First Week of School

Back at Hogwarts!
Author: Eshmunazar Sirom
Date: 01-07-02 02:04

I was back! I spent the first day of classes putting my corner of the dorm together, and the second half of it chatting up old buddies from Slytherin in the Great Hall.

Yes, I did classes, but I never felt the first day of classes was worth more 'n getting to know the teacher and getting the syllabus, so I was content to leave it at that. I knew the studies in the long term were gonna benefit whatever I was going to plan to do, so I did 'em.

So, anyhows, I was back..

Pink Pots and Potions
Author: Hagrid
Date: 01-05-02 22:25

Hagrid stood and gave the still an evil look.

No not "still".
Did I say, still?
I meant water boiler!
Yer know...big kettle type of thing.
Not a still...forget I said that.
What's a *still* anyway???

Hagrid stood and gave the large kettle an evil look.

"Bloody Muggle inventions...I dunno...ain't even got movin' pictures on the instructions...How am I 'sposed ter be able ter brew anythin' worthwhile when I don't even unnerstand the instructions."

Just then young Robert Blackheart hove inter view.

Just in case yer don't recognise literary genius when yer reads it that means Robert walked terwards me hut.!

"Hello Hagrid. I've brought my potions bag just like you...erm Hagrid what's that smell?"

"Ah Robert, just in time...it's gone wrong again."

"Oh dear," said Robert..."Perhaps we might start from scratch."

Re: Pink Pots and Potions
Author: Robert Blackheart
Date: 01-06-02 00:19

The smell from Hagrid's still (sorry, water boiler) was pretty bad.

"What exactly did you put in Hagrid?" I asked.

"Jus' a few cider apples, a bit a corn and a pot o yeast...Oh yer and a drop o' that Muggle stuff...what's it called?...petroly something or other."

Looking at the fire blazing merrily away under the water boiler I fought the urge to run like hell.

Re: Pink Pots and Potions
Author: Hagrid
Date: 01-06-02 00:58

"Petroly...ptroleam? What's the word I'm looking fer Robert?"

Funny, Robert begins to look very pale.

Ah well... "Nevermind," says I dousing the fire and emptying the contents of the WATER BOILER on to the grass.

Better
Author: Robert Blackheart
Date: 01-06-02 11:45

Soon, the fire under the water boiler is lit again and we carefully add the ingredients.

Crushed apples.
Hops.
Grapes.
Potatoes.
One dead rat (Traditional according to Hagrid) *Shrugs*
Quick fermenting yeast.
Certain bits and pieces from my potions bag. (Have to be careful, I don't want to get chucked out for inciting drunkenness...and anyway the formula is top secret).

Soon the amber liquid begins seeping through the connected pipes and into a large bowl.

It still smells pretty foul but Hagrid begins to look very pleased.

Just Like Mother Used Ter Make
Author: Hagrid
Date: 01-06-02 12:53

This lovely stuff is lookin' an' smellin' just like the cider me ole mum used ter brew. Scrumpy she called it and one small cupful could put a Muggle on his back fer days.

We take the lovely jubbly and pour it inter two separate bottles.

"One fer you an' one fer me," I tell Robert.

Robert looks a little dubious.

"Don' worry laddie, I ainÕt finished yet," I tells him and takin' me wand I cast two spells.

Alchoholicus mimimus I wave at the first bottle.

Alchoholicus MAXIMUNDO I waves at the other bottle.

"What was that for?" Robert asks politely.

"Tha's easy innit, low alcohol fer you...Fallin' down water fer me."

The Last of Monday by Midnight in the Tower
Author: Adam Higginton-Smythe
Date: 01-05-02 16:07

It was far into the night: nearing the instance where you suddenly realize it's wrong to say it's night, but strange to say it's morning quite yet. The still, unquiet night was shaded well beneath the Forbidden Forest which was filled with unheard, unseen activity in the brilliant darkness.

The six of them sat lazily about a roaring fire in the office in the tower. They had just finished their usual greetings and pleasantries, and now it was time to continue their business. Dumbledore sat with an all-knowning look on his face, McGonagall sat with a bland thought on her mind, Lludd Alfred was standing near the firing having only recently arrived four hours late to the grunt of annoyance by Ranala who sat upon a davenport with Adam sitting next to her. The light of the fire danced with shadows and flicks across their faces.

McGonagall spoke: "It was, or has been, a success to this point Lludd. No one, but those who must know, have even thought twice. The Ministry must be happy for that."

"It is more like the Minister," Lludd Alfred glanced back toward the others, "and he is not pleased in any way. Nothing can ever be done for Cornelius, so he is of no concern to me." Dumbledore shared the humor in that with Lludd in a small chuckle.

"I'm only concerned that something will not work like we expected. Everything has been checked for its reliability." Ranala looked at McGonagall as she said.

"From the moment they boarded the Hogwarts Express it began. Every morning at breakfast we add on another dose to ensure the effects last. Only those who need to know know, and that is primarily the essential staff here." McGonagall replied with reassurance in her voice.

"And the ghosts and such?" Adam asked.

"The ghosts here know as it has no affect on them. All of the ghosts and Peeves know... yes."

"Peeves!" Adam shouted with a start. Dumbledore simply smiled at his concern.

"Do not worry about Peeves Adam. He is well in understanding that he is to remain silent on this or the consequences will be great. The Bloody Baron has offered his services in watching Peeves all the day and night to make sure nothing slips on his part."

"Why would the Bloody Baron care of this subject?"

"We have not told the ghosts the absolute details of this, we've made it known that we are concerned so they are concerned.

The Grey Lady has gathered everything together on her own, but she is more an ally than any concern."

"Then everything is well. You will have to remain as you have been trained Adam."

"Yes. The training is there in you, and your schooling might as well be complete. Whatever you do though, do not remove your protection until necessary."

"As soon as the protection is removed this haze will begin to thin and the truth will be revealed. Make it last as long as you can, and be reluctant."

Another half an hour passed before they separated for the night. Lludd Alfred took on the expected resistance of Dumbledore at the mentioned of the International Wizarding Convention. They always found a common ground with each other and Dumbledore reluctantly enlisted his support finding the argument too great. Lludd Alfred and Ranala were off to the family's manor to the east, Dumbledore to this residence, and McGonagall and Adam traveled together in the halls.

Adriana's Arrival
Author: Adriana Fairchild
Date: 01-01-02 02:40

September 6, 1995

Hagrid was peacefully drinking tea in his hut, preparing for is next Care of Magical Creatures class, when he heard a determined knock at the door. If any one was visiting him at this time of day, it was sure to be Harry, Ron, and Hermione. But when Hagrid opened the door, what he saw almost made him jump out of his skin. There, standing in front of him was a young Muggle woman leading a dappled grey horse.

"Excuse me, are you the groundskeeper here?"

Hagrid stumbled, "Er, who wants to know?"

The woman raised her eyebrows, "Well, me, obviously. Look, I need some one to look after my horse–well it's not exactly my horse, but it's someone's horse and, well, it just needs to be looked after–can you do that for me?"

Still at a loss of what to do, Hagrid said nothing.

"Please, I'm in a terrible hurry and I promise I won't be long!" The woman placed the horse's reigns in Hagrid's open hand before he had a chance to protest. "Thanks!" And with that she ran off towards the castle, leaving a bewildered Hagrid behind her.

Finding her way into the castle proved to be more challenging than Adriana had anticipated. But eventually she found herself in what she guessed was the entrance hall. It was empty, although Adriana could hear voices echoing from the corridors. She stepped forward, "Hello?" No response. "HELLO!!!" This time she was answered with footsteps. Several teenaged children appeared from one of the hallways, all dressed in long black roads.

"Excuse me," started Adriana, "I'm looking for Albus Dumbledore, do you know where I could find him?" But the children just stared blankly.

"What is she wearing?" one girl said to the others, completely ignoring Adriana's question.

"She must be a Muggle," said one boy.

"Impossible," said another, "Muggles can't see Hogwarts, There's no way she could have gotten in."

Another girl laughed, "Well, she certainly dresses like one!"

"She talks funny," said another.

Adriana had just enough of this, "I said 'Excuse me, I'm looking for Albus Dumbledore, do you know where I could find him?' And I thought the British were known for their manners. Obviously I was mistaken!"

"What's going on here!" the voice of an old bitter woman cut through the air. The teenagers backed away immediately, allowing the woman to step through.

Adriana sighed with relief, "Oh, good, an adult! Please, I'm looking for–"

"Professor Lovett!" One of the girls ran to the older woman's side, "Look, we think it's a Muggle! Is it?"

"A what?" snapped Adriana.

Professor Lovett stepped towards her and started examining her closely. She looked at Adriana for a good minute before proceeding to give her a sharp poke in the ribs.

"Och!" shrieked Adriana as she rubbed her rib cage. "Hey, what do you think you're doing?"

The woman shook her head, "I don't understand it! Muggles can't be here!" She turned to the students. "Quick, one of you send for Dumbledore. I'll take care of this one."

Adriana's eyes lit up, "Yes, send for Dumbledore! That's exactly who I came her to–"

Professor Lovett pulled out her wand, "Obliviate!"

Meeting Dumbledore
Author: Adriana Fairchild
Date: 01-04-02 18:58

September 6, 1995

Adriana stood in the entrance hall of the castle, arms crossed, while the old woman kept pointing a stick in her face and shouting, "Obliviate! Obliviate! OBLIVIATE!" Ardiana seriously wondered if she had walked into an insane asylum.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity of standing patiently with a psycho old woman screaming in her ear, an older man appeared out of the corridor, with a long white beard and purple flowing robes. This had to be Albus Dumbledore.

Adriana walked towards him, offering her hand, "Hello Mr. Dumbledore, my name's Adriana Fairchild. I've come to talk to you about–"

"OBLIVIATE! OBLIVIATE! OBLIVIATE!" Professor Lovett continued to screech.

Again, Adriana had taken all she could take. Turning to that old woman, Adriana lost her temper, "Oh, OBLIVIATE yourself!" And with that, the old woman's eyes glazed over and she began mumbling, her short-term memory apparently gone. But Adriana didn't even notice.

At this Dumbledore chuckled, "Well, Miss Fairchild, why don't you step into my office."

Remembram Restoro
Author: Adriana Fairchild
Date: 01-05-02 08:18

September 6, 1995

Dumbledore sat down at his desk, across from the young brunette he now knew as the daughter of an old acquaintance, Robert Fairchild. On the way to his office she rambled incessantly about how difficult it was to find Hogsmeade; how everyone pretended it didn't exist; and finally, how she had to rent a horse from a stable outside of Glasgow, and follow the map herself. Dumbledore was thoroughly amused. "So, Miss Fairchild, what brings you to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry?"

"I'm sorry," said Adriana politely, "did you say Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry?"

Dumbledore chuckled, "Yes, that's exactly what I said."

"Right. Well, I'm sorry I don't get the joke, but moving on–"

"I'm afraid this is no joke, dear." Replied Albus, suddenly serious. "This is a school for magic, and you should know all about it. Your father–"

"My father was crazy. He never–"

"Your father is one of the finest wizards I know."

"Was." Snapped Adriana. "Past tense. He died three months ago."

The old wizard lowered his head, "I'm sorry to hear that."

"I wish I could say the same," Adriana said bitterly, although immediately regretting it. "Look, the reason I'm here is because of my inheritance. I have 500,000 pounds or dollars or whatever waiting for me at Gringotts Bank. Now, I searched all over London and found nothing. But if you do know where it is I'd really appreciate your cooperation. My flight home leaves in two days and I couldn't book a flight into Heathrow, I'll have to get to Gatwick, and I'm sure you understand what a pain in the–"

Albus shook his head, "How is it that you have no idea who you really are?"

Adriana blinked, "What do you mean?"

"Adriana, you are a witch."

Miss Fairchild shook her head, "Well, it's not the first time I've been called that." She sighed and then stood up as if to leave. "Excuse me, I think I've made a mistake coming here. I really should be–"

"SIT DOWN!" Dumbledore commanded, and Adriana quickly obeyed. "Did you not even notice the bit of magic you did downstairs? First you managed to resist a memory charm for quite some time..." Albus chuckled, "I don't know whether that was pure magical talent or sheer stubbornness–which is quite possible if you're anything like your father."

Adriana wrinkled her brow, "What are you talking about? You mean that psycho old woman shouting "Abracadabra" in my face?"

"That 'psycho old woman' happens to be a very well trained witch. And secondly, you managed to place the charm on her without the use of a wand. That's very curious."

Adriana sighed, "Look, all I did was yell back at her. I don't see–"

"You're either in complete denial of who you really are or perhaps still under the influence of a very potent memory charm from long ago... I wonder." Dumbledore looked straight at Adriana and uttered, "Remembram Restoro!"

Suddenly, thousands of forgotten images and memories flooded into Adriana's thoughts. Tears began to fall down her cheeks, and she finally understood.

Dumbledore smiled, "Do you remember your mother's maiden name?"

Adriana thought for a moment, "Potter. Her name was Anne Potter. But she died when I was seven."

"And that was fifteen years ago."

"Yes, it was." Adriana was surprised. "Did you know her?"

Dumbledore smiled. "Yes, but let's not discuss the past any further at present. There is a lot you will need to discover, but only in time, when you're ready. What I can tell you, though, is that you have a cousin."

Adriana was taken aback, "I...I have a cousin?"

"Yes, his name is Harry. He's a student here, but I'd prefer it if we didn't mention this to him right away. And now, I'm afraid we need to decide what to do with you."

"What to do with me?" Adriana looked startled.

"Well we can't have an untrained witch running around in the Muggle world."

"Oh, what is a Muggle? That's what some of the students were calling me."

"It's a non-magic person. But not to worry, you certainly are magical." Albus paused. "So, now I need to decide where to send you for training."

"Send me? But isn't this a school?"

"Yes, but only faculty and students live here–students between the ages of eleven and seventeen."

Adriana's eyes lit up. "Well, I can teach! I'm two semesters away from a degree from Columbia University–that's an Ivy League school, you know–and I only had to drop out because of Dad. If not for him I'd be a double major in English Literature and Latin, with a double minor in Philosophy and History!" She saw the blank look on Dumbledore's face. "Oh, I guess you don't need those subjects at a magic school, do you?"

Albus shook his head.

"But you can't send me away, not now! I have nothing to go back to!" Adriana looked at Dumbledore, desperately. "In the ten minutes I've been here you've shown me who I am and told me I have a cousin. This Harry is the only family I have left. You can't make me leave now!"

"Hmm...well, I don't think Professor Lovett is in any condition to teach after the nasty charm you've placed on her. And she's been begging me to let her retire but I haven't been able to find a replacement." Albus paused. "Until now."

Adriana beamed, "Well, what would I teach?"

"Muggle Studies," Dumbledore replied confidently. "You'll start tomorrow."

Setting Up Shop
Author: Briar Rose
Date: 01-07-02 20:50

Briar stood across the street from her soon to be opened business, located between Honeydukes Sweetshop and Zonko's Joke Shop, and assessed it with a critical eye. "Definitely need an awning over the outdoor seating area. Over the entrance too," she mutters to herself, making note on her ever growing list to take the necessary measurements for an awning.

The newly painted window looks better than Briar had expected. Crisp, professional, yet inviting. Just the thing to make people want to poke their heads in and check out a new shop. A number of people have already asked when the grand opening will be. And, much to Briar's delight, Honeydukes has already entered into a contract with her to bake some of the products for the sweetshop. They even hinted at making an extension between the two buildings for an easy, indoor access between the two buildings. If Briar's store is a success that is.

Briar slowly looks over the store front once more then looks up and down High Street before crossing to the opposite side. It has been years since Briar was in Hogsmeade but nothing about the village has much changed. Time, however, has changed Briar just enough that so far no one's recognized her. Of course, the fact that her name is not quite the same does help cut down on the possibility that someone suddenly will remember her.

Briar shakes her head to clear away old memories. Too much to do to make the grand opening date for her to get caught up in the past.

[Baliseon, France] The Beginning of Things
Author: Lord L. A. Higginton-Smythe
Date: 01-08-02 03:42

Baliseon was hardly a small town as the French had described it, though they were accurate when they mentioned it was beautiful. The town was rather a city in size though the population was small. Baliseon was nestled in a vale in the Pyrenees chain not far from the political muggle boundary between the nation-state of France and Spain. It was a site to behold and the initial reaction was little to the experience of being down in the streets. There were hundreds of houses in a quaint early medieval style. Nearer to the center of the city were two gigantic squares, one with an enormous basilica built to its side and the other with pleasant fountains of dynamic classical scupltures depicting wizarding and witching heroes and heroines with various large buildings of a unique classical-medieval style around it. Amongst various other large buildings and monuments rose three mammoth elliptical structures that were the newly erected Quidditch pitches. The last noteable structure from the distance was a castle of the period of the city at its beginnings. It now served as the administration center of Baliseon.

Lludd Alfred enjoyed the city from the instant he arrived earlier that week. It was filled with wondrous people, places, and pleasures. The basilica near the city's center was larger than he had expected and had a very charming classical feel about it though intruth it was very modern in its amenities. He was informed that this would be (as he guessed) the assembly place of the convention. The bulidings surrounding this square housed many beautiful hotels besides the basilica, so everyone would be within the same vicinity for most of the time (he doubted this though).

Things were moving though about Baliseon. The mayor, or maire, was a small wizard with a weak voice that made straining attempts to shout out commands as the jubilant citizens moved about making preperations. Lludd Alfred had been staying at the fascinating castle with the other High Council members who would lead the discussion of the convention, elect the Speaker, and set forth the regulations to ensure safe conduct throughout the convention. The French magic authority was training the wizard and witch elite guard that would be stationed everywhere in Baliseon, and know everything that was happening. Lludd Alfred spent his days with the newly elected Speaker though. He had two reasons for this: first, she was the most like him than anywhere there, second, he needed to ensure that she was completely agreeable with intentions so that the convention would surely fulfill his desires. This was not hard though, for this witch was almost as much a power grabbing being as Lludd Alfred. She was a Canadian whose powerful and persuasive voice made her the excellent choice. Her name was Kalgrie Iulok.