{Ministry
of Magic} Questions and Answers
Author: Ethan Somerset
Date: 06-17-02 14:20
"Of all the jobs you could take, why did you become an auror?"
Ethan leaned back in his chair and pressed his fingertips together. "Why did I become an auror?" He repeated her question to himself several times and then grinned and admitted, "You know, I've never really asked myself that question before. When I finished my schooling, I knew I had to find a profession. One that I would not only enjoy, but would also allow me to help our society in any way possible. There are many jobs out there that fit that category, I think, but I also believe that deciding to become an auror was the most logical choice. Too much violence and tragedy has plagued our world, especially in recent times. I want to help the good cause. I want to fight the darkness and see a peaceful world one day in which we can all live without a care or worry. That's why I'm here. To change the world for the better."
Dierna nodded, seemingly pleased with Ethan's answer.
He couldn't help but laugh slightly after a realization. "Had I known I'd be interviewed, I think I would have dressed a little more formally."
Dierna chuckled and answered, "No problem. This isn't a formal interview, anyway. I just want to get to know you better."
Smiling, Ethan answered several more of her questions, and even asked a few of his own. After a while, it seemed as if the meeting was coming to an end as both aurors were no longer discussing work, but other interests as well. They talked briefly about quidditch and traveling, and as Ethan prepared to take his leave, he asked two more serious questions.. "Is there anything else you need to know? Is there an assignment for me?"
Back to School
Author: Eileen
Date: 06-17-02 21:19
The first day of school seems endless. My first class, Arithmancy, is interesting but always seems long. All these numbers to figure out. Oye! The teacher does assign us some homework for next week. After class, I head out to the library to get some work done. I have quite some time before class, so I decide to put that to good use.
Thursday:
Charms Class
Author: Bronwyn Dewhurst
Date: 06-18-02 08:36
On Thursday morning, Bronwyn and Kendra quickly got ready for the day, ate a healthy breakfast, and followed the throng of students towards the Charms classroom. When they arrived, they found Professor Flitwick perched on top of a stack of books, speaking animatedly with a Slytherin student.
The two girls slid into their seats, placed their wands on the upper portion of their desks, and awaited for the class to begin. The only other class they had that afternoon was Potions, directly after lunch. Bronwyn was looking forward to the afternoon, when she would be free to socialize and gossip. Kendra, on the other hand, was looking forward to hitting the books and finishing up any homework she might have, as well as preparing for tomorrow's classes.
Bulgaria:
A New Friend
Author: Viktor Krum
Date: 06-18-02 12:47
Since New Year's Eve, Viktor has spent more time with Grigori on the pretext of helping his new teammate get settled with the team, learning strategies and plays. As he'd hoped, Grigori seems very interested in the fact that Viktor attended Durmstang, known for teaching students the Dark Arts. If all goes as Viktor would like, Grigori will reveal himself to be a follower of such arts (as Viktor has heard rumored). If that happens, Grigori might lead Viktor to his group of like-minded individuals. In turn, Viktor can alert Dumbledore's people. Viktor just has to keep reminding himself not to rush things or make Grigori suspicious. So far so good because Grigori wants to introduce his sister to Viktor. That seems very much like a step in the right direction. Realizing he's going to be late for meeting the pair, Viktor pulls a coat on over his robes and disapparates from his living room.
Herbology
Author: H Potter
Date: 06-18-02 13:08
As Harry listens to Professor Sprout drone on, he wonders if there is some plant that he could use to keep his mind from wandering. He's been thinking waaaaaaaaay too much about Ginny, in particular why he kissed her as he did and why'd like to hit a bludger right at Brett Kingston. Accidentally of course. Brett would be standing on the pitch sidelines watching practice and Harry would have to hit a bludger with his broom out of self defense. Then WHAM!. Poor Brett. Harry almost snickers at this thought but Hermione poking him in the ribs brings him out of his fantasy and back to listening to today's greenhouse lesson.
Potions
Author: Amerah Patterson
Date: 06-18-02 20:34
Potions has never been my best or favourite class. I gather all the ingredients and begin stirring the potion to make it thicken. As I try to concentrate, Snape swoops around making concentrating on the task difficult. I never work well under pressure, especially with Snape. I try to speed up the process without messing up too much.
{MOM Headquarters}
Debriefing and New Assignments
Author: Dierna ní Cíaran
Date: 06-18-02 21:44
The meeting concludes with Ethan asking, "Is there anything else?" and "Do you have an assignment for me?"
"That is all, but the aurors meeting is in five minutes, so I'll see you then." He nods and leaves. I pick up my map, and a few other things and head to the conference room.
************ ************ *******
I look around and count the heads, everyone is here, Ethan included, that should be here.
"Welcome back everyone. I have called you all to debrief you on the Azkaban offensive, and inform you of your new assignments. First off, I am very proud with all of your showing at Azkaban. We showed everyone that the British aurors are not to be taken lightly. I am now, as most of you know, the Head Auror and I am in direct contact with the Committee through his Lordship, the Deputy of Magic. His Lordship sends you all his thanks for a job well done." I pause to let them take this in, then resume.
"Twenty four of our colleagues were killed in the battle. I have already send official condolences to the families of those aurors. Any death is too many when facing Voldemort, but these numbers could have been much greater. It's a tribute to your skill and strength that, unfortunate as they were, the deaths were not more." We have a moment to remember the 24 who were killed at Azkaban. We all know the death is a occupational hazard of this profession, but that doesn't make it any less unfortunate when we loose our colleagues.
"Now, on to new business". I wave my wand over the rolled up map, it unrolls and expands so everyone can see it. " The X's mark areas of suspected or confirmed dark activity. The stars mark disappearances. I want the Muggle born among us to go undercover among the law enforcers of Muggle society - police, detectives etc. I want to you to be in charge of investigating the disappearances. I have paired you off into threes. Safety in numbers. Patrick, Conor and Catharine, I want you three to investigate Bristol. Nancy, Damien and Arnold, you're going to Exeter." I name off the rest into trios, sending them, to areas where dark activities and or disappearances have occurred.
"I want to hear from you every day, I don't care if you haven't found anything. I want to know what you did that day, EVERYTHING you find or don't. Don't leave any detail out of your reports." They nod, understanding "As for those not on this mission, I will have something for you to do soon. But I don't want to spread us too thin and be caught with poor defenses. The ones on assignment are chosen because they have the knowledge to blend in with the Muggle world more easily. That is all, unless there are questions, this meeting is adjourned."
Ancient Runes
- Thursday 8-9am
Author: Prof. Sorcha
Date: 06-18-02 23:09
Sorcha searched her desk. She shuffled papers around, looking for something. She was about to give up and leave when the door opened and a group of students walked in.
"Morning Professor," one of the kids said.
"Ummm...good morning," Sorcha said. Sorcha started to think and pace. After a moment, she got an idea. She walked over to her desk, and found the list of homework that she was going to start giving.
She hadn't given any so far that year, but now was as good a time to star as any. It was a list of assignments, meant to be spaced out over the remainder of the year. Still, there is no time like the present.
The class started, and Sorcha stood at the front of the room. She was about to speak when the door opened and Sykra walked in.
"Sorry Professor," Sykra apologized.
"You have been late almost everyday," Sorcha started, "I am going to take away 5 points from your house. I will take away more points until you arrive on time."
"What!?" half the class said.
"I am not lying, I will do it. Now where were we?" asked Sorcha.
The class started the days lesson. It was long and boring, not like normal. Some of the students also saw that Ailsa wasn't in the room, like normal. Just before the class was about to end, Sorcha wrote the list of all the homework that she had prepared.
"All of you, take a look. I want all of that done by next time. I know there are a few multiple page essays, and other papers, but I want them done anyway. I will be taking off house points for every assignment not completed."
Irritation
and Frustration
Author: Helena Tufton
Date: 06-19-02 09:47
Several days had passed and Charlie was slowly recovering from whatever had been ailing him. His stomach still wasn't accustomed to eating much, but his quick wits and temper were definitely back to normal.
"I've got to get out of here," Helena moaned, pacing back and forth.
Charlie rolled his eyes at her from where he was sitting on the edge of his bed. He held a small bowl of soup in his hands and was carefully spooning some of the broth into his mouth. "We've almost been here a month!"
Helena whirled around on her heel and placed her hands on her hips. "A whole month in this hell-hole with you! Didn't you say that we'd only be stuck in here for three weeks? If you ask me, our time is well-past up!"
Charlie set the bowl down on the end table with a thud and rose to his feet. "Helena, generally a quarantine is when there's an outbreak of some potential deadly disease. You showed symptons about three weeks ago, yes...and it's been about two weeks since your recovery." He continued in the way an adult would to a child who doesn't quite understand big words. "Every time there's a new outbreak, the quarantine starts over. I came down with this right as you were recovering, which means we've got at least one week left, if not two." Suddenly, his face cracked into a mischievous grin. He enunciated his next words so clearly that Helena wanted to punch his lights out. "Face it, baby. You're stuck with me and there's not a damn thing you can do about it!"
Helena's eyes narrowed dangerously. "We'll see about that," she finally said.
"Really? What are you going to do? You can't leave and risk exposing everyone else to the disease, you know." Charlie crossed his arms and watched her with a defiant smirk upon his rugged face.
In a huff, Helena tried to brush past him to get to her side of the tent where she could brood in private, but Charlie moved to block her path.
"Move out of my way, Weasley!" Helena spat, side-stepping him to no avail.
Each time she moved, he stepped in front of her. It was like an irritating and illogical game of chess, except for when the pieces collided with one another, one didn't destroy the hell out of the other. Anyone witnessing the exchange between these two could believe that Helena did have destruction on her mind, however. She eyed Charlie furiously, who kept her gaze but returned it with that annoying smirk.
"If you don't move out of my way, I'm going to knock you down."
Charlie held out his arms and answered, "I'd like to see you try it."
He had valid curiosity there. Charlie was broad-shouldered and strong, whereas Helena was quite petite. Still, she was a tough girl. She rolled up her sleeves, and then barreled right into him. Charlie didn't budge, though. She bounced right off of his chest and slammed onto the cold, hard ground beneath his feet.
Charlie started laughing hysterically and loudly, clutching his stomach as tears rolled down his cheeks. "Oh, that was classic," he managed between fits of giggles.
Helena slowly got up, dusting off her clothing and then brushed past him easily. She climbed into her cot and rested her head on the pillow, keeping her back to Charlie. Suddenly, tears of frustration started pouring down her cheeks. She wanted out, and she wanted out now!
Potions Class
Author: Prof. Snape
Date: 06-19-02 10:22
Severus noticed Miss Patterson seemed to be under pressure. "Don't work so fast! You'll blow something up!" he said glaring. Miss Patterson worked a little slower, and Severus walked around the classroom seeing that everyone was on task and not messing around.
First Assignment
Author: Penelope Clearwater
Date: 06-19-02 15:29
Penelope had been working at Channel 5 News for four days now. So far she was only doing behind the scenes things. Her new boss, Richard Wakefield, had been showing her the ropes. Next Monday would be her first day to sit behind the desk and report the news. She was going to start out by doing the 5 News Update at 13:00 and 15:43.
Penelope had been given the position of investigative reporter. She was lucky to have received the position. Normally an honor like this was bestowed upon a senior reporter at the station. In order for Penelope to be able to cover up the news when it because necessary, the Ministry of Magic had to do some manipulating to get her the position.
Penelope's first assignment, however, wouldn't be until January 20 and it would be watching a co-worker, John, go out on an interview, and then help him write the story. She knew nothing about the story.
Penelope only knew that she and John would be meeting the person at a coffee shop Saturday morning.
Wizarding
Paris: Sophisticated Lady
Author: Belladonna
Date: 06-19-02 16:39
Bella tried on the new hat to whistles and glances.
"Hmmm....love the way that lace on the edges stops right under your eyes, Bella. Tilt your head a little bit. No...the other way. That's it! Oh God, you're wearing to the christening! Not a guy in the church will take his eyes off you. Liam, when did you learn about women's hats?"
Liam, the much put upon family friend, smiled at the tiny baby in his arms before looking at her gorgeous mother and aunt and giving them a smile...especially the aunt. Then he smiled at his younger sister.
"Brigid helped. She knew just the place to go when Bella owled that she'd forgotten her hat. Really, it was all her doing. I just paid for it and do think of it as a gift, Bella. I'm getting such pleasure seeing you in it."
Bella laughed and tossed him a rare saucy look and laughed harder as he mimicked having a heart attack. At that point, Lucian came in to join his wife and find out what was going on. He took his baby daughter and shook his head.
"Poor Annabella. Her godparents are going to be at it during the christening and be laughing so hard that they drop her in the font. Just had to choose Bella and Liam, Cherie?"
He put his arms about his wife and kissed her on the lips. Over five years of marriage and the spark still burned brightly. He adored her and the way she was equally protective of their children.
He couldn't help but chuckle at his sister-in-law's taking off her hat and mock tossing it at him before giving young Brigid a look. Brigid quite admired her and Bella was quite fond of the girl. As for Liam....well that was another matter. Bella should accept his next proposal or shoot the poor guy and put him out of his misery.
"Cher, of course I had to ask Bella and Liam. Really, they look so cute together and Brynn and Dylan are Ian's godparents. You know, you two should get married and make an honest child out of Annabella. At least move in together. Hmmm? Liam's castle would be so much better with a mistress of the house."
"Sod off, Iz. She keeps saying no."
"What? Why should I?"
Both Liam and Bella laughed after they ended up talking the same thing at the same time. Funny. Unfortunately, Brigid broke the moment by shrugging.
"I don't see why not. I'd love having Bella as a sister. Might actually give me better grades in school being related to my astronomy teacher. Can I see the baby now?"
Back Home,
for Now
Author: Dierna ní Cíaran
Date: 06-19-02 20:37
I apparate outside of my house after the meeting, Ever since the Azkaban Offensive, I have spent only a few days at home. The rest of the time has been spent at meetings, and trying to organize the aurors. The open book on the kitchen table (beside a shamefully large stack of similar volumes which need to be put away) reminds me that I still need to get back to Severus about a protective spell.
Maybe he'll be so grateful that he'll do anything I ask without complaint. Maybe he'll be pleasant to Remus and the Gryffindor students... That thought, however, is so ridiculous that I start laughing and choke on my tea. Even Siabhra, my Kneezle, seems to think it funny, because she gives a look to say, "Ha! Aren't you the funny one," still snickering I put my cup away. "Sure, and maybe I am secretly working for Voldemort." I put the cup away and with a swish of my wand the mops, brooms and dishes to washing themselves.
I spend the rest of the day organizing my house, and promise myself that tomorrow, first thing, I will see Severus with that spell
Transfiguration
- Friday 2 to 3 PM
Author: Minerva McGonagall
Date: 06-20-02 16:23
Minerva McGonagall stood at the front of class, in the middle of the aisle of desks. She watched patiently as sixth year Gryffindor and Ravenclaw students filed into the room and took their seats.
She turned around to retrieve a textbook from her desk, then turned back to the class. "All right, class. Quiet down, please. Quiet!" She looked out over the shushing class. "Thank you."
"I hope you all did your reading that I assigned to you the other day, we're going to have a discussion on the chapters, and then I'll see what I can do about testing your memories." McGonagall said, hinting at the possibility of a pop quiz. A few students groaned and she glared out over them, raising an eyebrow.
"Look here," She said walking over to the chalkboard and picking up a piece of dusty chalk. She began drawing a diagram on the board.
"Can anyone tell me what this is?"
A few hands went up and she called on a student who answered correctly.
"That's right." She wrote someone next to the diagram and continued the lecture.
Early Friday
Morning
Author: Dierna ní Cíaran
Date: 06-20-02 19:46
By now, people are so used to see me come and go around the Castle that they hardly notice me anymore. Except for Severus, of course, he is never happy to see me. But that's his problem. And so it is that I'm waiting outside his office first thing in the morning when he arrived. "Morning!" I say brightly, ignoring his hostile looks. He looks like he'd like to turn heel and go the other way. "I knew I'd find you here. Why don't you invite me into your office and we can talk." That last sentence is really more of an order, just put more politely. Severus, of course, just glared at me with that hateful stare. "Don't try to dismiss me, Severus. You know it won't work, and I'll keep bothering you until you listen. You know that I will."
Potions
Author: Golbez Rushdie
Date: 06-21-02 19:55
Potions class passes on in its usual unpleasant manner. Professor Snape looks for reasons to take away points from Ravenclaw. Potion making requires concentration, but with Professor Snape breathing down my neck, I find this more annoying then usual for some reason, maybe because I just didn't sleep well. I just want to strange him or snap at him to leave me alone. However I just continue mixing and stirring, careful not say or do anything that might cause Ravenclaw house points.
Essays
Author: Aradia Forest
Date: 06-20-02 21:30
I rub my eyes and put down another chart for divination. It's not good, it's just not going to be good enough for Prof. Trelawney! She only gives A's to morbid accounts. Somehow the normal month the stars have laid out for me just won't do it. I crunch up the star sheet and throw it into the fire, and take out my Transfig. essay. Now HERE is a topic worth working on. I just have another quarter of a roll to do before this is done. I finish that quickly and begin to edit and proof read. I'm determined to get at least 98 in that class, and so far I'm not too far away.
A few hours later, satisfied (for the time being) with my essay, I put it away and decide to go outside for some fresh air. If I'm lucky, Cho and Sykra can come too.
One More Class
Author: Cho Chang
Date: 06-21-02 06:39
She runs in, skidding to a stop to find the book for her last class, waving to Aradia and running out, running as fast as she dared without getting caught.
[Jan 20.]
Finding Bill
Author: Penelope Clearwater
Date: 06-21-02 18:42
"We only have a photographer with us today, so you still won't be able to see how it works with a camera crew, but this will still be a valuable experience to you," said John in a professional manner. Penelope and John were now standing outside of the coffee shop. John held open the door for Penelope to enter. They walked to an empty table in the back to wait for Bill. They took their seats and ordered a cup of coffee.
"Oy! Looks like everyone is here," said an all to familiar voice.
Penelope turned to look at the person who's voice she just heard and saw a tall, red head with short hair standing behind her.
"Bill? Is it really you?" It came out barely over a whisper.
Bill looked at Penelope confused, "Do I know you?"
"Oh, Bill yes! I am Penelope, Percy's girlfriend. Percy is your brother." She said in answer to an unspoken question.
"Percy? That name was on my Christmas shopping list." Bill said as he pulled the list out of his pocket to double check.
A look of relief crossed Bill's face as the knowledge that he had family sunk in.
"I'm going to call your parents! They have been so worried," announced Penelope and she bounded towards the hall where the payphones were.
She glanced around her to make sure no one was around, and with a flick of her wand she apperated to the Burrow.
Penelope landed in the living room and called out, "Molly! Arthur! Where are you? I've found Bill!"
Molly burst in from the kitchen and Arthur came running down the stairs.
"Penny dear. Did you say you found Bill?" questioned Molly.
"Yes! Come quick! Apperate to London and I'll meet you inside the coffee shop. Here is the name and location." Penelope handed them a piece of paper with the information. "I will see you there." With another quick flick of her wand she was gone.
Penelope reemerged amongst the group and informed them that Bill's parents were on their way.
Moments later Arthur and Molly swept through the door and came running, they threw their arms around a startled Bill who looked apprehensive at first, but then began to warm up to their presence. Arthur decided it was time to take Bill home. Penelope went along with the Weasleys.
Bill was ushered out of the coffee shop and to the Leaky Cauldron. Once there they walked up to the fireplace. Arthur reached into his pocket and pulled out a small sack with Floo powder. He threw a pinch into the fireplace and watched the flames morph into a greenish hue.
Bill gasped in surprise, "Since when is fire green?"
Arthur explained to Bill that he could walk into the fire and call out Burrow and he would be taken home. Molly went first, and Bill followed. He was on his way back home.
