Friday

Tidying Up
Author: Nevvyn
Date: 01-21-04 09:18

The four of us, the three Toms and I, have been working at cleaning up the shop after the last shipment. An order of hand-blown glass vials and potions bottles had arrived... packed in sawdust, of all things. Four wooden cases, filled to the very top with sawdust. In the process of sifting through to find the glassware and the stoppers, we had managed to spread the stuff absolutely everywhere. After we had retrieved all the goods, we scooped up what we could of the wood shavings and then put the boxes out the back.

Now, we are about finished with the shelves and their merchandise. That just leaves the floors to sweep and the counter to wipe down. I am very glad that I had all the doors closed on the potions cabinets. When we are through with our cleaning, I am going to sit myself down an write a VERY strong letter to the supplier. I believe we are about as ready as we can be for the first Hogsmeade visit of the year.

Friday - History of Magic Class
Author: Roane Eternal
Date: 01-21-04 09:44

I sat at a desk, saving two seats for Tranquillina and Sora. When they both stepped into the class together, I quickly waved them over.

"Sora, I found a book for you", I whispered. Noting his less than thrilled look, I quickly pulled the book out.

"No, no. This is good, I promise. Look". I pulled out the book and showed it to them underneath the desk. The title on the book read "CONQUER YOUR FEARS - THE MAGICAL WAY".

"Oh!", exclaimed Sora.

"Yeah, I brought this book from home. I was thinking about your fear of heights. This book is packed with different spells and potions to overcome those things."

I watched as Tranquillina started looking through the pages.

"Here's one!", she whispered. "Reaching new heights... a potion to reach for the stars", she read outloud, sounding a bit doubtful. "Maybe not".

"Maybe not that one", I whispered, "but I'm sure we can find something that'll work. What do you think?"

Remember the Banshee Incident?
Author: Molly Weasley
Date: 01-21-04 09:44

Molly shook her head as she put the plate of sausage and eggs in front of her husband and took her place in the chair beside him.

"Sounds like you had one trying day my dear." She buttered her toast as she listened to Arthur's narrative on his meeting with Darius the day before. "Why didn't you just bring him here and get it over with?"

Arthur looked at his wife. "Strangest thing Molly. I was just about to do so when he started beeping, got a strange look on his face and said Damn you Arthur I'll be back tomorrow."

Molly thought it odd as well. "Extraordinary! So you get him today too do you? Perhaps Adam should just come to the office with you?" She reached for the marmalade and spread it on his toast then did the same for herself.

Arthur swallowed a bit of scrambled eggs. "I thought of that but Darius said he might have trouble due to his illness. Probably wouldn't be a good idea."

"Well then," Molly offered. "What about Darius' home?"

"Oh no." Arthur laughed. "Bring a headless boy into a strict muggle environment and Adam no less? That's inviting trouble."

Molly laughed and picked up her tea cup. Strange things did seem to happen when Adam was present. "Well love then this would be the best place for our Adam."

"And Darius." Arthur sighed. "The man is insufferable."

"So he didn't have to agree to not use magic? Hmm apparently the binding spell didn't work?" Molly still wondered about the whole Azkaban issue. "Arthur, why did they send him there? He never hurt anybody."

Arthur chuckled. "There are many rumors. Most involving Cornelius' wife." He he stabbed a sausage with his fork.

Molly laughed. "Ahhhh. Is that where the ban came from?! I always thought it was silly. I don't know anyone except Darius that would even be interested in experimental breeding anymore."

Arthur couldn't help but finding the thought of Cornelius enraged enough to create a ridiculous law and sending his wife's lover to Azkaban incredibly funny. "You know if that is true, and I'm not saying it is, Darius deserves to be angry and insufferable."

Molly kept looking at the clock. "He was even odd that way as a boy at Hogwarts. Remember the banshee incident?"

Arthur's quiet laughter escalated into large guffaws. "Oh my Lord Molly, I hadn't thought of that for years. That's what got him expelled... Do you suppose it's still alive?"

Molly grimaced. "I don't know, suppose we could ask him today." She looked at the clock. "Oh, must get a move on. Sidi needs me!"

Arthur smiled. Molly was so happy working with Sidi at the shoppe. She had started feeling so alone and un-needed when Ginny left for school. Sidi had insisted in paying her which at first offended Molly but soon understood how important it was to the girl and now prided herself of being a "modern witch."

They kissed each other and apparated to their respective workplaces.

I Don't Do Floo
Author: Darius Sparrow
Date: 01-21-04 10:49

Arthur apparated into his office to find Darius, in his blue wool Azetti suit, sitting at his desk on a cellphone with a laptop opened.

He hurried to make sure the door was locked. "Merlin's beard man are you daft?"

Darius looked up and snapped the phone shut. "You're late." He tossed the phone to Arthur. "I know you're dying to look at it. I put a spell on it so it would work. This too." He gestured toward the laptop.

"Oh I see." Arthur said angrily. "So you bewitched muggle artifacts in the 'Misuse of Muggle Artifacts' office did you? Thank you Darius. You do know that the 'Improper Use of Magic' office is next door don't you!? You could get me fired!" Arthur was so tired of sparring with him.

A spring squeaked as Darius leaned back in a foreign chair. "Why on earth do you continue to delude yourself with the thought that people care? You could be dead in here for weeks and no one would come by. They're busy Arthur. Doing their thing and worried about nothing but their thing. It's a blessing. Use it!"

"Get out of my chair!" Arthur was now getting more than angry. Darius had invaded his space. "That is not my chair!"

Darius begrudgingly got out of the chair. "No its a better chair than that wooden monstrosity you had..."

Arthur roared. "I want my chair!"

Dairus' wand was out in a second. Arthur's old wooden chair with no wheels reappeared.

"You ingrate. Take me to my son and you'll be rid of me."

He angrily grabbed his bag and stuffed the laptop and other office supplies inside. He pulled the strap up on his shoulder. He looked up at Arthur positively seething. "I'm ready when you are. Believe me when I tell you I'm making an effort to be pleasant. I don't want to be here anymore than you want me here. You kept me here all day yesterday and you are keeping me here today. So please Arthur lets go!"

"Molly's not home yet."

"So send her a bloody owl and tell her to get her arse home."

Arthur wasn't happy with his language while talking about his wife.

Darius shifted his black leather bag to the other shoulder and tapped his matching black Gucci shoe on Arthur's office floor. "Come now Arthur, again I don't have all day." he said spitefully.

They stared at each other.

"Floo," Arthur said triumphantly. Now it was his turn to have the smug look on his face.

Darius wasn't expecting it and knew instantly Arthur was flexing his muscles. "Excuse me?"

"Floo Network," Arthur repeated. "We're not apparating." Arthur smiled feeling that perhaps Darius was right in thinking some of this could be a "situation comedy" as muggle "T" "V" fans referred to the funny presentations on their televisions.

Darius stared at him abhorrently. Slowly and scathingly he said. "I don't do floo." He enunciated each word plainly and clearly.

Arthur, felt victorious. "Well that's a shame then since it's the only way to get to my house." He picked up his very worn and tattered hand-me-down briefcase and tapped his Gladrags Wizard's Wear shoe on his office floor.

"Shall we?" His voice was mocking, his smile broad.

Darius shook his head. "Surely you can't possibly believe I'd climb in there!"

"Come, come now." Arthur imitated. "I don't have all day Darius." He held the briefcase in his arms so it didn't break open.

The smirk on Arthur's face sent Darius's blood pressure through the roof. "You're insane."

"Surely you've not forgotten about floo powder Darius?" Arthur walked to the hearth, picked the pail up and offered it to Adam's father. "Get in and I'll tell you what to say."

Arthur's condescending tone sent Darius' temper into orbit. "I've tried my entire adult life to forget it you brainless fool." He grabbed a handful of floo powder, wanting so desperately to shove it down Arthur's throat.

The Azetti suit, Gucci shoes and matching bag furiously entered the fireplace.

The Hat, the Witch and the Familiar Head
Author: Kairi
Date: 01-21-04 15:42

Kairi was quickly sorted into Gryffindor House in Professor McGonagall's office. Afterward she was taken to Gryffindor Tower, where her bags were transported after the sorting. From there she was given into the Prefect's hands and shown around the school and she also received her class schedule.

The Gryffindor Prefect was showing Kairi where the History of Magic class was and just as they were leaving, the bell rang indicating that class was over. Kairi and the Prefect stood beside the door as the students passed by. One of them caught Kairi's attention. She knew the back of that head, brown hair and spiked out in every direction could only belong to one person.

"Sora!!" She exclaimed jumping up and waving so he could see her, as she is very short.

Sora spun around and when he caught sight of her his eyes went wide and dropped his books on the floor under him as he ran to her. "Kairi!!" He wrapped around her in a big hug. Surprisingly not tripping over his feet on his way over. "W-what are you doing here?!!"

Kairi laughed. "My mom and dad wanted me to go to 'the best Wizarding School'. So we moved here, to London! Dad's a muggle, but after meeting my mom (who is a witch) researched the Wizarding World from top to bottom."

"Ahem." The Prefect was getting a trifle impatient. "Well seeing that you know Sora, I'll leave you with him." He smiled. "Alright! Thank you so much!" Kairi said before turning back to Sora.

Little Dolls...
Author: Devo
Date: 01-21-04 17:11

Devo sat down on her bed looking at her tiny little doll in one hand, the stitched eyes seemed to almost come to life. "Wow, whoever made these sure are good!" Laughed Devo holding the doll up to the light.

Just then Alexis walked into the room with a strange look on her face. "What?" asked Devo getting up.

Sight for Sore Eyes
Author: Sora
Date: 01-21-04 17:57

Sora was still surprised to see his old friend Kairi standing right in front of him. He gave her another hug, and then looked over to Tranquillina and Roane. "Oh! An introduction is at hand!" he said as he took Kairi's hand and dragged her over to the other two girls. They looked curiously at Kairi as they approached. Sora gave a big grin. "Tranquillina, Roane, this is Kairi Woods, my good friend from Hawaii." Kairi waved her hand. "Aloha!" she said. Tranquillina smiled along with Roane. "Right back at ya!" Sora's smile grew wider. "Kairi, these are my schoolmates Roane Eternal and Tranquillina Aemilius."

They all talked on their way to Gryffindor Tower to put their things in their dormitories. "So Kairi, what's up? How have you been?" Sora asked. Kairi shrugged. "I've been good. It's kinda cold here, but I'll get used to it." Roane nodded. "Yeah, especially if you came from Hawaii! Wow!!" Tranquillina smiled. "It gets pretty warm there doesn't it?" Kairi smiled at both of them. "Yeah, it's warm there all the time!"

Sora listened to their conversation without interruption. He was glad that they were getting along, but he couldn't help but think about the good old times he and Kairi had together at that nice warm place he used to live. Hawaii was his favorite place he moved to. He really wanted to go back there and feel the sand under his feet and the spray of the ocean upon his face and the feel of the wind against him with the sun beating upon his skin.

Sora was then shaken back to reality by Kairi, "Earth to Sora! Hello!" she said as she shook him slightly. He shook his head forcing himself to think about other things. "Heh, sorry about that," he said as they all entered the Gryffindor common room.

All's Ready
Author: Aaron Miller
Date: 01-21-04 20:00

I read over the note once more, even more pleased with its contents during the second reading. The missive is from Bluebell and Tulip, two sister House Elves who have been of great help getting Cloud's Kiss prepared as a teaching tool, to let me know that the manor and grounds are ready for use. I'd personally overseen such things as getting computers installed and making sure the phone system was working properly but other things, such as general cleaning, laundering drapes, and painting were overseen by Bluebell and Tulip.

Exited that the time is drawing near when I can share with my students that we now have a hands-on "laboratory" for Muggle Studies, I grab a sheet of parchment and pen a note to Professor Dumbledore.

Professor Dumbledore,

Cloud's Kiss is ready for your inspection. Please let me know when your schedule allows a visit. Bill Weasley has assured me his safety measures are up to anything you care to throw at them. We are both looking forward to your feedback.

Sincerely,
Aaron Miller

After sealing the note and sending it off, confident the good headmaster will like what he finds at Cloud's Kiss.

Meeting Kairi
Author: Tranquillina Aemilius
Date: 01-21-04 20:04

"Oh! An introduction is at hand!"

Sora pranced over to Tranquillina (still contemplating the soaring-to-the-stars-potion) and Roane, pulling a girl along behind him.

"Tranquillina, Roane, this is Kairi Woods my good friend from Hawaii!" He introduced.

"Aloha!" Kairi greeted them with a smile and a wave.

Roane and Tranquillina smiled and greeted Kairi happily. Sora and Kairi became quickly engrossed in conversation.

"It's kinda cold here, but I'll get used to it," Kairi commented on the way back to the Gryffindor common room.

Tranquillina smiled. "Must be," she said, "It gets pretty warm there, doesn't it?"

Kairi smiled and agreed, whole-heartedly. She shivered slightly as they all stepped into the warmer common room. Kairi turned to a dazed-Sora and shook him from his thoughts.

"How'd you two meet? Same town in Hawaii?" Tranquillina asked curiously, continuing the conversation. She juggled her books, switching the stack over to her other arm.

The Burrow
Author: Arthur Weasley
Date: 01-21-04 21:34

Arthur couldn't hold back and started laughing out loud. Darius' hateful glare didn't faze him. "The Burrow." Arthur laughed.

"The Burrow." Darius seethed and threw the powder in a tantrum.

Arthur apparated home and waited. Molly and Sidi apparated in just as he did after receiving an owl about his bringing the potion. "I warn you ladies, this will be nasty and not for delicate ears! Into the kitchen with both of you!" Arthur chuckled.

Darius' voice could be heard bellowing throughout the house as he shot out of the fireplace caked in soot.

"This has got to be the most degrading mode of transportation ever concocted!" He was livid when he saw Arthur standing in front of the hearth sparkling clean laughing his head off.

Darius rose to his hands and knees and looked up at him.

"You godless bastard." He hissed. "You lied."

"No," Arthur gasped out between chortles. "I said it was the only way YOU could get to my house and it is!"

He stomped into the Weasley kitchen yelling obscenities and threatening Arthur's life if he didn't stop laughing.

"Dad!" Adam jumped up and greeted his father and tried to help him brush the soot away.

"Oh God boy." Darius shook his head and waved his hand where his son's head should be. He pulled the wand out of the specially made pocket in the lining of his jacket. "Scourgify." Then put it away. He reached into his jacket pocket and waved the vial where his son's face should have been.

"And what have we learned from this experience?" The liquid sloshed in the large corked vial.

"Not to mess with potions and to store them properly," Adam's voice said in his head.

"Good boy. Now drink."

Adam drank.

"Is there somewhere he can lay down?" Darius looked at Molly. "He's not going to feel well for a while."

She pointed to the sofa.

"Later he can go up to the bed he's been using."

Adam laydown as he was told, obviously used to taking orders. He started to get uncomfortable then complained of head pain. An almost gel like fog swirled around his body undulating and pulsing. It was obvious it wasnÕt a pleasant experience.

Darius again turned to Molly. "If you don't mind Molly I'd like to take him upstairs."

"Oh! Of course, of course!" She emoted.

He looked from Arthur to Molly. "Would you mind terribly if I stayed with him tonight? Please?"

"Absolutely!" They both said in unison.

"I'll get you some blankets and pillows." Molly rushed to find bedding.

Darius again had his wand in his hand. "Mobilicorpus."

They moved Adam upstairs. He lay in the bed moaning in pain and discomfort all night as the potion restored what was lost. His father was beside him on the floor all night long.

A Late Arrival
Author: Sebastian Sjoblom
Date: 01-21-04 23:19

Sebastian gingerly brings his broom to a rest just outside the imposing wooden doors of the castle. He dusts off his navy blue traveling robe and looks up at the massive stone edifice and the spindly towers silhouetted against the cloud-spotted autumn sky, stolidly squaring his shoulders. He sets down his luggage, tucks his broom under his arm, and pushes the doors open with both palms.

"Here goes noth--" He is interrupted by his own pathetic yelp as he trips over the hem of his robes, landing flat on his stomach. His broomstick pokes into his side. Getting to his feet, he easily scoops up his trunks and suitcases in his left arm, for they have a Lightening Spell on them, and waves his wand at his broom. It trails behind him like a dog as he steps uncertainly down the stone corridor.

With his head tilted upwards, gazing at his surroundings, the transfer student doesn't notice a particular portrait watching him carefully.

"You, there!" barks a voice suddenly. Sebastian's head snaps toward the source of the sound: a portrait of a small knight on a fat little horse, waving his broadsword at Sebastian importantly. "Go no further, unless you want a duel!"

Sebastian steps back, peering at the gold plaque beneath the painting that identifies it as one Sir Cadogan.

"I'm a new student," Sebastian explains hastily. "The headmaster's office, is it around here...?"

"Ah! In distress, eh?" Sir Cadogan bellows, suddenly changing his bent from confrontational to heroic. "Follow me!" He waves his sword in an erratic circle, leveling it to point at the next painting in the corridor, and gives his pony an enthusiastic kick. It takes off at a gallop, and Sebastian, realizing that the portrait is leading him to the headmaster, takes off after it with a start, his broom trailing behind.

He bounds up the staircase three steps at a time, follows the winding corridors, and finally arrives at a statue of a gargoyle, across the hall from which Sir Cadogan's pony whinnies and rears up, almost throwing the stout knight.

"There you are!" Sir Cadogan says with a nod of finality. "And remember to address him as Headmaster Dumbledore!" Sebastian pauses to catch his breath.

"Wait!" he says feebly, raising his arm, but Sir Cadogan is galloping across paintings into the distance and Sebastian has no idea where the headmaster's office is. He looks up at the statue's threatening visage and sighs, slumping against a wall resignedly. His luggage tumbles to the stone floor.

"You know what I would like right now?" he asks the unhearing broom floating beside him unconcernedly. His eyes drift closed. "A bag of lemon sherbets." As soon as the words pass his lips, his eyes open at the sound of stone grinding on stone, and he hastily gathers his luggage into his arms and scrambles to his feet. The gargoyle moves completely aside, revealing a hidden door. He stares at the wooden door dumbly, then gathers his senses all of a sudden and pulls it open with his free hand.

He steps onto the moving staircase uncertainly, letting it carry him into the magnificent circular room. His eyes are distracted by all the curious little devices, and he meets the eyes of a caged phoenix for a moment. Hearing a tittering and muttering, he looks up at the portraits of headmasters and mistresses lining the walls, though most of them seem to be napping.

"Ah..." he says, and explains himself meekly. "I'm Sebastian Sjöblom, and I just transferred here, and I'm looking for Headmaster Dumbledore...." He shuffles his feet, his eyes wandering across all the whirring, puffing, fanciful things whose meanings he could not imagine, and coughs.