Depressed
Author: Dobby
Date: 10-09-02 16:23

Dobby slouches listlessly on the kitchen stool where Winky had spent so much time moping. Normally dressed amusingly in a variety of bright colors and a bold mix of patterns, lately Dobby's been dressing in various shades of dull gray and faded black. Piles of used tissues, wadded up into tight balls, litter the floor around the stool much like the butterbeer bottles from when this was Winky's place to sit.

A concerned Winky stops to give Dobby yet another consoling pat on the arm. Several of the other Kitchen Elves also try to comfort Dobby but after more than three weeks of this, they know it's of little use. Until Dobby's Good Friend Harry Potter Sir returns alive and unharmed, the normally jovial House Elf will be inconsolable.

Another in a long series of loud snorting, sniffling, and honking noises fills the kitchen as Dobby blows his nose. The others just sadly shake their heads and return to their tasks. The End of Term Feast is to begin in just a short time so while all the House Elves empathize and sympathize with Dobby, they must get the meal prepared.

Great Hall, Great Memories and Great...Girl...Friends
Author: Fred Weasley
Date: 10-09-02 18:00

Fred and George entered the Great Hall, finding the long room to be quite empty despite the fact that a grand feast was scheduled to start shortly. They wandered over to the Gryffindor table, taking seats opposite each other.

After a few moments of silence, Fred spoke up. "Well, this is it, George. The End-of-Term Feast. Our last one. Ever."

George raised an inquisitive eyebrow and leaned across the table. "Fred, you're not going to cry, are you?"

For a moment, it appeared as if tears might spill from Fred's eyes but a playful smile spread across his face. "Of course not! Yeah, I'm a little blue that we won't get to run amok in the school halls anymore, but the plus side is that we'll never have to do Potions homework again!"

"Or any other homework for that matter!" added George, high-fiving his twin.

The boys exchanged some hearty laughter and discussed some of their finer and not so finer moments from their seven years at Hogwarts. As the minutes passed by, the Great Hall began filling up with more students. Two in particular caught the boys' attention.

First, Majandra strolled in alone. She scanned the Gryffindor table until her eyes locked on Fred and then George. Whether she wanted it or not, her feet ended up carrying her to where they were sitting. Fred smiled and gestured to one of the empty seats next to George. Clearly hesitant, Majandra waited for George's approval and breathed a sigh of relief when he flashed her a smile and nodded his head.

The three exchanged some comfortable small talk until Samantha walked into the room. Like Majandra, Samantha scanned the table to see who was already present and when her eyes met Fred's, she found herself wandering over to meet him.

"Hiya, Fred." she said, and then nodded her greetings to George and Majandra.

Fred formed a smile and indicated to the seat next to him. "Why don't you join us?"

And she did.

Summer Vacation and the Feast
Author: Ledara Knight
Date: 10-09-02 18:40

Finally, Finals are over!

So many students awaited for this day to have come and pass. Finals, what a headache! But, parting from our friends would be difficult. I didn't really want it to end for the year. My first year here at Hogwarts, and getting ready to become a 4th year student here.

Coming from the USA, things are quite different here than back home. Back home, Muggle Studies, Native American herbs and potions, etc. so different there from here. Many of the students are here.

I find my place at the Gryffindor table, seeing familiar faces. So many I have gotten to know. Especially Hermoine. She's so helpful.

We await the Feast to begin. House Point announcements by Prof. Dumbledore, and then Party! I don't want it to end.

Then I remember the letter I got from home.

"Ledara,

Your Father and I are going to be taking time off for Summer Vacation to join you and Great Aunt Morgana in Scotland. She has invited us to stay the summer with her, and is impatient to see you.

The Store will be taken well care of, so not to worry. Bunled the Goblin will be taking care of things for us. He's so helpful, the dear.

Prof. WhiteWolf and his wife, SoaringDove, send their best and love to you. See you soon!

Love, Mom and Dad."

I know now what I'll be doing for the summer. It will be so fun seeing Great Aunt Morgana again. She's so fun when it comes to magic. Despite being 120 years, she acts like she's much younger. I wonder what she'll have planned for us this summer?

Re: Great Hall, Great Memories and Great...Girl...Friends
Author: Golbez Rushdie
Date: 10-09-02 19:52

The end of another year. The years go by fast! I take my seat at the Ravenclaw table. The Great hall is bustling with students, all excited for summer holidays. This year was exciting and a bit scary too. The attack on the school in Romania, then Harry disappearing. It also had some nice surprises and some drama. The trial staged by Hermione, and the huge upset of Hufflepuff winning the Quidditch cup. One never knows what to expect at Hogwarts.

Location Unknown: Not So Empty Threats
Author: Dierna ní Cíaran
Date: 10-09-02 19:23

I can say, in all honesty, that I hate - TRULY hate - three people in this world: Voldemort, Daryl Dorcha, and Lucius Malfoy. I wish I had the cool-headedness of Remus Lupin to be above such things. However, I am a hot-blooded Irish Wizard; and "Such things" are part of me and my heritage.

I don't doubt it's Lucius Malfoy who just left the cell. There are a few things disguises cannot hide: intelligence and mannerisms. Lucius is a very smart man, always has been. The others didn't hide themselves; this person was smart enough to hide almost everything, including his voice. HE also talks in that smooth, oily arrogance that says "I'm better than you". He'd make VERY good friends with Daryl. With luck, they will never meet.

But now I need to think quickly; I cannot give away all I know of the ministry's plans, nor of the Order of the Phoenix. I cannot allow Voldemort's ilk to harm Harry (and I know Malfoy's threats are not empty). Somehow, I can remain true to both; there is always a way.

I just have to find it.

Getting Ready
Author: Belladonna
Date: 10-09-02 20:57

"Fada bhon t-suil, fada bhon chridhe. Far from the eye, far from the heart, darling. Besides, he's way too old for a sexy slip of a girl like you. Christ, your father introduced the two of you. Can't you find someone closer to your age?"

"Oh, like a certain wild Irish lord who drinks too much? Not a change. You're fun to be with and all, but something's missing. As for Da fixing me up, Casa il figlio quando vuoi e la figlia quando puoi. Marry your son when you please, your daughter when you can. Is my back straight?" Liam whistled as the lovely Belladonna Sinstra, eternal love of his life who doomed him to worshiping from afar, turned around slowly to let him check her backless and strapless dress. Lucky git, that John Churchill. Personally, no Ministry work would keep him away from the perfection that was currently before him.

"Yes, totally straight. Never could figure out how you keep things up like that and Brig better not. She dating anyone?"

Bella laughed as she checked the gown's front. Brighid had been in earlier to borrow some hair pins. Seems that throughout her Hogwarts professorship, she had been a confidant, mentor, and source of beauty items to sixth and seventh years. Not that she minded and she rather enjoyed when someone snuck into her room late and asked questions or confided secrets.

She ran a finger along the pale blue of her dress. The end of term feast was a time when professors were a bit more free. They could laugh and joke with students and hardly anyone was serious. Quite freeing, really. Perfect chance to put flowers in one's hair, give one's self a good dusting of fairy dust, and appear in something romantic and filmy.

"Brig? Last time I saw her, she said she had borrowed one of Izzy's red dragon skin dresses and stiletto heels. Calm down; just kidding! Actually, we went shopping together and found her the most lovely pale green dress. She looks lovely in it, but not slutty at all. As for her dating, I know nothing that I'm allowed to say."

She blew a bit of sparkly fairy dust at him and smiled. Dearest Liam, always willing to be a dear and help her out when in need of an escort. Sweet guy, really.

"Okay, I'm ready. Let's go to the Great Hall."

End of Term Feast
Author: Minerva McGonagall
Date: 10-09-02 23:20

The Great Hall was decorated with Gryffindor colors and banners hanging from the enchanted ceiling which sparkled with a million winking stars.

The sounds of laughter and dozens of conversations floated through the hall as more and more students filed into the room. It was going to be a sad End of Term Feast. Harry Potter, the young Gryffindor student had no been found, but it wasn't like his Muggle family would care, and Albus Dumbledore's granddaughter was missing, too.

Minerva fingered her goblet of pumpkin juice and continued to survey the room.

Albus Dumbledore was seated next to her. His eyes behind his half-moon spectacles showed her was very pensive, though the sparkle in his eye was still there.

He turned and smiled at her. "I think we are both ready for a break. At least a short one."

"Yes, I suppose so, Albus." McGonagall smiled back.

"Well," He said. "I think it's about time we started, don't you?"

Minerva nodded and Dumbledore stood up to address the students and faculty.

Re: End of Term Feast
Author: Angelina
Date: 10-10-02 03:02

As I took my seat I watched the students and the colors of the Gryffindor house with some sadness. I had just told my secret to Hermione and Ron not to long ago and wondered how they took it. The place didn't seem the same without Harry it didn't seem magical enough or most of all happy.

I saw there were some of the other students looking at there plates and goblets much like most of the other Professors with the exception of Snape he was giving us all sour looks and I just wanted to magically swipe that look off his face but I managed to control myself for after all I was only a substitute and it would not look to good for me.

I managed to look up just as Dumbledore rose from his chair and began his speech. As I looked at the Gryffindor table I noticed one empty seat. It was Harry's place at the table. He always sat next to Hermione or Ron at the table since the trio were such great friends.

As Dumbledor spoke and announced the house points I applauded their efforts when he got to my family's house I noticed not much went into the applause by the Houses. Slytherin I could see for they lost once more to Gryffindor. Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff and Gryffindor because as I felt for the loss of Harry. As Dumbledore announced it was time to eat and the plates filled not much talking or celebrating went on, all of Harry's friends were wondering where he was and if he was safe.

As I ate I looked over at Hagrid. I knew at a feast he could put a lot away and drink just as much but he seemed to hardly touch his food or drink. "Professor Dumbledore," I said paging him and the man looked at me. "I know we all care for Harry and you care for your granddaughter, I was wondering if I could do something once they are found to truly celebrate the end of the school year and their safe return?"

Dumbledore sat there with a sad expression on his face and then looked at me over his half moon glasses. I sat there awaiting his reply.

Goodbye Hogwarts
Author: Ian Weasley
Date: 10-10-02 04:49

Ian remembers fondly his very first day of Hogwarts and now it was time to say good bye. As Professor Dumbledore began to speak, Ian recollects the first time he set foot into Gryffindor Commons. Everyone was so upset over his cousin Bill's disappearance and now Harry Potter whom he greatly respected but seldom spoke to was missing... This was truly a bittersweet departure. Ian dreaded leaving Beauxbatons and all of his friends and his house quidditch team but he wouldn't leave Hogwarts for anything. His first days were spent alone in his room but he wasn't alone anymore. He had most of his family there, and his dorm mates, Colin and Brett were great and Professor McGonagall noticed his good behavior.

On one bright note Ian's tormentors Simon Samhain and Nigel Nott were leaving. They were transferring to Durmstrang where they could learn more dark arts, so no more bullying from them!

Ian sighed and looked at his favorite cousin Ron who looked back sadly.

All Ian could do was smile warmly at Ron and hope that Harry was found and that they would all be together at the Burrow. Fred patted Ian on the shoulder and Ian now started listening to what Dumbledore was saying...

Re: Goodbye Hogwarts
Author: Alexis Black
Date: 10-10-02 15:48

I sat next to Pyrrhus who was (as always) entranced with his girlfriend across the table from him. Lia was across from me, and we were both sitting quietly thinking of the coming summer. "Excited for summer, Lex?" She asked me slowly. I considered what my summer was looking like. My mother would be off studying some magical animals effects on muggle history or some such crap, and my brother would do nothing but sit in his room. I had as of yet no friends in Dublin, and if I were to visit my friends in Athens I would have to stay with my muggle grandparents.

"We definitely need to get together this summer." was my reply, "What are your plans?"

"Well, I was hoping to go see R-" I didn't hear the rest of her sentence because I was suddenly elbowed by a Slytherin from my arithmancy class who I never talked to before. "Alexis, have you heard?"

"Heard what?" I said flatly. I was never one for gossip and rumors. "They're saying..." her voice got low and excited. She paused to look around, and by this time Lia had diverted her attention as well. To nobody's surprise, Pyrrhus and Isolde were too entranced in each other to notice.

"They're saying that it was Voldemort who got Harry, finally, and that he's dead."

There was a stunned silence. Isolde and Pyrrhus turned their heads at last and then I replied, "They say a lot of things."

"But what if it's true?"

"Then it won't be long until Voldemort is on top again." Pyrrhus added softly. He was grinning. It was contagious, and soon we were all smiling wickedly to ourselves.

Gryffindor Victory, Gryffindor News, Gryffindor Sadness
Author: Hermione Granger
Date: 10-10-02 16:05

Hermione, Ron, and Ginny sat together at the Gryffindor table in the Great Hall. Although all three were very pleased that Gryffindor won the House Cup, it was difficult to feel joy without Harry there to celebrate with them. He deserved to share in the excitement of another school year coming to a close, but instead he was gone and any hope that he'd ever return was continually slipping into inexistence.

While Dumbledore was making his opening announcements, in which he revealed just how close Hufflepuff came to giving Gryffindor another upset this year, Hermione's mind wandered to the events of yesterday afternoon. Professor Sprout's substitute teacher, Miss Logan, had asked her and Ron to join her at one of the greenhouses.

What she had revealed to them was both shocking and interesting. Evidently, Miss Logan was a direct descendant from Godric Gryffindor and was in hiding due to the rise in dark activity in the wizarding world. The reason she felt the need to confide in Hermione and Ron was because she believed them to be true to Gryffindor. While both were very flattered, they were also somewhat curious as to why a teacher who hardly knew them would share something so important with them. Although they had been by Harry's side through many of his heroic adventures, they hardly felt that they had such an admirable reputation around the school, much less the world. Still, Hermione and Ron were fascinated by the news and grateful that Miss Logan thought so highly of them. Before having left the greenhouse yesterday afternoon, both had promised not to say a word about Miss Logan's family history nor about the birthmark in the shape of a lion on her arm.

Back to the present, Hermione exchanged a small smile with Ron, who sat next to her, and Ginny, who was sitting across from the pair, and then focused her attention on the headmaster. He concluded with a few words and commenced the feast, but everyone knew he would have more to say before the evening was over.

Comings and Goings
Author: Draco Malfoy
Date: 10-10-02 19:55

Much to Draco's disappointment, the Great Hall was decorated in Gryffindor scarlet and gold. Horribly, happy colors, really. He and everyone else at his table would have so much more preferred to see Slytherin green and silver adorn the chamber, but those blasted Gryffindors had to do it again. How he loathed them.

As he sat sandwiched between his usual sidekicks, Crabbe and Goyle, Draco shot scornful sneers across the room to the Gryffindors. Many of them were cheerful, but for a few of them, the merriment of the occasion didn't faze them one iota. In particular, Draco observed that Granger and Weasley seemed a little melancholy, and with very good reason. Their buddy, Potter, was still missing.

Draco smirked and looked across the table at Clara and Tempest, and then shot a sideways glance down the table where Pansy and Milicent sat. "They didn't even try..." Draco shook his head in disgust.

"If it wasn't for them, Slytherin might have won the cup tonight," Clara chimed in.

Draco nodded and turned to Simon and Nigel, who were sitting nearby. "You two will be the envy of all Slytherin House. Durmstrang is an excellent school."

How strange it was that another school year was coming to an end. Some people would be leaving for the summer only to return for the fall semester, while others still would never be coming back. With any luck, Potter would be of the latter group.

Distracted
Author: Prof. Sorcha
Date: 10-10-02 23:26

Days seemed like they would never end, and night would never come. Happiness seems to drain away from mind and body. The others seemed to become more distant than ever before. Special events were like a long and torturous ordeal that taxed ones mind.

Only once before had she been as withdrawn as she was now. That was many years ago, for a good reason. Now, one couldn't be found. Something wasn't right with herself, Sorcha knew, but she didn't know what.

Sorcha found her spot at the professor's table and sat down. She didn't look at the Hall; she just looked down, at the table. It wasn't like anyone would notice; Sorcha hadnŐt really spoken to anyone recently.

There were signs that something was wrong with her, obvious ones. The one that troubled Sorcha the most was her loss of weight. Her robes hid it from the others, but a good ten pounds were missing, at least. She looked a little better than skin and bones.

Her appearance seem to degenerate, at least Sorcha thought. Make-up hadn't been seen on Sorcha in a few weeks, at least. She looked tired, more often, as well as distracted. Like something was weighing on her mind. In fact, something was weighing on her mind.

Sorcha could feel that something inside of her was missing. The feeling was too vague to tell anybody, even if there was anyone for her to tell.

It wasn't until Dumbledore started speaking that Sorcha realized that he was standing. Sorcha watched him, but wasn't really listening to what he was saying.