One More Test
Author: Blossom
Date: 10-23-02 19:51

Blossom paces nervously while waiting for her number to be called. She knows she's got apparating down pat but all it takes is one flub on the actual test to fail. That would mean having to wait several more weeks before being eligible to retake it. At long last a bored voice calls out, "Number 27. Number 27 to room 3D."

Blossom waves the now wilted ticket at the man who points her in the right direction. Grabbing her pack, Blossom hurries up the stairs to the third floor. She pauses just outside of room 3D, wipes her sweaty palms on her robe, then walks in, trying not to look as harried as she feels.

Blossom hands her completed apparating license application to the smiling woman and waits for instructions. Mrs. Biddle makes sure everything in the paperwork is correct and does her best to put Blossom at ease.

Less than half an hour later, Blossom is shaking Mrs. Biddle's hand and thanking her. That went much better than Blossom could have imagined. Not scary at all! Taking her stamped paperwork to the proper window, Blossom can't help but smiling in glee about now being licensed to apparate. By this time next week, Blossom intends to be across the Atlantic in search of a place to live.

Next stop - England!

---

Back at the Burrow
Author: Fred Weasley
Date: 10-24-02 16:09

Molly Weasley scooped a hearty helping of mashed potatoes onto Fred's plate and smiled warmly. "I'm so happy my children are home, safe and sound."

Fred and George returned their mother's comforting smile, but both Ron and Ginny were visibly upset. They managed to smile faintly for their mother, but neither one could stop thinking about Harry, especially because Mrs. Weasley continued to voice her feelings regarding the situation.

"He's a strong boy and we have highly capable wizards who are doing all they can to bring him back to us." Whether Mrs. Weasley truly had hope, Fred couldn't say. He was almost certain she was masking her worry as to not make Ron and Ginny more upset.

While Fred and George were also terribly worried about Harry, they attempted to keep the mood as light and merry as possible. They had an array of joke products to work on in preparation for the commencement of their full-time business. Some last minute details had to be ironed out, and then the boys would be ready.

"I think both of you should go to work with your father or Percy next week and see what it's like working for the Ministry," Mrs. Weasley said. "Just think of the good you can do for society. Jokes and pranks are a wonderful hobby–"

"Mum!"

Fred whined. "What's all the whining about?" Percy exclaimed, wandering into the dining room. Arthur Weasley followed and smiled wide at the sight of his children sitting around the dinner table.

"Fred, what are you whining about?" Arthur asked, leaning over to kiss his wife on the cheek. "Missing Hogwarts already?" He grinned and slid into his chair at the table.

"Arthur, I think you should take the boys to work with you sometime," Molly suggested, passing Percy a basket of bread.

Percy cringed at the thought of his younger, trouble-making brothers working in close proximity of him. "What about the joke shop?" he asked.

"George and I need to sort through some last minute details and then we'll be ready to get started," Fred explained.

"What do you think, Percy?" George began. "Should we set up shop in Diagon Alley in competition with Gambol & Japes, or should we establish our headquarters in Hogsmeade in competition with Zonko's?"

Fred added, "Other options, of course, are setting up some place else entirely, or keeping the business mail order like it is now and remain incorporated here at home."

Percy shrugged. "You must try to decide where you will earn the most profit. Location, location, location, you know..."

"Right..." Fred and George rolled their eyes.

Arthur cleared his throat and changed the subject. "When will you apply for your apparation licenses?"

Fred answered for the both of them, "Next week."

"I'm betting Fred'll get splinched," George joked.

Molly exclaimed, "George!"

"May we be excused?"

Molly shook her head. "This is the first time in nearly a year that we're all sitting at the table together. You're going to stay here and enjoy this family time."

"But Mum!" This time, George was whining.

Arthur chuckled. "I'm glad my children are home again. I've missed you lot. Especially, all the whining!"

"Dad, I just want to write–"

"He wants to write his girlfriend," Fred supplied, grinning.

"After dinner, George. After dinner." Arthur winked.

---

Watching and Thinking
Author: Neo Anderson
Date: 10-24-02 17:19

Neo's parents called a cab to get Prote and everyone who went with him to the airport. After all, Prote does live in New York City. They were running late because their plane leaves in twenty minutes. Neo decided not to go to America with his friends since Shayna said she'd be visiting him in Ireland, which he was really looking forward to.

They made it to the airport. They were ten minutes ahead of schedule and they had enough time to say their good-byes. During that time Neo properly introduced his parents to all his friends. "America eh'? That'll be a litt'l journey no' won' it?" said Neo's father (whose name is Alan by the way). Prote shook his head. "Oh yeah, several hours tops! But I can't wait to get home. I was going to show everyone the Twin Towers once we got there the next day," he said. Neo's mom then said something. "The Twin Towers? Isn't tha' the world Trade Center also?" she asked. Prote shook his head again.

The intercom sounded and it was time for Prote and everyone to board their plane. After their long farewells, Neo and his parent's watched the plane take off, catching a glimpse of hands waving to them in the passenger windows.

Once Neo got into the cab, he and his parents got in to catch the Ferry to Ireland, thinking about nothing besides the upcoming visit Shayna will pay. He thought it would be best if his parents wouldn't know about her until they got home.

---

I sneer at the two captives as they look at each other. The Auror makes some comment to Harry Potter in her tough that I do not speak. Probably some meaningless words of comfort. It does not matter. She knows she is powerless here. I approach them both, savoring their discomfort and fear. This is how things will be for all the fools who oppose me very soon.

"Well, Harry Potter, are you going to advise your precious godmother to be nice? It is highly advisable, should you wish to remain alive." I turn to the Auror, who is still looking proud despite her discomfort and fear. She needs a lesson in humility, I think. "As for you, Dierna ní Cíaran, there are a few questions I and my family." I indicate the circle of death eaters. "Would like answered. Remember that the life at stake is not your own, but your own dear godson. I'd consider my answerers VERY carefully, if I were you." I can feel the depth of her hate, palatable in the still room. She meets my gaze, but her bravery is only foolishness in this place. We outnumber her and she is without defense. And, as I said, there is Harry Potter to consider.

I know others are sneering like me. It will be interesting to see how the two hostages deal with THIS situation.

---

Family Time
Author: Ron Weasley
Date: 10-25-02 17:59

While most of the Weasley family continued to eat dinner, Fred and George impatiently waited on dessert. The twins continuously fidgeted in their seats, groaning at the seemingly excessive slow pace at which the rest of the family was eating. Molly Weasley ignored their persistant requests for something sweet to eat and turned to Ron.

"Ron, would you go check on Ian? He's been gone a long time." She drew her brows together and frowned. "I'm getting worried."

Ron nodded and pushed his chair away from the table, although he assumed Ian was just fine. His cousin was probably upstairs washing up or unpacking his things.

He walked away from the table, rolling his eyes when Fred and George began to complain that they wanted to go check on Ian, especially since that would practically excuse them from the dinner table.

After he climbed the stairs, Ron turned down a narrow corridor. Ian would be lodging in Bill's old room for the summer, which had been somewhat of a storage place for Mr. Weasley's Muggle contraptions. Most of the items had been cleared out and thrown in the attic with the ghoul, with some of the less important things ("Molly! All of these things are important!") tossed out in the backyard with the gnomes.

When Ron approached the room, he found the door merely open a crack. He knocked lightly and called out, "Ian? Everything all right?"

No answer.

"Ian?"

Nothing.

Ron slowly pushed open the door and stepped inside to find his cousin sound-asleep on the bed. He grinned and lightly shook Ian's shoulder. "Ian, wake up. Mum's got dinner on the table and she's asking for you. You'd better get down there before Fred and George eat all the dessert!"

Ian sat up and rubbed his eyes. "What kind of dessert?"

"I don't know," Ron admitted. "Let's find out!"

---

To Trust Snape...
Author: Angelina
Date: 10-25-02 18:23

Now he knew and if looks could kill, I would be in so deep they'd need several cases of filibuster fireworks to dig me out, but Snape's looks were just that: Looks.

I ignored him as best as I could. When the meeting continued he looked on and without a reason to spy on me I felt like I could breathe again for the moment but his feelings about me were those of hate and it was a burning hate.

I had to tell. I had no choice. If I didn't tell, Snape probably would and put the blame on me for the disappearances that went on. He sat there and drummed his fingers on the table in a manner that said, "I'll get you yet." And then the meeting concluded.

Getting up, I felt Snape's eyes on me as I left. I had agreed to continue to teach next fall and I had many things to do to prepare. Also I had to help with the trouble going on but how. I know Snape would explode over any interference by me and that was no lie. Walking down the halls, my mind raced much like a Snitch and my stomach felt uneasy. "Now what?" I thought as I went to the grounds and paced.

"Now they all know and what to do. Will they trust you with the exception of Snape? Will they accept your help?" Looking up at the sky, a tear fell down my cheek. I hadn't done that since I first went into hiding.

---

I placed the owl on my father's law scales and took a seat at his desk. Opening the drawer I took out some paper and began to write.

"Albus Dumbledore Headmaster Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizadry"

"Dear Headmaster, I had just received your letter of acceptance to your school and would like to inform you that I do wish to attend your upcoming school year. I do wish to know where I need to go to get my school supplies for my family does not know where they are located." I looked at the owl and smiled my whole life was changing and this was the beginning. I looked back at the paper and signed my name. "Yours Truly, Annie Paul."

I walked up to the owl and it held out its leg showing a small strap. Tying the message to the leg I stoked the owl then opened the office window the owl then took flight and left in a hurried fashion. I watched with interest as the owl flew away and couldn't wait for a response.

---

Waiting for Hermione
Author: Gabriel Baine
Date: 10-26-02 10:58

Mrs. Granger had the days until Hermione would arrive fairly filled with activities to ensure that Gabriel wouldn't spend his time in a state of boredom. He awoke quite late the morning after his arrival and found a large breakfast prepared by Mrs. Granger. After having finished they traveled to a small township far north of the London suburbs. They walked among the quaint shops and continued to make conversation of such various topics that there was no evident path from one subject to the next. Mrs. Granger continuously commented on the accent Gabriel had developed while in New Zealand; from then onward Gabriel attempted to reproduce words as the Grangers had spoke them.

Never had Gabriel in fact been told when Hermione would arrive, and he never made a point to ask as he thought it appear too apprehensive. It was on the third day of his stay that Mr. Granger left in the morning and Mrs. Granger began busying herself to the day's dinner rather early. Gabriel soon realized that today would be the day of Hermione's appearance and that Gabriel would have to spend the day in waiting. Though she twice refused his advances to help her in the kitchen, Mrs. Granger agreed to let Gabriel help prepare the dinner. For the remainder of the afternoon Gabriel worked willfully under Mrs. Granger's instruction.

Gabriel later retreated to the backyard with his faded football. The evening hours had begun with the sun advancing toward the western horizon when he heard a car pulling into the Granger's driveway. Gabriel stopped kicking the football in the air at once and stood there in the backyard. He heard Mrs. Granger cry out her daughter's name as he imagined her running down the steps with her arms wide open. Moment after moment slipped by as Gabriel stood motionless in the backyard while the family reunited around the house. A slight breeze carried about the side of the house and softly pushed into Gabriel from behind. He turned around to face the house and saw her standing there looking back at him.

---

Harry hadn't understood the Gaelic Dierna aimed his way but from the look on her face combined with something about her body language let him know his godmother was asking him to trust her. Harry wished he could tell Dierna he had long ago placed his faith in her. When Voldemort speaks directly to Harry, he takes it to be a rhetorical type question so rather than answering, Harry chooses to stand watching Dierna. He doesn't know how he appears outwardly but focusing on a link to his mother gives Harry a sense of inner calm. With her there, Harry knows he can handle anything Voldemort and his goons throw his way.

---

Wrapping Up
Author: Albus Dumbledore
Date: 10-26-02 21:19

Dumbledore stroked his long beard, watching Angelina leave the table. He didn't mind, after all she's been through enough. Dumbledore glanced at Snape who was writing something.

"So we'll be expecting the new students next term. Minerva will be interviewing for the DADA opening, since Arabella Figg will be away this summer including next term, and as for me, Lupin requested a meeting between the both of us so I'll be busy the next couple of days," explained Dumbledore. Everyone nodded in approval, "And we'll have another meeting in discussion of Angelina. Is that agreeable?" he added. Everyone nodded again; Dumbledore stood up. "Alright, this meeting is finished. I'll let everyone know eventually when the next meeting will take place."

All the professors stood up to leave. Snape left rather quickly, leaving the note on the table. Dumbledore waited till everyone left.

Once the room was empty, Dumbledore went to read Snape's note. Once he read it, his face turned slightly pale. Severus is putting himself in danger... he thought. He paused for a moment. But I'm sure he's doing this for the best, and I trust him. He can take care of himself... I only hope he knows what he's doing.

And Dumbledore left the room.

---

Re: Diagon Alley
Author: Annie Paul
Date: 10-27-02 06:13

I finally got the word as how to get my supplies and we ended up at the Leaky Cauldron. My Father and I were directed to the backyard and the man tapped on a few bricks opening a portal to a place called Diagon Alley.

"By my father, would you look at this place," my father whispered as we entered. The keeper smiled. "Don't worry. We get a lot of that from you muggles whose children get accepted to Hogwarts." I looked at him in puzzlement and he laughed. "Non-magical folk, dear. Right then, I'll know when you're done and let ya back."

The portal closed behind us, and my dad and I began to walk. We finally went to the bank called Gringotts and changed our money to Wizard money. "Now your list, Annie," Father said and we ended up at a robe shop. I was nervous as the lady fitted me. She smiled as she made the alterations. "My, my the school is certainly getting more Muggles, not that I mind that, dear. It's good to see new kinds of blood coming into the Wizarding community."

After my robes were finished, we went and got my books and writing supplies. We then headed towards the wand shop. The man behind the counter looked like an old librarian and his clothes matched. "Well, a new Hogwarts student. Welcome! Now, your wand." After a couple of tries, we finally found a wand that fit me: Unicorn hair, Maple, 8 inches. My dad looked at my wand as I held it and smiled. "Thank you, sir." I said, as I put my wand back into its box and paid for it.

The man smiled. "You are quite welcome, my dear. Now just remember, take care of your wand and it will protect you." We left the store and saw a shop with owls in front of it. "I think you do deserve an owl. You've shown that at the house with that one that came in," my father said and shortly came out with a beautiful horned owl which I named Moragana.

---

Isolde climbed into the lilac squashy armchair in her bedroom, tucking her legs underneath her body before flipping open an old, beat-up copy of Kennilworthy Whisp's Quidditch Through the Ages. Even though the book was merely a basic introduction to the sport and the various teams, Isolde prized it among her most precious possessions. It was her dream to become a professional Quidditch player someday. She really couldn't imagine herself being anything else, except for maybe Mrs. Pyrrhus Fine. Of course, she could do that and become a professional athlete.

Just as the blonde-haired Slytherin was starting to get comfortable, there was a knock on her bedroom door. It swung open, revealing a smug-faced Azaelia Bramble.

"I figured you'd be in here," she said, leaning up against the doorframe.

Isolde grinned and tossed the book on her bed. "Are you all packed?"

Azaelia started to blush. "Yeah. I just came to tell you good-bye and that I'll owl you as soon as I get there."

Isolde squealed and sprang up from her seat, immediately embracing her cousin. "You're going to have so much fun! Tell Robert I said hello and that we all miss him so very much!"

"I will, I will!" Azaelia grinned. "I'll see you in a few weeks. Don't cause any trouble while I'm away, all right?"

"I promise! See you in a few weeks!"

---

Another Term Begins
Author: Prof Flitwick
Date: 10-27-02 15:44

Well, now! I muse as I climb down from my chair. This is an interesting turn of events! I have great respect for Angelina. It takes great intestinal fortitude to make such a revelation. Most especially with Severus in the room. Oh my! Such a look he was giving her! All full of acid and broken glass, as it were!

"Well, Albus!" I say with a thoughtful frown. "It appears we all have our work cut out for us, this next year! I'm not at all sure that there's anything I can do to help. I mean, directly, that is! However, do feel free to call upon me if there's something you think is within my realm."

With a tip of my non-existent hat, I leave the staff room and start the long climb up to the seventh floor. These stairs seem to be getting steeper every year. And longer, too! I walk up to the painting of a beautiful Irish Setter. I say, and the frame slides silently up the wall. I slip through the hole and into a different world. Everything on this side of the wall is built to fit ME! The bed, the chair, the writing table, even the fireplace and book shelves, are scaled to fit a person less than four feet tall. At three-feet, eight-inches, I'm rather large for a Leprechaun. It must have been the good nutrition during those early years. The goodwife always put out milk and cookies for us.

I hang my robes on the peg and sit at the table to prepare my syllabi for the classes. Let's see... first years', first lesson........ Ah, yes! Wingardium Levioso, the old standard for levitation. Second years'........ Ummm... I think we'll start with Obscura, the best and easiest way to camoflage something... Something valuable... Like a Pot o' Gold..... My mind drifts off on one tangent after another. I nod off, and when I awake, the house-elves have been in to turn down the bed and tidy up a bit. They've left a bit of supper, as well. A largish bowl of thick, creamy soup, half-a-loaf of black bread (with butter and jam), and a tall glass of Guinness. What more could an old fellow ask for? The soup has cooled during my nap. I point my wand at the bowl and make a tiny "c" with a curl at the top. "Calientus!" I say, and the soup begins to steam. Before it can cool again, I settle down to some serious eating.

---

Getting Snape
Author: Prof. Sorcha
Date: 10-27-02 16:30

Sorcha walked out the meeting, keeping an eye on Snape as he hurried down a hall. She figured that he was going to pick something up in his office. That mattered little, he was needed, but not at the moment.

Unfortunately, none of her questions were answered in a satisfying way. There was nothing substantial for her to report, but maybe a gift would help to ward the Dark Lord's fury.

Sorcha hurried to her chambers and looked in a proverbial mirror. The bird was no where to be found, thankfully. It was most annoying, that bird staring constantly. Sorcha quickly grabbed what she came for, a small black bag, and a black hooded cloak.

She had the cloak on before leaving her chambers. She was quickly at Snape's office, but found it locked, and after opening the door anyways, empty. So, he has left already. Sorcha thought to herself.

Sorcha locked the door and headed off to Hogsmeade, she didn't see anyone on her way there. She reached Hogsmeade quickly, and started looking for Snape. She figured that he didn't know where Voldemort was, and would start to find a way to get to him.

Her first thought was the bookstore, Twice Told Tales. After looking the store over, and being told that Snape wasn't there, she left the store. Sorcha traveled to The Three Broomsticks to see if he was there.

Once inside he wasn't hard to find, he was having a drink in his death eater cloak. Sorcha walked over to him, and sat down. He looked up, and narrowed his eyes.

"What are you doing in here? Why haven't you gone to see him?" Sorcha asked quietly.

"Why do you want to know?" Snape replied.

"I was just wondering, because I am going to go see him right now."

"I see, and why are you here now?"

"I am going to take you to him. Now." After a little more discussion, Snape follows Sorcha out the door. When the two reach a secluded spot, Sorcha apparates to near Voldemort's hideout. She walks around to confuse Snape as to the true location of the entrance, before walking in.

She is immediately confronted by a dementor who demands that Sorcha identify herself and her guest. "Just tell Voldemort that the Old Hag from Hogsmeade is here to see him, and she brought him a gift." Sorcha commands him.

---

A Talk with McGonagall
Author: Angelina
Date: 10-28-02 07:11

I saw that it was McGonagall and sat down on a bench with a sigh. "At least it wasn't Snape," I thought as the Deputy Headmistress approached. "Miss Logan... Uh.. Gryffindor," she began and I nodded. "About the meeting."

I knew up to a point where this was going. "Professor, I thought now was the time to tell you all. Snape knew at the End of Term Feast, and I thought I would tell before he did and accuse me of the disappearances and other things going on."

McGonagall looked at me and sat down. "Some of the other professors like what you have just done. It takes courage to do that." I shook my head. "I thank them for that, but Snape..." "Don't worry about Snape. He's always like that when something doesn't go his way." McGonagall finished, "Now why don't we get something to eat and we can talk about your future here at Hogwarts."