Home for the Holidays
Author: Bronwyn Dewhurst
Date: 04-24-03 15:08

Bronwyn pressed her nose against the window of the train compartment and watched as leafless trees whipped past, bare and cold just like the winter. Toby, Anthony, Ariella and Alanna shared the compartment with her, the three younger Beck siblings conversing quietly with one another while Toby lay asleep with his head in Bronwyn's lap.

The blonde Hufflepuff placed one arm under her chin as she looked out the window and used her other hand to gently massage the side of Toby's face. She thought about Hogwarts and Christmas and family and friends...if only Kendra could be in the compartment with them, too. How strange it was not to be celebrating the holidays with her best friend this year; she'd never celebrate with her again. It was during times like these that the pain and loss of someone she held dear felt so real again, just like it had 6 months ago when Kendra's death had been new.

She tried to shake the unhappy thoughts from her mind, shifting her concentration onto happier aspects of the holidays...like presents! Back in Hogsmeade, when they parted from Emma, who was simply going home to her parents' house in the village, Bronwyn pressed a card and candy cane into her friend's hand and said, "Expect a package on Christmas Day." For Emma, Bronwyn had ordered a basket of aromatic and soothing bath soaps from a wizarding health spa.

For Toby, Bronwyn had a clever idea. She happened to find something at Dervish and Banges during Hogwarts' last Hogsmeade trip -- a little stone frog that croaks and ribbits. For my frog prince, Bronwyn had decided, and she bought it without Toby realizing it. The other Beck siblings would each receive a bag of sweets from Honeydukes and the girls would also receive an assortment of hair clips.

Bronwyn smiled, tracing a path with her fingers up Toby's face and into his hair as her gaze held onto the flitting scenary outside the train. She couldn't wait to be home again.

Homeward Bound
Author: Fritz Schnackenpfefferhausen
Date: 04-24-03 19:19

Fritz sits in a compartment with Coco and Oreileah, just as he had on the way to Hogwarts that day on the first of September. The three, now good friends instead of three young strangers as they had been at the start of term, chat about Christmas plans and presents. Suddenly remembering that his mother had sent him two gifts at his request, one for Coco and one for Oreileah, Fritz rummages through his duffle bag and pulls out two small, square boxes. One is wrapped in green paper and the other is red.

Fritz hands the green box to Coco, hoping that she will like the dark red, dragon sculpted pen and pencil (and certainly quill) cup. Then, he presses the red box into Oreileah's hands, hoping she'll like the floral-patterned ceramic egg set onto a wooden base. It will look nicely on a shelf, but will probably also do well as a paper weight!

As both girls open their gifts, Fritz settles back in his seat and pulls out the Bunsen book Coco had given him, smiling over the top of the pages as he watches both girls' eyes light up with delight at the sight of their presents.

"Frohe Weihnachten*," he says, grinning.

---

*Merry Christmas

Full House
Author: Sirius Padfoot Black
Date: 04-24-03 22:18

Sirius had been up before the sun, going back and forth to the door, constantly watching for the carriage from school to arrive. When at long last the coach pulls up outside Sirius's house, he's out like a shot to help the kids unload their baggage. After ushering everyone in from the cold and getting the various trunks deposited in the right rooms, Sirius has them all gather in the den to lounge around, drinking hot chocolate, popping corn and toasting marshmallows. As he sits happily munching a handful of the warm popcorn, Sirius thinks the house shall be very quiet when Ron, Hermione, Gabe, and Ginny have left, leaving just Harry and him in the large house. Sirius decides right then and there to have large gatherings of Harry's friends at the house whenever Harry's home.

Long Journey
Author: Majandra
Date: 04-25-03 09:16

Majandra sits by the window, watching the world go by. Lavender, Parvati, and the others in the compartment are having such an animated discussion, no one seems to notice how quiet Majandra is. For her, this will be an extremely long day. The hours on the train will be followed by a long plane trip. Majandra packed lightly as far as clothes go because her parents were packing summer clothing for both Py and Maj to take to the Bahamas. Most of what Maj is bringing with her from school are books and parchments for working on class assignments. She also included a few of the gifts friends gave her. Like most everyone else at school, Majandra has already given out Christmas presents to friends. This year she made personalized pillowcases for each person, using a variety of techniques from quilting to embroidery. Since she'd not have much time to see friends who don't go to Hogwarts, Majandra has sent their gifts to her mother to deliver. The only presents she's got left to hand out are to family members... and George. Majandra sighs softly at the thought of George. If she can't go two minutes thinking about him, this is going to be a very long trip indeed.

Ever the Schemer
Author: Pyrrhus
Date: 04-25-03 09:32

Py sits laughing as Lia shoves Isolde and him apart and sits between them. "It's my duty to make sure you each periodically get some air. I can just see the Rita Skeeter headline now. Liplocked Hogwarts Students Suffrocate!"

Isolde, her eyes dancing in merryment, exchanges a glance with Py. Next thing Lia knows she's being assualted with tickling on two sides. Ever impish, Pyrrhus tells Lia, "Nah, the headline would be, "Slytherin Laughs Herself Silly!"

A moment later, all three breathless from laughing so hard, sit back and enjoy the goodies Py just bought off the cart. As they eat, Py expresses how much he wished Isolde and Lia could come to the Bahamas with him. They could explore some of the wizarding establishments there and visit a few voodoo shops. His mouth turned downward, Py promises the girls to get them some great presents from the islands since they can't be there to help him explore. Maybe, just maybe he can find a place on the Floo Network and can sneak away one day to use it to come visit them.... or, his mouth turns up into his mischievous grin, maybe they could come visit him.

Christmas Break
Author: Captain Electron
Date: 04-25-03 11:43

In the depths of Electron's kitchen, a denim-clad rear end poked out of a cupboard, and it was just as well its owner was not using the Sonorus charm at that moment, because several non-magical, non-musical terms were coming out of that cupboard as well. Hendrix the owl hooted as if in maidenly disapproval, rustling enormous wings as he watched from a safe distance. Electron's next words were drowned out by a thump.

".... off! OUCH!" He emerged, red-faced and covered in dust, but triumphantly holding an errant carton of milk and drenched cloth. "I don't know what you're staring at," he added to the owl. With a sigh, he dumped the cloth in the sink and the milk in the bin.

Electron was preparing to head off to Dublin for Christmas, since it was always more fun there than anywhere else at this time of year. The others had left shortly after the concert - as soon as their hangovers had faded, anyway, which wasn't TOO shortly after - and Electron had had the bright idea of making sure there was nothing in his cupboard which could go off while he was away and ensure he came home to a kitchen that stank to high heaven. It was on this mission of cleanliness that he'd knocked over the milk, which had run into every available corner.

"Great work," he muttered as he went to fetch Hendrix's carrying cage. Just beside it was a special Christmas delivery from Nevvyn of the notions and potions - appropriately enough, an Irish journey blessing with a shamrock right in the middle. Electron had to smile at that. He'd never told Nevvyn where he was from, but he supposed the accent showed through pretty plainly in a place like this. Electron had a gift for Nevvyn as well - before the gang had gone home, he'd got them to stand still long enough to record an all-moving, all-singing postcard with some of their traditional Irish pub music on it, since Nevvyn didn't seem to be much of a rock fan. Everyone had also written cards for the Toms - Siobhan in particular had been quite taken with the lads - and there were logo chocolates enclosed for them. Hendrix had got back from delivering everything just before the incident with the milk.

Sticking the shamrock in his back pocket, he picked up the cage and opened it. "Come on, Hendrix, into your cage," he called.

Hendrix immediately took wing and retreated to the far end of the room. Electron let out a breath through gritted teeth, took one step in pursuit and grabbed his wand. "NOW, Hendrix," he hollered. "Look, I'm not going to spend the whole day chasing you, so you either do what you're told or..." he held the wand threateningly aloft, and Hendrix reluctantly descended.

"Good," said Electron. "We won't be long." He left the cage down by the fireplace, picked up his bag, checking that he hadn't forgotten anything, and put his coat on. Then he took a handful of Floo powder, picked up Hendrix again, and set off.

Lights, Cameras and a Little Action
Author: Aaron Miller
Date: 04-25-03 14:33

I woke up much more clear headed Saturday morning but found I couldn't stay focused for very long as the urge to doze off kept overcoming me. Finally, when someone brings in what could laughing be referred to as lunch, I manage to fight off that groggy feeling and take note that Mom is alseep on a small couch and from her drained, tired look, probably hasn't had much sleep in days. Then, I sees Bernie sitting in the corner, barely propped up on a chair, head back and eyes closed.

Determined to not to fall asleep while waiting for someone whose awake to tell me what happened, I struggle to move into a more upright position. For the life of me though I can't manage it nor can I find the buttons Andie pushed last night to make the bed move. I'm so weak, just adjusting the covers threatens to zap what little energy I have. Touching fingers to my head I wonder why I have a bandage on my head. I touch the tightness at my chest and discover there's a bandage wound around my rib cage and layers of gauze taped firmly to my left shoulder.

Movement in the doorway draws my eyes there. Josh and Andie walk in together, whispering quietly. At seeming me awake and alert, both smile and hurry over to help me adjust the bed and Andie seems determined to make sure I eat the bowl of bland, mushy stuff that's supposed to be lunch. In hushed tones, both start filling me in on what happened, just as Andie had promised last night.

Josh begins by asking how much I remember. I tell him about Henry walking in during the phone call from Josh and after I'd hung up the phone, Henry had us rushing out of the building to a nearby car park. He'd been babbling about how if he couldn't get his big payoff because of Josh and me, my family is rich and would just have to make it up to him. Henry had had me drive to some country house not far outside of London and there he locked me in a wine cellar.

Late in the afternoon of the next day, Henry, another man whose name I never caught, and I drove in a different car back to the city. To my surprise we ended up back at the office. Henry went inside but came running out less than a minute later, yelling for the car. I could see Josh and others chasing Henry. The guy driving took off without Henry but the car was cut off by the police. The guy jumped out and grabbed me just as Henry caught up with us. My hands were tied behind my back so though I was struggling, I couldn't do much with two angry, frightened men with guns pointed at my head.

We started going up the parking structure but once at the top level, there was no where to go. I remember lots of light, Henry and the other guy screaming at the police. And I remember kneeing the other guy in the groin and head butting Henry in the stomach just before there were alot of loud noise.

I look at Andie and Josh, trying to shrug but ending up grimacing in pain instead. "That's about it. There was a sensation of falling but mainly after the noise started I just remember bits and pieces of things once here at the hospital."

Josh exchanges an look with Andie, one I can't interpret. It looks grim and happy at the same time. I would love to go back to sleep but I want to know what happened and I don't want to have to wait any longer so when Andie asks, "Aaron, are you sure you're up for this? Josh can come back later if you want to rest now," I shake my head no and wait for Josh to say something.

He has a "where to begin" look on his face when he finally says, "Well, why don't I fill in what happened on my end when you hung up the phone. You ended the conversation so oddly and abruptly I knew something had to be up. I took what you'd said to mean send the authorities to the building right then. We mobilized immediately but you were already missing by the time we go the building sealed off. The security cameras showed you leaving with Henry and that he had a gun. We still aren't sure how he got an unauthorized weapon past security but that's neither here nor there right now."

Josh takes a sip of the water Andie hands him and after thanking her, he continues. "We began searching everywhere we suspected Henry might have gone and we attempted to track him through friends and family but we found to trace. Then, two hours into the search I get a phone call from him. He demanded that your family pay him the ten million pounds* he'd lost because of us and as a fee for causing him all this trouble, he wanted another fifty million pounds* on top of that. I knew your family had money, Aaron, but I never realized just how well off your lot are until your parents agreed to the amount without hesitation and your father said he could have it by the next afternoon. We never really were going to hand over any money of course but we couldn't let Henry know that. Everything had to look above board, including the money being in place.

Everything was going as planned. We were ready to sneak up on the car with you and Henry's accompliss, whose name by the way is Timothy Dalrimple. Once we'd gotten the radio signal that you were okay and Dalrimple in custody we were going to arrest Henry inside the building. Only someone got jumpy as Henry walked in and Henry Chilblaine being the chicken that he is, went running. Once he and Dalrimple, with you in tow, had gotten to the top of the parking garage, our biggest concern became getting you out unharmed. Obviously, that didn't happen.

We saw both of them get distracted enough for you to act. As Dalrimple rolled on the ground in pain from being kneed, Henry was trying to catch him breath, and you were stepping away from them, we moved in. Henry recovered too quickly though and before anyone could do a thing about it, he shot you. Twice. I would have sworn my own heart stopped when all we could do was watch helplessly as you toppled over the low wall. No one was close enough to reach you in time and the ones who did try, myself included, nearly went over the wall in the haste to reach you.

The two bastards were arrested and there is enough evidence to convict them and put them in jail for the rest of their lives even without adding attempted murder to the charges. At that time, we all were figuring on a murder charge. You feel three and a half stories, landing on concrete, one shot glancing off a couple of ribs and damaging a lung, the other missing your heart my millimeters, and a nasty crack on the head from where you hit. No one can explain it, Aaron. The fall should have killed you. God or luck or good karma, whatever you want to call it, was on your side. The second one of the bobbies still on the lower level realized you were alive, he called for help. You were rushed into a surgical theatre where they patched up where one bullet had passed all the way through and fished out the one that didn't. The next day you were back in with a neurologist having to alleviate pressure on your brain from the severe head trauma you experience."

Andie cuts in, "No only did you survive the fall, Aaron, and severe wounds plus serious contusions to your brain, but here you are, sitting up and alert. The neurologist kept telling your parents not to get their hopes up because the type of brain injury and coma you experienced can have residual effects. Yet, so far none of them have shown up. The physicians will of course want to do a full neurological workup as soon as possible now that you're truly awake and lucid. For now though, as your nurse, I insist you rest again. Later today Bernie and your parents are going to want their turn talking with you."

I nod, still taking in all that's been said. Somewhere niggling at the back of my mind is something I read in one of the Wizarding books I can hardly keep my eyes open and my thoughts are getting all fuzzy again. As sleep takes hold again, and as the pain medication kicks in, I try to hang on to the name of that book but it's taking up way too much energy. Reminding myself to think about it later is the last clear though I have before falling into a dreamless sleep.

* On today's market, ten million pounds is equivalent to $15,915,001.25 US and fifty million pounds today would equal $79,575,005.00 US. I don't have a converter for 1996 but this should still give everyone a rough idea.

Fond Farewells
Author: Hermione Granger
Date: 04-25-03 18:58

As common with vacation days, Saturday seemed to pass too quickly. Perhaps the saying was true -- Time does fly when you're having fun! Hermione had quite enjoyed her day in Hogsmeade with Sirius, Harry, Ron, Ginny and Gabriel. They had spent all day exchanging conversation and laughter, filling up on sweets and treats and just having an all-around wonderful time. Even Gabe and Ron seemed to be enjoying their discussions, both having chatting rather amicably with one another throughout the day, although this may have simply been a by-product of their general holiday cheer.

Before long, it became time to floo to the Granger residence. Hermione had almost wished that she would have asked Dierna to connect her home to the Floo Network for a different day, but she also knew that her parents were expecting her arrival with great anticipation. Christmas was a mere few days away, then New Year's Eve would come and a few days later, Hermione would be back at Hogwarts for the spring term. The Grangers wanted to spend as much time with their daughter and "adoptive" son as they could, since gatherings during the semesters seemed all but impossible.

It was at this time that Ron's disposition towards the other boy became sour again. Gabriel would be spending Christmas with Hermione, and Ron would not be. New Year's Eve, on the other hand, would come soon enough -- Hermione would be attending Charlie and Helena's wedding as Ron's date, and this was certainly something to look forward to. Of course, the Grangers were likely to attend the event as well, which meant that Gabe would be tagging along too.

As Sirius went to retrieve some Floo Powder and Gabriel collected the bags, Hermione went around the room and gave each of her friends a fond farewell. "Take care of yourself, Harry. I hope you and Sirius have a very happy Christmas together. You both deserve it." She gave him a hug and a sisterly peck on the cheek and then turned to Ginny. "You keep your brother in line for me," she joked, embracing the redheaded girl. "Happy Christmas, Ginny." Ron came next, and as Hermione moved in to throw her arms around him, Harry and Ginny turned away, grinning and giggling. "I'm going to miss you terribly, Ron," Hermione whispered, sighing into his shoulder. "I'll write you before I go to bed tonight. I love you." She raised her head and met his lips with a gentle kiss.

Both Sirius and Gabriel re-entered the room at this time, and while Gabriel said good-bye to Harry, Ginny and Ron, Hermione wished Sirius a Happy Christmas. Then, Gabriel and Hermione stepped into the fireplace one-by-one and disappeared within a cloud of green flames.

The Time Has Come to Say Goodbye to All Our Company
Author: Annie Paul
Date: 04-26-03 05:51

I finished packing my things and was now standing at the station with the other students in the snow waiting to board the Hogwarts Express. As I watched for the train I saw Mary and a few of her Slytherin friends walking by. They looked at me and laughed.

Ignoring the laughter my mind raced for a get-even spell to get Mary good. "I'll get you yet, Mary, I promise," I thought. Just then I heard the snow crunch behind me and turned to see Professor Logan behind me. She had seemed to be keeping an eye on the students as they boarded to see that no trouble happened.

"Trouble Miss Paul?" she asked as she noticed my face turning red. "Uh, no Professor, it's just..." I broke off and she nodded. "I heard about the leg locker curse in the dungeons and I thought Severus was unfair by not taking points for the act." I felt better as she bent down a bit and whispered, "This may help." She handed me a piece of parchment and smiled. "Read it when you're by yourself. It will help with your defense but don't tell anyone where you got it."

I gave a small nod and then the train's whistle sounded as if to say "I'm coming, Happy Holidays." Then it stopped and let out steam. Soon bags and people were boarding and waving good-bye to the school and I waved to Professor Logan. "Thank you and Merry Christmas!" I shouted and she returned the parting words.

Goodbye Blue Sky
Author: Mary
Date: 04-26-03 16:59

Mary went down to the train station in the softly falling snow to see Crispin off for the holidays. Unlike her sister, she was not adverse to being the only person left at Hogwarts. She tried to imagine all the things she could do with the time alone.

Then Mary caught sight of her. Mary didn't even know the pipsqueak's name. All she knew was that she was pretty much a bug begging to be squashed. A look of angry defiance was barely visible under the Gryffindor's obvious discomfort, but it didn't worry the Slytherin. Even if the girl thought of revenge, Mary had a few tricks of her own up her sleeve. She grinned devilishly at the thought. She hoped the wimp tried it.

Crispin followed his friend's gaze toward the girl. He whispered something in Mary's ear, and the two started laughing rudely. The Gryffindor's face flushed and she turned away, visibly upset but managing to keep a calm composure. Professor Logan walked up to the Gryffindor and pressed something in the first year's hand while glaring openly at the two Slytherins.

"She's got a backer," Crispin said.

"Good. She needs it." Mary replied shortly.

"See you at start of term," Crispin said after a moment, turning to Mary. Mary nodded and finally pulled her icy gaze from her nemesis.

Mary stood there in the falling snow, flecks of white bright against her robes and black braids. The snow reflected on her whitewashed face as she gazed after the retreating students, malevolent thoughts running through her small head.

Re: The Time Has Come to Say Goodbye to All Our Company
Author: Angelina
Date: 04-26-03 06:42

After finishing the decorating of the Great Hall I made my way down to the station to see the students off. I then saw Miss Paul being teased and went up to her. "Trouble Miss Paul?" I asked. "Uh, no Professor, it's just..." She dropped the rest of her sentence and I understood.

I told her I heard about the leg locker curse and thought it was unfair that Severus did not punish the girl for what she done. I handed the girl a piece of parchment with a simple spell. "Read it when you're by yourself. It'll help your defense and don't tell anyone where you got it," I whispered, then the train came and the students boarded. "Thank you and Merry Christmas!" Annie shouted and waved. I returned the farewell and headed back up to the castle with a smile on my face. Knowing Miss Paul she'll know when to use it and how.

But as I walked I knew it wasn't fair to give her a helping hand on her troubles but the girl needed to defend herself and this was the only way how.