Angel
Author: Cho Chang
Date: 01-11-03 18:34

Cho giggles as she leans into his embrace, excitedly returning the kiss, "Fynn! How was astronomy?" She'd memorized his schedule as well as her own.

He laughed, spinning her around gently, "It was bearable, I missed you though."

Oh how she adored his laughter, the way his eyes twinkled and the corners crinkled. She grins, shaking her head, "Not as much as I missed you." Cho nuzzles her nose against his affectionately, "Neither of us have any classes for the rest of the day...Do you want to get a group together and go out to the Pitch?"

Fynn nods, letting his hand slip to hold hers, "Most certainly milady." They set off to drop their things in the common room and get some other Quidditch players out to the Pitch.

---

MOM Headquarters: Operation Werewolf
Author: Dierna ní Cíaran
Date: 01-11-03 20:58

"This man is very dangerous, Remus." I caution. "Rumours are that he set himself up to be bitten–intentionally."

Remus finds this news hard to swallow "But the transformations are very unpleasant. Why would anyone do that?"

"First off, it's just a rumour. Which means its validity is questionable" Answers Michael "But consider this: If he becomes a werewolf, as he did, he can afflict others with his curse and claim that it's not his fault. He has no control over what he does in his unnatural state. It is a way of harming others and not being able to be prosecuted. Secondly, he can now approach other Werewolves and get them to follow him and join the Dark Lord. You will need to learn to think like the Dark wizards if you are to do Auror's work."

Remus considers this for a moment. "One thing more," I add. "You cannot take the wolfbane potion on this assignment."

"What? Why not what if --"

"First off, your going to a sparsely populated area on the Isle of Man. Chances of encountering anyone there are minimum. Secondly, if you are to win the man's trust, you must act like him. Taking the potion is a sure sign that you're NOT his kind. It's a give away." Michael explains. Remus still looks worried.

"We can't make you accept this assignment, Remus. If this is something you can't accept we won't blame you. But look" I take out a map of the Isle of man and circle and area with a silvery pen "This is where you will be. The nearest towns are here, here and here." This time I put X's over the area. Remus looks encouraged seeing that he is far away from large settlements.

"If things get too dangerous over there, leave. Aurors need to know when to retreat and when to stay and fight." This comment seems to amuse Michael for he stifles giggles.

"What?" I ask, giving him a sharp look. "Nothing, nothing at all," but he and Remus exchange wry looks. "I know when to give up!" I add, knowing what he is thinking.

"Of course you do," he replies, rolling his eyes. Then changes the subject. "Here is all the information you'll need. You should flip through it now so you can ask question while you're here."

Remus nods and opens the file. The first set of papers are not notes on the infamous Lu Garou, however, but the job contract.

---

MOM Headquarters: New Mission
Author: Remus Lupin
Date: 01-11-03 21:34

I take out the file and look at the job contract, an offer to make me an auror.

"You're offering me a job?" I say quietly in surprise.

"Yes," replies Michael. "You've earned it, you've been doing auror work for the past few months. It's not a full time auror, as you also have to work with Dumbledore. But more casual work, you'll get paid on assignment."

"Do you accept this assignment?"

"Yes," I reply.

I take out the quill and sign the contract.

"Good. Thank you. And again if things get too dangerous, leave," says Dierna. "Aurors need to know when to quit."

"Right," I reply, secretly wondering if Dierna is listening to her own advice.

"Take care while you are there," she says.

"I will and you take care of yourself. You too, Michael."

"I will," she says.

"Good luck," says Michael.

I go over the file on Lu Garou carefully a few times then leave the building and head back to my cottage to prepare for the mission.

---

Trouble Brewing
Author: Angelina
Date: 01-12-03 01:46

As I taught my next Herbology class my arm began to tingle. Rubbing it trying not to look too inconspicuous I roamed the tables of the busy students and helped where I could. When I got to the front of the class my arm began to burn like a poker had been run through it.

Taking a deep breath and thinking of something else the burning subsided somewhat but it was still there. "He's on the move again," A voice warned me. "Do not lose your guard." The class hummed like a bunch of bees as they tended to their respective plants the Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs always seemed to work the best when they are together and I had not trouble keeping an eye out for trouble for there usually was very little.

The pain shot back up and I could not bear it anymore yearning for the bell to ring I had to hurry to talk to Professor McGonagall or even Professor Dumbledore all are in great danger and the Gryffindor secret may have to be used sooner than expected.

---

Quidditch Expectations
Author: Draco Malfoy
Date: 01-12-03 20:12

"Our first week, almost gone." Draco whistled between his teeth and slid into a seat at the Slytherin table. "Can you believe it? Before long, another school year will be over. Personally, I can't wait to be out of here, but I will miss the Quidditch matches. Speaking of which, we ought to start having practices."

"You're the captain, Draco." Clara smiled sweetly and slipped into the seat next to him. "You can get a practice schedule together this afternoon, and if you want, I'll help you." She helped herself to some fish and chips and continued, "We have to take the cup this year. I don't want Potter and those Gryffindors winning, and we certainly can't let those Hufflepuffs take the cup again. How embarrassing was that?"

Draco scowled furiously and spat, "Don't remind me."

Pouting slightly, Clara wrapped her arms around one of his and rested her chin on his arm. She watched him pour himself a glass of juice and then fill her cup to the brim as well.

"On the brighter side of things," he began, the anger that had so suddenly clouded his eyes fading into mischievous delight. "Potter will have to lead a brand new team, which will not be such an easy thing to do. All of his new players will not be familiar with each others' styles on the Quidditch field. It seems very unlikely that Potter will be able to pull a team of new recruits together for a great victory."

From across the table, Crabbe and Goyle snickered and Tempest smirked. "Potter will have to pull off a miracle to win the cup this year," Draco continued haughtily.

The Slytherin sixth years continued to enjoy their lunch and express their desires in seeing their House showered in victories this year. Little mention was made of their busy morning, during which they attended Potions class and Transfiguration.

Nothing too exciting had occurred during Professor McGongall's class, but Professor Snape and Longbottom's antics were always excellent entertainment. As usual, Granger's incessant attempts to prevent Longbottom from screwing up a simple potion did not go unnoticed by the Head of Slytherin House. Snape scolded both Gryffindors until the dumber one of the two went red in the face out of pure humiliation. Quite unfortunately, whatever he had been working on never did explode or remotely go wrong. Draco would have so liked to have witnessed Longbottom receiving some kind of horrendous punishment today.

After lunch, Draco would have Defense Against the Dark Arts with that new professor every girl in Slytherin House was talking about, and then Charms with Professor Flitwick. Only a couple of hours to get through, and then the weekend would be here.

---

Work Completed
Author: Bill Weasley
Date: 01-12-03 21:15

By Friday at midday, all protective wards and special defenses were in place over the Pushkin vault. Bill and Mosi admired their handy-work proudly, congratulating each other on a job well-done. They had completed their task in amazing time, meeting the deadline set for them by Adallah, and they surpassed every goal they sought to achieve. These two certainly deserved a night out to celebrate.

Before deciding to alert Adallah about the job's completion, Bill and Mosi ran through the security system one last time. A switch here, a lever there, numbered codes and muttered spells...an intricate and near impossible system to crack. Only Bill and Mosi knew how to get in and out of the vault. Only they possessed the information, the detailed plans that now were tucked between other papers inside of Bill's briefcase. Naturally, the ink on the blueprints themselves was charmed with an invisibility spell. Only Bill and Mosi knew how to reveal the contents of the paperwork.

After discovering that all was in order and just as it should be, Bill sent Mosi to fetch Adallah for an inspection of the vault. In the meantime, Bill leaned up against the wall in the darkened underground corridor and thought about his loved ones back home in Britain.

Adriana, his love, would be completing the first week of her second year teaching at Hogwarts. Briar would no doubt be planning her wedding to that no-good former Slytherin, Julian Valentine. Bill made it no secret that he hoped Briar would come to her senses before walking down the aisle, but he also wanted her to be happy, and if Julian was the one for her...so be it.

Charlie and Helena would be long back from Vegas and probably had much to tell of their trip. Bill made a mental note to write to them later. Fred and George were probably reveling in the success of their jokeshop. If they didn't become wealthy entrepreneurs, Bill would be very surprised.

Bill's mind had switched gears to his two siblings at Hogwarts, when he noticed something move out of the corner of his eye. He gave a start and stepped away from the wall to take a closer look. A large, black scorpion sat perched on a small rock protruding from the stone wall of the corridor. Normally, this wouldn't phase Bill one bit as scorpions were quite common in Egypt, but instinct drew him to Adallah and his new pet.

Since Bill had never gotten a good look at Adallah's scorpion, he could not verify on sight whether or not this one was his. It would be difficult anyway, since most scorpions of the same breed did not bear distinctive markings. Bill approached the creature cautiously, not because he was afraid, but because he did not want to frighten it.

His attention was quickly drawn to the voices coming from down the hall, and he turned his head to see Mosi returning with Adallah and a team of Gringotts vault-breakers. Adallah grinned broadly and clapped Bill on the shoulder. "I am ready to see what you two came up with."

Bill held his hands up in front of him and exclaimed to the other wizards, "Good luck, men."

These wizards were given the task of breaking into the vault to see if anything Bill and Mosi did was faulty. In the meantime, Bill stood out of the way and resumed his gaze on the rock jutting out from the wall. But the scorpion was gone.

The attempt to enter the vault proved futile, and Adallah rewarded both Mosi and Bill with the afternoon off. They were notified that Mr. and Mrs. Pushkin would be arriving on Monday morning to fill their vault, so either Bill or Mosi would need to be present. At any rate, Bill welcomed the free Friday afternoon with open arms and decided to return home and relax a little. Maybe after Percy would return home later that evening, the two could enjoy a night out on the town.

---

End of the Workweek
Author: Dierna ní Cíaran
Date: 01-12-03 21:21

Friday. Presuming that I survive today, I have made it through my first week back at work.

The morning is uneventful, the results on the items from Sorcha are in from OMI (Office of Magical Identification), all affirmative a) they DO belong to Sorcha and b) all are used by Dark Wizards. I send the report to Dumbledore, along with the information on Garou and details on Remus' mission to track him down. Ever since Voldemort came back to life (or regained power, or however one choses to describe it) I had been sending any information I learn and all my plans to the Headmaster. Communication is crucial.

I am busy enough not to have time worry too much about Remus, but when Michael drops by to collect some papers just as I am locking up. I ask him, "Do you think I made the right choice?"

Michael, who knows me well enough to know what I am talking about despite the ambiguity, answers, "You tell me, Dierna. You are the one who had known Remus since school. But yes, I think you made the best decision. You are rarely faulty in your choices. Besides, if he didn't think he could handle the assignment, he would have declined." Michael offers an assuring smile. "Don't worry, my friend. Remus will be alright. And if things get to threatening over there, he'll leave - UNLESS these as obstinate as you. And he doesn't seem the type. What are you doing on the weekend?"

"Sleeping, with any luck. I want to talk to Ethan, see how his first week went, and I'm meeting with an old Wizard whom I think I know from somewhere. I'll also end up working on plans, as usual. If I'm lucky, I'll get to spend time with Sirius too. How about you?"

"Don't work, you do that enough here. Relax and visit your friends. And please send my good wishes to Ethan. Such a shame he feels so guilty. But we both remember being in that position as new aurors. As for my weekend, I think I'm going to pop in on my parents in Greece. They owled me a few days ago, saying to visit them. I think they have news for me, hopefully no more problems. However, I'm not holding my breath on that! Good evening, Dierna."

"Have a nice weekend, Michael."

---

Peering Out
Author: Vincent Triegher
Date: 01-13-03 17:13

Muggle Studies is the only class that he, his two sisters, and Kennard have this Friday. As Vincent listened to Prof. Fairchild on and off, his eyes wander constantly to the window and to the outside world of the classroom. As he was going back to listen again to the professor, his eyes caught two figures coming out of the castle. Glancing on Prof. Fairchild to make sure that he won't be caught, he leaned nearer to the window to make out the two familiar figures walking out towards the grounds.

Aha!, he thought to himself. He sat back again and whispered to Margaritte, who was at his left.

"Guess who I saw walking out of the castle," he whispered in a conspirational tone.

Not taking her eyes of their teacher, Margaritte whispered back, "Who?"

Vincent tried to hide his excited grin as he answered, "Diether and Mirai!"

Margaritte gasped, and then grinned. She hurriedly whispered the information to Christina, who in turn whispered to Kennard. They all looked to Vincent, who was peering out again at the window, for any other information.

"They're going to the lake," Vincent mouthed to the three.

Someone cleared her throat and the four sat straight again and grinned sheepishly to Prof. Fairchild. She just shook her head in disapproval before continuing her lecture.

Vincent scribbled something quickly on his parchment and passed it on the three.

Let's surprise them after class. c:

Margaritte, Christina, and Kennard nodded and grinned their agreement. Vincent, on the other hand, could not concentrate any more on the class so he just thought of ways on how he could tease the two once class is over.

---

AMy Friday classes have been rather quiet and subdued. Perhaps that is because I have spent the first part of each class, introducing both the sixth and seventh year students to that delicate topic called "ethics". Our ensuing discussions of when and where certain spells could or should be used, and when they should not, has left me a bit uneasy about the future direction of some of the Slytherins. However, I suppose Slytherins will be Slytherins, regardless of anything I say or do.

With the discussions out of the way, I introduce the sixth-year classes to "Expelliarmus." "This spell," I explain, "is normally used to disarm an opponent. Those of you who wish to become aurors will want to have this one in your "bag of tricks", as they say. The wand form is relatively simple, as is the pronunciation of the spell. The trick in generating an effective "Expelliarmus." is to maintain your concentration in the face of an incoming spell. You must maintain your focus on the object which you want to remove. You must also put a lot of energy into it. Now, here is the form." I turn to the board to demonstrate. "You start with the curl at the top, loop around to the middle curl, then another, larger loop to the curl at the bottom. Now! If you will all please move out into the practice area and pick a partner, we can try to develop our skills with this technique. Please do not start until I get into position to referee."

I move to a perch on the table at the center of the room. Hermione and Majandra are standing together as one of the pairs. "Miss Granger! Miss Fine! Very good! Please step over here, about fifteen feet apart. Now, Miss Granger! Please hold your wand in front of you, as if you were about to cast a spell. That's the way. Hold tight, now. Miss Fine! Please try to knock the wand from her hand with Expelliarmus. Now, be careful to aim your spell at the wand, and not the person. Can't have PEOPLE flying about the room, now can we." On her third try, Majandra manages to put enough energy and focus into the spell, sending Hermione's wand flying. I "Accio" it back and hand it to her as she stands there massaging her hand and wrist. "Bit of a shock! Isn't it? I comment. Now, we will reverse the roles and let Miss Granger have a go at it!" The young ladies resume their positions and continue with their practice. I move around, getting the other teams set up and started. The rest of the class time just zips by and soon it is time to finish. "Very good, students. You all seem to have mastered the basic spell. Next week, we will continue with our practice. Please do not attempt this spell without adequate supervision. That means, "Don't be trying it in your Common Rooms!" Class dismissed!"

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

The Sixth-Year Gryffindors and Ravenclaws file out to be replaced, after lunch, with the Seventh-Year students from those two houses. "Good afternoon, class! I trust you all had a good luncheon. Excellent!" I reply in response to a few drowsy nods. "excellent, I say, because you will be needing a lot of energy for today's lesson. We will begin this, your final year in the study of charms and spells, with an introduction to Petrificus Totalus! This spell produces an effect similar to that of a Basilisk stare, but not so harsh and not so permanent. The spell, itself, will wear off in a few hours. However, for today, we will also use the "Ennervate" spell to counteract the effects rather more quickly." Turning to the board, I demonstrate the wand shape for the spell. "Begin by pointing your wand at the center of the target, then loop down and back up... and around... like so... then close the figure and finish off with a minor flourish." I watch as they trace the spell in the air, concentrating on the motion and not the words.

I have them move into the practice area and have them pair off. For this lesson, I conjure a thick layer of fluffy cushions to cover the floor around the intended "victim." I see that Fynn and Cho have gravitated together and so select them as the demonstration pair. "Master Greenleaf, if you would be so kind as to stand amidst the cushions, we shall observe Miss Chang's technique." They move into position. Cho waves her wand and utters the spell. Fynn topples like a felled oak, dropping into the cushions with a satisfying "whoomph!" Cho nearly drops her wand in surprise. She is aghast at what she has done to her friend. I move to stand over the stricken lad and detect the faintest trace of a smile at the corners of his lips. Instead of using the "Ennervate spell, I simply say, "Rictusempra", sending Fynn into fits of giggles. I let up after a moment and his laughter subsides.

"Sorry, Professor!" he manages to gasp out. "She just knocks me off my feet!" This sends up the entire class and it is several minutes before order can be restored. Cho blushes a bit, but takes the joke well.

Suppressing a grin, myself, I suggest we continue with our lesson. This time, Cho puts it together and truly puts him down for the count. When I revive him and assure myself he has suffered no damage, I have them reverse their roles. At the first try, it is obvious that Fynn is reluctant to employ the spell on the Head GirlÉ HIS Girl, as well. It takes a few tries to get up his courage, but he then manages a fine demonstration of the spell. As soon as I revive Cho. I start working with the other pairs. All too soon, the time is up and they are rushing off to their next classes. I DO hope the will not try this without an expert close at hand.

---

Seeing the Guardian...
Author: Angelina
Date: 01-13-03 17:28

It was before my afternoon class and I desided to visit Hagrid's hut, not to see the gamekeeper but to see something else. Keeping my hood up, I went to the back of the hut and saw the area Hagrid had for the Lion.

The mighty beast was on a large rock in a small clearing sunning itself. Walking closer, the lion growled and turned to me. "Greetings Heir of Gryffindor. How are you this afternoon?" it said and did a sort of bow. Lowering my hood, I smiled and gave the Lion a nod. "As well as can be, protector of the house of Gryffindor and Hogwarts. Hagrid has treated you well."

The lion came closer, and looked at my arm. "I know of the dark forces drawing near, Angelina. I feel them just as you do. You are worried as am I, but the students must come first. We must protect the ones who need it and ask for our help. One girl needs guidance. You will find her. She is in our house here at the school. You will know soon who she is."

I heard a rustling near us and turned my wand at the ready for whoever came close to us. "The students are not ready yet for you. Hide my friend. I shall ward them off." The lion gave a low growl and leapt into a grove of trees, while I stood there ready for whoever it was that was coming.

---

Let's Talk
Author: Diether Jameson
Date: 01-13-03 18:01

He led Mirai out of the castle as they both have no class today. He had waited talking to her after their friends had gone off for class so that no one would disturb them. He looked about the grounds before choosing the lake as the best place to have their talk. It was not often by other students and it would give them the privacy that they needed.

He sat on the grassy slope leading to the lake and Mirai did the same. Silence hung in the air as both tried to think of something to say.

"What made you say that?" Mirai asked, breaking the silence. "There we were, laughing with one another, then suddenly..." She broke off. She has not looked at him all the while she talked.

He sighed. "Look at me," he said. But she wouldn't. Gently, he grasped her chin and turned her face to him. Her eyes were downcast and he had to tilt her chin up to make her look him in the eyes.

Taking a deep breath, he said, "I know it was all so sudden. But, I've been thinking about it lately. Especially when your family suddenly had to move to London." He paused, then continued. "I thought I'd go mad. I couldn't eat right, sleep enough... Finally, Ray talked to me. He shed some light into my thinking. He said..."

he stopped again. He had been looking to Mirai's eyes the whole time he was confessing. He saw how her emotions played before her eyes. But it settled to something he can't decipher.

"He said what," she asked quietly.

He took a deep breath again. "That I love you." Her eyes widened at that. He released his hold on her chin, expecting her to laugh, or even slap him. But what he didn't expect she did. She smiled, a teary one at that.

"I love you, too," she told him softly, as tears slowly trickle down to her cheeks. "I just kept on denying it as we've been friends a long time and..."

"Shhh," he said, wiping her tears dry. Then, he cupped her face and leaned in, kissing her forehead, the trail of her tears, before settling on her lips. It was soft and sweet, and everything else that his mind had imagined it to be. When they broke off, she smiled sweetly at him before leaning on him.

Together, they contentedly watched the stillness of the lake, with ripples forming when the wind gently blows.

---

First Flying Lesson
Author: Fritz Schnackenpfefferhausen
Date: 01-13-03 20:37

Friday morning had come and gone. Fritz and Coco had spent a dreadfully boring two-hour block in Professor Binn's History of Magic class. His normal attention span ordinarily stretched beyond the limits of any normal boy his age, but Fritz could not force himself to pay attention in class.

He awoke when Coco prodded him in the arm and pointed out that he had drooled all over his parchment. The two (three, since Pea was always tagging along) then went to lunch, enjoyed the meal and some conversation and then headed back to the Common Room for a little R&R before their first flying lesson.

Both were very anxious to meet Madam Hooch and to learn how to fly a broomstick. Fritz had seen many movies and cartoons in which witches had flown broomsticks and cackled evilly, but never in his wildest dreams did he imagine that he, a wizard, would be learning how to fly one too.

When they arrived at the Pitch, twenty brooms were lined up neatly on the turf in two rows. Madam Hooch stood at the far end of the Pitch and fiddled with the whistle hanging around her neck. Fritz and Coco found places on the Ravenclaw side and stepped up next to two brooms.

"All right, everyone. Welcome to your first flying lesson!" exclaimed Madam Hooch.

She instructed them to hold out their right hands and enunciate "Up!" clearly. Fritz managed to get his broom to hover a few inches off the ground at first, but after a few more tries, it sprung up into his hand forcefully.

After everyone managed to get a hold of their brooms, Madam Hooch said, "Now everybody mount your brooms!" Her yellow eyes scanned each first year to make sure they were doing it right.

Fritz swung his right leg over the broomstick and wrapped his hands around it tightly.

Madam Hooch then instructed everyone to kick off of the ground, hover for a few seconds and then touch back down. She put the whistled up against her lips and counted down, "Three...Two...One..." and the shrill sound of the whistle signaled for the first years to attempt their first mini-flight.

---

Defying Gravity
Author: Coco Nutt
Date: 01-13-03 21:55

During History of Magic, Coco couldn't believe it when she looked over and saw Fritz in a stupor next to her. Not only was he passed out, he was drooling to boot. This meant Fritz missed the part of class when Coco decided to do more than just sit there listening to Professor Binns drone on and one. Though she thought it rather cool to have a professor who is a ghost, apparently dying didn't do much for his style of presentation. Professor Binns clearly was in need of something other than his prepared, long along memorized lesson. Just for a little change of pace.

Coco's hand shot into the air and the second Professor Binns looked her way, Coco let loose a string of questions. It hadn't mattered that he never actually called on her. "Perfesser Binns, 'ow come Uric tha Oddbawl were so odd? Were 'e picked on by tha of'er kids or sumfink? Called 'im bad names an' hims always wot gettin' 'is poor feeling 'urt? Couldn't 'elp bein' a bit different wif all them years of bein' picked on, now could 'e? Ware were tha parents and grans all that time? Didn't they never teach them of'er kids that it t'aint polite like ta be callin' anover kid oddbawl and of'er stuff loike that? Thems wot gorta teach tha kids manners doncha know?"

By the time class ended, Coco was rather pleased with successfully breaking Professor Binns' train of thought well enough that he ended up repeating over and over he would have to check his notes and get back to her about it all. Coco wasn't sure about the rest of the class but she thought the class would be ever so much more interesting if Professor Binns would add some color commentary to his lecture.

She quickly put History of Magic from her mind, however, because Fritz and she (and Pea of course) were going to get to fly today! When the time came to tell their brooms, "UP!", Coco is extremely chuffed when she gets her broom in hand on her second try. But the best part is when Madam Hooch finally gives the signal for everyone to kick off. Coco, Pea, and the broom shoot straight up, coming to a stop only when Coco can see for miles in every direction. Very soon she's steering the broom over the pitch just as Madam Hooch instructs and Coco is giggling with unfettered glee to by soaring with the wind on her face just like a bird. Pea, his head poking out of Coco's pocket, also has a look of sheer joy as the wind rushes past his tiny face.

As she makes a loop-da-loop Coco knows that the first thing she'll do when she gets back to her room is write Papa Wal a long, detailed letter about the utter joy of flying free.

---

I had had a talk with Professor Gryffindor about my Herbology the other day and as we talked I saw a parchment in her hand. "Professor what's that?" I asked and she told me it was for a Wizard's Chess Club and Tournament. She then told me anyone could join for the chance to earn house points and a greater chance to earn the House Cup.

I asked if I could sign up and she handed me the parchment I signed my name and thanked her. "Miss Paul, let the others in Gryffindor about it. I would like everyone to know about it."

I ran back to the tower and entered I saw some of my friends and told them about the Club. "Professor Logan told me it will give any house to win the cup. If we play we could have the chance to beat Slytherin if we win so who wants to join anyone can."

---

"I am sorry to surprise you Angelina."

I stop as the lion of Gryffindor comes to a halt in front of me. I raise my hand slowly and pat the mighty animal on his muzzle. A second later he is purring and I continue to gently rub, moving my hand until it rests upon the side of his head.

I had seen Angelina leave the main building and followed her, knowing that she would most likely pay a visit to her feline guardian.

"I sensed your pain. And I too have sensed the Dark Forces moving." I turn to the lion. "There is something ... you will know soon enough Angelina ... someone has tried to remove one of the old books from the library."

---

Upon hearing what Madam Pince said, I felt my stomach do a flip flop. "Was the book in the Restricted Section?" I asked. Much to Madam Pinces dismay she nodded.

"Do you know what book it was that someone tried to take?" I asked and Madam Pince looked at me. "I'm not sure one of the Screaming Books must have scared them off before they had a chance," she answered.

Knowing full well who would possibly want any dark arts books I looked at the Lion then to Madam Pince and my mind went back to when I was a girl living with my Grandfather during my summers. "Now child you are a true Gryffindor and I think you are old enough to understand what I am about to tell you," he began.

"The heir of Slytherin will try anything to take over the magic and muggle worlds and will stop at nothing. There is a book that Salazar Slytherin once had that was taken away from him by your ancestor Godric Gryffindor. He hid the book somewhere deep in the library of Hogwarts with the help of a good friend. We, the descendents of Godric Gryffindor, have the power to keep it contained by the Lion of Gryffindor. We have kept it out of the Slytherin heir's hands for generations and now when you get older you will have the power of the Lion and the destany of the Gryffindor line. Do you understand?"

I opened my eyes as I gave a nod knowing full well what was to come. "The Dark Lord's goons must not get the book." I told Madam Pince, "and if they try they'd have to get to it over my dead body." As I said those words Madam Pince gasped and the lion gave a low growl as to say "as well as mine."