Wednesday Morning
Author: Hermione Granger
Date: 01-08-03 07:49

Hermione's first morning class of the term and second class overall was Muggle Studies. Yesterday, she had enjoyed a leisurely afternoon hour in Hagrid's class, but was eager to finally get down to some serious business. She wondered what Professor Fairchild had in store for them this year.

Harry and Ron seemed less eager to attend the eight o'clock class, mainly because they didn't want to be cast in another play. "You two could have signed up for something else, you know," Hermione had pointed out over breakfast.

But in truth, Hermione knew that the boys didn't find Muggle Studies all that bad. They just needed another reason to moan about the class besides the early morning hour and the lack of sleep they had received the previous night. "That's what you get for going to bed late!" Hermione scolded playfully.

She wouldn't admit it, but she was tired too. Like the boys, she had stayed up late, although she imagined their reason for not going to bed hadn't been because they were diligently studying. Today, she still had it easy with just the one class in the morning, but tomorrow and Friday would be jam-packed with classes. She hoped the boys were ready for them!

---

Wednesday
Author: Remadi Ye
Date: 01-08-03 12:29

Remadi was actually enjoying her first few days at Hogwarts, which surprised her a little. Of course on Tuesday she only had two classes, Transfiguration and DADA, which happened to also be her two favorite subjects. She enjoyed spending the rest of her time studying, spending an hour on Tae Kwon Do and another hour on her Chinese fan dancing. Overall she had had a good day, even making time to talk to Rowena and introduce herself to a couple other Gryffindors. She had never been that active in seeking out friends. She went to sleep Tuesday with a smile on her face.

Wednesday wasn't quite the pushover day that Tuesday had been. Her schedule was packed, from eight until four. She starts out her day like every other one, getting up early and practicing her Tae Kwon Do before taking a shower and getting ready for class.

Her first class of the day was Divination. She quickly saw that this wasn't the class she had been expecting. She found a table close to a window and opened it a crack, hoping for some fresh air. Is she serious, is all Remadi can think of this teacher. It is obvious that the teacher is serious, though. Another fourth year whispers tips to Remadi on how to act and what to "predict" in this class.

Remadi happily moves on to her other classes, glad that she has Divination only once a week. Her other classes go fairly well and fairly quickly, without too much excitement. After her last class, CoMC, Remadi finds herself with her broom on the quidditch field, practicing her flying before it's time for dinner.

---

The shop has been quite busy all morning, with people popping in and out. Most were just curious to see the new place, but many of them purchased potions for one sort of malady or another. Others picked up supplies or bought Rune-making Kits as potential Christmas gifts. This is truly a welcome change from the past several weeks. I'm sure there have been more customers in the store today than in all the time since we opened. I was beginning to fear that I would have to take my losses, pack up and find some other line of work.

Now, in a brief quiet period, I take a moment to examine the cause of all this activity. I thumb through the coupon book prepared by Miss Briar Rose and the HBA. The one thing that catches my eye is the Cauldron Cake offer at Briar's Bakery. My mouth begins to water, just thinking of the taste.

"Tom!" I call to one of my Brownie helpers. "Could you please watch the counter for a bit? I have an errand to run." I fetch my staff and hasten out the door. Down High street a short way, I turn in at the distinctive sign. Stopping just inside, I inhale deeply. There is nothing in the world so enticing as the smell of fresh baked goods. I see that the lady is currently busy with customers. One is the Head Auror, Dierna ni Ciaran. The other is a handsome gentleman whom I have not met. I hesitate to interrupt their conversation, so stand and wait my turn, mouth watering all the while. Goodness! I am worse than that dog of Dr. Pavlov's.

Their chat eventually runs its course and Dierna turns to see who had come in. She greets me with a smile and signs for me to join them. "My dear young lady," I begin. "You visited my shop the other day, and I regret I had no time to really talk with you. After you left, I got to thinking... about the name, that is. It does ring a quite familiar bell. Some evening, when you're not otherwise occupied, perhaps we could get together for a Butterbeer at The Three Broomsticks?"

"And you, good sir. I have seen you about the village of late, but regret that I do not know your name." Dierna takes this opportunity to introduce us. I shake his hand with gusto. "Ah yes! You are the one who is refurbishing the old house. It's beginning to look just grand."

I turn to address the proprietor of this wonderful shop. "Miss Briar. All the way down the street, my mouth has been wanting one of your delicious Cauldron Cakes. These two young folk also have the look of Cauldron Cake connoisseurs. Perhaps we should make it three?" I tear out the coupon from my book and hand it to her, along with the requisite number of sickles and knuts. She hands us each a cake, complete with licorice handle and stirring paddle, and filled with a delicious, bubbling potion. Mine, I noted, was a bright green in color while the others were rather red. We continue our chat for a bit, nibbling the cakes between sentences and such. Soon, I realize I have been gone much longer than anticipated. I make my apologies and excuses, give my thanks to Briar Rose, bid the three a fond farewell, and hurry back to my shop to see what mischief Tom might have gotten himself into.

---

Wednesday and Classes
Author: Ledara Knight
Date: 01-08-03 18:31

Ledara had returned along with many of the other students, to Hogwarts. Classes had begun, and her excitement of finding out her heritage during the summer with her great-aunt, made this year's term at Hogwarts all the more pleasant.

Divination class was very informing, as was Charms, HOM, Herbology, COMC, and most of all, Potions. There was so much more to learn on this Wednesday.

Ledara met up with friends again. She wanted to tell them about what she had found out during the summer, but, had to keep silent. She did need to speak with Prof. McGonagall. But, how. Maybe after transfigurations class tomorrow. She had to give a letter to Prof. McGonagall that Ledara's great-aunt had written to the Professor.

Ledara was scared. She had discovered that she's an animagus. It had started before the end of the last term at Hogwarts. She had noticed her hands turned into cat's paws. But, through hard concentration, she could change them back. But, she had completely changed one night during the summer. Her great-aunt helped her with coping with it, and how to learn to control it. She knew Prof. McGonagall could help while Ledara was at Hogwarts. All she needed to do, was talk to the Professor. And Ledara was scared.

---

Of Plans and Possibilities
Author: Dierna ní Cíaran
Date: 01-08-03 21:18

"It can't be done, Miss ní Cíaran!" The foreman in charge of rebuilding Azkaban states as he enters my office. It seemed he had taken a closer look at the plans I had handed him the day before. "It just can't!"

Unruffled, and used to this sort of thing, I simply say to the man in front of me, "It can, and it WILL," and fix him with my commanding gaze. "The fortress is to be rebuilt exactly according to the plans."

"But how? The charm doesn't exist and . . . "

"Now why would I give you instructions for charms that don't exist? Talk to someone in experimental charms. That spell has just been approved."

He looks at me dumbfounded. I point to another spot on the plan where I gave instructions. "As for this one, it's in "Advanced Magical Defense, volume seven"." I point my wand across the room, "Accio!" and it comes to me. After flipping a few pages I find the spell I want. "Here, you may use this book until construction is complete. Then please return it to me. Oh, I want rebuilding completed by December. Sooner is preferable."

"December? But that's not enough time! Not for these plans and -- "

"That is almost a year since you started construction. The attack was right at Christmas. I Know, I was there leading the aurors and hit wizards." He looks as if he wants to argue more, so I press my point. "The temporary prison is full, and more dark wizards are being brought in all the time. You will have reconstruction completed no later than December first."

He seems to understand that the discussion is closed and leaves my office muttering something about, "Damn stubborn woman . . . "

---

Dreading the Day
Author: Annie Paul
Date: 01-09-03 01:46

I gotten up with the others in my dorm and I was apprehensive about the day. My mind wandered back to that one day when I was surrounded in the hall by three boys from Slytherin, "Mudblood," he called me and that face loomed before me at nights keeping me up at times.

I sat at the Gryffindor table at breakfast looking at the door for an opportunity to make a run for it when need be even if the others were around. Hardly touching my breakfast I wondered who I could talk to or trust about my problem when the doors opened placing my hand on my bag I was ready to rabbit if it was them but it turned out not to be them.

They came closer and I saw they were Gryffindors as well and they sat down at the table breathing a small sigh I continued to look at my plate then the door. My insides were turning and I couldn't take it anymore I put my fork down with a clank pushed my plate aside put my head in my arms on the table and began to cry not caring who saw.

---

Anna sat in the Gryffindor common room wondering what she should do for the rest of the day. She had her first classes yesterday with the first being Divination at 8 am and History of Magic at 9. Today she had no classes and had been trying to study and even get ahead since she knew that she had three classes on Thursday and another four on Friday. Just thinking about that made her nauseous and unable to concentrate on the books in front of her.

The common room was almost empty since many of the students where at their morning classes. Deciding to pack up her books and study material, Anna made her way to the library hoping that the quiet atmosphere would ease her mind and help her concentrate on studying and finishing her homework.

After finding a quiet corner in the library, she spread out her books and began to read. "Hello Anna," said a voice and Annabella looked up to see Gabriel Baine standing in front of her. "Hi Gabe! Finished with your classes already?" she said and moved her books to a part of the table so that Gabe would have room for his own.

"Yeah, I only had one class today. How about you?" he said as he took a chair opposite of hers.

"I didn't have any classes today and decided to study for a while."

Even though Anna had hoped for some quiet time to study she was glad to meet with Gabe again. He looked to be in better spirits since yesterday and Anna hoped that he was beginning to enjoy Hogwarts.

---

Comforting
Author: Oreileah McCoi
Date: 01-09-03 09:21

Orei had woken early partly because she had class at eight am. Though she didn't mind it much, given the handsome professor who taught DADA. She headed down to the Great Hall for breakfast and canted her head when she saw one of the other first years with her head on her arms. Orei walked toward her, stopping a few paces back to see if she could remember the girls name.

"Annie? Are you alright?" Orei asked, moving a hand to rest on the other girls shoulder. She sighed and seated herself next to Annie, wondering what could possibly have made her cry. "Annie? What's wrong?"

Orei lifted her gaze and smiled as she saw Brett enter the Great Hall, she waved him over, making sure he saw her, before turning her gaze back to Annie.

---

Classes on a Wednesday
Author: Lawrence Masterson
Date: 01-09-03 09:39

Lawrence got up early and dressed and headed down to the CR, and looked around for Vera, who entered the common room a few moments later. "Well good morning." he said as he walked over to her. "Care to join me for breakfast?"

She smiled and they headed out of the common room and toward the Great Hall for breakfast. They sat at the table and ate breakfast chatting about the classes they had to day. Today was his first day in Ancient Runes, and that is what he was looking forward to, simply because it was a class that would never be offered to him in Sydney.

"I have Charms first, then a break, then I head to Ancient runes, then I'm done until two. At two I have potions with Snape." Lawrence said helping himself to some sausages and toast.

"I've only got two classes today." Vera said with a smile. "Muggle studies first, and then off to History of Magic."

"I've got History of magic on Tuesday and Thursdays. That class is so boring. It was never any better in Sydney either." Almost as if on cue, Lawrence's black cat, conveniently named Sydney climbed into his lap. "Well, now how did you get out of the dorm room?" he asked, the cat only mewed slightly and nuzzled against his chest.

"Well, Vera, you didn't get a chance to meet Sydney. So, this is my mischievous, rather demanding cat Sydney." he said running his hand over Sydney's head, scratching her behind the ears.

---

After breakfast with Lawrence it was class time. Vera had realized that she forgot her book. So she had to race up to her room. Running as fast as she could she was stepped in the door right when the bell rang. Flinging her books on a desk, Vera tried to catch her breath as she sat down. "Sorry 'bout that Professor. But I am here on time!" Professor Fairchild nodded her approval and the lesson began...

After Muggle Studies was finnished, Vera headed to History of Magic. This is boring...She thought to herself. So boring in fact, the class seemed to drag on and on. Finally 10:00 rolled around and the bells rang for the end of class. It startled Vera cause she was on the verge of falling asleep. She jumped in her seat. When Vera was out the door there she found that Lawrence had been waiting for her. She hadn't had much sleep the night before, so after that boring class, Vera was exhausted. She practically fell asleep on Lawrence's shoulder walking back to the CR.

When they arrived Lawrence placed her on the couch and Vera dozed off on his lap. So, figuring he'd be there for a while, Lawrence grabbed a book and started reading.

---

Starry-eyed Surprise
Author: Fynn Greenleaf
Date: 01-10-03 00:49

With a resounding toll of bells, astronomy class ended. Fynn was just starting to get into the momentum of things, and focusing on his work- Astronomy had been easy to pay attention to, learning of new constellations, stellar arrangements and cosmic wonders- always intriguing to Fynn- since Cho wasn't in it- which at the same time, wasn't that good a thing. It was quite awful that their schedules differed- but then again, she was independent, intelligent, streetsmart and had a life of her own and Fynn didn't want to infringe too much on it. She definitely wasn't the clingy kind of girlfriend nor the usual beautiful dreamers whom Fynn favored- she was totally and wonderfully different.

Fynn got his books and said bye to his classmates, and then proceeded to take a walk- the long route, really, back to his dorm. This was one he was immensely familiar with and which, Fynn liked to think, only he knew- involving taking a large detour which consisted of traversing through empty old passages, full of cobwebbed pillars and where his strides would echo like a melancholic phantom's trails in the silence. He had found this path by accident- in his first year, when he frankly had gotten lost.

Now he strode that way, until the groups of students dimmed and he was quite alone. It was noon, but darkened. He walked a fair bit, and then chose a stone ledge where he placed his books and sat down. He lit up and the smoke curled lazily away from him in the warm air- redolent of solitude. He thought of how he would do well, and prove his parents proud- and maybe, maybe some spell could save his mother from her cancer. Though his father's face more than spoke eloquently of the implausibility of that happening. His father's face, lined and severe, once so kind and smiling, but aged now by ten years- yet behind that new severity there was something Fynn could plainly see- resignation. It depressed him to think about it any further. He crushed his cigarette and took up his books again. He'd probably go back and read, or write something, or talk to some people.

He was near his dorm now, in a common corridor. Fynn neared the corner, and heard a familiar voice- all too familiar, tinkling and musical, and very mellifluously clear.

"And then I told her, 'That's not possible, there is no such thing as Snoreskengoodle house,' but she kept on insisting-" Fynn found he was smiling, grinning really. He looked around the corner- And sure enough, there she was- Cho, lovely as ever, hair in some cute little arrangement which involved plenty of rainbow pins, standing with some of her friends- lit by the sun. Cho whom he hadn't seen for a little while but, as he now realised, and just having broken away from his gray reverie- he missed terribly.

"Hey," he said, and went up to her- in front of her giggling friends, the changing classes crowd, hugged her, and then kissed her, and meant it truly.

---

Re: Comforting?
Author: Annie Paul
Date: 01-10-03 06:41

I cried for a bit when I heard a voice call me name. Looking up I was it was one of the girls in my dorm Orei was her name and she signaled to another Gryffindor I knew was Brett. "Annie are you all right?" She asked again as she looked back at me.

Shaking my head I told her the events of the other day and gave a slight hiccup, "they three cournered me in the hall." I said "one of them looked like an albino the other two looked like gorilla's from a horror movie." I continued "and they got closer like they were going to do something then the one with white hair called me somthing I don't know what it means but he was sneering when he said it."

Brett looked at me in interest and so did Orei, "What did he call you Annie?" Brett asked I took a gulp from my cup of pumpkin juice and placed it back on the table my hands shaking, I tried to fight back the tears as I took a deep breath. "He called me a...a Mudblood." I stammered and I looked at the two. I noticed Brett had his hands clenched as I said those words I knew then it was something bad. "As they came a little closer Professor McGonagall came and took them to her office I know they'll try again I know how to defend myself in the real world but here that's different."

---

The first day, or so Veronica was told, was the always the worst, and in the unlikely event that it was, she was certainly glad it was over. Now reaching mid-week, she was getting her classes in full swing. She was feeling quite proud. She hadn't tripped over anything, or broken anything or knocked anything over since Monday.

Her teaching was coming along quite well. She tried to make her lessons informative and fun just to keep the students attention. She felt confident in this new venture, or at least more so than she did a few days ago. Arithmancy always was a strong subject for her and she enjoyed passing it along to the students.

Tuesday, she had demonstrated how to read heart numbers by determining the heart number of one of her Slytherin students. "His heart number is five. Five is the number of instability and imbalance, indicating change and uncertainty. Fives are drawn to many things at once but commit to none. They are adventurous, energetic and willing to take risks. They enjoy travel and meeting new people but may not stay in one place very long. Fives can be conceited, irresponsible, quick-tempered and impatient." This reading amused the Gryffindor students very much.

Day by day she was enjoying being back at Hogwarts even more. As long as things continued to run smoothly as they had been thus far, she knew the year was looking up. Maybe coming back wasn't such a bad idea after all.....

---

Transfigurations Class
Author: Alexis Black
Date: 01-10-03 14:34

"Transfiguration and potions, today." Azaelia said, "Five hours apart."

The Slytherin fifth years sat together at breakfast way too early in the morning.

"Good" Alexis said after a yawn, "I'll be able to do my potions homework before class starts this afternoon." Though Snape favored students in his own house, he was still a very tough teacher not above dishing out loads of homework the first class of the year.

At five till 8, the four Slytherins made their way to transfiguration, their steps lethargic on the many staircases of the school. They arrived early and chose seats in the back of the class together.

"We have this class with the Hufflepuffers, don't we?" Alexis whispered to Isolde.

"Yeah." She said disdainfully.

"So I get to see who this wanna be Slytherin one is, right?" Alexis had heard the story of the others' melodramatic divination class the previous monday and also about Jet Obsidian, the Hufflepuff who acted like a Slytherin. She had simply forgotten to ask who he was last class.

"Yeah," Isolde muttered, "I guess so."

The remainder of the class trickled in and Isolde pointed Jet out to Alexis. Now she could put a face to the name. McGonagall began teaching the lesson involving transfiguring a mouse into a piece of fruit. Alexis' partner was Azaelia, and they ended up having to hold the mouse down by its tail with a book. As a result, their cherries (which ended up distressingly fuzzy) were slightly squashed. When they changed the mouse back into itself it walked away with a limp.

---

New Problems
Author: Michael Turin
Date: 01-10-03 21:22

Michael waits while Dierna scanned the report, a thoughtful frown in her lips. When she had placed the file on the desk, Michael asks, "What do you think?"

"Sounds like this character is up to his usual tricks." An understatement like that usually means Dinera has an idea.

I continue: "He needs to be stopped. But he distrusts everybody. He is a likely candidate to join The Dark Lord."

"Remus."

"What?"

"Remus can stop Garou."

This really throws me off. "You've lost is, Dierna. Remus Lupin is no more a dark wizard than I am."

"True, but he IS a werewolf." Dierna says that in the same matter-of-fact voice in which she would say her name or the day of the week.

"WHAT? No way!"

"I have known him since my first year at Hogwarts. Took me three months to figure it out. Two seconds to decide I didn't care. He takes wolfbane potion each month so he isn't a danger."

Michael continues to shake his heads n disbelief.

"If you don't believe me, Michael, you can always check the registry."

"I will!" Michael shakes his head. "But don't you think its time we start paying him for all he does?"

Dierna winks at me and produces some papers.

Michael looks at them. "Do you read my mind all the time?" The papers are contracts, already signed by Justinian Gavel.

"No, just most of the time. Can you send a letter to Remus? I'll get the files ready for him."

"I'll do that AFTER I check the registry."

"Go raibh maith agait."

Still disbelieving Dierna's claim I do check the Werewolf registry and find Lupin, Remus. I take the file on Garou and head back to my office where I send a quick note to Remus, asking him to drop by the ministry.

---

Letter from Michael
Author: Remus Lupin
Date: 01-10-03 21:41

An owl flies into the house and drops onto my desk. After paying the owl, I open the note. It is from Michael, saying he has to ask him and Dierna at the ministry. The letter states that there are more problems and they think I can help. I get on my coat and head to the ministry. Once there, I meet with Michael and Dierna who explain the situation. "We were just talking about you," says Michael.

"You were?" I ask, wondering what they were discussing. "It's not true, right? You're not a werewolf! Dierna is mistaken for once," says Michael. I look at Dierna, wondering where this can lead then reply, "Yes, I'm a werewolf. I was a young child when I was bitten." Dierna gives Michael her 'I told you' look to Michael I look a bit confused at Michael. "Why do you ask?"

Michael then explains the situation: A werewolf names Lu Garou, who is causing trouble and is likely to try to persuade the other werewolves to join Voldemort. They want me to gain his trust and stop him. After listening to the situation I reply, "I'll do my best."

"Good," said Dierna.

"Thank you!" said Michael.