Preliminary
Hearing
Author: Albus Dumbledore
Date: 09-15-03 07:36
I was somewhat disappointed in the results of last week's meeting with Amelia Bones, head of MLE for the Ministry. The meeting, itself, had taken several weeks to arrange, due to the heavy workload of both Amelia and Dierna. Christina and I had traveled via the Floo Network, from my office directly to the Ministry. We arrived at the Atrium a bit early, giving us time to brush the soot off our robes and to let Christina have a look around. The fireplaces were especially busy on that morning, with long queues waiting to depart, and other wizards popping in every few moments from the fireplaces along our side. The Fountain of the Magical Brethren quite took her fancy as we walked to the Security desk. I passed my wand to Eric, who duly registered it, then told Christina to do the same. We were then allowed to pass the Golden Gates and take the lift up to level two.
Dierna was already in Amelia's office when we arrived. Obviously, she had briefed her Department Head on the situation, and I could see by the look on Amelia's face that this would be a complicated matter. Christina was introduced, and we all sat down around Amelia's desk. She already knew the facts of the case, but wanted to see the evidence first-hand, before making any sort of decision. I explained the procedure we had used to repair the damage caused by the Dark Lord. Amelia, being an accomplished Legilimens, was able to see for herself, enough of Sorcha's history to be satisfied. However, since this case did involve kidnapping, torture and death, she felt it best to bring the matter before the Wizengamot. A date was set for Tuesday of the following week, which would be May 27.
Now, here it is Monday. I am hoping tomorrow's presentation will not take too long. I have arranged for Alastor Moody (the real one) to take over the DADA classes for the morning. I have asked him to present some actual defensive techniques he has used in real situations. I am hoping he doesn't frighten some of the younger students too much. I will not be sitting with the Wizengamot, as I will be "defending" Christina. I have prepared my case for presentation. Now, all I can do is wait. Well, I do have to teach today's classes, but... the waiting is the hard part.
MOM HQ: MMAD
Author: Drucilla Eternal
Date: 09-15-03 20:40
I sat at Arthur's desk, twirling my wand between two fingers, practically wanting to scream with frustration. Things had not been going well. The visit to Molly Weasley's home a few weeks back had turned out to be a waste of time. No hints or answers were to be found in the Borrow. Instead, I had to spend valuable hours listening to that frumpy wife of Arthur's prattle on about her darling children and her lovely husband. After endless cups of tea, and two pastries I finally had managed to drag myself away from the usless woman.
But where else to look, I wondered to myself? I knew I had to stick with Arthur. He was my whole focus, the one I had told my dark Lord held a key. If I abandoned Arthur now, my use to Him might be over too. And when He had no use for you anymore... I shuddered inwardly, trying not to think about it. No, I had to concentrate.
Tapping the desk with my wand, I paused my wand in mid-air. Carefully tapping the center of the desk, I noticed a hollow wooden sound. Tapping to the left, the sound of solid wood met my ears. Was it possible that Arthur's love for muggles had tempted him into buying a Muggle style desk? A muggle desk with secret compartments?
Feeling a huge smile tug on my lips, I looked at the desk with joy. What was I talking about? Of course Arthur would have a muggle's desk, after all this is Arthur Weasley we're talking about. For once in my entire life, I was actually thanking those awful muggles for this wonderful piece of furniture.
Moscow, Russia:
Waiting Patiently
Author: Ethan Somerset
Date: 09-16-03 10:15
Ethan sat next to the window in a small apartment in Novy Arbat, a neighborhood in Moscow. The window presented an exceptional view of the city, and today was exceptionally nice with fantastic blue skies draped over the tops of the other high-rise buildings in the area. Seated on the small, brown sofa a few yards from Ethan was Darksong, staring vacantly ahead at a small TV screen against the opposite wall.
Both of their minds were filled with the memory of a few weeks ago when Darksong committed herself to Ethan and the Dark Lord's cause. After her confirmation, Ethan had immediately swept her away to Russia because he had seen the brief flicker of panic cross Darksong's face as she weighed the dilemma in her mind. He had known right then and there that he could not possibly leave her alone. She would run, and it was vital that Ethan deliver her to the Dark Lord. She had all the potential Voldemort desired, and soon even she would realize this.
Once in Moscow, Ethan, still in the guise of Evan Salisbury, had brought her to Kep-Tian's safe house. Two sets of eyes on an anxious mouse would be better than one. To be sure, Ethan had stripped Darksong of her wand and had seen to it that there was no possible route for escape. The door was secured with a barrier spell, and the apartment was twenty floors up. Her only path to freedom would be a miraculous survival of a jump out of the window...or even death itself.
To prevent the staff and directors of the Daily Prophet from wondering about Darksong's mysterious absence, Ethan had forced her to write a letter to her employer stating a brief, personal and emergency hiatus for her sudden and lengthy departure.
Everything was prepared for Darksong's and Kep-Tian's initiations into Voldemort's fold. They just had to sit and wait for the appropriate time.
The front door swung open, jarring both Ethan and Darksong from their thoughts. Ethan rose to meet Kep-Tian, who arrived bearing two large sacks of food for a late lunch. It smelled delicious. With a flick of his wand, Kep-Tian secured the barrier of the door and handed Ethan one of the sacks.
"Take-out from Ampir, downtown. I don't know what half of it is, but it looks good," Kep-Tian said.
"Smells good, too," Ethan said. He cast a glance at Darksong, who had remained on the sofa but was watching both of the men quietly. "You need to eat something if you want to be of any use to the Dark Lord. Fasting isn't going to get you anywhere." He accepted a plate from Kep-Tian and dumped some of the food onto it before passing it to Darksong.
He watched her idly as she picked at the food a little, tasting it cautiously almost as if it could be poisoned.
Ethan checked his watch and removed a small vial from his pocket. Unstoppering it, he downed the contents and pulled a disgusted face. He had decided early on to remain disguised as Evan Salisbury, should Darksong escape by some unforeseen miracle. Ethan Somerset hadn't been seen by anyone in Great Britain since he left Hogwarts in February. He wasn't about to blow his cover yet.
He knew Dierna and Dumbledore had been conducting investigations into his disappearance. Why give a newspaper reporter the opportunity to squeal on his whereabouts and status?
Casting another glance at Darksong, Ethan smirked. Soon she'd be in Voldemort's hands.
Preparation
for Finals
Author: Hermione Granger
Date: 09-16-03 12:27
Ever since the final Hogsmeade trip of the year, Hermione could tell that something was bothering Harry, and it had nothing to do with the upcoming final exams. He was quiet and pensive, lost in and disturbed by his thoughts. Hermione had tried to ask him about it a few times throughout the past two weeks, but Harry refused to open up to her or anyone else. It seemed he rather preferred to remain alone with his thoughts, at least for the time being.
Knowing it was useless to pry any further and also knowing that Harry would come clean eventually, Hermione and Ron left him be regarding the matter. Instead, Hermione pushed the boys to study hard this week because finals were coming up and it would be very important to do well. "Just because it's the last week of school, doesn't mean you both can start to slack off already. The summer holidays start after finals."
They were sitting in the Gryffindor common room, sprawled out on the over-stuffed couch and an armchair with books and parchments scattered across the coffee table and end table nearby.
"Yes, Hermione," Ron said monotonously.
"And don't forget about the career expo on Wednesday. I'm going to meet with both representatives, and you both should do the same no matter what your career plans are." She directed a stern gaze in Ron's direction. "It wouldn't hurt to have something to fall back on, in case Quidditch doesn't work out for you."
"Who says Quidditch isn't going to work out for me?" Ron asked. "Even if I don't make a major team right off the bat, there will be other Quidditch-related opportunities available to me."
"Just keep an open mind about other things, okay?" Hermione suggested, returning to the Transfiguration textbook open on her lap.
Ron shrugged and exchanged an amused glance with Harry before returning to the very boring History of Magic textbook he had been thumbing through just moments earlier.
Monday
Author: Desdemona Diamond
Date: 09-16-03 19:20
I woke up early, as usual. Instead of doing some weird thing, I just gathered my bathroom items and left to get ready. When I returned only to find that Bronwyn still hadn't gotten up yet, I just put my stuff away. I picked up one of my pillows, and opened the curtains to Bronwyn's bed. To wake her up, I hit her with the pillow.
When she did wake up, I told her she was late and we only had 5 minutes before class started. I watched as she dashed around the room trying to get ready. Only when she paused and asked why I wasn't moving did I start laughing. When she asked what was so funny and I told her that I woke her up early, she just laughed. That confused me.
Breakfast went well, as did my other morning class. I joined Bronwyn in the library and studied with her for the rest of the morning. Lunch was good, and Potions was as good as Potions could be with Snape teaching. I went back to studying while Bronwyn went off to her afternoon class.
She joined up with me and we went to dinner. The conversation was really good until one of the sixth years asked, "So, how goes the studying for the OWLs?"
"I don't want to hear anything about the OWLs again I'm so sick of studying," I said, "Next time someone says OWLs I'm going to slam my head on the table."
"Yeah, I agree," Bronwyn said.
"Oh, I know, I felt the same why when I had to study for the OWLs," The sixth year said.
BANG! I dropped my head onto the table with a bit of force, and decided not to move until Astronomy, if I could help it.
MOM HQ: Urges
Author: Voleta Barret
Date: 09-16-03 22:23
Death Eaters kidnapping muggles... They had been doing it for ages, but this one- this Death Eater left a calling card. Voleta held it in her hand, rubbing it with her thumb as if trying to rub the ink completely off. She no longer had to tap it with her wand to make the picture appear. Just her own touch worked.
Voleta had a weird feeling toward the card, it called to her. She had held it in her pocket all that evening after she had returned from the muggle man's home, and in the morning she had decided not to show it to Dierna after all. "It is just a card," thought Voleta. "There can't be any harm in not letting Dierna know about it." But in the back of her mind, Voleta knew that she really should show it to Dierna. She had been told to keep an eye out for suspicious things in the muggle world. "That was articles, not calling cards. Dierna should have specified that she wanted everything." "But it is evidence from a crime scene!" the second voice was now starting to yell, but Voleta just sat rubbing the card.
An abrupt knock at the door woke Voleta from her trance-like state. "Come in!"
"Voleta-" It was Dierna, she was panting a bit as if she had run from her office to Voleta's. "Bellatrix Lestrange- she's escaped." She took a deep breath before continuing. "Over six weeks ago, and I am just now finding out. That damn Fudge was trying to cover it up!"
Voleta starred at her. "Six weeks ago? That would mean that..." she let her words trail off. Suddenly the card had gotten really warm. With a sharp intake of breath, Voleta dropped it onto the desk. The picture instantly disappeared.
"What? Huh? What is that card, Voleta? And what does what mean?" Dierna's eyebrows were knit together with suspicion.
Voleta shrugged, "Nothing really," quickly she came up with an excuse, "just that my parents' dog died mysteriously six weeks ago. I thought it could be connected, but I suppose probably not. That's all." Voleta frowned, she was for once getting annoyed with Dierna.
"And the card, what's that?" The Head Auror pointed to the white card.
"Oh, this?" Voleta almost picked it up, but thought better not to in case the picture revealed itself. "It's nothing- was in my inbox along with a whole bunch of other things. It seems to get hot after a loud noise. Probably is someone's idea of a prank."
Dierna nodded and Voleta's heart jumped, "Is she actually falling for it?"
"Okay, thought you should know about Lestrange." Dierna turned toward the door, her hand resting on the knob, she stopped and turned back around. "By the way, have you found any suspicious articles in muggle newspapers?"
Voleta's heart plunged, "Ummm... no, I haven't. Not a one, and I've been reading fifteen papers a day. Nothing of real importance."
Slowly Dierna's head started to nod again, "Okay, keep up the work. Especially since Lestrange is on the loose. She used to love torturing muggles for fun." She put emphasis on the last sentence.
"Okay, thanks, I'll add a couple more papers to my pile. Maybe we can find a lead." Voleta was now desperately wanting Dierna to leave.
"Yeah, well, talk to you later." Dierna shut the door behind her with a soft click. Waiting two seconds, Voleta snatched up the card again. It was cool, and the image appeared almost instantly. The sign of the Death Eaters. The sign of Voldemort. Why was it that all of a sudden that icon was comforting?
Tuesday Morning
- Early
Author: Albus Dumbledore
Date: 09-17-03 05:06
Shortly after eight, I pass by Professor Sorcha's classroom. I see that the old fellow from Hogsmeade, Nevvyn as he calls himself, is already drilling the sixth year group from Slytherin and Hufflepuff on the esoteric meaning of certain Ogham Runes. Christina is standing just outside the door, waiting for me.
"Are you ready for this?" I ask quietly.
"Yes, I suppose I must be," she replies. "But I'm still frightened!" I give her hand a sympathetic squeeze and then lead the way downstairs to the front door. It is a beautiful May morning. The sun is shining and the birds are singing. Together, we walk down the path toward the main gates. The winged boars atop the pillars look down on us as we pass through. Some fifty feet past the gates there is a grassy clearing. I draw Christina into this area, and together we apparate to a grungy street in downtown London.
Four Days
and Counting
Author: Alexis Black
Date: 09-17-03 10:14
Devo and Alexis sat bleary-eyed in the back row of transfiguration Tuesday morning, trying desperately to stay awake knowing their O.W.L.s were only four days away.
"Kinda makes you wish you paid attention all year, doesn't it?" Devo muttered wistfully to Alexis while McGonagall had her back turned to write on the board.
"I tried to pay attention all year!" Alexis whispered mournfully, "I simply can't make my teacup walk properly no matter what I do!"
Devo shrugged as McGonagall turned back around to lecture the class on their study habits.
"You should have been studying for these tests for months now..." She said as Devo's jaw dropped. Alexis sighed. "Maybe a hoard of rampaging nifflers will rip apart the school between now and Saturday, and there won't be O.W.L.s" Alexis said hopefully.
"While you're at it," Devo yawned, "You may as well wish for a million galleons for me." Alexis sighed again.
Waiting While
Studying
Author: Majandra
Date: 09-17-03 11:54
Sitting at the Gryffindor table, Majandra takes a sip of chilled, spiced pumpkin juice while reviewing Potions. Weeks ago, Hermione and she had put together study guides for all their classes, adding to the guides as new material was covered in each class. Majandra is positive she'll ace Muggle Studies, Care of Magical Creatures, and Astronomy. She's fairly certain she'll also get top grades in everything except Potions. Majandra thinks she'll have an excellent mark in Potions but one can never be sure with Professor Snape and for Majandra, Potions is the class that counts most in her career plans.
In fact, she's keeping watch of the clock so that she can catch Professor Snape after his third class of the morning is concluded. He'll have a break until this afternoon but since she's not scheduled an appointment, for all Majandra knows he'll rebuff her request for a meeting with excuses of getting lunch and seeing to other matters. She may have to work hard to convince him to set aside even five minutes for her but Majandra feels she must try. She needs to get a more clear idea if pursuing a career in Potions is worth her while because if Professor Snape tells her she's dreaming and quite barmy for thinking such things, Majandra wants to be sure to sign up to meet with the two coming tomorrow for career counseling.
Majandra checks her watch for the millionth time since coming to the Great Hall to study today. Sighing, she wonders why the past three minutes have felt more like three hours. Muttering under her breath, Majandra resumes her studying for the final examination in Potions.
Quizzing for
OWLs
Author: Pyrrhus
Date: 09-17-03 12:58
Blanket spread out, a bag full of refreshments, books and notebooks scattered around, Isolde and Py enjoy the sunny, spring weather while quizzing each other for the OWLs on Saturday. Without saying it aloud, both are fully aware of how nervous the other is. It's one thing to pretend not to care much about classes but it's quite another to blow off the OWLs. At least all their professors stopped giving assignments before last week and have spent the ensuing time making sure the fifth years are prepped for what awaits them on Saturday.
Taking a large swallow of water to help wash down the chocolate cookies he's been eating, Py decides upon the next question to ask his gorgeous study companion. "Okay, here's one from Herbology for you Isolde. Name at least five herbs or plants used to make topical ointments and name the ailment each ointment would be used to treat."
Bored
Author: Jet
Date: 09-17-03 16:34
Jet reclines his chair back on two legs, earning himself a withering stare from Madam Pince. He rolls his eyes but slowly lowers the chair back to its "correct" position. After Herbology ended at 10, Jet had come to the library though why, he's really not sure. He hasn't cracked a book in weeks other than the ones in his office. Unlike other fifth years, Jet hasn't a single worry about the OWLs on Saturday. With Salazar's knowledge firmly entrenched in his brain, anything they throw at him should be a breeze. The things on Jet's mind lately center around how bored he's become cooped up here at Hogwarts. Salazar yearns to escape these confines and in slightly more than a week, Jet and Salazar will do just that. The big question that remains to be answered though is will Jet make it back to the school come September. If this boredom gets any worse, the answer will be a definitive NO!
Third Year
Potions: Gryffindor and Slytherin
Author: Severus Snape
Date: 09-17-03 17:13
Professor Snape swept around the darkened Potions classroom, moving from cauldron to cauldron to inspect the bubbling contents within. "Mr. Baddock, your potion is about five shades too green. Did you foolishly neglect to stir the mixture the appropriate number of times as the instructions clearly state on the board?" Snape gestured a hand to the blackboard across the classroom.
Malcolm nodded his head and said, "Sorry Professor. I miscounted."
Snape directed a poignant gaze at the young Slytherin and continued his inspection of the cauldrons. When he came to Dennis Creevey's, the Potions Master paused and lifted stern eyes to the young Gryffindor's face. "What in Merlin's name have you done here, Mr. Creevey?" The mixture inside the cauldron bubbled dangerously and smelled terribly of dirty socks. It was also a putrid yellow color.
Dennis quivered nervously and squeaked, "I don't know, sir!"
"You don't know?" Snape repeated sourly, dropping his eyes onto the work table nearby. Residue of ground beetle wings, a small, half-empty vial of eye of newt and long pieces of green onion rested next to a flask of a strange, yellow liquid.
"It seems to me, Mr. Creevey," Snape stated slowly and succinctly, as if he was lecturing a 5-year-old child, "that you forgot to add the green onion to the flask of dandelion juice before adding a teaspoon of the mixture to your cauldron. It also seems to me that you added far more than a mere teaspoon of pure dandelion juice to your potion. This is useless." Snape waved his hand and the contents of the cauldron emptied.
Dennis gulped and looked down into his empty cauldron, missing the slightly bemused expression that passed over Snape's face. He swept on, moving to the remaining cauldrons and doling out far more criticism than compliments before returning to his podium at the front of the room. "This potion will be on your final exam. I suggest you study the ingredient list and the instructions carefully before next week. Prepare an essay on the properties of the potion for Thursday's class. Class dismissed."
The third year Gryffindor and Slytherin students hurried out of the room, Dennis Creevey at the front of the line, leaving Snape alone in the classroom for a few minutes. With a wave of the hand, Snape emptied the cauldrons and tidied up the dungeon for his afternoon classes before sweeping out of the classroom for the Great Hall.
Response to
a Query
Author: Severus Snape
Date: 09-17-03 18:02
Snape had just entered the Great Hall when Majandra Fine approached him with a query. "Professor Snape, can I speak with you for a few minutes? It's about Potions."
Visibly disinterested, Snape paused midstride for the High Table and cast a bland look at the Gryffindor. "What is it, Miss Fine?" he asked drolly. He raised his dark eyes to the enchanted ceiling and waited for her to speak again.
"I was wondering if..." She stopped and asked, "Could we go to your office?"
"Is your question about Potions of so dire importance and secrecy that it cannot be asked here in the Great Hall?" Snape queried, lowering his eyes to study Majandra's face.
She didn't flinch at his question and simply went on. "No, I just would like to ask about whether or not you think I'd have what it takes to have a future in Potions."
"You are in my N.E.W.T. class, Miss Fine. I think the answer to that question is self evident," Snape replied rather indifferently. "However, you still have much to learn and accomplish before you will have any success in the field."
Majandra nodded and looked pensive as if she was processing new questions in her head, but when she didn't speak again, Snape cast one final look at her and continued on his path to the High Table.
MoM - Sorcha's
Hearing
Author: Albus Dumbledore
Date: 09-17-03 18:49
We pop back into existence in the entry alcove of what once was a small store. Where the windows have been broken, they are boarded over. The few unbroken panes have been painted white from the inside. A great padlock and chain secure the door in place of a normal latch. "NoÉ this is not one of the better parts of town," I tell Christina in answer to her questioning look.
We step into the deserted street and walk some twenty feet to a dilapidated telephone booth. I motion for Christina to step inside, which she does. I follow, closing the squeaking door. At first it is quite cozy, but in a few moments the booth seems to have expanded to accommodate the two of us. Without bothering to lift the receiver, I dial the number 6... 2... 4... 4... 2! A rather pleasant female voice seems to come from nowhere and everywhere, all at once. "Welcome to the Ministry of Magic. Please state your name and business."
I clear my throat and announce, "Professors Albus Dumbledore and Christina Sorcha, of Hogwarts, to see Madam Amelia Bones."
"Thankew!" the voice responds, and a few seconds later, a pair of shiny badges clatter into the coin return slot. I fetch them out, clipping mine to my robes and handing the other to Christina.
With a lurch and a grumble, the 'Telephone booth' begins to sink into the ground. Christina grabs my arm in alarm. "Not to worry, my dear! It is a type of lift, which will take us down to the Atrium." In due course, it does exactly that, stopping about six inches short of its goal so that we must step down to exit. Now that we are in familiar territory, Christina releases the 'death-grip' she has on my arm. Together, we walk the length of the Atrium, headed for the Security Desk. We sign in and Eric checks our wands, allowing us to pass the Golden Gates and gain access to the lifts. Five stops and several hundred 'plane-mail' memos later, we arrive at Level 2.
Amelia, Dierna, and several others are just coming down the hallway toward us. They motion for us to hold the lift for them. Everyone manages to crowd in, and Amelia directs the lift to level 9. "We will be in Courtroom 3, today," she announces as she herds us along the corridor and down the stairs. This is a relief, as it is relatively small. No room for a great crowd of spectators.
"Will the Minister be coming?" I ask.
"No!" she replies. "He has left the final decision to me."
We come to a great wooden door with a gold "3" painted near the top. Amelia takes a large brass key from her pouch. Inserting it in the lock, she uses both hands to turn it. With a loud "snick", the bolt is withdrawn and she pushes the door open. With a wave of her wand, she lights the numerous candles and torches around the room. The place has not been used in quite some time, judging by the thick layer of dust over everything. She takes out an oversized kerchief and begins wiping off a few of the seats. I come to her aid with a "Hooverus" spell. As I point my wand here and there about the room, there is a sound of rushing air and an irritating whining noise. However, within moments, the place is relatively dustless and we are able to take our seats.
Presto Change-o
Author: Amerah Patterson
Date: 09-17-03 21:22
I listen intently to Professor McGonagall as she explains how to transfigure rabbits into slippers. After finally catching the rabbit, I tap my wand on the rabbits and make them transform.
*poof* The rabbit transform into a slipper. I take the pair to Profeessor McGonagall. "How's this, professor?" I ask, showing her the pair of slippers.
"Not bad, Miss Patterson," she replies. "Though I do not believe slippers are supposed to nibble," she adds. I go a bit pink. The slippers, which looked fine for the most part, were nibbling on the corner of Professor McGonagall's desk. I bring them back to my desk to correct the problem.
"Zapata," I say, and the slippers stop nibbling. Phew! That was a bit embarrassing! I raise my hand, and Professor McGonagall comes over. "Is this better?" I ask, as she looks at the slippers.
"Yes," she says. "Very good." She leaves to examine others. Behind me Arielle Beck is giggling, obviously at my nibbling slippers "That's enough from you, Ari!" I say "No more laughing at me!"
"I'm not laughing at you!" Ariella laughs. "I'm laughing with you!"
"You see me laughing?" I say, starting to giggle myself. Before Ariella can answer Professor McGonagall gives us both sharp looks. We take the hint and stop giggling.
