{Baliseon} The Committee Cometh
Author: Lord L. A. Higginton-Smythe
Date: 04-22-02 19:58

The pure marble hall only aided in adding emphasis on Consul Kalgrie Iulok in her striking red robes. Around her and fellow consul, Lord Higginton-Smythe, sat the delegation of the Committee's supreme body, the Assembly of Witches & Warlocks. A splash of pinks, purples, greens, blues, reds, yellows, grays, and oranges spread through the rows of the circular room underneath a silvery dome. House elves scurried in and out of the doors above the Assembly and raced down the five stairways to bring things to and from their masters.

The Committee of International Magical Securities had been opened for eight days in Baliseon, France and all ready it had reached maximum output. The most recent topic (operations in Albania) had concluded the same as the previous day with Consul Higginton-Smythe reading the most recent reports from the Committee's investigation team. Since the Committee had begun this team had been searching the country for information on the local of Lord Voldemort and his Dark Order. Consul Iulok would follow up with announcing (for the fourth time in two days) her desire for another inverstigative team to be sent to Transylvania to scour the remains of the destroyed school there. The diverse assembly responded with a characteristic found among most wizarding politicans: deep concern. Consul Higginton-Smythe suggested adding a relief team to comfort the stunned country. The combination allowed for Consul Iulok to receive the majority's vote.

"We will gather again tomorrow. I thank you for your time and give your well wishes for me to your families back home," said Consul Iulok as the floor circled around to allow her to face all of the sections of delegates surrounding her, "when we return I will be calling upon the issue of dementors guarding Azkhaban. Thank you."

Savage Winter Calls Again
Author: Cho Chang
Date: 04-26-02 18:43

Cho yawns as she shuffles up the stairs, tying dark locks into a braid upon entering her shared room. She closes the door momentarily to change then opens it again and sits at her desk to read the letter from her parents.

Dearest Cho,
We regret that we can't be with you for Christmas, but we're sending you a gift that should make you very happy (maybe even your friends too). Keep up the good work dear!

With love,
Mum and Dad

With a sigh she leans back in her chair, resting her feet on her desk and gazing out the window. She shivers a bit from the cool night air but doesn't bother to close the open glass. Snow was definitely in the weather's plans, which meant it was time to get her thick boots out again. Cho never really liked winter, she respected it like all people of any intelligence, but it was never something she looked forward to.

At least she had the Snow Ball to look forward to...

Pep Talk
Author: Toby Beck
Date: 04-27-02

"Alright gang, listen up." Toby looked sternly at his fellow teammates. "I want you to wipe off those frowns and buck up, you hear me? Just because that preppie pureblood got his team some new sticks, doesn't mean we're going to lose! You six are some of the finest Quidditch players I have ever had the honor of knowing, and we are going to go out there and kick some Ravenclaw ass!" Toby held out his hand. "Now who's with me?"

Kendra grinned and stuck her hand in with his. "You can count on me, Bro!"

They rest of them cheered and put there hands in as well. Toby smiled, "Now, just remember what we worked on in practice this week. I want people on Sawyer and Forest at all times. And remember chasers," Toby said confidently to Neo, Douglas, and Amerah. "Carter is a little weak to the left side, so just use the new play we worked on, faking right and then hitting left, and we should be racking up points in no time!"

"One, two, three...GO HUFFLEPUFF!" The team cheered and then took a minute to collect themselves.

"Right men," Toby flashed his classic smile. "Time to take the field."

Sat. Dec 9, 10 AM
Author: Madam Hooch
Date: 04-28-02 18:31

There was a cold north wind blowing across the field, and rain clouds were rolling in. Winter was definitely on its way. The stands were filled with students and staff all dressed warmly in their heavy cloaks and colorful scarves.

Oliver Wood was already on the field with the chest containing the Quidditch balls. Madam Hooch walked out to join him. It was now just minutes away from another exciting game. Madam Hooch blew her whistle to signal for the teams to come out of the locker rooms.

The Hufflepuff team came out being led by their Captain, Toby Beck. As Adam Higginton-Smythe and his Ravenclaw teammates came out there was a buzz of talking and excitement from the stands. The students and staff admired the new broomsticks that they were revealing, the new line of Silver Arrows. Once Lee Jordan had found his voice he put in his 2 cents about the new brooms.

Madam Hooch called Toby and Adam over to her.

"Hufflepuff. Ravenclaw. Good luck, have fun, and play clean. Captains, shake hands." Madam Hooch didn't believe that the teams really needed to be reminded to play a clean game, but she added it in for good measure.

After shaking hands Adam and Toby returned to their teams for a few last minute words. "Take your positions!" commanded Madam Hooch. "On my count! 3-2-1!" The whistle sounded and the Quaffle went flying towards the clouds.

Cold Shower
Author: Isolde
Date: 04-29-02 09:12

Isolde and Pyrrhus walked hand-in-hand to the Pitch where screaming Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws were more than fired-up for the game, which had already started a few minutes ago. "There's nothing like making a fashionably late entrance," Isolde said, grinning wickedly. In truth, the pair had wanted some serious alone time before the game. They had sent Azaelia to the Pitch to save some seats while Isolde and Pyrrhus made use of the empty Slytherin common room to do some quality making-out.

With hair slightly disheveled, the pair wove in and out of the stands, searching for Azaelia. She spotted them heading over and waved her arms to signal them.

"Brr! It's freezing out here!" Azaelia said with chattering teeth, when Isolde and Pyrrhus got to their seats.

Pyrrhus smirked, "I'm pretty hot. How about you, Isolde?"

Isolde giggled, "I think you need a cold shower, Pyrrhus Fine."

As if on cue, the grey clouds hovering overhead started emptying buckets of water over the crowd of spectators and the players, who were zooming around the Pitch.

Arrival
Author: Alexis Black
Date: 04-29-02 14:40

Alexis arrived at a very empty Hogwarts soaking wet. She stood in the entrance hall dripping water and looking very confused. Her pale gray eyes took in her surroundings quickly.

"Hello?" she called timidly. Out of nowhere a very proper looking ghost glided gracefully up to her.

"Greetings," he said, "I don't believe I know you. My name is Sir. Nicholas de Mimsy Porpington."

"I'm Alexis Black. I transfered just today from Athens."

"Athens, you say? I thought I heard a little Greek in your accent. Mostly American though. What house and year are you in?"

Alexis didn't know what to make of this bizarre apparition. She decided not to make anything at all, and answered, "Fourth year, Slytherin."

The ghost sunk a little bit in midair.

"The Bloody Baron isn't around right now, he's the Slytherin ghost. I can show you where your common room is, if you'd like."

So Alexis followed this amiable ghost through a maze of dungeons she thought she'd never find her way out of. The duo stopped in front of a tapestry.

"Well here it is." Sir. Whatever said at last, "You know the password, correct?"

"Uh... no," Alexis said slowly.

"Well that puts you in a bit of a spot then, doesn't it? The rest of the school is watching the Quidditch match. You ought to go join them."

"Will you show me the way out of here?" The ghost obliged, and soon Alexis found herself in the entrance hall again.

"The Quidditch Pitch is outside, you can't miss it. Goodbye." and with that, the ghost vanished. Alexis sighed and wiped a soggy lock of curly black hair off her face. After a moment's deliberation she shrugged and disappeared behind a curtain of pouring rain.

The New Girl
Author: Alexis Black
Date: 04-29-02 14:57

Surprisingly to her, Alexis found the Quidditch Pitch without any difficulty at all. The rain beat relentlessly on the Hogwarts grounds but it didn't bother the pale, lithe fifteen year old who now began looking for a seat among the crowds of people, all of which she had never seen before in her life. She took the first empty seat she found and tried to watch the game, but through the rain it was hard to see what was going on. Alexis' long, black curly hair stuck to her head in icy layers, but she wasn't cold. She was more worried about finding her way to her dormitory after the game was over, and then finding all her classes come Monday.

The Moon
Author: Hermione Granger
Date: 04-29-02 15:37

Despite the horrible weather conditions, Hermione was somewhat excited about the Quidditch match. She sat sandwiched between Ron and Harry in the Gryffindor section of the Pitch. Even though the fans were all packed like sardines in the stands, they weren't keeping very warm. Hermione had her maroon and gold scarf wrapped tightly around her neck, and she kept a mittened hand safely inside one of Ron's. She shivered and her teeth would chatter when she spoke.

"I d-don't know wh-who to r-root for," she admitted.

The Hufflepuffs were a friendly bunch, but the Ravenclaws were good people too. And look at those brooms! That Ravenclaw team looked outstanding on their shiny new broomsticks. Hermione beamed inwardly–she knew Ron wasn't too thrilled about her new friendship with Adam.

But why shouldn't she be friends with Adam? It's not like Ron has anything to worry about it. Really! They're just friends. And Ron and Hermione were more than friends. Boyfriend and girlfriend to be exact.

Hermione shrugged and cheered loudly, "GO ADAM!"

Ron seemed to involuntarily squeeze Hermione's hand tighter. "I hope he falls off his broom," he mumbled under his breath.

"W-what was that, Ron?" Hermione asked, turning to look Ron in the face.

"Er..." Ron started. "Oh look! There's the moon."

She turned her head to follow his finger, and sure enough, the moon was peaking out behind some storm clouds.

"It's not everyday you see the moon during the day," Ron continued, loosening the grasp he had on her hand.

"It's beautiful," Hermione sighed and leaned into Ron.

Harry watched the pair with a smile, before directing his attention back to the game.

Visitor
Author: Chyler Stratford
Date: 04-29-02 16:14

Chyler pulled her deep blood red robe closer to her body as she shivered in the bookstore, and closed the windows she'd opened earlier in the day.

"Why does it have to get so bloody cold all of the sudden?" Chyler said as she turned around to close another window.

They opened on the first of December, but were going to have an official grand opening on the day of the Hogsmeade trip so that the students could come in and look around. Another clever Julian idea.

A rather tall, almost as tall as Julian and Lysander, gentleman rounded the corner of a bookshelf and grinned at Chyler. "What? Are you afraid that it will rain and you'll melt, my dear sister?"

Chyler glared at him. "Shut up, Michael."

Michael was a good many years older than Chyler, he'd graduated and taken his O.W.L.S. a long time before she did. She was a first year as he was a seventh. She'd wished that Michael were there, just to have someone protect her, and it drove her insane. He was good at that, even though they were in separate houses.

Chyler was sorted into Slytherin and Michael . . . she flinched at the thought . . . Ravenclaw. She didn't mind Ravenclaw, but she wondered how in the world Michael had gotten himself placed in that house.

"Couldn't you have given us better notice?" Chlyer asked Michael dryly as he was studying a book he'd pulled from the shelf.

He looked up at her and spoke. "You know I like surprises."

"You know I don't like them."

Michael laughed. "C'mon, Chy. You know I have to give you a hard time. If I don't, who will?"

"Julian."

Michael followed her into the kitchen. "True." He didn't like Julian too much.

"You're irritating me," Chyler said more than irritated.

Lysander came into the kitchen. He paused, staring at his brother-in-law. "You're here again?"

"Yeap. Again. Stopped by to a visit, he says. Even though he could have gone to the Quidditch game!" Chyler spat as she slammed a cabinet.

Michael and Ly shared a sizing glance. "I see," Lysander finally said.

Ever since Michael had shown up (his owl arrived the morning he was going to be there) Chyler had been on edge. Lysander didn't mind his brother-in-law, but he didn't like his wife being upset, either. Julian, too, came into the kitchen. He felt the tension, knew what was going on, but decided not to push Chyler's buttons and ignored the intruder's presence.

"What's up?" he said taking a seat at the table.

Chyler rolled her eyes. "Not a thing. Not a thing." She grabbed a bottle of butter beer and left the kitchen, knowing that she should never leave the men alone, but her head was throbbing. "I'm going to watch the front of the store."

A short, squatty little witch came into the store in a lilac cloak and big glasses. She looked up at Chyler who stood about 4 feet above her.

"May I help you?" Chyler said, putting on a smile.

The witch nodded. "Yes. Yes. Please, do. I need any books you have on plants and the like - maybe even herbs. No bats and things like that."

Chyler blinked. This woman didn't seem like she was all there, but the witch smiled up at her, blinking. Her eyes were magnified by the glasses she wore, and reminded Chyler of a house elf. "Er, right this way."

She set the lady to a corner of the room with some books and out of the back came a storming Julian. His fists we held at his side and clenched so tightly his knuckles were turning white.

"I didn't hit him." He grunted and kept walking out he door.

Chyler sqeezed her eyes shut. Damn, this wasn't happening. She hurried back into the kitchen to see Michael holding his arms around his stomach. "Oh, God. Now what?"

Lysander rolled his eyes. "They're worse than children." Lysander too, left the kitchen.

Chyler took a deep breath. "Michael. If you are going to insist on dropping by the shop or whatever please try to stay out of his way. I know you two just love to size each other up, and push each other's buttons, but please . . ." She couldn't finish her sentence. She was too angry.

"Chy, please."

She closed her eyes, shaking her head. "Just go for now. Please."

He left the kitchen, and Chyler watched him sulk away. She hated hurting him, and she knew she did, but she was furious with him and didn't care at the moment. She blinked and watched a woman with books piled in her hands run right into him, sending him sprawling to the ground, books all over him. The woman tumbled after.

Leaving Hogwarts
Author: Prof. Sorcha
Date: 04-29-02 16:43

Sorcha walked away from Hogwarts. It was during the Quidditch match. Since no one had invited her, she had decided to go to Hogsmeade and look around a bookstore that had just opened.

She didn't plan to stay long. All Sorcha wanted to do was look around for some books she didn't have on Ancient Runes. Sorcha was hoping that there would be one or two books she hadn't read.

The walk to Hogsmeade went quickly. Since Sorcha had a good idea where the store was, her eye in the sky found it rather quickly. Ailsa directed Sorcha to the store, and waited outside as Sorcha went in.

The shelves were full of books. There were a few rows of books. The sections were labeled, so it wasn't hard to find the right place.

Within minutes Sorcha had an armload of books. It was almost too heavy for her to carry. Still she struggled to the end of the row, and turned the corner...

Oh Mister Sni-itch...
Author: Cho Chang
Date: 04-29-02 17:16

She swerves and turns as all good seekers do, rather bored until a gold streak flies past her. Having had a bit too much sugar before this game, she was in a very hyper mood, she gives an enthusiastic yelp and dives, very close on the snitch's tail. She whines after a knock by a stray bludger gets her, she yells, "Hey! Who's watchin' that?!"

Continuing on her merry way, she giggles and raises above the players, keen eyes watching for the snitch again.

Re: Visitors
Author: Belladonna
Date: 04-29-02 21:04

Belladonna Sinistra whistled some snatch of a dreary nocturne as she walked along the main street of Hogsmeade with her basket. She'd caught up on all her shopping, but needed something to do today or she'd go mad. There was a Quidditch game today, but the thought of going alone after the last game made her want to do anything, such as check out the new bookshop. She had a huge list of books that she wanted and besides shopping seemed to perk her up. She needed perking up too. Everyone said that lately she'd looked like a sad angel and angels weren't supposed to be sad.

She sighed to herself as she walked through the door of the bookshop in her romantically styled robe of holly green trimmed in Tartar sable with hair ribbon to match. She stepped and proceeded to ask for copies of "A Single Witch's Guide to Everything, the "Encylopedia Astronomica," "1001 Interesting Hexes," "Magical Methods to Recover from Breakups," "How to Find the Inner Witch," and "Transformations to Save Your Holidays."

She looked around at the shelves while waiting for the order to be filled before her eye alighted on a tall, dark, and handsome older gentleman...well older than her at least, if he was in his early thirties as he appeared to be. She sighed again while trying to disguise the fact that she was looking. What a shame he couldn't be bought and giftwrapped. Then again, with the luck she'd been having with men, he wouldn't notice her.

Washboard Abs
Author: Bronwyn Dewhurst
Date: 04-30-02 09:10

"Go Team!" Bronwyn got to her feet and hollered to her friends. "Let's go Hufflepuff!" She wasn't about to let the miserable weather get her spirits down.

Susan Bones sat beside her bundled up tightly with a hood over her head to protect her hair from the freezing rain.

"Go Kendra!!!!! Go Hannah!!!!! Go Toby!!!!" Squealing enthusiastically, Bronwyn slid back into her seat in the stands and clapped her hands in excitement.

"We're soooo going to win this thing," she said knowingly.

Susan agreed whole-heartedly, "So what if Ravenclaw has shiny new brooms."

"Look at Toby," Bronwyn said, gazing at him dreamily. "I bet all that Quidditch practice has given him some mighty fine washboard abs."

Susan laughed, "I don't think Kendra would want you talking about her brother that way."

"Ah, my dear Susan," Bronwyn answered, winking impishly. "Kendra isn't here, is she?"

"You're positively evil, Bronwyn," Susan replied, grinning.

Bronwyn feigned innocence, "Evil? Moi? I wasn't sorted into Hufflepuff House for no reason, you know!" She laughed and redirected her attention to the game.

"GO HUFFLEPUFF!!!!"