He really should have come up with something for a time like this, but Electron's mind was blank as Veronica's question caught him out.
"Well, I... um... actually... I'm a singer," he admitted, giving up, and speaking so quietly that she had to lean forward to hear. "But enough about me! More wine?" He topped up her glass, even though she'd only taken a couple of sips out of it, and took a deep slug of his own.
"What kind of a singer?" she persisted.
"Rock, mostly. Um, have you lived round here long? Cos I just moved in a short while ago. I'm still just finding my way round."
Re: Inevitable
Author: Veronica Dumbledore
Date: 02-11-03 11:16
"Me? Dear heavens no. I haven't been around here for over fifteen years. I've lived in the muggle world since graduation." Veronica went to open her mouth to explain further but decided to keep it shut. You don't meet a nice gentleman then right off the bat announce you were in grave trouble with the Ministry of Magic.
She thinks for a moment, finally settling on, "So what brings you to Hogsmeade?"
"I just felt like a change of scenery." Electron breathed a secret sigh of relief. He hadn't thought she looked like a rock fan. "And I wanted to get as far away from my mother as possible, we don't get on - as I'm sure the whole neighbourhood knows by now, since I was just offloading about it to Nevvyn!"
He continued topping up the glasses, and without their even realising it, the bottle was diminishing rapidly.
"Fifteen years is a long time, but this place doesn't look as if anything would change in that time. You won't be in trouble if you go in tomorrow with a hangover right?" He flashed her a wicked grin. "Just kidding. Wouldn't want you thinking I'm trying to get you drunk!"
"No one would notice if I'm a bit tipsy, really," she said with a laugh, "I'm always falling over anyway!"
Quidditch Workshop
Author: Viktor Krum
Date: 02-11-03 19:18
Viktor hovers on his broom, watching as Fritz completes a set pattern of manuevers. "Exzellent, Fritz. You ver mooch more carevul thiz time vit keeping your nose up. Coco, eet iz being your turn again. Remember to keep ze tail from bobbing."
Fritz looks pleased and moves to join the others in Viktor's group waiting for the last run through the exercise. While Coco gets into position to begin, Viktor takes a second to glance around the pitch. He spies Volkov leaning low over his broom talking with Alanna Beck. As with every other time today his eyes have landed on either Alanna or Ariella, Viktor's heart seems to stop momentarily then resumes at a much increased rate. He was very surprised when each of the younger Beck girls seemed genuinely delighted to see him this morning.
Coco clearing her throat gets Viktor's attention and he smiles sheepishly at her for losing his train of thought. With a nod from him, Coco begins and not for the first time today Viktor recognizes Coco as being one of those individuals who seems born to fly. She's also catching on very quickly to the nuances of Quidditch. At this pace she could very well make the Ravenclaw team next year were she to try out.
When Coco's done, Viktor calls out to his three teammates, "Vrap up wat you are doing. Lunch time."
With the weather so nice, they take advantage of it and have a big picnic on the pitch. With the exception of a couple of Slytherins with bad attitudes, all the kids have been great and have been having a wonderful time so far. The three other adults also seem to be having a good experience because all three ask Viktor if they could come again to help him the next date for the workshop.
After lunch is over, they rotate who works with which group and everyone happily takes to the air. Ariella's in Viktor's group this time and he works hard not to openly give her preferential or special treatment. The last thing he wants to do is draw attention to the guilt he still feels. As heavy as a weight it is, Viktor can't understand why no one can see it written all over his face nor how it is his body language doesn't scream it out.
Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, Viktor calls out encouragement to one of the first years and moves to walk, or rather fly, the boy step-by-step through the exercise.
******
Hours later, as the last of the kids straggle up the path towards the castle, Viktor and his friends stow away the brooms, clear any remaining debris from lunch, and make sure the pitch is as Viktor found it this morning. Viktor walks his friends to the gates but doesn't join them on the walk into town. Instead, he turns back towards the castle with the intention of locating Ethan if he's around. Viktor wants to ask how Ethan handles being around the Becks on a daily basis because one day of it so far has left Viktor feeling emotionally rung out.
I stand up and brush dust off my grubby work-clothes. I had been working double time on my end of the tunnel since I had caught up on my work at the ministry. Right now, I am standing a third of the way in at my end, where I'd just finished clearing the area for the large walk-in vault. Soon I'd be building in the bookcases and other storage utilities.
It is great to see Sirius so happy and that infections, charming smile I remember so well from when we were students together. I still regard his escape as nothing less than a miraculous, especially since he had kept his mind and humour intact. I hadn't realized just how much I had missed Sirius until he showed up at my office less than a month ago.
I decide that I have done enough work on the tunnel for today, so wash and change into some better clothes before going in search of lunch.
Collecting the Suspects
Author: Minerva McGonagall
Date: 02-11-03 21:29
McGonagall opened the door to the hospital wing and made her way inside.
"Madame Pomfrey?" She called, her voice echoing slightly in the wing.
A voice from the hallway just ahead of her called back, "In here, Professor."
It wasn't Madame Pomfrey, but Professor Somerset who answered. Minerva walked in, her black boots clicking on the stone floor. "Ah, Professor Somerset. Thank you for taking the boys up here. It looks like they're all patched up."
The old witch looked over her spectacles at the four boys who each sat on the surrounding four hospital beds, their legs kicking in boredom and nervousness.
"I would like you four gentlemen to follow me, please." McGonagall said, she took a step toward the door. "Well, come along, then. You have an appointment with your Headmaster."
"Ethan, thank you for your time. You may go now." Minerva said to the Dark Arts teacher.
He nodded respectfully. "My pleasure, Professor McGonagall."
--*--
"Butterscotch Pudding." The old witch spoke clearly and the doorway moved and the five ascended the moving stairs which stopped at the office door. McGonagall knocked twice, and from inside she heard a muffled, "Enter."
She opened the door and directed the boys into Dumbledore's office. "Mister's Baine, Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle, Albus."
"Thank you, Minerva." He said as he stood up from his chair. "Boys, Professor Flitwick and I have been discussing some things. If you would please take a seat."
The four boys each took a seat in the chairs, and Minerva stood to the right of Professor Dumbledore's chair. It was time to get to the bottom of this.
What happened to Three?
Author: Vera Delgety
Date: 02-11-03 22:39
After the exciting game, and the little brawl at The Three Broomsticks, Lawrence and Vera wandered around Hogsmeade for a while. It is now a little past five O'clock and the couple just finished dinner.
Lawrence stretched out in his chair. "Well now, that was a great supper!" Vera laughed and leaned onto the table. "It's about time to get back eh? Gettin' a wee late."
"Yeah, you're right..." Lawrence smiled. They left Hogsmeade and headed back to school. Before pasting the Shrieking Shack Vera stopped Lawrence with an arm. "See that house up there a ways? It's haunted, or so people say. I don't really believe it, but every time I walk past a chill runs up my spine." Vera shivered. "Say...wanna race? See who get's past it first!"
Lawrence grinned. "You're on...! Ready?" Vera nodded, and they assumed the racing positions. "On three. ....One.....Two...." At two Lawrence sped off in a hurry.
"HEY!! You cheater!" Vera laughed as she spun off. She caught up to him and jumped on his back. Lawrence toppled at first in his running, but then grabbed Vera's legs and ran in zig-zags across the road.
"Faster! Faster!" Vera bellowed. Cheek to cheek, Lawrence ran for a bit longer, and when he couldn't take another step he stopped and let Vera down. After Vera hopped off, he fell to the ground and Vera bent over him. "Awww, is it your turn for a back ride?" Vera teased. Lawrence chuckled. "Yeah right." He said.
"I mean it now! C'mon, I cin handle ya!" Vera protested. "You saying I can't cause I'm a girl...that it?!" She stood up putting her hands on her hips. Lawrence merely looked at her. "Well, no. Not exactly..."
Vera rose a brow. Then, quite unexpectedly she grabbed his hands and pulled him to his feet. "Vera!" Lawrence yelp. "I'll brake your back!"
"No ya wont! C'mon now or I'll drag ya the rest of the way! Besides, I could use the exercise."
Reluctantly Lawrence hopped on her back. "I just don't want you to get hurt." He replied.
Vera shook her head and wrapped her arms around his legs. "You wont..! Now hold on...!" She began running, eventually slowing down to a jog. Vera surprisingly ran a bit further then Lawrence. Of course, she is a Quidditch player after all.
When Vera finally ran out of breath Lawrence jumped off her back. "Are you alright?!" He asked worried. Vera looked up, still breathing hard, closed one eye and replied, "Right as rain."
Lawrence shook his head and sighed. "Come on. Let's get you to the common room." Wrapping his arm around her waist, Lawrence walked her to the school. And when she was too tired to finish the stairs, he lifted her up as if she was a feather and carried her the rest of the way.
Light as a Feather
Author: Lawrence Masterson
Date: 02-12-03 06:36
As Lawrence and Vera made it back to the castle, he picked her up and carried her up the stairs and into the Hufflepuff common room. He deposited her on the couch and then plopped down next to her. "Well that was a wonderful day don't you think?"
She was still a bit winded from giving -him- a piggy back ride. "You know you really didn't have to do that," he said looking her over again, to make sure that she wasn't hurt.
"I know, but I did it anyway didn't I?" she said and curled against him, her head resting on his shoulder, and he slipped an arm around her. "That you did Vera, and I'm surprised you made it farther than I did. But, then again you are a Quidditch player." He pressed a kiss to her forehead and smiled.
They remained quiet on the couch for quite some time, and Lawrence's thoughts drifted back to the chess game with Professor Dumbledore. He hadn't thought he'd win, but he had been given an easy break when he was put in check the last time. His thoughts drifted two weeks in the future and to the Wizard's Chess tournament. He was nervous, but he had a feeling he would do pretty good.
He looked down and laughed lightly when he saw that Vera had dozed off. He nudged her lightly. "I think my dear that it is time we both head to bed. We've had a long day."
She nodded and he helped her up. He kissed her one last time and whispered. "I love you." before sending her off to bed. As soon as she vanished from his sight he made his way upstairs and to his own room.
When the bottle was empty, a guilty thought occurred to Electron that he really shouldn't be drinking on an empty stomach, especially in such company, so he offered to escort Veronica to dinner. He was smiling broadly and swaying slightly when they left the pub for the Inn.
"I can't cook worth a damn," he confessed to Veronica, to which she giggled. More drink was consumed, of course, and they were still there when most of the customers had left.
"I'd better head back," she said eventually.
"Walk you back?" Electron offered gallantly. "I've never seen the school before. And I think it's dark enough... I mean... it's too dark for you to walk back alone," he amended quickly, getting unsteadily to his feet.
Re: Relocating
Author: Veronica Dumbledore
Date: 02-12-03 12:21
"Oh?" Veronica said with a laugh. "That's very sweet of you and I would enjoy your further company." She smiled and linked arms with 'John' and headed off up the road back to the castle.
Walking hand-in-hand with Isolde back to the castle, Pyrrhus once more runs through what they learned today. From the quiet, contemplative look on her face, Py knows Isolde's doing the same. His eyes follow the graceful movements of Lia, walking just ahead. She seems intent on something in front of her. Py lets his eyes follow her gaze and sees that Lia is staring at the receding figure of Jet Obsidian.
Jet. What a surprise it had been when he appeared in the secret room and an even greater shock to realize he'd gotten in on his own. Add to that how enigmatic Jet had been about how he even had known the room was there much less the spell to get in.
The Hufflepuff had sauntered over to a chair and sunk down into it, a sly grin on his face. He'd nodded to a pack at Py's feet and the grin had become very mischievous. "I know you've got butterbeer in there. I brought snacks so how about passing me a drink to go with them?"
By that time Lia was sitting on the edge of her seat, peering intently at Jet while Isolde, her gaze equally intent, had pressed against Py. Not that Py minded when Isolde presses against him. In fact, he'd sort of like it if she did it more often.
Py shakes his head, realizing he's letting his thoughts digress, but oh, what a subject to digress to. He squeezes Isolde's hand and brings it up to his mouth. After bestowing several kisses on it, he lets her hand go to wrap his arm around her waist, his free hand coming across his body to capture hers once more. Dropping a kiss on Isolde's head, Py forces himself to once more think back to the bewilderment of Jet's appearance in the secret room.
At the request for a drink, Py had slowly reached for the pack and pulled out a bottle for each of them. Jet, in turn, had passed around the little twine wrapped packages one gets for to-go orders at the bakery. As each of the Slytherins opened the boxes, the level of strangeness rose more for Lia's box held a slice of her favorite cake from Briar's, Isolde's contained a thick slab of her favorite, and Py's had a nice sized wedge of the bakery's sensational apple pie that Py has sometimes actually dreamed about.
At first, the trio were unsure of whether this was some trick or not but after a few tentative bites and nothing springing out at them and no one jumping through the doorway shouting, "Ah ha! Caught you red handed with dark arts books!" they began to relax. And that's when Jet shared a few tidbits with them. Just enough answer a question or two but not enough to clear up the mystery.
Jet explained that he never should have been put in Hufflepuff House to begin with. At first he went along with what the Sorting Hat had said because he knew it would please his parents. He played the nice and loyal Hufflepuff until he could stand it no longer. One day something snapped and from that moment on, Jet had quit trying to be something he wasn't. He'd begun reading a dark arts related book he's gotten secretly at Knockturn Alley. To his amazement, there was a spirit in the book. A spirit Jet simply refers to as his pal Sal. This spirit had helped open the world of Dark Arts for Jet and could see and hear things without others knowing. That's how Jet learned of the secret room and how to get inside.
Jet had also added that he was tired of not having anyone other than Sal to talk to about this. After observing Isolde, Lia, and Py for several weeks and after a few incidents with them in classes such as Divination, Jet felt he could trust them. He also thought they might like in on some of what Sal's been teaching Jet.
After revealing these things, Jet had crumpled up his now empty bakery box and gathered up the empty butterbeer bottle and thrown them in the trash. He'd gone to the door and said, "No pressure. Think it over. Let me know your decision in a few days." With that, Jet had exited without looking back. The three Slytherins hadn't seen him again today until they began making their way back to the castle.
Before leaving the secret room themselves, they'd talked over some of what Jet had said but decided to each think about it separately. Come up with individual lists of pros and cons, particularly concerning whether Jet is someone to trust. In a few days, in Slytherin House where unwanted ears could not hear, they would reach a final decision. If put to a vote right now, Py would have to say no. While he's intrigued with what Jet said and has to offer, a little voice in Py's head hints at this all being a set-up. Pyrrhus doesn't how the girls plan to handle the next few days but Py is definitely doing to keep a very close eye on Jet for any signs that Jet's story is just that, a story.
Shopping for Gifts
Author: Ledara Knight
Date: 02-12-03 18:24
Ledara had finally had the chance to go to Hogsmeade. She had enjoyed going to Honeydukes Sweet Shop, as well as Nevvyn's Notions and Potions. It was the only place to get a certain type of enchanted bath salts that her aunt Morgana enjoyed. Although they were imported, Nevvyn's Notions and Potions had the right ones she wanted. As well as some extra potions she had run out of during the summer.
Ledara loaded up on chocolate frogs and pumpkin pastries. She had started to get a very nice collection of Wizard's & Witches cards. She even had begun to trade some around school.
Ledara stopped by Twice Told Tales - Used bookstore, to get more books about her family history. It amazed her on how many books there were about her family. So many generations of Wizard's and Witches.
The Line-Up and the Inquisition
Author: Albus Dumbledore
Date: 02-12-03 19:39
The four lads take their seats on stools in front of my desk. One repentant, one belligerent, and two who are seemingly lost, staring around my office with gaping mouths. These last two have been here before, but probably do not remember. I survey the group over the top of my spectacles, shaking my head in dismay. "The students of Hogwarts are allowed to visit Hogsmeade on the sufferance of the general village populace. We expect our students to be on their best behavior. Ill manners, boorish manners, excessive rowdiness or brawling, cannot and will not be tolerated." I let them think on this for a moment while a take out a fresh piece of parchment and pick up a quill.
"I have received reports from several bystanders, that Mr. Baine approached Mr. Malfoy, some words were apparently exchanged, wands were drawn, and an altercation ensued. Is that basically correct?" All four nod agreement. "I would like to ask you some questions and, hopefully, discover who is at fault.
"Before I explain the procedure, I will take the precaution of relieving you of your wands. Professor McGonagall? Would you be so kind as to collect the wands and place them on my desk?" Gabriel Baine hands his over as she passes. Goyle has to hunt for his, finally finding it tucked into the waistband of his trousers. Crabbe is similarly afflicted and Draco Malfoy is exceedingly reluctant to part with his. He starts to protest, but Minerva outlasts him in this test of wills.
"You'll hear from my father about this!" he exclaims.
"Oh, I'm sure I will. Quite sure! I reply. Now! Professor Flitwick has quite graciously permitted us to try some of his new "BubLie" bubble gum. This gum has a unique property. So long as you are telling the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, It tastes just like ordinary chewing gum. Howsoever, should you lie, attempt to lie, or even contemplate lying, the flavor turns to that of "Grandma's Lye Soap". Please know that I have tested this material and find the taste rather horrible. There is an interesting side effect, however. You also tend to foam at the mouth rather vigorously!" I give them all a polite but firm smile as Professor Flitwick passes out his special chewing gum.
"Now, I shall question each of you, in turn, regarding the events of this afternoon. You will answer my questions directly and succinctly. Please do not interrupt or speak out of turn." Goyle turns to Crabbe and asks, "Uhhh... What's "suchstinktly"?" Crabbe replies with an eloquent shrug and looks to Malfoy for an answer. The responding glare could have stifled a Blast-Ended Skrewt.
"It means "briefly", Mr. Goyle, I reply with a sigh. And now, since you seem so eager to be heard, let me ask you a few questions. How is it that you felt called upon to participate in this affair?"
"Uhhh..." Goyle turns to Malfoy for help, but none is forthcoming. "Uhhh... We had t' help 'im. 'e's our friend."
"Did someone call for you to come and help overcome a single adversary?"
"Uhhh... I don' think s..." Goyle gets a sickly look on his face and froth appears at the corners of his mouth. "I mean, yeah, I guess so."
"Would that "someone" be Mr. Malfoy?"
"Yeah," he replies glumly.
"Thank you. And now, Mr. Crabbe. Have you any idea as to why Mr. Baine might have been provoked into approaching Mr. Malfoy?"
"Uh-uh!" he replies, shaking his head vigorously. He turns a lovely shade of green and nearly loses his gum in the eruption of bubbles. I give him a very stern look and he reconsiders his answer. "Ummm... He did say sumpin' 'bout Weasley oughtta be keepin' better track of 'is girl."
"And who might "his girl" have been?"
"Granger! Errybody knows that!"
"Do you recall anything else he said? Or his exact words?"
"Unh-unh!" he replies brightly. Malfoy breathes an audible sigh of relief. Nothing too incriminating, there!
"Thank you, Mr. Crabbe." I focus my attention on Gabriel Baine. "Mr. Baine. As one of the principals involved in this, please tell me in your own words, exactly what happened... from your point of view, that is."
"Well, Sir! I was sitting at a table, waiting for Hermione and Anna. Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle were at the bar, looking my way and making some rather rude comments about me. I chose to ignore them and turned my back, although I could still hear them. After the girls arrived, he continued his remarks. I managed to control myself until he used the term "Mudblood". I guess that's when I lost it. I got up, went over to Malfoy and asked him to quit referring to Hermione in that way. He asked what I was going to do if he continued. Then he made another, very lewd remark. I gave him what I thought was a pretty good put-down, and turned to leave. He started to draw his wand on me. Not knowing what his intentions were, I pulled my own and hit him with an "Expelliarmus". I shoved him against the bar and told him to apologize to Hermione. That's when he sicced his two "goons" on me. We traded a few punches, and that's when Professor McGonagall stepped in. I guess that's about it."
"All right! Thank you, Mr. Baine." I jot a few more notes on the parchment before continuing.
"Mr. Malfoy? I would very much like to hear your side of the story, now." His eyes fairly burn with defiance. This should be interesting.
"We weren't doing anything wrong!" he manages to gag out. He tries to "park" the gum in his cheek, but it magically pops back into the middle of his mouth. "We were just talking among ourselves when Baine came over and..." he wretches horribly, spewing the frothy bubbles all over his robes. "Professor, I think I'm getting sick!"
I wait a moment and then ask, "What is your name?"
"Draco... Draco Malfoy! Why do you ask that?"
"And what is your House?"
"It's Slytherin! Of Course!"
"Now! Are you feeling better?
"That is because you were telling the truth on those last two questions. Prior to that, you were not!" I wait for the import of this to sink in. Gradually the green color fades and is once more replaced by the patented Malfoy sneer of defiance. "Now, would you like to continue with "your side of the story", or shall we assume Mr. Baine's account is essentially correct?"
"But... We really didn't mean anything by what we said!" The sickly look comes back rather quickly. He stops speaking and tries to spit out the gum.
"It will not work, Mr. Malfoy. That's part of the charm. You cannot remove it until the spell is neutralized."
"Oh... All RIGHT! Just take BaineÕs story and go with it." He subsides into a sulk, staring at a point on the front of my desk.
"Mr. Malfoy! Your views on the superiority of "purebloods" are well known. However, within Hogwarts, you are in the minority. Indeed, most of those with who can handle Magick, have some Muggle blood in their veins. In the future, if you wish to remain at Hogwarts, you will please keep your opinions to yourself. Also, you will refrain from using the term, "Mudblood" under any and all circumstances. It is offensive to me and to most of us here.
"Now, the judgment! The 50 points against Slytherin, for initiating this fight, will stand. In addition, you Mr. Malfoy, will serve 50 hours of detention under Mr. Filch. Mr. Crabbe! Mr. Goyle! For your participation, 10 points each from Slytherin and 10 hours of detention. Mr. Baine! Although you were duly provoked, I cannot completely exonerate you. For your response to Mr. MalfoyÕs bating, I deduct 10 points from Ravenclaw. However, for your defense of the reputation of Miss Granger, I award you 10 points. Are there any objections to this judgment?" There is a general shaking of heads and a few mumbled "No Sir's". "Good! Then we are dismissed! Professor Flitwick will now collect your chewing gum and you may all have your wands back."
I turn to say something to Minerva and see, from the corner of my eye, Mr. Baine is blowing a bubble of striped Ravenclaw silver and blue, before depositing his gum in Flitwick's collection jar.
Hogsmeade Weekend
Author: Alexis Black
Date: 02-12-03 21:29
Alexis wandered aimlessly around Hogwarts, doing some serious exploring. What she really wanted to do was to locate the other house's common rooms, just for a bit of fun and a challenge, seeing as how she wouldn't be able to get in, anyway. That mission would not be accomplished today, Alexis knew, because no one was around to follow. Everyone who hadn't gone to Hogsmeade was outside with Viktor Krum, practicing quidditch. Alexis opted not to go to Hogsmeade, but instead to enjoy a bit of a retreat from so many people and some quiet time alone.
She walked idly down a corridor and peered into a suit of armor. She barely managed to keep her nose when the visor snapped shut abruptly.
"Sorry" she muttered, startled, "I didn't mean to pry!" She laughed aloud for no reason whatsoever, and her echoes came back to her, accentuating the emptiness of the castle. She continued on her way, peering behind tapestries and even using the Alohamora spell on some locked doors, but finding them disappointingly devoid of anything but dust and cobwebs. One magically locked door invoked her curiosity, but remained locked no matter how much she yelled at it.
Alexis eventually settled herself on the marble staircase, staring into oblivion. It was so nice to not have to think if anything, but she found her thoughts traveled to her unfinished History of Magic essay, the upcoming quidditch season, Fynn, and that star chart due- what was she thinking of Fynn for?- Monday night. She wondered if the suit of armor was angry, and if she might get something from the kitchens to eat, so that she didn't even realize she had fallen asleep right on the marble staircase.
