Taking Out
the Trash
Author: Lucius Malfoy
Date: 08-08-03 18:53
Radinka and Lucius stand in the center of Karkaroff's cell. They stare at the huddle mass pressed against one wall, entertained by the sight before them.
Karkaroff sits facing them, legs splayed out at odd angles much like a rag doll's, drool slowing dripping from one corner of his mouth. His head cocked to the side, Karkaroff holds his hands close to his face as if awed by that fact that he's got fingers. Babbling in his native language about incidents when he was at Durmstrang is broken only by the eerie, deranged laughter of the insane.
Radinka queries, "Vill you haf heem keeled now?"
Lucius, his normally cold tone laced with amusement, shakes his perfectly coifed head no. "What would be the point now? This is much more of a hellish existence for him than anything else we could possibly do to him. It's time he became someone else's burden."
Snapping his fingers at one of the Dark Lord's lackey's standing in the doorway, Lucius orders, "Dump this refuse outside St. Mungo's."
Discovery
Author: Bill Weasley
Date: 08-08-03 20:19
As soon as Briar finished speaking, a strange expression passed over her face. Before Bill could reply to her statement or register that something was wrong, Briar jumped up from the easy chair, rushed to the bathroom and slammed the door shut behind her. Moments later, Bill heard the unmistakable sounds of someone vomiting.
A worried crease etched itself across his forehead, and all rebuttals or other thoughts regarding Adriana were temporarily forgotten. He crossed the room and stood next to the door, raising his hand to give a short knock. "Briar, is everything okay in there?"
He knew things weren't, but she still managed to croak out a "Yes, just a minute!"
He waited a minute, then two, and then pushed aside his recent independence to come to his friend's aid. When the door gently swung open, a frazzled Briar looked up from the toilet bowl and glanced at Bill wearily. "I'm all right, really."
"Forgive me for saying so, but you don't look all right," Bill said, kneeling beside her to run a hand through her hair.
Another wave of nausea overcame her, and as she threw up Bill held back her hair and murmured soothingly. When she was finally finished, Bill sat back on his heels and deduced, "You're not ill, are you?"
He paused, studying Briar as she stood up to rinse her mouth in the sink. When she didn't reply, he continued slowly, "I think if you were ill, you wouldn't be working downstairs today, particularly if the bug is contagious. Instead you'd be in bed with someone to wait on you hand and foot."
Briar turned off the water faucet and turned around, leaning back against the edge of the counter. Instinctively, her arms wrapped around her middle. She blinked a few times, as if debating whether to tell Bill the truth, to keep him guessing or to dissuade him from asking any more questions.
Bill stood up and ran a few fingers over his stubbly jaw, certain the conversation was turning more delicate by the minute and unsure of how to proceed. After a few moments of silence, in which Briar and Bill simply watched one another, Bill finally spoke.
"Are you...pregnant? Briar, are you carrying Julian Valentine's baby?"
Truth Be
Told
Author: Bill Weasley
Date: 08-09-03 07:08
As soon as the question left Bill's mouth, Briar turned her back on him and picked up her toothbrush and a tube of toothpaste. Bill quietly excused himself from the bathroom, deciding not to pry any further into her precarious situation. She obviously wasn't quite ready to speak of it on her own free will, and she had every right to be distant with him as he had been that way with her for many weeks now.
When Briar finished in the bathroom, she wandered back over to her easy chair and settled into it, throwing Bill a look that clearly read, It's for me to know and you to find out. Bill stood by the window, his gaze traveling from her face to the activity on the street below. In his mind he knew that his assumption was correct. She was pregnant and in all likelihood the baby's father was Julian Valentine. The very thought disgusted Bill, but he refused to let his true emotions show. Briar had no one to turn to, not even Julian. The least Bill could do was be supportive.
He turned back around to gaze at her face, and he could see that silent tears were streaming down her pale cheeks. Bill went to her and knelt on the floor at her feet, cupping her face with his hands. Whether she truly wanted to push him away or not, Bill couldn't tell. She tensed at first under his touch, but then she allowed him to wipe away her tears. Their eyes met, and for a fleeting moment Briar seemed to see the old Bill she knew, for he really was there with her, to take care of her as he had promised that day over a year ago.
When Bill pulled his hands way from her face and brought them to his sides, Briar's head inclined in a slow nod and she whispered, "Yes."
Bill's gaze dropped to the floor for a moment, and when they met her face again her expression had hardened. She found her voice again and snapped, "I know you don't approve, Bill, and I really don't need a lecture from you. We took all of the proper precautions, but they obviously didn't work. Please keep your criticism to yourself." She looked away from him and studied the wall quite intently through harsh eyes, while Bill remained where he was kneeling on the floor by her feet.
"Briar, the only thing I want is your happiness. I know I haven't been here for you this past month, and I see now that you have been under an unimaginable amount of stress and emotion. I apologize to you for being distant even though I promised you I would always be around to watch over you."
She kept her gaze firmly on the wall, and Bill sighed and rose to his feet. He walked back over to the window and looked outside, watching as people drifted by on their way to the various locales in the village.
"It's not just you I've been avoiding all these months," Bill finally said. "Charlie's written me heaps of letters and I've not replied to a single one. I haven't been in contact with any of my family, not even my mum who would love to hear from all of her children everyday." He fell silent for a moment, making the mental decision to write the entire family in the afternoon.
"My reasons for doing what I've done," he started softly, "are difficult to explain."
He turned away from the window and studied Briar's profile. She no longer sat staring at the wall, but at the hands in her lap.
"I'm at a total loss what to do, and it pains me to think of what is happening now." He paused. "It's not her fault, even you know she's not to blame. Her mother is the cause behind all her troubles, her mother and He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named." Bill took a staggering sigh, suddenly feeling emotional himself. "She's in trouble, Briar, and I know I can't keep defending her forever because despite her past, this is her future."
Briar's voice cut through his monologue. "Bill, she has no future. She's dead."
She was standing now, looking at Bill with an expression of pity and concern. "Adriana's been missing for nearly four months now without a word. She and Helena aren't likely to be alive, Bill. I thought you were starting to accept this..."
Having nearly forgotten that he hadn't revealed Adriana's letter and knowledge that both she and Helena were alive, Bill swayed the conversation in a different direction. "Have you forgotten what she is, Briar? She's destined to darkness, and no matter how hard any of us could have tried, and I should have tried harder, I should have! ...nothing could be done to prevent this."
"I'm not much different from her," Briar said swiftly, narrowing her eyes. "Do you expect me to give up on everything and join You-Know-Who, too? Besides, why is it only now you've become a hermit? What prompted you to solitude when you've known all along what she was to become?"
Bill remained silent, but broke down when Briar's incessant staring started to make him uncomfortable. His voice was soft when he spoke. "Honestly, I don't know what's happened to her or what's going to happen to her. I just know what she's told me--the secret from her past, from the childhood you and the others shared with her. As for why now and not when she first disappeared, I do have an answer for that but I'm just not ready to share it."
At her look of protest, Bill hastened to add, "This has nothing to do with trust, and despite my recent actions I'd trust you with my life. It's just too difficult for me to put into words right now. It's tearing me up to no end and if I can't clear my mind of it soon, I'm liable to check myself into St. Mungos. I know talking often helps ease a situation like this, but I just can't do it yet. I just can't. I feel like I've succeeded at nothing here today than to burden you more than you need, so I think I'll just see myself out now."
Bill started to walk towards the door, but he stopped midstride and turned to look at Briar, who hadn't moved from where she stood by the easy chair.
"I'd like to start up our morning coffee routine again, if you're willing. I know I'm still shutting a part of myself away from the world, but I promise you it won't last forever." When Briar said nothing, Bill turned to walk away again and as he crossed the threshold he thought about tomorrow and hoped that things between him and Briar would eventually be on the mend.
Just a Little
Headache
Author: H Potter
Date: 08-09-03 10:28
Harry rubs his forehead, his scar seeming to be in sharp relief under his fingertips. He's hidden it well so far but ever since accidentally bumping into Jet Obsidian in the Great Hall this morning, Harry's had a migraine and his scar feels as though it will burst into flame at any second.
Harry knows he should report this incident as well as the others, growing in number as the school year as progressed, but so far he's not said a word to anyone. He has, however, realized he's gotten much better at hiding the pain that accompanies each event. One would think that past experience would dictate to Harry that he is to tell someone, most especially Professor Dumbledore, whenever this occurs but as always, Harry's just a little stubborn about sharing such information. Stubborn even though his mental count on the occurrences just this term alone is a shockingly large number.
Harry, trying not to wince as the migraine grows worse, taps Ginny on the arm and very quietly says. "I'm getting a little bit of a headache. I'm going to run back to the castle to get something for it from Madam Pomfrey. I shouldn't be long. Pass the word to Hermione and Ron, please?"
Ginny looks concerned and starts to say something but Harry quickly says in that same low tone, "It's just a headache and this screaming crowd isn't helping. Nothing to worry about."
He smiles broadly at her to dispel any further worry she might have, gives her a peck on the cheek, then jumps up and moves out of the stands as if it really is just a nothing, little headache. Once out of everyone's sight Harry doubles over, feeling nauseated. Very glad he skipped eating anything at breakfast, Harry throws up the pumpkin juice he'd drunk. Taking several huge, gulping breaths while massaging his temple with one hand and his stomach with the other, Harry gathers himself together enough to make the trek back to the castle.
Coming Back
Author: Mary
Date: 08-09-03 20:42
Mary raced across the pitch toward the hufflepuff goals, cheers echoing pleasantly in her ears. As a yellow-clad chaser made to head her off, Mary tossed the quaffle behind her where Isolde was waiting with open arms. The fifth year darted off to the left and threw the quaffle to Tempest, who, in a feigned attempt at the goal posts tossed it to Mary, instead. Before the keeper knew what had happened, Mary had scored.
"Ten points for Slytherin." the announcer called, unable to hide the disappointment in her voice, "Thirty-twenty to Hufflepuff"
Mary grinned and punched a fist victoriously in the air as various cheers and boos met her ears.
Exciting Game
Author: Bronwyn Dewhurst
Date: 08-10-03 08:53
"McMillan passes to Jones; it's Hufflepuff in possession!" Bronwyn shouted, finding her spirit despite Slytherin's recent goal. The opposing house was still ten behind her own, but things were too close for comfort. She desperately hoped Hannah would catch the snitch!
Megan zipped in and out of the mass of Slytherin players, swerving dangerously close to one of her own team members to avoid collision with a bludger. This caused Michael to momentarily lose control of his broomstick and sent him careening into Owen. Megan continued on her way to the Slytherin goal hoops, ignoring the distraction, and soon found herself in front of a leering Pyrrhus.
She didn't let him intimidate her and swiftly threw the quaffle over his shoulder and through the center hoop.
"Third time's the charm!" cried out Bronwyn, mentally noting the two previous goals Megan tried to make. "Jones scores ten points for Hufflepuff! They lead by twenty!"
Slytherin possessed the ball by way of Tempest, who zigged and zagged through the other players. She didn't see Toby flying nearby, who was tracking the path of a bludger. As it neared him, he reared back his arm and accidentally clobbered Tempest with the bat. She dropped the quaffle and screeched, clutching her head.
"You moron!" she spat venomously. Her eyes were alight with fire.
Toby shrugged nonchalantly, grinned and stated calmly, "It's all part of the game, Aisling."
Meanwhile, Madam Hooch had blown on her whistle and announced the foul. She quickly flew to the pair to intervene, in case Tempest decided to act on her anger right then and there. The Quidditch instructor summoned the quaffle and passed it to Tempest for the penalty shot, sending Toby on his way. He flashed the Slytherin another grin and sped off in preparation for the game to continue.
Perhaps slightly dazed from the impact the bat made with her head, Tempest missed the left goal by a good three feet. Scowling, she muttered a few choice words and glared at Toby from across the field. Meanwhile, Ernie tossed the quaffle to Owen initiating play once more. The Hufflepuff chaser looped, rolled and did all sorts of flashy tricks as he avoided bludgers and the Slytherin chasers. Upon nearing the goal hoops, Owen tossed the ball straight up in the air and spiked it with his fist, sending it through the right hoop. Pyrrhus' fingers grazed the ball when it went past him, but he wasn't quick enough to prevent Owen from scoring.
"Cauldwell scores!" Bronwyn yelled enthusiastically. She pressed down on the brassy button on the scoreboard and changed the numbers to read, Hufflepuff 50, Slytherin 20. Her enthusiasm quickly waned when someone from the crowd nearby shouted, "Look! Malfoy's seen the snitch!"
Who? What?
When? Where?
Author: Ron Weasley
Date: 08-10-03 15:15
Once more intent on the game, Ron nods distractedly when told where Harry went. A scant few minutes later, Ron looks around bewildered, "Where'd Harry get off to?"
Ginny and Hermione look at each other and roll their eyes as Ron asks, "What? What?"
Hermione pats Ron on the leg then grins back over at Ginny. "Nothing. Nothing at all. Harry was getting a headache so ran back to the castle to take something for it. He's hoping to be back in plenty of time to see the end of the game."
Ron stands up and turns a circle, craning his neck to see if he can spot Harry anywhere near their section of stands or coming down the hill from the castle. "Can't see him. Have some blind spots though so can't be sure."
Noticing a figure sitting behind them, Ron does a double take. "How long have you been there, Majandra?"
His girlfriend, his sister, and his friend all laugh as if he's just said the funniest thing they've heard all week. Women!
Her mouth turned up into a pert smile, Majandra stops chuckling to reply, "I've been here before the game started Ron. I saved those four spots so Hermione, Ginny, Harry, and you could sit together."
Ron's mouth forms into an "O" before nodding towards the books perched on Majandra's lap. "You're getting as bad as Hermione. Bad enough you brought something to study to the game but they're all potions related books. I like you, Maj, but I have to warn that if you and George ever resolve whatever it is needing to be resolved and get married, it's my duty to inform him as his brother that you're slightly daft."
Hermione suddenly grabs Ron by the leg. "Draco nearly caught the snitch! It got away but he's still hot on it's trail!"
Ron spins around and plops back into a sitting position, one that has him sitting literally on the edge of his seat.
Golden Opportunity
Author: Draco Malfoy
Date: 08-10-03 15:17
Draco shot through the sky like a bullet, his right arm outstretched in front of him as he tailed the elusive snitch. It zigged, zagged, looped and rolled with Draco following its movements all the way. Hannah was soon behind him, racing as fast as she could to catch up to him, but Draco kept gaining short bursts of speed which gave him quite a bit of a lead. Teasing him, the golden orb sparkled brightly, beckoning him for the catch. It only spurned him on more, and as Draco urged his broomstick ever forward, his fingertips grazed the paper-thin wings. So close! One more burst of speed closed the gap between him and the ball. With a grasp of the hand, Draco swept the golden snitch from the sky and held it high for all to see.
"Malfoy catches the snitch!" Dewhurst shouted. "Slytherin wins! Final score, Hufflepuff 50, Slytherin 170!"
Draco pumped his fist in the air. Slytherin was going to the championships!
The
Answer
Author: Julian Valentine
Date: 08-10-03 15:49
A few hours later, just after ringing up a customer, the flirting Julian walks the giggling, blushing geriatric woman to the door. Seeing that the shop is finally empty, the first time since Jules put the open sign up today, Helena glides out of the office to come up behind him. She slides her arms around his waist and standing on tiptoes, nuzzles the back of his neck then purrs in his ear, "You never answered my question, Julian."
Julian turns around in the circle of her arms to face Helena.
He drops a kiss on her pretty nose then moves down to her inviting lips. "Question?" he murmurs just before touching his lips to Helena's. Helena kisses Julian back then pulling away swats playfully at his chest. Wagging a finger at him, Helena pretends to scold. "Yes, the question. Don't pretend you don't know what I'm talking about."
Julian grabs the hand with the pointing finger then draws it to his mouth and gives it a light nip. Releasing Helena's hand he grins cheekily at her. "Oh yes, that question. But I did answer. A very firm answer. Took my time giving it. We had quite the conversation as I recall."
Helena's eyes go wide, mockingly so. "And here I thought that was simply a discussion of the benefits package."
Suddenly serious, Julian pulls Helena back towards him. "How's this for an answer?" Jules asks before giving Helena a slow, sensuous kiss. When he lifts his head Julian's eyes are locked on Helena's. "Hell yes, stay forever."
Ah, Life Is
Good
Author: Kody
Date: 08-10-03 18:16
Although having no love lost for the Slytherins, Kody's a good sport and applauds Malfoy's capture of the snitch. Going into this game, most have been fairly certain Slytherin would be in the final, win or lose this one. Also fairly certain but less so was that Ravenclaw would be the other team in the final.
For Hufflepuff to beat out Ravenclaw for that spot, Hufflepuff would have needed to amass an extremely large number of points. Hufflepuff scored fifty points but it's not even close to what they needed. Ravenclaw will be in the final! His house team being in the championship is enough to make Kody's day but he recently got news that made not only his week but probably the rest of the school year. Emma Crusher is to come to his parents' big gala this summer.
Drake as well as other close friends will be there as well. Great food, great fun, great friends. What could be a better way to spend several days this summer? Getting up from his seat, Kody moves in line behind Drake and Emma to shuffle out of the stands. Kody gleefully slaps his friend on the shoulder. Drake, sharing Kody's exuberance, looks back at Kody and lets out a whoop. Without the need to say anything, both boys know that Ravenclaw's party tonight may just surpass Slytherin's!
