On Assignment
Author: Prof. Sorcha
Date: 11-09-02 21:20
Sorcha stood at the mouth to a rather large cave, on an outcropping of rock that stood ten feet above the floor of the cave. The cave was behind a waterfall, and hard to see from the other side. Sorcha had sent the two death eaters into the cave to summon the head of the family.
It was a few minutes before large footsteps were heard over the roar of the falls. A large figure emerged from the falling water, and took a look around. The large eyes fell onto Sorcha standing on the outcropping.
The Giant moved to stand at the edge of the outcropping, where he would tower over Sorcha. He had a gruff voice when he spoke, and it echoed off the cliffs giving it a boom.
"You! Are you the one that has come to talk?"
"Yes, I come here with a proposal."
"What kind of proposal? Work for Voldemort or die?"
"No, I will let you live afterwards, but not your family," The Giant laughed at Sorcha's comment. Sorcha continued, "Allow me to demonstrate."
Sorcha pulled out her wand, and started to chant underneath her breath. A few moments went by before the roar of the water fall died away. The Giant turned to look at what was going on, only to have the color drained from his face.
"Now, let's talk about your service to the Dark Lord," Sorcha said with a smirk. "Fine, only if you stop sending the water into the cave," The Giant resigned.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Later that day...
Sorcha looked up from the dusty ground, and shielded her eyes from the sun with her hand. The outline of a large eagle overhead gave Sorcha a sense of security, and strength. After a few moments, Sorcha returned to work.
The sounds of people talking, moving, and digging came from all directions. The excavation of the old site was progressing smoothly. Although Sorcha didn't have a job that was difficult, it was still very important. She had to translate some old writing found on some rocks in the site.
She had been here for only a few days and was only allowed to translate minor items found. That was the case because she was only going to be on the site for a couple of weeks. Still it was good to get out and work on something fun.
It seemed that being outside, and away from all the stress of the school had helped her recover some of her lost strength. A few members of the dig team had made it their personal mission to add a few more pounds to her; after they had found out she was almost dangerously underweight. Sorcha didn't mind it all that much, since during work she was left pretty much alone, just her, the artifact, and her tools.
Devastating
News
Author: Amerah Patterson
Date: 11-09-02 21:49
I lounge about in the rec-room, waiting for my mom to come back. A few minutes later, the door opens. I hear my mom's footsteps go upstairs. There is a bit of a silence before I hear her call me.
"Amerah. . ." she says in a subdued, shaky voice. For a moment I pause. It's not like mom to sound so shaken. Did something bad happen to Harry or Dierna? "Amerah," she calls again. "Come up here. I need to talk to you." Is something wrong? I think. I go upstairs and sit beside my mom. I can see her eyes are red, and she has been crying.
"What's wrong?" I reply. "What about it?"
"You remember telling me about your friend Kendra and how she was going on a vacation to Bulgaria?"
"Yeah," I reply. "What's wrong? What happened?"
"Well, she was captured by death-eaters," Mom starts. I go absolutely white at this. Captured?? "The aurors tried to save her, but . . ."
"What happened?" I ask, trying to keep my composure, though my voice is trembling.
"But we were too late. Kendra is. . . Kendra is dead. I'm sorry, Amerah. I know it's hard."
In total shock I freeze then I burst into tears. This can't be. It just can't. Why? Mom gathers me in her arms and holds me close. "I'm sorry sweetheart. It's not fair, I know." Dad, who has been silent, approaches. "It's devastating when this happens. I'm not a wizard, but it doesn't matter. Evil is evil, and tragedy is tragedy whether it's magic or mundane."
I just nod, still in shock.
Intruder
Author: Ron Weasley
Date: 11-09-02 21:50
Ever since learning that Hermione would be bringing a friend to the Burrow, a male friend at that, Ron has felt conflicted. On the one hand, Ron cannot wait to see Hermione. Nor can he wait to hug her, to kiss her, to take walks holding hands in blissful silence just enjoying each other's company, to snuggle on a blanket in the refreshing night air of summer while staring up at the stars... to understand as only Hermione can how lost Ron feels with Harry still missing.
On the other hand, Ron really doesn;t want to meet this longtime friend of Hermione's, even if she does describe him as being like the brother she never had. With Gabriel Baine around, odds are Ron won't get very much time alone with Hermione at all. Maybe he can bribe Ian or Ginny, or even the twins, to distract the intruder for him. At least the guy is staying in Charlie's room.
Ron hears his mother calling him as well as Ian and Percy, who left work early only to shut himself in his room with a small mountain of paperwork. The three head down the stairs together, Ron doing his best to keep a bland expression on his face for his first sight if Gabriel.
Molly Weasley introduces Ron to Gabriel then leaves Ron to make the other introductions as she heads to the kitchen to return to her housework. Still taking stock of this bane of a Baine, Ron pauses a moment before speaking. Turning his lips into what he hopes looks like a friendly grin, Ron motions toward the other two. "Gabriel, this is my cousin, Ian Weasley, and one of my older brothers, Percy."
Percy sort of grunts toward Gabriel, says hello to Hermione then bounds back up the stairs. Ian rushes forward to give Hermione a hug hello then pumps Gabriel's hand up and down so much that Ron is sure water will come spurting forth from the boy's mouth at any second. While Ian is still giving Gabriel such a vigorous and hearty hello, Ron gently takes Hermione's arm and pulls her a little to the side.
Wrapping his arms around Hermione, Ron breathes in the heavenly, sweet aroma of her hair. Just before placing his lips on hers, he huskily informs her, "I've missed you, Hermione Granger."
The couple breaks apart only when Ginny comes dashing in from outside, squealing in pleasure to see Hermione. As he introduce his sister to Gabriel, Ron can't help but notice the way Gabriel eyes keep moving back and forth between him and Hermione. Without changing his outward, friendly expression, Ron grumpily thinks, "Gabriel doesn't seem to think of Hermione as being like the sister he never had!"
An evil little imp puts a thought into Ron's head. Thinking the idea is a great one, Ron casually puts his arm around Hermione's shoulders and says to Gabriel, "So, Gabe, Hermione tells me you're like the brother she never had. It's a comfort to know she's got a brother around to watch over her when she and I are apart."
Ron takes great pleasure in the look that ever so briefly mars Gabriel's features. Before anyone can say or do another thing, all turn towards the sound of Mrs. Weasley's worried voice carrying in from the kitchen.
"Arthur! What are you doing home so early? You look terrible!"
There is an ominous pause before Molly continues, her voice sounding strained and near to tears. "Oh! Oh my! It's Harry, isn't it?"
There is a collective holding of breath, even Gabriel, as all wait to hear Mr. Weasley's reply.
"No, Molly dear, it's not Harry. I do have some rather... rather bad news though. Where is everyone?"
Arthur and Molly enter the room hand in hand. Seeing Hermione, Mr. Weasley settles his wife on the couch then comes to give Hermione a hug. He also shakes Gabriel's hand.
"Hermione, always so glad to see you. Gabriel, it's very nice to meet you. I just wish it was under more pleasant circumstances." Arthur looks around the room at everyone. "I think it best all of you sit down. Where are Fred and George?"
Taking a seat, Ginny pipes up, "They went to get their apparating licenses and then to meet Majandra at Diagon Alley."
"Oh, yes, had quite forgotten that," Arthur sighs. "I will just have to fill them in later I suppose."
He again looks around at all of them then softly says, "There's been an incident in Bulgaria..."
Both Hermione and Ron cut in at the same time, worry evident in their voices, "Viktor?"
Ron lets Hermione finish, "Viktor Krum? Is he all right?"
Arthur's face screws up in puzzlement. "Viktor was involved. How did you know that?"
"Hermione, Harry, and I were at Harry's godmother's in Hogsmeade one Saturday when Viktor showed up. We know all about the cult he was infiltrating. Dad, you didn't say if he's okay. He's not hurt or... or worse, is he?"
Arthur shakes his head. "Viktor is a little battered and bruised but otherwise fine. Physically anyway." Pausing to take a breath and to take Molly's hand in his as if needing her unspoken comfort and reassurance, Arthur reveals the dreaded news.
"It's Kendra Beck. Apparently her family was vacationing in Bulgaria, and somehow Kendra crossed passed with members of some dark arts cult, the one Viktor must have been investigating. There's no way to sugar coat this so IÕm going to be blunt. Kendra Beck is dead, murdered at the hands of dark wizards."
Stunned silence is rapidly broken by the sound of Ginny weeping. Hermione turns and buries her head against Ron's chest, silent tears streaming down her face. As horrible as it is, Ron can't help but feel smug that Hermione pulled away from the comforting arm Gabriel was placing around her to seek solace with him instead. In case the smugness is mirrored in his face at such an inappropriate time, Ron pulls Hermione closer and bends his head next to hers while thinking, "No matter what the circumstances, no one's taking Hermione from me!"
A Commotion
Author: Prof Flitwick
Date: 11-10-02 08:13
There is some kind of commotion on the front lawn. Excited voices and a low, rumbling growl cause me to suspect one of Hagrid's creatures has somehow freed itself and is now up to some mischief. I scamper to the window and behold a large, golden lion, near to the size of a draught horse. Angelina seems to be speaking to the beast. "Goodness and Mercy!" I mutter. "I thought her specialty was in Herbology, and not in the Care of Magical Creatures."
Well, now! This bears further investigation. Out my door and to the top of the stairs I race. Seven flights is rather daunting. Instead, I leap onto the banister and slide. I'm certainly glad there are no students around to see me. I reach the Entry Hall with my hair and whiskers in disarray, but I have made good time. Madam Pince has left the great doors open and I hurry through and down the steps.
Irma stands, clutching her skirts with one hand and covering her mouth with the other. She is white as a sheet and appears ready to faint. I step around her and see the reason. Angelina is standing, near toe-to-toe with the creature. They seem to be conversing. Suddenly, my mind starts working again. Angelina has revealed herself as the Heir of Gryffindor... The lion is the symbol of Gryffindor... This then, must be the spirit of Gryffindor!
I hasten across the lawn to join the small group. Looking up at Minerva I ask, "Is this what I think it is? The Spirit... The Power of Gryffindor?"
"Apparently, it is just that!" she replies, somewhat shaken.
I shake my head in disbelief. "This is the stuff of legends. I have read about this in the old annals of Hogwarts, but I had no idea it was more than just a fable."
Dobby is cowering behind Minerva's skirts, his eyes twice their normal size. Angelina is quietly speaking with the creature in a mixture of growls, grunts and rumbles. The great golden cat raises one mighty paw, the size of a dinner platter, in salute to the girl, then turns and walks regally toward Hagrid's Hut. Irma totters across the lawn, quite flustered. Apparently, she has read the same books as I have, from the restricted section.
She is still quite pale and Minerva asks, "Are you all right, Irma?"
"It's just... just... she stammers. ...well, I heard strange noises in the library... like something... or someone... scratching at the plaster wall. I came looking for assistance, and found this! Two shocks in one day is more than this librarian can stand." She stops talking for a moment, fanning her face with her hankie.
"Would you like for me to come back to the Library with you?" I ask.
"It's like I said before Jason, if you raise the prices of our Quidditch product, just how well do you think they'll sell?" Said a woman. "Nobody wants to spend 1,900 Galleons for a broom! Even if it is top-of-the-line."
Sami had accompanied her father to a luncheon in some fancy restaurant for his business, 'Thatcher's Quidditch Enterprises'. So far she thought the price idea was just outrageous. Currently the price for the newest broom available was 950 Galleons. Sami's father, Jason Thatcher, had not even started the plans for the new broom, and they were already discussing the price.
Sami's thoughts were interrupted when she heard her name being said...
"My daughter is one of the best Quidditch players I know." It was her father. "She knows what a good boom should look and feel like. Samantha could design the new one."
Her eyes grew. In all her life her father had never acknowledged her like that before. "M, me?" Was all she managed to stumble out.
"O' course! Why not? You're out of school now, you need work. And what better job then the family buiz eh?"
Sami couldn't believe her ears. Designing Quidditch gear was like, the coolest thing ever!
"Well, Samantha? What do you say? In or out?" The woman smiled.
"I'm totally in!"
Jason was overjoyed. "Fantastic! So, I'll take you to the shops. You'll meet the staff tomorrow!"
If It's Meant
to Be
Author: Fred Weasley
Date: 11-10-02 15:08
Fred and George were both extremely pleased with the thoughtful gifts Majandra presented to them. They told her so and promised that as soon as they got the certificates in the frames and mounted on their wall, she'd have to come see for herself. Naturally, George would use any excuse to get Majandra to come visit him!
After a bit more chatter about the actual apparation exam and how the summer holidays were going thus far, the discussion moved on to Weasley's Wizard Wheezes. Besides coming to Diagon Alley to see Majandra, the boys wanted to scout out the location to set up their own store. While they knew that Gambol & Japes was very profitable in its own right (and certainly their favorite store in London), they were certain that if they were to set up shop nearby, neither store would run into financial difficulties.
Diagon Alley was a very active locale, boasting several candy stores, pubs and pet shops. With several other stores of similar nature on site, there was definitely room for two joke shops. Besides, the more the merrier, right?
Majandra offered to help them look around, which the twins gladly accepted. They were preparing to leave their table when a gorgeous, dark-haired girl bumped against the table. She flashed everyone a brilliant smile, apologized and walked away to find her own table.
"Whoa..." Fred couldn't help but say that aloud.
George arched an eyebrow and nodded in agreement, but didn't dare second that "whoa" since he happened to have an arm draped around Majandra's shoulders. She giggled knowingly.
"She's pretty, Fred. Maybe you should go talk to her?" suggested Majandra.
Fred shook his head. "No, I don't think I'm ready to date again."
"Hogwash. You're just making an excuse," scolded George.
Fred sighed. "All right, all right. Maybe I am ready to date again, but we really ought to go survey some real estate right now. If it's meant to be with that girl, then we'll bump into each other again sometime." He cast a long glance over his shoulder at the girl, who was leaning back in her chair sipping on a glass of butterbeer. "Boy, she sure is pretty, though."
He swiveled his head around at the sound of George's chuckles and Majandra's giggles. "Knock it off, you two. Let's go look at some property. C'mon!" He pushed his chair back from the table as he stood, dropped a coin on the table and prepared to walk down the street.
Stepping out of Twice Told Tale's fireplace right behind Lia and Isolde, Pyrrhus grins in delight at being back at the bookstore. As far as Py's mother knows, he's just visiting Isolde for the afternoon with plans to go on a picnic with Isolde and Lia near the Farnon home. Mrs. Farnon and Mrs. Bramble not only know the actual plans of the three but when they learned of them, the two women gave their hearty approval. In fact, Mrs. Bramble provided the floo powder for their return and Mrs. Farnon has sent along a pumpkin spice cake for, to quote her, "those adorable Stratfords and that cute Mr. Valentine."
All three are in the shop when the young Slytherins arrive and call out friendly greetings. If not for thinking that Isolde is the most gorgeous creature alive, Py would place Chyler Stratford in that position, particularly when she's glowing with a warm smile as she is now. Genuinely surprised and pleased with the cake, she cuts slices for the three students, the two men, and herself and pours for everyone a glass of her own recipe of chilled, spiced pumpkin juice.
By the time the plates have been cleaned of even the tiniest crumb, the bookstore is empty enough of customers for the young Slytherins to be let into the secret room. Before Mrs. Stratford exits back into the bookstore, Pyrrhus shares some news he overheard his aunt, a Ministry worker, giving his mother over lunch just before Py left.
"Another pesky Huffledink has bitten the dust. Kendra Beck. Some of our kind did us all a favor and huffed the Puffball away. Some Dark Wizard named Koyla and his cult in Bulgaria."
Isolde and Lia laugh with delight at the news while Mrs. Stratford winks and says, "Score another one for our team."
With that, she takes her leave to return to work. Once alone, Py gets Isolde and Lia to sit down for a moment before they all dig into all these excellent dark arts books. Py kneels before them and pulls an envelope out of a pocket, grinning when he sees the sparkle of a bracelet on Isolde's well turned ankle.
"My lovely ladies, I have a surprise for both of you. Isolde, I know how much you enjoyed our little trip east this past year. Lia, I know you felt left out. Sooooo, one day when my folks think I'm visiting you two overnight, and your parents think you're at my house, we'll take a little trip together. I've made arrangements for us to tour dark magic spots in Japan, with part of the tour being late at night. The beauty of it is, if any of our parents owl us, the owl will come to where we are and not where our parents think we are."
Lia gives Py an excited hug then hops up to go peruse the bookshelves leaving Isolde and Py alone for a few minutes to have a mini make out session. Afterwards, all three settle down to read more about the fascinating world of dark arts and its wide variety of spells and potions.
I open the door to auror's cell. I have decided to question her myself this time. She has lasted rather longer than I expected, but she cannot hold out much longer.
"It would be so much easier for you if you gave up your foolish ideas of honour and tell me what I want to know. It would also be much less painful for your beloved godson."
The auror stands up, as she always does, to face her questioner. "Really? I don't think so. If I tell you the plans, then both Harry and I have outlived our usefulness. I'm sure you have a very entertaining death planned for the two of us in such as case."
"You have no idea how much pleasure that would bring me. But, auror, why do you wish to live when you have been reduced to this?"
"I have not been reduced to anything. You cannot break me."
"Trust me, auror, I can. Tell me your plans. Now!"
"No. Never!"
"CRUCIO."
I watch in pleasure as the curse knocks her to the ground in agony. When the convulsions stops she makes herself stand again.
"You can curse me all you want. I'll never break."
Again she is knocked to the ground, only this time it's much harder for her to rise. "Do you want more, auror? Next time you may not get up at all."
"I'll ...never ..tell you...anything."
"Have it your way."
This time she is knocked unconscious. I think about enervating her, but decide not to. After all, there is always later.
In Shock
Author: Golbez Rushdie
Date: 11-10-02 20:05
After mother and father return from their meeting, they look ashen. A little worried I say, "Mother? Father? What's wrong? You look like you saw somebody hit with the killing curse."
"Not quite," father says, "But close."
"What do you mean?" I ask.
"There was a student killed in Bulgaria," mother replies.
"What?!" I say, "Who? When?"
"Kendra Beck," says father.
"Oh no. . ." I whisper, completely stunned.
"She somehow crossed the path of Voldemort. The aurors tried to save her but it was too late, when they got her. She's gone." I freeze at this. Kendra? Gone? How can that be? She like all Hufflepuffs was so friendly and likeable. How can this happen . . again?! I go completely numb and stare out the window.
MOM HQ: All
Shook Up
Author: Dierna ní Cíaran
Date: 11-10-02 20:15
Michael Turin had listened empathetically to the report of the young quidditch player. They were both feeling many things, guilt especially. Michael understood the feeling. He had been in the shoes of the two younger men.
"There is nothing you could have done that would have changed the outcome. You were both very brave, especially you, Viktor. I know neither of you feel that way. I have felt the guilt and sadness you felt. I can't help that, I can just ask you to believe me: you were successful. IF you hadn't gone undercover, many more innocent lives are lost. Ethan, take as much time off as you need to recover. Either of you can come and talk more later."
Then Michael had to break the news to the rest of the MLE department, and the news had rapidly spread from there. The atmosphere in the wizarding community was getting paranoid, much like during the last period of Voldemort's existence. Michael was trying to keep to Dierna's plans and spread aurors around to calm to panic and keep enough aurors on reserve for emergencies, if and when they emerged. The forces were being spread quite thin.
And Michael still didn't know why the owl had arrived so unaccountably late or whatever had happened to the chief auror, Harry Potter and Tennille Dumbledore.
Conversations
& Observations
Author: Hermione Granger
Date: 11-11-02 17:57
Hermione sobbed quietly, her tears not only the result of Mr. Weasley's devastating news but also because renewed anxiety for Harry's well-being suddenly overcame her. While most of the world believed him to be dead, Hermione still held on to a glimmer of hope. It had helped that the acting-head auror sent her and Ron a reassuring letter before they had left Hogwarts.
After a moment of silence for the fallen Kendra, the Weasley's and their guests wiped tears from their eyes and attempted to lighten up the somber mood. They discussed summer fun and the rapidly approaching new school year. Hermione and Gabriel's childhood and reunion were popular topics as well, and Ron's attempt to change the subject to the Chudley Cannons proved futile.
Eventually, Molly drifted into the kitchen to prepare something to eat and Arthur wandered into the cramped study to work on Ministry business. That left Hermione, Ron, Gabriel, Ian and Ginny alone in the small living area. Both Ian and Ginny seemed quite keen on Gabriel, and he them. Only Ron seemed to have difficulty adjusting to the other boy in Hermoine's life.
Hermione studied the exchange between the two boys. It was blatantly obvious that Ron didn't want Gabriel to come between him and Hermione, but she was unaware of how Gabriel felt about Ron. Her childhood friend appeared pleasant, friendly, good-natured...but how was he truly assessing the situation?
Location Unknown:
Inspiration
Author: Dierna ní Cíaran
Date: 11-11-02 19:29
I wake some indeterminate time later, and try to stand up. However, any kind of movement is not possible right now. The curse has left me nearly immobile. Any movement causing renewed spasms of pain. Nevertheless, I manage to drag myself to the raised plank that it means to be a cot and get on it. This is marginally more comfortable then the cold floor.
I lie there, hating being so weakened more than ever. And very VERY glad Lucius Malfoy isn't around to see me this way. Still, what I said is true, Voldemort cannot break my spirit: Make me suffer, yes; torture me until I loose my mind yes; even kill me. But he cannot make me give in. I am, as Seamus and Padraig called me, the Fenian. And Fenians do not surrender.
And that's how my idea comes. How even here and in a great deal of pain, I think of how to help Michael Turin, my deputy and Dumbledore strike against Voldemort. In the darkness I smile, just a little. When Voldemort comes again, I'll struggle as always (and sincerely, too) and then after just the right amount of torture pretend to crack (as Voldemort promised he'd make me) and tell him the plans.
And if the plans I tell happen to be slightly incorrect and lead Voldemort's forces into a major defeat, what of that? Surely he can't expect me to remember everything properly after all the hell he's put me through. Its a well know fact that repeated use of the cruciatus curses effect the mind.
A Need to
Trance
Author: Miss Irma Pince
Date: 11-11-02 20:58
For a second I consider Professor Flitwick's offer, then realize that what I heard could very well have been one of the prisoners. "Minerva, we need to find the rest of the staff and Albus, and "NOW!" Forgotten is the shock that I felt upon seeing the Gryffindor lion.
"What are you talking about Miss Pince?" I ignore Professor Flitwick's comment and continue. "A few minutes ago while I dusting the books," my duster gives a disapproving squeak, " I heard what at first I thought was a mouse gnawing on the walls."
"And?" Minerva gives me a quizzical look.
"It was not a mouse Minerva, it may have been one of the prisoners." My four companions stare for at me, their mouths open, but no one speaks. Minerva is the first to respond, "You heard the prisoner, which one?"
"I don't know, I need to trance to try and figure this out. We have no time left." We all start back into the school. I send a silent thought to my guide, we must find them and soon, my duster quivers in my hand. There is no time.
It required very little time to pass before Gabriel was aware of the barricade Ron had built around the newcomer. Fortunately being attentive of the situation allowed Gabriel the benefit whenever Ron attempted to sling a swift comment toward him and he was able to react controllably each time. When the opportunity to escape presented itself, however, Gabriel was the first to act.
Mrs. Weasley suggested the baggage, now just inside the front door, be delivered before dinner. With the help of Ian Weasley and Gabriel, Hermione's trunk was distributed to Ginny's room followed by the other items to the appropriate room. Gabriel had the pleasant fortune of Ron as his guide about the Burrow, but what appeared as potential for a direct assault passed only as some scrutinizing glances by the latter.
Once settled in his quarters, the room of Charlie Weasley, Gabriel sorted through his possessions as a pretense to get away from the others. He felt the situation hopeless; he knew nothing of the deceased student, or of the predicament of Harry Potter, but yet he understood the strong emotions the others felt and that Gabriel was unable to share in these so consequently he was instantly the odd one out. Whatever he had hoped for with Hermione this summer had vanished within the first minutes once Ron had appeared. Gabriel sighed and sat down upon the bed in the room. He raised his shirt and removed the journal from its secure position at his hip. Flipping to the last words he had written, Gabriel stared at the blank lines and thought to himself.
Gabriel hadn't expected the frustration over Ron and Hermione that he was feeling now. It was apparent that at few times they would be alone together to act as they always had together for Ron would certainly not understand such playful behavior other than the suggestive nature behind it. It was entirely unfair was Gabriel's initial reaction to the situation: Gabriel had gone without Hermione for five years while Ron simply had gone a short while. He wasn't for her anyways; he came off as stubborn, narrow minded, and jealous of anything threatening himself. Gabriel knew he could have gone on with the anti-Ron sentiment for quite a while, but it was hopelessly useless and he knew that much.
From his bag he took a Muggle pen, a journal is always on call and it's impossible to have a quill and ink readily available when Muggles are about. Gabriel began writing while he allowed his thoughts to wander. It only took a few sentences before he realized it would be futile to compete with Ron for Hermione, after all they were in a relationship and Gabriel knew that down inside he could not do anything that wasn't right for Hermione while it might have been so for himself. He was sure that their closeness wouldn't be endangered because of this; it just needed a little adjustment. Or at least so Gabriel hoped.
