lump rise in his throat. What kind of experience did he have? Well, he did had plenty. In fact, he had just come off of a very dangerous mission which involved the darkest of the dark arts...namely, premeditated use of the Unforgiveable Curses. Ethan had witnessed people getting tortured and killed at the hands of cruel and unforgiving wizards. Oh, yes. He had plenty of experience working with the dark arts. Almost too much experience.

The interviewee sighed deeply and began to explain to the old witch about his recent adventures in Bulgaria. His tale began with Dierna ní Cíaran sending him off to meet with Viktor Krum, the young auror and the Bulgarian seeker infiltrating into Koyla's cult and the untimely and tragic death of Kendra Beck.

McGonagall wore a pained expression upon her face by the time Ethan finished his story. She took a moment to recollect herself, and Ethan cast his eyes to the floor. The events haunted him ever-so-much. Each time he shut his eyes, he saw Kendra Beck staring back at him, wide-eyed and utterly frightened of her fate. He saw Viktor shaking out of fear and anger. He saw Koyla laughing like a maniac.

Ethan swallowed the bile that crept up his throat and focused his gaze back on the old witch. After she recollected herself, she asked him further questions...about his family, his education, life as an auror, his reasons for applying for the position...and so on and so forth.

Ethan left the interview feeling better about himself. He was confident that he had made a good impression on Professor McGonagall and eagerly awaited to hear what Professor Dumbledore would say to inviting him to Hogwarts as the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor for the new term.