Another Christmas
Author: Prof. Sorcha
Date: 04-05-04 12:50
Sorcha lay on her bed staring at the ceiling and listening to the scratching noises Ailsa made from her perch on the other side of the room. It was Christmas once again, the most depressing day of the year in Sorcha's opinion. With no family, there were no gifts, no celebrating, and nowhere to go.
A scratch at one of the windows disrupted the rhythmic scratching from Ailsa. The large bird wanted out, and unlike the other seasons, Sorcha kept the windows locked. It meant that Ailsa needed to be let out instead of being able to just leave on her own.
With a sigh, Sorcha stood up and opened the window to let the large bird fly around outside. The window was closed almost as soon as the tail feathers had cleared the window. Sorcha walked over to her desk and sat down.
It was cleaner then it had been since the school year started. The one thing about not going anywhere was there was a lot of time to fill up. Sorcha had already caught up on all the assignments, cleaned her desk, and finished planning out her classes for the rest of the year.
Another scratch at the window and the large bird was let back in. Ailsa crossed the room and stood next to the fireplace to heat herself up. A small half-smile emerged onto Sorcha's face as she watched Ailsa warm up. The look on Ailsa’s face would have been one of complete satisfaction as the heat of the fire worked its way under her feathers.
Knights Walpurgis: Christmas Morning
Author: Nathaniel Hawkins
Date: 04-05-04 19:19
Nathaniel sat before the roaring fire, enjoying a scotch and contemplating the past year as he always did at such at a time. By now most of the carolers would have made it back home after a snowy evening out singing. At least he imagined they did – they never trod the dark alleys behind Knockturn and his street was no exception.
In fact the more Nathaniel thought about things the more morose he got. Finally he realized he had to get out, Christmas morning or not. He briefly thought about visiting Merdroit, but knowing the man he was either bullying some kid left at school for the holiday or sulking. He laughed. In retrospect Merdriot didn't seem the sulking type, so therefore he must be spreading holiday cheer and detentions.
So, what was left? Ah, suddenly it hit him – a nice cold visit to the Neophyte's complex. He realized he was in the mood for an argument, and he had to admit he enjoyed sparring with the latest member of the Knights.
****************************
A short time later Nathaniel was walking towards the dormitories. He wondered if the Solon woman was inside, or gadding around the complex trying to figure things out. By now she should have realized that things like apparating where off limits to the lower orders, and he hoped she'd found out the hard way.
He opened the door, releasing the spell and stepped inside. Apollonia was sitting by the fireplace, staring into it hard with a small frown on her face. When the door opened she sat up straight and pulled the blanket further around her shoulders.
"Merry Christmas, Solon," he forced the greeting past his lips. "I hope you are well?"
She stood up. "And the same to you, Nathaniel," she replied.
"I thought I should come and see how you're doing. You appear to be well, since nobody has killed you yet I assume things are progressing nicely?" he drawled. He felt better already he decided after this last comment.
"I haven't yet any Neophyte who would accept my challenge," she said. "Although I'm more than ready for it."
Nathaniel laughed, noticing her defensive attitude and jutted chin. He would need to be careful – this woman was hiding many things and one of them was her true nature. But he would find her out, and then they would see.
He stepped forward towards her, one hand resting on the fireplace mantel. "I don't know who you really are, or claim to be, but I see a lot more beneath that supposed shallow exterior you permit us to view."
"One day, Solon, you and I shall meet in battle and we shall see who has the upper hand," he warned.
Knights Walpurgis: Lovely Christmas Conversation
Author: Dierna ní Cíaran
Date: 04-05-04 20:11
"If we are playing at 'pull back the mask', perhaps I can start telling all the things you act at being, but are not." I comment, calmly. He is trying to goad me. This time I won't play.
"I've never met anyone who is what they claim to be. Why would I be an exception to that? We all have secrets. As for the rest of your questions - the ones I see in your face that you wont ask - no I didn't learn about the restrictions on neophytes painfully. I told you before. I watch. I watch everyone and see everything. That's how I learn."
I let this sink in. I want to lecture about just how bad the swordsmanship of some of the neophytes is. But in doing so I could too easily say something that would give myself away. Instead I make a point:
"Tell me something, and be honest. I will know if you lie. When I was fighting de Lacey, did I look like someone without any skill? Someone surviving on luck alone?"
Hawkins pauses, a look of bitterness, anger and something else crossing his face. Finally, he spits out the words, as if they taste bad.
"No. I have rarely seen such swordsmanship."
Ellspeth's Herbals Etc: Christmas Morning
Author: Ellspeth
Date: 04-06-04 13:28
Ellspeth slowly woke to the soft sounds of a Blue Bell Alarm Plant next to the bed. It had quietly started playing a jaunty little tune promptly at 7:00 am which was her favorite was her favorite way of awakening during the winter months.
Quickly getting ready for the day, she had breakfast done in a jiffy and was getting ready to head for her special little workshoppe in one of the rooms near the back of the her shoppe. But "first" she needed to check all the plants in the Shoppe and make sure everything was fine.
Feeding, watering and dusting quickly, she added a little note to the front door..."IF YOU NEED SOMETHING, JUST RING THE BELL, I MIGHT BE CLOSED FOR CHRISTMAS, BUT I AM ALWAYS OPEN FOR YOU!!!"
She didn't want anyone to go without this year and was hoping all the students at the school had enjoyed their baskets. She had even left a few for the teachers that had agreed to spend the Holidays at school too. She had received a letter from her sister Pol stating that she wouldn't be able to make it down for Christmas. She had taken over an Orphanage in Russia and had wanted to spend the time with the children there. They actually lived quite near one of Witchcraft and Wizardry Schools there and she had so far helped the Headmaster find some wonderful students from there.
After lighting a few of the candles around the shop, turning on a couple of the Sunflower Lamps, she headed on back through the doors to her personal living quarters and then through a door and into her own special work shoppe...this was where she spent her free time figuring out new varieties of plants and also developing her teas, herbs and candles. Next to the garden, it was her favorite room. Full of the smells of drying herbs, bunches of them now hanging from several rafters and in great boxes packed high in the corners. There were stacks of flat pieces of beeswax, waiting to be made into candles and several stacks of tiny containers waiting for new herbs for cooking, teas and some for just making your room smell good.
Over in one corner was a large cupboard filled with jars and containers full of seeds. She was going to sort through those today in preparation of getting things ready for spring. After all it was only 3-4 months away...
Lasagne
Author: Tranquillina Aemilius
Date: 04-06-04 19:25
As soon as she stepped foot in her house at the beginning of Christmas break, Tranquillina couldn't comprehend how happy she was to be back home in Cardiff. As much as she love Hogwarts and her friends there, it was wonderful to see her family again.
Tranquillina had opened her eyes late in the morning on Christmas Day.Her family had opened gifts the night before and had stayed up late into the night.
She got up happily and ate a warm pancake breakfast, complete with a nice dose of coffee (how she loved the caffine!), and moved into the living room to begin one of the books she had been given.
Later in the afternoon, her grandfather set out the traditional Aemilius Christmas-lasagne dinner. Over dinner, which was relatively early in the afternoon, the family caught up on Hogwarts events, as well as those in the Muggle world.
The Christmas lights twinkled on the tree behind her, and Tranquillina decided that Christmas was certainly her favorite part of the year.
A Very Merry Christmas
Author: H Potter
Date: 04-07-04 13:36
Harry glares daggers at the now closed door as if hoping those daggers will go through it and stab in the backs the two men who just exited. All Harry's plans have been ruined. For now anyway. Somehow Sirius discovered that Harry wasn't going to the Weasley's for part of the holiday. He intercepted Harry before Harry could put phase 1 of his plan into action. Now Harry's been stuck here at St. Mungo's for nearly a week in a private room enspelled so he cannot disapparate from it and someone standing guard in the hall. Even worse, since being here Harry has been subjected to an endless battery of tests and questions, particularly in regard to his mental state.
As angry as he is with Sirius, he's not sure why his godfather came today loaded with presents. Does Sirius honestly think Harry wants anything from him after what he's done to his godson? Harry gives the presents, stacked on and around a table in the corner, a hard stare full of disdain and contempt. Stupid S.O.B. And that healer! How he ever got licensed to practice is beyond Harry. The Wizarding World must have been extremely desperate for healers specializing in mental health. Always probing, always asking questions about Harry's dreams and nightmares, always reassuring Sirius that he and his staff will be able to determine if there is a spell on Harry and remove it or if Harry is suffering from some mental disorder how they'll begin the proper treatment and therapy. All this is why Harry refuses to even hint at the giant flobberworm he dreams about every night. The healer, his staff, and Sirius just wouldn't understand that the giant flobberworm simply represents the fulfilling life flobberworm farming would provide Harry.
Settling down on his bed, Harry drifts off for a nap, thinking once again that, "Nope, they just don't get it; they don't get it at all!"
Hope
Author: Sirius Padfoot Black
Date: 04-07-04 13:54
Sirius arrives back home, somewhat out of sorts from another meeting gone wrong with Harry. He understands all too well the anger Harry has at being, to quote Harry, incarcerated but once the healers at St. Mungo's figure out just what sort of spell or curse has been placed on Harry and remove it, Sirius is certain Harry's anger and current hatred towards Sirius will dissipate.
Glancing at the grandfather clock in the living room, Sirius wonders if Drucilla will be dropping by soon. She said she might with might being the key word. He certainly hopes she is able to come, if only for a short visit. Sirius has gifts for her and he'd love to give them to her today. He could have given them to her before now but Sirius has been hoping he would get to spend at least part of Christmas day with Dru. In keeping up his hopes that she will be stopping in, Sirius goes to the kitchen to whip up something chocolatey to offer her. Giving his attention to making some chocolate treat for Dru also serves to lift his mood from the disastrous visit with Harry.
After putting in a chocolate souffle to bake, Sirius goes to the Christmas tree and arranges the packages still under it so that Dru's are at the front and easily reached. One large, rectangular box, wrapped in festive red paper covered with large white snowflakes, holds a cape. The cape is a deep, twilight blue velvet lined with matching silk. The other present for Dru is much smaller. It's a flat jeweler's box with a hinged lid and is wrapped with gold paper with sparkling, little green trees. Inside is an infinity shaped diamond slide with a gold necklace. As he arranges the two gifts just so, Sirius fervently hopes Dru likes both gifts.
A Few Pointers to People That Need to Know
Author: Nathaniel Hawkins
Date: 04-07-04 19:17
Nathaniel was beyond annoyed at having to admit to Solon that she was a good sword fighter. With a curt goodbye he turned on his heel and left, slamming the door behind him for good effect. He fully expected she wouldn't react to his leaving, rather just raise a well groomed eyebrow and resume her contemplation of the fireplace. So be it.
He was therefore surprised and amused to see a group of Second Order Knights heading towards the dormitory. He stopped and waited for them. They were acting as if they had a purpose, but upon seeing Nathaniel they slowed and tried to act nonchalant.
He waited for them. The ring leader, Bartholomew de la Vichy, stopped before him and bowed. "My Lord," he greeted Nathaniel.
"Vichy," replied Nathaniel. "What are you doing out and about at this time on Christmas?" He tried hard to hide the smirk that he felt creeping across his face.
De la Vichy grinned. "We thought we would welcome the new Neophyte into the brotherhood of the Knights."
Nathaniel laughed coldly. "Solon is in the dorm, contemplating a hard life before the fire. Make sure you welcome her properly, now get along." He didn't look back, nor wait to see what might happen next. Instead he removed the block against apparating, and left.
*****************************************
When he arrived home the fire was still burning brightly, but the room was cloaked with shadows. He sighed. He really hoped the Solon woman was made welcome, and how it warmed his heart thinking about it.
There was a sudden rustling at the back window and Nathaniel went to see what it might be. He had warded the house with a few more complex spells, so even it was Lestrange she wouldn't be able to get inside.
Instead he discovered Merdroit's owl, battering its wings cheerfully against the panes. He cracked the window open and the bird jumped inside, pecking at his fingers for treats. Absentmindedly he removed the note and gave the bird some bacon, sending it on its way. He walked towards the living room, and sat in his chair and unrolled the parchment. Of course it was blank, so he muttered the correct words and touched the paper, surprised to see only a few words on it.
"Brother, it may not be common knowledge, but the ni Ciaran woman is missing. As much as the Ministry try to hide it, the fact is she has been gone for some time. What you do with this information is your own business. M."
What should I do with this highly interesting fact? Nathaniel mused. As much as he hated the woman, the Knights hated her just as much. He pulled a parchment out and took up his quill, scribbling another note.
"Bellatrix, you might be interested to know that ni Ciaran is missing and has been for some time. N.H." He wiped the parchment clean with a spell and called for his owl.
A Lark in Winter
Author: Albus Dumbledore
Date: 04-07-04 20:41
Ahhh.... Christmas morn! I stand at the window and gaze out across the pristine whiteness that blankets the grounds of Hogwarts Castle. A hazy sun picks out golden highlights here and there, giving the place a look of "Fairyland".
As I bathe in the ambience, a fluttering at the window catches my attention. On closer inspection, I discover that it is a small lark that is trying to gain entry to my study. In her claws, she appears to be carrying a bit of something scarlet. I open the window and let the small lady in. She flies straight to my outstretched hand and deposits her burden, then sits there shivering and eyeing my beard as if it would make excellent nesting material. I think first to take her nearer the fire, but she seems to regard that as a menace. Instead, I carry her over to Fawkes perch. He opens one sleepy eye and gives out with a series of "chips" and "chrrr's", followed by a fair imitation of the lark's song. The frosty flier responds in kind, and hops up onto the perch alongside the phoenix.
Seeing that the messenger has been made comfortable, I take a moment to examine the message, itself. A phoenix feather, which I recognize as belonging to Dierna... a "gift" from Fawkes, some time ago. The other part of the message is a bit of bark with two runes inscribed upon it. Thurisaz reversed, followed by Nauthiz! I puzzle over this pair for a moment before discerning the true meaning. Dierna is in some amount of danger, but believes she can conquer the situation. No mention of where... no indication of what sort of difficulty!
I find myself thinking unkind thoughts regarding hard-headed Irish women. I had presumed it was on some secret mission for the Ministry that she had vanished. However, this is the first communication we have had from her in over three weeks. On a whim, I speak to Fawkes. "Do you think your small friend can tell us where she might have come from, or where she might have been?"
He stands stone still for several minutes, then raises one claw from his perch and clasps it about my bared wrist. Over the years, we have found that he can communicate rudimentary images to me in this way. I close my eyes and try to empty my mind of all thoughts. Slowly, an image begins to form. Stone buildings... several of them... some large and some smaller... all of them surrounded by a high stone wall. It looks, for all the world, like a medieval monastery. Black slate roofs... arched windows... a round tower... one very large building... a symbol or insignia of some sort above a massive wooden door. I try to focus on the design, but the image becomes fuzzy and incomprehensible. I force myself to relax, knowing that I cannot control this show. I let the images roll through my mind, trusting to memory that I will be able to recall all that I have seen.
Finally, Fawkes releases my wrist and I open my eyes. The little lark is trembling with exhaustion. I tell Fawkes to give her my thanks, then try to recall what it is that makes up the lark's diet. Drawing a complete blank on this subject, I conjure a small dish of millet and mealworms, figuring that should satisfy almost any avian appetite.
I fetch my pensieve and retire to a comfortable chair. I extract the memory threads associated with the lark's vision and replay them, slowly. I pause to examine the symbol over the door. Gradually, my older memories begin making connections with the newer. The design is quite familiar... Ah! Yes! The Knights of Walpurgis! Nasty group! I do hope that Dierna hasn't bitten off more than she can chew!
Never Fight the Same Battle Twice
Author: Dierna ní Cíaran
Date: 04-07-04 21:00
The sudden smash and breaking of my door barely cause me to turn my head from the fire. I'd heard them coming. These Knights really need to learn how to walk quietly. Almost as much as they need to learn to fight with a sword. Then again, I'd been training in that since my youth. Not everyone ha the special skills it takes to make a Fenian.
"We've come to welcome you, " One Bartholomew de la Vichy sneers. To him, I seem to be calmly contemplating the many virtues of fire. Instead, I'm ready for the mob.
"Really? Well I've been here a week and you finally deign to acknowledge me?" I take a mental tally. Five of them. Not great odds, but I've faced more.
"You know, Solon." Says another, dropping the pretense of comaraderie. "Your cockiness is rather ill placed. It seems you are outnumbered." He draws a dagger, running his dinger along the edge.
They start forward, but I grab the end of a branch that's sticking out of the fire and wave it toward them. They are forced to retract backwards or be burned. Then I throw the brand at a random knight. His cloak instantly catches fire, and he drops the ground. One of the others beats the flaming knight with his cloak, in attempt to suffocate the flames.
De Vichy hangs back, directing the other four. It takes them a moment to realize they can't use the tactics de Lacey had against me. This time my strategy is different. Rule number one: never fight the same way twice. But skilled or not, fending off four is not easy. I get a painful, thought not deep, cut across my sword arm. I ignore it, pressing forward and retuning the injury in kind: a deep cut across one Knight's cheek. While he reaches up to check the wound, I disarm him, and petrify him. Without missing a beat, I step over the fallen knight and go after the other three.
By now, the remaining three combatants start getting angry, and that is a very dangerous thing - for them. They are not thinking anymore, just fighting to kill. Whereas I am calmly and determinedly gaining the advantage. One swings too hard, looking balance, falling into another. They topple over, but I have them bound before they can get up. That leaves Vichy.
When he attacks with a predicable cut, I block him. Then start making him step backwards, toward where the ground suddenly slopes downward. Vichy suddenly trips on a low log, falling backwards and down the slop. Near the bottom he lies still, his leg twisted at some unnatural angle.
I give attention to my own conditions then: some minor cuts, which will need to be healed before they get infested, and the one on my wrist, rather painful.
I leave the Knights to be found by their fellows, and head to the storage building, where herbs and medicines are kept.
