The First Visitor
Author: Adam Higginton-Smythe
Date: 01-01-02 05:49

Adam raced towards a short figure making its way up to the mammoth castle. As he approached his speed declined, and had she not looked as though her frail structure would crumble he would have scooped her up in his spread arms. A smile spread across her thinned lips as she saw him approach. When he was upon her she reached out behind his head and pulled him into her with an unexpected strength. She kissed his temple and two cheeks with a release of stored anxiety while he smelt in the familiar maternal scent. She took his head in both her wrinkled hands to get a good look at him. Adam's sparkling eyes danced about her face with happiness.

"You look," Lady Ranala let out a gasp of disbelief, "I cannot believe it works so well. Has it been well, your first day?"

"In that sense, yes, no troubles there." She knew what he was hinting towards, but decided it was no place to start to sort out minor troubles, "Grand mum you look very well yourself, but you have come a bit early. I heard of your approach though, and came out to look. I was rather surprised by it at first."

"Well then yet another fruit of the many summer labors! Have you heard yet a word of your Grandfather's newest project?" Ranala fiddled with his white, blonde hair as though it were come from years ago.

"I haven't Grand mum, what has the ole coot done now?"

"You'll hear soon enough, tonight." They walked back towards the castle, Adam's arm about her with a combined intent of support and swelling feeling melancholy. It was a pleasant picture, and Adam knew it couldn't have been painted more perfect.

When he became eight which seemed so long ago from now, the building blocks of his life and being suddenly began to settle into place. No one more influenced his life than his Grand mum Ranala, she was his absolute family and anchor. Where his Grandfather's political roughness began she was there as a cloak that covered him and remind him that he was special to, and someone knew how it was.

Research Till We Drop
Author: Hermione Granger
Date: 01-01-02 06:01

Piles of books were stacked and scattered across the large oak table situated towards the back of the library. Exhausted, Hermione and Ron sat with their elbows propped on the table and their heads in their hands. They had perused volume upon volume of books regarding the dark side but unfortunately, their tedious efforts produced no new information, causing both to feel even worse about the situation than they had before.

"What are we going to do about Harry?" Hermione whined, burying her head deeper into the palms of her hands.

Ron groaned and leaned back into his chair, propping his legs up on the table, "I don't know, Hermione. We'll have to visit him later and hope he's awake and able to tell us what is going on. I think only he'll be the one with the answers to our questions."

Raising her head, Hermione sighed, "I suppose you're right, Ron."

She got up and began returning the various wizarding books to their proper locations on the bookshelves. "I just hope he does answer our questions," she said after a brief pause.

"I'm sure he will. He promised you he would," Ron said reassuringly, dragging a particularly heavy book to one of the bookshelves across the room.

Unable to say anything, Hermione simply sighed again and went for her Transfiguration book, which now sat alone on the once cluttered table. Returning to her side, Ron took her by the elbow and began to lead her out of the library. "Everything will be fine, Hermione. Don't worry yourself too much."

She opened her mouth, her mind reeling with a sharp reply, but instead she decided to say something else. "Let's get some lunch and then let's stop by the dorm and pick up our books for Defense Against the Dark Arts and Care of Magical Creatures. I'll be sure and take good notes for Harry, since I'm sure he won't be ready to return to classes yet."

Ron tilted his head to the side. "Well, he fell unconscious several hours ago. It's possible he's already recovered, he is very resilient, you know."

"It's probably better he stay in bed until he's fully ready to be running about," Hermione said. "I suppose we'll find out if he shows up to class or not, and if he doesn't, as I imagine he won't, we should visit him after Hagrid's class."

"Sounds like a plan to me," Ron agreed.

The two Gryffindors continued walking in the direction of the Great Hall, shifting their conversation from Harry's unfortunate state to the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor.

Ouch! Did I Run into You?
Author: Australia Kingston
Date: 01-01-02 07:11

Australia Kingston was walking down the stairs from the Gryffindor common room, when she tripped over the last step and ran into a couple of familiar faces. She couldn't quite put their names to their faces but she knew she knew them.

As she slowly got up and dusted herself off with her hand that was screaming in protest from her chess match a few minutes ago, she asked a simple question. "Are you ok? I didn't mean to knock you over.

"I was on my way to the hospital wing so Madam Pomfrey could fix my hand. I'm terribly sorry that I knocked you over." The girl replied, "That's ok. We were on our way to the hospital wing ourselves. Want some company, so you don't have to walk there by yourself?" as she helped the boy up off the ground.

Suddenly their names came to her. They were the two Gyffindors her chess partner was talking about. The girl was the 7th year transfer student named Samantha Thatcher and the boy was the "famous" Fred Weasley, the master of pranks in the Gryffindor house.

Australia accepted Samantha's offer for some company because she didn't really want to walk the rest of the way by herself with her throbbing hand giving her trouble.

Lunch with Hagrid
Author: Dr. Armageddon Endikut
Date: 01-02-02 04:51

"How are ya?" Hagrid asked. "Good, you? What's this year's pet?" I asked. "I'm good. Thinking on another dragon, but a cousin of mine, whom I found out from my mum, sent me a terralupin," Hagrid said. "Ah, yes, your cousin, Herculina, in Texas," I said. "Had to track my mum who told me about her twin sister who told me about her daughter, Herculina, then next thing I know her boy Chris comes, I wonder why? Does he have a British godfather?" asked Hagrid.

"More or less. I know Chris has to find out who is his sponser, who could be his father or godfather or godmother," I said. I got a letter from Herculina today, asking if you completely gave up hunting vampires," Hagrid said a bit confused as well as serious.

"I did, the same year Buckbeak was railroaded, Lucius Malfoy replaced me with one of his neighbors the next day. I remember a day when some of the best in the classes we teach would be protecting Muggles and wizards from dangerous monsters, not tame creatures a wizard can't understand and handle," I said.

"Draco Malfoy whined to his dad because of a scratch he got fer insultin' a hippogriff. I told him not to insult one. I'm glad Buckbeak broke free," Hagrid said. "So do I, he was railroaded," I said. "I heard that kid was turned into a ferret last year," I said.

"True, you do know we can't do that," said Hagrid. "I know. I had a friend named Frank who had the same fate. We called him Ferret-face," I said with a grin.

"When did he grow out of the nickname?" asked Hagrid. "Never did. He was transferred from department to departmant, but at least someone knows the nickname. Arthur Weasley was fair to Frank. I think he is still there," I said. "Well I know his boys well, especially Ron. You can measure a man by how his kids are. They're good kids," Hagrid said. "I got Ron in my last class of the day. He's number six of seven, right?" I asked. "Yup, good boy, a bit adventurous, but he means well," Hagrid said.

"I know how a boy like that may feel," I said. "Right. You had a big family. Asister of yours was sorted with me, Georgia Endikut. She was cute," Hagrid said. "Too bad she died as an auror when You-Know-Who started out. She thought you were innocent too and liked you," I said. "She did?" Hagrid said. "Yea, she was just too shy to say anything," I said noticing a student Doug Teerbeck say hello to Aoife Wright.

Back at Hogwarts
Author: Remus Lupin
Date: 01-02-02 05:57

I take my place among the staff table. Having recently been summoned back to Hogwarts to keep a watch over things as in this area as a member of the Order of the Phoenix and should the necessity arise, to act as a supply teacher. I am honoured to have been summoned back and will do what is necessary to help at Hogwarts. Considering Voldemort's return to power, the more help we have, the better.

Lunch with Hagrid and Lupin
Author: Dr. Armageddon Endikut
Date: 01-02-02 07:37

While the students were talking, Remus Lupin entered and sat down. "Hi Remus," Hagrid and I said in unison. "Hi Rubeus, Ed, how are you? What are you raising this year?" Lupin asked. "Fine. Maybe a terralupin but I only got one. Maybe just have them share Spike. I thought you resigned because you were outed by Snape," Hagrid said chewing on a ham sandwich. "I'm here because Voldemort may come back to Hogwarts and make another attack," Lupin said as Hagrid flinched at the name of Voldemort.

"I lost my family like many did to that monster," I said. "I got expelled because of the brat!" Hagrid said pounding the floor with his fist cracking it. Lupin and I looked at him confused. "When I was a third year Tom Riddle got me expelled. He grew up to be You-Know-Who," Hagrid said. "Dumbledore needs all the help he can get," Lupin said. "Maybe he might go for a magical item under Snape's desk," I whispered to Lupin and Hagrid.

Lessons
Author: Jemima Tumbleweed
Date: 01-02-02 19:54

Jemmie looked at her time table for the term. It certainly looked like fun... she would really make an effort not to be clumsy and to make a good start to the year. Astronomy was her favorite lesson, closely followed by Runes and, of course, Herbology! She loved herbs, but any she tried to grow and use seemed to die on her. Oh well, there must be some hope for her - after all, she was accepted here, and this meant...She lapsed into her customary mood of solitude, oblivious to everything around her...

With a sigh she came to, and made her way to her first class...

Takin' Care of the Ladies
Author: Fred Weasley
Date: 01-02-02 23:57

Fred gingerly held onto Samantha with one hand, with is other arm wrapped around her waist. As he walked her to the Hospital Wing, Australia Kingston joined them, nursing her hand.

"Wot 'appened to your 'and, Australia?" he asked, genuinely concerned.

Before she could reply, they found themselves in front of the Hospital room with Madam Pomfrey already rushing them inside.

"Your head is bleeding terribly," she said, grabbing Samantha by the hand and leading her to one of the metal framed beds that lined one of the walls.

Samantha sat down on the edge, while Madam Pomfrey did her thing, wiping away the blood from Sammi's forehead and putting some ointment on the cut. She carefully placed a bandage on her head before turning to Australia in order to tend to the girl's aching hand.

Fred approached Sammi's bedside slowly and smiled weakly at her. "Feelin' any better?" he asked, taking a seat next to her on the bed.

"Aye, much better," she grinned and took one of his blood-stained hands into her own.

As they sat there, they found one of the beds to be occupied by Harry Potter, who was fast asleep. He moaned softly, stirring only slightly, before lying still once more.

"'E's gonna be alroight," Fred said, reading Sammi's mind. In truth, he didn't know for certain, but he hoped that whatever it was that caused Harry to be in the condition he was in, would go away as soon as possible. It just wasn't right for the first day of school to echo how bad last year ended.

The two of them shifted their weary glances from Harry and waited until Australia was taken care of before departing to get some lunch.

Deep in Thought
Author: Robert Blackheart
Date: 01-03-02 00:11

Robert sits at the table absently chewing his lunch. In his mind he thinks back to the summer holiday and the man in the red hat.

The nice man in the red hat showed him lots of things that Professor Snape had only ever hinted at... "I can teach you to bottle fame," Snape had said but he never backed it up.

The man in the red hat knew lots of things.

He had told Robert what a creep that Harry Potter really was.

Oh yes...The man in the red hat had shown Robert so much.

Doug Makes Another Friend
Author: Lostark The Rude
Date: 01-03-02 00:26

While Majandra was holding me in a bearhug, Doug got sick of Majandra's advances and went to talk to another Ravenclaw. According to Padma Patil the transfer student is Aoife Wright. "Hi my name is Doug Terbeek," he said. "She isn't very talkative. I wonder what is wrong with her?" Padma said to Majandra and I. "Maybe she hasn't met a man like my widdle wris wostarkie poo," Majandra said. "I'm not saying anything," I said.

Not Hungry
Author: Minerva McGonagall
Date: 01-03-02 00:42

On break for lunch, Minerva wandered down to the Great Hall. The older woman wasn't particularly hungry, especially with Mr. Potter on her mind. She hoped he'd be well. She took her usual seat next to Dumbledore.

He turned to her, eyes sparkling behind his half-moon shaped glasses.

"What is it, Minerva? You look blue," he said, concerned.

McGonagall shook her head, "Oh, I'm not blue, Albus. I'm just concerned about Mr. Potter. He had another one of those spells again. It just made me think that maybe, erm," She lowered her voice to barely a whisper. "That You-Know-Who might be about . . . "

Albus Dumbledore gave his long-time friend a quizzical stare, then narrowed his eyes a bit.

"Hmm, perhaps I should go and speak with Mr. Potter," he said, finally, stroking his snowy-white beard, then looked off over the house tables, precaution in his eyes.

"Well, it is up to you, Albus. I was thinking about talking to Mr. Weasely and Miss Granger to see if they knew anything, possibly," McGonagall said as she took her goblet off the table and began to sip from it. She set it down, then turned to Dumbledore again.

"I'm very glad Remus is back," she said, finally, and also a bit relieved. "It's good to see him again, and it makes me feel a wee bit better about the situation at hand, too."

Dumbledore nodded, thoughtfully.

"Indeed, Minerva. Indeed."

Lunch
Author: Isolde
Date: 01-05-02 23:26

"There is no possible way that you're going to be able to shove that monstrosity into your mouth!" Isolde laughed, watching Azaelia pile on an endless variety of toppings onto her already over-flowing hamburger.

Azaelia grinned and added some extra pickles to her burger, "You don't think so?"

"Well, now that I think about it, you do have a big mouth!"

"Hey!" Azaelia gasped, feigning ignorance. "I don't know what you're talking about, Isolde!"

Isolde giggled and shifted her attention across the room, her eyes scanning the joyful students sitting at the lengthy tables. She watched Majandra gazing starry-eyed at Lostark. "So, when do you propose we try to hook up Clara and Draco?" she asked suddenly inspired, resuming her gaze on her cousin.

Azaelia shrugged, "Whenever. We've got all the time in the world to make the magic happen."

"Pyrrhus is looking for them, for Clara and Tempest anyhow. We'll have to think something up for the loverbirds whenever he's through with them. In the meantime," Isolde began, shoving a curly fry into her mouth, "Let's talk about the rest of our classes."

Azaelia groaned, "Why?"

"Our remaining two classes for the day are Potions and Care of Magical Creatures."

"So?" Azaelia shrugged, stuffing the remainder of her hamburger into her mouth.

Isolde grinned, shaking her head, "You inhale your meals. Anyway, we've got Potions with Snape. Now, the plan," Isolde checked herself and lowered her voice to a whisper, "the plan won't go into effect until tomorrow, but that doesn't mean we can't have fun in class today."

"We're going to end up getting detention on the first day of school!" Azaelia exclaimed, spitting a piece of hamburger pattie across the table.

Isolde flicked the flying burger chunk off the table and replied, "As if that's something new for us!"

"You're right, you're right. And what about Care of Magical Creatures?"

"It's going to be crowded this year, from what I understand...we've got the Wunderkinder in our class." Isolde said scornfully, stabbing a french fry coil into the ketchup container.

Azaelia snatched the fry from Isolde's cold grasp and grinned knowingly, "Are you thinking what I'm thinking, cousin?"

"Do you know how much Draco would love us if we really got Potter and his little friends? He'd be eating out of the palms of our evil hands. And besides, being on Draco's good side is always a good thing, especially if it helps us speed along the little romance with Clara."

"Excellent," Azaelia exclaimed, touching her fingers together.

"Right. Let's get back to the dorm," Isolde stood, ready to exit the hall.

Azaelia followed suit, "Right, Isolde."

Isn Knit Lovely?
Author: Majandra
Date: 01-03-02 00:43

After the brief interruption by the others, Majandra turns her full attention back to her man. She smiles sweetly at Lostark. "A wand cover? Now why didn't I think of that? Here, I'll take the one you ripped. I'll fix it and use it as a cover for my wand. We'll match. I am so sorry though they didn't fit as socks. Let me just measure your feet."

With that, Majandra produces a tape measure, gets down on her knees and proceeds to measure Lostark's feet. She makes careful note of the measurements before moving on to his hands and head. "Matching mittens and a cap would be nice, don't you think? Blue perhaps. With cute little bunnies. Lots of time before my next class so I'll go get started right away. See you back here for supper, my widdle dumpling. Toodles."

With that, Majandra blows Lostark a kiss and hurries out of the Great Hall, thinking only of making a matching ensemble to keep her loveable Lostarki Warki warm.

Setting Up Another Plan
Author: Pyrrhus
Date: 01-03-02 04:13

Watching his sister measuring that giant idiot's feet, it was all Py could do not to fall over laughing. This scheme has turned out to be even more entertaining than Pyrrhus had hoped. And to think, things should only get more comical once Phase 2 is put in place. Now, to get things started on his other scheme. Py walks to the Slytherin table and sits down right between Clara and Tempest. Both glare at him for shoving in to sit as he did. Pyrrhus simply bestows on them his brightest smile and speaks in low tones.

"Hello, ladies. Now before you go and get all mad at me for squeezing in between you without an invitation I ask that you hear me out. I've been tossing around an idea for getting at that Mudblood Granger. I would require the help of a couple of fifth years and thought you two would be perfect for the job. Interested?"

Re: Lunch with Hagrid and Lupin
Author: Remus Lupin
Date: 01-03-02 05:35

"What?" asked Hagrid. "Years ago my father, Thames Endikut, stored the amulet of the transfiguration demon Eruh. Demon magic, very powerful magic, very hard to remove, or stop," Endikut said, looking grim. "Could it kill Harry Potter?" asked Hagrid very worried. "He survived the killing curse but I don't know if he could survive deamon magic. I think I should offer him some demon defense spells. It can help him," Endikut said. "He did a great job with the patronus charm," I remembered the wonderful patronus Harry casted then looked serious. "Ed, Rubeus, you know I knew Sirius Black, Peter Pettigrew, and the late James Potter..." I said. "You mean the late Peter Pettigrew?" Endikut asked. I told Hagrid and Endikut in great detail what happened on the night the ministry lost Buckbeak. After that, I explained the truth about the fugitive Sirius Black. "I hope I can prepare Harry before anything happens. We shouldn't move it. Too much of a risk of the demon merging with someone. I know you will hate this but I'm trusting Snape with it under his desk," I said. "Are you certain?" I asked. "I'll seal the trap with a password spell, only Dumbledore can open it," Endikut said.

Something Evil ta Do?? Yay!
Author: Clara Devaki
Date: 01-09-02 00:18

"Of course we're interested!!" Clara replied to Pyrrhus, her scowl turning into a grin at the thought of something evil to be done.

She and Tempest leaned their heads closer to Pyrrhus. "So..." Tempest started.

"Wataya got in mind?" Clara finished.

Concerned
Author: Remus Lupin
Date: 01-09-02 05:12

I take my place at the staff table next to Professor Flitwick. I can't help noticing that Minerva doesn't seem herself. She isn't eating anything and seems subdued.

"Are you okay, Minerva?" I ask. "You don't seem yourself."

"I'm fine," she says. "I'm just concerned about Mr. Potter."

"I know," I reply gently. "I understand. Don't worry, I'll be keeping an eye on him. The entire Order of the Phoenix is watching out for Harry. He's safe."

"I know," she replies. "I know you will, Remus. You and James Potter were close friends, and you took Mr. Potter under your wing when you were here. I'm so glad you're back. You will certainly be of help. You have the trust of almost everyone here.

"Thank you, Minverva," I reply. Hearing that means a lot to me. Severus merely grunts.

"The inner-eye tells me that the Dark Lord. . . "

"Oh, Sybill," says Minerva. "Surely you can say something without relying on the inner eye."

"Inner eye or not, we all need to work together," I say calmly but firmly, looking briefly at Severus who is still glaring at me.