Meeting Michael
Author: Nevvyn
Date: 02-17-03 12:26

The visit by the Hogwarts' students was a boon to sales. They completely depleted two different kinds of "Rune Kits" and put a severe dent in some of my other inventories. It took almost a week to replenish my supply of potions and remedies. We are just now sorting through our latest delivery, when the door chimes jingle their merry tune.

A fine-looking young man enters the Shoppe, asks if I am "Nevvyn" and introduces himself as "Michael Turin".

"I am, at that, good sir!" I reply, thrusting out my hand to shake his. "And I am well pleased to meet you, yourself." I wait a moment to let him look around before asking, "Welcome! Welcome! Are you here to do a bit of shopping or have you the time to join me in a bit of afternoon tea?"

---

Having been busily scribbling away for the past couple of weeks, Captain Electron took advantage of the fact that he'd run out of quills again, and Apparated to London. First, he had some business to attend to in the Muggle world, so he did that first, rather than risk being there with any wizarding items he might accidentally let show. It didn't matter as much when he arrived in the Leaky Cauldron with a handful of plastic bags containing new Muggle clothes, and gold streaks woven into his dreadlocks. He got a few stares, but nothing to worry about as he sat down to a quick Butterbeer before going on into Diagon Alley.

Happy so far, Electron strolled down the street, heading for Gringotts. He'd already been to a Muggle bank to change his pay from Dublin from punts to pounds, and now he needed to change that to Wizarding money, leaving most of it in his vault, of course. That was the plan, anyway, but on the way something caught his eye and Electron meandered over to a shop window, then into the actual shop. A few minutes later, and Electron walked into the bank carrying a large brown owl in a cage, and chuckling to himself.

Well, he reasoned, it was about time he got his own owl. He was thinking of calling it Hendrix. Don't be daft! he scolded himself, you can't call an owl Hendrix, nobody in the Wizarding world will have a clue why, and nobody in the Muggle world would have a clue why you have an owl in the first place! And he answered himself, who cares? If they don't know where I got the name, then they can't use it to identify me, and anyway, only people who know who I am will ever be invited into the house and told its name.

He completed his transactions fairly quickly, glad to get out of Gringotts and its crazy cart-tracks. Afterwards, he wandered around Flourish and Blotts for a while, picking up his new quills and parchment and a bit of sheet music for practising on. Some of the tricks at Weasley's Wizard Wheezes gave him a laugh, and it was with great difficulty that he left that particular shop - he would have loved to send Hendrix to his mother with something explosive! In the end he only left because he thought if he stayed there any longer, one of the identical owners would recognise him.

There was time for another Butterbeer before he Apparated back home.

---

Tea and Scones
Author: Michael Turin
Date: 02-17-03 21:06

"Tea sounds great, thank you." Nevvyn leads Michael to the bakery, where they order tea and scones. Nevyyn asks, "What brings you to Hogsmeade?"

"A chance to meet and thank the person who was able to help the chief auror. I knew she was recovered when she managed to convince of to go along with her latest plan." Michael smiled. "I know I sent you a message, but I was always told to thank people in person, if at all possible. I also have a few orders of business. I need a congratulatory gift for my brother. He recently was promoted to be the French Minister of Magic's deputy. The problem is my brother - Abelard - has everything: prestige, a charming and clever wife and the cutest daughter possible." Michaels voice was proud, telling about his family. "There is nothing I could get to beat such blessings. My brother is very fortunate -and I am fortunate to have such a brother."

Talk turns to other things and Michael asks, "You mentioned in your reply working in some auror- like capacity. I'd be interested in hearing of your experiences."

---

Temp's Turn
Author: Tempest Aisling
Date: 02-17-03 21:54

Tempest sat across for Annie Paul in the Wizarding Chess Tournament. Temp now knew that she was out of her league against Annie. It was true, Tempest wasn't really good at chess, but not many Slytherins wanted to participate in the competition. So, reluctantly she joined.

After the first few moves Annie had taken one of Temp's pawns. The game went on move after move. Finally it was Temp's turn to "capture" one of Annie's peices. Tempest gave a wicked grin when she called her bishop to take out one of Annie's castles. Annie merely smiled and went on with the game.

---

Lost for a Bit
Author: Vera Delgety
Date: 02-17-03 22:14

Vera carefully watched the game between Lawrence and Aradia. Being a Wizard Chess player herself, Vera knew the good moves from the bad ones. She tried not to give away any moves because she didn't want to get Lawrence in trouble.

So far Lawrence was doing really good. Aradia was good herself, but Lawrence had to win! It was now his turn and Lawrence seemed to hung up as to what to move next. C'mon luv, Vera thought, Look hard. You can see it...Noo! Not that one! Lawrence had grabbed his last castle and was about to move it, but suddenly left it alone. It was as if he heard Vera's thoughts really. She sighed in relief.

Lawrence studied the board a little more and finally saw his next move. Vera was glad he made the right one. For that move left Aradia stumped for a bit as well...

---

Observing...
Author: Angelina
Date: 02-18-03 01:21

As I walked around the players, I noticed some of them were really good. As I watched, I was pleased a bit to get this project off the ground so to speak and was happy for the turn out of viewers. I then noticed the Head Master was there with a scroll writing down something every once in a while. I knew he liked to play the game and his presence there made it even more worth the planning.

I then noticed Miss Aisling's hand go up to signal me. Going over to the board, I bent down and she whispered about Miss Paul's last move. I took out my rule scroll which stated that the Gryffindor had performed an En Passant and that the move was clearly legal. After I turned, I heard the sound of more pieces being taken by the players and more grimaces on faces as one move proved to be a mistake or a sacrifice had to be made in order to protect another piece.

"You have something here," a small voice in my head said. I gave a small smile and realized I did and it was worth every worry.

---

Tempest looked smug after she took my castle. I knew she would fall for it hook, line and sinker. I had to make the sacrifice in order to make my next move work. "Queen takes Bishop," I said and looked back up at Tempest. "Check."

The Slytherin glared at me, then looked down at the board for what seemed like forever.

---

Business at Weasley's Wizard Wheezes progressed more or less steadily, despite the fact that the store's key customers were all in school. The mail order catalogues certainly helped bring in revenue from Hogwarts students as well as other folk around the wizarding world.

Fred and Blossom spent many evenings together, going out on dates or hanging out at their flats. They took things slow, which seemed the proper thing to do for each of them. Fred remembered that Charlie had once felt the same way about relationships, but he realized that sometimes, one can amend certain values and ideals when the right girl comes along.

Not that it happened that way for Charlie.

Fred still got a kick out of Charlie and Helena's impromptu wedding. Oh, how angry Mum must have been, he thought to himself. At least the pair had begun to plan a family wedding, to which Fred would certainly invite Blossom to attend as his date.

Fred grinned and attempted to clear his mind of thoughts unrelated to work and busied himself at the front counter while George stocked some items into one of the shelves. Besides playing pranks and inventing joke products, Fred also enjoyed people-watching. All sorts of folk stepped into the shop throughout the day: an elderly woman with a flower-rimmed straw hat, a somewhat obese fellow with cookie crumbs speckling his chin, and a set of platinum blonde twins.

One person in particular caught Fred's eye (besides the twin beauties). The rather inconspicuous man spent a small bit of time amusing himself with some of the tricks in the shop, and he occasionally threw subtle glances over his shoulder at both Fred and George. He left, as if he didn't want to linger, and vanished down the street.

"I think we have a fan," Fred declared, leaning over the front counter.

George looked up from the half-empty box at his feet and exclaimed, "We have lots of fans, Fred."

"No, George. I don't mean our girls or other people we happen to know." Fred grinned and proclaimed, "I think that guy just wanted to catch a glimpse of the great Fred and George Weasley."

"I suppose that's not altogether impossible. We are starting to make a bigger name for ourselves," supplied George thoughtfully.

"That we are, George." Fred grinned enthusiastically and added, "How exciting! This is definitely something to write home about. Bring me a Canary Cream, will ya?"

---

Attempting a Conversation
Author: Clara Devaki
Date: 02-18-03 14:17

"Adrian...Adrian Lestrange."

"Hmmmh...Lestrange, ay?" Clara thought the name sounded familar. Before saying anything else, Clara's attention went to Draco who said he had to go partake in his detention. "Bye." Clara smiled for a moment as she watched him leave then turned back to Adrian with a smirk on her face.

"You don't talk much do you?"

Adrian shook his head just so you'd have to have been talking to him to realize he had.

"Right..." Clara glanced towards Tempest, who was scowling at the Gryffindor she was playing. "Heh...anyways, see that girl?"

"That one?"

"Yea...That's my best friend, Tempest Aisling."

"Oh...yea..." Adrian was looking awkwardly at Clara.

"Stop with the look Lestrange." Adrian nodded, but was looking uncomfortable. Clara watched him with interest. What's the deal? This guy seems nervous just to be even remotely near another being. Finally, wanting to know exactly the deal with Adrian Lestrange, she asked him. "Okay, so why exactly are you Mr. Anti-Social?"

---

Playing Miss Chang
Author: Ainsley Giacinta
Date: 02-18-03 14:22

Ainsley sat across from Cho Chang, watching her. After making her first move, she watched Cho make her first move, then came time for her next move. She had one of her pawns move forward. And so it went, each in turn making the move, taking each other's pieces. Saving pieces just in time.

---

Electron Apparated directly to his front room, purchases in hands, and took a look out the window. It was quiet and fairly empty outside, as always. He made sure all the doors and windows were shut before setting Hendrix's cage down on the table and letting him out to get used to his new home. The owl flew around the room a couple of times, and settled on the back of the sofa, surveying the place with huge yellow eyes.

Electron busied himself emptying out the plastic bags and boxes. Useful things, these bags, and he'd be sure to stick one in his pocket next time he went shopping around here, especially if it was raining.

Under the pretext of trying out his new quills, parchment, and indeed, owl, Electron started writing a quick note to Veronica, saying he hoped she hadn't been in trouble or had to teach with a hangover (and that yes, he knew it was two weeks ago, but he hadn't had a chance to owl before - which wasn't strictly true...) and suggesting she might like to pop out for a drink some other time.

He looked at the note thoughtfully, wondering whether to send it or bin it. She could only refuse. Of course, if she didn't, Electron would have to tell her that his name wasn't really John. Maybe. Before he could dither any longer, he rolled up the parchment and attached it to Hendrix's leg, telling him to take it directly to Professor Veronica Dumbledore at Hogwarts.

"And for gods' sakes don't get lost," he added as he opened the window. Hendrix hooted disdainfully.It was only when the owl was a brown speck in the distance that Electron thought to hope Veronica wasn't in the middle of a class or something when Hendrix flew in on her.

---

Check and Mate
Author: Lawrence Masterson
Date: 02-18-03 16:53

Lawrence and Aradia continued to play back and forth, move after move was made and piece after piece was lost. Finally it came down to the final two or three moves of the round.

Lawrence smiled as Aradia made her move and he saw his chance to end the game. He moved his Queen to just near Aradia's King, smashing the single pawn that is left, blowing the dust from the board with a flick of her skirts and a glare toward Aradia's king. "Check and Mate."

Lawrence says loud enough to gain Professor Logan's attention. She looked over the board and nodded. "Well played game both of you." She said. "Mister Masterson, you will be moving on to the next round of the tournament. Miss Forest, thank you for playing."

Lawrence smiled and relaxed, he had made it through the first round of the tournament, and now to get through the rest of it and hopefully get points for his house. He looked over his shoulder to Vera and smiled, before turning his attention to the other players and watching the rest of their games.

---

Watching and Learning
Author: Oreileah McCoi
Date: 02-18-03 16:56

Orei stood watching Annie Paul play against a Slytherin, she was doing great. Orei leaned back against Brett who was standing behind her. "Think she'll win?" She asked Brett as her eyes never left Annie. She hoped that things between her and Brett would get a bit closer, but they were both always so busy with classwork and he also had Quidditch practice.

Orei had wanted to go with him to Hogsmeade, but since she was only a first year, she couldn't go. He had brought her back some sweets from Honeydukes and they had talked about the trip for a while. She couldn't wait until her third year here at Hogwarts so she could go on one of the trips to Hogsmeade.

---

Re: Check and Mate
Author: Angelina
Date: 02-19-03 01:38

"Check and Mate," I heard Mr. Masterson say and I went to the board him and Miss Forest were at. It was clear the young man had indeed won the round. I smiled at the two and wrote on my scroll. "Well played game both of you." I then looked at the two. "Mr. Masterson, you will be advancing to the next round of the tournament. Miss Forest, thank you for playing.

Lawrence shook hands with the young woman and to a slight applause from the stands and the two took their seats. Now it was up to Miss Paul and Miss Ye to determine who the young man will play, and judging from where I stood it looked about even.

---

Re: Check and Mate
Author: Elizabeth Faith Brumby
Date: 02-19-03 01:38

The game moves along and I have to admit that Ye is an okay player. I can tell that she actually has some plan that she is using.

I move my Queen to stand in front of my right rook. Remadi scans the board and then moves her bishop three white squares across the board. I look down her bishop's possible warpath and immediately notice my pawn standing in her way. We had both lost a coupe of pawns already and I wasn't about to lose another one. I move it one space up and watch her face light up for a moment before she has her bishop move. I watch as her bishop wallops the knight I had left wide open for her.

I silently curse my stupidity. I had been so intent on getting that "check" (and then mate), that I hadn't taken the appropriate amount of time to assess her moves. I slowed my playing a little, making sure not to make the same mistake again, a beginner's mistake. Three moves later, I am the one smiling as I move my queen and declare "check." I have succeeded in maneuvering my queen, one of my bishops and a knight into trapping her King who could only hide behind a pawn. I start grinning uncontrollably as I see the game quickly coming to an end.

---

Re: Check and Mate
Author: Annie Paul
Date: 02-19-03 02:04

Tempest seemed to give her all in the game and it was a good one, but it seemed a shame to see it come to an end. She had gotten out of "check" earlier and breathed a slight sigh of relief, but that made me grin. I took a close look at the board and the next moves were vital.

I knew another sacrifice had to be made and it was either my castle or queen. Taking a deep breath, it had to be done. I chose my castle. "Castle takes bishop," I said and the castle made its move, taking down the bishop with one stroke. Tempest gave a slight snigger as she made her move, "Knight takes castle." She purred as another battle ensued.

She'd taken the bait, two more moves if all goes well should result in a Check Mate. Putting one finger to my lips, I scanned the board once again and knew if I cornered the king it was over. "Knight to E-5," I said and I began to feel the tension, will she fall for it? I didn't know if she noticed but she moved her king and I nodded. I moved my queen in an attempt to end this match and she took the bait.Her king was in danger and now was the time. I made my move and looked at Tempest. "Check Mate," I said and Professor Logan came over as the Slytherin glared at me.

She looked at the board and nodded. "Congratulations, Miss Paul. You have advanced to the next round. Miss Aisling, I wish to thank you for competing."

I got up and held out my hand as a friendly gesture. Tempest scoffed and left the table. Raising an eyebrow, I turned to the stands and saw Orei and Brett there. Orei had a smile and I waved as she saw me coming over.

---

I Hate Chess
Author: Veronica Dumbledore
Date: 02-19-03 07:02

I hate chess, Veronica thought to herself as she sat on her bed. She laid back and stared absent-mindedly at the ceiling. She liked the solitude of being holed up in her room. She had been alone so long that the loneliness was no longer lonely. Now it became more like a warm blanket, reminding her that little annoyances do go away.

She was drifting off to sleep when suddenly there was a scraping sound at the window. "What in heavens name?" she said to herself as she got up and threw back her drapes. An owl with a letter in his talons was perched on her window ledge scraping hastily at the window with his beak. "Well now, where did you come from?" she asked him with a laugh as she pushed open her window admitting the bird. He immediately flew in, dropping the letter at her feet, swooped across the room and landed next to Hermes on his perch. Hermes squawked disapprovingly at the other owl.

Veronica picked up the letter and began to read it. It was from John. She had met him in Hogsmeade. The letter had invited her to meet him again. He was quite charming. What harm could it do? She rushed over to her desk, picked up a quill and piece of parchment and quickly began scrawling the reply.

Dear John,

It's nice to hear from you. Yes, I would love to join you for a drink sometime again if time permits me. How are you enjoying Hogsmeade so far? It's a lovely little place, isn't it? Have you been to the shrieking shack yet? If not, we simply must go. I look forward to seeing you again soon.

Sincerely,
Veronica

She folded the parchment and stuffed it into an envelope. "Take this back to John, would you please?" She said holding it out to the owl. He quickly snatched it in his beak and flew off through the window. "It appears I've made a friend," Veronica said gently stroking Hermes wing. He ruffled his feathers at her words, obviously hoping she was referring to the gentleman who sent the letter and not that other owl.

---

Checkmate
Author: Remadi Ye
Date: 02-19-03 11:01

Remadi saw that she was in trouble just before Faith made her move and said check. She took her time studying the board and finally made the only move possible: moving a pawn one space to block Faith's Queen and deal with the immediate danger to her King. Faith quickly moves her Queen to overcome the pawn. She smiles triumphantly, knowing that Remadi had no more moves left. After her Queen decimates the pawn, she looks at Remadi and says, "Checkmate."

Professor Logan hears her and walks over. She looks and the board and nods. "Congratulations Miss Brumby, you will be advancing to the next round of the tournament," she says. "Miss Ye, I wish to thank you for competing. You both played well."

Remadi smiles and nods to both Faith and Professor Logan. "That was a good game, Faith," she says. "I had a good time. Good luck." Faith gives a slight snort at the last part, but shakes Remadi's proffered hand.

---

Checkmate, Nothing to Do with Chess
Author: Oreileah McCoi
Date: 02-19-03 15:40

Orei smiled as Annie approached her and she smiled. She had been watching the chess tournament with Brett, and several other Gryffindors, cheering them on. Though, her thoughts kept drifting to the fifth year that was sitting next to her. Sure they were friends, but was there a possibility for more than that? She cast a sidelong glance at Brett, and made a decision.

She looked to Annie and excused herself and Brett and took him by the hand and led him out of the Great Hall and just to the side of the doors, just out of the line of view of the others in the Hall. She took a deep breath and looked up at Brett. Her hands toyed with the hem of her robe as she tried to find the right words to tell him what she was thinking.

"Brett, we've been friends for a little over a month or so now, right? Or not even that. But, it feels like we've been friends for longer than we have." She paused and bit her bottom lip, a soft sigh before she continued. "What I am trying to say is I like you, a lot. More than just friends like you. I would have said something sooner, but the age difference kind of kept me from doing so."

She looked up at him eyes searching his and before she could think, before she could stop herself she stood on tip toe and pressed a light, brush of a kiss against his lips. A blush crept into her features as she pulled away, and waited for him to say or do something, anything.

---

Ancient History Lesson for Michael
Author: Nevvyn
Date: 02-19-03 18:15

Leaning back and sipping my tea, I think back to those days. "I do not know how much Dierna may have told you. At the nub of it, I suppose, I was a sort of under-cover agent for the Ministry. That was back in the days when Lord Alderoy was running the show. Most of what I did was travel up and down the west coast of Ireland, in the guise of an old Tinker, bright-painted wagon and all. Folks just called me "Gaffer" in those days. Peddled my wares and talked with the people, bringing news and picking up the odd bit of gossip.

"Seems there had been a number of strange happenings in that region... murders, abductions, thefts and some just general mischief. The Ministry was of the belief that much of this was the doing of a new dark cult or, perhaps I should say, groups of cult cells. My task was to learn the who's and the what's, and relay this information back to London. Many 's the night I sat in some secluded grove, talking to a head in the midst of my cook-fire. Eventually the picture I painted showed a number of small groups, each led by someone with raw and untrained magical talents. The bulk of the troublemakers were naught but a bunch of local louts and malcontents. Given a few pints, they'd be up for almost any type of mischief."

I pause in my recitation to sample another of Miss Briar's delicious pastries. "These black-current scones are positively scrumptious!" I announce. Of course, the small mountain of clotted cream I added did no harm to the flavor. I refill our cups from the pot and continue my tale.

"Now! Let's see! Where was I before I so rudely interrupted myself? I chuckle. Ah, yes! I managed to identify many of the local leaders, but both the people at the Ministry and I myself, were certain that there was some one person driving all of this. Well, as luck would have it, one of their lads led me straight to the heart of things. Seems I was passing south from Galway when I happened upon a fellow I recognized as one of the cell leaders, traveling in the same direction. He hailed me and asked for a lift in my cart. Well, sir! I was pleased to oblige him, and we talked as we rode. Said he was going to a gathering of his "friends", a thing that happened only once a year, at the summer solstice. Down past Limerick and Newcastle, Tralee, Killarney and to Kenmare, where I dropped him off. I stayed a few days in that city, nosing around for news. Then, one evening, I met a traveler from Castletown, who told me of the most extraordinary things. Five bodies, found in a farmer's field... all without their heads. This was three nights before Midsummer's Eve. As soon as I could get out to the countryside, I reported this news to headquarters. In the next day, some thirty aurors apparated in or arrived by portkey. We slipped down the Beare peninsula in small groups of two or three, travelling by motor coach or auto, for the most part. We picked up other news as we went, and focused in on Hungry Hill. As the sun set on Midsummer's Eve, they lit up a fire and started whatever ritual they had made plans for. We swooped down on them and rounded up the whole lot. Most were strong and adept at hurling fire and a few other destructive spells. However, they were poorly trained in defensive measures. Within a few hours, the battle was over. Three of their number were incinerated as a result of having their own spells reflected back upon them. Several more were left mindless, by the same reason. On our side, we suffered only a few minor burns. When their leader was taken, she appeared as an ancient Crone. However, in interviews with the other survivors, many described her as a youthful and handsome woman. As it turned out, she was a shape-changer of middling years. Styling herself after the legendary Hag of Beare, she was able to appear as either maiden, mother or crone, at will. She and her cohorts were packed off to the Ministry, and from there to Azkaban. The heads were found in a ramshackle hut, along with many other grisly trophies. They were soon united with their proper bodies and given decent Christian burials. Needless to say, we had to do quite a bit of Obliviating to calm the local populace and keep the story from leaking out to the news."

My tale winds to a close, and I find my tea has gone completely cold. I swill it down, making only a slight grimace. Michael laughs over his previously emptied cup. I consider ordering a fresh pot, but decide to check my watch. "Oh! My Goodness! I have been talking for near an hour, not letting you get in a word of your own. My sincere apologies, Michael. 'Tis a problem of mine, loving to talk and to tell tales. Must be the Irish in me... You know... the Blarney Stone and all that." We both have a laugh at this. "So tell me! What have you and Miss Dierna been up to at the Ministry? Oh! No, no! None of the "secret" things," I quickly add, seeing the expression on his face.

---

Re: Checkmate, Nothing to Do with Chess
Author: Brett Kingston
Date: 02-19-03 19:13

I smiled. That's all I could do. This girl, the girl I had come to be close friends with over the past month and a half, had kissed me. My mind was reeling with what I should say, or what I should do. I was literally lost as to what to do next.

Orei," pausing to collect my thoughts, "I'm flattered that you care for me as much as you do. And I know the age difference must be killing you. That's why I'm having so much trouble with this."

I could tell she was about to cry with this last statement. "That's why," I said quickly before she could actually start crying, "that's why I'm going to ask you this. Before we go any farther with this kind of relationship, I think we should wait a while before anything serious happens. I know this must be hard for you, but it's the only thing I can think of to settle this age difference between us."

I give her a moment to take all this in before I continue on. "So therefore I propose this, that we take our time and get to know each other better before we do anything drastic like jumping into a relationship and then ending up hating each other." Then there was silence. Nothing but a dead silence as Orei thought about her decision.

---

Talking Shop
Author: Michael Turin
Date: 02-19-03 21:14

Michael finishes his tea, and thinks a moment. "The main thing is the trials for this Koyla character - that is coming up just around Hallowe'en. After that we'll need to crack down on the cells that went underground.

"Dierna has been overseeing the reconstruction of Azkaban. It is totally different from the old one - which was destroyed during the rebellion of last Christmas. Our role - and Dierna's especially - has been to take charge of any strategizing."

Michael smiles wryly. "She has also somehow managed to convince me to go back to the one place to which I swore never to return." I shake my head. "I can't say too much about it- in case there are unfriendly ears about - but one moment I was flatly refusing them...then suddenly I heard my self agreeing! And she does it all the time: think of plans no one else would dream of, convince the aurors to go along with them and then pull them off!"

Michael and Nevvyn talk congenially for a while, then Michael says farewell and disaparates back to his London flat.

---

Stalemate
Author: Remus Lupin
Date: 02-19-03 21:27

Garou's hostility shows no signs of giving way. Each attempt to approach him results in the same hostile manor. He simply gives me harsh and cynical replies. My progress with this quest seems to be at a stalemate. The mental game of chess continues. Even though I appear to be in check, I can easily get out of check with the right moves, and eventually checkmate him. Patience is a virtue.