Meeting with the Dark Lord
Author: Ethan Somerset
Date: 07-12-03 15:01

"Dumbledore will expect me back at Hogwarts by Monday morning," Ethan explained. "However, I believe he may have suspected all along that I would not return. He'll likely send ní Cíaran to track me after he realizes that I have, indeed, not come back to the school. I've left all of my things behind in Canterbury; I don't believe she or anyone can find me here. As for your second question," Ethan said, "I will do whatever you command of me, my Lord." He ducked his head as a sign of reverence, though a small part of it was through fear. So this is the great Voldemort, he thought, and when he met his master's gaze once more he somehow felt very much at home.

Care and Maintenance of Books and Parchment
Author: Madam Irma Pince
Date: 07-12-03 15:10

Madam Pince was relieved when she finally got a bit of piece and quiet in the library that morning. While some students were working away at essays that had to be done, it was not as busy as it would get nearer the end of term when exams were due. It was, therefore, perfect time for her to look over any books that required attention.

Carefully she picked up one volume from the pile of slightly damaged books and set it down on her desk. With one hand she lightly turned the pages, checking to see what had happened to this volume. This one wasn't too bad. She recalled with some abhorrence the time that several students had borrowed books for their Care of Magical Creatures class and had not taken very good care of them. Slime was rather hard to remove from parchment, even with the best of spells, and using too many spells on the one book could lead to complications that were best avoided.

Gently she pushed back slightly creased corners and smoothed a few pages that had got crumpled. Who had had this book last? Madam Pince checked her list and made a note to issue the erring student with a small fine. True, the book was not badly damaged and was eminently usable but it was the principle of the thing.

Students had to be kept in line at all times, in the view of Madam Pince, and certain teachers tended to give certain students far too much leeway in some respects. She would ensure that as far as her library was concerned that her rules were obeyed stringently.

Perhaps it was time for that chat she had been promising herself with the Headmaster. Smiling slightly to herself, Madam Pince put the now fixed volume back in its correct place on the shelving before returning to deal with the next one in her pile.

A librarian's work was never done.

Secrets to Keep
Author: H Potter
Date: 07-12-03 21:01

The conversation quickly returns to topics such as Quidditch and whether Ginny's starting to really feel the pressure yet for the O.W.L.s at the end of term. Before they know it, Bill's glancing at a clock on the wall and announcing it's time for a late lunch.

Bill points to his dining table where there is a stack of plates, glasses and a mound of silverware, "Ginny would you set the table, please? I got things out last night so all you need to do is set a place for everyone. Oh, there'll be two extra of everything. George was going to come to town and meet up with Majandra but he's the only one who didn't have the flu as of early this morning. He's stuck by himself again at the shop. Don't ever repeat this to Mum but it's just as well she's also ill and can't cover long enough for George to at least have lunch with Maj and us. She'd have wanted to check on Fred only to discover he's NOT really living above the store with George anymore. No one's told her yet that since Fred and Blossom returned they've practically been living together at Blossom's."

Four bodies moved swiftly to the kitchen where Bill had just walked and four heads swiveled from the doorway following his movements around that room. Four mouths hung open as if the hinges of their jaws no longer worked properly but then in a blink, all four managed to get their mouths functioning again. All spoke at once.

"Living together?" Ron practically yelled.

"How romantic," Ginny sighed.

"Wonderful for them but not wise to tell Mrs. Weasley," Hermione states practically.

"Whoa! That's a huge step!" Harry exclaims.

Moments later as they sit down to eat, they are still animatedly chattering with Bill eliciting a promise from each that none will utter a word of this to Mrs. Weasley. Eventually the conversation moves on to other topics and on the surface of things, all seems well and everyone happy.

Deep down though, since first walking into Bill's house, Harry has the oddest feeling that there's something Bill wants to say to him but for some reason is holding back. Nor does Harry share with Bill or the others a secret he's had since the wedding that wasn't. A secret really that goes back further in time.

There were moments when Harry would be in the presence of Adriana, such as in Muggle Studies, when his scar would tingle, sometimes even burn. Since just after the blow up on New Year's Eve when Helena and Adriana both vanished, Harry's scar hurts whenever Adriana's name is even mentioned in passing.

Maybe if there's chance to speak to Bill privately before time to return to school this evening, Harry will mention all this to Bill and ask if Bill might know what it means.

Friends...
Author: Sean Belgar
Date: 07-13-03 12:14

"Uhm...friends...glad to hear that," said Sean a little nervous. Why had you asked that question? he asked himself. He decides to take her to Zonko's as there is hardly anything else to do. Instead of continuing to hold her hand he merely puts both of them in his pocket, as he says, "A bit cold isn't it?"

"A bit," she said also putting her hand in her pocket. "So where are we going?" she asked.

"I thought we would go to Zonko's. If you don't want to just give me a suggestion, please," he said sounding a bit annoyed.

She said nothing on the journey. They finally walked into the shop and started looking around. They picked out a few things and Sean paid for them. This time he asked the question before she did. "Where to now?" He had an evil grin across his face and was glad to see she hadn't noticed, or at least she appeared she hadn't.

The New Class
Author: Reese Witherspoon
Date: 07-13-03 18:18

She came from Beauxbatons to experience a new culture, sense the friendliness of the British, and get accustomed to English but the fact that she really accepted the invitation was because she wanted to see new British boys....and learn some few love spells if they have any.

Being sorted into Gryffindor made her quiet happy. (And she was quiet grateful to the kind and most wise Professor Dumbledore). After all, she really thought Slytherins were well too GREEN and it made her feel as if puke suddenly covered the walls of the ancient school. The Hufflepuffs were well way to perky and the Ravenclaws were so smart it made her head dizzy from the sight of them, always talking about some sort of spells that would hardly make you look good. Gryffindor on the other hand was normal. You had the snobs, the smarts, the perky ones and finally Reese was to introduce the new class: the fashionable ones.

Reese really was not the type of girl who would enter a totally new area without anyone with her but she of course was the type who would do ANYTHING and I mean ANYTHING to get someone's attention.

The French girl walked slowly walked over to a pub called "The Three Broomsticks" and she wondered: Now why would anyone go into a restaurant with broomsticks in it? I don't get the British!

She was hesitant but took her first step into a British pub or for that matter A PUB.

Walking even slower this time, she took out her mirror and checked her hair. She pushed her hair into a differnt direction and then took her light red lipstick. Rubbing it lightly on her lips, she looked into the mirror she was holding with her other hand.

To finish herself off, she took her mini Versace bottle of the latest perfume "Parfum de Jasminee" and sprayed it on her neck and as she was, she noticed some boys pass her who were incredibly good looking. Alright enough of the polite language but they were h.o.t.t.

"Bonjour boys," she said quietly to them and gave them a small wink.

She turned to her mirror and checked herself again.

Hmmm...British boys aren't THAT bad...I guess.

At least some of them are good looking. She flipped her bag open and dumped her mirror and lipstick along with her perfume and walked out the door and headed back towards the school to spot the boys again.

Hot Chocolate
Author: Majandra
Date: 07-13-03 18:25

Majandra isn't really sure what she said or did that has caused Sean to sound annoyed every time he speaks nor why he's now looking at her with such a wicked smile and an almost malicious glint in his eyes. The only thing she can think of is that he wasn't please with her reply to his hand holding question. In fact, that's got to be it because it was immediately after that he became distant. Slightly annoyed now herself she wonders what exactly it was about her answer that he found so loathsome.

Majandra, forcing herself not to allow her mild irritation to show, smiles sweetly at Sean. "I would like to go to the bakery for a mug of hot chocolate and also want to buy some fudge, maybe a few other things, to take back to school."

Sean nods and they two walk the short distance to Briar's. A little while later, her mug completely drained and a neatly tied bakery box in one hand, Majandra flashes that sweet smile at Sean again.

"I'm a little tired plus I have some research to finish for an essay due this week so I'm going back to Hogwarts now. Thank you very much for allowing me to spend time with you, thus making a new friend."

Without waiting for Sean to say anything, Majandra opens the bakery door and steps out into the dimming light of later afternoon.

Secret and Curious Thoughts
Author: Hermione Granger
Date: 07-13-03 20:29

"Look at the time," Hermione exclaimed suddenly after everyone had settled on the couches in the living room. They had all spent several hours sitting around the dining table, deeply engrossed in conversations long after the remnants of their late lunch had vanished. Ginny and Hermione had initiated clearing the table and washing the dishes after that, even though Bill had claimed that he'd be more than willing to do the cleaning himself later.

The eldest Weasley seemed quite disappointed that his time with his youngest siblings and their friends was rapidly approaching its end. He had rather enjoyed their company and certainly hoped that they could all get together again sometime. As he guided everyone to the front door, he cast a fleeting glance at Harry as if desiring to say something important, but he held his tongue. No one seemed to notice this except for Harry himself, who appeared eager to say something as well.

He opened his mouth to speak, but Ginny seized him by the arm and dragged him outside into the freezing cold. Harry reluctantly turned away from Bill, not before giving him a friendly goodbye wave, and continued down the path with his friends.

Bill watched them for a few moments, then stepped out onto the landing of his doorstep and shouted, "Harry!"

Hermione and Ron paused and turned, as Harry pulled Ginny to a halt and whirled around to look at her brother.

Bill moved to say something, but seemed to change his mind. When he opened his mouth again he shouted, "Take care of yourself!" He tore his gaze from Harry and waved meaningfully at Ginny, Ron and Hermione.

When the quartet resumed their walk towards High Street, Hermione asked, this time having noticed the exchange between Harry and Bill, "What was that all about, Harry?" She looked at him curiously, linking her right arm with Ron's left and drawing herself closer to him for warmth.

"I don't know," Harry admitted. "I guess...well, you know."

Ron said, "He probably just meant that Harry's annual showdown with You-Know-Who is coming up in a couple of months..."

"Ron!" Ginny exclaimed, shooting a dangerous look across Harry and Hermione to glare at her brother.

Ron ceased speaking and cast a thoughtful glance at Harry before turning to look at the road before them. As they turned onto High Street and made their way to the castle, Hermione pondered the events of that last few minutes in silence, but no one was as deep in contemplation as Harry was with himself.

Trees and Exams
Author: Vera Delgety
Date: 07-13-03 21:34

For a couple hours Vera and Lawrence sat together against a tree. Talking about the O.W.L.S Lawrence had yet to take and classes they could take together next year.

"Vera, I don't know exactly how often we can so this together. With the O.W.L.S coming I mean." Lawrence said sadly. "I'm afraid I might be a little distant."

Vera smiled softly and kissed his cheek. "No worries Lawrence. Just remember, if you need any help I'm here. I did take them last year!" She winked. "Just drown yourself in your studies and don't let distractions, hence myself, get in your way." And grinning she added, "I'm going to test you on that once in a while...So beware!"

"Oh, really now?!" He looked at her with suspicious eyes. "Knowing you, I best be on my guard then..."

"You know it!" Laughing Vera stood up. "As soon as we walk into that school Mr. Masterson, studies begin and tests will take place!" She looked toward the school. "Speaking of which! We should be heading back now. Shall we?" She held out her hand to help her boyfriend up, which he gladly took.

"We shall.." Smiling he offered his arm for her to take and they went back to the school. Their Hogsmeade trip ended good.

Revenge Close at Hand
Author: Lucius Malfoy
Date: 07-13-03 21:35

Lucius reaches, almost languidly, for a grape as Avery points out key locations on the large map displayed on the wall at the far end of the room. Goyle interrupts by asking, "The informant is certain that the target is easily taken if we are stationed at the points you've just indicated?"

Avery nods. "Malfoy and I personally checked everything. Also, this informant has been feeding us information for years and not once has any of it been the slightest bit wrong."

MacNair decides to speak up as well. "When are you going to tell us who the target is?"

Avery's mouth splits in an evil grin. "Right now. Lucius, would you do the honors since you're the one who gained the necessary facts for us to undertake this mission?"

Lucius pops another grape into his mouth then stands to Avery by the map. "As you all know, Karkaroff has been most helpful with his knowledge of where some of the Dark Lord's enemies now reside. One name he gave me is Nettlesby Harpsichord."

Lucius pauses as this name sinks in and those around the table gasp, their eyes growing large. Crabbe utters the question, "Revenge against that slug at last?" At Lucius's almost cackled, "Yes!" everyone at the table begins grinning and laughing malevolently.

When the noise in the room subsides, Lucius continues. "As you all know, Harpsichord was responsible for a number of the Dark Lord's spies being captured and killed. He also was behind a number of loyal spies for the cause being sent to Azkaban. Two even received the Dementor's kiss and have been vegetables at St. Mungo's ever since. Several years ago when Harspsichord heard rumors that Lord Voldemort was once again on the rise, the coward moved to Glasgow, changed his name to Bosworth Heffleman, and has been living a very quiet life as clerk in a cauldron shop."

Lucius slowly gazes around the room, making eye contact with each and every person there. A hush hangs over them as they wait expectantly for Lucius to resume speaking. He holds up a grape for all to see and as he pinches it tightly between thumb and forefinger, Lucius states, "This is Harpsichord's head when we are done with him."

A resounding cheer erupts as Lucius takes his seat so that Avery may finish going over the plans.

MoM HQ: Clacking up the Case
Author: Voleta Barret
Date: 07-13-03 22:11

Voleta collapsed in the chair at her desk in her office at the Ministry of Magic headquarters. She was exhausted from a week's work of cleanup, investigation, and interrogation.

She pushed some straggling hairs behind her hair and took out a piece of typing paper from one of the desk drawers, sticking it in the reel of the enchanted typewriter she had gotten from Arthur Weasley down the hall. The keys clacked away as she dictated her report to the machine. When she was done, she took it out and read it:

Report to the Department of Magical Law Enforcement
Written by: Voleta Barret, Muggle Relations, Memory Charm Expert

On the night of Saturday, February 22, 1997 V. Barret arrived on the scene of a mysterious accident in Godric's Hollow with suspicion of magical involvement. Description of scene upon arrival: Pile of rubble that once was a muggle family's home. Only one wall of the kitchen still stood. Scrawled upon this wall with red substance was "Potter will pay".

Barret quickly secured the sight with no problems faced. Confiscated from Muggle Police: One box of evidence and twelve canisters of used Muggle camera film Barret was just about to start investigation when back-up, Head Auror Dierna ni Ciaran, arrived. Upon investigation ni Ciaran realized that the message was written in blood. Type of blood is still to be determined. Barret then removed the message before ni Ciaran departed.

Barret then erected a tent to cover site away from Muggles. She left for the night to return in the morning. In the morning of Sunday, February 22, 1997 Barret went through the rubble to reveal nothing of real importance, but a Muggle safe that had been broken into. Three bodies of victims were found and sent to local Muggle morgue with forged death certificates and autopsy reports. The victims were: John Michael Smith, 43; Jane Michelle Smith, 41; and Judy Michelle Smith, 12.

The scene was cleared. Barret then proceeded to interview witnesses. No leads were found and no charms on Muggle memories were needed. No real leads to suspect(s).

Possible leads from past cases:

The Pritchard Incidence of March, 1968.
The Death Eaters of Surrey Case of July, 1977.
The Potters at Godric's Hollow Case of Halloween, 1981.
The Case of the Dark Mark in New Forest Halloween 1996.

Good, Voleta thought. She then tapped it with her wand. It instantly folded into a paper airplane. She picked it up and pitched it out her door down the hall. It fluttered on its way to the Department Head's desk for filing.

Versace, Gucci and Prada
Author: Reese Witherspoon
Date: 07-13-03 22:10

Slowly walking up the stairs after her short visit to Hogsmeade, she finally reached the girl's dormitory. Quietly walking over to her table, she took out her cosmetic bag and grabbed her mirror.

Ughh! No British guy has asked me out yet! I feel so empty without a guy!

She took her mirror and grabbed her Lancome makeup remover and cleansed the cotton over her face. She took another cotton ball and wetted it with water and rubbed her lips on it and looked for her hairpin.

Slowly and reluctantly, she grabbed her mirror to make sure she was tying her hair in the proper way so it won't get messed up while sleeping.

Taking her Versace lotion, she rubbed it over her hands while her other hands took her night cream, rubbing it over her eyes and cheeks.

I mean, haven't they ever met a good looking French girl? I mean I wear Versace, I brought enough Prada bags to satisfy myself and the other guys, my wardrobe is the 1996 season, and I wear the latest Gucci perfume. Ugh! That's it! Tomorrow the guys at Hogwarts will see what a great la fille I am! I'll show them what Reese Witherspoon is made of!

She went underneath her covers, and closed her eyes slowly until she greeted sleep...

Shocked
Author: Sean Belgar
Date: 07-14-03 06:31

Sean was quite shocked at the fact that she was being so nice even though he was being a great git. Good job you moron he thought. She had said they were friends and that was far more than what he had even imagined.

Why was he being a big jerk? Then he realized he had to apologize quickly. He ran out the door looking for her. She was no where to be seen. He decided to try and head her off at Hogwarts. He ran as quickly as his feet would take him, which was fast because he had large feet and long legs.

He had finally reached Hogwarts. He stood at the front doors waiting. He waited about 15 minutes and decided that she was already there. He went intot he library in search of her but couldn't find her. He knew she was in Gryffindor so went off to find one.

There was hardly anyone back from Hogsmeade so he couldn't find one either. He lost hope. He decided he would write her a letter and send it with his owl Barneby. He scribbled quickly.

Dear Majandra,

How are you doing on your research? I just wanted to say I was sorry for acting like a git. I am happy to have a friend like you. I have to go now. Please forgive me.

Your Friend,
Sean

He tied it to his owl's leg and sent it through the window of his dormitory. He hoped the owl would find her.