Well...
Author: Vera Delgety
Date: 11-21-02 11:36

Vera didn't even take the time to think about Lawrence's offer. "I'll come with ya!" She blurted out. A look of relief spread across Lawrence's face it seemed.

"All right...Squizzlie? Mirai?" He asked.

Squizzlie petted his cat. "I think I should head home. Felix is getting hungry. It was nice to meet you guys! I can't wait to see you on the train." He smiled.

"Yeah, I still have some stuff to get for school. Maybe next time?" Mirai smiled as well and the two left.

Vera turned to Lawrence. "Well now, looks like it's just you and me again." She said grinning. "Well then," He lifted his arm, "Shall we?" Vera took hold and the were off to The Apothecary.

---

Time Again for School Supplies
Author: Sykra Sawyer
Date: 11-21-02 17:29

Sykra tapped on the correct brick combination in order to enter Diagon Alley. She was hoping to catch some of her friends there, as well as avoiding any mishaps such as ones she is famous for. Like last year running into a display at Flourish & Blotts. Grinning at the memory, the soon to be seventh year Ravenclaw headed towards the shop, where she hoped she wasn't remembered, for her school books. So, while keeping an eye at for her friends, Sykra began her shopping.

---

Hmm...
Author: Mirai Schultz
Date: 11-22-02 09:12

Having bought all the books she needed, Mirai decided to leave her books at the Leaky Cauldron and go back to Diagon Alley to continue her school shopping alone. She had to smile at the memory of her separating with her new friends. It was quite obvious that Lawrence wanted some time alone with Vera. But she must admit, it is harder to buy all your school things with friends at your side.

Walking back to Diagon Alley, she went to Scribbulus Everchanging Inks and bought herself lots of parchments, three quills, and three bottles of inks. Aside from those, she bought something for herself, a bottle of ink that changes color as you write, a pink colored parchment, and a luxurious quill. She would use this to write to her friends and family. After paying for her things, she went to buy a lunascope and a model of the galaxy, among other things. She went back and forth from Diagon Alley to the Leaky Cauldron so as not to weigh her down.

After two more trips to the Leaky Cauldron and buying more stuff, she went back to Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor for a break. Having ordered her ice cream, she observed as more people seem to go into Diagon Alley. She thought of the things that she had bought so far. Mostly were required by the school. And the others, well, it's just for her. She likes collecting things, especially those that involve her interests. That's why she bought that Runic novel, the moving galaxy, the special quill and parchment, and several other books she saw being sold by its publishers as she went around the alley. She even bumped into Lawrence and Vera at The Apothecary when she went there to buy her refill of potions and several other ingredients. And now, there's just one more store left to go, the Magical Menagerie.

Finishing her ice cream, she stood up from her table and went to the animals shop.

---

In Distress
Author: Aerith
Date: 11-22-02 21:03

Aerith found herself quite properly lost. She'd never seen anything like Diagon Alley. It was bustling, bursting with life and magic. Wizards and witches going about doing their business, a few students here and there- none of which she recognised. Most Hogwarts students were doing their school shopping with friends- but Aerith really didn't know anyone. She had yet to meet her roommate(s), much less introduce herself to anyone from Hogwarts. She really missed her friends at Beauxbatons. What were they doing now? Aerith tried to get her growing homesickness off her mind. After all, she had wanted to be transferred to Hogwarts. She looked intently at the shopping list in her hand, shimmering on the parchment, which presented the books, robes and wand she had to obtain. Earlier on, her mother had given her a purse full of galleons and dropped her off outside the Leaky Cauldron Pub.

"This place looks so grotty," Adele Gainsborough had said, wrinkling her delicately powdered nose, perfectly made-up crimson lips curling in distaste. "I'm not going in with you," Aerith had scowled at her and wordlessly, went on inside. Her mother would pick her up later- she had gone to Oxford Street to do her shopping. Her mother preferred tailored, chic muggle clothing to wizard's robes anytime. It made Aerith shudder to think of how immensely vain she was.

Someone pushed past her. Aerith swiveled around to see who it was (a frazzled looking witch who looked like she was in a huge rush), and felt a little annoyed. She looked down- and discovered to her horror that her list was gone! It must have dropped on the ground. But Aerith could not find it, in all directions from where she stood. Now here she was: alone, stranded in Diagon Alley, surrounded by strange and interesting shops, with not an inkling of what she needed to get. This is just wonderful, she thought, shaking her head in disbelief.

---

Time to Shop
Author: Remadi Ye
Date: 11-23-02 04:26

Suyuan pauses just inside of Diagon Alley.

"Well, I've never," she says, eyes a little wide as she takes the place in. Remadi laughs and tugs on her hand.

"I know. C'mon, I know the way," she says, weaving her way through the people, all mainly wearing robes.

Remadi and her grandmother are not, however. Remadi is wearing sandals, jean shorts, and a black t-shirt with a red dragon across the front. Her hair is in a high ponytail and she has a white piece of braided cloth tied around her right wrist. Her jade pendant is hidden under her shirt, but the crystal ball rests just above the collar. She also has a seemingly empty bag slung from right shoulder to left hip. Suyuan is dressed in a simple blue dress and comfortable sandals.

"I don't think we're properly attired," Suyuan says as she watches all of the people walking about in robes.

Remadi smiles, "We're just fine. Anyways, today I feel like wearing muggle clothes." She scans the area, deciding where to go first.

"Let's get my books first," Remadi says as she changes direction slightly. The meow of a cat can be heard before they see Neko. He jumps up and grabs onto Remadi's bag before climbing in.

"Oh, you are so lazy," Remadi says as they enter Florish and Blotts and they begin shopping for her supplies.

---

Finishing Up and Heading Home
Author: Lawrence Masterson
Date: 11-23-02 08:57

As Vera and Lawrence wondered through the Apothecary, he picked up a few things that he needed for a potion that he wanted to try that was in one of his textbooks from his old school. He didn't have to worry about getting his supplies for Hogwarts, his aunt had taken care of that already.

Once they had finished their shopping he sighed softly. "I should be heading home, my Aunt will be wondering where I am." he smiled and lead Vera back toward the entry way to Diagon Alley.

"I should be getting back soon too." she said. "Well it was nice meeting you and spending some time with you. I'll see you on the train when we head to Hogwarts, if not before."

He smiled and the pair walked away from Diagon Alley and through the Leaky Cauldron. It was there the two parted ways and headed for their homes.

Lawrence smiled to himself, he had really enjoyed spending time with Vera, perhaps there would be more than friendship in the future for the two students, but only time would tell.

Once Lawrence reached home he went up to his room and changed quickly before joing his Aunt for dinner. "Well how was your trip to Diagon Alley Lawrence?" she asked with a knowing smile on her features.

"It went wonderful. I met a few students who were going to Hogwarts as well. Once was a sixth year, one is another fifth year transfer, and the third is a first year."

They talked through out the meal, and Lawrence explained what he had bought and the potion that he intended on trying to make. His aunt agreed that she would help if he needed it.

---

Bored
Author: Alexis Black
Date: 11-23-02 10:38

I am to spend that night in the leaky cauldron, and take the muggle underground to king's cross in the morning. I am not looking forward to traveling with my trunk and cat with bunch of stinking muggles. Before I leave tomorrow, though, my brother will help me out a bit by bewitching my trunk to be very light. My cat, Clarice, is clever enough to follow close behind, so I really have nothing to complain about. My mother is busy at work so she sent my brother to stay with me in Diagon alley tonight. Upon arriving, of course, Troy took off and left me on my own. He's trying to find a job, but I don't think he'll look here. More likely in Knockturn alley, if anywhere in England.

I cruise the shops, assuming that all my friends have already been and gone, vainly hoping for something exciting to happen and knowing it never will.

---

An Expected Delivery and a Visitor
Author: Nevvyn
Date: 11-23-02 12:05

Here I am, sitting in my favorite chair, reading a battered old copy of Moby Dick. I am waiting on a last-minute delivery. Somehow, my Dublin supplier neglected to include my order for Floo Powder. Tom, one of my three brownies, has spent part of the morning rearranging the center shelves to make room for the new product line.

A jingle of the door chimes tells me someone has arrived. I look up to see it is not the WDC (Wizardly Delivery Corporation), but an attractive young lady. I step behind the counter and ask "Good Morning! Is there something I can help you with?"

---

A Month Along
Author: Chyler Stratford
Date: 11-23-02 14:21

Chyler stretched and yawned and got ready to hop out of bed and dress for the day when her stomach did a 180. She jumped out of bed and ran for the bathroom. Five minutes later, there was a knock on the bathroom door as Chyler wet a cloth for her forehead.

"Yeah?" She croaked, startling herself by her own voice.

"Baby, you okay in there?" Lysander asked, opening the door a crack.

Chyler's face was so pitiful, that Lysander came and gave her a gentle hug. "My poor baby." He kissed her on the forehead. "Why don't you come on down and sit in the cool of the shop. I'll make you some tea."

Chyler nodded and went into the bedroom to dress before going downstairs.

~*~

"'Mornin', Queenie." Julian said, giving his adopted sister a hug. "Doin' okay?"

"I threw up." Chyler said pitifully, resting her head in his chest.

Julian rubbed her back as he guided her to a chair behind the desk. "Now, just sit here, Love. Lysander's in there making some tea for you."

"Thanks, Jules." Chyler managed a smile and pulled a stack of paperwork from the desk drawer to go through while she was going to be sipping her tea.

Julian left her side and entered the kitchen to help Lysander. By the time Chyler's tea was ready, she had gotten tired of sitting so she got up to organize the shelves. Boy, she was showing for only a month along! She rubbed her belly and went back to organizing a few books and dusting them off.

Lysander was at her side with a cup of tea. "Hey Sugar, it's just how you like it"

Chyler kissed her husband and took the teacup and saucer from him, sipping the tea carefully. She smiled as Lysander rubbed his hand over her stomach. "You're rounding out nicely."

Chyler set the cup back in the saucer. "I what?!"

"But, I just meant..."

"Lysander, I can't believe you just said that." Tears formed in the young woman's eyes and she pushed by him, setting the cup on the desk. She crossed to the coat rack and put on her cloak.

"Where are you going, Chy?" Julian said, emerging in from the kitchen.

"Out" Chyler said as she glared in Lysander's direction, and clasping the silver claps on her crimson cloak. She turned on her heel and left the store, storming down the cobblestone street of Hogsmeade, tears rolling down her cheeks. She eventually slowed her pace as a few sudden sobs overtook a deep sigh. She straightened as a sign caught her eye:

Nevvyn's Notions
and
Potions

"I owe this to myself. Maybe he can help me with these bloody mood swings. I know they come with pregnancy, but dang." Chyler sighed. "Poor Lysander doesn't need to deal with my yelling at him all the time, and my crying. And Julian, too."

Chyler stepped in the door and up to the desk.

"Good Morning! Is there something I can help you with?" He is an ancient wizard, with a long, white beard, reminding Chyler of Dumbledore a bit. "Oh, oh, dear. Are you all right, Miss? You look a bit pale. Perhaps you should sit down?"

"No. I'm all right. I'm just a bit woozy." Chyler sighed, tears surfacing again. "I'm a month along, and my mood swings are taking the best of me."

The old wizard smiled compassionately and nodded.

"I just thought I would come in and look around." Chyler offered her right hand. "I'm Chyler Stratford. I'm co-owner of the little book store down the street, Twice Told Tales."

---

Weasley's Wizard Wheezes
Author: George Weasley
Date: 11-23-02 16:16

"George, wassamatter?" Fred Weasley slapped a hand on his brother's shoulder. George Weasley sat behind a desk, doodling with a quill pen. Fred snatched the parchment from under the quill. "Uuuuuuuuuuuuhuuuuuuuuh."

"C'moffit, Fred. Give me that back." George snatched the parchment back, watching a drop of dark red ink run down from a heart and soak into the paper. Things had pretty much gotten back to normal from the last term at Hogwarts when George found Fred and Majandra kissing in Zonko's. Majandra and George had started over, and were closer than ever, and Fred and George were the best of brothers, too.

"You miss her?" Fred asked as he unloaded a box of Ton Tongue Toffee and put them into a bin.

George sighed, grabbing a box of Canary Creams. "Yeah, I do. But, she should've been in here by now."

"Who should've?" A female voice ran into the room.

George whirled around. "MAJ!"

The couple ran into each other's arms and hugged for the longest time. Finally, the separated and George gave Majandra a kiss. "Oh, I missed you!"

"I missed you, too George!" Majandra hugged him again. "It looks so great in here, you two!"

"Thanks, Maj!" George said taking her hand pulling her over to the bins they were filling.

"Yeah, thanks! We couldn'ta done it without ya!" Fred said giving Majandra thumbs up.

Majandra beamed.

"Maj...um, can you come with me for a sec?" George swallowed.

Majandra nodded, "Sure, George. What's up?"

"I just have to show you something." He pulled her into the storage room and pulled out his wand. "Lumos. Hold this for a second."

Majandra took his wand and watched as George fumbled around, feeling in his robe pockets. "What're you doing?" She giggled.

"Ah, here it is." George held a black velvet box. "Swap ya."

"Oooh, yes!" Majandra took the box and gave George his wand back. She carefully opened the box revealing a tiny silver band. Majandra gasped. "George..."

"The design around the band means eternity. Majandra Fine, will you go steady with me?"

---

Alone
Author: Bronwyn Dewhurst
Date: 11-23-02 18:47

Sad and alone, Bronwyn tapped on the bricks and revealed the portal to Diagon Alley. She stepped through the archway and wove her way through the throng of students and parents, who were bustling about with shopping bags and parcels under their arms. Everyone appeared to be in a rush to complete their back-to-school shopping in time for tomorrow's trainride to Hogwarts.

The blonde Hufflepuff made a beeline straight for Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor, the destination she always approached first upon arrival to Diagon Alley. Unlike in previous years, Bronwyn wouldn't be meeting her best friend Kendra at the parlor. She wouldn't be meeting anyone until later that day with Toby and Hunter scheduled to meet her at the bookstore after lunch.

She pushed past the swinging doors and slid onto a stool by the counter, ordering one scoop of vanilla and one scoop of chocolate peanut butter ice cream. The latter had been Kendra's favorite flavor. Although Bronwyn's appetite was virtually non-existent, she emptied the contents of her bowl while imagining that she and Kendra were sitting there next to each other enjoying their respective bowls of ice cream while chatting about the upcoming new school year.

Anyone who knew Bronwyn didn't have to wonder why the girl who always used to smile and laugh could no longer do either one. When Kendra died, she took all of Bronwyn's joy and happiness with her. Even though Kendra's death occurred over a month ago, it still hurt. Bronwyn cried herself to sleep every night and always awoke the next morning tired and irritable.

When Bronwyn finished her ice cream, she presented the scholarship certificate to Florean. An anonymous donor had created The Kendra Beck Hogwarts Scholarship and proclaimed Bronwyn as one of the benefactors for its inaugural year. The Hufflepuff backhanded the tears that rolled down her cheeks. She wondered who the mysterious sponsor was and thought that this person was the most thoughtful being on earth. Kendra will never fade from Bronwyn's memory, and thanks to whoever thought to create the fund, she will certainly be remembered for posterity by all who receive the award.

---

Back at Work
Author: Dierna ní Cíaran
Date: 11-23-02 20:04

A month after my return to the world of the living, anyone who didn't know of my capture would be hard pressed to tell that I was ever near death. I have gained back the weight lost, regrown my hair (thanks to a charm, a small concession to vanity) and, most importantly, have the fiery spirit back in my eyes.

At the office, people are constantly dropping by welcoming me back. Michael, who I ordered to take a month's holidays, left me a card and his notes from the past several months. Among these are the summary of the Koyla case. I need to schedule a trial for that soon, and contact Ethan and Viktor about testifying.

There is so much that I need to do. Some things openly, some thing more subtly. It's the later that will be difficult.

---

Alone and Surprisingly Unnoticeable
Author: Cho Chang
Date: 11-24-02 05:33

Cho tapped the bricks in the correct order to the entrance of Diagon Alley. She waits patiently as the bricks move, fiddling a little with her half tied back ebony hair. With a sigh she steps into the Alley and glances down at her list before heading to Gringott's to get some money.

Once Cho has some money in her pocket, she heads to the bookstore and slips silently to the books, looking over the spines to make sure they are the ones she needs.