Goodbye, Azkaban!
Author: Ethan Somerset
Date: 09-18-04 13:06
James Yao came to collect Ethan on Saturday.
"Hello Ethan, are you ready to go to trial?"
He stood outside the cell with Mr. Cornwell and two Hit Wizards.
"It's Saturday, isn't it?" Ethan asked, furrowing his brow. Had he got his days mixed up? Was it really Monday already?
"Yes, it is," James replied. "Your trial is still set for Monday morning, bright and early as it is, for which reason we are collecting you now. You're to be transported to a holding cell at the Ministry until it's time."
Ethan felt relieved and stepped away from the bars. Finally, a chance to stretch his legs and to experience a change of scenery outside of the fortress! The Hit Wizards entered his cell and magically bound his wrists together. They used their wands to form a wispy cord between his ankles, so that he could walk with them down the corridor but not sprint away to freedom. With one Hit Wizard on either side of him, Ethan began the journey down the hall.
He paused by Nero's cell when the inmate said, "Goodbye, Ethan."
"Until we meet again." Ethan smiled.
Outside the fortress, two Hit Wizards from the Ministry of Magic waited. When Ethan approached with his entourage, the Azkaban guards handed him off to the Ministry, with Mr. Cornwell overseeing the action. James shook hands with the warden and then produced a portkey. Ethan felt the pull at his navel and soon found himself away from Azkaban's shores.
He blinked.
The room he now found himself in with the two Hit Wizards and James Yao was dark, dank and mysterious. A lone wooden chair sat in the middle of the room.
"Avery," said James to one of the Hit Wizards.
Something came down on the back of Ethan's head and everything went black.
Visiting a Neighbor
Author: Lysander Stratford
Date: 09-18-04 13:33
It had been over a year since Lysander had experienced his last Hogsmeade weekend. He stood at one of the windows and looked out at High Street, where dozens and dozens of Hogwarts students packed the road with smiles on their faces. Eager for some customers, certain Slytherins in particular, Lysander helped the first student who came in, a Ravenclaw asking for a used textbook on the N.E.W.T. exams. After ringing up her purchase, Lysander sought out Julian, who was in the office marking some information into a ledger.
"I'm going to pop in at Nevvyn's for a few. Shan't be long."
"Okay, I'll watch the front in the meantime."
Lysander could tell that Julian was happy to have him back in Hogsmeade. Lysander felt the same way, despite the trauma that had caused him to flee the village. He finally felt like he could carry on with his life--to almost pick up where he left off, though a few major differences persisted.
Shaking those thoughts from his head, Lysander left Twice Told Tales and headed for Nevvyn's Notions and Potions. He entered and called out, "Hello? Are you here, Nevvyn?"
Minister Fudge, If You Please
Author: Cornelius Fudge
Date: 09-18-04 14:23
Cornelius sipped the hot tea he'd ordered upon arrival at the The Three Broomsticks. He sat the cup down carefully.
"Now listen to me before you go off half-cocked Darius."
He didn't look up from the chocolate-cheese scone on the plate in front of him. He broke it in half and nibbled a bit before replacing it and wiping his mouth.
"This isn't a request. You will be at St. Mungo's. You will be the Director of staff and head administrator. You will take St. Mungo's and transform it like you did the muggle hospital you play in, to a well respected hospital world wide. You will then go one step farther and make it to the best and most respected hospital in the world. The things you did in Borneo Darius you can do here. I will give you my full support.
Darius choked on his coffee. "A bit ambitious don't you think! Its impossible! I tell you! I wouldn't send my dog to St. Mungos Cornelius!"
The Minister of Magic looked at him over top of his glasses.
"Minister Fudge if you please. Oh come to your senses Darius! I'm giving you a chance to redeem yourself., not only in the eyes of the law but in the Wizarding community itself. I am handing you dignity on a silver platter! "
Darius sneered "Dr. Sparrow if you please.."
Fudge continued as if he hadn't noticed the doctor had spoken.
"You come from a very old pure-blooded wizarding family, however your name is not one proudly embraced and you know it. Think of it Darius, eventually, if you played your cards right your name could possibly command near the respect of say a Malfoy We know what you do in New York Darius. We haven't stopped you as the work is necessary and valuable. However, I want it nearer to the Ministry of Magic. I want to be informed of all progress. I want the Ministry and Medical community working together to the benefit of all Wizardkind.
Mr. Minister Sir
Author: Darius Sparrow
Date: 09-18-04 15:30
Fudge smiled and spoke to a young man who had approached him, asking if her were indeed the Minister of Magic. Darius got the feeling he was in a bad Twilight Zone episode. Fudge turned his attention once again to the doctor. Darius smiled and nodded patronizingly.
"You want the ministry involved in every aspect of crossover-care and the development and protocol of wizard healing?"
Fudge smiled and nodded, swallowing the remainder of his tea. "Absolutely! We want to be....."
Dr. Sparrow interrupted. "... working together to the benefit of all Wizardkind. Yes I heard. Interesting, very interesting. Kissing babies in Hogsmeade and benefiting Wizardkind.....this wouldn't have anything to do with the bad press you've been getting lately hmm Mr. Minister Sir?"
Fudge was suddenly indignant. "Bad press? If it's the Boris and Natasha situation to which you refer, It is indeed under control!"
Darius sputtered, holding his hand to his face to stop the tea from spraying the Minister with coffee.
"Boris and Natasha!!"
"Being that your son is quite close with the Weasley family one would think the kidnapping of Charlie Weasley would not be so amusing. Of course one must learn to consider the source....Yes Boris and Natasha, I believe these rumors have been circulated as calculated effort to discredit me... Stop laughing you fool!"
His hand slammed down on to the table causing the cups to jump and people to turn. Fudge turned and waved at the children. Darius tried to act like the dignified professional that he was. He covered his mouth with his hand, elbow on the table.
"Tell me.......*laughing* ...Was the secret squirrel with them?"
Darius didn't know why he found it so funny. His shoulders shook and his eyes watered. "......and......what........what about..........THE MOOSE?"
He laid his head down on the table in an effort to be less conspicuous and to regain composure discretely.
Fudge was certain he'd broken the man with the pressue his demands were placing upon him.
He sat angrily. "Damn it Darius, control yourself! You will be escorted to either St. Mungo's tomorrow or Azkaban tomorrow!"
The mention of Azkaban did wonders for one's ability to re-group. "Azkaban without dementors is just another prison!" A smile was still on his face.
"You shall be escorted to "only a prison in the morning!" Fudge snarled as he stood and walked away from the table.
Darius stood quickly. "Two days a week, continued discussion and I will WILL NOT wear a lime green robe!!"
Fudge turned victoriously. "Agreed." He turned again and headed toward the door.
All Fine Things
Author: Rolan Boyd
Date: 09-18-04 16:24
Rolan Boyd stepped out from Scrivenshaft's onto High Street, packing away his purchase in his side bag. He turned into the pedestrian street traffic and began to make his way up the street with Hogwarts castle looming in the distance. A gust of wind blew in from behind and filled the air with the sweet and intriguing smells of Briar's Bakery, a few doors down. Stopping occasionally to greet someone he knew and to make a withdrawal at Gringotts Bank, Hogsmeade Branch, to replenish his funds, Rolan finally walked up to the Three Broomsticks and entered.
Even considering the the holidays, the Broomsticks was at its most festive toward the school term's end. As she did at each year, Madam Rosmerta strung intertwined streamers of red and gold, yellow and black, blue and bronze, and green and silver from the ceiling. Infinitesimal specks of all colors floated from these streamers towards the heads below, but they would all disappear suddenly in midair before impact, to create a shimmering effect throughout the room. Specially-ordered lion, badger, eagle, and serpent candies were placed at the center of all the tables, which were decorated in House colors as well, and a white banner with large, violet letters had been placed over the mirrors behind the bar reading: "Good Luck 7th Years!"
Kevin Entwhistle, Lisa Turpin, and Su Li were waiting for him in their usual booth. They greeted him warmly as he dropped off his bag and then proceeded to the bar.
"I'll have a red..." began Rolan, but a cheerful Madam Rosmerta finished his order with a grin: "A red currant rum. No seventh years' money is good here today. One last freebie for you kids before you all have to enter the real world!"
"I'd forgotten about the decorations," said Rolan as he sat down next to his friends. Kevin looked up momentarily as if just realizing there were decorations, then returned his attention to the zoo he had created from the small animal candies. Su grabbed a large shopping bag with Gladrags stamped on the side in bold letters. From this she withdrew two new dazzling sets of robes she had purchased as some form of encouragement to focus on her N.E.W.T.s. ("I won't let myself see them again until I'm finished the exams satisfactorily," she beamed.)
Rolan smiled, while grabbing a handfull of candies, and enjoyed the humming sounds of the room around him. This was his last opportunity to enjoy simple experiences such as this. All the fine things he'd come to unknowing love about being a student at Hogwarts.
Daily Prophet Article
Author: Marek
Date: 09-18-04 17:09
LAROQUE THE LIBERATOR
It seems as though the Ministry of Magic's troubles are not yet at an end, writes Rita Skeeter Special Correspondent. Darius Laroque, possibly the most recognized werewolf leader, who is demanding equality of rights, is still eluding capture, the Ministry of Magic confirmed today.
"We are doing all we can to capture Laroque," said the Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge, this morning, "and we beg the magical community to remain calm."
"Darius is mad. He's a danger to anyone who crosses him, magic or Muggle". Said an irritable Fudge.
"On the other hand, an huge mass of the magical community supports Laroque cause. Darius Laroque heads a social protest movement", who’s near daily protests, have included protest marches and sit-ins at Minister department and foreign-owned establishments, the social group standard declares that all beings are created equal, and that they have certain unalienable rights, such as these Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.
Unfortunately the protests have recently turned increasingly aggressive and have triggered highly publicized debates among the wizards community about whether Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge should crack down with their Werewolf Capture Unit.
MINISTRY OFFICIAL BULLETIN, ANNOUNCE
WANTED
Alive: Darius Laroque
Unregistered Werewolf, who has violated the Werewolf code of conduct, and escaped from the Beast Division of the Department of the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures.
On May 10, 1998. DO NOT APPROACH at a full moon. He suffers of Lycanthropy, who would transform into a murderous beast and would lose control of him self very easily.
"The treacherous Laroque" has eluded Ministry Authorities so far. This fugitive is armed and Dangerous use extreme caution if sighted and contacts the Ministry "Werewolf Capture Unit" immediately.
Depressed
Author: Isolde
Date: 09-19-04 07:55
The curtains to Isolde's four-poster bed were drawn tightly shut so that none of the artificial light in the dorm room could penetrate them. Isolde lay face down on her pillow, awake but unmoving. She could hear the rustle of her roommates waking or dressing, and hushed voices spoke of Hogsmeade. Suddenly, a shaft of light fell onto the back of Isolde's head as Alexis poked her head through the curtains.
"Isolde? Are you coming to Hogsmeade today?"
Isolde turned her head and hugged her pillow. Her eyes were red from lack of sleep and from the occasional tear she'd shed over the past week. It had been seven days since the championship game, and Isolde still mourned Slytherin's loss of the Quidditch Cup. They had been so close!
"Damn Potter," Isolde mumbled.
"I know," Alexis said, "but we do have next year."
"Yeah."
Alexis looked a bit concerned for her friend, who looked as if her whole world had ended just because some Gryffindork caused them to lose their first and only Quidditch match this season.
"Do you want to come along? I'm sure Py is waiting for you in the common room anyway."
Isolde shook her head and said, "I'm too miserable to go to Hogsmeade today. If you go, would you bring me something from Briar's?"
"Okay," Alexis answered. She frowned at Isolde before closing the blinds and leaving her moping friend in total darkness.
Holed Up and Creating
Author: Captain Electron
Date: 09-19-04 10:31
The Captain was creatively exhausted.
Hendrix was just hungry. Leaving a trail of screwed-up paper, Electron dragged himself away from the desk and into the kitchen to look for food for owls who were too lazy to go out and catch their own. Oh, and while he was at it, he might as well grab a beer... He flopped into the nearest chair then, scattering owl food on the table for Hendrix, and relishing the crack and fizz of his can opening.
"Accio paper," he commanded with a lazy flick of his wand, and was bombarded with pieces of crumpled, drafted paper, which he ducked, just managing to grab the one he actually wanted as it floated by his head.
"The Ballad of Ronnie and Jean" was the title printed neatly on the top. Electron hummed a few bars of it.
"What do you reckon, Hendrix?" he asked. "Will the fans go for it?"
Hendrix hooted disinterestedly.
"Well, I guess we'll find out soon enough," he sighed.
Now or Never
Author: Severus Snape
Date: 09-19-04 11:44
Arriving at Voldemort's lair, Snape paused outside the entrance and steeled himself for what was to come. He patted the rolled up pieces of parchment hidden within the folds of his robes for reassurance and breathed a deep sigh of relief upon recognizing their presence there. One sheet was the duplicate Volumen Immortalitas, the other a complete translation of the text, altered to reflect the changes Snape had made to the document. All that remained was to make the switch and to provide the Dark Lord with his long-standing request.
Severus entered the remarkably deserted hideaway and stole glances this way and that. It was common for someone to greet new arrivals, and usually Peter Pettigrew took up that charge, for unlike the majority of other Death Eaters he had no other place to call home. However, no one--not even Wormtail--greeted Snape today.
Taking advantage of the empty lair, Snape stole across the foyer and approached the door of the chamber in which the original scroll was safely kept. How unusual, Snape remarked to himself, when he observed that the door was unguarded. An empty chair stood against the wall.
Snape looked around and scrutinized each darkened corner in the chamber. The place certainly looked deserted, but was it really? He stood stock still before the door for several minutes, taking in each change in shadow. He listened hard for any sound of approaching feet or muffled voices, but heard nothing of the kind. At last ready to make his move, Snape redirected his attention to the door.
Following the series of spells he'd committed to memory while watching Goyle perform them several weeks ago, Snape hoped to successfully unbar the enchantments placed upon the door. The thought that the spells might be outdated crossed his mind several times but did not stop him from carrying on with his task.
At last after a few intense moments of uncertainty, the door clicked open. Snape slipped inside and shut the door behind him, finding himself instantly enveloped in total darkness. He pulled his wand from his pocket and whispered "Lumos", which cast a beam of light in front of him where he could see the real Volumen Immortalitas resting on a small table in the center of the room. He approached it and hastily pulled the rolled up scrolls from the inside of his robes. Setting aside the translation, Snape held his faux document against the original and compared them to one another. They looked remarkably alike, though not exact, but the differences were all too slight to be noticeable.
Severus made the switch. He placed his copy onto the table and rolled up the original before stashing it within his robes. He had just reached for the translated document when he heard voices outside the door.
"Nature called."
It was Goyle's voice. He plopped down in the chair against the wall.
"Better hope he doesn't find out that you were absent from your post," came Crabbe's voice in response.
"I was gone for all of five minutes... okay, ten. I'm not worried. Nobody's getting in here without me knowing it." He raised his hand and knocked on the door as he spoke.
Snape stood up straight and whispered, "Damn!"
How was he going to get out of there without getting caught?
Cheers
Author: Hermione Granger
Date: 09-19-04 18:01
Hermione slipped into a booth at The Three Broomsticks opposite Harry and made room for Ron, who came from the bar with three tall glasses of foaming butterbeers.
"To our last Hogsmeade trip as students, yeah?" Ron suggested, holding up his glass for the toast.
"Cheers," Hermione and Harry said, and they clinked their glasses together.
Hermione took a sip of the frothy liquid and set her glass down. "So, what were your favorite rides at Thorpe Park?" she asked, referring to the field trip the seventh year Muggle Studies students took with Professor Miller last Sunday.
"What was yours, Hermione?" Ron asked.
Hermione shrugged her shoulders and played with her glass. "I'll tell you what was NOT my favorite ride," she answered finally, turning her head to look Ron full-on in the face.
"What's that?"
"The Colossus."
"The way you were screaming I was sure you loved it," Harry joked.
"You know I'm afraid of heights. I can't believe you convinced me to get on that ride." Hermione took another sip of her drink. "You never answered my question," she said, looking pointedly at both of her friends. "What were your favorite rides at Thorpe Park?"
"The Colossus," Ron answered proudly. His facial expression changed when he added, "but I can't believe I lost my lunch after riding it."
Small Talk
Author: Desdemona Diamond
Date: 09-19-04 18:40
Bronwyn and I had spent the morning 'accessorizing' for our last trip to Hogsmeade for the year. She insisted that we both wear matching everything and I just made it difficult for her. Not once did I agree to any suggestion she put before me, except for the necklaces, which was more of a demand then anything. She won out in the end, but it was a valiant struggle on my part.
So, in the end we were wearing a matching set of jeans from one of Bronwyn's many shopping trips last summer, nearly identical shirts, sunglasses, and of course our matching necklaces. The difference was our hair, which I refused to change. I was also wearing darker colors then Bronwyn since I also refused to ‘brighten up’ for today.
We made our way into Hogsmeade and headed for Madam Puddifoot's for tea. We were seated and actually had our tea before we started talking. She looked the part of a famous Hollywood movie actress rather then a teenage student.
"I still can't believe I missed the championship game. Why didn't you wake me up?" I asked her. I had slept through most of the day and woke up just in time for dinner.
"Well, I tried, and it wasn't all that exciting anyways. The best part was the short fight at the end between a couple of younger players," She said right before taking a sip of her tea.
"Yeah, and I missed it. Oh well. There's always next year," I said.
"Next year? I thought you didn't like Quidditch," Bron said with a raised eyebrow.
"Yeah, so? You forced me into it," She didn't say anything, so I continued, "And besides, it's not like I said I was going to play, just maybe watch."
"Yeah, whatever," She said and took a sip of tea, "So, what have you got planned for summer?"
"Uhh... I plan to go home to Seattle and sleep," I took a sip of my own tea, "What about you?"
Back from Beyond
Author: Nevvyn
Date: 09-19-04 19:22
From my cozy chair by the fire, I hear the door bells tinkle. This is followed immediately by a rather cheery, "Hello? Are you here, Nevvyn?"
With some small effort, I pry myself out of the seat and hurry to the front of the stoor, anxious to see who my visitor might be. I stop halfway and do a bit of a double-take. "Why! It's Lysander Stratford!" I exclaim. "As I live and breathe! Welcome, Lad! I was afraid we had seen the last of you. How long has it been? A year and more, I would suppose." Suddenly, I recollect my manners. "Come in, Lad! Come in! Come back by the fire and have a seat." I take his elbow and steer him back to my little back corner of the shoppe.
"I've just brewed a fresh pot of tea. Would you care for a cup? Come! Sit and tell me what you've been up to." I move a stack of books off the spare chair and then fetch another cup and some chocolate biscuits. Lysander sinks down in the chair and accepts the cup with something between a grunt of gratitude and a sigh of exhaustion. I wait until he has had a few sips before rattling on in the way I sometimes do.
Here's to Lime Green Robes
Author: Arthur Weasley
Date: 09-19-04 22:53
Arthur had apparated into Hogsmeade just in time to see Cornelius Fudge do an about face and head for the table where his well dressed and incredibly annoying new yet old friend Dr. Darius Sparrow sat. Arthur wanted to vomit as the Minister of Magic made an effort to slap hands and wave to the children present while appropriately commenting on the quidditch match of the previous week. Arthur followed close behind him.
Fudge leaned over the table, eyes bulging. "This is not the time nor place to discuss so vulgar a topic…a house-elf has more class for God's sake!"
Darius, elbows on the table, sat tapping his lips with his folded hands, looking up at him. Fudge, having said his piece, quickly disappeared. Arthur waved at Ron, Harry and Hermione then sat down across from the amused scientist.
"I thought he'd be gone by now. What did you say that was so vulgar?"
Darius gulped his coffee and grinned. "I asked him if he was going to match my salary at St. Claire's."
Arthur chuckled and rolled his eyes. "Oh good luck to you friend."
He unrolled the parchment in his hand. "Here is the list I told you about. Would you be able to look this over and write something up for me by Wednesday?"
Darius accepted the parchment and perused it, tugging his bottom lip as his eyes scanned down Arthur's list of problematic muggle artifacts and the spell, charm or jinx suspected to be attached to them. He pulled out his wand.
"Oh here!" He tapped the parchment with his index finger. "This isn't a spell. Tornados really do seek out trailer parks." He waved his wand and eliminated it from the list.
Arthur looked at him suspiciously. "I thought you weren't allowed to have that in public…" He started to laugh. "You buckled under after all that big talk didn't you!"
The tension in Darius' voice belied his cynical smile. "Yes. You're looking at the new Director of Staff and Chief Administrator of St. Mungo's, the soon to be, world renowned wizarding hospital."
He looked down and spoke into his coffee cup.
"I can't risk it. I can't go back to Azkaban Arthur. I just can't." and almost inaudibly, "Dementors or not."
They were still out there. Just the thought of Dementors stirred old memories and caused feelings of hopelessness to suddenly wash over him. Darius went uncharacteristicly quiet. He stared out the window.
Arthur wished he hadn't said anything. "Hey," he nodded toward the bar, "buy you a red currant rum!"
The men left the area of swarming children to a quieter more adult atmosphere. Arthur sat perched on his barstool. He actually did want to ask Darius all about the Dementors, Azkaban and his time there. He wanted to ask how exactly it felt to constantly be in close proximity to a dementor and how it felt to feel your magic drain away. He wanted to know what it was like in the prison itself, how often the fiends visited each prisoner, did he try to escape and how long did it take to get his magic back after he was released? But instead Arthur raised his glass and said, "Here's to lime green robes!"
