Boring Binns
Author: Bronwyn Dewhurst
Date: 01-13-04 09:30
After breakfast on Monday morning, Bronwyn and Desdemona went to History of Magic class for a one and a half hour snooze-fest with Professor Binns. Of course, with it being a NEWT class as opposed to ordinary History of Magic, Bronwyn had hoped that she would at least pay a little bit more attention to the ghostly professor's boring lectures this year than she had in years past. But so far, this year wasn't any different.
She slipped into her seat and yawned, wondering if she could start bringing a blanket to class. A pillow would do nicely, too.
Bronwyn was about to lay her head upon her desk when she overheard a Slytherin voice say, "It's about time someone gave Granger the finger."
"You've been sitting on that one a long time, haven't you?" someone else said with a bit of amusement in his voice.
Of course, by now everyone had heard about Hermione's unexpected birthday gift. Some had been present in the Great Hall when the Head Girl had started screaming, others had just heard it through the grape vine. Nothing stayed a secret for long at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Shaking her head, Bronwyn shot a knowing glance at Desi. She was about to say something when Professor Binns came sailing through the blackboard. He hovered in the air behind his podium, opened his mouth to speak and promptly lost the attention of everyone in his classroom.
Edinburgh:
Rehearsals
Author: Captain Electron
Date: 01-13-04 10:25
With a little pop, Captain Electron Apparated just in front of the door of his next Venue. There were already posters plastered all over the building, showing him striding across a stage, playing his guitar, or waving at people. One of him was snoozing. Electron prodded that one awake with his wand, shaking his head in mock annoyance as the picture figure leaped upright and made a show of boogieing for the Captain.
Inside, he could already hear someone on a keyboard. It didn't sound bad, at least. Someone else was picking out notes on a bass guitar. He couldn't hear any drums just yet. Well, time to go inside and see what these newbies had... He investigated the dressing room first, intending to dump his coat and have a look around the venue, and he stopped dead in the doorway. It was already occupied.
The person turned and offered a smile.
"Boomer!" Electron yelled. "What the hell are you doing here?"
Bob "Boomer" McPherson brandished a drumstick. "I'm playing drums for you. If you don't mind, that is."
"Mind?! Why didn't you tell me? Why didn't someone else tell me?"
"I asked them not to," Boomer explained. "Didn't know if you'd appreciate it, so..."
"Appreciate -" Electron stopped. He seemed to be turning into a parrot. "I'm feckin' delighted, man!"
They both burst out laughing, and Electron continued his halted walk into the room. They shared a part-hug, part-handshake, part-whacking each other during which Bob dropped his drumsticks and Electron his wand, then they each retrieved the wrong one, and swapped.
"Thought you were out of here for good," Electron said eventually.
"Yeah, well..." Bob shrugged. "Things got bad between you and the others for a while there. It was a bit distracting, to say the least."
"You're telling me!" Electron snorted. "At least you were never meant to be in the Bahamas getting off with bikini babes at the same time as getting pissed and beating the hell out of local policemen."
"Is that what the papers said?" Bob chuckled. "That'd be some feat even for you."
"Oh, thanks a lot. But it's good to see you all the same. So, what are THEY like?" He nodded towards the door and the sound of tuning and practising.
"Ah, they're all right. Got your song list by the way - some good stuff in there. Are we going?"
"Yeah, let's get out there."
A Quick Note
to Dierna
Author: Albus Dumbledore
Date: 01-13-04 17:26
I suddenly realize, after glancing over my calendar, that the first Hogsmeade visit is fast approaching. This, in itself, is no bad thing, but I had planned to have a fair number of aurors wandering about the streets and shops. Possibly, Dierna could help. I hurriedly dash off a note to her:
Dear Dierna,
The first Hogsmeade visit is scheduled for this coming Saturday. In my preoccupation with other matters, I have neglected to arrange for additional "security measures". Considering some of the untoward incidents which have lately occurred, I think such measures are justified.
Could you recruit three or four of your aurors and make yourselves available for that day? I will "recruit" Michael and a few others from the school.
Thank you in advance,
Albus
P.S.: Please stop by my office, at your convenience. I need your opinion on a certain matter.
I fold the parchment into an aeroplane shape, dust it liberally with Floo powder, and send it sailing into the fireplace. It vanishes in a flash of brilliant green. Then, I scratch out several shorter notes to certain members of my staff; Michael, Minerva, Severus... Presuming they are available, we should be able to cover the village quite thoroughly.
Letter to
Hermione
Author: Dierna ní Cíaran
Date: 01-13-04 19:05
In my office I read Kingsley's latest report and the newly arrived documentation from the office of Magical Evidence. Next I write a letter to Hermione:
Dear Hermione.
I can't send you the official documentation from the investigation - it's not worth my job violation confidentiality - but I can prove you with a brief summary of what's been done to date.
First off, Kingsley Shacklebolt has been investigation the events at your parents home. He's an excellent auror- one of the best - and I have no doubt he'll be able to crack the case, as the muggles say.
From evidence at your parents house, we know that it was the cruatius curse that was used to kill your mother. Also, thank you for submitting that 'present' to us. We were able to learn much from it. Perhaps most importantly, at the time the finger was severed, your father was alive. IN case the healers can reconnect the finger, we are keeping it magically preserved.
I don't know if it will help you to know, or not, that there's no sign that your family was particularly chosen for this act. It seems that whoever it was (see below) was bored and chose a family at random.
From the cumulative evidence we've narrowed down the suspects to three.
The most likely candidate (and one who I've always suspected) is Bellatrix Lestrange. You may remember that she was one of the escapee prisoners at the Azkaban Riot during Christmas a year and a half ago. She's very dangerous and one of Voldemort's most evil followers.
It also could be Malvolio Malcontent. He's been seen skulking around muggle homes lately and isn't beyond torturing innocent people when he's bored.
Finally, it could be Morrigan and Pyderi Jordans. They have been seen in Knockturn Alley quite a bit, though they tend to keep a low profile. Perhaps this is their way of announcing to the aurors that they are "entering the game."
Of course, if you have any ideas who it could be - even if it's just a feeling - please let Michael know, so he can tell me. I'll be keeping him informed as to what goes on around the ministry, so if you think of any more questions or anything that may help, just talk to Michael.
All the best, and remember, never give up on hope.
Dierna ni Ciaran,
Chief Auror, MLE
Thinking Alike
Author: Dierna ní Cíaran
Date: 01-13-04 19:42
The letter to Hermione, which I have just sent off, brings to mind a related thought: Hogsmeade weekends. It seems considering recent events that Dumbledore has two options: implement security measures or cancel the trips completely. And since canceling the Hogsmeade trips would likely result in full-scale rebellion throughout the school that leaves option: increase security. No sooner have I taken out another parchment to write this suggestion to Olamh when a letter from him arrives.
I read it over and smile. He, of course, has already thought of this and is now requesting my assistance. I reply:
Olamh, a chara,
I was just about to make the same suggestion to you when your letter arrived. Of course you can count on me to "guard" Hogsmeade during the trip. I'll look and see which other trust-worthy aurors are available for that weekend.
As to the other matter, I'm rather tied up for the rest of today, but I'll drop by tomorrow morning, as per my usual time.
Slan,
Dierna
That done, I send the owl back to Dumbledore and noticing the time head to the cafeteria for lunch.
Walking to
Class
Author: Tranquillina Aemilius
Date: 01-13-04 19:53
Tranquillina had had a tough time getting up for class that morning. She was exhausted, having spent the better part of the night before studying. Dreading classes, she's walked lazily from the Great Hall towards her first class of the day: Defense Against the Dark Arts.
Weaving in and out of students, she caught sight of Roane and Sora. Tranquillina more or less galloped towards them, catching Sora on the shoulder.
"Goood morning," she smiled cheerfully. Roane looked at her like she had four eyes, as Tranquillina had been in a bit of a foul mood while she was getting ready earlier that morning. Tranquillina saw this look of confusion on Roane's face, and merely smiled more broadly.
They turned the corner, and opened the door to class. Sitting down, Tranquillina opened her books, and rested her head on her hand.
1st Year
DADA: Pop Quiz!
Author: Michael Turin
Date: 01-13-04 20:33
Michael scans the note that just arrived from the Headmaster.
"Bl --" Michael barely finished the first syllable when there's a small pop and the elf appears.
"Yes Master?"
"Could you please tell Professor Dumbledore that I'd be happy to help with security on the weekend?"
"Yes master! Blinkey give message."
"Thank you, Blinkey." The elf disappears again and Michael picks up his notes and heads to the classroom.
---
"Hello class." He instructs the second year students. "Please put away your books, take out a sheet of paper and a quill. Time for a pop quiz."
He waits until everyone had a quill and parchment on the desk. When everyone does he taps the chalk board with his wand and five questions appear, which he reads to the class:
"Question one: What is the difference between a beast and a being? Name one example of each.
"Question two: Name and explain the rating system for beasts, as used by the MOM.
"Question three: Explain what makes a beast light or dark.
"Question four: What is an ashwinder?
"You have fifteen minutes to complete the quiz."
He sits down at the desk and watches his class.
Re: Boring
Binns
Author: Desdemona Diamond
Date: 01-13-04 21:35
I walked into the History of Magic class and took my customary seat next to Bronwyn. As I sat there waiting for class to start I couldn't help but over hear some of the conversations around me. I wasn't really paying attention to them since I kept thinking; I can't go to sleep. I can't go to sleep. I can't go to sleep. It kept repeating in my head.
I heard something about giving Granger the finger and glanced at Bronwyn. She looked like she was going to say something when Professor Binns came through the blackboard. Don't go to sleep! Don't go to sleep! Suddenly shot through my head. His mouth opened and I don't remember after that.
The next thing I remember is waking up at the end of class. Bronwyn had also just waken up by the looks of it. We quickly gathered our stuff and left the classroom. Bronwyn yawned, causing me to yawn as well.
"You know, one of these days I will stay awake through his entire class. I make a vow right now to stay awake during one of his classes before I graduate."
"Sure... Like you're going to be able to pull that one off." Bronwyn said sarcastically.
"Yeah, yeah... It's time to go play with plants now. Let's go." I headed off to the Herbology class.
A Quiz? What?
Author: Sora
Date: 01-13-04 21:53
Sora sat in between Roane and Tranquillina. "You okay Tranquillina?" he asked noticing she was acting stressed earlier at breakfast. Nodding her head she replied, "Yeah, I'm fine." Sora kindly patted her on the back. "I hope you feel better," he said.
Sora opened his book when he realized that he hadn't fallen over when he walked in. Giving a triumphant grin, he stuck out his chest in victory! "Hello class," came the voice of Professor Turin. "Please put away your books, take out a sheet of paper and a quill. Time for a pop quiz."
In surprise, Sora put his hands on the desk. Slipping on the edge, Sora fell to the stone floor. He immediately got back on his chair. A pop quiz? Aww man, I'm not ready for this!
Reading the
Questions
Author: Roane Eternal
Date: 01-14-04 11:34
I quickly scanned the chalkboard, and smiled. Only five questions. Easy. I sent a grin towards Sora, but quickly erased it when I saw the look of dread on his face. Looking over at Tranquillina I noticed that she too looked nervous.
Giving a quick, encouraging smile to the both of them, I took out my quill and easily wrote the answers down. Turning my parchment over, I waited for the rest of the class to finish.
Oh Boy...
Author: Sora
Date: 01-14-04 17:16
Sora bit his bottom lip as he wrote down his answers as best as he could. He turned over his paper as soon as he finished. He looked over to Roane and gave his comic smile.
Sora gave a deep sigh and looked outside. Time sure goes by slow... he thought. Maybe that's because class has just started.
Meeting with
Old Friends
Author: Nathaniel Hawkins
Date: 01-14-04 19:05
Nathaniel arrived at the meeting late, earning a glare from the Grand Master. Hurriedly he took his seat on the left side of the Master, dropping the hood of his cloak down to see better. One of the Knight's house elves appeared with a goblet of hot mulled wine, for which he was grateful. He took a sip, taking the opportunity to glance around the room. With his arrival the circle was complete – all thirteen members including the Grand Master were now present. To the Master's right side was Merdroit Turin, looking serious. Nathaniel wondered what might have the man so disturbed but he didn't get a chance to ask.
The Master stood up and the circle fell into silence as they watched him walk towards a stone plinth set in the center of the room. Carefully he placed his symbol of office on the plinth and turned to resume his seat. The meeting had officially begun.
Some time later most of the regular business had been completed and the members broke for refreshment. Sipping yet another goblet of mulled wine, Nathaniel found himself seeking out his old school friend. Merdroit smiled when he saw Nathaniel and offered him a quick greeting.
"How have things been?" Merdroit began. "Any luck with your fangled chess set yet?"
Nathaniel laughed. "No. I have a friend working on it right now, but it's a delicate situation. How goes the teaching at Durmstrang?"
"Slow. It seems to take longer and longer these days to get an idea stuck into the student's heads. I haven't quite given up yet, though."
Nathaniel nodded; appreciating Merdroit's struggle and thinking back to the times they spent at school together. Back then the whole thing had seemed a laugh, but now it was time for things of a more serious nature. "Send me an owl when you think you might be around. We should get together for a discussion," replied Nathaniel. "Away from prying eyes."
Bella's Belgravia
Flat: Rambling Examples of Shallowness
Author: Professor Belladonna Sinistra
Date: 01-14-04 19:12
Bella turned up the volume on her CD player from the comfort of her chair. Some wonderful new band called the Spice Girls was playing. Muggle music was so lovely sometimes. She smiled and swayed to some song about Saturday night divas. It was a pleasant reminder of the weekend when she went clubbing with Kitty, Zoë, and Pamela. She'd flown the Hogwarts coop, leaving a way she could be contacted, of course. She wasn't that irresponsible, at least not any more. Besides, every now and then, one had to break for the weekend. She'd be back Monday for class, and that should suffice.
For now, she was resting after a manicure and pedicure. Of course, she had also spent part of the weekend attending a wonderful weekend lecture series on astronomy that had been quite informational and most likely the actual reason she's gone to London. The Muggles were beginning to catch up on what wizards had known about stars for some time. It never hurt her classes to know about what the other world was doing. After all, someone might want to read astronomy and need a halfway decent handle on the subject.
She practically felt like she was cheating reading for an educational degree. However, it never hurt to have more education in the Muggle world and the British university system fit in so well with her job. She might even read psychology next, if she could get over her mother sighing and talking about how degrees never mattered once one got married. Lady Stella would be horrified once she found out that John was moving so that the only thing that would change for Hogwarts would be Professor Sinistra becoming Professor Churchill.
Was she really getting married? The date had been set for June first, at Salisbury Cathedral, but it was an incredible thought. Really, after the Weasley debacle and Johnny's sudden desertion, she had quite planned to be a spinster. Not that the thought of being another Minerva McGonagall appealed to her, but it had been something to consider, as had suicide at the thought of being alone for life.
Suicide was out of the question now, as her life wasn't the slightest bit complicated now. Johnny had proposed, albeit in an unremarkable and unromantic way that was strictly business. She wasn't foolish enough to turn it down, especially after the time she turned down his last proposal and spent months regretting it. The feelings of love and affection were still there, and what better foundation for a marriage. Besides, Johnny was probably the only man in the world who was amused by her twittering like a magpie.
She giggled at the thought that she was every bit the "starry eyed twit" Izzy accused her of being. The truth was that she went through life completely flustered and the only way to cope was to have life at a fast pace. Night was about the only time her mind cleared and things became simple. The stars had a calming effect on her and sneaking off grounds and dancing under the full moon was about the only thing that could center her.
Well, her massage and aromatherapy was calming, which reminded her that she was on her way to a session and the only reason she'd sat down in the first place was to examine the new polish color and listen to her new favorite song for a few minutes. Going back to Hogwarts would be wonderful. She was just too busy in the Muggle world. As Izzy said, "Vanity isn't a sin. It's a full time occupation and one that doesn't pay anything."
I'm Doomed
Author: Tranquillina Aemilius
Date: 01-14-04 19:36
I'm doomed...I'm doomed...I'm... The words echoed in Tranquillina's head. Swallowing, she took out her parchment and pondered the questions.
She realized she knew numbers one and four, which certainly made her relax a little. The other two? Heh, that would be tough.
She tried her best, and like Roane and Sora next to her, she turned over her paper. Nervously, Tranquillina tapped the desk, wondering how she did. But there was really nothing else she could do, so she tried to move her mind onto other things.
End Game
Author: Sirius Padfoot Black
Date: 01-14-04 23:29
Sirius runs a hand over his tired eyes. Eyes so tired they burn and water, making it hard for Sirius to see the parchment in front of him. A comforting hand comes to rest on his shoulder. "You can do this later, Sirius. Go get some rest."
Shaking his shaggy head, Sirius wearily replies, "No, I want to get this part of it done now. If you don't mind though, a strong, hot cup of tea will help alot."
"Won't take but a moment to get that for you."
Sirius nods in thanks then reaches for the nearby quill. Dipping it in ink, he begins writing the report of his account of his mission in York. By the time he reaches the point in his account recording the most recent events, Sirius has lost count of how many cups of the strong tea he's had and how many short breaks he's taken. After downing the rest of yet another cup of tea and after stretching his back and shoulders, Sirius sits down to finish the report.
On August 5, 1997, Wheelright invited me to dinner at his house to discuss a new publishing order. Wheelright drank a great deal of whiskey during the meal and as a result became drunk and very talkative. It was then that Wheelright revealed to me that he hated publishing darks arts materials. To quote Wheelright (sans slurred speech), "I abhor the foul, vile, disgusting books I produce."
I questioned Wheelright on why he was in the business of publishing darks arts books and pamphlets if he hates it so much. Even in his drunken, talkative state Wheelright was hesitant to answer but then he blurted out that he had no choice in the matter. Yes, the business is his but for but the past two years someone else had actually been making the decisions on what Wheelright published.
At length Wheelright told me that slightly more than two years ago Clive Riordan had Wheelright's family kidnapped. Since that time, Riordan's dictated to Wheelright the types of materials Wheelright's publishing company produces. Wheelright is allowed to see his family twice a month, for no longer than two days at each visit. Wheelright and his family have lived with the constant threat that one or all of them will die if Wheelright did not comply with all of Riordan's directives.
Wheelright then went on to detail how Riordon profited from the arrangement and that these payments to him were included in the payments for manuscripts for the books Riordan wrote himself. All the clients Wheelright had contracts with were approved by Riordan and he always took a large percentage of any fees and profits. (See attached copies of accounting records.)
I chose not to reveal my true identity to Wheelright at that time. I decided I would make an attempt to free his family before making this disclosure to him. I followed Wheelright on both of his August and September visitations to his family as well as making a number of separate forays to the York property where the Wheelright family was held. This allowed me to assess the situation and what obstacles had to be overcome in order to rescue Wheelright's wife and children.
After learning the layout of the property, determining the number of guards and through observation and eavesdropping, learning the types of spells and wards in place, I formulated a plan.
I bought some ready made Polyjuice Potion from a darks arts supplier in York. After testing the potion to make sure it actually worked, I then created a port key to use for the rescue of the Wheelright family. After leaving work, Saturday, September 27, 1997, I made sure everything was in order then went to the home of Erwin Laskey, one of Riordan's guards. Laskey worked a shift from 4 am to 8 am, the shift with fewest guards on duty. Additionally, Laskey lives alone, making him an easier target than the two other guards on the same shift. I took Laskey by surprise, immobilized him, then used the Polyjuice Potion to impersonate him.
At 3:59 am Sunday morning, September 28, 1997, in the guise of Laskey, I arrived to Moss Cottage, the Riordan property in York where the Wheelrights were being kept. As soon as the guards from the prior shift had left, I worked as quickly as possible to isolate and immobilize each of the other two guards on the 4 am to 8 am shift. Next I had to convince Mrs. Wheelright that I was there to rescue her and her children. The Polyjuice Potion beginning to wear off hastened her belief in me as someone there to help. Using the port key I made, I took the Wheelrights to my contact in Glasgow. I then immediately apparated back to York while my contact sent word to certain Ministry personnel that the time for a raid had finally arrived.
I work Wheelright, explained who I really am and that his family was safe. Together we went to the publishing offices where we swiftly gathered all copies of important financial and business records. We took these by way of the Floo Network to Glasgow and from there I apparated to meet the raiding party at Riordan's main estate.
The raid was a success and Riordan is now in custody. Wheelright and his family have all agreed to testify against Riordan and Wheelright has turned over all the documents we took from the publishing offices. Additionally, other records were found in Riordan's home office.
Sirius adds a few more comments and closing remarks, double checks to make sure the pages of the report are in order and hands everything over to his very patient colleague, who by this time looks at though he could use a cup of strong tea himself. A time for Sirius to come in for any necessary follow-up and questions is set then Sirius walks alone to one of the many fireplaces in the Ministry's London offices and floos home to Hogsmeade, his only real regrets with the mission being how long it took and that he wasn't able to capture Peter "Wormtail" Pettigrew when the rat once visited Wheelright's publishing offices.
