Bad News?
Author: Hermione Granger
Date: 08-01-04 19:57

With an armful of brochures and complimentary goodies, Hermione wandered from booth to booth, intent on learning all she could about everything. It didn't matter to her that she'd already reached a decision for her future, assuming the remainder of the year went to plan, of course; she wanted to broaden her mind and learn what else was out there, should something new strike her fancy. It certainly wasn't too late to change her mind.

She did, however, devote most of her time to research and the medical field. After visiting Spell Research and St. Mungo's, Hermione stopped by the table for Vitruvian, Inc. There she spoke at length with the representative, one Dorian Somerset. She wondered whether or not he was related to the former Professor Somerset, who currently called Azkaban home. Hermione listened closely to everything Mr. Somerset said, and as she parted from him she decided that he did not look like Professor Somerset at all.

Hermione went to the St. Emrys table next, where she collected a course packet for the following school year. She couldn't wait to thumb through it to see what sort of courses and degrees were offered, but abstained from such activity while she listened to the representative speak about the university. She provided Hermione with a booklet on student life at St. Emrys, which also contained information like dormitories and meal plans. Hermione also picked up an application and made a mental note to fill it out asap, for the deadline for fall would surely be coming up.

She wandered over to the St. Mungo's table again, hoping to talk to Melinda about her father's condition, when an owl suddenly swooped into the Great Hall. It descended swiftly and landed at Melinda's table, where the Healer quickly took the note it bore and read it. Hermione reached the table, noting the look of concern across Melinda's face.

"Is everything all right?" Hermione asked.

Melinda looked up and frowned. "I'm sorry, Hermione, but I'm afraid I have to leave early. It's about your father. I need to check on him."

"My father?!" Hermione's brows furrowed deeply. "What happened? Is he all right?"

Melinda reached out a hand and gently patted Hermione on the arm. "I will owl you this evening with an update; you can count on it." She exchanged a few words with Patricia in a low tone and then prepared to make her leave, first offering the owl a treat, who accepted it and then flew off towards one of the windows.

Hermione's feet felt as if they'd turned to lead, and she stood there watching as Melinda hurried out of the Great Hall, unable to move or speak. What had happened to her father to cause his healer to leave so abruptly?

Soccer
Author: Jared
Date: 08-02-04 10:23

Down at the pitch a group of first, second, and third years kick around a soccer ball one of the Muggle borns had received yesteday as a birthday present from home. For the other Muggle borns in the group and for some of those of mixed background, the soccer ball wasn't anything new or exciting. To those in the group with strictly Wizarding backgrounds it was a real thrill, similar to the reaction those new to Quidditch have.

Although cold out with patches of snow still visible this first day of spring, the group had traipsed to the pitch for a proper demonstration of soccer. There they'd spent the morning going over the rudiments of the game. By lunch time it was decided that with a few more soccer balls the group could get in some real practice and maybe by the time school was out for summer holiday, get one game in for those interested in actually playing.

Immediately after lunch three more balls had been produced, one of them coming from the seventh year Gryffindor seamus Finnegan after Jared remembered hearing Seamus in the common room one night talking about the game. With four balls to work with the group split into smaller groups with each having at least one person who knew enough of soccer to act as a coach.

Now, as his group practices passing the ball, Jared finds it's as challenging as Quidditch and that he can't wait to play a real game.

Did Ya Hear?
Author: Coco Nutt
Date: 08-02-04 11:30

Coco kicks the soccer ball to the third year opposite her and he in turns kicks it to the person on Coco's left. As they watch the ball make its way down the length of the double line and start back again, Coco asks the other first and second years within hearing range, "Did yer see tha notices posted? Come spring holiday we kin go inta 'Ogsmeade. Oi've awlready sent orf a slip fer me gramps ta soign."

This annoucement brings a flurry of excited comments from those who'd not yet seen or heard about the upcoming chaperoned trip into town for first and second years. In under a minute the news has spread to the other three groups learning and practicing soccer. This in turns leads the third years present to act like jaded, old hands at Hogsmeade trips, filling the heads of the younger ones there with stories of going into town. By the time everyone begins heading back to the castle to warm back up and with thoughts of supper, Coco's decided she is definately going to have to see about a visit to the famous Shrieking Shack even if it's not on the itinerary of the chaperone leading her group.

Comfort
Author: Tranquillina Aemilius
Date: 08-02-04 13:14

Patricia Aemilius looked at Hermione with great concern. She put a hand on Hermione's arm and said softly, "Why don't you come sit down, dear?"

The girl seemed to barely register the words and Patricia helped her over to a chair behind the table. She was clearly shaken up, as was understandable. To be truthfull, Patricia didn't know what to do. Hesitating slightly, she spoke up in her thick, Welsh accent again, "Can I get you something, Hermione?"

Moving On
Author: Samantha Thatcher
Date: 08-02-04 14:23

As Sora stumbled up to Sami she couldn't help but laugh! He single handedly (or rather with his feet) knocked over a line of students. Sami had known one other who had the same problem...Sykra Sawyer! She could play dominos with anyone in her path.

"Sora, and any of you here who is intrested in the ZX broom please listen! The ZX dosn't go on sale for another two weeks." The crowd gave a sigh. "However! If you would like to reserve one, you can write down your name and address on this sheet," she held the sheet up. "and I will send you a bill! The cost for the Zonic eXtream is one thousand three hundred and twenty three Galleons."

Every pair of eyes in the group of students seemed to widen. Sami chuckled. "But seeing as you all are soo convincing, I'll sell one to each of you for only six-hundred Galleons.....That's over fifty percent off!" This seemed to please them.

Sora was the first to write his name and information down. Samantha stood to the side and answered any questions the students had. She did however remember that this was a career day event, and told them all about the broom business. The expenses and manufaturing, the creativness and opend mindedness one needed to have was all part of the proceedure...

Old Friends
Author: Harry Potter
Date: 08-02-04 14:45

As Harry walks past one table to rejoin Ron who's been quizzing Aussie Kingston two people move hurridly from around a table to block his path. The man is wearing a Muggle style suit that has a definate Edwardian look to it and the woman is wearing a sort of mini dress in the bright, "mod" look of the early 1970s with what Harry would swear are white go go boots. The man reaches out and grabs Harry's hand in a firm shake.

"Harry Potter as I live and breath! Mortimer Flister at your service. We've met but that was ages ago. How is those, er, dear Dursleys?"

Harry nearly laughs at the polite way Mr. Flister has referred to the Dursleys knowing that the man must hardly think them dear at all. "I suppose they are fine, Mr. Flister, but I don't know for sure. Since moving in permanently with my godfather I don't keep in touch with them and they've not bothered to contact me."

Harry turns to the woman and holds his hand out to her. As they shake he says, "Nice to see you again as well, Ms. Nintwinty. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to locate a friend."

Harry moves away, pausing only once more and that is to say hello to Amos Diggory. Harry is certain that no matter how many years pass by, whenever he sees one of the Diggorys he'll feel guilty about Cedric. Shaking that thought from his mind, Harry meets up again with Ron and the two go in search of Hermione.

You Learn Something New Everyday
Author: Viktor Krum
Date: 08-02-04 16:42

Just as Harry heads away from Amos Diggory, Viktor approaches. Catching Mr. Diggory between students interested in Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures the two men talk for several minutes. Viktor bids goodbye when three students show up together to hear what career wisdom Mr. Diggory has to share. From there Viktor's next stop is the Vitruvian, Inc. booth run by Dorian Somerset.

Waiting until Mr. Somerset is free, Viktor can't keep the enthusiasm from his voice when he speaks. "Zo good to see you, Mr. Somerset. I am being Ethan's friend Viktor Krum. I am being wery ekzited zat next Saturday I vill be allowed to visit Ethan."

The man gives Viktor a haughty look down his nose. "You have me confused with someone else, Mr. Krum. I have no son. Now, if you don't mind, I'm rather busy here." With that, he turns away to address a student who has just walked up.

Stunned, Viktor stands there for a few seconds gaping. Viktor can understand being embarrassed at having a relative, particularly one's child, in Azkaban for heinous crimes but surely Mr. Somerset knows by now that Ethan wasn't acting as himself; that he was under some sort of control. Viktor thinks it's extreme of Mr. Somerset to know the facts about Ethan and still deny him as his son. And here Viktor had believed all this time that Ethan and his father shared a close bond. Walking away, Viktor mentally scratches his head while trying to figure out why Ethan's father has shunned his son.

A Shy Girl
Author: Samantha Thatcher
Date: 08-02-04 17:05

So far Sami had a good response with her broom sales. There was already over 50 names on her reserved list. She was reading down the first page of names when a young lady came before her.

"Hello," She said. The girl seemed a little shy. Samantha placed the page back on the table top. "Hey there. What's your name?" Sami asked.

"Rikku. I was just wondering what kind of business Thatcher Co. is. I mean I know you make brooms and stuff. But is there other branches of the company?"

Sami was surprised at Rikku's question. It was true, there were other branches (other then broom manufacturing) of her family company. "Well, you're a bright lass I must say! Yes, there are other businesses. We have a string of Hotels and cruises in the Muggle and Wizarding worlds."

Rikku seemed to be proud of herself for asking the question. And she should be. Not everyone would have thought there was more to a company then just one type of business.

"We also have a line of Quidditch supplies as well." Sami went on about what kind of Qudditch supplies and wear there was. Quidditch being of course her favorite subject to discuss. "My father is also working to buy a team soon. I don't know which team yet though. He won't tell me! But I'm sure they will be a good one. Considering he won't spill the beans!"

What the...?
Author: Blossom
Date: 08-02-04 17:31

Fred is just wrapping up with Lewis Levine, explaining to the fifth year Gryffindor that much as he's loathe to admit it, being good in potions definately helps with the development of some joke and novelty items when he sees his sister pass by. "Just a sec, Lewis. Oy, Ginny, was wondering if you'd come see us."

Ginny stops but doesn't stand still, shifting quickly from one foot to the other, obviously antsy about something. "Hi, Fred. Can't talk now."

"What do you mean you can't talk now?"

"Have to keep up with Theodore. I'm carrying his things, you know."

"No, I didn't know. Wait a bloody second. Theodore? As in Theodore Nott?"

"Yes, the one and only. Must dash."

Ginny takes off and if not for having the responsibility of answering more of Lewis's questions, Fred would have gone after her. As it is, the booth stays so busy that all he manages to do between speaking with students is to fill George in on the brief conversation

The Cutting Edge
Author: Bellatrix Lestrange
Date: 08-02-04 18:22

Bellatrix wandered around the room, waiting for the HG's screams to subside. At the moment he was panting, his teeth clenched in an effort not to utter another cry. The sweat stood out on his forehead in little beads, the occasional drop falling down onto his cheek.

Lucius leaned against the back wall, his arms folded across his chest. A small smile played around the corner of his mouth and Bellatrix was reminded of a cat at rest, but ready for action just the same. Their eyes met and she saw him nod imperceptibly.

Turning back to the HG she glared at him.

"You red headed bitch," the HG panted. "You can't just kidnap someone and do this! There are penalties for this kind of thing."

Bellatrix laughed incredulously. "Do you really think, dear boy, that Vanderbilt and I would be concerned with trifles like that? If we were concerned about the penalties I would have written you a stern note and sent you home to Mummy. Now - Vanderbilt asked you a question and I suggest at this point you answer it. Unless you want to play some more?"

The HG shook his head rapidly, as if he didn't want to think about what might happen if he declined to answer.

Bellatrix sighed. "Fine. I guess we'll start the age old game of finger breaking once more. No – wait. I have a better idea. I enjoyed this the last time, although the subject in question was comatose and I might have missed out on the subtleties of a live victim." She walked over to the back wall and picked up a large knife. The blade gleamed sullenly in the gloom, catching the odd flash of light from the candles.

"You know, we have to start somewhere. How about just answering the first question and then we can move on?" Seeing no response from the sweating HG, she sighed again and turned to Vanderbilt. "They never seem to get the part about the first question, do they? If they just answered that, we wouldn't have to wait so long to get to the fun stuff."

She walked over to the HG and grabbed a finger, holding it down with her left hand. The knife flashed again and she felt the HG try to pull away, but since his wrist was strapped firmly down he had nowhere to go.

"Vanderbilt, you might need to have both those potions ready in about ten minutes. Now, this might hurt a teensy bit," she began.

Comforted
Author: Hermione Granger
Date: 08-02-04 19:41

Hermione sat down in the offered chair and let Patricia comfort her with soothing words and gestures. "Can I get you anything?" the woman asked, and the seventh year simply shook her head no and sighed.

"I suppose there's nothing I can do but wait for Melinda's owl. Maybe it's nothing. Maybe I'm overreacting."

"It's natural for one to be concerned about an ailing loved-one, especially when that person is a parent," Patricia stated, patting Hermione's arm.

Hermione nodded. Just then, Harry and Ron wandered over. They caught the fleeting expression of worry on Hermione's face, and Ron questioned, "All right, Hermione?"

She shrugged and rose to meet her friends. "Melinda--Melinda Mumps, the healer who was here earlier, had to leave suddenly. She's been treating my father, and w-well, something has happened. I don't know what, and maybe it's not serious..."

Ron gave her a hug, and Harry squeezed her shoulder.

"She said she'll owl me with an update this evening."

"I hope she'll have good news," Ron said.

"Me too," Hermione said. She shook her head as if to rid herself of thoughts of her father's trauma. "Are you two finished here? Let's go to the common room for a little while before dinner. I'm sure the booths will be closing soon, and I'm surprisingly hungry."

The boys voiced their agreements, and before they left Hermione thanked Patricia for her help and kind words. Then they stopped by the tables of the Weasley clan and a few others to say goodbye before leaving the Great Hall for the Gryffindor common room.

Brooms
Author: Desdemona Diamond
Date: 08-03-04 00:12

It was madness; I had Bronwyn following me everywhere. She was constantly bugging me about the necklace. How it was romantic and beautiful. I couldn’t take it anymore so I gave it to her to wear it for the day. She stopped bugging me after that.

I wondered over to a table with a broom. I had to know about the broom. It could help for quidditch. I walked over to the table and began to enquire about the broom.

A Fond Farewell
Author: Samantha Thatcher
Date: 08-03-04 00:33

It was not long after Rikku had left that another had wandered over in her place. "You want to know more about the ZX? Well I'll tell ya all about it!" Sami repeted all she had told earlier about the new broom to hit the market. Desdemona Diamond was the girls name. And she was just as much into Quidditch as Samanatha herself.

Desi asked, Sami answered! It was an easy conversation. One which lasted well to the end of the day. Which wasn't very long really. Pretty soon the guest's were talking with eachother and the students had begun to clear the Great Hall. Not long after the last bunch of students had left did the visitors began gathering their things.

It had been a successfull day. And it was now time to head back home and begin again in their usuall rutines. Some had it all planned out, other's did not. As for Samantha Thatcher, she did things on a "spur of the moment" deal. She had no real plans or a "to do" list. Sami makes her list as she goes.

Yes, it was a fun day indeed...And Sami hoped there would be another one next year. The former Gryffindor of Hogwarts packed her things and took one last look at the place she once had classes and tests. Sami smiled to herself as she thought of all the memories inside the walls of this very castle. It was hard not to wish to be back. But all good things must come to an end, or rather to a new start....