Forgiving
Author: Hermione Granger
Date: 05-23-02 10:35
It was a few days after the Hogsmeade trip when Hermione realized that she was honestly making a big deal out of nothing regarding the Ron and Majandra situation. She had just over-reacted and cried her eyes out for no good reason. Majandra, in her starry-gazed stupor had kissed Ron. He was completely and utterly innocent, and Hermione had accused him of the worst––forsaking their precious relationship.
When Hermione realized her fault, she made an attempt to apologize to Ron, but he wouldn't hear it. Every opportunity he had had while she was still angry with him, he had used to make her see that he would never do such a horrible thing to her. And yet, she wouldn't listen and would only stalk off in another direction just to get away from him. It had hurt both of them badly. Hermione felt betrayed, and Ron's heart had become more and more wounded with every failed attempt he had made to win her back. And now he was angry with her. How could she not trust him? How could she think that he would do something so terrible to her when he loved her with the whole of his heart?
It was Hermione's turn to follow him around and apologize constantly. She tried and tried to explain to him that it had all happened so fast and she hadn't had the time to think properly when it had happened. But, it went in one ear and out the other. He was hurt. And she was starting to realize just what a grave mistake she had made.
Sharing a dorm room with Majandra had been difficult at first, but when Hermione realized she had erred, she stopped glaring at her roommate and actually started talking to her once more. Majandra, still madly in love with Ron, would continue to gush about him, but Hermione would emphasize over and over again in her mind that it would pass, just like all of Majandra's other crushes had passed.
On the Friday before the holidays, Hermione spent the morning in the Gryffindor common room penning a letter to Viktor.
Dear Viktor,
I'm terribly sorry I ran out of the bookshop so quickly without giving you a proper good-bye. I was just upset and angry, and I really wasn't thinking. I apologize for any confusion there might have been.
I should have told you this a long time ago, but I couldn't bear to see you get hurt. Ron and I have been a couple since Halloween. Well, we were a couple. I fear that since running out of the bookshop and accusing him of betraying our relationship, we are over. I've apologized to him for my mistake, but he won't accept it.
I hope that you are not angry with me for keeping the truth from you. I know I have led you on, and I'm extremely sorry for it. Please forgive me.
Your friend,
Hermione
When she finished, she tucked the letter in her copy of the Complete Works of Shakespeare. She'd take it to the owlery after her muggle studies class that afternoon. She was about to rise from her seat to head over to the library when Ron and Harry appeared. Harry smiled and made sure that Ron was directed over to where Hermione was sitting.
"Morning, Hermione," Harry said, taking a seat on the couch next to her.
Hermione smiled back, "Good morning, Harry. Ron."
Ron made a disapproving noise, and folded his arms as he slid into a leather armchair.
"Harry, could you ask Ron if he's still planning on going to the ball?" Hermione finally said, turning to Harry when she realized that Ron wouldn't talk to her.
Harry cleared his throat and turned to Ron, "So, Ron–"
"Harry, could you tell Hermione that I will be attending the ball," Ron replied, cutting off Harry's sentence.
Harry turned back to Hermione, "He'll be–"
"Harry, could you ask Ron if he has a date to the ball?" Hermione interjected.
Harry turned back to Ron.
Ron raised his gaze from the floor and fixed his eyes on Hermione. "Hermione, I'm going to the ball with Majandra."
"You're what?"
"I'm going to the ball with Majandra. When you were still angry with me, and I was already getting angry with you, I just asked her. She was always hanging around me anyway...I'm surprised she's not here now. I didn't want to go alone, and I figured Viktor would be taking you anyway. I didn't think you'd want me to take you any longer."
"Well, you see that I have come to my senses now, Ron. I was stupid, so incredibly stupid! I see that now, and I know you're hurt and angry–"
Ron stood suddenly, "You have no idea, Hermione. No idea." He bolted out of the common room, leaving Hermione and Harry speechless for some moments.
"So, this is it then," Hermione finally said.
Harry shook his head, "It's far from over, Hermione. Believe me."
Quarantine
Author: Helena Tufton
Date: 05-23-02 15:49
Helena's illness took a turn for the worse that Saturday night. She struggled in her sleep, moaning and thrashing about. Charlie kept constant vigil to make sure that she at least stayed alive. She looked far from it the next morning, however. Her brow was beaded with sweat, but her features were pale. Cursing, Charlie scoured the little tent for the herbal supplies the crew had left him. Using his wand, he created some sort of concoction, which was later forced down her throat. Whatever it was, it had seemed to help.
She slept deeply the next few days, waking only for meals, such as broth and porridge, which Charlie fed her.
When Helena awoke nearly a week later, she found herself bundled up with thick, woolen blankets. She was stretched out on a cot and Charlie was sitting in a metal folding chair by her side. He had a piece of parchment in his lap and was scribbling quite furiously upon it while mumbling quite loudly.
"Could you lower the decibels some, Weasley?" Helena said, quite loudly herself.
Charlie jumped in his seat. "Helena! You're awake! And, back to your normal self, I see." He tossed the parchment and quill aside and leaned forward to get a better look at her. "You look terrible!"
"Thanks," Helena replied sarcastically. "You don't look so hot yourself." She tried to sit up some, brushing away Charlie's hands when he offered her his help. When she finally got to a comfortable position, she looked him over. He looked tired and a little on the scruffy side. OK, so he was hot, but she wouldn't dare admit that to him. As if his ego needed to be inflated any larger.
She shifted her gaze away from him and nodded to the parchment and quill, which now lay scattered on the ground. "What's that all about?"
Charlie looked down at the items and reached to pick them up. "Oh, I was just writing a letter."
"I noticed that much, Weasley," Helena said, rolling her eyes. "Who are you writing to?"
Charlie held the parchment close to his body so that she couldn't lean over and see what he had written. "Aren't we nosey today. Well, if you simply must know, I'm writing to Bella."
Helena shrugged, "Who's Bella?"
"My girlfriend, or, well, I don't exactly know what she is to me right now." He sighed and looked away.
"Oh, lovers spat?"
Charlie chuckled slightly, "You could call it that."
Helena said nothing snippy in return. She knew what it was like to have relationship problems. Instead, she focused back on Charlie's letter. "So, what are you writing?"
Charlie looked exasperated. "Well, it's not really any of your business, but since I'm stuck with you for the next three weeks–"
"Wait a minute!" Helena practically sprung out of bed, but proceeded to have a coughing fit. Charlie pounded her on the back a few times, until she was calm again. When she found her voice, she whined, "Three weeks? I'm stuck here in this miserable tent with you for three weeks!"
Charlie nodded solemnly. "I know. It'll be absolutely unbearable. I really don't like it anymore than you do, Helena." He sighed. "A quarantine lasts at least three weeks, and since you're sick, we may be here even longer."
Helena frowned.
Location Unknown
Author: Julian Valentine
Date: 05-23-02 16:34
In an little known corner of the Wizarding World, Grillock sits chuckling mightily to himself. The half goblin-half Wizarding human simply lived for such fiendishly devious plots. His contact had brought him just such a job, the sort over which one rubs one's hands in glee.
On a piece of parchment identical to Hogswarts stationary, Grillock has written in a feminine hand.
Dearest Bill,
I was able to snag tickets for that play I mentioned to you. We can celebrate the upcoming holidays and me having more free time to spend with you. I have errands to run after my last class of the day so just meet me there. Your ticket and a map to the theater are enclosed. I'm sure you remember how to use the Underground. The play starts at 7:30 so meet me outside the theater at 7:00. Dress casually. Those nice tan Muggle slacks with that midnight blue sweater would do nicely. Looking forward to this evening!
Love,
Adriana
On another piece of parchment, one that looks just like the complimentary parchment found in the rooms of the inn in Hogsmeade Grillock writes in a very masculine hand.
My Darling Adriana,
I just received an owl from Gringotts in Egypt. They need me to resolve a problem. This shouldn't take more than a day or two. If I don't make it back to spend at least part of the weekend with you, then I will see you bright and early Monday morning, Christmas day, to go to my parents' as planned. They are really looking forward to having you over for Christmas! If this problem at Gringotts takes longer than expected, I'll have Dad come meet you in Hogsmeade. I'm really sorry about this!
All my love,
Bill
Sniggering with the problems sure to be caused with these letters, Grillock couldn't be more smug with his handiwork of he tried. Sending each letter off with an owl, Grillock sits back to wait until time for the next phase of the plan.
Friday, 9-10
AM: Transfigurations Class
Author: Fred Weasley
Date: 05-23-02 18:50
"Ah, the last Friday morning we have to get up and go to class this year." Fred strolled down the hallway towards the Transfigurations classroom with an arm around Sammi and George and Lee at his side.
Sammi nodded, "Can yeh believe it's almost 1996!"
"Time flies when you're up to no good, that's for sure!" George added.
"Say, George," Lee began, eyeing the redhead curiously, "I'm going to the ball with Eileen, and Fred and Sammi here are surely going to go together. The question is, who are you going to go with?"
George couldn't answer, however, because the foursome were soom ushered into the classroom by Professor McGonagall, who honestly didn't seem to realize that vacation started that afternoon.
Distracted
Author: Amelia Davis
Date: 05-23-02 19:19
Amelia ran into Transfigurations and slid into her seat. She avoided Professer McGonagall's eyes. The Gryffindor knew very well that she was late.
"Sorry Professer..." Amelia mumbled as she slowly shifted off into her own world. Her sister was going home for the holidays, but she herself had chosen to stay.
And then there was this whole Snow Ball thing. Amelia kind of wanted to go, but had know clue who'd she go with... She sighed.
"Miss Davis?"
"What? Oh, sorry..." Amelia realized she had spaced out. She did her best to stay focused from then on.
Educating
Alexis
Author: Isolde
Date: 05-23-02 19:28
It was Friday, the 22nd of December, and Isolde was reclining on a leather couch in the Slytherin common room with Pyrrhus' arms around her. His lips were brushing across the back of her neck as they cuddled before the warm fire. Azaelia and Robert were across the room playing footsies beneath a chess board and Alexis had wandered off to the Great Hall to grab a bite to eat only moments earlier.
As she sat there, Isolde pondered back to the Hogsmeade trip. What Alexis had revealed to them all after the visit to the bookshop had been shocking, to say the least. Having lived in Greece, British wizarding customs were completely foreign to her. Where she came from, dark arts books were available to the public as a whole. When the other four learned that, they're eyes widened and their jaws dropped to the floor. Were there really societies out there where dark wizards and ordinary wizards lived together in perfect harmony? It seemed a bit far-fetched, but somehow Alexis made it believeable.
But not knowing who Voldemort was? Isolde had looked at Pyrrhus in surprise, and Azaelia had done likewise to Robert. How could a Slytherin of all people not know who he was? After Alexis had revealed her ignorance, the four had swept her away as quickly as possible back to the common room to explain to her exactly who he was and what he stood for. She listened intently, and by the time they were finished, she knew everything there possibly was to know about him.
Isolde was torn from her reverie when Pyrrhus whispered roughly into her ear, "So, my love. The holidays are upon us, and there's a ball in the near future. Would you do me the honor of being my date, Isolde Farnon?"
Isolde didn't even have to think twice. "You didn't have to ask, you know. Of course, I'll go with you, Pyrrhus. But, I think we need to find someone for Alexis. Any thoughts?" She starting counting off available people with her fingers, "There's Pete Marsh. As far as I know, he doesn't have a date yet. Hmm, there's also Crabbe and Goyle...I'm sure Malfoy is already spoken for."
They thought about it for a while longer until Alexis showed up in the common room.
9-10 AM DADA
Author: Nessiah Wenton
Date: 05-23-02 19:34
Nessiah wandered to class ahead of her friends. They had been still getting dressed and discussing the Snow Ball. She hadn't been up for that topic much as she probably wasn't going.
The Hufflepuff had just skipped out on that conversation and headed towards DADA. Nessiah wanted the day to get over with. She was going home for the holidays. She couldn't wait.
Preparation
Author: Dierna ní Cíaran
Date: 05-23-02 20:48
Wearing a warm winter's cloak, I walk over to Briar's Bakery. I have been told that the Dementors are finally going to be evacuated from Azkaban, and all the aurors must report to the MOM office in London for a final meeting. I don't want my friend worrying if she doesn't see me for a while. I have no delusions about the task ahead. The Dementors are not going to leave just like that.
I walk out of the freezing rain and into the shop.
"Hello, a chara. I have come to let you know that I'll be away for a while. The aurors have all been called to evict the Dementors from Azkaban. I don't know when I'll be back, but I didn't want you worry about why I wasn't about the village in a while."
Leaving Early
Author: Belladonna
Date: 05-23-02 21:42
"Oh, God, this place hasn't changed since I've been here. I keep feeling I'll be called to the headmaster's office any moment now. I don't know why, but this place gives me the creeps and it's too cold. Ou est Bella? Elle est tarde, naturelment!"
The speaker was a tall, dark-haired woman who could have been Bella Sinistra but for the look of being ready to burst any moment and bring a baby into the world. Nevertheless, the resemblance drew quite a few stares, especially since a rather handsome male with very dark blond hair was cuddled up next to her.
"Calm down, Izzy. She's probably still packing. Lord knows not a vacation goes by without Sinistra women trying to see how much they can fit into enchanted suitcases. We'll just go to the tower and see if we can hurry her along. Bloody hell, I can't get the password! You got it, Dylan?"
Dylan Sinistra started to open his mouth, but was interrupted by a rather attractive, jolly looking, honeyed-haired woman with Welsh accent who had Dylan's arm about her shoulders and her arm about her waist.
"Let me not to the marriage of true minds admit impediment. Love does not alter when it alteration finds. Ha, I knew that was it. Didn't change it since Dylan visited. I remember it because we had to look it up. Shakespeare, one of the sonnets and she's stopped the Latin. Dyls never paid attention in Muggle Studies."
"Like you did, Brynn? Bella did most of your homework in transformations and potions, as I remember. Snape gave us a ton of it too. Lucien got out of it, but not us. Darn Slytherins got out of everything. Do we knock?"
Isabella Sinistra-Wyndham flung open her twin sister's door to find the door to the adjoining living quarters open and her Bella standing in a pile of books, clothing, and other accessories.
"Bloody hell! Luc, grabe those books and shove them into a basket. Dyls, stop revisiting all your favorite makeout spots and you and Brynn start shoving in clothes. The house elves can iron them. Bella...wow, you look great!"
Bella laughed and turned around. There was a lightness about her and a bit of earth compared to pure airyness. She was wearing Muggle, as was everyone else in the room and suddenly looked embarrassed to be caught trying on a new bikini. She quickly threw on a pair of low rise jeans and a halter top, which did nothing to cover up her old bits of wild child roots. The ankle tattoo and naval ring were clearly visible, but her parents had seen it soon after she had gotten it for her sixteenth birthday.
"Sorry. What time is it? I completely got distracted. Thanks for helping. Look, I'll just toss these cosmetics into a case, brush out my hair again, and then be ready to go when I grab my sandals. A week and a half by the sea side is just what I need."
She warmly hugged her family. Her parents were waiting at Satis-by-the-Sea, one of the family's many homes, this one located in a charming French seaside town made up entirely of rich wizards. She checked herself in the mirror once more and grabbed her makeup case, Luna's cage, and a suitcase.
The five of them laughed and gossiped as they made their way to Hogsmeade and disapperated. Next stop, Satis-by-the-Sea!
