Goodbye - Part Two
Author: Bill Weasley
Date: 05-10-03 16:52
"Where will you go?" Bill asked.
Charlie shrugged. "Back to Romania."
"And work with Marcus Tufton?"
"He's no longer working in Romania, actually," Charlie explained. "He's back in Sweden, so I won't have him to remind me of her."
Bill nodded, and then his eyes fell to the Charlie's hand, where the wedding band from his and Helena's Vegas wedding had previously been. "Are you going to file for divorce," he began, raising his gaze back to eye level, "since you are technically already married to Helena?"
Charlie absentmindedly rubbed his ring finger. "Probably. I don't really want to think about that now, though. I just need a break from all of this."
"When will you leave?" Bill asked.
Charlie shrugged. "Tonight? I don't really want to go back out there." He paused, for the first time realizing that the vigorous shouting, which had proceeded after Helena ran off into the night, had mostly stopped. People were still there, though, talking to one another and laughing at Fred and George's comedy routine.
"I just don't want to see anyone tonight," Charlie finally said.
Bill shook his head. "You shouldn't disapparate tonight, Charlie. You're too upset. Why don't you floo to my house in Hogsmeade?"
"No," Charlie answered, shaking his head. "I really appreciate it, Bill, but I just need some time alone."
"Charlie, I'll stay here at the Burrow and leave you the cottage to yourself, if you'd like. It's fine with me," offered Bill.
Again, Charlie shook his head. "And live in the same town as Julian Valentine, no way. I know I could just stay barred indoors all day but I think I'd just go stir crazy," Charlie said. "I think I just need to get away for a little while." When Bill shot him that worried look again, Charlie added, "I'll be fine. I'll owl you as soon as I get to the dragon reserve. Could you pack some of my things for me tomorrow or so and send them to me?"
Bill nodded. "Yeah, but I think I'm going to bring them to you personally. Mum's going to have a fit when she finds out you've gone."
"Tell her to stay home if she tries to tagalong, okay?" Charlie pleaded. "I don't need her scolding me or smothering me with motherly affection right now. I just need some peace and quiet."
"Take care of yourself, Charlie," Bill said, closing the gap between him and his brother to give Charlie a brotherly hug. "Write me as soon as you can so that I know you haven't splinched yourself somewhere."
"I promise, and thanks," Charlie said, managing a small grin, and with a POP, Charlie was gone.
When Bill emerged from the bridal tent a few moments later, many curious faces turned towards him. Even Fred and George stop their silly antics and turn to Bill wearing expectant expressions on their freckled faces.
Bill approached the altar where his twin brothers stood and turned to face the crowd. "There isn't going to be a wedding tonight," Bill announced sorrowfully, "but you all need not leave unless it is your will to do so. It's New Year's Eve, and we do have plenty of refreshments."
He knew no one would be in a celebrating mood now, save for maybe Julian Valentine, but he thought he'd extend the invitation for everyone to stick around anyway. As he concluded his announcement, his eyes searched the yard for Adriana.
"She's gone after Helena," Fred said, as if knowing exactly who Bill was looking for.
Bill nodded. "Thanks, Fred." He lowered his voice and said, "Charlie's disapparated to Romania. He just wanted some time alone."
"Mum's not going to like that," George cut in.
"Where is she anyway?" Bill asked, noticing that she wasn't nearby.
"Consoling Helena's mum in the house," Fred answered.
"Thanks, I'm going to go...give her the news about Charlie. Wish me luck," Bill said, giving his brothers a small smile.
"Good luck, Bill," Fred and George said simultaneously.
Georgie Boy
Author: Majandra
Date: 05-10-03 20:00
Majandra is at a loss. Things are chaotic enough as it is. How can she completely break things off with George in the midst of a family crisis, especially after Bill's just announced there will be no wedding? Plus, she's no longer sure she wants to. Granted, Majandra is still convinced she'll could be holding George back if they are steadies during the year and a half of school she has left.
Majandra pauses in passing out drinks to fill more punch cups for many of the guests who've remained either to ring in the New Year or strictly out of curiosity or a combination of both. As she works she makes frequent glances to the alter area where Fred and George have segued from their comedy routine into a demonstration of many of their joke items. Majandra unconsciously smiles with pride at all George has accomplished since leaving Hogwarts and at how well he's handled his part in keeping today's disaster from spiraling downward into a total fiasco.
Majandra fiddles with the bracelet on her right wrist, the bracelet of black opals that George designed himself and gave her for Christmas. The matching earrings dangle from her ears and the necklace graces Majandra's neck. She was in shock when she arrived today to learn there is a matching ring. The ring George put on her left hand only moments after kissing her hello.
George catches Majandra watching him and his face brightens considerably with the ensuing grin. Majandra can't help but smile back. As she resumes passing out punch, she decides that she'll offer George a compromise. Majandra won't break up with him but since they can only see each other a few times during the school year if George meets someone who interests him, it's all right to go on a date. Not that Majandra wants him to date anyone but her. In fact, Majandra can think of a few Slytherin worthy things she'd like to do to any girl who made a play for George. Realistically though, if George were to meet someone who interested him, someone he saw on a much more regular basis, someone already out of school, Majandra knows it wouldn't be right for her to stand in the way of his happiness.
Majandra sighs quietly. Right now the only thing she knows without doubt is if this were her wedding to George, even if they quarreled right before the ceremony, she'd never run out on him before things were settled between them.
Malicious
Intent
Author: Alexis Black
Date: 05-10-03 21:33
Alexis lay on her back in the astronomy tower, gazing through the magical ceiling to the stars above. The voodoo doll was clenched, needle-less, in her hand like a child's plaything. She thought of the presents she'd received for Christmas and couldn't wait to give Pyrrhus, Isolde and Azaelia theirs when they got back. She only wished she'd thought of getting one for herself. Hidden in her trunk and wrapped carefully in sleek black paper were three books. One titled, Holidays with Hags by Gilderoy Lockhart (that was for Pyrrhus), another called, Love Stories by Alexis-forgot-who (for Isolde), and the last for Azaelia was called, well... that's what the titles said anyway, and if you opened the book it sported all sorts of useless information about hags and plants and lame witches in love. Of course, if you know a handy little spell, you can read about the dark arts instead. Alexis couldn't wait to see her friends' faces when they received retarded books for Christmas, then found they owned their very own simple dark arts tomes.
A pink tongue poked between her pale lips, and Alexis' long fingers pulled a needle from her mouth, where she had been playing with it. It was like a game; to see if she could avoid poking herself while trying to do so at the same time. The needle glimmered in the starlight, and Alexis admired it. The doll in her hands had long black braids and a frowning face. She used the book Pyrrhus sent to learn how to magic the doll to look just like a certain pesky first-year. The needle found its way into the dolls head, and Alexis smiled to the starry sky.
"Happy new year, Mary." she whispered.
Grief
Author: Julian Valentine
Date: 05-10-03 22:29
Julian felt a certain smug satisfaction at watching Bill drag Charlie. The sense of smugness only deepened when Marcus Tufton had to be restrained. Though why Tufton thinks any of this is Julian's fault is beyond him. All Julian had done was answer a question. He doesn't see anyone wanting to take issue with Adriana for asking it and it's not as if Julian had forced her to ask the stupid thing.
Once Tufton had been literally carried inside by Weasel Senior and some non-Weasel member of the wedding party, Briar had led Julian to a more out of the way spot. She had then grabbed some of the punch a couple of the kids were passing around and the two had stood there quietly drinking, giving Julian time to do his own cooling off.
As they stood there, this odd sensation that Julian had been ignoring for awhile not became more acute. He was only vaguely aware of Bill coming out to make an announcement. The odd feeling increased, weighing heavily, making it hard for Julian to breath. He had turned to Briar to ask what Bill had just said but what came out instead was an abrupt announcement that something was wrong with Chyler and he had to go right then. Julian had apparated back to Hogsmeade without another word to Briar.
He'd apparated into his apartment over the bookstore and immediately rushed out of his to head up to the Stratford's flat. Julian hadn't even realized Briar had come apparated as well until she caught up with him at the open door to Chyler's and Lysander's home. Julian strode quickly across to their bedroom, Briar running right behind him, and reached it just in time to hear the Hogwarts school nurse telling an ashen faced Lysander how sorry she is.
Julian looked to the very pale but beautiful, ethereal form of Chyler on the bed then to the tears rolling down Lysander's face. Julian's eyes slowly roam back to Chyler, only then noticing the large blood stains, only then seeing how still Chyler is. So very still. Her hand limp in Lysander's.
Julian sinks to his knees and takes Chyler's other hand, fervently willing her to squeeze his hand in response to his grip. Knowing in the cold, dark pit of his stomach that she will not. Julian drops his head to the bed, sobs wracking his body even as he tells himself he needs to be strong for Lysander.
Unhappy New
Year
Author: Isolde
Date: 05-11-03 16:53
A twinkling, speckled, dark sky stretched as far as the eye could see, where occasional bursts of colorful fireworks breached the serenity of the night. Isolde, warmly dressed in a pair of red plaid, flannel pajamas, sat curled up in front of her window as she stared out into the darkness. Unlike the rest of the world, she was in no mood to celebrate the coming new year.
Isolde felt like she had lost an arm. The Brambles had spent a few days with the Farnon family and then left for Chile with no immediate plans to return to Great Britain. Azaelia would not be accompanying Isolde and Pyrrhus on the journey back to Hogwarts, nor would she be cauldron partner to Alexis in Potions anymore. The Slytherin Quidditch team would have to find a new player as well.
But most of all, Isolde was going to miss having her cousin around Hogwarts. The two had been virtually inseparable, and even after Pyrrhus and Isolde started dating, the two cousins had remained exceptionally close. Yet now, an endless body of water separated the two girls, not to mention different countries and customs. Isolde did not know when she would see Azaelia again, but at least they could write to each other regularly.
A short note had arrived from South America just that morning, in fact, to let the Farnon family know that the Brambles had arrived safely to their destination. Mrs. Farnon had immediately written back, and Isolde had included a short note to Azaelia with the letter too.
A bright explosion of color snapped Isolde back to the present. She checked the time and noted that it was shortly before the midnight hour, and suddenly she felt the urge to write both Pyrrhus and Alexis. She hadn't told them about Azaelia yet; she just hadn't gotten around to it. First, she had spent every available moment with Azaelia while she had the chance, and after her cousin's departure, Isolde had kept to herself for a while, feeling utterly lackluster and without even the simplest motivation to sit down and compose a couple of letters to her friends.
She stretched her legs and turned away from the window, just as a flash of color illuminated the night sky. Crossing the room, Isolde turned on the lamp over her desk and sat down. She found several sheets of clean parchment in a drawer and unscrewed the lid of an inkwell. With quill poised over her first piece of parchment, Isolde's mind wandered to Pyrrhus and his trip to the Bahamas. He would be back in the country now, because his Gryffinbore sister was attending a Weasel wedding this evening.
Hoping that he and Alexis were both having a better holiday than she, Isolde started to write...
Better Off
Fred
Author: Blossom
Date: 05-11-03 21:36
Blossom sits on Fred's lap, her head leaned back on his shoulder as they watch the fireworks that had been intended to be more than just part of the New Year's Eve celebration.
Many guests still linger and even though their reason for being at the Burrow has been cancelled, most are having a really good time. A number of people were preparing to leave after the twins ended their show but Bill once again took to the "stage" and encouraged people to stay and ring in the New Year. A little later Mr. and Mrs. Weasley together with Mr. and Mrs. Tufton came out and did the same. Even though Mrs. Tufton had an almost water logged appearance from crying so much, the other sounded so sincere in telling people to stay that's just what most did.
With no wedding taking place, there was no reason to leave the cakes alone. They'd soon been cut and plates passed around along with the other food. The noise level slowly rose to what one would expect at a New Year's Eve party. As far as Blossom can tell, the only thing still dampening spirits is the fact that not only has Charlie vanished but Helena and Adriana still have not returned either.
Blossom tries not to dwell on the sad events of the day and instead focuses on how happy she is to be sitting with Fred's arms around her on a beautiful winter's night.
Content
Author: Fynn Greenleaf
Date: 05-11-03 23:35
"And the same to you," he replied contentedly. It was odd, how amidst the festiveness, the night was quiet, and they were quiet, just sitting there, hands interlaced. It was a wonder how, with the right person, silence was cherished, filled to the very brim with unspoken things. A mutual understanding.
New Year's
Eve
Author: Remadi Ye
Date: 05-12-03 03:36
Remadi was enjoying her vacation time from school. She had spent the first part at home in Orlando with her father. She saw a lot of her friends she had missed during the school year and on Christmas her father took her to Disneyworld where they had fun acting like tourists. After Christmas they had flown to New York City to visit her grandparents.
Remadi found herself the child at a high class party on New Year's Eve. Her grandmother's best friend had decided to go all the way with her New Year's party this year and invite the most prominent people in Chinatown and it's neighboring areas to the feast. Most of them showed up, too, surprisingly.
Remadi walked around the party with her father and grandmother. Her grandmother seemed to know everyone and was introducing her favorite (not to mention only) son and granddaughter to everyone they saw. Everyone commented on Remadi's beautiful black cheongsam* with it's lovely red flower print. They all seemed surprised when she would comment in Mandarin or Cantonese. She even surprised one of the guests when she spoke to him in Japanese.
Remadi enjoyed talking to the older guests, but it wasn't exactly how she had pictured spending New Year's Eve. At about eleven o'clock her father disappeared and then showed up again a couple minutes later.
"I know this isn't how you wanted to spend New Year's," he whispered into her ear. "Let's take a break from all of these guests and go up to the roof."
Remadi agreed and they weaved through the crowd and up the stairs to the roof. Remadi paused in the doorway and stared in front of her, a big smile forming on her face. A few feet in front of her where dozens of fireworks. She gives a hug to her father who grins.
"I know you won't be here for Chinese New Year, which is when we usually go all out on fireworks," her father says as she takes a closer look at the wide variety of fireworks her father had managed to get.
"Xie xie, ba. Xie xie ni,"* Remadi says before diving into the fireworks. As she starts setting them off, she wonders what her Hogwarts friends are doing for New Year's Eve.
* cheongsam (or qipao) is the
name of the (stereo)typical Chinese dress
* "Thank you, dad. Thank you."
Fear and Worry
Author: Cho Chang
Date: 05-12-03 11:27
Cho shifts and chews on her lip, calm, but unable to fight the fear and worry rising inside of her in the back of her mind, "Fynn?"
Fynn doesn't move, eyes closed, completely relaxed, muttering lazily, "hmmm..."
She looks around the grounds, only moving her eyes, "We only have a few months left here. What's going to happen?"
His eyes partially open and he glances down at her, "To what?"
She looks up to him, blushing in the darkness, "To...everything..."
He grins slightly, guessing what she wanted to ask but following her lead of skirting the issue, "Let's not talk about that...Afterall, we still have a few months here. But I guess we'll be going into our careers in the wizarding world, communicating every now and then..."
She sighs softly, leaning against him, she kisses his shoulder, making herself relax, "Okay." She would take his word for it, letting him solve her minor problem.
The Things
He Said
Author: Gabriel Baine
Date: 05-12-03 19:08
Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Gabriel chatted warmly in Ron's bedroom as midnight and the year's end waited only hours away. The four had retreated from the slightly downcast mood in the downstairs to enjoy one another's conversation and comedy. Reminiscing about old stories, many which Gabriel had never heard before, light discussion of school and classmates, and Quidditch talk eased the friends as thoughts of the recent, tense events became displaced from the forefront of their minds. Only the realization that their snacks had disappeared could interrupt them and send Ron downstairs to the kitchen accompanied by Harry.
While he would have ordinarily been astonished at Ron's willingness to leave himself and Hermione together, Gabriel's exceedingly uplifted mood caused him to take no notice. He did, however, move his seat opposite Hermione to a vacant space aside her on Ron's bed. The good spirits reflected well within her, and she received her friend's movement with a smile. Gabriel nudged her without his usual playfulness, but rather as a sign of his happiness with the situation between them all that night. Within that instance he would have failed to foresee what would occur next.
"You and Ron get along much better now," said Hermione with a smile.
"Yeah, he's a great guy. He's fantastic to talk to about Quidditch. I imagine Ron's probably a bigger fan than I am."
"I'm just pleased that the situation is better."
"Yeah," replied Gabriel. The reason for the conversation mystified him, but the intoxicating mood caused him to ease his guard. Hermione would be short in revealing her purpose.
"I'm not so sure though that you aren't pretending to like Ron for my sake." Hermione was looking away when she said this. Unprepared, he didn't respond in beleaguered hopes that this topic would end. His fortunes failed him.
"It's important to me that you like him, and accept him. Yes, Ron is apprehensive about you, but he is slowly coming around. Instead of attempting to understand, you refuse to forgive and accept how he feels. That's certainly not like you Gabriel, and...there's little point in me acting as if I'm unaware of why you're acting like this."
"Oh? Why am I 'acting like this' then?" asked Gabriel. His face had toughened, but he remained calm and eased.
"He's my boyfriend Gabriel! You shouldn't see him and judge him because that is his status. It's not fair to him, it's not fair to me, and it's not fair to you. You're my friend, but you resist the person I choose to share my love with even though you know he's a decent person and makes me happy."
"It's not love!" cried Gabriel. He hadn't expected the outburst anymore than Hermione, who jumped beside him. Her words had quickly eroded away at his restraint and Gabriel's emotions were now free to spill. "You're sixteen years old and speak like you've only now discovered your soul mate. I do have to pretend because as your friend I'm obligated to maintain your happiness even at the expense of withholding my objections and concern for your wellbeing. Stop building the pedestal so high for this relationship, how will it feel to come back down?"
"You honestly are that opposed to us? You have no reason for that, unless you are so selfish that you're unwilling to have to share me with someone else. If that's the reason then you are definitely not..."
"I don't want you to make him the single interest of your life. I am selfish, I can't help it, but maybe the sharing isn't such an easy change. I come home to find my best friend infinitely enclosed with someone else, and, I can't find a way to get her affections focused towards me."
"I do the best I can Gabriel! Five years is going to change things. There are obstacles, but I try to be with you as much as I can. It's certainly not because I don't want to be around you."
"I know all that. But Hermione, I can't have the most important person to me confining herself to one relationship before exploring her options. I know I can't see everything, I haven't been here to see anything for five years, and everything I have seen definitely gives me little reason to dislike your choice. It scares me though when I see you give it an attempt at love, and fully intend to make that the single one."
"Blimey, you're overreacting! I couldn't truthfully say there'll be Ron forever, there's far too many possibilities opposing that. But you're right, you weren't here and you wouldn't know."
"And you certainly don't help me there," replied Gabriel. Hermione had since become visibly shaken by Gabriel's intense emotions. Now he spoke with a deep misgiving in his voice, and Hermione felt he had made an unmerited accusation.
"What does that mean?"
"In seven months this is the first real talk we've had. You're the only person I could tell everything to without hesitation, and it was the same in return. Everything between us was shared, and we both accepted that reality greedily. I come home and have to share, that's an extremely tough change to take, but I tried hard to relax and adapt. But when there's a wall between us that means it's difficult and unusual to have an open and serious talk anymore, then I get scared and frustrated. I took it out on Ron, I still do."
Hermione was taken aback entirely by his words despite the truth that she a slight inclination that this might have been the case, however only to the extent of simply jealousy. Her offensive in the conservation had disintegrated under his newest revelation. Gabriel began again without the opportunity for Hermione to compose herself, but he spoke calmly to help ease her.
"We didn't write or try to keep in contact, I know that. In five years expectations shouldn't be founded on a former reality, especially during the years when we change the most. But I couldn't help it Hermione. I never found anyone even near to what you meant with me, and I gave up trying to replace you almost immediately. In you there was always someone to remember and think about whenever I needed to escape. In five years I imagined you in every possible way, and no matter how perfect I tried to make you, none compared with what I came back to. What am I supposed to do now when I can't find a sufficient place in your thoughts? How do I cope with seeing you act like your heart is locked in other's confidence when I never had a chance at it?"
Hermione buckled under his last words. A mounting suspicion within her had instantaneously been transformed from dread, to confirmation, to frustration, and to confusion. Her eyes were brimming with tears when he looked into him. From her face he effortlessly read the anxiety he had caused and Gabriel swelled with shame. Hermione tried to speak, but at best she managed a distorted "What am I supposed to do now?" Unable to take back the things that he said, Gabriel attempted to get up and flee. Hermione grabbed his arm when he tried to do so. The frailty of her grasp stayed Gabriel, and he was drawn remorsefully back to her.
Through her watery eyes Hermione looked over Gabriel's ashamed countenance and threw her arms around him to reassure him. The moist touch of her lips against his cheek startled him, but immediately his guilt was overrun. He closed his eyes and met her lips with his. Enclosing her in his arms, he made this futile attempt to contain the moment from an end.
Complete Metamorphosis
Author: Voldemort
Date: 05-12-03 20:27
As midnight approaching, most Muggles and wizards think about the new year - and make resolutions. The same is true for Ethan Somerset, but his is a different thought and a different resolution. The questions which surface cease, the last sings of the man he was fall away to new resolutions and a new self - Ethan sheds his old skin like a snake - turning it inside out - turning himself inside out.
Now he will not question; just do. As the new year dawns, Ethan becomes a new man - the metamorphosis is complete.
Mission Impossible
Author: Remus Lupin
Date: 05-12-03 21:32
Things have really gone crazy over the last few weeks. Having learned Garou's plans, the next step is to stop him. Garou appears to be convinced that am truly on his side. He is attempting to rally the werewolves to join Voldemort, using the argument that no one trusts them, so why stay on the side of good? This argument appears to be swaying some, while others appear undecided. The tricky part is to dissuade the other werewolves from joining the dark side, and that won't be easy. The other tricky part in the ongoing mission is to catch Garou doing something dark, and stop him.
