Summer Plans
Author: Professor Belladonna Sinistra
Date: 10-14-03 01:40
Bella nibbled the chocolate chip cookie while curling up in the oversized arm chair. She was feeling wonderfully lazy and relaxed. The latest chapter in her astronomy book was finished ahead of schedule, she'd packed up all her astronomy books in boxes to be moved to her office, and she'd shopped for all those wedding gifts for all the weddings she'd been invited to.
Summer for her was going to be lazy. That expedition to South America was canceled due to her health, and was replaced with a few weeks in Greece with her parents, a fortnight in Wales with Brynn and Dylan, some time spent relaxing in London, and a good month or so at Avonford with Aunt Gertrude.
Of course, there'd be weddings and social events to go to, not to mention Izzy would be wanting her to go night clubbing and pub crawling. Dressing up would be fun, and she needed to get out more. Her health would hold for a while, she thought. As long as she took her potions and medications, she'd be fine.
Then, she'd be returning to Hogwarts, her sabbatical over. Things would be slightly different. She'd be using the living quarters merely as a office, with a comfortable couch and a few clothes in a chest in case she was too tired to return to Ivy Cottage. It meant longer office hours, but Ivy Cottage was most certainly home, and Professor Dumbledore seemed to understand that. Still, she was looking forward to being back teaching, no matter the inconvenience.
Goodbye,
Hogwarts
Author: Lawrence Masterson
Date: 10-14-03 09:26
Lawrence and Vera moved with the rest of the students back to the trainstation at Hogsmeade. Lawrence was definitely a bit more excited than usual, perhaps it is because they were leaving school and finals were over, or perhaps it was something else. The two boarded the Hogwarts Express and moved to find a compartment, finding one Lawrence let Vera sit near the window. Sydney, Lawrence's black cat curled upon Vera's lap. "You know, I think he likes you as much as I do." Lawrence said and poked Vera's side.
The two chatted about possible plans for the summer, Vera didn't really have any set plans, which made Lawrence grin. Mischief within his eyes. "What would you say to spending some time with me when I go back to Australia? We could visit the sights in Sydney and just relax."
He watched as Vera's eyes grew big and she nearly tackled him, tossing Sydney out of her lap. "I'd love to!!" She hugged him tightly, kissing him before settling down again.
"When are you going?" She asked, allowing Sydney to curl back up on her lap.
"I was thinking stay home for a couple of weeks, and then leave for about four weeks. Tickets are already paid for. Have been since Easter, I just didn't want to tell you yet." He grinned mischievously as she swatted at him.
Meeting with
Dumbledore
Author: Severus Snape
Date: 10-14-03 09:38
Shortly before 8:30, Snape stalked out of his quarters and made the journey along one of the dungeon corridors, sweeping past a number of Slytherin students who were all pulling trunks and suitcases behind them as they, too, made their way to the ground floor of the castle. The Potions Master met many students along the way to Dumbledore's office, as all of them were preparing for the long Hogwarts Express ride home. Piles and piles of trunks, suitcases and animal cages lined the interior walls of the foyer, and a great clamor of hearty laughter and conversation emanated from the Great Hall.
In a few hours, the castle would be silent again. Snape, for one, couldn't wait.
He spoke the password to the gargoyle outside Dumbledore's office and stepped onto the revolving staircase when the stone sculpture revealed it to him. It swept him up to Dumbledore's door, and after Snape knocked and Dumbledore's warm greeting invited him inside, the Slytherin Head of House entered and took the offered seat in front of Dumbledore's desk.
"Good morning, Severus!" Dumbledore exclaimed. "Would you like a biscuit and some tea?"
Snape accepted with a nod of his head and a grunted "Thank you".
As Dumbledore poured a cup of tea for his guest he said, "As I hinted at last evening, I understand Dierna has been trying to contact you for some weeks now to propose a meeting. Any thoughts of why this must be, Severus?" He passed the cup and saucer across the desk to Snape.
"She's always put her nose where it shouldn't go, Albus. She's found me unconscious or nearly so from you-know-what here at the castle on more than one occasion."
"She's simply concerned, Severus, even despite the past differences between you both." Dumbledore surveyed Snape carefully and added, "Besides, what affects you affects all of us in one way or another. She's doing her duty, which brings me to my next point for calling you here. What do you propose to do about your duty?"
Snape took a sip of his tea and then set the cup and saucer on the edge of Dumbledore's desk. He had been waiting for the moment to tell Dumbledore his plan, and while he hated asking for help, particularly from that woman, he knew she was an expert in the field and probably had the resources to make the plan successful.
"I've given it much thought over many months now," Snape began. "It's a reality that You-Know-Who doesn't trust me and I know for certain that he finds me expendable now more than ever, but I think there's a way to return to his circle and become useful to the Order again. Certainly, you've heard of the Fenririan Manuscript."
"An Ancient Norse text lost for many, many centuries, alleged to contain terrible magic powerful enough to unleash terror in the world," Dumbledore said, nodding his head. "It is certainly a jewel Voldemort would wish to add to his collection, and certainly one we would not like to provide him!"
"That is why, if I should find it, a copy will be created and delivered to him," Snape replied. "And it would be necessarily altered to change the effects of the spells it contains."
Dumbledore looked pensive and he bit into a biscuit, mulling over his thoughts some more. Finally, he asked, "And how do you propose to find an object so lost that it hasn't been seen for many hundreds of years?"
As much as Snape didn't want to admit it, he knew Dierna ni Ciaran could help. She had a manuscript collection of her own and knew the process to locating rare ones, and she certainly had the resources on hand as well. Snape fairly growled out the name, "ni Ciaran."
And Dumbledore leaned back in his chair and chuckled. They discussed Snape's plan further, and then Snape revealed what had transpired on Saturday. The Dark Mark on his arm had burned, signaling to him that Voldemort had called a meeting. Dumbledore listened pensively to Snape's thoughts and theories. Before either of them knew it, the pot of tea had been drained and the plate of biscuits emptied. The children were likely gone now, and the professors would have some peace at last.
Snape knew he had to go speak with Dierna, as much as he dreaded it, but before excusing himself from Dumbledore he asked, "Anything else you wanted to discuss, Headmaster?"
Train of Thoughts
Author: Draco Malfoy
Date: 10-14-03 11:10
Crabbe and Goyle followed Draco into an empty compartment on the train. They sat opposite him, allowing him an entire seat to himself even though the two of them combined were much, much wider than he. Draco fingered the medallion in his pocket, running his fingertips across the smooth edge. His mind was on a great many things, from the previous night and Santhea's vulnerability to the gift Devin had presented him with the day before.
Draco knew very little about the fourth year, only that he didn't seem to have many friends and that he appeared to look up to the older Slytherin. There were rumors that Devin was very poor, which meant that he probably saved for a long time in order to purchase the expensive gift for Draco. The older Slytherin didn't know why Devin chose to do this, but he wasn't about to turn away a free gift.
The Disappearing Cloak posed a problem during packing. It kept disappearing! But in the end, it was secured in one of his many trunks with all of his other things and then stowed on the train. Sometimes Draco wondered why Devin was sorted into Slytherin to begin with, but then sometimes he wondered that about Santhea too. Devin seemed meek and insecure, and he was obviously very generous. And Santhea just cried a lot, which wasn't characteristically Slytherin at all.
But then again, Draco hadn't acted quite like himself lately either.
He closed his eyes and pushed those thoughts from his mind, hoping the trolley would come by soon.
At the Train
Platform
Author: H Potter
Date: 10-14-03 12:23
Harry, Ginny, and Ron bid goodbye to their friends, occasionally helping one to lug a heavy trunk into one of the train compartments. As Ginny wanders down the platform to speak to a group of girls, Harry asks Ron, "Where's Hermione? Is she coming to the house with us or not?"
Ron shrugs. "I'm not sure. I haven't seen her this morning at all even though I went in search of her several times. When Hermione went to bed last night she hadn't decided anything yet. Why she'd want to ride the train though when she could spend some time with us and then Floo home and be there before the Hogwarts Express even reaches London is beyond me."
Harry nods in agreement but says, "Maybe the train ride is Hermione's only chance to spend time with other friends. She's seeing both of us and Ginny over the summer."
Not wanting to give Ron a chance to grouse about Hermione maybe spending time on the train with Gabe, Harry changes the subject. "Did you find out if Bill wants to have lunch with us?"
Ginny arrives back to where the boys are standing in time to answer the question. "He said to come by the bank around lunchtime and if he's free he'll treat us all at the Spinning Horn with sweets from the bakery for dessert."
The three step back as the train gives off great puffs of steam and begins to move. They wave to those onboard and puzzle over the fact that there's still no sign of Hermione. At the very least they should have seen her boarding the train and been able to say goodbye. Beside him Ron sighs and Ginny calls to friends hanging out windows, "Write me!" Harry looks around and sees Hagrid also waving to the students on board. Tugging on Ron's sleeve and taking Ginny's hand, Harry directs them over to Hagrid. "Hi, Hagrid. Want to come with us to Sirius's house for some butterbeer and snacks to tide us over till lunch?"
Hagrid practically knocks Harry over slapping him on the back and accepting the invitation. Seconds later the foursome are walking away from the train platform, heading into the heart of Hogsmeade, with three of them still wondering where in heck Hermione could be.
Homeward
Bound
Author: Coco Nutt
Date: 10-14-03 13:50
Coco, her hair a bright riot of daffodil yellow and leafy green in honor of the season, still can't believe an entire school year has passed when she can still so vividly recall receiving her Hogwarts letter. Coco and Pea are ecstatic to be going home yet at the same time Coco has a deep sense of loss at being unable to fly on a broom for the entire summer. Pea already misses his best (not counting Coco that is) friend Fang and his second best friend, a large, fluffy cat named Crookshanks. The consolations are spending time with Papa Wal, the Bolts and getting to see Fritz a couple of times.
The compartment door opens and Titus Fitzgerald, a first year Gryffindor, pokes his head in to ask if there's room for him. Fritz, Coco, and the other three, the two Ravenclaws Cecilla Berenger and Bradley Neilson, along with the Hufflepuff Olivia O'Toole, survey the seating and without needing to say a word, agree there's room for one more. Bradley motions for Titus to sit down and soon the six are discussing summer plans, rumors they've heard about second year, and whether the trolley will be by anytime soon with snacks.
Library Books
Author: Hermione Granger
Date: 10-14-03 16:19
"I think that'll do it," Hermione said, stacking two more books onto her already towering and very wobbly armful of books. She had arisen early, packed a few last minute things together and gone to the library for a list of summer reading in anticipation of next year's NEWTs and related coursework. Madam Pince had been helpful in pointing out the various study aids and other preparatory textbooks, but had also pointed out that the Hogwarts library did not have a summer lending policy.
Determined to get her books one way or another, Hermione went to Hogsmeade. Last night, Harry had invited his friends to spend the day or longer at Sirius' home and Ron and Ginny were going to try and contact Bill to see if he'd like to meet them for lunch. Hermione hadn't made up her mind on whether she'd take Harry up on the offer or ride the train home until this morning. She quickly fired off a note to her parents to let them know not to expect her at King's Cross, and then left the common room for the library.
At Hogsmeade, Hermione went straight for the Public Library and immersed herself in the titles Madam Pince had given her. She approached the circulation desk with the armful of books, and then left the library just as Ginny, Harry and Ron came wandering down the street. "Hermione?" Ron asked, unable to see her face from behind the mountain of books, but certain nevertheless that he was talking to his girlfriend.
Hermione shifted the books slightly to the side and smiled at Ron, Harry and Ginny, who had come to a stop in the middle of the street. "Good morning, or is it afternoon already? I've lost track of the time..."
"Where have you been?" Harry asked. "We haven't seen you since last night."
"The library," Hermione answered, "both at Hogwarts and here. I just wanted a little reading material..."
"A little?" Ron exclaimed.
"...in order to prepare for next year," Hermione finished. She threw an amused look at Ron and asked, "Is the train off, then?"
"Just departed," Ginny said. "Were you planning on riding it?"
"Oh, no," Hermione said, shifting her books again to get more comfortable. "I made up my mind this morning to spend the day with you all, if you'll still have me, that is." She smiled.
Harry, Ginny and Ron exchanged looks, smiled and exclaimed simultaneously, "Of course!"
Hermione wobbled over to Ron and tipped the tower of books into his arms. "I just need to run up to the castle and get my trunk. I'll only be a minute! See you at the house!" And she took off in the opposite direction.
Work, Work,
Work...Or Pretending To Anyway
Author: Aaron Miller
Date: 10-14-03 17:45
Staring out my office window, something I find myself doing more and more these days, I try not to dwell on how this job I once loved is now just a job. I used to look forward to the challenges, the interactions, the diversity. Not anymore though. I can't really pinpoint when this went from being something to look forward to each day to being a strictly 9 to 5 drudge. Maybe after I fully recovered from the accident when we were closing in on our resident spy and what my father revealed to me afterwards.
Despite my protests that I was fine and fully recovered, I was given some time off after being released from the hospital. Before I knew it, Mom had me no a plane for a visit home. Luckily, Deak was more than happy to look after Speck for me while I was gone. I insisted on paying him and also brought souvenirs back from the States for both Drake and him. I spent two weeks doing nothing other than socializing with family and friends. The morning of the day I flew back to London, my father who until the accident had refused to speak with me for not seeing eye to eye with him about my career, pulled me aside for a private conversation.
As Dad and I took a walk through the orchard down to the pond, he informed me he knew all about the Wizarding World, that he knew I'd learned about it, then asked me how much I knew of it. I filled him in then of course asked him how he knew of that world of magic. I wasn't prepared for the way look of loathing on his face nor the acid dripping from his voice as he explained that his parents had been of the Wizarding World as had his two sisters. But not him. He is a squib.
Growing up in a magical family when he himself could not do even the smallest, simplest spell led to him having a deep, burning hate of the Wizarding World. He left home as soon as he could, cutting off all contact to his family. He embraced the Muggle World and when first Natalie and then me were born, he prayed we would be like him. Magic-less. Natalie never showed any signs of being a witch nor did a letter come from a Wizarding school when she reached the right age.
I was different though. From an early age Dad could tell I had the potential and he did everything he could to squash it. The year I turned eleven, a letter arrived for me from Watling's Wizarding Academy. I didn't bother telling Dad I'd heard of it. That's the school where Blossom Wedgewood told me she went when we talked at her Halloween party last year. I also didn't let Dad know how angry I was when he went on to say he'd written the school and in my name turned down the invitation to attend. Instead, I only showed anger at learning that what I knew of Dad's past and his family has all been a lie. He's not an orphan who built up a business empire and married one of the wealthiest, most sought after socialites in the world.
The conversation ended with Dad wanting me to promise I'd never reveal any of this to Natalie or Mom. When I wouldn't do that, he stormed off. Didn't even come down to tell me goodbye when I left for the airport later that day. Since returning to London, I've also resumed my visits to Diagon Alley and meet with Bill from time to time for lunch or dinner. I've even gone to the Burrow for a dinner with Bill, his parents, the twins, Blossom, Percy, and Penelope. One of the few things I've been dying to do since I discovered Diagon Alley but not yet done since learning I might have magic in me is to go into Ollivander's to see about buying a wand. I've also not said a word about it to Bill. He's had too many other worries and concerns on his mind these pasts months to be bothered with it. One day I will tell him though. Perhaps soon.
Forcing myself to turn away from the window I take my place behind the desk and pretend to look busy to those passing by the open door. And maybe, just maybe, on my way home today I'll go to Ollivander's and look at wands.
At the Bakery
Author: Lucius Malfoy
Date: 10-14-03 21:04
The plans to take Myrtle Marbleline on hold until her whining to the Ministry tapers off, Lucius decides to personally check on the status of another target recently brought to his attention. As he arrives in Hogsmeade, Lucius is sorry he couldn't have made it sooner to see if Draco would have preferred going home some other way than the Hogwarts Express. Lucius strolls down the street, stopping occasionally to peer into one of the shops, finally arriving at Briar's Bakery.
Lucius enters, stopping only long enough to take note of the entire room, then saunters over to a corner table near the broad window. A young woman comes from behind the counter, smiling brightly, and approaches.
"Welcome to my shop. What might I get for you?"
Lucius scrutinizes her without being obvious. Now that it's been pointed out to him he can see the faint resemblance to the Burnshires. Lucius smiles lazily. "Yes, I'd like an order of scones. Strawberry jam if you have it. I'd also like tea."
The chit nods in reply, spins on her heel to walk across the room and passes through a door to what Lucius presumes is the kitchen. Less than half a minute later, a plate of piping hot scones are placed on the table along with a steaming mug of tea. A bread and butter plate to eat from, jam, what looks to be freshly churned butter molded into a flower shape, a wedge of lemon, a small pot of cream, and a bowl of sugar cubes are quickly placed on the table as well.
"Will there be anything else, sir?"
"No, everything looks fine for the moment."
The woman smiles again and fairly dances off to see to the needs of another customer. As he chews his first bite of the delicious, perfectly done scones, Lucius muses to himself, "Well, at least when she's returned to the fold, we'll all eat rather splendidly."
It's the
Accent, Baby!
Author: Vera Delgety
Date: 10-14-03 21:09
Vera was now extremely excited for summer break. A few weeks in Australia?! She absolutely loved her boyfriend's accent, but then to be in Australia, surrounded by it. Now that was going to be heaven!
"Alright Lawrence," Vera shifted her position facing him. "YouÕve got me all excited so now you just have to start talking!"
"Talking? About what exactly?" Lawrence gave her a strange look.
"I dunno, anything! Everything! You know I just love that accent o'yers..." Lawrence began to laugh. So hard in fact a tear trickled down his cheek. His girlfriend merely grinned.
Finally Lawrence calmed down, and wiping the wet from his cheek said. "Man Vera, that was the funniest, or the cutest thing you've ever asked me to do."
Vera rose a brow and chuckled, "Clearly..." She paused for a moment while Lawrence recollected himself. "You know, I don't recall ever traveling out of the country during summer break. Then she ruffled her brows together coming to a realization that this was her last summer break as a Hogwarts student. "You know what? I just remembered this is my last summer break as a student. After next year it'll be permanent!"
There was a slight sadness in her expression as she continued. "I dunno if that's a good or bad thing."
"Why do you say that? What makes it a bad thing?"
"Well, because after I graduate, you still have one more year. What am I supposed to do while you're away?"
Lawrence gently brushed the strand of hair from her face. "Do what ever makes you happy. We'll always be able to see each other on Hogsmeade weekends and keep in contact. But, I wouldn't worry about it yet." He kissed her forehead. "We still have one more year together."
Going Home
Author: Desdemona Diamond
Date: 10-15-03 00:24
I thought over last night and Bronwyn telling me that she wanted to turn me into a quidditch player. I had been too stunned to give an answer then. I was able to give Bronwyn my address after the feast. I still couldn't figure out how I got broadsided into quidditch. I could see how that conversation would go with my parents. "Hey mom, my friend Bronwyn is coming over to teach me how to play quidditch." Yeah, that would go over well.
I had to finish packing my things to get onto the Hogwarts Express. I couldn't find my crystal ball. I had thrown it shortly before the End of the Term feast, and I hadn't been able to find it since. I looked everywhere before I found out that it had found it's own way into my suitcase.
Shrugging, I just closed up my suitcase and I took a look around. I looked down at the robes I was wearing. I couldn't wait to get back into normal clothes... army boots, cammo pants or black pants, and a black t-shirt. The Hogwarts robes were ok, because they are black, but...they're too much like a dress.
So, after making sure I had everything, I put it all together and left the dorm room. I looked to make sure my stuff was still with me, and then I took it out of the common room. I took it with me to the platform to wait for the train. It was about now I remembered that I forgot to wait for Bronwyn.
I didn't have to feel bad for long because I heard Bronwyn talking to Toby behind me. They didn't even seem to notice I was there. They didn't seem to notice that Hunter MacRoth was behind them. I had only met him twice, and all I knew about him was he was Toby's friend.
I took up a spot near the other three and waited for the train. It arrived and our stuff was stowed and the four of us found a compartment together. By now Bronwyn and Toby have long since figured out that that Hunter and I are present.
I sat in the compartment and waited until the train started moving. Once it did, I excused myself so I could change into normal cloths. I came back a few minutes later wearing my army boots, a simple pair of black boot cut jeans, and simple black t-shirt. Unfortunately I didnÕt have anything for my hair so it was just loose. Bronwyn looked at it the outfit for a few moments before approving.
I sat down next to her and commented, "Well, it's not complete. I can't do my hair, and my jingleies are all at home." Bronwyn gave me a questioning look so I continued, "My jingleies are little metal things, like necklaces, safety pin chains, and paperclip chains...but those don't jingle."
"That is so two decades ago," Bronwyn said. Everyone laughed at the comment, even me. The laughter got louder after the only come back I could come up with was to stick out my tongue at her.
End of School,
Heading Home...
Author: Annie Paul
Date: 10-15-03 03:23
I was all packed and ready the night before and now I was sitting on the train looking out the window. I was thinking about home and what I'd do when I got there. Before we left Professor McGonagall handed out letters expressing the fact that under-aged witches and wizards are NOT ALLOWED TO USE MAGIC OFF THE SCHOOL GROUNDS! (unless it was an emergency.)
The train began to start up emitting steam and the wheels began to turn. I was thinking about Tim and what he was up to. He had one more week of Eton then his summer would start and we could do whatever we wanted (within reason of course.)
I looked under my seat and saw my wizard chess set under there and I pulled it out. I opened the case and took a real first look at the set. It was beautiful and each piece seemed to look at me ready for play. I wondered how my parents would react to this as the train began to leave the station.
Invitations
and Snacks
Author: Kody
Date: 10-15-03 12:06
Kody rejoins Emma, Ariana, and Drake in the compartment the boys had snagged the second they reached the Hogsmeade platform this morning. Drake looks up from the Quidditch magazine he'd been flipping through. "Well?"
"Beck said he was pretty sure he could make it. He's going to let me know by this weekend."
Emma grins. "Which of the male Becks are you taking about?"
"Tony. I invited him to the party. Oh, speaking of the party... Ariana, I don't think I officially asked you. My parents have a huge summer gala every year. End of July and spread out over several days. Drake and Emma are coming as are a few others from school. Would be bloody great if you could come. Just for a day or for several and the house is huge so there's plenty of room if you want to stay over."
Rolling his eyes at the thought of parents he adds, "My mum will make sure all the teens are properly chaperoned so you can tell your parents not to worry. In fact, I can have my mum owl yours if needed."
Before Ariana is able to reply, the trolley rolls to a stop in front of the compartment. Drake and Kody, always ready for a snack, fall over each other as they try to be the first to the door. They hear laughing from the girls as Emma and Ariana step over them to reach the trolley. They are quickly joined by the boys who empty their pockets of change buying up snacks as they grumble, "This will barely tide us over. We'll practically be starved by the time we reach London."
Accepting
Author: Ariana Maison
Date: 10-15-03 12:56
Ariana giggled along with Emma and rolled her eyes. "Boys...." She shook her head.
"They...um...nevermind what were you saying before snacks came?" Ari smiled sweetly.
Drake and Kody pretended to glare before Kody asked her again. "My parents gala..."
"Oh yea!" Ari grinned. "I'd love to come! I usually spend most of the summer at my great grandparents farm....they're muggles....it's fun but a change will be good!"
"You're parents?"
"Oh they won't mind...I mean...you should probably have your mum owl mine...or maybe mine will owl yours. Anyway they basically let me do whatever...not much for disciplining me my family..."
"No discipline?" Drake asked as Ari just grinned. Then mumbled, "Like anyone couldn't have guess-ouch! Hey what was the for?"
"What do you think?" Emma asked him. Ari had thrown a bag of Bertie Botts' Every Flavor Beans at Drake's head.
Drake pouted for a moment, before beginning to devour the beans, sharing some with Kody.
Emma and Ari glanced at each other before laughing. "Food...the way to a man's heart."
