Classes Begin Again
Author: Fred Weasley
Date: 06-12-02 08:55

Monday morning, Fred found himself sitting before the roaring fire with an open, yet unread book in his lap. A week had passed since Samuel's unexpected arrival at Hogwarts. Fred took note that Sammi had never been happier, and deep down he was thrilled to see his girl and her brother reunited. To Sammi's great delight, Samuel was also put in Gryffindor House.

On the morning classes started back up, Samantha and Samuel were down at breakfast prepping for the day. Meanwhile, upstairs in the common room, Fred tried to do some prepping of his own. He only had one class that day, Herbology at 10 AM.

With one semester left in his wizarding educational career, Fred wanted to be his very best. The NEWTs would be there before he knew it, and he really didn't want to disappoint his parents. If he studied a bit everyday, even a tiny, tiny bit, maybe Fred wouldn't do too bad on the exams. A little hope and dumb luck wouldn't hurt either.

Breakfast Alone
Author: Azaelia Bramble
Date: 06-12-02 13:27

On the first day of term, Azaelia sat in her normal spot for breakfast, walking her clean fork between her fingers.

"Lia, you have to eat something, dear." Isolde said, spooning some sausage onto her cousin's plate.

Azaelia shook her head. "I'm not hungry."

Py and Isolde exchanged glances. Their poor friend was heartbroken, and it hurt them also. Robert Blackheart's family moved, which in turn transferred Robert to another school. It was on New Year's Eve that Robert had told Azaelia of his leaving, and the next they told Pyrrhus and Isolde.

Azaelia's eyes began to sting and she closed them, resting her head in her hand, remembering that day they had told their friends the news.

The four put on their scarves and gloves, deciding to take a walk out on the grounds. Pyrrhus and Isolde weren't too sure of why Robert and Lia were acting so solemn, but knew they would find out soon.

They stood watching the frozen lake and it was Robert who spoke, the vapor of his warm breath billowing from his mouth with every breath. "I'm leaving."

Azaelia swallowed as she watched Isolde and Py's faces draw with puzzlement. "What?" Isolde said, stepping closer.

"I'm leaving. My parents are moving because my dad has been transferred to a new job. They insist I go to this day school so I can be near them." Robert said, and he slipped his arm around Azaelia who was struggling to keep her tears, but not winning. He watched a tear roll down her pale face.

Pyrrhus let out a deep sigh. "You won't visit?"

"I will. Whenever I get the chance. I promise." He hugged Azaelia to him tightly.

Isolde bowed her head, then looked up at Robert. "We'll miss you a lot. You're a great addition to this group, Rob."

"Thanks, Isolde. I'll miss you guys too. More than you'll ever know." He gave a wry smile. Azaelia tried to stop her tears, and he pulled her to his chest, wrapping his arms around her head. He rested his chin in her hair. And they stood there in silence.

"Azaelia?" Isolde's voice jerked her from her thoughts. "Lia, you're crying again."

Azaelia backhanded the tears on her face, not caring if the whole Slytherin table was watching her.

"Lia, you've got to stop crying. You'll make yourself sick." Isolde wrapped her arm around her cousin who was trying to contain herself.

Azaelia nodded. Across the table Pyrrhus frowned. "Let's go back to the common room. Classes don't start for a bit, and she doesn't need anyone watching her. Is that okay, Lia?"

Again, Lia nodded, giving Py a small smile for his concern. Isolde's arm still around Azaelia's shoulders, and her other hand in Pyrrhus's, the three Slytherins went back to their common room before class started.

New Year: New Resolution
Author: Charlie Weasley
Date: 06-12-02 15:08

Charlie Weasley woke hot and sweaty. He threw the blankets off of himself and sat up, only to be met by a dizzy feeling that made him queasy. He groaned slightly, rubbing his temples.

"Ruddy disease." He mumbled, swearing under his breath. "Why is it so bloody hot in here?!"

The divider between Helena Tufton and Charlie drew open. "Oh, you're awake."

"Yeah. I am." He spat, fanning himself with his hand. "I want to dive in some muggle pool to cool off."

Helena chuckled. "I'd be glad to dunk you." She approached him, feeling his forehead and his neck. "You've still got that fever."

She fiddled with some hot water and some type of potion, the same potion that made Charlie gag. And, if he were feeling queasy, he had better not drink that. "Um. I'll pass, thanks."

"Why?" Helena's brow drew together.

Charlie shook his head. "No. My stomach's upset. If I drink that - well, you don't want to know."

"Ah. Well, we'll pass on this for now then."

Charlie adjusted the pillows on his cot and sat back. "Did you have a good New Years Eve?"

The questions caught Helena off guard. "What?"

"I said, did you have a good New Years Eve?" Charlie repeated, bringing his arm up behind his head.

She watched him watch her. "All things considered, yes."

"I wasn't much company." He rubbed his chin with his shoulder.

Helena inhaled slightly. "Oh. It's okay. I read."

"You read?" Charlie repeated.

Helena rolled her eyes. "Yes, Mr. Twenty Questions, I read."

"What book?" He liked getting to her. She looked cute when she was angry.

Helena's jaw went slack - she didn't want to admit what she was reading. "Volume One."

"Oh?"

"Yes." She huffed.

Charlie held back a chuckle. "Good. I thought you'd like it."

She was quiet.

"Any particulars on Bill?" Charlie asked, changing the subject.

Helena shook her head. "No. I'm sorry, Charlie."

He looked away. Where was Bill? What had happened? He hoped his younger siblings were coping well enough. He wished he could go back to Hogwarts, or at least back to the Burrow. Still, he knew that wouldn't be much help, and knew Bill was strong. He'd be okay, he hoped.

Late Gift
Author: Belladonna
Date: 06-12-02 16:44

A knock rang on the the door to the office of Professor Belladonna Sinistra and a man dressed in Muggle clothing ran his fingers through his hair before muttering in Gaelic. He tried to open the door, but it was locked. He banged a bit more hard before getting slightly frustrated.

"Belladonna Honour Constanze Vanessa Angelina Sinistra, open this door right now! At least let me wait in your office while you get ready, silly colleen. Don't forget, we're going to Muggle London, so dress warmly and appropriately. C'mon, it's freezing out here and I know a spell to blast open the door and I have a cuppa for you."

Sounds were heard, although muffled by thick carpeting. Did he hear swearing? Sweet little Bella swearing...not in a million years. Finally, the door was opened and he was quickly ushered into the office and got an eyeful of angel in half-opened robe, tousled hair, and short nightgown.

"Never, ever use one of my middle names. Mom and Dad must have been on drugs when they named me. Oh, what time is it? I was up until 3 AM and I've had like what, 3 hours sleep?"

"5 hours, but close enough. You wear that to the slumber party? Wow, I wish I had been to see that. Okay...so do several other guys who were at my beach party. I wish professors looked like that when I was at Hogwarts. Get ready and here's the tea. Wow.... That Weasley is one lucky git."

He whistled as Belladonna took the tea and shot him a saucy look. It was too early in the morning for this, but kinda fun.

"No, I didn't wear this to the slumber party and push your eyes back in your head after you get your mind out of the gutter. As for Charlie, can we not mention him? Trouble in paradise, I think. That's why I agreed to go out with you instead of sleeping. I need something to take up my time and I wanted to try out your new car."

Liam roared with laughter. Trust Bella to boil things down and be honest. Something about her was being killed, that was for sure. She was more aggressive, and slightly more bawdy. Still, there were glimmers of something other worldly about her. Maybe she just needed spring to snap her out it and get her back to being sensitive and romantic, not to mention dreamy. As was, she was too much like Izzy and he didn't like it one bit.

She disappeared behind her bedroom door while he sat down in the office. He found a book on the Impressionist movement and sat down to read. At least some things hadn't changed.

After a little while, the bedroom door opened and he whistled. Have mercy, women were not meant to look beautiful like that. Luminous, sweet, rosy lipped, slightly blushing, and just perfect with her twinkling eyes.

She twirled in her jeans, blush colored cashmere sweater, and cute black boots. Her hair was left down and pulled back with tiny combs. She grabbed a lovely brown coat of leather that was lined with a soft fleece and pulled a cashmere scarf to match her sweater over it. She then tucked her wand into her purse along with a compact, cell phone (a lovely little device great for keeping in touch with siblings), and her wallet full of Muggle money.

"You like it? Picked it up in Paris. Okay, let's go. I want a few hours of sleep before tonight's class. You know, Muggle clothes look good on you too. So, what today, Liam?"

"Well, after we pick up my car, we have breakfast, get you a late Christmas gift from me, see the new exhibit on the Impressionists, have lunch, do more shopping, check your mail at your flat, go for a drive in the country, and then have dinner at this little country inn before getting you back to Hogwarts."

"Oh God, sounds fab! You spoil me so. Ready whenever you are."

He opened the door for her and then closed it before she nailed a piece of parchment stating she'd be gone for then and back for class. Giggles were heard as the pair chatted to Hogsmeade.

Sitting and Thinking
Author: Ginny Weasley
Date: 06-12-02 20:32

As Ginny sat in her Monday classes of Charms, History of Magic, Potions, and Herbology; she could help but let her mind wander as it normally did. Her thoughts went from her brother Bill and to where he was at and also back to the kiss she and Harry had shared the night of the ball.

That had been the first time he'd ever kissed her. Come to think of it, Ginny had always thought he liked her only as a friend and as Ron's little sister. Now, she wondered if something's changed. Does he really like me? Or, was it just a friendly kiss?

She was jolted back to reality when Prof. Sprout dismissed them out of Herbology class. She raced back up to the castle to find Hermione or Ron and see if either of them knew anything about it.

Late for Potions
Author: Ian Weasley
Date: 06-12-02 20:53

Ian's first day of classes was not going well. After being expelled from Beauxbatons and forced to give up his position as captain for his house team there and being banned from the Snow Ball and slumber party, he didn't need anymore bad luck. But on his very first day of classes he had been late to every single class! But the worst was far from over when he reached Professor Snape's dungeon classroom for his double Potions lesson!

Ian opened the door to see Professor Snape was yelling at Colin Creevey for wearing a bright Harry Potter badge who then turned on him.

Professor Snape said, "Who are you and what do you want?!"

Ian nervously replied, "Um...Ian Weasley, Professor...Transfer Student..."

Snape started to smirk and said, "I see...you are the troublemaker who got expelled from Beauxbatons! If it were up to me you wouldn't be here either...Miss Weasley's cousin, are you?" he said pointing at Ginny who was working at her cauldron, then looked up...

Snape then turned back and said, "I see you are late! No excuses! 5 points from Gryffindor! Be glad it's not more! Now take your seat and be sure I will take no nonsense from any student!"

Ian quickly found his seat and saw that all the Slytherins were laughing quite loud and Snape just ignored it like it wasn't going on!

Professor Snape continued the lesson and picked on the Gryffindors in both periods.

After class, Colin told Ian all about Snape and how he favors the Slytherins.

Ian upset said, "That Bloody $%#%!!!!! I'm taking this up with McGonagall!"

Colin sadly said, "Ha McGonagall? She'd never defend us, Ian. She would probably agree with Snape! Iheard she once took off 150 points off of Gryffindor because Harry, Ron and Hermione were out late!"

Back in the Gryffindor Common Room, Ian said forming a fist, "I'm going to get that jerk, one way or another! I don't care if I get kicked out of here either! Where's Fred and George? I need to form an emergency meeting of Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes!"

Ian Stormed up to the boys 7th year dormitory to look for his cousins.

Ian had Herbology in a few minutes...looks like he was going to be late again!

Looking Forward
Author: Aaron Miller
Date: 06-13-02 18:40

Well, we already knew Bill was a mystery but it's official now. In the slightly more than two weeks since the accident, no one's reported him missing, no one's come forward after seeing what news coverage there was on him, nor has he's not shown up in any database for driver's license, birth certificate, or criminal record. Scotland Yard has run his fingerprints throughout Britain and even with Interpol but so far nothing's turned up.

What makes this all the more frustrating are the list of people and the Christmas presents Bill carried when the accident happened. He knows that somewhere there are people he cares about and who most likely care for him as well. But where are they? Don't they have to have realized he's missing since he wasn't around for Christmas? Why haven't they reported anything?

At least he's got that job for Bea keeping him occupied during the day because otherwise, instead of simply being down, he'd be in a true, deep depression. Bernie and I have also done our best to make Bill feel like he's a regular flatmate. We rearranged so that the small room we used as a home office is now a third bedroom. Mom thinks of Bill as her long distance Ken doll and keeps having clothes for him delivered so in a short time, Bill is well on his way to having an extensive wardrobe. Heaven forbid what she'd do if she were to hop over here for a visit and meet Bill in person.

While none of this is the same as knowing who he is and where he's from, at least if we never learn anything about his past, he now has a home and friends, and Bea will ensure he's always got a job with her family's foundation for as long as he wants. At the moment, Bill might be a man with no past but he certainly has a future.

Rise and Shine!!!
Author: Neo Anderson
Date: 06-13-02 10:22

Neo ran upstairs from the kitchens, early in the morning. He burst into the Hufflepuff 6th year dormitories, next to Prote's four poster, and flicked Prote's ear, who woke up with a start, but not completely.

"C'mon rise and shine, Sleepin' Beauty! C'mon up-up-up!" said Neo knocking on Prote's head, who just pulled the covers over his head, but Neo just pulled them off completely. "C'mon get up! Get Dressed!" said Neo. Prote sat up and stretched. "Neo...!" he started to say when Neo interrupted and put something right up to Prote's face.

"Look! It's porridge, and it's happy to see you!" said Neo. Prote looked into the bowl. It had two fried eggs and a long strip of bacon in a form that made the porridge look like it had a face that was smiling. Then a cricket popped out of the middle of the face where the nose would be. Neo picked it up by the antennae and threw it on his bed.

"Hey! Get out of there! You're gonna make people sick!!!" said Neo.

Prote stared at the cricket. Neo seemed to have noticed. "Oh, don't mind Cricky! My mum and da' got him for me for Christmas when they were visiting China to see my cousin. He is one of the magical crickets... kinda a pest if you ask me..." he explained as he stuffed food into Prote's mouth.

"Am I late?" asked Prote as he swallowed his breakfast. Neo placed the spoon into the porridge and tapped his chin, then looked at his watch. "Yeah about ten min..." he began. Prote shot out of bed and put on his robes, without thinking of taking off his pj's. "Darn it, Neo!! Why didn't you wake me up when you did!"

"'Cause you like went to bed late and I just wanted you to sleep more."

"When did you go to bed?"

"About 8 o' clock last night."

"AAAHHHHH!!!!" and Prote ran out of the dormitories to his classes. Neo just stared out the door... "What's with him?" he asked himself looking at Cricky, who just shrugged.

Another Day, Another Sweater
Author: Majandra
Date: 06-13-02 23:15

Shortly after returning from Care of Magical Creatures, Hermione and Majandra both headed up to their room. No sooner had they arrived than someone called out to Hermione that Ginny Weasley had been looking for her. Hermione called back with her thanks, dropped her things on her bed, then left the room in search of Ginny.

In the meantime, Majandra got comfortable on her bed with the intent of reading the newest assignment for Runes class. Before she'd gotten the book open though, Crookshanks, Hermione's cat, leapt directly in front of Majandra. He stared so intently without blinking that Majandra was reminded of a hypnotist in a Muggle magic show her Muggle grandmother had taken her to see once. Crookshanks turned to stare at the bag of knitting sitting at the foot of the bed then swiveled his head around to again look at Majandra.

Laughing, Majandra reached for the bag and emptied its colorful contents in front of the cat. "Feeling left out, are you? Well, Crookshanks, if you want a sweater then I shall make you one. Have any color choices? Or were you just getting me to dump the bag out so you could bat the balls of yarn around?"

Crookshanks blinked slowly several times, as if deliberating the question. One paw reached out and in rapid succession swatted two balls of yarn at Majandra. After sitting stone still while Majandra tooks his measurements, Crookshanks batted a third ball, knocking it off the bed, then took off in pursuit. Majandra packed up the bag's contents, leaving out only a pair of knitting needles and the yarn Crookshanks had sent her direction. As she started working, she noticed the colors of the yarn that oh so intelligent cat had selected were the Gryffindor colors.

Keeping mindful of the time so that she could meet George for dinner, Majandra had set to work making the kitty sweater. Someone passed the doorway and Majandra heard a voice muttering, "Knitting again. Wonder who the unlucky guy is she's got a crush on now?"

She'd immediately called out, "No, no, it's not like that!" only to see the person was already gone. Majandra had gone and looked up the stairs and down but saw no one. Next, she'd gone all the way down to where she could peer into the common room but she didn't see a single girl there. "Wonderful," she sighed, "now a rumor will spread about my new insane crush, and for once, it's not like that. Well, I do like George, but that's different. Maybe no one will pay any attention to the rumor. No one cares about any of that anyway other than as a source of jokes."

Hoping this was true, Majandra repeated it to herself by way of reassurance, then returned to her room to work a little longer before time for supper.

Tuesday: Pondering between Classes
Author: Isolde
Date: 06-14-02 19:55

Isolde, Pyrrhus, Azaelia, and Alexis exited the Charms classroom in a hurry. The class, although normally half-way interesting, just didn't hold any of their attentions on that day. Isolde and Pyrrhus were both concerned about Azaelia, who in turn was heart-broken and extremely melancholy. Even Alexis, who had been a member of the group for nearly a month now, was worried about the dark-haired girl.

The three would certainly have to think of a way to cheer up Azaelia, who grew more and more depressed as each lonely day without Robert passed. In the meantime, they strolled into the History of Magic classroom, found their seats, and prepared for what would surely be a boring lecture.

Working
Author: Bill Weasley
Date: 06-15-02 13:46

Using a computer felt so strange and new at first, but Bill soon got the hang of it. He had been working at the library since a few days after New Year's Day, and after several one-on-one lessons with Bea (who seemed more than happy to instruct him), Bill could type and catalogue like a professional.

On Tuesday afternoon, though particularly fond of his new line of work, Bill was quite eager to get home. He had spent most of the day staring at the computer screen, and frankly, his eyes ached and he was ready to get some fresh air outside. Finishing up a few last minute tasks, Bill packed his briefcase, which Bea had given to him on his first day. It was dark brown and made out of the finest leather. On the golden clasp, B.W. was finely etched in an elaborately cursive font-type. When Bea had given it to him, she mentioned that all working-men carried such briefcases. It made them not only look professional, but quite dashing as well! Bill had thanked her and accepted the gift after telling her that she really needn't have gone through the trouble-but of course it hadn't been any trouble for her, she had quickly said with a gentle pat on his forearm.

With the fancy briefcase under his arm, Bill left the house of Bea's parents and headed to the flat Aaron and Bernie were kind enough to share with him. Now that he was making money, he could finally pay them back for taking him in when he had no where else to go.