Godric's Hollow:
Overtime! YAY!
Author: Dierna ní Cíaran
Date: 07-07-03 21:39
I apparate at a secluded spot near Goderic's Hollow and walk to where I see Voleta waiting. Two gagers* are leaving. The rest of the scene is empty. They take a look at my muggle police clothes and tell me snidely, "You won't be needed here ma'am. That lady there has a letter from the Prime Minister saying she alone has rights to this crime site."
I scoff and show them a badge. "Of course she does. Inspector Barret and I are partners. We will both take charge here. Now be good lads and go back to your precinct." I continue to walk toward Voleta. She quickly fills me in of what she's done so far.
"Good work. If you need access to muggle police equipment for that evidence of yours, there are a couple of Aurors in the Caerphilly precinct working undercover. Brent Trentson and Maeve Cawdell. They can help you. I'm going to look at the magical end of things." I walk toward the wall where the angry scrawl "POTTER WILL PAY" is scrawled in shimmery red pain. Or is it paint? I touch the sticky substance then recoil in horror.
"AN BRIGIT MOR!"
"What is it Dierna?"
"This isn't paint . . . it's blood! It's been enchanted to look and shimmer like some paint does." I look back to the writing. I put down my pack and take out my camera and take a picture. I pull out my wand, to vanish the writing, but a jolt of pain in my arm reminds me that I can't use magic for another week or so. "Can you vanish this writing? I can't. Workplace injury to my wand arm."
We continue our joint investigation, Voleta collecting muggle-type evidence and I magical evidence.
"Can I ask you to take control of the muggle end of things - keeping it quiet, interviewing witnesses etc. I'll look after the magical spectrum and we can corroborate our findings. I think we've done everything possible for now. Thank you again for notifying me. That fool of a minister wouldn't. He disregards anything in the muggle world, even something as importantly as this." I indicate the scene. "I'll see you on Monday." I make sure no one is around, then disapparate back to Hogsmeade.
* = slang for police
Early Start
Author: Vera Delgety
Date: 07-07-03 10:30
Vera woke up with a start, jumping up and falling out of her bed. For the past few nights she'd been having nightmares about Lawrence disappearing in odd ways. She couldn't explain it and she didn't understand why she's been having those nightmares either. And it scares her!
After she was dressed and ready to go, she headed downstairs to the common room. There she found Lawrence sitting on the couch waiting for her. Vera jumped onto is lap giving him a scare. "Well now!" Lawrence said. "Ready to go are we?"
"You know it!" Vera grinned and stood up. Together they exited the common room and off to Hogsmeade. Vera couldn't be more happy to be with him. But the dreams were still fresh in her mind and she held close to him more so then usual.
Finally
Author: Mary
Date: 07-07-03 11:54
Mary and her usual entourage ate a slow breakfast in the great hall. While Crispin and Mortimer's eyes followed the students who left to the entrance hall and Hogsmeade, Mary's gaze was focused upward as it had been every morning at breakfast since Tuesday.
"Do you think it'll come today?" Crispin voiced Mary's thoughts aloud.
"What'll come today?" Inquired Mortimer through a mouthful of egg.
"Mary's broom of course. Where have you been?"
Tuesday after potions Professor Snape had informed Mary of the headmaster's decision to let her have her own broom so long as certain checks were performed on it to make sure no extraneous curses or jinxes had been added to it. Mary wondered who in the world would curse her broom besides her sister, and Alexis didn't have the broom to curse in the first place. Mary though angrily that Alexis was probably too stupid to curse a Nimbus, anyway, so why bother? As soon as she heard she was allowed her own broom, she sent a letter off to her mum to ask her to send it. Mary knew her mother wouldn't believe her unless a teacher signed it or something, so she had asked Snape to make a post-script.
Hooting and the fluttering of wings brought Mary out of her reverie, and she scanned the morning post owls for any sign of her broomstick. A long brown package came into view carried by three large barn owls. The three Slytherins tried to clear a space for the package in front of them, and nearly succeeded as the owls dropped the package on Mortimer's goblet and nothing else. A note poked out from the brown string tying the package together, and Mary, shaking with anticipation, opened this first.
I don't want to hear that you are a violent Quidditch player. Play nice.
She knew that the note was from her mother, but she didn't sign it or anything. In fact, it was hardly a note at all. Mary tossed the letter aside and made to open the package. She seemed to think better of this, however, and seized the still-wrapped broom and ran for the dungeons. Bewildered, Crispin and Mortimer glanced at each other, shrugged, then followed their friend into the entrance hall and down the dungeon steps. Though they didn't see Mary, all the boys had to do was follow the trail of discarded brown paper to Snape's office.
They were surprised to hear Mary already thanking the professor and backing out of the office when they arrived. She looked morose.
"What is it?" Crispin asked, surprised.
"I have to wait some more before I can play on it."
"Hey, quit complaining. You're on the team! You have your own broom! How many first years would kill for that chance?"
This seemed to cheer Mary up a bit, and the three walked idly together back to the Slytherin common room.
Ruining a
Good Day
Author: Kitt Flynn
Date: 07-07-03 17:54
The brisk air in my face as I walked down the cobblestone street felt wonderful. I had woken up this morning and the room felt stuffy. I grabbed my mittens, book bag, scarf and my cloak as I started to jet off down the stairs and down to the Great Hall to grab a piece of toast and a sip of pumpkin juice before I headed toward Hogsmeade.
A house-mate waved at me from the window of a store and I waved back as I ducked into the Three Broomsticks. I found a wooden booth at the back of the pub, unloaded my books, and ordered a Butterbeer and something to nibble on while I studied.
Fifteen minutes of staring at the introduction to my incredibly boring Ancient Runes chapter assignment passed, and I closed the hard-back book. I slipped off my dark-rimmed reading glasses and rubbed the bridge of my nose.
"I can't do this anymore." I set my glasses down and picked up my Butterbeer, downed the last bit, and packed all my books away.
Shifting the book bag on my shoulder, I took out some money to pay Madame Rosemerta and left the Broomsticks. I headed down the street and thought about going into Nevvyn's Notions and Potions. I loved the old, musty smell in there as much as I loved the smell of the old books in Twice Told Tales. I stopped and reached for the door-handle of Nevvyn's.
WHAM! "Ooof!" I fell backwards and my butt hit the cobblestones, my shoulder throbbing. "Shite, what the bloody...."
"Oh, I am so terribly, terribly sorry, Love!"
I shook my head, the world spinning around like it did when I was starting to get a very bad headache. Bad idea. My head started to throb, and worse than my shoulder. "Nevvyn. Hi."
The old hedge wizard took my hands and helped me up off of the street. "You're okay? Any bumps and bruises?"
"Um," I rubbed my eyes. "I'm starting to get a headache. Whoa..."
I started to stumble forward, my world still tilting a bit, and Nevvyn caught me before I totally fell into him. "I think you'd best come in and have a drink of cool water. I'll get one of the Tom's to fetch it for you. Here, come, come you must sit right here."
Before I knew it I was whisked into the shop and settled into a chair by the fire. One of the Tom's came hurrying up with a tall cup of water. Nevvyn took it, thanked the Tom and gave me the cup. "Here you go, Love."
"Thank you, and thank you, Tom!" I took a sip of the water. "I must be cursed. I've dealt with these blasted headaches all my life...I wish they'd stop for good."
Nevvyn frowned at me. "Have they gotten worse?"
"I can't tell for sure. But, lately, when they get really bad, it sounds like someone's whispering to me." I didn't like the look Nevvyn was giving me.
Safe at Hogwarts
Author: Viktor Krum
Date: 07-07-03 19:08
Viktor, the teammates who've been assisting with the workshops, and Viktor's two bodyguards pass through the gates of Hogwarts. Viktor leads the procession across the grounds to the Quidditch pitch where a handful of first and second years have already gathered in anticipation of flying and playing more Quidditch. None of them seem to notice the tired, haunted look in Viktor's eyes and he hopes in their eagerness for another round of lessons, none of them do. Being here at Hogwarts it will be easier for Viktor to block out the ever present sense of foreboding that now accompanies him wherever he goes. It has grown large enough that Viktor has become just paranoid enough that he expects something evil to jump out at him at any moment. At least here at the school, enough safety measures are in place that Viktor feels sure he won't flinch every time an odd shadow crosses his path.
Plastering a smile on his face, Viktor calls out a greeting to the assembled students and begins organizing those present into groups while waiting for others to arrive.
Hogsmeade
on a February Morning
Author: Hermione Granger
Date: 07-07-03 19:35
Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny left for Hogsmeade immediately after breakfast on Saturday morning, eager to get away from the castle and into the village for a little change of scenery. In addition to popping into some of their favorite shops and establishments, the gang planned on visiting Ron's and Ginny's oldest brother Bill at his home in the East Lane. He had invited them to drop by anytime during the day, which made everyone, particularly Ron and Ginny, quite pleased.
Harry's friends knew that he was a bit disappointed to be missing Sirius this weekend. His godfather was out of town on business of some mysterious sort, and while everyone was very curious as to what Sirius might be up to, Harry knew just as little as his friends regarding the situation and could not even satisfy his own curiosity.
Company with Ron and Hermione, and especially Ginny, distracted him enough for him to think of other things in addition to the fact that Sirius wasn't in Hogsmeade today. Ginny slipped her arm through his and shot him a happy smile as Hermione stopped her friends a few feet before the entrance to The Three Broomsticks.
"Do you think we ought to spend some time here for a while before visiting your brother?" she asked both Ron and Ginny. "Is Bill an early riser on weekends? I don't want to disturb him too early in the day..."
"He did say we could stop by anytime," Ron pointed out, suppressing a shiver. He slipped an arm across Hermione's shoulders and pulled her close to him, muttering, "It's bloody cold out here. Let's make a decision quick."
"I say we grab a drink and thaw out a bit inside," Ginny suggested, "and then we can wander over to Bill's in an hour or so. If he's not up now, he'll likely be up by then." She looked around and waited to see what everyone thought of her idea.
"Brilliant!" Harry said, and Hermione and Ron nodded their heads in agreement.
The four friends stepped inside the pub, struck immediately by the stark contrast between the bright, white snow outside and the darkened interior of the building. As they blinked to adjust to the dimness of the room, Harry and Ginny moved foward to order the drinks while Ron and Hermione drifted to the back of the room to find a table for four.
Hogsmeade,
Vera and Who Could Ask for Anything More?
Author: Lawrence Masterson
Date: 07-07-03 23:37
Lawrence hadn't been waiting for Vera long before she bounced into his lap. He would laugh and kiss her lightly. "Come on lets go. I've been waiting for this for a while." He and Vera laughed and talked as they left Hogwarts and headed out to Hogsmeade. They decided that first stop would be the Three Broomsticks for a bit of breakfast.
They ate and talked a bit, it was nearing the end of Lawrence's fifth year and he'd been buried under homework and studying various things, as well as trying to keep good marks in his classes. But, today was not a day to talk about the potions work he had to do, or the multitudes of translations he had for Ancient Runes. It was a day for both Vera and he to relax and enjoy a day together and away from the hustle and bustle of homework and school.
"So where to next? Have anything specific you need?" He asked her as they strolled out of the Three Broomsticks, giving a wave to Madame Rosmerta. Lawrence slipped an arm around her waist, pulling her close to him. She shook her head lightly. "No nothing I can think of. Perhaps though we can make a stop at Honeydukes Sweetshop and get a few treats?" Lawrence smiled and nodded. "As you wish my dear. Lets get going."
The couple walked through the streets toward Honeydukes and entered the shop. Vera looked around and gathered a few things that she wanted, and he selected a few as well. They went to the counter and Lawrence paid the coins for their purchases. The two left with a sack full of sweets each, and headed to find a quiet place to spend a bit of time for themselves away from the usual hustle and bustle of school and classmates.
Settled In
Author: Isannah Kale
Date: 07-08-03 06:15
After nearly a week after arriving at Hogwarts, Isannah was finally settled in. She had retrieved all of her books, as well as her cat, from her previous residence and had made something of a home for herself in the staff quarters.
She really appreciated Dumbledore's warm welcome, and was trying to devise what sort of extra project she could come up with for her sixth and seventh years so that they could make use of his beautiful observatory. She also had her class schedule, and would begin classes this week.
Settling down in a chair on the far side of her room, she pulled out a dusty volume of astronomy basics and began to think about where to start for her younger students.
A Letter
Home
Author: Annie Paul
Date: 07-08-03 06:28
While some of the older students (3rd years and above) went to Hogsmeade, I took the time to do some writing. Taking out some parchment I put my quill between my lips and thought for a moment. "You told too many people already, Annie," a little voice told me and I nodded. "How was I to tell Tim I am a witch?" Mum and Dad could tell him, if they haven't. I just remembered who I had told and sighed. Putting quill to parchment I wrote to my parents first, then finished that letter. Then, I took out another piece of parchment and wrote to Tim.
***********************************************************************************************
"Dearest Tim,
"I'm sorry it's been so long since I last wrote but classes and other things have been keeping me busy. I wear the necklace you gave me everyday and I do love it. Some of the girls here have noticed it as well and like it. Even one of my teachers saw it and she even loved it.
Days go by and I do miss you so much and at times wish you were here. We had our Valentine's dance here and it was okay, but the way we danced New Year's I'll always remember. Some of the teachers here are fun but I wish I could drop some of my other classes, like chemistry. The teacher there is a real hard nose. Our headmaster is a kind man and understanding as well so the students know we can talk to him if need be.
Some of the older students have left for a trip to a local village, and since I'm just a new student here I'm not allowed to go but will the year after next. I hope things are well at Eton and you are well. I can't wait to hear from you. If you give your letter to me to my parents I'm sure they will get it to me since they have the address. I love you.
Love,
Annie"
I rolled up the parchment and looked at Morgana. "Take this to my parents' house, London," I told her as I attached the parchment to her leg. She gave a small hoot and flew out the open window. I watched as she flew and gave a sigh. "Maybe you should tell him," that voice sounded in my head and I gave it a shook. "Not yet," I whispered and went back to my studies.
Close Encounters
of the Worst Kind
Author: Nevvyn
Date: 07-08-03 08:00
All morning, the Toms and I have been checking our inventories and stocks. "Say!" one of them calls out. "D'you know we're almost out of mugwort, too?" I add this to the steadily-growing order list. This winter has been a bad one for minor aches and ailments. Our stocks have been sorely depleted.
"Is that about it?" I ask.
"I think that covers everything except the cauldron cakes you promised us if we got the inventory done this morning!" replies Tom with a grin.
"All right, then!" I say, grabbing my woolen cloak and heading for the door. "I'll just zip this off by Owl Post, and stop off at Briar's on the way back." I fling open the door and rush out into the chill February morning, only to collide with one of my best customers from the school, a young Slytherin named Kitt. The force of the impact knocks her backwards, into the street, landing her on her backside!
With many apologies, I help her back to her feet. Although I am sure she has not hit her head, she appears dazed. I guide her back inside the shop and sit her down by the fire in the rear. The girl has been to see me a number of times because of recurring headaches. My normal remedies have been only slightly successful at relieving her miseries. At my request, Tom fetches a glass of cool water, which she sips with thanks.
I hand the order list to one of the Toms, along with a golden galleon, and send him off on the errand I had started. "Best get a dozen of the cakes, while you're at it."
I fetch my still-hot cup of tea and join her by the fire. Kitt has a pinched look about her, and she complains about another of her headaches coming on. They seem to be getting worse, and she announces that she is now hearing "whisperings".
"Well, now!" I begin. "These sounds, or voices, that you're hearing could be nothing more than the pressure inside your head." I consider this young lady over the rim of my teacup. "Are you able to make any sense or words, from these "voices"."
She shakes her head to say "No!", wincing as she does so.
"Might I try a bit of an experiment with you?" I inquire. "Are you hearing these whispers now?"
She gives a slight nod, which I take to mean "Yes!" to both of my questions.
I "Accio!" a three-legged stool and place it before the fire. "Sit up here, where we can get your feet off the floor. I want you to have no contact with the earth, for this." She stands unsteadily, and I help her onto the wooden seat. Obediently, she picks up her feet and hooks them over the bottom rung on the stool. Carefully, I weave the strongest set of "wards" about her, using words and spells ancient beyond recall. I call upon the four archangels to stand watch. I feel the almost palpable presence of the four great powers, and the room darkens somewhat. He whom we call "Raphael", stands behind her, reaching out with his hands of healing. "Michael" stands behind me, sword at the ready to defend. "Uriel" and "Gabriel" are at her sides. Her eyes widen as she feels the power around her.
"Are you still hearing the whispers?" I ask quietly.
"No!" she replies in a whisper. "They're gone! And the pressure is easing up a little bit, too!" she smiles weakly.
I intone another spell and draw the net tighter. At my urging, Raphael steps forward and places his hands upon her head. Although she cannot see these apparitions, the contact sends a shudder the entire length of her body. After a few moments, her eyes clear and the deep crease between her eyes relaxes. She closes her eyes with a sigh of relief.
With the wards still in place, I fetch a small silver pendant on a thin silver chain. It is engraved with mystical symbols of power and protection. With the blessing of the four, I slip the chain over head. Gently, I unravel the wards, releasing the presences to go about their other duties. Slowly, Kitt opens her eyes and smiles. She is full of questions as I help her from the stool and lead her back to the big, comfortable chair. "What?... Who?..."
She sits and I hand her a hot cup of tea. Tom returns with the cauldron cakes, and passes them around on a plate. I sit on the edge of my chair and try to explain. "It would appear that someone has been tampering with your mind at some time in the past. I cannot tell you who, without linking very closely with your own mind. This I am reluctant to do. Especially, knowing it was some dark wizard of great power. With the wards, I cut you off from his whispers and his attempts to control your mind. The amulet I have placed around your neck..." She looks down for the first time and realizes my gift to her. "The amulet will protect you against any kind of mental interference, unless there is actual physical contact. It is a "ward" of sorts, blessed by the four powers of the Light."
We sit quietly for a few minutes, sipping our tea and nibbling on our cakes. "Kitt!" I begin again. "I know that you are of Slytherin House. But I must ask.... Do you follow the Light or the Dark? Do you truly wish to break free from this control?"
A Sense of
Loss and a Desire to Help
Author: Isolde
Date: 07-08-03 08:56
Pyrrhus, Isolde and Alexis strolled down High Street doing their very best to ignore the awful wintry weather as they conversed lightly among themselves. During their journey through the village to their usual destination, Twice Told Tales, Isolde couldn't help but think of Azaelia. This was the first school trip to Hogsmeade without her cousin there. This would be the first time they'd step into the secret room in the bookstore without Azaelia. Thoughts like these dampened Isolde's spirits some, and both Pyrrhus and Alexis seemed to notice this.
Pyrrhus wrapped an arm around Isolde's shoulders and drew her towards him, pressing his cheek against the top of his head as he did so, and Alexis spoke of the many terrible things she'd like to do to her sister, which did manage to draw some laughter from Isolde. The sinking feeling that lingered over her fell upon Pyrrhus and Alexis, too, when the three entered Twice Told Tales. This was the first visit to the bookshop since Mrs. Stratford's untimely death, and by the looks of things, Mr. Stratford didn't seem to be present like he usually was, either.
Mr. Valentine was standing behind the front counter, and he looked up when they entered and immediately noticed the looks of concern on the young Slytherins' faces. "Lysander had to go away for a little while, but he'll be all right," he said, answering their unasked question.
Isolde frowned and exchanged looks with her friends. Pyrrhus inclined his head slightly and thanked Mr. Valentine. He asked him if he could use any help in the store today, since it seemed he was without any helpers, but Julian insisted that the three friends enjoy their day away from Hogwarts in the secret room.
"Are you sure, Mr. Valentine?" Isolde asked. "We can help stock shelves or organize paperwork..."
"I'll tell you what," Mr. Valentine said, grinning slightly, "should things get overly busy in here and I need your help, I'll come get you. Now go on, you three."
Pyrrhus smiled and seized Isolde by the hand and followed Alexis as she led the way to the secreet room.
Flight from
Home
Author: Ethan Somerset
Date: 07-08-03 09:44
"Will you write us?" Maren asked her son, her dark eyes shining with hope, worry and curiosity. "How will we know you've made it safely?"
Ethan shed his traveling cloak for one he had left at home before joining the staff at Hogwarts and said, "I don't know if it'll be safe to write you, but you will hear from me, Mother. Don't fret."
He checked himself in the mirror in his bedroom. He wore a simple set of dark robes over which he had draped the other traveling cloak, and he carried nothing but his wand.
"Are you sure you don't want to take a trunk with some of your things?" Maren questioned, bustling to the wardrobe to fuss with some of Ethan's things.
"No," Ethan said, "I must travel light."
It had taken a mere day at home for Ethan to forget most of his troubles and worries. He had awoken a week ago clear of mind and free from the stress that had haunted him during his final week at Hogwarts. Those brief and unexpected moments of clarity, which should have never been but somehow had penetrated the barrier in his mind, seemed long lost and unimportant now. Besides, Ethan had other things to consider now.
He would not be returning to Hogwarts.
His leave of absence would technically end tomorrow, and he would be expected to return to the school by Monday to resume teaching his Defense Against the Dark Arts classes. But Ethan knew that both Dumbledore and Dierna would be keeping an annoyingly close watch on him, should he decide to resurface at the school and relieve the headmaster of his substitute teaching duties.
Unfortunately, whatever Ethan chose to do would likely be, in part, a lose-lose situation. Voldemort had commanded Ethan to carry out certain deeds at the school and he held special faith in his new minion because of his closeness to Dumbledore and Potter as colleague and professor. But Ethan was reassured by reminding himself that Voldemort was no fool. Ethan would be of no use to him should he be caught for what he truly was and thrown into Azkaban. Also, the aurors have a way of getting to the truth. What little Ethan knew of Voldemort's "children" would come to light and give the good guys another advantage in the fight against evil.
Ultimately, Ethan decided the best idea would be to run from Hogwarts and from home. Should Dumbledore or Dierna come looking for him in Canterbury, no trails would lead to him. It would be as if he disappeared without a trace.
"Now then," Ethan said, turning back to his mother, "I think I'm ready to be off." He embraced her in his arms and said, "Don't you worry about me. I'll be all right."
She seemed reluctant to let him go, but let him go she did...
