Boil Cure
Potion
Author: Severus Snape
Date: 01-15-04 08:26
Professor Snape was in his office replying to Dumbledore's note inquiring whether Severus would be free to chaperone in Hogsmeade on Saturday. He was and said so in his response; the meeting with Voldemort for the presentation of the Fenririan Manuscript, the very one he no longer remembered helping to create, would not occur this weekend leaving Snape available to roam Hogsmeade with the other Hogwarts professors.
With the note completed, Snape called a house elf to him and had the message delivered to Dumbledore. Then, he glanced at his clock and expelled a long, exasperated sigh. It was time for Potions class with the very young, so unknowledgeable first years. He rolled his eyes and rose from his seat, leaving the office for the Potions classroom where rows of Gryffindors and Slytherins anxiously awaited him.
"Today we will be working on the cure for boils," Snape lectured the moment he strode into the room. He walked up to the front of the classroom and leaned against the lecturn on his desk. "It's a rather simple potion and one none of you should have any difficulty creating, however, I'm plainly aware that some of you will fail to follow the directions given to you."
Snape waved his hand towards the blackboard and a list of ingredients and instructions appeared.
"Let it be known that anyone who doesn't successful brew the boil cure potion will receive a Dreadful on this assignment." His eyes fell on Mr. Hearts, who quivered underneath Snape's stern gaze.
"The ingredients can be found in the cabinets there," Snape continued, pointing a slender finger to the left wall of the classroom. "Break up into pairs and begin."
Research
Author: Hermione Granger
Date: 01-15-04 13:06
Hermione spent the morning of the last Tuesday in September conducting research in the library for Molly Weasley. It had been eleven days since the odd request for a potion to locate a missing head, but Hermione had been far too preoccupied with thoughts of her father still being alive to even consider thinking about anything else. With the note from Dierna arriving yesterday and the resulting new hope of her father's existence in this world (though it still pained Hermione greatly to know he had been tortured), Hermione finally turned back to Molly's letter and put herself to work in the library.
She searched through volumes upon volumes of books on everything from simple potions to complex brews. She even thumbed through spell books for anything useful. Hermione took detailed notes of whatever she discovered, annotating the book for added reference in case the Weasleys wanted to do some extra reading. When she checked the time and noticed it was nearing Hagrid's class, Hermione quickly wrote a letter to Molly:
Dear Molly,
Thank you for the birthday treats. They were simply delicious!
As you've requested, I've done some research on potions to recover a missing head. I'm not entirely sure if you are refering to someone who has completely lost his head or if the head has simply gone invisible. For the latter, one solution I've found, though I'm afraid I don't have a complete recipe or any confirmation that it will be successful, is some variation of a restorative draft. Mandrakes are the major ingredient, but how much or how little and what else is required is something you may need to research further.
Have you considered charms or spells to recover the missing head? The Aparecium spell might be just the ticket to have the head reappear before you. Possibly a manipulation of the Reparo spell will work as an alternative to restore the missing head.
Have Fred and/or George gotten themselves into trouble? Perhaps you should simply leave the matter to the Healers at St. Mungo's. They may be better equipped to help in such a situation.
I've attached all of my notes to this letter. I hope they can be of use to you!
Best of luck!
Hermione
She ran off to the Owlery and selected two owls to send off her letters, then she ran downstairs and through the entrance hall until she was outside in the sunshine on her way to Hagrid's class. A few of her classmates were already congregated around the half-giant, and Hermione squeezed her way between them and pulled Hagrid aside.
"Hagrid, I know I've already thanked you before but I really can't thank you enough for the interesting gift."
"Yer welcome, Hermione! I'm glad ya find i' interestin'. Have ya played i'any?" Hagrid smiled down at her.
"I must confess that I haven't, but that's only because I don't know how," Hermione admitted. "But I intend on checking the library for books and if Hogwarts doesn't have anything I'll write to Miss Sanjarya or stop in at the Hogsmeade Public Library this weekend to see if she can provide me with any information."
Hagrid patted her on the head. "Jus' give i'a try sometime. Yeh don' need ter know how ter play i' ter know you'll like i'. It'll make yeh happy, you'll see." Hermione smiled.
Prepping Blenheim
House for a New Mistress
Author: John 1st Duke of Marlborough
Date: 01-15-04 15:28
John had taken leave of absence from work at the Ministry for Magics to assume his new duties as the Lord of the Manor, that is, as the forthcoming Duke of Marlborough.
The generous and beautiful Blenheim House was put in order by a workforce of some 1,000 workers. The enormous French garden was trimmed and refurbished. The manor's own Daimler Sovereign Limousines were polished to mirror-like perfection.
The Salisbury Cathedral had been selected due to its connection with the Churchillian family over the centuries as much as it being the birthplace of the bride.
The Prime Minister, Rt Hon. Tony Blair and his predecessor, Rt Hon. John Major were invited along with almost all the èlite of the British establishment, including John's cousin, Randolph Churchill and his uncle, Winston Churchill, MP. The royal family would be represented by the Duke of York, Andrew, and from the US was scheduled the First Lady herself, Mrs Hillary Clinton with daughter Chelsea. From the wizarding world were invited among others the Minister for Magic, John's boss, the Minister for Magic Fudge, the various department heads, most of the senior ministry officials, representatives from the ministries of other countries, the wizengamot, and other various officials.
Thus the wedding between The Honorable Lord John Churchill, 14th Marquess Blandford and Lady Urania Belladonna Sinistra was to become the social outing of this year, if not the decade!
Potions Class
Author: Sora
Date: 01-15-04 16:10
Sora's spine tingled. Why does he look at me like that? Why?! he thought as he got his cauldron ready. I'll show him, I can do this! Haha! There will be no Dreadful for me! Not today! Full of determination, Sora got all the ingredients together and looked at Tranquillina then to Roane.
"Erm..." was all that came out of Sora's mouth as he looked at both of them. "So... who wants to be my partner?"
Partnering
Up
Author: Tranquillina Aemilius
Date: 01-15-04 16:31
"I will," Tranquillina smiled. "We shall show Snape what we're capable of."
She glanced over to the blackboard, reading the instructions. She thought for a moment, then reread them.
"Right then," she smiled. "Let's get started."
Reaching for the first ingredient, she and Sora began the first step carefully, and without any major incident...
Plan of
Attack
Author: Amashelle
Date: 01-15-04 18:46
She hurried back towards the mountains. Now that she knew where she was going, the small giant camp she'd been scouting was easy to find.
Showing no fear and trying not to feel out of place, the small woman strolled out into the midst of the cramped, agitated heard. A pair of males were fighting not far from where she walked, but she did her best to ignore it and not flinch every time one of their large forms hit the other.
It was not long before her presence was noticed, and she had a strange feeling that her plan was off to a good start.
One of the largest things she had ever seen (aside, of course, from the few dragon's whose paths she had crossed) came up to her and towered (literally) over the woman who, in other company, might seem to be a tall person.
'Why do you come here?' He demanded, and there was no hospitality in his voice. 'Wizards not welcome here.'
'Ah,' Ama replied, holding up a hand as a sign of friendship, 'but I am not just any wizard. Please, take me to the Alpha Male who governs this camp, I bring a proposal from a certain powerful wizard I think he might be interested in...'
Early Morning
Meetings
Author: Dierna ní Cíaran
Date: 01-15-04 19:18
Eight o'clock finds me knocking once again at the Olamh's door. I'm beginning to feel I should relocate my office here. I might actually get something done for a change! And it would give the MOM and Umbridge nightmare thinking of me sequestered with The Headmaster, planning the anti-Fudge revolution. I find myself grinning just thinking about it.
"Come in, Dierna. Is something amusing you?" he asks, eyes twinkling knowingly.
"An magdin maith, a Olamh!" I reply. "I was just thinking how amusing it would be to tell Fudge that I'm relocating my office to the Castle."
"And where would you locate your office?"
"In mine and Lily's secret room, of course!" I say, laughing. "Anyway, to business. I have recruited Tonks and Kingsley to guard service, of course. Also Theodora LeRoy and Christopher Tudor. I also divided Hogsmeade into areas, and assigned everyone a section." I hand Dumbledore a parchment. "That's the map of the village and how I've divided it up."
Durmstrang
Institute: Merdroit's Musings
Author: Merdroit Turin
Date: 01-15-04 19:33
Merdroit walked around the outside of Durmstrang. This wing was still rubble, thanks to his damned cousin, Michael. Since that climatic event last summer the Headmaster has been doubtful of Merdroit's abilities. Stupid man! He still doesn't realize that his missing books were in the hands of the very capable Nora Masters, who had been caught (unfortunately) breaking into the Headmaster's office last year. A shame really. She showed more talent in the Dark arts than most of his upper year student. A real waste of talent going to that pathetic Hogwarts. But right now, Merdroit has more important things to contemplate.
Like vengeance on his cousin. And the last meeting of the Knights Walpurgis. The Grand Master had said some very interesting things indeed. And if Merdroit has anything to do with it, he'll be in the center of it all. He and his friend Nathaniel.
Merdroit has just sent a message suggesting he and his friend meet on the weekend. They needed to plan, and make plans. When The owl is clearly out of sight, and its carefully encrypted message well on its way, Merdroit turns and strides back to the castle. The weekend's meeting would be very interesting. Merdroit, for one, could hardly wait.
Get Serious
Author: H Potter
Date: 01-15-04 21:01
As Care of Magical Creatures comes to an end, Harry hastens to return to the castle. Ron and Hermione end up jogging to catch up with him and as they reach Harry's side, Ron asks, "After lunch you want to play chess, Harry?"
Rapidly shaking his head while picking up his pace, Harry still manages to shoot Ron an "are you insane??" look. "No time for playing around, Ron. Stack of homework to do and according to the schedule I made out, I should be three chapters ahead in reading for Transfiguration by suppertime tonight. Then there's the note cards for Potions I want to have finished by bedtime. One for each potions ingredient we've learned since first year. I'm up to the S's so should be able to finish this evening by my calculations."
Hermione looks pleased to hear Harry sounding so organized and serious studying. Ron, on the other hand, is twirling one finger near the side of his head to indicate how crazy he thinks Harry is. Ron finds himself doing the same motion again a few minutes later in the Great Hall when Harry mutters something about only wanting a half of a sandwich to eat because it's easier to hold while studying at the same time and then sure enough, Harry plops a book open and grabs the triangular half of a sandwich, not even bothering to see what kind of sandwich it is.
Tuesday Morning
Author: Prof. Sorcha
Date: 01-15-04 22:12
It was Tuesday morning and Sorcha was sitting at her desk in her classroom. There wasnÕt any class to teach today, but it felt appropriate to work in the class. It felt more alive then her office. Her office had given her the creeps since she had found out that she had things hidden from herself in there. There was nothing hidden now since it was all given back or destroyed...but still.
Sorcha had spent part of the morning putting finishing touches on her Runes Club plans. She figured some of the students would be interested in doing some extra and more fun activities. Translating famous rune script was always fun. Maybe a field trip or two could be in order if the proper precautions are taken. Some extra help dealing with class assignments would also be provided.
Taking a break from writing, Sorcha leaned back in her chair and started to reflect back on her time teaching at Hogwarts. The entire time she had taught her class she had been fortunate enough to have a three-day weekend. This was the first year that she was given the opportunity to have a four-day weekend. She decided instead to keep her three-day weekend schedule and use Tuesdays to meet with her NEWT students. Since there were so many NEWT students, time on Thursday would be used as well.
It had taken some time to work out, but it was actually simple. Each student selects a time on Tuesday or Thursday where they can would come and spend 15 minutes with Sorcha working on various things to help with the NEWT exams at the end of the 7th year. If the idea proved to work well, then Sorcha would submit it to Dumbledore for a more widespread use.
Still reflecting a bit she couldn't help but wonder what had happened to the other two professors that had befriended her when she had first arrived. Professor Fairchild had up and disappeared suddenly. She didn't leave a note or tell anyone anything. The other, Professor Sinstra was back. She was teaching Astronomy once again and this year she was also the head of the Hufflepuff house.
Now that Sorcha thought about it, she hadnÕt seen a whole lot of Belladonna so far this year. She must be really busy with the head of house thing that she isn't the normal socialite that she had been in the past, Sorcha figured. The trip that Belladonna took last weekend could be partly to blame for her missing appearances in the school. One thing Sorcha couldn't figure out was how Professor Sinistra graded her student's assignments.
Sighing heavily, Sorcha straightened up in the chair, took a sideways glance at Ailsa who was asleep, and began to write letters to the NEWT students who hadn't signed up for a meeting time.
Working
Author: Bill Weasley
Date: 01-16-04 11:02
Mr. and Mrs. Whittlesby were an elderly couple, who just purchased a quaint cottage in the West Lane. The husband, a friendly-looking man with white hair and bright blue, twinkling eyes, had just retired from an eighty-year career in international cooperation abroad in Athens. He had long since desired to return to the country of his birth and chose to retire in Hogsmeade with his wife, a fair woman with gray hair and eyes and a rosy complexion.
They sat in Bill Weasley's office at Gringotts Bank and signed parchment after parchment, confirming their will to open an account, registering them with a vault of moderate size and finalizing the exchange between home buyer and seller. When all was completed, Bill waved his wand over the documents and duplicated them (aside from the realtor's papers, which were made in triplicate), and handed one copy over to the Whittlesbys.
Byron Whittlesby tucked them into a briefcase and stood, Bill and Maria Whittlesby following suit.
"Thank you, Mr. Weasley, for all your hard-work and otherwise valiant efforts in making the moving process an easy one for us," Byron said, offering his hand to Bill.
Smiling, Bill took his hand and clasped it firmly. "You're quite welcome, Mr. Whittlesby, and thank you for choosing Gringotts Bank for all your banking needs. It was a pleasure doing business with you."
He dropped Byron's hand and walked out from behind the desk to lead the Whittlesbys to the door. As they walked out and into the marble-floored foyer of Gringotts Bill said, "Let me know if you'll be wanting the vault upgrade. We can have that arranged if it's necessary at your earliest convenience, and if I can offer you any assistance whatsoever please don't hesitate to contact me."
"You're a sweet lad," Mrs. Whittlesby said, patting Bill's cheek. "You'll come for tea sometime?"
"I'd be happy to," Bill replied, smiling.
He led them to the glass double-doors of the bank and waved to them as they stepped out into the sunshine. After they had gone, Bill returned to his office and busied himself with an inbox full of assorted scrolls and parchments. Gringotts had been quite busy as of late, so busy, in fact, that Bill had little time for anything else other than the favor he completed last weekend for his good friend, Aaron Miller.
Cloud's Kiss, the cottage in the Scottish Highlands purchased for Aaron's Muggle Studies students, was now fully protected by special wards, spells and charms, some of which were very similar to those Bill had used and created himself while a curse breaker with Gringotts Cairo. Bill was fairly confident with all the protective measures he implemented on the cottage. No unwanted guests should get in, and the children could remain safe.
Tuesday...DADA
Author: Nora
Date: 01-16-04 16:23
Heading to their second class of the day, Nora and her three Slytherin companions took their normal seats in the back of the Defense against the Dark Arts classroom. "Today is going to be a long day." Nora said just as Professor Turin walked in. "Great, he's early again!" She grumbled as class started a mere three minutes early. As Michael continued on with the day's topic, Nora's mind drifted back to Durmstrang. It was obvious she wasn't paying attention and Professor Turin knew it. Back at Durmstrang Nora loved her Dark Arts classes and she was one of the top students in the school.
Maybe now was the best time to start on her letter. Pulling out a clean sheet of parchment, Nora picked up her quill and began to write...
Dear Professor Turin,
It's been awhile! The last time I saw you I was being forced out of Durmstrang. I never knew the headmaster had any strength about him, bloody git...Anyways, how are things back at school? I miss your interesting Dark Arts classes, they always were my favorites. I'm currently stuck in Professor Michael Turin's boring Defense Against the Dark Arts class. It's weird calling him Professor Turin, it always makes me think of the wonderful times at Durmstrang. Are you related to him? I was just wondering since you two have the same last name, he's not your brother is he?
I stayed up all last night thinking...there's always been something different about you, kind of like a father-daughter relationship, but I never knew my parents...did you know them? What were they like? You never treated me the same as the other professors, yet you never played favorites. It all started the first day I was 'attacked' by my fellow classmates in the courtyard. You were always there for me, no matter what happened, like some sort of guardian. When I lost the vision in my left eye you never made jokes about it, unlike Professor Nastivitch. Is he still there? He's a horrible professor!
Oh! I made the Slytherin Quidditch team as a chaser, (Slytherin is the best house here, full of trouble makers like me) I knew I would be good at something other than pissing off the transfiguration professor, along with Michael, which is quite fun! I was wandering, maybe I could talk to you over Christmas break? I don't have anywhere to go so I'll probably have to stay at Hogwarts which will be quite uneventful and boring, not to mention I won't be getting any (useful) presents this year. I hope you are doing well, is it alright if I call you Merdroit now? Since you aren't really my professor anymore. I have one more quick question...would you be willing to let me know what you're doing in your class? I'd really like to keep up with that.
Thanks Merdroit, I miss you and I can't wait to hear from you!
Nora Masters
Folding up the letter, Nora smiled as her hawk, Bali, flew in the room and perched on her desk. "Bali, take this to Professor Turin." Giving her the letter, Nora watched her fly to the front of the classroom to Michael. Nora immediately stood up and yelled, "Not that Professor Turin! Merdroit Turin, at Durmstrang!" Bali quickly took off out the window, heading to Durmstrang. Nora sat back down, knowing she was in trouble.
Dierna's Visit
and a Treasure Hidden
Author: Albus Dumbledore
Date: 01-16-04 18:04
I chuckle inwardly at Dierna's suggestion of moving her office to the Castle. Wouldn't that put a kink in Cornelius' little empire? I think to myself. I would not like to tell her that her 'secret' room has been discovered no less than three times since her leaving. Aloud, I welcome her and we begin to discuss the business of security for Hogsmeade.
"You can add to your list, the names of Michael Turin, Severus Snape, Minerva McGonagall, and myself," I detail my list of recruits. "I think that should be sufficient to counter anything but a direct attack by Voldemort and all his followers." She makes a few minor notations on her map, setting us up in pairs, rather than as individuals.
As she finishes her revisions, I wave my wand at the door. There is a 'thunk', a 'click', and a soft hissing sound as it is covered with an opaque white shield. She looks up questioningly as I retrieve both manuscripts from the inside of my desktop. "Here is the real reason I asked you to stop by," I tell her in an almost conspiratorial tone. "We have completed our 'modified' copy of the Fenririan Manuscript. I want you to use every 'sense' you have and tell me if you can detect any difference in the two." I place both volumes on the table, beside her map.
Dierna sits and takes each volume, one at a time, looking at it from all angles, rubbing her fingers on the cover and on several of the pages. Finally, she places both before her and lays a hand on each. She sits absolutely still for several minutes. She opens her eyes with a visible shudder! "For all I can tell," she whispers, "one is every bit as old and as disgustingly evil as the other."
A grim smile crosses my face. That is exactly what I wanted to hear from you!" I tell her as I 'melt' the original back into it's hiding place. I go on to explain a bit of what we have been doing. "Nevvyn has done a marvelous job of modifying Severus' memories. He now thinks he found this in a seldom-visited spot in the dungeons. When he is ready to turn it over to Voldemort, he will 'retrieve' it from it's hiding place." I tuck the volume inside my robes, and escort Dierna to the door. "And now, my dear young lady, you had best be getting to the Ministry before old Fudge has a fit. I truly don't want to give him cause for anxiety..." I finish with a wicked grin... "At least, not just yet!"
I unseal the door and let her out, then take a hidden way down to the dungeons. It takes only a few minutes to find the room where Snape was recently rummaging. The door creaks open on rusty hinges. I cast "Lumos" to give me enough light to find the proper crate. Just to be 'doubly-sure', I check page two, where the actual modifications begin. Yes! I brought the correct one! I lift the lid and slide the volume below the top one in the stack, then manufacture a small breeze to stir the dust around. I do the same to erase my footprints as I back out of the room and extinguish the light.
Listening carefully for any stray students, I slip back down the deserted tunnel until I reach the arch marked by the black cauldron with a hole in the bottom. I touch the wall behind this and it pivots slowly open. These are The Headmaster's Secret Tunnels, and can only be opened by the true leader of Hogwarts. Were someone to usurp my position with out the proper initiation rituals, they would not know these were here, much less, be able to operate them. One short flight of stairs and a couple of bends later, I am again standing in my office. Hmmm... It seemed much longer, going down!
Consequences
Author: Michael Turin
Date: 01-16-04 18:53
Michael stops his lecture as the hawk flies up to him, then arches his eyebrows when Nora yells at her hawk.
"Pets are not allowed in the classroom, Nora, as I told you last week." Michael comments calmly. "I'll be taking five points from Slytherin for that, for not paying attention during class and for the interruption. Please take your seat."
Several of the other Slytherins hiss warnings at Nora. Apparently this isn't the first time her acting out of place has caused their house to lose several points in one go.
"If this happens again, it will be ten points for each infraction." That said Michael resumes his lecture.
