Going Our Separate Ways
Author: Bronwyn Dewhurst
Date: 10-20-02 12:32

After the train came to a halt in London, the empty platform suddenly became crowded with excited Hogwarts students who were already celebrating the start of summer vacation. Among those happy students were Bronwyn, Kendra, Toby, and Hunter, who had all sat together in one of the compartments during the journey home.

They followed the crowd as it rushed toward the barrier, a throng of students suddenly popping out onto the other side. The Muggles didn't seem to notice, though, and continued going on with their business.

Upon reaching the other side, Bronwyn immediately found her mother, who already had her younger brother by the hand. Siegfried rolled his eyes when she saw Bronwyn approach alongside Toby and the others.

"Well, I guess this is it for now," Bronwyn said, frowning slightly. She was going to miss her friends over the break.

She started with Hunter and gave him a hug. "Maybe I'll see you around this summer since you aren't traversing the globe like these two, right?" She winked and smiled.

Then, she turned to Toby, who flashed her a sexy grin and held out his arms. "I'll miss you, Bron," he said, squeezing her extra tight when they hugged. He pecked her on the cheek and buried his nose in her hair. "Stay out of trouble, sweetie. I'll see you in August."

After their embrace, Bronwyn turned to her best friend, Kendra. The brunette's eyes were welling up with tears. "Oh, Ken," Bronwyn exclaimed, throwing her arms around the taller girl. "Don't cry! We'll see each other again soon. You have fun in Bulgaria and get me the best damn souvenir you can find!"

"So, you want a sexy Bulgarian man, then?" Toby interjected, laughing.

Bronwyn rolled her eyes. "Write me, OK?"

Kendra nodded and wiped the stray tears from her cheeks. "And you write me back. I want to know everything about your boring summer!" She giggled. "I'm just kidding. I'm sure you'll have fun with your brother, right Siegfried?"

Siegfried made a gagging face and turned to his mother. "Can we go now?" he whined.

"In a few moments, Siegfried. Bronwyn, finish your goodbyes, please."

Bronwyn sighed and threw her arms around her friends for one last hug. During this time, Kendra and Toby's grandmother approached with young Alanna in tow. Ariella and Anthony were also there and impatient to go home. The group said goodbye a few hundred more times before they all went their separate ways.

---

"Emm, we're going to miss you so much!" Lila and Stu both clung to me, Lila in tears. They had come to see me off. I was leaving in a matter of minutes to begin my new life at Hogsmeade - and then on to Hogwarts. It was all very hard to fathom. How would I cope? Lila and Stu had been my best friends for as long as I had been in wizarding school. There would be many owls, of course, but that would not be anywhere near the same.

My mother had nearly smothered me in Hogwarts pamphlets and reading materials over the past few weeks, all to reassure me of the school's excellent reputation. I was sick of Hogwarts and I had yet to lay eyes on the place.

"Emma, we've got to go." We were at the train station in Vancouver, on the Magical Platform (I had read that Hogwarts has something similar). Our train was ready to leave. I gave Stu and Lila one last hug and hoisted the cage in which Reggie was spitting in confused anger.

We found our compartment and took our seats after I had safely stowed the angry ferret under mine. I was next to the window, and watched as my friends faded from sight as we pulled away toward Hogsmeade.

---

Staff Meeting/Secret Told to All
Author: Angelina
Date: 10-21-02 12:47

As I entered, I gave a nod to all and took a seat.

Professor Figg told us she had to leave and we all bade her a fond farewell. As I sat there Snape was glaring at me and I knew I had to speak. I held up my hand and the others looked at me.

"Excuse me I would like to say something," I began and stood up. "I know I am only here as a substitute for Professor Sprout but there I something you all should know."

Snape leaned forward in his seat. Now his face had a scowl on it like he lost his best defense if something went wrong. "You all know me as Angelina Logan and some of you even taught me as a student here but there is something more to me than you all know." Snape's face grew paler as I spoke. "With all that is going on here with Voldemort," I continued with some of the Professors cringing at my saying of his name. "I hope to be able to help you if you want it. If not then I will continue as a substitute Herbology teacher and stay out."

Dumbledore looked at me over his half-moon glasses and gave a nod. "Professor, I do apologize for my actions at the banquet the other night but I do have a reason and this is why." I took off my right glove and rolled up my sleeve. Professor McGonagall covered her mouth with her hand. "Yes Professor, the only ones to bear this mark are from the house of Godric Gryffindor. My real name is Angelina Logan Gryffindor. Because of Voldemort, I went into hiding. I heard of the need for a teacher here and asked to come. The Ministry agreed and that's why I came. My grandfather is Richard Gryffindor. Most of you know him."

As I spoke, Professor Flitwick fell off his seat and I got nervous glances from some of the other professors. "I know now is not the time for bickering or petty fights. We have two people missing and their whereabouts are unknown, but I think I can help. Each time I'm near any of Voldemort's minions my arm begins to act up. It happened at the banquet when I was near Snape. It also happened in the dining hall when I was talking to one of the students during the finals while they were on lunch."

I finished and all seemed too quiet. I wondered what was going through their minds.

---

Re: Our Little Walk
Author: Shayna Ryan
Date: 10-21-02 14:54

He wants me to look him up? How? I thought for a moment. Then I got an idea. I got my hand away from Neo's, reached into my pocket and pulled out a muggle pen, and pulled the cap off.

"Neo, can I have your address so I can find you?" I asked, hopefully. At the same time I positioned the pen to write on the palm of my hand.

"Sure," Neo responded, and then he gave me his address. When he was done, I put my pen away.

"Shayna!" called a woman's voice, from a short distance away. I looked, and it was my Aunt.

"Wicked Witch of the West, 9 o'clock," I said in a whisper.

"Huh?" Neo looked, but was still confused.

"It's my Aunt, she is really strict. I have to go now, or I will get into trouble. Bye Neo, see you soon." I said. Then I had to walk over to my Aunt, and leave with her.

"Who is that boy? What were you doing with him?" my Aunt asked as we left the station.

---

"I know now is not the time for bickering or petty fights we have two people missing and their whereabouts are unknown but I think I can help, each time I'm near any of Voldemort's minions my arm begans to act up. It happened at the banquet when I was near Snape. It also happened in the dining hall when I was talking to one of the students during the finals while they were on lunch."

Angelina Logan -- er, Gryffindor explained to all. Dumbledore's fingers were resting together, and he tapped them together several times. Minerva's eyes moved to Snape, whose eyes were narrowed and staring at Miss Logan a hint of steel in them.

"Miss Logan, there have been three disappearances. Besides Mr. Potter and Miss Ni Ciaran, Albus's granddaughter, Tennille has gone missing, also." McGonagall said rather flatly as her eyes slid from Miss Logan's to Dumbledore who was staring into the table. "Thank you for explaining this to us. It will be helpful in the future."

Angelina nodded to McGonagall.

"Minerva, you've sent out the letters to the first years, I trust?" Albus Dumbledore emerged from his deep contemplation.

McGonagall nodded. "Yes. They're been sent and I also sent out a notification to select people of the DADA opening. I've gotten a few letters back and will be interviewing candidates for the job."

"Most excellent!" Dumbledore smiled. "Is there anything else any of you professors wish to add?"

---

Owls (Co-written by Hwang)
Author: Trey Lancer
Date: 10-21-02 19:51

Trey Lancer and Hwang Sung Kyung sat facing each other in meditative stances in Hwang's father's dojo, both Trey's and Hwang's family sat nearby while the other spectators and other ninja's watched from the balcony seats. Both were dressed in their fighting uniforms, Trey in a dark blue do-gi while Hwang in white, both wore their hoods of their uniforms down and unmasked. Trey's blond hair hung at his shoulders, tied back by a slim piece of silver blue silk into a slim ponytail, while Hwang's raven-wing was longer and tied into a slim ponytail by a piece of black silk and a yin-yang bead at the end. The buyu "warrior friends", had managed to face each other in the finals of the Pacific Ninjustu Tournament, held at the Seattle Bujinkan.

"Kamae!" The referee yelled as the two warriors stood and bowed to each other.

Shaking hands before the match, Trey smiled "Time to see if our training has paid off."

Hwang nodded, "We'll see."

"Hajime!" The referee commanded.

Both Ninja's flew into motion and the match soon became a dance of moves. Fists and kicks were deflected back each other, either getting in a blow. For years they had been evenly matched and they had even joined in other styles of martial arts to gain the advantage. Trey ducked under a kick and spun kicked Hwang's legs out from under him. Hwang landed without any obvious injury and quickly dodged Trey's flow-up attack but kippup him self to his feet. The danced continued with the trading of blows either giving the other the advantage. They had expected it. They were both trained by Hwang's father, Naoyuki Sung Kyung, a soke or grandmaster in both Ninjiustu and Hapiko. Both warriors had protected each other's back in numerous fights that happened when gangs had attacked. Naoyuki refused to pay "Protection Money" and his skill and loyal devotees of Ninjistu had managed to protect not only the Bujinkan but also the entire area of Seattle that surrounded the dojo.

The buzzer sounded as the referee yelled "Yame!"

Both Hwang and Trey bowed and faced the trio of judges waiting for the outcome of the match, both were sweating and panting hard. All three judges declared the bout a tie and both Hwang and Trey were presented with not only the trophy but also the black belts that rode on the outcome of the match. As a sign of respect and celebration Trey walked over to the weapon rack that held two 6-foot bo's and tossed one to Hwang. Everybody cleared the mat in expectation of the weapon exhibition but the new black belts. The two warriors moved in unison, bo's flashing and slamming into the mats. That's when hooting from two snow-white owls interrupted the friends and dropped notes of paper onto the mats before them.

Trey bend over to pick-up the note and noticed Hwang do the same, the entire dojo was silent as to why the notes were delivered by owl. Trey unrolled the note and shock filled his eyes and he saw Hwang was the same. They had been accepted to a school called Hogwarts. Both quickly bowed and left the dojo and headed for the home behind the Bujinkan. Both Trey's and Hwang's families followed. Both Trey and Hwang's family were overwhelmed but Naoyuki smiled and told them that they should go, a chance to see the world. But only if they wrote to them every month. Trey and Hwang smiled and looked at the notes, already excited at their new adventure.

---

Bella half woke up from her sleep. Why didn't people remember that she was nocturnal and just bloody send minutes instead of making her get out of bed? She sighed, running her fingers though her hair. For this meeting, since no students were around, she'd relaxed her dressing style and had chosen a Muggle t-shirt and jeans in a quite Gothic style. Okay, so the "Wake me when it's midnight!" t-shirt was more of a protest than a dressing relaxation and was going to be slept in the second she got out of the meeting and could get back to bed.

It had been a fun summer, really. Few weeks in Greece with her mates, a few days in Wales with Brynn and Dylan, time spent in France with Izzy and Luc, time spent in London with her parents, a good fortnight at Avonford putting up with Aunt Gertrude, and some time spent relaxing in her lovely London flat.

She'd meant to spend more time with John, but he'd been busy. Quite busy, oddly enough. She was lucky to get one dinner a month and there had to be trouble in that paradise. Well, she'd see if they made it to Christmas, although it'd take a miracle.

What was going on. Something about Gryffindor? Eh, she'd find out later from Cassandra Vector. Hmmm....new DADA professor applicants? This could be interesting.

"Um, Professor McGonagall? If you need someone, I'd be happy to help with the interviews for the new DADA teacher. I don't think I have much on my hands until classes start. I'd love to help out the school."

---

Meeting Continues
Author: Angelina
Date: 10-22-02 07:34

After I told everyone my secret, I felt better and sat down despite Snape's glare. Dumbledore had looked up and asked if the letters for the new students and for the new DADA Professor had been sent out. After McGonagall said yes and got a satisfactory response from Dumbledore, he looked at the rest of us and smiled.

"Most excellent." Dumbledore smiled. "Is there anything else you professors wish to add?"

I looked at Snape as I put my glove back on and felt somewhat uneasy. But I knew if something happened to me the others would now know why.

---

Squizzlie Snaps lay on his bed playing one of the latest video games for the Play Station. Everything was perfect. No parents to deal with. Since he lives in a Wizard family, Squizzlie usually gets complaints from his relatives, such as: 'Why on earth do you play with that muggle contraption?!' or 'Why don't you read a book or something?' and 'You should make your time a useful one. Go and practice some spells!'

And his usual answers would be: 'Because it's fun!' or 'I've read all my books, and you never let me get new ones.' and 'I can't. It's illegal to do magic, isn't it?' Same old, same old. Squizzlie was getting thirsty, so Squizzlie paused the game to go make some Kool-Aid.

After it was made, Squizzlie headed up to his room, but was stopped by an owl swooping down, dropping a letter at Squizzlie's feet, and perched on top of the refrigerator. Before reading the letter, Squizzlie hands the owl a saucer of Kool-Aid...not knowing whether or not it was good for the owl, but it was fruit punch and the owl seemed to like it.

Felix (Squizzlie's female cat) came down the stairs from Squizzlie's room wanting to see what was taking so long and saw the owl. Felix jumped onto the table watching the owl drink its Kool-Aid. She meowed and Squizzlie got her some Kool-Aid too (she loves fruit punch).

Once Squizzlie opened the letter, he read it and went to have his parents read it. They seemed very pleased. "Hogwarts? This is wonderful! Remember going there, honey?" his mom said. "I certainly do so, sugar! And now our son is going to attend!" his dad replied. Squizzlie thought his parents were weird, but he didn't mind. "So when do I start?" he asked. His parents looked at the letter. "It says that you start September. Should we go to Diagon Alley to get his supplies, Memorex?" his mother asked. His father smiled. "Perhaps, that way he can get his wand and other stuff. He could get a head start in school by reading all his books. What a wonderful idea, Shasta!" his dad said (his father is the one from the bizarre family).

Squizzlie heard of Diagon Alley, but never went there. This would be interesting...

---

Strange Happenings Explained
Author: Fritz Schnackenpfefferhausen
Date: 10-22-02 16:31

"Fritz, Du hast Post!"

The young boy springs up from his stool and races up the basement stairs to retrieve the letter his mother is holding. As he nears her, he notices that she has a curious, almost questionable look upon her face.

"Mutti? What is it? Is it from the London Youth Chemistry Society? They do not want me anymore?" Fritz frowns and takes the letter from his mother's hand. He had been looking forward to attending the summer camp at the Natural History museum for months now. It would absolutely crush him if this letter stated that the society no longer wanted him.

Mitzi Schnackenpfefferhausen shakes her head, however, and answers, "I do not know who sent this."

Fritz raises an eyebrow and stares at the beige envelope, which has his name and address in a nice, green script on the front. When he flips over the envelope, he notices the unfamiliar seal. "Hogwarts?"

"What does it mean?"

The young boy shakes his head and replies, "Let's open it."

He follows his mother into the living room, and the two take a seat on the sofa. Fritz rips the envelope open and pulls out a beige piece of stationary with the same green script on it. He clears his throat and begins to read aloud:

"Dear Mr. Schnackenpfefferhausen,

We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry."

Fritz stops suddenly and stares at his mother in disbelief. "Witchcraft and Wizardry? There must be some kind of mistake...perhaps it is in jest?"

His mother shrugs and quickly stands to greet her husband, who has just returned home from work. "Franz! Come in the living room. Fritz has received the most unusual letter."

After Herr Schnackenpfefferhausen joins his wife and son in the living room, the three read through the letter in full several times. It isn't until Fritz remembers that he has experienced odd occurrences on more than one occasion that he begins to believe that maybe there is such a school as Hogwarts. Feeling that now is the right time to confide in his parents about the strange things Fritz has done, he clears his throat and tells them everything.

At first, Herr and Frau Schnackenpfefferhausen stare at each other incredulously and wonder if their son might be mentally challenged, but after an unintentional demonstration (out of frustration, Fritz accidentally caused the coffee table to levitate three feet in the air and fall down with an enormous crash), his parents begin to see that maybe witchcraft and wizardry do exist.

"We always knew you were gifted, Fritz," admits Franz. "But, we never expected this. What happens now?"

"With your approval, I would like to attend the school," pleads Fritz.

His parents exchange looks of concern, but in the end they relent. Fritz Schnackenpfefferhausen is going to Hogwarts.

---

Waiting for Dumbledore
Author: Remus Lupin
Date: 10-22-02 20:21

I take a break from my never-ending search for Dierna, so I can meet with Dumbledore and Michael and we can discuss our plans. With the disappearance of Dierna and Harry, we really need a plan of action. Problem is, we don't know where they are.

---

Malfoy Manor
Author: Draco Malfoy
Date: 10-23-02 16:13

Dark clouds formed overhead as the black carriage pulled into the arched driveway in front of Malfoy Manor. Draco observed that three house elves were standing next to the black, marble colonnades on the front porch, anticipating his arrival. After the carriage came to a halt, the elves rapidly descended the few stairs of the front porch and approached the carriage. One opened the door for Draco while the other two saw to his luggage.

As Draco stepped out of the carriage, the first few drops of rain began to fall from the dark clouds overhead. He turned his head and bellowed at one of the elves, "Make sure my trunks do not get a drop of rain on them, or you'll all wish you'd never met me."

The elf's knees started to quiver and he squeaked, "Yes sir!"

With the rain getting heavier, Draco sprinted for the cover of the front porch. He turned at the front door to see just how unsuccessful the elves were at carrying out his demand. Surprisingly enough, one of them had thought to charm an over-sized umbrella over the luggage, which had been levitated to the air. "I suppose they're not nearly as dumb as they look," remarked Draco sarcastically.

Draco rolled his eyes and turned to the door, which was immediately opened by an elf standing on the other side. "Kwippy be welcoming Draco home!" exclaimed the elf.

"Are my parents here, Kwippy?" Draco asked, ignoring the elf's greeting. His eyes scanned the foyer as he awaited the answer.

Kwippy did not delay too long. "Draco's mother is being here. Draco's father is out."

The blonde boy nodded curtly and crossed the black and white checkered marble floor for the grand staircase, which wound its way up the left side of the room. He found his mother in the upstairs sitting room staring at her reflection in the mirror.

"Hello Mum. I'm home."

Narcissa Malfoy turned to the sound of her son's voice, the blonde curls on the top of her head bouncing with the movement. "Draco, darling!" She extended her arms, and Draco approached to embrace his mother.

"Where's Father?" asked Draco, after they stopped hugging. He slid into a navy blue, velvet armchair.

Mrs. Malfoy turned back to the mirror and replied, "He's out. Tell me, Draco, what are your summer plans?"

Draco shrugged. "Clara will visit sometime, but otherwise I don't have any plans."

"Sounds wonderful, darling."

Her answer was so automatic and lacking any inflection or emotion, that Draco realized that she wasn't really that interested in what he had to say. He sighed inwardly and rose to his feet to kiss her on the cheek. Then, he left the room and let his feet carry him down the long corridor to the other side of the manor where his bedroom was located.

Upon reaching his bedroom door, Draco took a hold of the silver doorknob and turned it. When he pushed open the door, he found his bedroom exactly the way he had left it. His Quidditch posters were still hanging on the walls, his books were still on the bookshelves, and his bed was neatly made. Oh, how inviting that bed looked.

As if on cue, Draco yawned. He kicked off his shoes and climbed onto the bed to nap for an hour or two. He drifted off to sleep with visions of Clara and her upcoming visit in his head.