Unexpected
Gifts
Author: Charlie Weasley
Date: 05-30-02 14:32
Just as Charlie had gotten comfortable in the chair, and crossed his legs, someone started calling his name.
He got up and exited the tent. Stephen was calling him from the perimeter line.
"Happy Christmas, Buddy!" Charlie called and waved to his friend.
Stephen grinned and waved an envelope in the air. "Happy Christmas, Charlie! Got somethin' here for ya! Says 'Charlie Weasley' in green ink!"
"Great! I was wondering if I'd get anything for Christmas!" Charlie called back, and noticed Marcus coming up behind Stephen.
"And something for Helena!" Marcus put the gift into the box.
Suddenly a voice called out behind him. "Happy Christmas, Daddy!"
"Happy Christmas, Baby Girl!"
Charlie could feel the heat radiate from Helena. She was blushing.
With a great shove, Stephen pushed the box under the perimeter of the quarantine line.
"Well, we'd better get back to the gang! Happy Christmas, you two!" Stephen and Marcus waved and went back to their tent.
Carefully Charlie picked up the box of presents and carried into their tent. After moving aside the curtain between the two of them, Charlie and Helena pulled to chairs close to the box and began opening presents.
Helena unwrapped a small-hinged box with an inlayed malachite border. She opened it and pulled out a silver chain with tiny charms. "Oh, Dad."
She eyed the piece, smiling. A true smile. Charlie had never seen a smile so honestly happy. She handed him the bracelet. "See?"
Carefully, Charlie took it, and ran his finger over one of the miniature dragons. "Ouch!" It sparked. "A Norwegian Ridgeback!"
Helena chuckled. "Uh, huh. This was my mother's." She took the bracelet from him and set it back in box. "What'd you get?"
"I dunno. Let's see." Charlie opened the package from Stephen. He threw his head back, laughing and handed Helena the gift.
"Is this you and Stephen?" She smiled again.
"Yes, that's us. When we graduated from that school that seemed more like a boot camp. That's where we got our licenses to be dragon keepers." He smiled. "Draconian Institute."
Helena studied the photo of the two young men, arms around each other's shoulders, dressed in dark green robes. They waved their caps, grinning and laughing like mad.
"We were so crazy." Charlie commented as he started opening the envelope Stephen waved earlier.
"Were?" Helena joked.
POP! BANG! BOOM! POW!
Charlie tossed the letter to the ground, watching the red and green miniature fireworks. A loud whistle rang and another BANG! and silver and gold sparks hovered and spelled out:
Happy Christmas, Charlie! Love, Gred & Feorge
Charlie threw back his head, laughing. "Those brothers of mine!"
"You have siblings?" Helena watched as the sparks danced and swirled and exploded.
Charlie nodded, and the image began to fade. "Yeap. Five of them. But, this is from the second oldest twins, Fred and George. They're pranksters, in case you hadn't noticed."
Soon the message faded.
"You miss them?" Helena asked, and shook herself as she noticed she was reading his face.
"Yeah. I'm usually at my parent's house for Christmas. The younger kids stay at Hogwarts, though. It's fun when we're all together," Charlie said, cleaning up the wrapping paper and throwing into the garbage. "Oh, I almost forgot."
He produced a package, neatly wrapped in brown paper. Helena looked puzzled. "For me?"
Charlie nodded. "Yes. Has your name on it, doesn't it?"
Helena rolled her eyes and snatched the package from her. Charlie chuckled, but was a bit sad when the happy image of Helena disappeared. She pulled the paper aside and revealed two, old, dark brown books with gold trim.
Helena looked up at him. "But . . .?"
"Two volumes. One The Science of Dragon Keeping, and two The Art of Dragon Keeping. I used those books at the Institute. Thought you might like them," Charlie said as he leaned closer, showing her the books.
After Dinner
Author: Alexis Black
Date: 05-30-02 15:11
Alexis' mother was an alcoholic witch. Her problem didn't get bad until Alexis' father died when she was five. Alexis's mother couldn't take it and moved from Athens to Dublin, where she drank more and more. Since then and until now, Alexis and her older brother Troy lived with their late father's parents in Athens. It was recently that Alexis' mother Azure was supposedly cured of her problem, and at her request Alexis moved to Ireland. Troy, however, refused to go and stayed in Greece. Azure wanted her daughter home for the Holidays, and Alexis planned to go until she got a letter from Troy. Even while sitting in the common room after Chrismas dinner with Isolde, Pyrrhus, Azaelia, Robert, and Pete she remembered what it said.
Lexi,
Mother is back in rehab, stay at school. I'll be sending you something special for new years.
Troy
Troy was never fond of long letters or too many words. Alexis was disappointed that her mother couldn't stay clean, but she couldn't blame her. After all, it would be hypocritical of Alexis to be angry at Azure for drinking. She was looking forward to Troy's package on new years...
Speaking of new years, Alexis knew her friends were trying to set her up with Pete for the Snow Ball. She didn't mind at all, as she found him quite attractive.
"So," she said, turning to him, "I know it's not quite normal for me to do this, but I would love it if you'd go to the ball with me."
Christmas
in the Tropics
Author: Chyler Stratford
Date: 05-30-02 16:18
Several hours after Chyler and Lysander arrived at the Valentine's winter home, Chyler decided she wanted to go for a walk out on the shore.
"Hey, Jules. What to come along?" Chyler asked.
Julian nodded, eager to get away from the dinner dishes. Chyler kissed her conked out husband, grabbed her sandals, and headed out the door. The breeze blew lightly through Chyler's hair as they made their way down to the shore where Chyler pulled off her sandals and walked in the surf.
"Then why'd you bother putting them on if you were going to take them right back off again?" Julian asked rolling his eyes.
Chyler chuckled. "Because. The sun's still up here when it's later in the evening, and it takes a while for the sand to get cool. I didn't want to burn my poor little feet!"
Again, Julian rolled his eyes. Chyler took his arm, still looking out over the shore, she said, "Should have known you'd escape to the tropics. I mean, with those waxy island girls rubbing sun tan lotion all over you body and all."
"Hey, what can I say? It's a family vacation spot." Julian grinned mischievously down at his adopted sister. She playfully punched him in the arm.
"Ouch! That hurt!" he said pouting.
Chyler nudged him. "That's so ridiculous, Jules. And you know it!"
The two laughed, and continued walking for a while in silence.
It was Chyler who spoke next. She paused, letting the tide wash over her feet and pulled a long, black box from the hip pocket of her jeans.
Truly surprised, Julian took it from her and opened it. Inside was a man's golden chain, and on the end, a pendant with an inscription in a cursive type of writing.
Once a Slytherin, always a Slytherin . . .
It was her special saying. He flipped it over and read the back:
Thanks for always being there
for me.
Love Your Sis,
Chyler
She bit her lip as she looked up at him. She'd never given him a present like this before. It was always some type of handblown, glass paperweight, or a book. Something practical. "Is it okay? Do you like it? I can take it back if you want me to."
Alone?!
Author: Cho Chang
Date: 05-30-02 17:30
She sat alone at the Ravenclaw table, Aradia and Sykra nowhere to be found. She sighs gently, trying to keep her plummeting spirits up, she checks off things in her mind as she absently plays with her food:
1. Hand out presents - check!
Well, all except for Adam's.
2. Finish finishing touches on dress gown - check! It would be splendid!
3. Find date for Snow Ball - uhmm...Not quite...
Cho whimpers, taking a bite of food uninterested in it...
Wahoo!
Author: Aradia Forest
Date: 05-30-02 20:04
Aradia bolts into the Great Hall and yells HAPPY CHRISTMAS! to everyone she sees. Then she sits down beside Cho.
"THERE you are!" I laugh. "I was waiting for you in the common room, and you didn't show up!" I give my friend a hug and hand her a bulky present. "Getting this in Hogsmeade when you weren't looking was no easy feat!" Inside the package is a copy of "Seeking Snitches", (the first book of the bestselling adventure series by Novel Etta), several chocolate frogs and a handful of frizzing whizzbees. "I hope you like it. Oh, and where is Skyra?"
Wandering
the Castle
Author: Prof. Sorcha
Date: 05-30-02 22:54
Sorcha woke up on Christmas, just like it was every other day. She hadn't celebrated Christmas in a long time. Sorcha had no presents waiting for her; she didn't have to buy any either. Sorcha had no family at all, and no real friends, so she had no Christmas.
Sorcha spent most of the morning walking the hallways doing nothing. She walked through most of the castle already. She had seen a few people, but talked to no one.
So, Sorcha thought about sending Rosaleen with a message to Michael, inviting him to the Snow Ball. She still wasn't sure if he would accept, even after the two of them apologized for their actions during the Hogsmeade trip a while ago.
Sorcha decided instead of sending an owl, she would go herself. She went back and got her cloak, and left Hogwarts, heading for Hogsmeade.
Aw, Does This
Mean I Haveta Cheer Up?
Author: Cho Chang
Date: 05-31-02 04:28
She giggles a little bit, opening it slowly, she squeals slightly and hugs Aradia, "Thank you so much!!! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!" She looks around, setting the box of gifts beside her on the bench, "I have *no* idea." She glances to the Hufflepuff table, "With Orlando?"
Thinking Back
Author: Isolde
Date: 05-31-02 09:39
Decked out in her new Partners in Crime necklace and even sporting her beautiful new tiara, Isolde sat perched on Pyrrhus' lap before the roaring fire. Azaelia and Robert were cuddled up together in an over-stuffed armchair with the two-headed puppy snoozing lightly in their arms, and Alexis and Pete were chatting with one another in a corner of the common room.
The day had been fantastic. Presents should be handed out everyday, Isolde decided to herself. Just that morning, after Pyrrhus had given her his splendid gift, Isolde had given him her present––a book on the greatest jinxes (which would correspond perfectly with the book Azaelia had given him) and also a bag with his favorite sweets. She gave Robert an assortment of candies as well, who proved he had quite the sweet-tooth. His bag was nearly empty that night as they lounged around before the bright orange flames in the fireplace.
Just a few days to go and the Snow Ball would be here. Isolde was excited to see what everyone else would be wearing. Not that she'd really care, but she was certain that no one else would have such a dazzling tiara on her fair head as she would. Smiling inwardly, Isolde leaned into her boyfriend's chest and then fell asleep.
Bad News
Author: Fred Weasley
Date: 05-31-02 10:32
Fred ran around the Gryffindor common room in some tan slacks and a burgundy jumper with a gold letter F on it. His Christmas shopping had been incredibly easy this year:
Fred's Shopping List:
for Ginny - a bag of tricks
for Ron - a bag of tricks
for George - a BIG bag of tricks
for Percy - a bag of tricks
for Charlie - a bag of tricks
for Bill - a bag of tricks
for Mom - flowers
for Dad - a bag of tricks
for Sammi - a book on tricks and an assortment of sweets
Easy enough, right?
Christmas had been grand, it really had.
But of course, Christmas didn't stay that way.
In the evening sometime, the Weasley siblings received an urgent letter from their parents. Bill was missing and nobody knew where he was. Ginny bit her bottom lip, which was trembling slightly. Ron stood with his palms against the mantle over the fireplace as he stared into the flames. George was slumped on the sofa, gazing off into space, and Fred–Fred was a nervous wreck.
He paced back and forth the room, his brows furrowed in deep thought. "We've got to do something!"
George sighed, "There's nothing we can do, Fred. We've just gotta wait."
The Weasleys'
Troubles
Author: H Potter
Date: 05-31-02 14:19
Harry found the Weasleys together around a fireplace in the Gryffindor commons room. Word had been passed by the Gryffindors about the disappearance of the oldest Weasley child, Bill Wealsey. Harry both knew and favored Bill quite a bit. His best friend Ron stood looking down into the fire and Harry was hesitant to speak.
"You all right Ron?" Harry asked quietly not sure of much else to say. Ron didn't turn to look at Harry, but nodded his head. "Want to be alone?"
"Yeah Harry," replied Ron shortly. Harry understood, and turned to go find Hermione. He saw that Ginny looked very well near broken and Harry sat down next to her instead. She looked at him and was apparently trying to smile, but wasn't able.
"I'm scared Harry. What if Bill is...is...in terrible trouble?" Ginny asked. Tears began to drop down from her eyes. Harry wasn't sure what to do and thought of what Hermione would do, being the most sensitive of his friends. Hermione would try to comfort someone.
"Bill is strong and can take care of himself Ginny. He was Head Boy wasn't he?" said Harry. Ginny began to cry a bit harder, and Harry leaned over and hugged her.
Indecisive
and Uncertain
Author: Hermione Granger
Date: 05-31-02 15:25
How terrible, Hermione thought to herself.
She was sitting on the edge of her bed, staring off into space as she pondered the situation the Weasleys were going through. Oh, Ron...
She wanted to go downstairs and comfort him, but she knew that he probably didn't want to see her. Not now of all times. Or maybe he did. Maybe now was the right time to make up.
Indecisive and uncertain, Hermione remained in her dorm room, perched on the edge of her bed.
"Are you going to stay cooped up here all night?" Majandra asked, drawing the curtains shut. The sun had set hours ago and only a few stars speckled the night sky.
Hermione sighed, "What else am I going to do?"
"It's only Christmas once a year. Do something with a little less brooding and a little more smiling," coaxed Majandra.
Hermione knew that she was right, to some extent. Even though something horrible was happening to the Weasley family at this very moment, it was still Christmas–a time of joy and celebration. She did still have a few presents to pass out...namely, presents for Harry, Ginny, and Ron.
"Alright, alright. I'm going to leave the room now for some Christmas fun. Want to join me?" Hermione asked, springing up from her comfortable seat and rummaging through some books for the gifts.
"No, not right now. I'm going to read, I think," Majandra answered, smiling.
Hermione smirked, "So now you're going to stay cooped up in this little old room while everyone else is being merry?"
"Mmm-hmm!"
Hermione laughed and then left the room with three books tucked under her arm. As she made her way down the spiral staircase, she stopped at the sound of voices coming from the common room.
"Charlie's stuck in quarantine, so he can't search for Bill. That leaves Percy and Dad, really."
The voice was coming from Ron.
"And Mum. And Penny too," said Ginny, her voice shaky.
Hermione sighed inwardly and eased around the corner of the staircase. She stood hidden from view in the shadows, listening to the conversation between the siblings–and Harry. He was sitting on the sofa next to Ginny, holding her close and telling her that everything would turn out fine.
She desperately wanted to do the same to Ron, but she couldn't bring herself to do it. Instead, she decided to go back upstairs and annoy Majandra with something. As she spun around to begin the climb, one of the books fell out of her grasp and tumbled down the last few steps with a loud thud. All talking ceased in the common room.
{Azkaban
Fortress} Attack, Part 3 - Consuls Arrive
Author: Lord L. A. Higginton-Smythe
Date: 05-31-02 15:49
"We have laid siege to the fortress my lady. He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named is within with several of his Death Eaters and the dementors. We are unable to know what is precisely passing within the fortress, but we have no more activity among the dementors to report," said the commander as Consul Iulok, Consul Higginton-Smythe, and a hooded man arrived with the consuls' security personnel.
"Very good commander. Order your two battalions to prepare for an assault on the fortress. If any of your troops come across the Lord himself they are to immediately step down unless in numbers. He is to be captured or killed, I care not which. I am to understand that the stunned have been gathered commander?" asked Kalgrie. The commander nodded. "Is there anyone of importance captive?" she asked.
"On the Death Eaters there are few in numbers and we have not identified them. The dementors we have more of, but we must constantly combine our efforts with these aurors to keep these captive dementors immobile," said the commander.
"The captive Death Eaters are to be kept in our possession. This Ministry is incapable of the appropriate action. Create an escort team of twelve and transfer them to Baliseon," said Kalgrie. The commander nodded and turned to address another officer when Kalgrie continued, "And commander. Destroy of all dementors." The commander smiled approvingly and bowed from the consuls.
"Your crimes against even the foulest of dementors will not achieve what you desire Consul," said the man from behind the hood. Lord Lludd Alfred jumped aside suddenly realizing the figure next to him. Kalgrie's eyes lit up with an anger familiar to Lludd.
"Master Czufor, you are here to inform us of what can not be seen or heard. Your invaluable opinions are not of my concern," replied Kalgrie shortly.
"The Plavidsov grow further from your grasp each day Consul. Your failure to consider the effects of your actions will be your organization's downfall," whispered the Master Czufor, "I see what you need though. Your enemy is forming a compact with these dementors..."
"Lord Higginton-Smythe!" shouted a voice from the crowds of Committee troops. Lludd turned to see an auror approaching him shakily.
"Yes?" asked Lludd ignoring the sound of disapproval from Kalgrie.
"The Minister of Magic demands that these prisoners are under the care of the Ministry of Magic," said the man.
"The failure of your Minister to committ to his responsibilities to our international organization dictates who may claim the right to these captives! They shall be sent to the Committee headquarters in France. You may tell your Minister that!" shouted Kalgrie at the unprepared auror who wore a look of fright on his face. Once he had disapparated Kalgrie turned to Lludd. "These aurors," she said, and she laughed. Within moments though a more familiar voice called Lludd again.
"These Death Eaters are ours!" shouted Cornelius Fudge at Kalgrie with such force that Lludd backed away to stand aside the Master Czufor. "Much enthusiasm I have spared for this operation, intrusion into our jurisdiction! I will have something to show for our participation, I damn well will!"
"Challenge my authority do you!? Participation? You call these pathetic aurors of yours accurate participation. It is no wonder such foul things have come from your jurisdiction! Commander! Move the captives to Baliseon!" shouted Kalgrie over the pink-faced minister.
"I will not have it! I shall withdrawal my aurors from this mess, and this ministry shall denounce the organization it helped create!" growled Cornelius. Sensing a foolish act by both, Lludd stepped forward before Kalgrie would have Cornelius arrested by her guards.
"The prisoners shall be given to the custody of the Ministry," Lludd said to Kalgrie, and a beaming Cornelius. "Their participation warrants the Ministry a right to the bounty in order to rally public support for their continued function. It is the appropriate decision."
"Listen to the Consul," said the Master Czufor in agreeance with Lludd. "Be it your way then, Consul," said Kalgrie dangerously to Lludd.
