Author: Oreileah McCoi
Date: 02-25-03 16:51
Orei listens in childlike amazement as Brett tells her about all the wonderful food and decorations at the feast for Halloween here at Hogwarts. She smiled and couldn't wait for it when it happened in a few days. She wanted to ask him about his sister, but decided that could wait. First she would tell him about the way Muggles celebrated Halloween.
"Well, there are different ways that people celebrate Halloween in the Muggle world. Most of the Muggle children dress up in costumes of various things, like ghosts, goblins, ghouls, and the like. Then they go from house to house in their neighborhoods and knock on the doors and say "Trick or Treat" in hopes to get some form of candy."
She smiled and remembered what she was for Halloween last year. "Last year I was a butterfly. My mom helped me make my costume and everything. I think I have some pictures I can show you later." She shifted a bit and laid back down on her back and looked up at him.
"Most people dress up in costumes and go to parties where they play games and dance and do all sorts of different things. I've never been to those, my parents generally go every year." she paused for a moment. "Also we carve jack-o-lanterns, which is fun. My dad always made some sort of fun, complex design in the pumpkin, last year we had a haunted house carved in the pumpkin."
She laughed at the look on his face. "Also, we would go every year to a haunted house near the pier in San Francisco and we would get scared by the things set up in the different rooms. It wasn't really a haunted house though. It was just made to seem that way."
Chit Chat
Author: Brett Kingston
Date: 02-25-03 18:39
After Orei finished her telling of the Muggle Halloween style, the conversation slowly shifts from school work, to quidditch, and then to family.
"So, we both know I have a sister here at Hogwarts. But what I'd like to know is if you have any siblings. Are there any other McCoi's running around back home?" He asked.
"No, there are nope. I'm an only child. That's a good thing and a bad thing because I have no little brother to fight with or a sister to play with and help me with school work like you do. I just wish I had someone to talk to about things." And that was all she said with a shrug. "So tell me about your parents and the rest of the family."
With a sigh and a shrug, Brett launched into his family life. What his grandmother-God rest her soul-was like while she was alive, and about how his parents had died when he was very young and about how he and Australia had been living with there grandmother for the past seven years.
By the time he was finished telling her about his parents and grandmother, she was on the verge of tears.
Seeing the tears in the corners of her eyes, he silently wiped them away without so much as a second thought. "So tell me about your parents. What are they like, were they work. Things of that nature. Wait, they do work don't they?" He said with a grin knowing he would get a smile out of that one.
With a smile she said, "Ok, my mom's a little neat and tidy side. She's a housewife who's very quiet and reserved. All she does is cook and keep the house clean for my dad. And he's, well, he's a big technology guy and works for some big technology company. He's hardly ever around and is always busy with work, but still they both manage to be very active in my life and support every decision I make."
"So let's see, except for the fact that you have no brother or sister, you have a rather normal, loud, lovable family. Just like what Australia and I had with our grandmother. We're not so different after all." He said with a grin.
With that he got the grin and slight shoulder push he was aiming for. He had known what kind of reaction he would get, and he liked it. He just didn't know if he was ready to enter into a serious relationship with her with the age difference and all. So, he decided to test the waters. He slowly bent down and kissed her, but only for the barest of a second.
He searched her eyes for a response of any kind, but saw only confusion. The smile that spread across her face was finally a response he could use. That let him know that she liked the kiss. But he decided to leave it at that. Just one little kiss. He didn't want to screw up the friendship that they were starting to develop between them. So instead he just smiled down at her and laughed.
They laid there for a while longer laughing at everything until he realized he was going to be late to meet his sister for quidditich practice if he didn't leave right then. He hugged her goodbye, and told her he'd see her at dinner. And with that, he turned around and ran back up to the castle to get his broom then head back down to the pitch to meet his sister and Eileen for some flying practice.
MOM Courtroom: Koyla Trials Day
2
Author: Dierna ní Cíaran
Date: 02-25-03 20:21
I had seen many trials during my career as an aurors. This trial is the first big one since Voldemort's comeback. More interesting is the fact that Koyla was not affiliated with Voldemort. Quite likely he would have made an alliance at some point, but never had that chance.
The trial proceeds as usual - laying out the case and presenting arguments Then the prosecution call their first key witness: Ethan Somerset.
Under Oath
Author: Ethan Somerset
Date: 02-25-03 20:59
Ethan had left Hogwarts on Monday directly after his first class, leaving one of the staff substitute teachers, Professor Grubbly-Plank, to instruct the remainder of Ethan's Defense Against the Dark Arts classes until his return at an unspecified time.
The Monday preliminaries for the trials of Koyla and the other dark wizards consisted of opening arguments presented vigorously by the prosecution as well as the plaintiff's case in chief, which in this circumstance rested with the British Ministry of Magic.
The presentation of the case continued on Tuesday, which included the testimonies of the key witnesses. Michael called Ethan to the stand first, who briefly explained how Dierna ní Cíaran assigned him to meet Viktor Krum in Bulgaria in order to investigate Koyla. He spoke of the gatherings Koyla held for his followers and how the dark wizard eagerly invited both Ethan and Viktor into the fold.
Viktor testified next, even though his involvement with Koyla stemmed from an earlier time period than Ethan's association did. He briefly explained how his investigations started with getting to know Grigori better and then having that relationship progress to a collaboration to join Koyla's cult.
Michael adjourned the trial for a short recess with plans to continue examining the witnesses after lunch.
New Friend
Author: Blossom
Date: 02-25-03 21:17
Blossom is busy bussing the deli's outside tables when a very cute, darked haired man in his early twenties snags one of the just cleaned tables. She'd seen him around from time to time and is pretty sure he's a friend of one of Fred's brothers. Blossom grabs a menu, an empty glass, and a pitcher of water then approaches the table.
She smiles as she sets down the glass and pours water into it while at the same time handing the man the menu. "Hi, if you know what you'd like to drink I'll be getting it while you look over the menu. Also, the soup of the day is a slightly spicey creamy butternut squash and pumpkin."
The man nods distractedly and replies, "I'll have a butterbeer and a cup of that soup. By the time you get back with them I'll have made up my mind on what else I'll order."
Blossom smiles again and heads inside, stopping just long enough to pick up the basin of dirty dishes she'd cleaned off the tables. Less than two minutes later Blossom is placing a steaming cup of the soup and an large, frosted mug of butterbeer in front of the man. From her apron pocket Blossom pulls clean utensils and a fresh napkin. As the man hands her the menu, he makes eye contact and grins charmingly. "I'll have the Deli Surprise sandwich on a toasted roll. Say, I've seen you before. I mean I've seen you somewhere other than working here. Gringotts. You work at Gringotts as well." His eyes narrow in concentration then he adds, "At the Weasley's store. You work there too?"
Blossom can't help but laugh at his overly puzzled look at the thought that she might hold down three jobs. "Yes, I also work at Gringotts. Yes, you've seen me at Weasley's Wizard Wheezes. I sometimes do a little work there to help out but mainly I like to hang around there because of Fred Weasley. We've been dating a little while now. You know one of his brothers, correct?"
"Right. Bill Weasley was once a roommate of mine." The man sticks out his hand and introduces himself, "Aaron Miller."
Blossom shakes Aaron's hand and gives him her name in return, "Nice to meet you, Aaron. I'm Blossom. Blossom Wedgewood. It's good to hear another American voice. Though I do love the accents around here."
The two talk another minute then Blossom leaves to put in his sandwich order. When she returns a short time later, she decides to extend an invitation to Aaron. After all, if he's a friend of the Weasleys, he's got to be an okay guy. "Aaron, I'm having a Halloween party. Muggle style with costumes. Love to have if you care to drop by. Here's all the info."
Blossom pulls a handmade invitation from one of her many apron pockets and hands it to Aaron. He flashes that charming grin again and thanks her. By this time several a number of people have seated themselves at some of the other tables so Blossom hurries to wait on them, telling Aaron she'll be by again soon to refresh his drink.
Conflicts
Author: Mary
Date: 02-26-03 14:44
Mary entered the Slytherin dungeon that morning, her hair in tousled braids, rubbing her sleepy eyes with a fist. She was not in a very good mood.
As soon as he saw her, Mortimer called out, "Oy, Mary! Where's Iris?" Mortimer was Iris' personal stalker, although no one knew whether his intentions were for love or homicide. Mary ignored him. She was headed straight for the exit to the dungeons, her potions bag slung over one shoulder, when Crispin ran up to walk next to her.
"It's 7:45," he said, as if Mary had asked, "We have time to grab a bit of breakfast."
The two Slytherins entered potions class with pockets and mouths full of dry toast and took seats next to each other. Today was a note day, to prepare for Thursday's potion. Mary, glancing sideways at Crispin, wondered how he managed to see the blackboard and his notes with his thick bowl of disheveled brown hair in his eyes all the time. She thought she might surprise him with a severing charm sometime, and see what happened. Of course, she wasn't sure she could do a severing charm properly, but that would make the experience all the more exciting.
Class ended soon enough, and on the way back to the common room Iris and Viola passed Mary and Crispin.
"Mort was looking for you, Iris." Crispin teased, "You know, I think you two would make a cute couple."
Iris stuck out her tongue. She was very vain, even at eleven years old. She and her shadow Viola spent hours in the bathroom each morning, primping. Mortimer was certainly not a pretty boy. He was pudgy and he smelled strange. Mary didn't think he was so bad because he was funny, but Iris thought him unbearable. Iris tossed back her blonde curls and stalked off huffily. Viola followed in her wake, occasionally looking back to glare at Crispin. He laughed.
Once in the common room, Mary wanted desperately to go back to sleep. She told Crispin goodnight and they split for their separate dormitories.
"Mary had a little lamb..."
Her head turned to find the source of the sneer but she knew, already, who it was.
"...Its fleece as white as snow..."
Crispin always told Mary that Robert, a second year, behaved the way he did because he was infatuated with her. Mary, of course, thought that was complete rubbish.
"Stop it, Robert." She said coldly.
"...everywhere that Mary went, the lamb was sure..."
Her nerves snapped. Before he could finish the last line, she was across the dungeon, her fist drawn back to hit him. Mortimer reached out to grab the back of her robes, but he wasn't fast enough. Mary's fist intersected with Robert's face at alarming speed, knocking him off his feet and bringing tears to his eyes. Mortimer grabbed Mary and held her back.
"What'd you do that for!" Robert said, his nose bleeding profusely.
"I told you to stop it." Mary said calmly, but her eyes sparked dangerously.
Robert called her something very rude and ran out of the common room. By that time Crispin had returned.
"Do you think you'll get in trouble for that?" Mortimer said, amused.
"She wont." Crispin said with a grin, "Robert would never in a million years admit he got hit by a girl!" Mary couldn't help it, she grinned too.
Well, after meeting her brother and Eileen down at the pitch, the trio practice flying and chasing the quaffle around as each other throw it. Brett takes practice hitting the bludgers as Australia and Eileen throw around the quaffle.
Both Australia and Brett are excited about the first quidditch match of the year, but are even more excited about the Halloween feast which is coming up. After about 2 hours of practice, the trio decides to call it quits and head back up to the castle to wash and change for dinner.
None of them can believe that Halloween is in just two days. Australia keeps thinking about all the great delicious food that they will be able to eat at the feast. She can almost taste the food in her mouth as she once again tells Brett about the food and the feast.
Good News
Author: Bill Weasley
Date: 02-26-03 20:58
"Bill, I've called you in here for a reason. Please, sit down."
Azar Zahid leaned back in the ultra-comfortable seat, resting his elbows on the arms as he silently watched his employee take the offered chair on the other side of the desk. With fingertips pressed together, Zahid resumed the conversation in a thoughtful manner.
"You have done many great things for Gringotts, but I wonder..." He paused, pursing his lips as his facial expression contorted to reveal pensiveness. "I wonder if perhaps you tire of Cairo after the recent adventure here."
Bill blinked, regarding his boss curiously. "I love it here, Azar," he said. "Yes, I do miss my friends and family, but travel for an adult wizard can be fast and easy. Granted, I haven't gone to see anyone since returning to Cairo..."
Zahid nodded, untenting his fingers as he leaned forward to better observe Bill's reaction to his next statement. "How would you like to transfer to a different location, Bill? One closer to home."
"You mean to Diagon Alley?" Bill asked.
"You could if you like, Bill, but I have another suggestion for you. Would you like to hear it?"
Bill nodded. "Yes, of course."
Zahid rested his back against the armchair once more and revealed, "Renovations are underway in Hogsmeade to convert an empty building into a small branch of Gringotts bank. It will be nothing like Diagon Alley or Cairo–no never-ending underground tunnels and innumerable vaults. Simple. Small. Convenient. Just what the residents and businesses of Hogsmeade need. Afterall, why shouldn't the only all wizarding village in Britain be without its own bank?"
"You're inviting me to be a curse-breaker at the new Hogsmeade branch of Gringotts?" asked a very bewildered Bill.
Zahid smiled. "I think a promotion is long overdue. I would like you to head this bank. Now, I realize your expertise lies more in the area of curse-breaking and the creations of impenetrable wards, but this operation is small enough that you should not run into too many difficulties. If ever you need some advice, send me an owl and I'll be happy to give you the proper guidance. Now, are we in agreeance here? Do you want to return to Hogsmeade and run the new bank?"
"I don't know what to say," Bill admitted, slightly flustered.
"Say yes!"
"Yes!" Bill exclaimed, springing out of his seat to shake Zahid's hand. "I'll do it."
"Excellent!" Zahid stood, pushing the armchair out of his way so that he could meet Bill on the other side of the desk. "Construction is still underway in Hogsmeade. The new bank will open in approximately one month at the earliest. Congratulations, Bill. Now pack your things and get out of my sight!" He winked.
Harry and Ron, flanked on Harry's left by Majandra and on Ron's right by Hermione, slowly walk back towards the castle after Care of Magical Creatures ended. The four talk about the upcoming Halloween feast and about how they wish they could go to the party Fred's girlfriend Blossom (whom none of them had met yet) was throwing that same night. Harry, Hermoine, and Majandra filled Ron in on what exactly a Muggle type Halloween costume party, such as Blossom was giving, would entail.
A look of sudden clarity crosses Ron's face. "Oooooh, so that's why Adriana showed up to last year's feast wearing sort of odd looking clothes."
The other three search their memories and Hermione starts nodding yes. Harry and Majandra join in nodding their heads as Hermione muses aloud, "She was wearing a sort of short red dress and cape. Little Red Riding Hood maybe?"
Maj chimes in, "You've got to be spot on with that guess, Hermione. It was a really excellent outfit."
"Who's Red Riding Hood and why was she little?" Ron asks.
For the rest of the walk to the castle, the girls and Harry fill Ron in on the story of Little Red Riding Hood. As they reach the main castle doors, Ron turns to his friends, his face alight with excitement. "I know it's really short notice but do you think we could convince Professor Dumbledore to let us attend the feast in costume?"
Coco skips down the hall away from Ravenclaw House and in the direction of the Great Hall. She's quite pleased with how school's going so far and at least once a week, Coco dutifully, and lovingly, writes Papa Wal to give him updates. Coco has high marks in all her classes and loves each and every one of them for different reasons. The fact that she enjoys going to History of Magic seems to dumbfound her classmates but Coco has found that it's extremely entertaining to pepper Professor Binns with one question after another about whatever the lesson's topic is.
As she passes others in the hallway, Coco is oblivious to the stares of those who've not seen Coco's new hair color until now. In honor of Halloween, Coco has been sporting vibrantly orange hair done up in her trademark Pippi Longstockings type pigtails. The tips of each pigtail are dyed a deep, dark black and just to the left of the part in her hair is the shape of a bat, painted on in the same black shade. Coco had even tried to convince Fritz to let her paint orange and black stripes in his hair but so far he'd stuck to saying no. Or, in Fritz's case, he's stuck to saying nein.
Coco diverts from her beeline to the Great Hall just long enough to go outside to let Pea answer nature's call. Once he's all snug in her pocket again, Coco skips inside to the Great Hall to have supper. There, she listens intently to all the buzz about the Halloween feast and wonders if anyone would mind if she glammed herself up a bit for the grand affair. It would be a great time to try out the blood red hair color and glitter hair spray Papa Wal just sent. Of course, Pea would have to be all dolled up too. Coco grins at the thought and leans in closer to hear more about Halloween at Hogwarts.
The Guest List
Author: Helena Tufton
Date: 02-27-03 20:53
Marcus Tufton apparated to the Burrow in the late afternoon for an official meeting with Charlie's parents. While he and Arthur Weasley carried on about their careers, Molly and Charlotte busied themselves in the kitchen with supper and Charlie and Helena sat outside on the terrace, compiling a guest list for their wedding.
"Okay," Charlie began, using his fingers to count his siblings. "Bill, Percy, Fred, George, Ron and Ginny. Thank Merlin you're an only child."
Helena laughed. "I think I would have enjoyed having a little sister or older brother. Being an only child isn't always as wonderful as it may seem." She scribbled down the names with an eagle feathered quill. "Will all of them be bringing dates?"
"Well," Charlie paused for a moment, wrinkling his brow in thought. "All six of them do have significant others, I believe, unless something has changed and I don't know about it."
"Will you send out invitations to any of the significant others personally or include them in the 'plus date' category for your siblings?" Helena asked, the quill poised over the piece of parchment.
"I have no idea!" Charlie admitted sheepishly. "Write down their names on the list for now. Adriana, Penelope, Blossom, Majandra, Hermione and Prescott."
"Are you sure all these people are still in the picture?"
Charlie grinned. "No. I'll write the lot tomorrow morning and get the answers. Okay, siblings plus significant others, check! Erm, my cousin Ian should also be put on the list. His parents as well. Oh, my parents and yours, obviously."
"We don't need to send them invitations, Charlie," Helena said, rolling her eyes.
"My mum will want a keepsake. Put her on the list!"
"All right, all right!" Helena laughed and wrote down the names. "Any friends?"
Charlie nodded. "Stephen Gregor. I imagine he's still in Romania?"
"Yes, I heard my father mention his name a while ago. Who else?" asked Helena.
"Briar Rose," Charlie started, his smile changing to a frown, "with her fianceé, Julian Valentine."
The quill jerked suddenly in Helena's hand and made a long, diagonal green mark across the parchment. She looked up slowly, searching Charlie's face but it appeared that he hadn't noticed anything.
"Put Harry Potter on the list too," Charlie added. "I'm sure Ron will invite him anyway, but he's certainly welcome to attend as my friend too. He's practically family. Mum treats him like her own, only she's a bit nicer to him than to us. What about your friends?"
Helena shook her head.
"Oh, come on, Helena," Charlie coaxed, taking her free hand into his. "You used to be such good friends with them. You never did tell me why you had a falling out with the lot, but I think you ought to just bury the hatchet, let bygones be bygones."
Helena sighed. "Maybe you're right. I'll put their names on the list, but I'm not making any final decisions yet."
"Supper is ready!" cried Molly, and Charlie and Helena abandoned their guest list to meet their parents around the dining table.
Arthur grinned and waited for the young couple to seat themselves before asking, "So, have you two decided on a date for the wedding yet?"
Helena and Charlie exchanged smiles, and Helena answered, "We've decided on New Year's Eve nuptials."
Special Delivery
Author: Veronica Dumbledore
Date: 02-28-03 08:25
Veronica skipped breakfast that morning. It was the day before Halloween and a perfect opportunity had come up.
Dear John,
I'll be free on Halloween. Lets go to the shrieking shack then... if you're not doing anything more important that is. I'd like to be out of the castle on Halloween anyway.
I'll meet you in front of Nevvyn's if you like.
Sincerely,
Veronica
This was the message she had written on the parchment before she sent Hermes to Hogsmeade to deliver it. The reason she wanted out of the castle was a mystery to all but she herself... and perhaps Uncle Albus... he seemed to know everything at any rate.
She made her way down the enchanted staircases all the way to the dungeon. Following the corridors, she finally arrived at the door to Snape's office. She reached into her robes and pulled out a small blue envelope sealed with a bit of wax and a navy colored ribbon. "No turning back now, I suppose," she said to herself as she slipped it under the door. She stared at the door for a moment. Somehow she knew she would regret it later. Like she had said, no turning back now, so with that she went back upstairs to teach her class.
Muggle Studies: Costume Ideas
Author: Hermione Granger
Date: 02-28-03 09:19
Professor Fairchild stood at the front of the class, lecturing enthusiastically about American literature. Most of her students listened attentively, for the Muggle Studies professor could make even the dullest subject come to life.
In between taking notes and concentrating on Fairchild's words, Hermione's mind wandered to costume ideas and tomorrow night's feast. Majandra had offered to help her sew something together; a generous proposal Hermione simply couldn't refuse.
She had a particular costume in mind, yet wondered what Harry and Ron planned on wearing. Should she tell them her thoughts so that they can dress to match or leave it a complete surprise until tomorrow evening?
Yes!
Author: Kyle Stebbins
Date: 02-28-03 20:02
Third year Kyle Stebbins was asked to go to Madam Hooch's office. He had applied to become a Hufflepuff quidditch player a while ago, could this be what she wants?
"Knock, knock."
Madam Hooch said, "Yes, come in Stebbins."
Kyle walked in and asked, "You wanted a word, Madam?"
Her eyes were filled with pity as she looked at him with those hawk like eyes and said, "As you are aware, Hufflepuff needs a seeker and I'm afraid that you just don't have the skill for one yet. If you practice more maybe I can try to get you on the team next year or so...I'm sorry Stebbins."
"I...I understand Madam...thank you for your time!"
"Good day." Madam Hooch almost let him go and said, "Wait Stebbins! I have a great idea! How would you like to be the new Quidditch commentator? Our last one graduated and we really need someone! You look like a decent chap! So how about it?"
Kyle suddenly smiled and quickly replied, "Yes! I would love that!"
Madam Hooch got serious then and said, "Very well, I shall monitor your first match! If you do well you will can stay on as commentator! Remember, no profanity, no favoritism! Don't let me down, Stebbins! I'm counting on you!"
Madam Hooch got up from her desk and handed a manual to Kyle and said, "Read this and check with me before the game, good day!"
Kyle left Madam Hooch's office ecstatic! He started dancing all around the castle until he bumped into the very worst kind of person to bump into! Declan Collins! A Slytherin bad boy!
