Exam Time
Author: Hermione Granger
Date: 09-25-02 15:38
Shortly before nine o'clock, Hermione and Ron slipped into the Transfiguration classroom where Professor McGonagall and Professor Sorcha were already waiting with stacks of test booklets in their arms. Upon finding their seats, each student found a quill bewitched with an anti-cheating spell and a small bottle of ink on their desks.
Both professors waited until a few stragglers found their seats, and then they commenced in passing out the exams. As Hermione waited for her booklet to fall into her hands, her mind wandered, as it frequently has over the past few weeks, to Harry. For once, she wasn't thinking about what trials and tribulations he could be going through at this very moment, if in fact he was still alive. No, this time she was pondering whether or not he'd have to make-up his exams when he returns to the school. Maybe, Dumbledore will simply allow him to continue with his wizarding education without having taken the OWL exams. Everyone knew Harry was an extraordinary wizard. Only he has stood up to Voldemort on more than one occasion and lived to tell the tale.
As soon as she received her test, Hermione picked up her quill, dipped it into the bottle of ink, and wrote her name at the top of the page. Acknowledging the fact that her exam had seven sections, as Professor McGonagall instructed the entire class to check on, Hermione also took note that the first section she'd be tested on was Defense Against the Dark Arts.
Surprisingly, Hermione felt the least familiar with the material from that class, but she had done much preparing and didn't expect to do less than somewhat perfect on that part of the exam. She probably felt the most comfortable about Herbology, especially after that excellent turtoring session Miss Logan gave yesterday afternoon.
At Professor McGonagall's, "You may begin," Hermione began to read the first question, her quill poised over the parchment ready to scribble a perfectly concise answer.
OWL-right,
Let's Get This Over With
Author: Aradia Forest
Date: 09-25-02 19:41
Cho and Skyra call out good luck as I head out to the Charms classroom for my O.W.Ls. I hadn't had much concentration for studying since the disappearance of Harry Potter. That said, I wasn't TOO nervous. After all, I was acing the entire year. No reason why I wouldn't do equally well on these exams.
I sign my name at the top then flip through the exam. I read each question carefully before beginning writing frantically. Three hours is not a lot of time, but it is adequate.
The Search
Never Ends...
Author: Remus Lupin
Date: 09-25-02 20:53
The search for Dierna continues. No one knows where she is. When Bertha Jorkins disappeared, the ministry treated it lightly, which was a huge mistake. Now Dierna has disappeared, and that is most unlike her.
My concern over my long time friend is growing. I know she can handle herself, but she is human and her disappearance does lead me to believe that she has been captured.
Re: Exam Time
Author: Angelina
Date: 09-26-02 01:29
I entered the classroom with the supplies for the OWLS and then placed the quills on each of the desks. Professor Figg was looking at the exam sheets to make sure all was in order.
Not much was said between us as we did this task the professor had her hood up and with good reasons and when she was done told me all was ready.
The Hufflepuffs came into the classroom and took their seats after roll was taken and introductions were made I sat on a stool and looked at the class. "The test will take three hours," I began. "Remember all we taught you. When you are finished place your quill down and raise your hand Professor Figg or I will pick up you exam but you are to stay here per Dumbledore's orders. You may begin good luck."
The students began to write and the room seemed like it was filled with a hive of young bees I smiled and knew some of them will do well.
The Examination
Author: Draco Malfoy
Date: 09-26-02 18:04
Professor Snape paced around the dungeons, his eyes falling over each student in turn as they scribbled furiously in their test booklets. The OWL exams had been going on for at least half an hour already, and Draco's writing hand was quite weary. He was well into the Potions portion of the exam and very confident that each answer to every question was correct.
Draco's eyes flickered upwards, stopping momentarily on Professor Fairchild, who was perched on the edge of Snape's desk. Her eyes were roaming the room, but she clearly looked bored. Draco's gaze shifted sideways, next. He observed that Clara was bent over her parchment, concentrating on her answers. Crabbe and Goyle were on either side of him, staring blankly at their parchments, and on the other side of the room, Pansy and Milicent sat, seemingly isolated from the rest of the class. No one wanted to sit by them, after all, since they had caused so much trouble for Slytherin last fall. Nevertheless, both girls were frantically scribbling on their test papers.
Professor Snape swept past Draco's desk, his eyes briefly falling on the blonde boy before shifting onto someone else. That was Draco's cue to get back to work. He stifled a groan and dropped his gaze back to the parchment on his desk. Less than three hours to go and he'd be free for the summer!
Re: the Examination
Author: Severus Snape
Date: 09-26-02 18:45
Severus passed Draco Malfoy once he continued on his paper, he wasn't in the mood of students goofing off at the moment! Time was going by slowly as well, in sort time all the students will be released from school and out of Severus's hair!
now that is something worth waiting for, though he thought anyways... he was also becoming very concerned on what's been happening... Voldemort is growing stronger... Severus could feel it, he was surprised that Voldemort hasn't been torturing him.. it was a relief but strange at the same time.
Severus tried to concentrate more on the students who were taking the exams.
MOM Headquarters:
The Inquisition
Author: Dierna ní Cíaran
Date: 09-26-02 18:47
Michael Turin had nearly forgotten the pudgy man Remus Lupin had told him to watch. The man was a dark wizard and might, just might, have information. Nevertheless, something brought it to mind, and Michael decided to take a field trip to the place where the man was being held.
The man let out a whimper when I approach.
"It will go better for you if you cooperate, stranger." Michael said brusquely.
The man whimpered again.
"What happened to the head auror? What happened to Harry Potter?"
The second, at least elicited some response. Unfortunately, it was incomprehensible, thanks to his squeaky muttering.
"You know! Tell me now!"
"No! I don't! I swear I don't"
"Michael looked closely at the pudgy man.
"Very well. Then I'm afraid I forget how to let you free."
Michael headed back to the office where he writes a quick letter to Lupin:
Harry Potter went missing nearly a month ago. Please also look for him.
Be careful. Michael Turin
PS - the man you brought in here, who is he? He knows something, but not much. Unfortunately, his answers are too incomprehensible to be of use.
M.T.
Thought too
Soon
Author: Voldemort
Date: 09-26-02 19:30
Haven't spoken with you in a long time, Severus. Did you miss me? I have had ample entertainment right here where I am. First the head auror. She is resilient, but for how much longer, especially now that I have Harry Potter! They are both alive, but for how long? I'd be careful if I were you, Severus. You may be next. You can't evade me forever. I growing stronger. None will defeat me.
You time is running out, yours and all who oppose me. Cold laughter, then silence. Only the words remain - warning? A threat?
....no, a promise!
Location Unknown:
Planning
Author: Voldemort
Date: 09-26-02 19:50
I press the darkmark on a deatheaters forearm, and within minutes, all the loyal deatheaters have arrived. The few that are two afraid will know I called them too. They may flee from me, or avoid me, but the burning of the dark mark is inescapable.
"Greetings again, deatheaters. I trust you have all been working hard in my service. I feel it is time to put more plans to work. One is nearly ready...but it is time to begin working on another. It is time to again approach the giants, and also their kindred in other lands, all the creatures that can help me."
I pace the circle, gaging reactions carefully.
"In fact, to free up all you loyal deatheaters, I am going to post new guards for our...guests. They will be watched over by the dementors. I think you will all agree this is fitting vengeance."
I am now back where I started in the circle.
"So, who will volunteer to go to the giants? Who will assemble the newest allies for me?"
Exam Thoughts
Author: Clara Devaki
Date: 09-26-02 20:04
Clara sat hunched over her parchment, studying the questions. She risked a glance at Tempest, who'd been somewhat avoiding her. Then after glancing at Draco, she smiled slightly.
It's not my fault I have someone. Besides, she should be happy for me. Now Clara stop letting your mind wander and get back to the exam.
Shaking all thoughts to the back of her mind, the Slytherin girl went back to the questions, determined to do well.
Now...the answer to that is...
Time's Almost
Up...
Author: Angelina
Date: 09-27-02 03:53
I paced up and down the rows of desks as I watched each student I noticed Justin Finch-Fletchley pause for a moment and then quickly go back to his test. I knew the students minds must be aching from all the questions asked and that summer vacation was on their minds.
Looking at my watch I saw that it was almost time and I began to walk back up to the desk. As I did the hair on the back of my neck began to tingle and rise up. Thank goodness my hair was down and in a nonchalant way I rubbed my neck as if to make it look like I too was getting tired.
Professor Figg saw this and looked at me with a sort of puzzled expression from what I could tell. "Should I talk to her?" I thought, for it has happened before when something bad is going to happen "or should I contact my grandfather?" The thought did race through my mind as I sat on the stool and moved my robes around me looking at my watch they had only two more minutes for the OWLS.
"Two minutes left," I said and heard sounds like air being let out of a muggle tire or balloon as the students felt some relief.
Slapped
Author: Bill Weasley
Date: 09-27-02 15:28
It was mid-morning when Bill stepped out of the inn and walked down the street to visit Briar for their routine chat over coffee. He had so much he wanted to share with her, namely his efforts from yesterday's investigations at the bookstore. Although he hadn't found anything to implicate the former Slytherins, his intuition told him now more than ever that they were hiding something. But, what? That was the question.
When Bill entered the bakery, he found that the room was empty and that Briar was standing behind the display counter, wiping down the protective glass with a cloth. Her movements were rough, and her eyes were clouded with anger and disappointment.
"Briar? What's the matter?" Bill shut the door behind him and approached the counter.
She looked up, tossed the cloth down on the countertop and swiftly walked around to the front of the shop. "How dare you!" she scolded, slapping Bill hard across the face.
He staggered backwards, one hand reaching up to touch his pink cheek.
"You promised you wouldn't tell anyone."
Bill shook his head slowly. "Briar, whatever do you mean?"
The woman standing before him was positively fuming. "You gave me your word, Bill. You lied to me!"
"Lied to you? Briar, I really have no idea what's going on here."
Although the shop was empty, Briar still felt the need to lower her voice. "How could you tell Adriana about my past? Bill, you swore to me that anything I told you would remain confidential. I trusted you. I thought you would be true to your word, but you weren't."
"Adriana knows?" Bill raised an eyebrow and scratched his chin. "How can that be?"
Briar moved to slap Bill again, but he caught her by the wrist. "Briar, I didn't tell Adriana about your secret. Everything you have told me has remained in here." He used his other hand to point to his head. "I promised you I wouldn't say a word, and I've kept that promise. You must believe me."
He let her arm go, and it fell obediently to her side. Her facial expression had changed, but Bill wasn't sure if she truly believed him.
"I can't explain how Adriana would know the truth about your past, Briar," Bill said, but then realization dawned on him. Oh dear...He covered his mouth as it fell open, thousands of thoughts whirling around in his head.
Could it be that Adriana and Briar's pasts are connected somehow?
Realization
Author: Severus Snape
Date: 09-27-02 18:19
Severus stopped in his tracks. So that's what happened to Harry Potter and Dierna! They've both been captured by Voldemort! he thought as he continued to pace around the dungeon.
I must inform the Headmaster as soon as possible... but the only question is... How can we get both Harry and Dierna out of Voldemort's grasp?... And what can I do to help... but that still doesnÕt tell me what happened to the Headmaster's granddaughter... where could she possibly be?
Empty Chairs
and Empty Tables
Author: Minerva McGonagall
Date: 09-27-02 20:37
Minerva McGonagall sat at her desk, sifting quietly through paperwork. The testing morning wore on, and the Gryffindors were busily, and carefully going through their exams. Professor Sorcha took the liberty of walking the aisle to check on the progress of the students.
Minerva's eyes landed on the normal desk for Harry Potter. He usually sat with Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, but that all had changed. Since his disappearence, the students had become different people. It reminded Minerva terribly of the incident with the Chamber of Secrets. She shuddered at the thought.
"Professor?" Professor Sorcha was standing in front of McGonagall's desk. "Are you all right, Professor? She whispered.
Minerva gave a brief smile and said quietly, "Yes, I'm fine, dear. Thank you."
Sorcha nodded and turned back around, hands clasped behind her back, watching the students bowed heads and they worked their exams.
Oh, I do hope we find Harry and the others before school ends. The old witch thought as she sighed deeply and stood to wander the classroom, herself.
To the Library
Author: Belladonna
Date: 09-27-02 21:07
Bella walked along the streets of Hogwarts, dreading the afternoon, but secure in the knowledge that she'd have cappuccino when proctoring Slytherin NEWTs and a dinner at a romantic little country inn afterwards. Odd that such a dreaded day could be so pleasant.
Her pleasant little clock that played Musetta's Waltz for an alarm had woken her up early enough in the morning so that she could have a full day and not be rushed. A hot bath with scented oils had awaited her and after post-bath powering, she'd had breakfast in her dressing gown before getting ready for the day.
After breakfast came the important business of getting dressed. She'd started with a silk slip with embroidered roses and hand drawn lace. Over that went a filmy, romantic robe of cream, with a pearl necklace and tiny studs to complete the outfit after her good luck pendant was added. Her hair had been carefully brushed and pinned up with combs. The effect after adding make-up: vulnerable, lovely, and romantic.
The clock had told her that she had plenty of time before the NEWTs, so she'd decided to check out the new public library. John had been there for five minutes to deliver books, and it sounded quite interesting...although according to him, not as interesting as a certain enchantress.
She laughed happily, as she found herself doing most of the time. Call her crazy, but she was in love and he loved her in return. She snapped off a rose from the huge bunch in the vase, tucked John's daily billet-doux in a hidden bodice pocket as a charm against bad moods, and bid good bye to the owls and cat in the room.
She walked quickly to the library, or maybe glided was the better word. It was exactly what she expected----books everywhere and tons of shelves neatly organized. Oh, lovely! Every former Ravenclaw's dream and a larger version of her office. She picked up a book at random and started to read. Perhaps John could be talked into a few weeks in Ibeza during the summer. Could be fun.
Timely Thoughts
Author: Majandra
Date: 09-27-02 23:54
Majandra didn't wear her watch this morning and at times during the test she's thought that was a really bad move on her part. At other times she's extremely glad she left it sitting in her jewelry box. Without her watch, Majandra can't be sure of exactly how much time is left or if she should hurry with a section. Periodically, the amount of time left is written on the chalkboard but that's not the same as being able to keep track on one's own. On the other hand, not being able to check the time every two seconds has helped prevent the exam from seeming to drag on endlessly.
In addition to trying not to focus overly much on the passage of time during the exam, Majandra is also trying not to think about Harry missing his O.W.L.s. Surely under the circumstances, when he returns... if he returns... he'd be allowed to make up the test. She wonders how many of the others in the room are thinking the same thing as she is. Majandra's sure some of the Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs share the Gryffindors' thoughts and concerns for Harry.
Sighing softly, Majandra forces herself to pay attention to the next question and begins writing out what she knows without doubt is the correct answer.
Re: Empty
Chairs and Empty Tables
Author: Prof. Sorcha
Date: 09-28-02 00:24
The same question that ran through everybody elseÕs mind ran through Sorcha's, What happened to Harry Potter?
She had also heard that Dumbledore's granddaughter was missing, as well as someone named Dierna. Sorcha had heard that Dierna was the head auror in Hogsmeade.
The disappearances were strange, and seemed to be connected some how. Having only met Harry Potter in the halls on a few occasions, and not the others, Sorcha couldn't figure out what kind of link would be between the disappearances.
Still, there were immediate things to do, watch the students, maybe plan a trip up north, and see about getting to take part of a dig.
Archeology was the first thing that was introduced to Sorcha as a child, and was always a love of hers.
Hopefully everything would all work out, but no plans are to be made to be involved in any upcoming fights.
A Careful
Eye...
Author: Angelina
Date: 09-28-02 01:17
It seemed like an eternity had gone by as the students continued with their tests. I opened my watch to look at the time and saw the picture of my grandfather winking at me.
He was a kind man and had been with the Ministry of Magic for as long as I can remember. "How would he handle the disappearance of young Harry Potter?" I wondered, I know the disappearance of him and two others weighed heavy on those who knew him as I walked among the students and closed my watch.
Seeing a couple of students whispering in the corner I walked over and cleared my throat to get their attention stopping the conversation. "I suggest you save the talking for after the tests if you please." I whispered as so not to disturb the others.
They all had the same looks on their faces as the nodded. They looked worried as well as concerned for what was going on and needless to say I did not blame them I too was worried and decided to send my owl with a message to my grandfather following the tests.
