Saturday Morning: March 30th
Author: Majandra
Date: 08-17-02 20:07

Despite having been up for more than an hour and having showered already, Majandra still feels sluggish. She can't imagine why when not only is it a glorious spring day, it's a Saturday, and the day of the Quidditch match between Gryffindor and Ravenclaw. Majandra wonders if she was up last night later than she realized. While it's true she did spend a good bit of that time holding hands with George, that was also time spent sitting at a table with both of them actually studying.

Covering a wide yawn, Majandra enters the hall. Plopping down at the Gryffindor table, Majandra pours herself a steaming cup of strong tea, spreads strawberry jam on a slice of toast and opens her Potions textbook. There is still plenty of time before the match and every studying second is important now that this semester is halfway over.

Message to Draco
Author: Lucius Malfoy
Date: 08-17-02 21:09

Hello there son. I just wanted to let you know I am still around. I may be needing your assistance soon. That is all. Goodbye.

It's That Time Again
Author: Fred Weasley
Date: 08-17-02 21:52

It had been a few weeks since the last Quidditch game, and all of the injuries Fred had sustained from the fight with Samuel were now healed.

He raced into the locker rooms with a broomstick in hand and his uniform somewhat disheveled. Today was the big game against Ravenclaw–the one he had been waiting all year for, mainly because of that wager he had made with Cho in the ice cream parlor at Diagon Alley back in August.

The rest of the team came into the room, wiping sleep from the eyes and stifling yawns with their hands. They were all pumped for the last game of the season, especially since they already knew they had a straight shot to the championship game, and quite possibly, the Quidditch Cup. Still, it was early for a Saturday.

Thankfully, that Saturday was the warmest it had been all month. The frosty air of the passing winter had finally started to go away, and the fresh breeze that beckoned them outside was sure to wake them.

Harry gave an encouraging pep talk, and after Fred straightened his uniform and ran a hand through his red hair, he stepped out onto the field with the rest of his teammates. Harry ran over to Madam Hooch and Oliver Wood, where he met with Cho, the newly appointed Ravenclaw captain. After Adam's sudden departure from Hogwarts, Golbez Rushdie took over as replacement beater.

Fred and the other twelve players not meeting with the referee on the ground, mounted their brooms and kicked off hard. They circled around the four down below until they found their positions.

Madam Hooch relayed her usual talk to the captains and after the pair shook hands and mounted their brooms, Oliver released the balls. Sykra Sawyer immediately gained control of the quaffle, and shot through the air with great force to reach the hoops.

Fred meanwhile concentrated on a bludger, which was spiraling in his direction at an extremely high speed. As soon as it got in proximity to him, he whacked it hard with his club, sending it up in the air and through a puffy, white cloud. The ball made a perfectly round hole through the cloud, which Fred thoroughly enjoyed. He was so taken with his masterpiece that he didn't see Aradia Forest come up behind him. Quite on accident, he swung his club behind him and hit her.

"Foul!" screamed Madam Hooch, and Aradia Forest was free to make a penalty shot.

Never this Nervous...
Author: Cho Chang
Date: 08-18-02 15:42

Cho listens attentively to Madam Hooch's usual talk, glad to be in this position, but now extremely nervous. After shaking hands with Harry she mounts her broom and gives a wimpy kick off, slowly reaching a higher plane than the rest of the players.

Her nerves would not get the best of her she decided. There was no reason to be nervous, right? Right. The worst that could happen would be that she would be doing triple homework for the next month should Ravenclaw lose. Worriedly she watches keenly for the snitch.

There it was! Cho lurches downward about to catch the snitch when, "Foul!" Madam Hooch yelled. With a sigh she pulls up, distracted and upset with herself. She should have eaten breakfast. She watches the game, paying rapt attention for the snitch.

Ouch!!
Author: Aradia Forest
Date: 08-18-02 20:41

I am flying headlong towards the quaffle, In fact I am about to reach out and catch the thing when I am suddenly hit hard with a bludgers stick by Gred...or Forge or whoever it was. Wow! That smarts, I seem to be cursed in these games. "HEY! You're suppose to hit BLUDGERS with that thing! not players!" I say it laughing, making it clear that I know it was an accident. Gryffindor is an excellent team. They don't NEED to cheat. And wouldn't, even if they did.

"FOUL!" Calls the ref and the quaffle is passed to me for a penalty shot. I fly towards the hoops, then shot the ball as fast and hard as I can...it flies dead on and through the right hand goal hoop.

"Chaser Aradia Forest scored 10 points for Ravenclaw!" announces Lee Jordan.

The game is on.

Oops, Sorry
Author: Golbez Rushdie
Date: 08-18-02 21:18

The game is a roar of speed and excitement and adrenaline. Upon seeing one of the beaters hit the bludger towards Cho, I accelerate and cut a short path to stop it. On my way to block it I accidentally fly into Gryffindor chaser Alicia Spinnet. Ouch!

"Sorry," I say and dash off.

The sound of Madam Hooch's whistle blows, and she orders a foul shot for Gryffindor. Alicia scores ten points. The game resumes.

London: Confusion
Author: Belladonna
Date: 08-18-02 21:44

"Put it out now! I don't want my bedroom smelling of cigarette smoke. I said put it out!"

"God, calm down. Here, have one...."

"I quit after Filch busted me during sixth year and you know it."

Bella, through gritted teeth, took a cigarette from her sister, after denying her want for one. Really, she was stressed and it was clear. Instead of being at Hogwarts watching a Quidditch game, she was at her flat in Belgravia trying to decide what to wear for a lunch date. Talk about unbearable!

"Oh God, was this made from the same material as your curtains?"

Brynn Sinistra, blond bombshell, held out a lovely white dress with a violet pattern. It didn't match the curtains or violet decor of the feminine bedroom but it came close. A snort erupted from both her sisters-in-law.

"You're not helping a bit! What does one wear for lunch. I mean I know conservative, but don't show my navel ring conservative or don't show my ankles conservative?"

"Where's he taking you?"

"La Caprice...."

"Charming! Umm, Brynn, get out that dark green dress with the black heels and the black pearls. Okay, light makeup, red lips. Get that manicure? Good!

Just wish he weren't so old. Totally looking good for nothing."

"Thirty-six isn't that old. Hand me the Chanel No. 5 and what about my hair?"

"It's old compared to twenty-three. Um...put your hair up in a French twist. It'll show off the earrings and your neck. You know, one of Luc's school chums is coming by for dinner next week."

"Iz, stop! Bella isn't into Slytherins. Besides, haven't you fixed her up enough? Dyls and I want a turn. Can't say she's adverse to it. I mean, your father fixed her up."

"So Da happened to mention to a work collegue of his that he has a lovely single daughter? Big deal. A date's a date, after all. Well?"

"Not bad. Grab that Aran shawl and get out of here. We'll be at Date Central here, so sneak into the loo when you get the chance and give us a ring on your cell phone. Don't go into too much detail; we'll deconstruct when you get back."

"You guys know how to use a phone now? Not all of us were unfortunate enough to spend time among Muggles, you know. No, don't tell me to sod off. Already am."

Bella slowly walked out the door while shoving the bulky phone into her purse. She waved goodbye while stepping into her red Jaguar and starting the thing up. La Caprice would be fun and she could always have Brynn or Izzy prematurely end the date for her by calling so she could claim an emergency.

The Fast and the Faster
Author: H Potter
Date: 08-19-02 06:51

Harry, hovering on his broom well above the pitch, gives a cheer when Alicia scores to bring the game to a tie. Only minutes into the game and so much has happened.

After the Gryffindor goal Sykra Sawyer takes possession of the quaffle and shoots off toward the other end of the pitch. She agilely darts around the opposing players, making it halfway down the field before a bludger hit by Fred Weasley smacks Sykra in the shoulder.

Angelina Johnson, in a move that couldn't have been timed any better if it were planned, zips up right at that second, snatches the quaffle from the dazed Sykra then just as quickly zooms away.

The Note
Author: Prof. Sorcha
Date: 08-20-02 00:47

The owl was sent, a note for Dierna with it. The wait would take to long and there wasn't all the time in the world. Much was at stake, it all hinged on just one day... today.

Sorcha sent the note to bring Dierna here, to the place that was selected. The note said:

Dierna,

Your search is at an end, I wait for you to join me. Your property and friend are with me, and I am prepared to return them to you. If you do not arrive in Hogsmeade today, alone, I will finish off your friend, and give your property to Voldemort.

The Old Hag

No one would see them there. They can resolve their problems privately. Of course, no one was foolish to try to take on an auror with out a trick or two up their sleeve. Sorcha waited for Dierna to arrive, bringing an end to her current plans.

Re: London: Confusion
Author: John 1st Duke of Marlborough
Date: 08-20-02 06:17

"No, I don't give the foggiest about any of your concerns, Hogarty, just make sure there is a shipment landed at the Dock when I get there, promptly!"

The tone of the voice was commanding and stern, but still very articulate and most gentlemanlike, as befitting a noble of the English gentry. He stepped out of his parked British racing-green met. 1996 Range Rover 4.6 HSE with tinted sunroof, upholstery in finest light greyish-green Connolly and intarsias in Redwood. He looked up on the sunny sky. Ahhh, back in London! It had been a busy year back on Ireland for one of the richest bachs of the posh London society, John Churchill, the heir to the enormous Marlborough fortune and titles.

Sure, though his father, the Undersecretary of Trade still lived, he was titled enough, an earl and a baronecy being among his nice titles. La Caprice! One of his regular places in Muggle-London. Not seen the place for well over a year, but now he had had a date arranged with a wonderful woman, told to be a real knock-out. So, better enter. He shut the door of his car, shut his cell off and went in. Immediately, with only a moment's hesitation, the Maitre d' recognised the high-born Lord and greeted him in a most servile, adolating style:

"Ahhh, your grace! You're back! How wonderful to see you again here! The usual table, m' lord?"

- And in the typical fashion of an English squire, Lord John responded:

"Yes, you may". with a slightly restrained, slow intonation and an arrogance or aloofness in his voice that only a true Briton can fully appreciate to receive and even demand.

"Oh, yes, come to think of..." the lord added in a slurring style, so familiar within the circles from which he arrived, where the verbosity and clarity were not metiers but rather the understated ones, damn if anyone did grasp what they said: "I am expecting female company, so will you be kind to show her to my place when she arrives, and I'll have my usual, a six of Jamieson, if you please!"

Then the lord was shown to his usual, reserved seating in the restaurant.

Smack and Burn...
Author: Samantha Thatcher
Date: 08-20-02 10:59

Sami was very alert and pumped for this game. She was bound and determined to win it.

Now the game was tied, 10 to 10 by Alicia and Aradia. Samantha was watching the Quaffle closely when a Bludger came whizzing toward her. Covering her head with one hand she ducked quickly out of its path.

Out of nowhere the quaffle flew over her head and she flung her hands back and caught the ball. There was a cry from the crowd that distracted her for only a moment, but that was enough for a bludger to come and smack her in the gut, causing her to loose the quaffle.

The impact of the bludger tackled both backward into one of the goal posts behind her. The ball flew away leaving her in a bit of pain and a lot of anger. If anyone on the team saw what happened she didn't know.

And the game goes ever on...

Ideas
Author: Pyrrhus
Date: 08-20-02 13:48

Making no effort to stifle a yawn, Pyrrhus slouches where he sits in the stands. The amusement at seeing Thatcher slammed by a bludger is already past, which means as far as Py's concerned, at present the game is dreadfully dull. Glancing over at the others, Py can see they are about as thrilled with the game as he is.

Giving Isolde's hand a slight squeeze, Pyrrhus leans over so that not only she but Lia and Alexis are able to hear as well. "Ready to ditch this sorry excuse of a match?"

Without hesitation, all three girls say yes. Seconds later, the four Slytherins are out of the stands and on their way back to the castle. Along the way, with no one else around to hear, Py decides to pose another question. "Now that we're pretty much in the last quarter of the school year, how would you ladies like to help me play another joke before summer gets here?"

All three indicate they are very amenable to pulling off another good prank so Pyrrhus gives them the basic idea he's been working on since the last quidditch match. The idea involves his sister developing another crush but this time it's one that's less over the top, much more subdued. Majandra dumps George because she falls for Fred. Py then adds he's thought about also having Potter fall for Granger in much the same way... subtle, earnest, and totally believable.

Pyrrhus ends his explanation, leaving the girls to think for themselves the ramifications, the chaos, and the entertainment that might ensue from such situations. He remains silent the rest of the way to the Slytherin common room, choosing instead to let the girls carry the rest of the discussion. Py just smiles and nods, clearly pleased with himself and the proposal.

An Exciting Game
Author: Majandra
Date: 08-20-02 14:26

After her light breakfast, Majandra walks down to the pitch, taking a seat on the last row in one of the Gryffindor stands. She continues studying potions until the game starts then puts her book away and proceeds to scream herself hoarse cheering on Gryffindor, in particularly for George.

She groans in disappointment when Samantha not only gets hit by a bludger but loses the quaffle to Prescott in the process. With the Gryffindor keeper still feeling the immediate effects of the bludger, Prescott easily scores.

Lee Jordan yells, "Ravenclaw scores! Gryffindor trails by ten!"

Katie takes possession of the quaffle and speeds toward the Ravenclaw hoops, dodging a bludger hit by Lilah. With the help of both Fred and George as well as the other two Gryffindor chasers, Angelina and Alicia, Katie makes it to the other end of the pitch without any further obstacles. Feinting to the left, she actually throws to the right, causing Jelica to miss the block.

Lee Jordan screams excitedly, "Ten points for Gryffindor. The score's now tied 20 to 20 but Gryffindor won't let that stand for long! Oops. Sorry, Professor McGonagall."

Coming to a Climax - Part One
Author: Dierna ní Cíaran
Date: 08-20-02 20:35

After flying for several hours, I had to give Scaithmor a break. That's when the owl finds me. It looks exhausted, it must have gone first to my home in Hogsmeade, then to Ireland and my office in Diagon Alley before finding me here. "Here" in Sussex where I had decided that a "haunted" stretch of land would be a good place to look.

Wrong.

The Cailleach was where everything had began: Hogsmeade. Probably somewhere in the hills behind the city.

Scaithmore, Grey against the haze morning, a great shadow, like his name states. looks up from the pool where he is drinking and trots over to me, refreshed and ready to fly. He is attuned to my wishes, not needing signals.

He takes off as a grey blur against the grey sky. It's already into mid-morning. The note was rather vague on when "today" ended. Sundown? Midnight? It would be close, but I could be there before darkness. Granians are one of the fastest breeds of winged horse, one reason why I took him specifically. He'll get me there on time.

La Caprice - A Deux
Author: Belladonna
Date: 08-20-02 20:56

Ah, La Caprice! God, the place was perfect: chic and great food. Perfect for a lunch date, which in itself was perfect for an excuse to drink during the day. On the plus side, she wouldn't be sneaking in alcohol into a school quidditch game, although she'd miss cheering on Ravenclaw. Seemed disloyal, even if she was an adult and staff to boot.

Bella turned off the radio as she pulled up in front of the restaurant. She tossed the keys of the red Jaguar to the valet and took off her shawl to be put in the cloakroom. She smiled as she stuffed the ticket into her purse and walked into the loo to check herself out.

Hair: very dark black, done in a French twist with not a hair out of place. Face: two dark blue eyes, pale skin, red lips, perfect makeup, dark shadows gone, slightly vulnerable expression. Body: slender yet curvy and she had put back on all that weight she'd lost. Outfit: green satin dress, black pearl necklace and earrings with black satin pumps. It'd do, she guessed. Presentable enough for a first date, put together, and elegant but age appropriate.

She smiled at the matron as she walked out and walked over to the man. He had been at Mumma and Da's Christmas ball. Of course, there had been a blond, leggy girlfriend. So that had been what Da had meant by, "You're just his type." Young and long legs. She chuckled to herself and smiled, careful not to be too flirty, bold, or forward.

"Lord John? I'm Sir Tony's daughter. It was quite lovely of you to invite me to lunch. You're one of his Ministry collaegues, I believe?"

Coming to a Climax - Part Two
Author: Dierna ní Cíaran
Date: 08-20-02 21:06

Alone...by the end of day. Cliché, also a trap. Alone, in this spot that was once a hideout of some of my closest friends. Deliberate?

Perhaps, but the memories give me strength. I will not let Tennille follow the same fate as Lily and James. I swore a geisa, the Irish wizard's oath, not to let that happen again, to anyone, if I can help it.

If I can, which in this case, I can.

I dismount and lead Scaithmor up the hills. I have excellent night vision, and I know these cliffs too well to need the lumos spell. Besides, I want to make an entrance on my own terms, which means see HER before I am seen.

And I DO see HER -- the Cailleach. Standing as cool as you please. Waiting for me, alone. Or, apparently alone. I don't see anyone else there, though I doubt that's the case. I step onto the plateau. "I believe you have somethings which belong to me." I keep my voice calm, conversational even. "I would appreciate their return. I did spend rather a long time collecting them. Not to mention a significant amount of Galleons." I take another step forward, "Also, most importantly, where is Tennille?"

Wham
Author: Golbez Rushdie
Date: 08-20-02 21:09

I hit my bludger away from Prescott. The bludger hits the quaffle being passed by Katie Bell to Angelina Johnson. The quaffle is caught by Aradia Forest who passes it to Sykra. Sykra goes to score but the shot is blocked by Samantha Thatcher.

Re: Where the Trail Leeds
Author: Remus Lupin
Date: 08-20-02 21:46

The search for Wormtail continues. I check in the city of Leeds, a hidden suburb. It appears Wormtail was there, but I had just missed him as he had run off, petrified. I should have checked earlier. It would have been just the place for Voldemort to try to recruit followers.

Re: Where the Trail Leeds
Author: Peter Pettigrew
Date: 08-21-02 20:43

Wormtail was trying again. He walked up to that alarmingly frightening doorknocker. It did seem to be sleeping. He grasped the ring then yelped in pain as the doorknocker bit him on the hand. The door opened and he was hauled inside by a large man.

"Oh, Olga, dear, we have ANOTHER rat."

"L-let me go." He whimpered pitifully. "Hand hurts, misuse of --"

"Yeah, yeah." The man seemed bored. "Misuse of Muggle artifacts. I know, I know. The thing is, unless you tell, we won't be found out."

Wormtail tried to turn the conversation to his advantage. "Join us, won't tell."

"Join Voldemort, you mean." The wife, Olga looked amused. "Now why would we do that? Your side could lose."

"We won't with your help," he said, hopefully.

"Desperate are you?" the man asked this time. "We are not desperate. Not at all. And we do not like people intruding."

"We have ways of dealing with such nuisances." The woman licked her lips, eyes gleaming menacingly.

"YOU-you won't KILL ME?"

"No no no no no no no. Heavens, no. That is much to cliché and quick."

Wormtail didn't think he liked the sound of that.

"We are experimenting on the best method. See that misshapen wall trophy? That is the best one yet. Twisted the poor bastard until he screamed. Then we petrified him. He is still alive. Inanimate..."

Wormtail jumped up and backed toward the door. "You are not going anywhere. The torture is SO much fun."

The couple pointed wands at him and he ran out screaming.