Meeting in St. Petersburg
Author: Lucius Malfoy
Date: 03-28-03 10:42

Lucius adjusts his cape then as his thoughts focus on his upcoming meeting, Lucius slowly, and rather distractedly, pulls on his gloves. Just before he disapparates he calls out to Narcissa, "I'm off, dear. I should be home for supper."

Seconds later, Lucius appears in a narrow alley St. Petersburg, automatically pulling his cloak tighter against the frigid north wind. He walks a few steps down to a weathered and aged looking heavy wooden door, a sign swinging overhead proclaiming ???????*. Lucius pushes it open and steps into the welcome warmth of the Wizarding Russian version of a pub. A small hand starts waving at Lucius, motioning him to a table in a darkened corner.

The smiling face of Radinka Fedorovskaya turns up at Lucius as he approaches and takes the proffered seat. "Iz so wery nice to be seeing you again, Mr. Malfoy." She points to the glasses full of a clear liquid sitting in the middle of the table, "I haf tooken eet upon myselv to order zumting for you. Ve are in Roosha zo I am hoping you vill like zum eggzellent wodka."

Lucius nods, "Vodka sounds like just the thing to warm me up after that biting wind outside."

They each pick up a glass and in the traditional manner, throw back their heads and down the contents. Radinka motions for a waiter while asking Lucius, "More wodka or zumting else? Zey haf wery good, strong coffee."

Lucius thinks this over then replies just as the waiter approaches, "Coffee sounds excellent."

While waiting for their coffee, Lucius gets down to business. "The British Ministry no longer has you under surveillance. You've done an exemplary job of making them believe you have no interests in the dark arts and that you are merely a former Durmstrang student with a decent job who has no ties to illicit actitivites. Additionally, the information you passed to the Dark Lord was useful and has pleased him. I am authorized to bring you to a face to face meeting with him to receive your dark mark. Then, you and I shall bring in Karakoff as per our agreement."

Radinka's face lights up as Lucius speaks. By the time the coffee arrives a few moments later, she's begun giving Lucius detailed information on where to locate the former Durmstrang headmaster.

* ??????? is Russian for bear

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Private Conversation
Author: Draco Malfoy
Date: 03-28-03 11:39

Draco paused outside the entrance to the Slytherin common room and leaned up against the cold, stone dungeon wall. Although he needn't have been up this morning for any classes, he nevertheless rose from bed at dawn and ate breakfast with the early crowd. Perhaps his early-to-rise bearing today resulted from the fact that he had been unable to sleep last night. Why the late night and early morning hours passed by so restlessly, Draco didn't know. At any rate, he had longed for a reasonable hour to dawn so that he could climb out of bed and do something.

A few Slytherin first years scuttled out of the common room and brushed passed him, Defense Against the Dark Arts textbooks tucked underneath their arms and incessant chatter about the intriguing Professor Somerset falling from their lips. Draco half listened to the conversation, not really interested in what was being said but really having nothing else to do, until the voices grew fainter and then went unheard altogether.

After a few minutes of silence, Draco heard a pair of familiar footsteps approaching the gateway from inside the common room. He pushed himself away from the wall and stood upright, turning to greet Clara, who emerged from the common room with a sleepy smile.

"Morning, Clara," Draco said, looking around to see if anyone would join their company. Relieved that they were indeed alone for the moment, he added, "I didn't expect to see you this early. We don't have to be anywhere until Quidditch practice tonight. Are you feeling all right?"

Clara nodded and stifled a yawn. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just couldn't sleep anymore, you know?" She covered her mouth to smother another yawn, suddenly curious as to Draco's well-being as well. "Are you okay? You look...I don't know...Is something on your mind?"

Startled, Draco ran a hand through his white-blonde hair and stammered, "Well...as a matter of fact...you see...I've been doing some thinking..."

A few second years interrupted his explanation, cutting right between Draco and Clara as they exited the Slytherin common room and went on their way to wherever they were headed. The Slytherin sixth year waited rather impatiently for the others to move out of earshot, and then he seized Clara by the hand and pulled her away from the busy common room portal.

He led her to what he hoped would be a private destination for the very private conversation he wanted to have with her. Walking in companionable, yet on-the-verge of awkward silence, they rounded a corner in the dungeon and found an empty corridor devoid of any signs of life or unlife, as the matter may be.

Draco came to a stop and dropped Clara's hand, causing it to fall to her side.

"What's wrong, Draco?" Clara asked curiously, turning to look at him. "What have you been doing some thinking about and why must we have this conversation alone? You're not..." She paused and bit her lip, taking a step backwards.

Was he really that transparent? Draco lifted his gaze from the floor, which had suddenly become so interesting, and focused his gray eyes on her. Girls have a sixth sense about these things, he decided mentally.

Clara stepped back further and pressed her back up against the wall. Her eyes were wide with anxiety and she seemed determined to say something, but apparently couldn't quite find the words.

Draco opened his mouth, but shut it again, unable to look her in the eye. His gaze found the floor again as he said, "I think we should break up."

Clara's mouth, having already formed a perfect o, fell agape even wider and her eyes turned as big and round as saucers. She swallowed back incredulous laughter as his words slowly registered in her mind, but felt it necessary to ask, "What did you say?"

What is she playing at? Didn't she hear me the first time? Draco pondered, suddenly realizing just how complicated girls really were. "I think," Draco repeated calmly, meeting her gaze once more, "that we should break up." Clara's hand met his cheek with a heavy blow, leaving a bright pink mark across his otherwise pale face. "You're breaking up with me?" she shrieked dramatically, raising her voice to an unnaturally shrill pitch.

Draco swiveled his head around frantically and gestured for Clara to calm down. "Shh, Clara. I know it's sudden..."

"What the hell are you thinking?" Clara shouted. "Are you even thinking? And don't you dare shush me!"

"Clara!" Draco shouted back, but then he lowered his voice and gently brought one hand to his swelling cheek. "Listen to me, please. I know it's sudden, and I don't really have any explanation for it other than that it's not you, it's me."

Furious, she moved in to slap him again but Draco caught her by the wrist. "Clara, I just..." Here he sighed and fought to come up with the correct words. "I'm just not feeling it anymore, and I don't want to continue this without giving it my all. We've had a good run, you and I, but we're still young..."

"Cut the crap, Draco. Is there someone else? Tell me!" Clara demanded. "Is there someone else?"

Draco released Clara's arm and stepped away from her. "No. There's no one else. I swear it. Listen, all good things must come to an end, and this is one of those things. I'm sorry, Clara, I really am. I'm telling the truth, but I suppose that I don't expect you to believe me right now. You're angry and upset and I don't blame you for it. I'm going to walk away now; give you some time to think or whatever you need to do. I'll see you..."

Draco waited a few moments, watching Clara, whose gaze had lowered itself to the floor. Maybe she, too, suddenly found the stone tiles interesting. She didn't say anything, seemingly lost in thought or perhaps shock. Deciding not to linger, Draco quietly turned on his heel and disappeared around the bend in the corridor.

---

Time Alone
Author: Clara Devaki
Date: 03-28-03 12:48

Clara stared at the floor, lost in thought as she listened to Draco's footsteps fade away. Taking a deep breath, she let herself slide to the floor. Why? was the the only thing in her mind right now.

"Clara...?"

The 6th year Slytherin was startled, but barely acknowledged Tempest as she sat down next to her.

"I heard you shout. What's wrong?"

Clara stayed silent for a few moments before answering. And when she did, her voice was barely above a whisper "Draco...he..." Clara's voice trailed off.

"He WHAT?" Tempest didn't need Clara to finish her sentence. Instead she hugged her friend. "Want me to go curse him?"

Clara showed only a hint of a smile. "That's all right. If I want him cursed, I'll do it myself."

"If you say so." Tempest seemed a little disappointed, but didn't further the subject.

Sighing, Clara brought herself to a standing position. "I think I need some time alone, okay Temp?"

"I getchya." Tempest looked at her friend.

Clara started walking back towards the Slytherin common room. Something inside of her made want to hurt something...or someone. She figured she could get some of the urge out at quidditch practice. Maybe break one of his legs or something...

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To the Bakery
Author: Dobby
Date: 03-28-03 16:50

Dobby starts to enter the bakery but pauses at the door. The House Elf steps out of the doorway and turns down the street. He skips nearly the whole way to the potions shop. Dobby goes around to the back and politely knocks on the door. It's quickly answered by one of the Toms. A broad grin beams across Dobby's face, "Hello! Dobby be wonderin' if the Toms wanna be joining Dobby at the bakery. Dobby's treat."

Next thing Dobby knows, two of the Toms have him by either arm, escorting him rapidly towards Briar's Bakery as the third Tom runs ahead, motioning for the others to hurry up.

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A Visit from "John"
Author: Nevvyn
Date: 03-28-03 18:36

The door chimes jingle their merry tune and "John" pops his head in the door. After a quick look around to make sure the place is empty, he slips inside and doffs his hat and dark glasses. "Well, Lad! What brings you out of hiding? I greet him with a smile. We haven't seen much of you these last several weeks. Are ye unwell again?"

"I haven't got a sore throat," he says. "Or a headache! I just wanted to run an idea by you."

"Let's talk over a cup of tea!" I suggest. I tap the kettle with my wand and within moments it is singing merrily. Pouring two cups of the steaming brew, we retire to the back of the shop where we can have a bit of privacy. Taking seats near the hearth, I ask, "So! What is it that you have on your mind?"

Electron leans back in the old leather chair and takes a sip before replying. "Ahhh! That's good!" He proceeds to explain about the concert and his need for a proper venue. He shows me the letter from the Hogwarts headmaster and talks a little about the proposed pricing.

I think about the matter for a few moments then suggest, "There are two large buildings at this end of the street which are currently vacant. The one next to me is completely open on the inside. I believe it was at one time a grocery store of sorts. Howsoever, the place across the road, next to Dervish and Bangs, might be better suited to your needs. It was built to be a dinner-theatre, but the owner had a run of bad luck and the place was never opened. I do believe there's a bit of a raised stage at one side." I pause for a moment to let this sink in while I finish my tea. "If you are finished with that, we can walk across and take a look." He sips his tea and considers.

"Tom?" I call out. No answer! "Tom? Could you come here, please?" Still no answer! Curious, I excuse myself and step into the storeroom to look around. All three Toms, who should be sorting out the last shipment of goods, are missing. Finally, I spy a hastily scrawled note by the back door. "Gone to Briar's with Dobby! Back in a bit!" Well, that answers that question. I return to the Captain. "Well, Sir. It appears my helpers have run off and left me. I had best stay here and watch the shop. I am sure you'll do just fine on your own."

"John" collects his hat and glasses and I walk him to the door. I point out the building diagonally across the street. "The door is not locked. It would be useless with everyone knowing the "Alohomora" spell. I believe the current owner is Gringotts Bank. You might check in at the new branch office down at the other end of the street. Good Luck!" I wish him as he thanks me and goes to investigate.

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Seeking Refuge
Author: Viktor Krum
Date: 03-29-03 10:39

It had taken Viktor longer than he thought it would to leave the Bulgarian Ministry. About three weeks longer. After that long of a time, his babysitters were not quite as vigilant as they'd been being. Viktor was at last able to slip out unnoticed and the moment he was clear of the anti-apparating spells, he'd hightailed it out of the ministry building. He'd not bothered going home but instead went to the bank and withdrew funds. Next he'd apparated to a Wizarding inn located in New York City.

Viktor sits down at the table and pens a letter to Professor Dumbledore. He leaves the inn just long enough to owl it off then returns to his hotel room wondering how long it will take for a reply. Surely by Friday one will come.

Dear Professor Dumbledore,

I do not like the thought of imposing on you or the school but sadly there does not seem to be other options. May I please take refuge at Hogwarts? I shall be more than happy to be put to work in whatever capacity is needed. Assisting Madam Hooch. Being the maintenance man for the Pitch and Quidditch equipment. Assistant to Mr. Filch. Anything!

Sincerely,
Viktor Krum

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Perfect
Author: Captain Electron
Date: 03-29-03 12:22

Well, that certainly explained why Electron hadn't been mobbed by the Toms as soon as he went in. Nevvyn pointed him towards an empty building, and Electron set off towards it, shoving his dreads back under his hat as he went. The door, as promised, was unlocked. Electron pushed it open and surveyed the interior.

It was perfect. There was a small stage on one side of the wall - not really big enough for his purposes, but they could easily fix that with the right spells and materials - and it was certainly big. Depending on the interest, they might not even need an enlargement spell. Electron wandered over to the stage and sprang up the steps by the side, picturing the room filled with an audience. There was a counter at the back that might have been meant for a bar at some stage - maybe they could get someone in to sell juice and Butterbeer and the souvenirs could go there too, since he still had heaps of them left over from Dublin and all he'd have to do was change the venue name to Hogsmeade, which was easy enough. He strode across the stage, getting the measure of it, visualising the lights and the decorations.

With a glance at the door, which he'd closed behind him, he whipped out his wand and said, "Sonorous!" just for the hell of it, and delivered a line out of one of his songs to wonderful acoustics. Oh yeah, this was the place all right. He ended the charm and headed backstage. It could take some cleaning up, of course, but they had enough time for that. He was already figuring out what the ads would look like... the doors would open at 3pm for a 3.30 start, and the gang could give them a half-hour "seisun" before the real show started.

Well, he couldn't get too ahead of himself. First he needed to get permission to use the place, so he hopped down off the stage without bothering with the steps, and headed off to the new Gringotts branch to see if there was anyone official about.

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Important Teachings
Author: Minerva McGonagall
Date: 03-29-03 15:01

"Remember to put emphasis on the en as you flick your wand!" Minerva McGonagall said as she flicked her wand and pronounced, "Mannumaturensa."

The small table before her began to grow and shape itself into a miniature horse with brown spots and a brown mane and tail.

"And there you have it." She turned to the four groups she'd split up with the five students per table. "Now, take turns. You may begin."

Soon miniature horses were popping up with every flick of the wand. After the table was a horse, they would change it back again, and the next student would go.

Minerva stood over Siegfriend Dewhurst, observing his wand movements, and pronunciation. "Wonderful, Mr. Dewhurst. Let's see you change it back, now." And with a flick of his wand, he pronounced the counterspell and the horse was a table again.

"Wonderful! Twenty points for Hufflepuff!"

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Potions Class
Author: Emma Riley
Date: 03-29-03 18:22

I fidgeted, feeling overwhelmed by my thoughts. Snape's words hovered somewhere over my head, never truly sinking in. I felt a stabbing pain in my side and knew that Bronwyn had elbowed me - again - in a futile attempt to get me to pay attention.

"I know I know." I mumbled. I had not been fair to my new friend and knew it. I had been so distracted of late that I had been little more than a zombie. I sighed and forced my attention back onto the room and the class. Dull, as usual.

My first Quiditch game as a Badger was swiftly approaching. We had been practising fairly often, but I was still nervous.

The heavier weight, however, was my approaching birthday. Never before had I so dreaded the occasion, and yet so wished for its prompt arrival. Would the gift arrive? And what would it be? And my mysterious grandmother, why had she never been mentioned before? I twisted in my seat again. I would find out next week, on my birthday. Until then, there was little that I could do.

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A Letter from Viktor
Author: Albus Dumbledore
Date: 03-29-03 18:44

Sitting at my desk, I ponder the note I just received from Viktor Krum. I suppose he would be safer here at Hogwarts than he would under the protection of the Bulgarian Ministry. Come to think of it, how did he manage to get this message past his watchdogs? If they are that lax, I am thinking he would definitely be better off here. Also, he could be doing something useful, rather than just sitting around in the back rooms at the Ministry Building. It's rather a gloomy old place, anyway. I pull a clean sheet of parchment from the drawer and take up my quill.

My dear Viktor,

You are most welcome to join us here at Hogwarts. I am certain that we can provide a safe and secure environment. Madam Hooch, I am sure, could use your able assistance in training some of our new Quidditch recruits. The students are still talking about the lessons you provided earlier.

We have a few spare rooms in the West Tower, if that would be satisfactory. You can take your meals at the head table, with the rest of the staff. All you will need to bring is your own clothing and personal effects... we will provide the rest.

I was truly shocked at the escape of Koyla and his associates. I am still at a loss to explain how that was accomplished. I have not had time to meet with the British Ministry, but hope to do so rather soon. Please reply by owl to let me know when you will be arriving.

Best Regards,
A. Dumbledore
Headmaster, Hogwarts

P.S.: You can apparate directly to Hogsmeade. There is an open square in front of the railway station which is reserved for that purpose.

I roll and tie the parchment, sealing it with a bit of red wax and the Hogwarts Crest. Message in hand, I set off for the owlery. I select a large, strong gray for the trip. I fortify him with several "owl treats" before sending him on his way.

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Moving In
Author: Bill Weasley
Date: 03-29-03 20:42

Around noon on Wednesday, Bill apparated into Hogsmeade and walked the short distance from High Street to the residential part of town. Two days ago, he had bought a small cottage on the East Lane–something suitable for a young, single wizard, but certainly quite accommodating, should an over-night guest decide to visit. He hadn't informed friends or family of his purchase, but Hogsmeade was small enough for news to travel from one end of town to the next without much delay. An official update would go out to everyone as soon as the chaos in his life would diminish to a more manageable size.

With the grand opening of Gringotts scheduled in just over a week, Bill needed to get his Egyptian affairs in order (move the remainder of his belongings out of his Egyptian flat, sign the necessary lease papers and take care of some last minute items of importance at the Cairo branch of the bank) and more importantly, he needed to prepare for Gringotts big Hogsmeade debut.

Construction on the site progressed spectacularly, and Hans McCullough, the overseer of the renovations, predicted that all repairs and remodeling would be complete within the next few days. As a result, Bill would have enough time to get situated in the bank and as his new position of "head-honcho", and the select few goblins transferring in from the Diagon Alley branch would have a few days to adjust to their new surroundings.

After spending several hours enlarging reduced suitcases, boxes and trunks and levitating them into out-of-the-way corners, Bill decided to he needed some fresh air and a break from the moving process. He strolled out his front door and locked it behind him, and then set off for the heart of town. He wanted to visit Briar, to share his good news and to enjoy some time with his friend, but he decided to head over to the bank first.

Hans seemed pleasantly surprised to see Bill there and explained that somebody had come by the branch earlier that day asking if one of the buildings in town could be used for a concert in a few weeks. The middle-aged wizard hadn't known what to say, but figured it might be all right. "It is all right, Bill?"

Bill shrugged, somewhat unsure whether he truly held the authority to give an answer himself on Gringotts behalf. "I suppose it will be all right, as long as there isn't any vandalism..." He paused, pondering it over in his mind. "...or any other improper activities for that matter. I don't want to jeopardize everything I've worked for here...my new responsibilities here during the beginnings of this branch of the bank. What kind of concert did you say this was?"

"I don't keep up with the music of today's youth, Bill," Hans said, shaking his head. "All I recall is that the children from the school will be attending."

"Oh? Then, I imagine there will be adult supervision at this concert. In that case, it should be quite all right. If this...who was it exactly?" At Hans' blank look, Bill continued hastily, "Erm, nevermind. If he returns, grant him permission to use the building and do take down his name so that I can write an official letter."

Hans agreed, and then the two conversed a little more about Gringotts and real estate prices and this and that, and after some time, Bill excused himself and went to Briar's Bakery. He hadn't seen his friend since Halloween, when they had both attended Blossom Wedgewood's costume party. They hadn't really had a chance to talk–to really talk–and to do that without Julian Valentine hovering over Briar's shoulder. Maybe she could spare a small amount of time to chat over a cup of coffee and a slice of cake?

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