Several pieces are almost in place and many have already interlocked in the puzzle of my plans.

The witch and wizard from Canterbury say their part is nearly done. The ones from other places say much the same - and some have already completed their role in my most deadly secret.

None knows about this, not the aurors or their leader not even the fool Dumbledore. No one, and when they find out it will be much to late.

---

"Hi!"

Fynn turned around, already disconsolate, to see a pale girl with long, stick straight black hair, and eyes of a most unusual gray- a Slytherin, definitely, and one he hadn't seen around or noticed before- though those eyes were really quite unique and unavoidable. Looking closely, she was very pretty- in a mysterious way, her hair the same glimmering raven shade that Ch-

Nevermind.

He looked down on the ground, and, looking up again, smiled at the girl. She appeared content, happy, and smiled back- though Fynn could see that she seemed quite baffled at her own jocular behavior.

"Um...hi," Fynn replied, giving her his most charming smile. "I'm Fynn...and you are...?"

"Alexis." She replied, looking everywhere but at him. "Um. You're a good Quidditch player. Saw your landing...you looked like you were going to kill yourself." Fynn laughed. "So, I reckon your tryout went well?"

"Yeah, it did," she was beginning to feel more at ease, Fynn sensed, and laughing, she was lovely. They talked and walked, as they made their way back to the castle.

---

Prepping for the WC Tournament
Author: Annie Paul
Date: 01-19-03 02:28

I excused myself and left Orei and Brett, and told them I'd see them back in the tower and that I needed to brush up on my Wizard's Chess rules. I headed back to the castle and entered the ground floor corridor. As I walked I saw another student and smiled. "Hi, I'm Annie Paul. I'm a Gryffindor."

The girl looked at me teary eyed and gave a sniffle. "Hello," she mumbled with what sounded like a thick accent from the United States, from the south. "I'm Breanna Butterfly, I'm a Ravenclaw but my friends back home..." She paused and I saw hurt in her eyes. "I miss them. I have no friends here and it's just my first year." She said and began to cry again.

---

After bathing, Cho remained in her room to do her homework and review notes. Halfway through, however, Marybell knocked on her door, begging her to please come downstairs and help her with Astronomy. With a sigh, Cho agreed, slipping on her house slippers and walking downstairs in her pajama pants and tank top.

Once down the stairs, she put imaginary blinders on her eyes, if Fynn was here, she didn't want to know. She took the offered seat and looked over what Marybell had written. Cho smiled a little, shaking her head, "No, the Big Dipper is over here. And Aquarius is there..." And so she continued, long, silky tresses forming an ebony cataract over one shoulder. She pulls her legs up to her chest in the chair, wrapping one arm around as she watched Belle work, helping her when she faltered.

---

"I thank you for your confidence in my teaching abilities," I laugh. "I can be quite demanding of the students. However, I would welcome the opportunity to discover how well I might interact with the youth of today. It has been many years since I have held the position of mentor. I suspect times have changed.

But, getting back to your thoughts on the "Hag". The woman we apprehended had the appearance of being quite old, with gray hair and many wrinkles, spindly arms and crooked bones. Howsoever, some of her followers claimed her to be a lusty wench of early years, full of bosom and smooth of skin. I suspected at the time that she might have been some sort of shape-changer, but that was never witnessed by me so I cannot be certain. I do know that she claimed to be of the Fomorian race, which was thought to have been extinguished some fifteen hundred years ago. They were an unusual people with strong magical talents. Who's to say? Stranger tales than that have come out of the Burren."

I pause for another swig of my butterbeer, noting that our mugs are near empty. "Care for another?" I ask. She politely declines and so I continue. "If, as you say, your captor styles herself as "The Hag", you might consider looking in the registry for shape changers, or those suspected of having that talent. However, if she has gone undetected, you might consider looking for someone with dark hair and a medium to dark complexion. At the very least, that might be a place to start."

I drain the dregs from my mug and wipe my whiskers with the fine linen napkin. "And what's this about wanting sleep? Have your recent experiences left you with the night terrors? If such is the case, I have several decoctions at my shop which I am certain will provide some relief. We could walk down together right now and see which might be best for you."

---

With Minerva (Old Friends)
Author: Prof Flitwick
Date: 01-19-03 09:11

"My classes seem to be going quite well, thank you," I reply. "The students are, for the most part, alert and attentive." I pause for a moment and fiddle with my mug while I consider how to explain my feelings. "I must say, though, that I feel some of the lessons are getting a bit "stale". Many of the charms and spells that I am teaching can be easily learned straight from the textbooks. Goodness! Just look at what Miss Granger has done over the past few years. I dare say she could probably teach me a thing or two." We both have a good laugh over this, knowing the young lady's thirst for knowledge and amazing memory capacity.

"Actually, I have been doing a bit of research in my spare time. I am working on a new text, to supplement "The Standard Book of Spells" series. Of course, I still need to coordinate my efforts with Professor Somerset, and also get permission from Albus. I had thought of calling the new book, "Charmed, I'm Sure!", but I fear that sounds a bit trite. Oh! I'm sure I'll think of something clever before it is time to publish."

I realize I am doing almost all the talking, which is not all that unusual for a Leprechaun. I decide to shift the subject anyway, not wanting to give too much advance warning of my book. "And how are your Transfiguration classes going? Has anyone successfully turned a gallfly into a Galleon?"

---

Julian paces in circles in the empty, former storage room, largely ignoring the paint brushes gliding over the walls adding a new color to the walls. Most of the store rooms are on the floor below, where Julian's own living quarters are. This room, however, is here on the floor with Chyler's and Lysander's flat and since it was not being used for much, the two men had decided to convert it into another room in the apartment.

With one room now converted into a nursery, Chyler had had to find another place for some of her clothes. The unused store room shares a wall with Lys's and Chyler's bedroom so the Julian suggested to his friend that they put in a door to the bedroom and make the room into a dressing room for Chyler. Lysander had jumped on the idea and then the two men patiently waited for Chyler to visit friends and relatives for a few days to get the room makeover completed as a surprise for her.

Lysander is downstairs watching the shop while Julian oversees the painting. This is such an easy task that it's given Jules lots of time to think about Briar and their wedding. Over the past several weeks, Julian has sensed that Briar is more withdrawn and reserved. Maybe it's just the normal reservations a person can get when a wedding is at hand, but Julian's not but what so sure there's more to it than that. Like, for instant, did Weasel and Helena double team Briar to convince her once and for all to shut him out of her life.

Once this room is done and he and Lysander have a few minutes to speak, Julian resolves to ask his friend for some advice, particularly some advice about whether or not to whisk Briar away somewhere to elope. With Lysander and Chyler as witnesses of course. Julian really does not want to get tied down in a marriage but if that's what's needed to bring the Burnshires' daughter back into Lord Voldemort's fold, then so be it!

---

Sirius slowly wanders around the showroom, periodically sitting down to try out a mattress or chair or sofa that has caught his eye. He'd already picked out a very nice dining room suite that could be expanded to seat eighteen. Unlike a Muggle dining table that requires leaf inserts to expand to fit more than six around it, this table had a built in charm that allowed for the expansion without having table leafs to store until needed. The extra chairs are of a design Sirius can position at other points around the house for both use and decoration.

At the moment, Sirius's thoughts are mainly focused on find furnishings for Harry's room. He is keeping his eyes open for other furniture but right now he's concentrating on finding things he thinks Harry would both need and like. A bed. Maybe two. A desk. Something comfortable to sit in. The room Sirius has designated to be Harry's is very large and spacious, more like two rooms really. Perhaps making one portion just for sleeping, a place just for studying and then devote a good deal of the space for Harry to lounge in and have friends over is the thing to do. Sirius nods his head as he decides that's just what he'll do. He can always change things if Harry doesn't like something.

Just then a unique looking bed catches Sirius's eye. The bed is elevated and sways ever so slightly as if being rocked by a gentle breeze. It looks like a floating cloud and Sirius had already been thinking of painting that room to look like a bright, sunny day with a few clouds overhead. As much as Harry loves to fly, he figures his godson would like something that made him feel he were in the middle of the sky.

Sirius motions for the salesman who helped him with the dining table and indicates he wants to buy this bed. Heck, if Harry doesn't like it, Sirius will claim it as as own. It would be like sleeping in a hammock outside on a gorgeous day.

Now, to find a desk that is both practical, usable, and would fit into a boy's room themed around slowly gliding through the air.

---

Tea for Two
Author: Belladonna
Date: 01-19-03 19:14

"Not even Quidditch? Have you seen a doctor? I'm sure Lady Stella knows an excellent one. Perhaps a trip to Avonford? That might cure the ennui. It's abnormal for you. You've always been so passionate about everything. One of your biggest problems."

"Merlin's beard, Liam! I'm fine, but just haven't been quite up to Quidditch. Sorry for not wanting to discuss a rather wonderful World cup this past summer, but I just don't feel like myself. There's tryouts going on now for the school team and I seem to prefer having tea inside instead of watching like I do every year. Mumma's not worried about me, so why should you? As for Avonford, this year I'm concentrating on my job this year. No more gallivanting off to visit Aunt Gertrude or going to wild parties when I should be working. Apricot scone?"

"Only if you didn't make them. I wouldn't feed your cooking or Izzy's to the dog of my worst enemy. You two are dangerous in the kitchen. It's a wonder either of you haven't burned down an estate trying to cook. No idea why she bothers to try. She needs to take your example and not even try to boil water. Magic or house elves, stick to those."

"I prefer ordering out. Won't ever see me do anything more than owl to a restaurant or bakery. Not that I have anything against using house elves, but here they're so busy for me to even have the urge to ask them to do anything. Please, don't give me that disapproving look."

Belladonna Sinistra elegantly poured two cups of tea and glanced out the open door. True, she was having tea with Liam in her tower rooms, but the door was open and anyone could hear all of the conversation or see what was happening. Nothing even slightly inappropriate or private.

"I do disapprove. You've been unlike yourself lately. Whatever happened to sweet Bella who was so forgetful and airy? Anyone would think you have a brain. Do stop being reclusive. Take care and owl me if you need someone. I'm off back to Ireland to watch the new horse come in. We have a date for his first race, you becoming reclusive or not. Au revoir, cherie, and invite me for tea again! It's so good to see you."

---

"Yes, I have been having evil dreams recently. I thought once I was again occupied with work that I would be able to resume a somewhat normal patter of existence. But when I returned to work I find myself seeing my friend's . . . end again. Tennille Dumbledore and I were close friends."

We get up and head for Nevvyn's store. I am thoughtful for a moment, then knowing that Nevvyn would understand, continue my explanation - this time saying what I have not told any other, except Dumbledore.

"There were dementors in Voldemort's lair, the ones that survived the Azkaban riot last Christmas. I have always hated those beings. They represent the opposite of all my beliefs; Dementors are evil, soulless being with which no civilized person should be associated. My friend Tennille - Dumbledore's granddaughter - had been held there was being controlled by the Imperius curse. When she began to fight it, Voldemort fed her to a dementor." I shudder as the image returns. "I was perhaps five paces away, horrified, wandless and totally unable to do anything. That final image- the dementor sucking the soul from Tennille - wont leave my mind . . . I can deal with torture I can even deal with extreme claustrophobia and being guarded by those abominations. All that is an occupational hazard that I long ago accepted. I could have even dealt with her death if it were just that - death. But Dementors are infinitely worse than death. They terminate the soul, therefore she cannot travel to Tir na nOg. That thought is more disturbing than anything else. I think that is the cause of my drochthaibhreamh*."

In the store the older wizard listens attentively, while scanning his shelves for a suitable potion.

"I should have come to you earlier, intended to do so in fact. But I have never been good at admitting to weakness."

---

* nightmares lit evil/bad dreams

---

Abduction
Author: Percy Weasley
Date: 01-20-03 09:24

Sept. 14, 96

Percy went to the kitchen to get a glass of water. As he returned to the living room he heard a knock at the door. Percy abandoned his glass on the coffee table and went to who was at the door. When he opened the door there was a strange man standing at the entrance. The man introduced himself as Nawif, a co-worker of Bill's, and asked if Bill was home. Percy told the man that Bill had left momentarily, but asked the man if he would like to come in and wait. The man did come in and promptly pointed his wand at Percy and said a curse that sent Percy flying across the room where he hit a wall and fell unconscious.

Nawif seeing a briefcase next to the door picked it up and opened it, inspecting the contents. Nawif was looking for the blueprints to Pushkins vault; he had often seen Bill placing them into his briefcase. The blueprints, however, were not in the briefcase. Nawif began to search the entire apartment. He checked every cabinet, drawer, under the beds, in the closets, but came up empty handed.

Percy had now come to and saw the mess in the living room. He got up to go find Nawif but just then Nawif came back to the living room and cast yet another spell binding Percy's arms and legs together and gagging him. Percy tried to struggle but was defenseless without his wand. Next thing he new he was floating in the air with Nawif directing him out of the apartment.

---

Veronica had not attended the quidditch tryouts as did most of the school. She relinquished gathering in large, noisy crowds some long time ago. Instead, she was much more content to sit in her quarters and read.

Hermes sat silently in his cage, his yellow eyes fixed on Veronica. She laid in her bed, reading by lamplight, her curtains, for some odd reason, were drawn shut. The book in her hands was "The Turn of the Screw."

Muggle things seemed to please her, or comfort her more so, as she had spent her childhood in a muggle orphanage. She loved to read and was rarely without her nose stuck in a book.

Hermes was tired of being in his cage. He squawked and ruffled his feathers noisily. "I'm sorry, boy," Veronica said placing her book on the bed stand and removing her glasses. "You need to stretch your wings."

She got up and opened his cage, letting him step up onto her forearm. She carefully toted him to the window and threw back the curtains, squinting in the sudden light. "There you go" she said as she let him out the open window. She watched Hermes disappear from sight, then laid back down on her bed and continued to read her book...

---

"Classes are going extremely well for me. The students have made significant advancements, and I am very proud of them." Minerva smiled as she sipped from her glass. "Your new textbook sounds lovely. It'll make the best sellers list the first week it's out, Filius. You have mastered everything you know."

If the old witch didn't know better, she would have thought her friend's cheeks had turned pink. She decided to change the subject.

"Gryffindor's team will round out nicely this term, I should suspect. We'll have the Quidditch cup in no time." She ventured, knowing full well that Quidditch was one of the Leprechaun's passions, especially when it concerned his house! She waited, keeping her smile well hidden, until she shouldn't anymore.

Minerva chuckled, "What is your opinion on Ravenclaw?" A silly question to ask, for sure, but they both enjoyed Quidditch and it was a fun topic to let the conversation dwell on for a while.

---

Try-outs
Author: Brett Kingston
Date: 01-20-03 16:49

While watching the try-outs and talking to Oreil, I make my mind up that if I try hard enough and fly well enough, that I'll make the house team without a doubt. I finally excuse myself from Oreil to go and show what I can do on a broom.

After doing several laps around the pitch, I throw out all the moves I know that will help me obtain the position I want on the house team. I do quiet a few rolls and spins to show that I can maneuver easily through people. Before finally landing my broom, I do one last lap around the pitch and see Oreil give me a thumbs-up sign saying that I did a good job.

Landing with the grace of a monkey leaping from one tree to the other, I depart from the field and head back up to the stands to see who else I'll be competing against for the position on the house team. In my mind, I know I'll make the team. I know I will. I can feel it.

---

It has been more than a week since Diether and Mirai hooked up and a lot of teaseful banter has been thrown at them, even back to the ones who said them. He was watching them with his eyes half-closed as he had heard all the jokes and teasings a thousand times before.

"You're attracting ants sitting like that," Christina said, commenting on the way Mirai leaned on Diether's chest as they sat in circle on the floor.

"Yeah... Like they say, you're sweeter than honey," Margaritte added.

"And it's nauseating!" Kennard concluded, eliciting laughs, giggles, and chuckles from the others, even the other Ravenclaws in the common room.

Mirai straightened up from her position. "Oh, come on. Just admit that there's some people here who are..." she paused, gesturing that she's thinking of the right word.

"Jealous? Envious?" Vincent prompted, liking the way that things are turning around.

"Exactly," Mirai said, grinning. "Jealous, maybe even envious, that we've admitted our feelings for each other."

Diether looked confused and Vincent just slapped him on the back, chuckling.

"You'll know it when the others will," he said to the other guy.

"What are you talking about?" Christina asked, confused.

Realization dawned on Margaritte's face and Vincent grinned at her.

"Ah!" Marga said, and she too, grinned.

"Ok... Now I'm confused," Kennard told them, as he looked from him, to Mirai, to Marga.

"Well, my man, I know you know what we mean," Vincent said, emphasizing the word know, then giving the young wizard a side-long grin.

"Wha-wha..." Christa's question died on her mouth as a blush crept on her cheeks.

Shaking his head, Kennard stood up and said, "Fine, fine. I'll just get my guitar, ok? And stop this talk this instant."

And the minute he disappeared on the stairs, the ones who were left cracked with laughter, except for Christina who seems to be trying hard recovering from her blush. Vincent reached out and squeezed her hand, reassuring her that he's ok with it, and she smiled in return.

---

Scanning the shelves while listening to Dierna's dialog, I select two vials and a stubby bottle. Placing these on the counter, I look into her eyes, trying to ascertain the depth of this disturbance. "'Tis a wonder you can sleep at all. Experiences such as yours would be sufficient to give anyone a bad case of the collywobbles, and worse! Please place both hands on the counter, with the palms facing upward."

She does as requested, but gives me a questioning look. I reach out and place two fingers across the pulse point in each wrist. The energy flows strong in her, but it is fouled... soured by memories of her incarceration, the death of her friend and her own narrow escape. I move my touch to her temples, then to the point behind the jaw and below the ear. Tension levels are very high, near the danger point. I straighten and observe her posture, bent ever so slightly to the left side. I am not a medical doctor, merely a practitioner of the herbal healing arts. "It appears you are suffering from several problems... stress and tension associated with your employment combined with depression and anxiety from your recent trials. The former prevents you from relaxation and sleep. The latter is the cause of the nightmares."

I pick up one of the two vials. "The yellow syrup should ease the stress and anxiety without dulling your mental powers. It is a decoction of Gota Kola, Kava, Gingko, and Chamomile, with a few minor ingredients for flavor. Do you drink tea?" She nods. "Well and good! One drop of this into a cup of tea, morning and afternoon." I pick up the second vial, which appears a dark green verging on black, and hold it to the light. The transmitted light is a deep ruby red. "This, you will not like, but it is effective. A combination of Valerian, Somnifera root, Passiflora and Mugwort. Two drops in a cup of tea, just before bedtime. It will help you to sleep, and keep you there for a good six to eight hours. It will also counteract the anxiety. Best to add honey or sugar and lemon to the tea. This has a rather bitter taste." Lastly, I slide the bottle to the center of the counter, unstoppering it with a deft twist of the wrist. "These tablets are made from the highest purity St. JohnÕs Wort. It is widely used to combat minor depression. Take three per day, evenly spaced."

Dierna starts digging into her satchel and asks, "What do I owe you for all this?"

"The first round is on me," I reply with a fond smile. "I'm thinking you'll be back a time or two before you get over all of this. You will never forget, but in time, you will learn to accept." I quickly wrap each item individually, then make a common bundle and tie it up with the string. "Now! Let me know in a few days, how you are feeling. Stop by some time and I will brew up a pot of good, strong Irish tea. I would hear more of your adventures."

---

Quidditch Opinions
Author: Prof Flitwick
Date: 01-20-03 19:48

I nearly choke on my Butterbeer when Minerva asks my opinion of the Ravenclaw team. "Well, now! I would say that Cho is building us a VERY solid team, this year. It is for certain that we are not about to let those Hufflepuff Badgers steal the cup again this year! Nor Gryffindor, either, for that matter!" I announce with a twinkle in my eye. "I expect young Potter to be tearing out his hair, trying to find enough flyers to round out his crew."

I signal Madam Rosmerta that we are in dire need of refills. "In fact, my Dear Lady, I am prepared to place a friendly wager on the outcome of this season. And here are the stakes. The loser buys dinner at The Spinning Horn! Does that sound agreeable?"

---

I stand patiently while Nevvyn examines me. I am thankful that this wise friend of my father's should suddenly reappear in my life.

"I owe you more than I can ever repay, a chara uasal*." I place the vials carefully into my satchel. "I will come to see you by week's end, earlier than that if I can, but that depends on how the week goes."

Just then a small "pop" is heard and a squeaky voice says, "Chief auror get medicine? Good! She get better now!" Not needing to see who it is, I ask, "Blinkey, did Michael send you to spy on me?" then to Nevvyn, "Blinkey is my partner Michael Turin's elf. She is free, but stays out of friendship."

"Master Turin worry about Dierna ni Ciaran, but Dierna not say what wrong! Blinkey also worry."

"I'm sorry, Blinkey. I know Michael has been worried. But you can tell him I kept my promise, and I'll be alright." Blinkey regards me seriously for a moment with her huge house-elf eyes. Then seems satisfied that I am telling the truth and vanishes back to Michael's place.

Looking outside, I see the sun is already setting. "It is getting late, and my kneazle will soon be destroying my house if I don't feed her. It is a great pleasure to meet you again. Go raibh mile maith agat* for your kindness and help. I hope I can repay your kindness one day. Slan go foil.*"

----

* = noble/honourable friend
*= a 1000 thank yous
*= goodbye (until next time)

---

Heading Back to the Castle
Author: Angelina
Date: 01-21-03 01:50

I was greatly impressed with those who tried out for their House Quidditch Teams. Hoping for some of them to make the teams I headed back to the castle after the tryouts finished. Madam Hooch had a tough job ahead of her choosing amoung those recommended to become members.

As I walked along the halls I thought about the Wizard's Chess Tournament and most of all the trouble in the library. Heading towards my office I entered and sat down. Finishing my grading of the students papers, I smiled at a few. Mr. Longbottom and Miss Granger did well as well as a few others.

As I sat there a tap came to my window and I looked. It was Loki with a message. I opened the window and the owl flew in and landed on his perch. I walked up to him took the message from his beak and read it.

It was from William and he explained my grandfather had died. I just could not believe my eyes so I read it again like a zombie. I went back to my desk and sat down not believing I was not there for his final hours. He was all I had and now he was gone.

The letter also mentioned that some of his things will be coming to me as per his request. I put my head in my arms and began to cry a bit, then Loki screeched wanting his treat. Taking a piece of food from the tin on my desk I went over to him and gave him the treat, then I looked out the window with only grief in my heart.