Decisions
Author: Kitt Flynn
Date: 07-08-03 14:39
I was sipping my still-hot tea when Nevvyn asked me the question. I ended up swallowing the hot tea and it burned on the way down and I started coughing.
"There, there." Nevvyn pats me on the back to get me to settle, I heave in air as my coughs still persist, but then quiet down.
I set aside the tea cup. "I-I need to go." I croak as I grab my cloak and slip it on, poking my mittens down into my pockets, and wrapping my scarf loosely around my neck.
"All right, then." Nevvyn sighs and shakes his head. He gives my tea cup to one of the Tom's. I head for the door, tears stinging at my eyes.
I reach for the handle of the door and Nevvyn places a hand on my shoulder to stay me. He lifts my chin to meet his kindly eyes. "Send me an owl if you wish to talk."
I flashed a brief smile and slipped out the door into the cold. I swallowed the lump that had risen in my throat and walked, dazed, towards Twice Told Tales. Chase's birthday was coming up and I wanted to send him something really nice. He likes books, and I knew that Mr. Stratford and Mr. Valentine would help me look for the perfect book.
I paused thinking about Mrs. Stratford. She was a great woman. Would sneak us Slytherin's some treat, or let us into the secret room, we'd pick out three books and she'd wink and say, "Buy two, get one free." She was a gem. And simply evil, too. That's what made her great.
The Light or the Dark? Serving the Dark Lord was something that Chase said our parents did, and that he does, too. I am halfway between being pissed off and wanting to crying for shame. Nevvyn had just done something extremely wonderful for me -- stopping the pain, if only for a while -- and the only thing he'd asked me in return was to consider who I was serving.
I opened the door to the bookstore and closed it behind me, leaning against the door.
"Hello there, Kitt." Julian Valentine offered. "What can I get for you?"
I smiled up at him. He was damn hott if I ever saw a hott guy. Too bad he was too old for me. "I think I'm going to look around for a while. Is it okay if I go back into the room?"
"Sure thing. Isolde, Py, and Alexis are back there right now." He said, heading toward the secret bookshelf.
"Oh."
He let me in and I stepped into the darkness. My eyes adjusted and I heard Isolde's voice over by the fireplace. "Hi, Kitt! You don't look too happy."
I am somewhat of a loner, but at night I very much enjoy talking to Isolde, Alexis, and Azaelia before she left, as we getting ready for bed, or at lunch and dinner. They made me laugh when I needed to. I half smiled, "I don't want to talk about it, Is. But, thanks."
I grabbed a candle and looked around the shelves for a good book for my big brother.
In the Air
Author: Fritz Schnackenpfefferhausen
Date: 07-08-03 15:58
Fritz mounts his broom at Viktor's command and kicks off into the air. He and his fellow classmates and others who cannot go into Hogsmeade today soar up and down the length of the Pitch executing the warm-up drills and other exercises they have learned during the past two Quidditch workshops. Fritz can't help but think that he is slowly adapting to the feel of a broomstick and with each flight he makes it becomes more and more natural. Perhaps he'll considering trying out for the Ravenclaw Quidditch team next year, if there's an opening. At Viktor's whistle, he touches back down to the snowy ground and awaits further instruction.
Butterbeer
Author: Draco Malfoy
Date: 07-08-03 20:13
Draco was sitting across from his usual cohort of Crabbe and Goyle at a booth in The Three Broomsticks when Potter entered with Granger and both Weasleys. The Slytherin sneered at them as they passed two at a time, waiting until they had settled themselves at a table in the far corner before turning back to his colossal sidekicks. He asked rather loudly, "Are you surprised at all, Crabbe? You really can't get any lower than a Weasley, but I suppose losers attract."
He had spoken loud enough to be overheard, and could hear Ginny Weasley telling Harry to ignore him. Draco grinned evilly and took a hearty swig of his butterbeer, changing the subject to Quidditch. "We've got a straight shot to the Cup," he said, "especially if we beat Hufflepuff next month. I'm fairly confident we can do it, of course. We've done exceedingly well this year so far and the other three houses seem off their game. Of course, I've known all along that we're better than they are..."
His voice trailed off as Crabbe and Goyle grunted in agreement, and when Draco emptied his glass he rose to his feet and said, "I'm going to get another. Stay here."
Santhea Fennally had entered the pub only moments earlier and found a seat at the bar. She was already sipping at her pint of butterbeer when Draco approached her. "I thought I felt a chill in here, Fennally," he said, planting his left elbow on the counter top. He leaned against it and eyed her levelly.
Orlando
and Butterbeer
Author: Sykra Sawyer
Date: 07-08-03 21:21
Sykra smiled as she entered Hogsmeade and made her way towards the Three Broomsticks. She was meeting Orlando there for some drinks before joining her friends. It had been awhile so she was glad to see him.
Arriving at the pub, she found Orlando already there with a couple of butterbeers waiting.
"Hey Orlando." Sykra smiled sitting down across from him.
Orlando leaned over and kissed her. "Hello, Luv."
Settling down and sipping her butterbutter Sykra began to tell Orlando about what's been going on with her, and Orlando likewise. For the Ravenclaw, it was going to be a wonderful day.
Hi Ho, Hi
Ho, It's Off To Eat We Go
Author: Kody
Date: 07-08-03 22:16
The small group of students, which includes Emma, Sean, Drake, and Kody, walks down the path into Hogsmeade, their feet making pleasant crunching noises in the snow. As they reach the outskirts of town Drake asks, "Where to first?"
Emma points towards The Three Broomsticks, "Based on the stream of students filing in there, it's going to be really crowded."
Nodding in agreement Kody adds, "I bet everyone's going there because it's the first place they can get in from the cold and sit down and get something to eat or drink. How about we go to Briar's Bakery? If everyone's stopping at The Three Broomsticks first, the bakery probably has plenty of places to sit inside. My mum just sent me another installment on my allowance so the treats are on me."
Oooooh Treats!
Author: Sean Belgar
Date: 07-09-03 06:05
Sean hadn't spoken in a while but when they said the bakery it got his attention. He hadn't eaten in a while and was growing hungrier by the minute. "O.K. let's go, but you don't have to buy all the treats Kody. I have some money."
Sean loved the smell of Briar's Bakery. As they drew nearer it seemed to enclose on them. "Smells good, eh?" said Sean almost drooling. "Sure does," said Drake who looked like he was on the verge of drooling, too.
They walked in and they ordered. Sean took a large bite of his biscuit and turned to Kody. "So where to after this?" he asked.
Where To
Next...Hmm
Author: Emma Crusher
Date: 07-09-03 11:23
Emma took a bite out of her sugar-glazed croissant. Her sweet tooth had been calling. "I know the three of you have probably seen it a hundred times, but I've heard some pretty wild stories about the Shrieking Shack and was wondering if-"
"Say no more." Drake interrupted. "Who are we to refuse a lady's request?"
Sweet Revenge
Author: Santhea Fennally
Date: 07-09-03 12:37
"I thought I felt a chill in here, Fennally." The now-familiar drawl of Draco Malfoy shook her out of her reverie. She turned around finding herself face to face with the smirking Slytherin. The sweetest - and deadliest - of smiles spread over her features. Anyone who had know her at Beauxbatons would have fled the scene now, but Malfoy was of course oblivious of her, well, not too perfect past.
"Oh dear, Draco," she exclaimed in mock-concern, putting extra emphasis on his given name, "one might get the impression that you're going soft as well. Want to match with me, don't you?" The smirk wavered, brilliant. But she wasn't done yet. "I hate to tell you that I for one haven't felt any sort of chill here. Are you sure you are alright? You might want to go to the infirmary before you catch a cold... That would simply be dreadful, would it not?"
Her smile was still in place when he turned hastily to order another butterbeer. Oh, she was enjoying herself almost too much. "Are you sure it is a wise thing to have another drink? I really think you should go and see Madame Pomfrey. You look quite pale..."
Malfoy was about to reply something when Crabbe and Goyle stepped up to them, clearly unable to wait for more drinks. Inwardly she sighed, how could someone like Malfoy stand being surrounded by these, well, trained monkeys. But right now they were just what she needed. "Oh Vincent, Gregory. I'm so glad to see you. You see, our friend here," she pointed at Draco, "doesn't feel well at all. Would you be so kind as to escort him to the infirmary?"
"I'm perfectly fine, thanks..." He tried to interrupt but was overruled by Santhea, "Don't listen to him, he just tries to be strong. But I tell you a secret, women find men even more attractive if they are not ashamed of their soft sides..."
Before he was dragged out of the pub by his two cronies, Santhea leaned in again and whispered so that only Draco could hear her, "Next time you feel like calling someone soft, you'd better think twice." She was about to draw back when, on a second thought she quickly brushed her lips over his cheek. "Get better soon..."
When the doors closed behind the three boys, she turned to her drink again, looking smug. It was clear that Malfoy would tell his two gorillas what had been going on, and they might even understand it. However she felt certain that she had gotten her message over to him, 'Never fuss with me!'
SS...Um...I
dunno...
Author: Sean Belgar
Date: 07-09-03 18:45
"The Shrieking Shack," said Sean a bit nervous. "Uhm, well, you see, could we make it a bit quick? I wanna look around."
"You're not scared, are you?"asked Emma.
"'Course he ain't scared," said Drake instantly. "He just has something to do right, Sean?"
"Yeah, that's all. So does that mean we will make it quick?" he asked anxiously.
"Sure, but what are you doing, if you don't mine me asking." said Drake.
"Well, to tell you the truth I was hoping to run into Majandra," he said blushing very brightly.
"Oh, that's all?" said Drake sounding amused. "I thought it was something important." Then he saw the look of anger on Sean's face. "I didn't mean it like that Sean," he said hastily.
Trust
Author: Sirius Padfoot Black
Date: 07-09-03 19:15
Sirius, as Patrick Blackburn, sits around a small, circular table in a back room at the inn where's he staying, listening to inn keeper Henry Marsh wax poetic about his latest batch of home brewed ale. Sirius's boss Chris Wheelright and two others from work are crowded around, all sampling what Henry proclaims to be his finest brew yet. As Henry finishes the punchline to a joke, a woman's voice cuts through the men's ribald laughter.
"Henry! Henry! Ware are ye? Robbie needs yer help."
Muttering something under his breath about nagging women, Henry excuses himself from the table, calling out, "Keep your knickers on, woman!"
Wheelright watches the old man hobble away and once sure Henry is well out of earshot, he leans and motions for the other three to do the same. In a hushed voice he tells them, "Got us a job to do this afternoon, laddies. Man's willing to pay well to have his little project in his hands by this time tomorrow. Won't need everyone. We four can handle it. Means a bigger cut for all of you. Interested?"
Sirius pretends to be thinking things over then nods in agreement with one of the others when the man says, "A few extra gallons in my pocket is always a good thing."
The other men think Sirius's smile is due to the thought of a nice chunk of change to be made on this job. In reality, Sirius is jubilant over the fact that being asked to be part of a private job such as this means he's earned some of Wheelright's trust. Things are coming along just as Sirius has hoped.
Late Start
to the Morning
Author: Brady
Date: 07-09-03 19:43
It was around midmorning when Brady and Phillip left the Slytherin common room and Hogwarts for the village of Hogsmeade, which had come to life this morning because of the heavy influx of students and staff loitering in and around the various stores and eateries. They strolled leisurely down High Street, bypassing the homey atmosphere of The Three Broomsticks since it seemed as if everyone was at the pub, crammed into every nook and cranny like a group of sardines in a can. It was obviously very warm in there, which made the pub seem all the more inviting. The windows were fogged up and the sounds of jubilant laughter and conversation drifted out of the door each time someone entered or exited the tavern.
Brady and Phillip continued onwards, though, deciding on Honeydukes as their very first destination for the day. Neither one of them had had breakfast yet and sweets seemed just the ticket to cure the hunger pains they felt!
Introduction
Author: Saffron
Date: 07-10-03 10:09
Saffron returns to the school after going into Hogsmeade early and spending a few leisurely hours. She shifts the large basket from one hand to the other and lets the basket come to rest partly on her hip as she makes her way up various staircases. Saffron comes to a stop before a door then gives it a loud knock. Then twice more.
The thick wood muffles the sound from inside but not so much that Saffron cannot hear the person inside say, "It's open."
Saffron pushes the door so that it swings wide then takes one small step inside, a friendly smile brightening her face. "Professor Kale? We've only met in passing since you came on staff last weekend. I'm Saffron Sacheverell, the Divinations instructor. I was in Hogsmeade first thing this morning and got a basketful of freshly made goodies from Briar's Bakery. I thought perhaps you might like some."
Shopping
Author: Majandra
Date: 07-10-03 10:30
Majandra, feeling very much like a fifth wheel, had chosen not to accompany Ginny, Harry, Hermione, and Ron into Hogsmeade this morning. Instead she walked down with a group that included the Patil twins, Lavender, Neville, Terry Boot, and Ernie McMillan. When the others decide to cram into the already crowded Three Broomsticks Majandra begs off, choosing to head for Gladrags Wizardwear. Her mother's birthday is only days away and Majandra knows of a hat at Gladrags Mum fancied but wouldn't buy for herself.
After making the purchase, Majandra walks to the post office and tucks a birthday card inside, then mails off the package. Exiting the post office, Majandra stands with the slight breeze on her face, enjoying the chill air, while deciding where to go next.
Zoom Zoom
Author: Coco Nutt
Date: 07-10-03 10:40
"Egzellent shot, Coco," Viktor calls out as Coco makes another goal. "Now go join ze group searching for ze snitch."
Coco zips away on as Viktor says, "Alanna, it iz being your turn to practice making goals."
Coco pats her pocket where Pea is safely ensconced and bundled up against the cold. "This game be bloody marvelous, Pea. Oi fink Oi might try me hand fer a spot on tha team next year."
Pea yips in reply even as Coco joins those searching for the snitch, zooming in a steep dive as something glints in the snow at mid-pitch, Coco laughing with glee the entire time.
Majandra
Author: Sean Belgar
Date: 07-10-03 11:35
The group of four walked up to the Shrieking Shack. When they got there Sean broke the silence, "So what do we do know? Do we go in?"
"Good idea," said Drake. He walked up to the door but he had barely reached it when-
"Don't touch that door knob," said an eerie voice. They all turned quickly but saw no one. "Oh well," said Drake as he walked back up the steps. He had barely reached the door and opened it when SMACK the door closed right on his face.
"That's not nice," said Kody while Sean and Emma laughed.
"Well I better be going. I just remebered I need to send my uncle a message too," said Sean.
"O.K. See you." said Drake rubbing his nose.
Sean was walking towards the post office when he saw just what he wanted. Majandra was standing outside the door with the wind blowing in her face. "Oy, Majandra," said Sean as he jogged up to her. "What are you doing here?" he asked.
"I just sent my Mum a birthday present," she said. "How did you know my name?" she asked.
"I have seen you around," said Sean nervously. "My name is Sean," he said holding out his hand.
Payback's
a...
Author: Draco Malfoy
Date: 07-10-03 12:29
"Bitch," spat Draco, shrugging off Crabbe's and Goyle's feeble attempts to hold him steady as they trudged back up the path to the castle. He felt very cold and shuddered violently as a freezing blast of wintry wind assailed his pale skin, but the arctic weather outside didn't compare to what he felt from within his body. His very innards seemed icy, as if he was literally chilled to the bone.
The monstrous duo helped Draco up the grand staircase until they arrived onto the first floor, where they directed Draco to the Hospital Wing. They pushed him onto one of the metal-framed beds and called for Madam Pomfrey, who immediately rushed over to tend to the ailing Slytherin.
"Oh, my! What happened to you, Mr. Malfoy?" she asked, bending over him to place a hand across his forehead.
"Cold," he gasped, "I'm so cold."
Madam Pomfrey seemed to sense that his predicament came not from the numbing February climate, and she bustled off to her offices to fetch the proper medicaments for her patient, shooing Crabbe and Goyle out of the room in the process. "You two go back to Hogsmeade. He'll be all right by this evening," she said, waving them away with her hands.
Both Crabbe and Goyle bore looks of uncertainty, for they knew not what to do without Draco to tell them. They shuffled out of the room nonetheless, leaving a suffering Draco moaning in his bed. "It's c-c-cold," he mumbled again when Madam Pomfrey came back to his bedside.
"Drink this, Mr. Malfoy," she ordered, forcing his blue lips open as she said this.
He drank and immediately felt the warmth creep down his throat and settle in his stomach, where it slowly started to spread.
"You'll be yourself again as soon as you feel it in your fingers and toes, Mr. Malfoy," Pomfrey said.
Draco nodded his head once and shut his eyes, listening as the nurse walked away. Fennally's got a lot of nerve thinking she can cross me, he thought to himself, but before he could expand on this thought, he fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.
It's Cold
Author: Ginny Weasley
Date: 07-10-03 16:31
Snug and warm inside The Three Broomsticks, the quartet are loath to step back outside for the short trek to Bill's house. They did promise though so as soon as Ron has gulped down the last of his third butterbeer, all four don their coats, scarves and gloves. Harry holds the door open for Hermione, Ron, and Ginny then takes Ginny's hand while Ron reaches for Hermione's. The two couples stroll briskly down the street intent on getting to Bill's as quickly as possible.
As they pass the bakery, someone comes rushing out after them. "Ginny! Ron! I've been keeping watch for you."
Briar Rose approaches with a neatly tied pastry box. "Bill asked if I happened to see you to send this order with you. You are going to his house, correct?"
The four nod in unison as Ginny takes the box from Briar. "We're on our way there right now, thanks."
Her coatless form shivering in the cold, Briar bids them goodbye and hastens back inside the bakery. As the four friends resume their walk, Ginny asks, "Did anyone else notice that Briar isn't wearing her engagement ring?"
A Scrutinous
Eye
Author: Severus Snape
Date: 07-10-03 17:54
Professor Snape pushed the stack of fourth year Potions essays aside, every last one abysmal at best, and regarded Mary's broomstick with a scrutinous eye. It was a Nimbus Two Thousand; certainly not the fastest model around, particular these days when each new broomstick on the market boasted better agility and speed than the last. At any rate, Mary's broomstick was certainly quite a few steps above the school's supply or Clean Sweeps, which were hardly better than an average cleaning broom.
Professor Snape had just risen from the seat behind his desk to peruse through his Potions cabinet, when a shadow fell over the light in the open doorway. A house elf entered tentatively and offered the Potions master a scroll and a few pieces of sealed parchment. "Tummy be bringing you some mail," the elf said as he slowly began to back out of the office.
"One moment, please," said Snape softly. "Would you ask Madam Hooch and Professor Flitwick to stop by my office, if they have time to spare." It was more of a statement than a question. "Their assistance is needed in performing a series of checks on a broomstick to see if it is fit for use by one of my students."
"Yes, Sir," said the elf, and when Snape said no more, the elf walked out of the office.
Snape resumed his walk to the Potions cabinet, where he plucked a few vials and other containers of substances from the shelves. He set to work immediately on testing Mary's broomstick for any unwanted or non-regulation spells placed on it. The remainder of the fourth year essays could wait.
Quiet Contemplation
Author: Pyrrhus
Date: 07-10-03 19:46
A silence envelops the secret room as Kitt continues searching the bookshelves and the other three teens lounge comfortably while intently reading their dark arts selections. As usual, Isolde and Py sit side by side, snuggled closely together. Both of them are reading fascinating books on voodoo, getting some ideas of what more to do with the dolls Py got at Christmas. Before becoming fascinated by his book selection, Py noticed that some of the books Alexis has stacked by her chair are also about voodoo.
Py has also wondered if the almost exaggerated quiet is due to subdued feelings caused by Mrs. Stratford's death. While the tragic event occurred a month and a half ago, this is the first time the Hogwarts' students have been to town since December. Being here at the bookstore, the Slytherins have only just today truly grasped that Mrs. Stratford is gone forever.
Py looks up from his reading and glances over at Isolde, slowing scanning the graceful curve of her face, the soft, gleaming sweep of golden hair. As Py's heart feels like it's being squeezed tightly, he cannot fathom his life without Isolde in it. Py rubs his thumb over the back of Isolde's hand as if reassuring himself that she's really there. She glances up with one of her brilliant smiles and Py raises her hand to kiss it, then suddenly feeling extremely self-conscious, Py returns his gaze to his book and resumes reading.
