She Done Him
Wrong
Author: Majandra
Date: 09-22-02 19:25
Majandra stares at the food on her plate but doesn't really see it. Instead, she's once again running through her mind the conversation with George in the Gryffindor common room a short while ago. Majandra had been pleasantly surprised to hear from Fred that not only had George willingly agreed to talk to them but that George and he had already spoken. It was Majandra's turn to speak with him.
Encouraged that things seem to have gone well for Fred and spurred on by the fact that there was no way of knowing how long the common room would be remain virtually empty, Majandra had hurried down. There was an awkward silence as she came to a halt in front of George. Majandra has badly wanted to take his hand, give him a hug but held back, not wanting to overstep a boundary no longer hers to break.
They'd stiffly sat in opposite facing chairs, looking anywhere but at each other. Knowing it was her place to speak first, after a few long seconds, Majandra took a deep breath, turned her gaze directly on George then managed to get her mouth working to speak.
"George, I am so sorry! There is no excuse for what I did. I don't even know why I acted that way. It was similar to all those bizarre crushes in that I literally couldn't help myself. This little voice would tell me how wrong it all was but it was like I had no choice. I like Fred and always have, but it's you I care about, George. I fell for you the night of the Snow Ball and being your girlfriend has been wonderful. I don't know why I hurt you but I did. There aren't enough words to express how sorry I am and while I don't expect forgiveness, please don't hate me."
Majandra had been fighting back tears as she spoke and hadn't realized one had rolled down her cheek until George learned over, reached out and gently wiped the tear away.
"I don't hate you, Majandra, and actually, I do forgive you. Just don't expect us to go right back to the point where we'd been a month ago. I was hurt. I am still hurt. Let's start over as friends. Take things slowly from there. That's the best offer I can make right now."
Majandra, thinking she'd start bawling if she tried to speak, had sniffed and nodded her head. She'd been so concerned that George hated her. The relief she felt at hearing his offer to start over brought on a flood of emotion.
They were saved from having to figure out what else to say when a wave of students entered the common room. Several made mention of being hungry so it was decided that since no prefect was around to escort them, everyone would go down to the Great Hall in one big group. The Twins and Majandra decided that then was as good a time as any to go to lunch and after the boys had grabbed their books for their last two classes at Hogwarts and Majandra picked up something to study for tomorrow's O.W.L.s, the group was off to the Great Hall.
Now, well over an hour later, Majandra still hasn't been able to concentrate on lunch nor has she cracked open the book she brought with her. All she can think about is wanting to make the hurt and sorrow in George's eyes go away.
Heh Peshaww!
Author: Argus Filch
Date: 09-22-02 20:06
"Heh Pshaww!" said Caretaker Argus Filch as he mopped the Great Hall...
"I can't wait until these rotten little guttersnipes go home for the summer!"
"For if it were up to me I'd have all the troublemakers hanging by their thumbs in the dungeons! Grrr...in a perfect world, Peeves would be down there too."
SMASH!
Groan. "I'd bet that's Peeves now! Lemme get the Baron!"
Filch scooped up Mrs Norris. "Come my sweet. We may have Peeves right where I want him! Hehe."
Filch walked off in search of the Bloody Baron of Slytherin...
What's the
Point?
Author: Eileen
Date: 09-22-02 20:08
I desperately try to study for exams, but my concentration is. . .well. . .lacking to say the least. It was one thing at Christmas when Bill disappeared, I didn't know Bill, but I still felt badly for my good friends, Fred and George. Harry's disappearance, however, is totally different. I always thought Harry could get out of anything. He even survived the Dark Lord's murder attempt four times, including the Triwizard tragedy last year. To make matters worse I can't even get into my usual mischief with Fred and George and Lee. That is one thing that always kept my mind busy. Now I can't even do that.
Ordered In
Author: Charlie Weasley
Date: 09-22-02 20:19
Charlie wasn't even sure how it happened, but it did. It stared with a simple conversation over purple, painted toenails, and moved to Romania over Butterbeer. She pointed out the foam on his mouth and wiped it off with her thumb.
Their eyes met. Charlie set his bottle down carefully and raised his hand up to take Helena's hand which was still on his cheek. He kissed her soft thumb, then her palm, and gently, her put his other hand around Helena's neck, under her soft, wavy hair. He leaned in and kissed her lips. It didn't last but a second, and they both separated to look the other in the eyes to make sure it was okay. Helena's eyes went from Charlie's eyes to his mouth, and she moistened her lips.
Charlie leaned in again, kissing Helena's luscious mouth, deeply. He ran his other hand up her arm and behind her head.
They stopped kissing and just held each other. Helena kept running her long, slender fingers through Charlie's hair. He nestled his nose in her hair which smelled like Lilacs.
"This is so frightening, but it feels so right." Charlie said, rubbing Helena's back.
She sighed deeply. "I know what you mean."
"Neither of us wants to get hurt again...: He pulled back to look her in the eyes.
She looked as if she might cry. "But, it feels so right."
"That's what I said."
Again, the two kissed deeply. They moved to their knees and a Butterbeer bottle went spinning on the floor, spraying the sweet, sticky liquid. Charlie's jeans got wet.
He ran his hand down her left side.
"Ahh!"
"What? What'd I do?"
Helena pulled away, her arm was wrapped around her stomach.
"That's not fair! I'm ticklish there!" She stood up and took the bottles into the bathroom to put them in the sink.
"Hey, wait!" Charlie sprang up.
She turned around and Charlie was leaning against the doorjamb, grinning.
"Can we do that again?" He asked childishly.
Helena slid her hands around Charlie's waist. Her head was tilted back and she was looking into his eyes devilishly. "I dunno. What do you think?"
Weasels in
a Snakehole
Author: Chyler Stratford
Date: 09-22-02 20:53
Chyler paced in the back room. Lysander had just run out there all nervous and antsy. Now, that's a good thing for that Weasel to see! she thought as she sighed, shaking her head. She sauntered out into the front room.
"What in the bloody hell-fire is going on in here?!" Chyler shrieked. "Do you have any idea how long it took for me to get those books organized on that shelf, Weasley?"
Bill Weasley paused and grinned cooly at Chyler who had brushed past both Julian and Lysander. Julian grabbed her arm, but she slapped it away.
"Do I care?" Bill said and he tossed another book onto the floor.
Julian stepped forward again and grabbed Chyler's forearm. "Chy, cut it out. He thinks he's on to something."
"I don't bloody care if he thinks he's on to something, or something is on him! It took me six hours to get that whole shelf in order! He's messing up my store!"
"Our store."
Chyler glared at Julian who shrank back. He knew that look. The 'Don't mess with the Queen' look. "You know what I mean." She turned back to watch Bill drop another book onto the floor. "Bill Weasley, if you insist on taking all these books off of the shelves, please place them on the floor carefully!"
"Oh, you said please. Well, that's a first."
Chyler looked like a scalded cat. Her fists clenched and she narrowed her eyes. Julian glanced at Lysander who was wringing his hands, nervously, and decided that since Lysander wasn't going to do anything, he would. Julian came up behind Chyler as she took another step toward the Weasel. He took both her hands, and crossed her arms across her chest, lifting her off her feet and taking her over to sit at her desk.
"I'm warning you, Sassy. If you don't calm down you're going to get it." Julian said, ignoring Chyler's squirms and stinging insults as he took her to her chair. He set her down. "Sit."
"But, he's–"
"Now."
Chyler stomped the wooden floor in a sort of temper tantrum and sat in the chair, pouting and glaring after Julian as he went over to send Lysander away from the sight of Bill Weasley pulling books from the shelves.
Lysander went over to the desk and waited with his wife as Julian stood watch over the Weasel who still pulled books off the shelves.
Weasel
Author: Briar Rose
Date: 09-23-02 11:51
Briar was busy in the bakery kitchen juggling five things at once, when just a minute or two after twelve, Adriana Fairchild came breezing in. Briar, who had thus far successfully avoided a one on one conversation with Adriana since Christmas, hoped the other woman was meeting Bill and that he would arrive right that second. That, however, was not the case.
"Hi, Bill wouldn't happen to be around, would he? He's not at the inn."
Glancing up briefly before returning her gaze to the task at hand, Briar shakes her head no. "He's not here and didn't mention over coffee this morning that he was supposed to meet you."
"We didn't have a date. I have only a short time until my next class and thought I'd see if he wanted to grab a quick lunch with me."
"Oh, well. I don't know what to tell you other than he said he was going to be going around town checking security like Professor Dumbledore had asked. Bill specifically mentioned the bookstore though I really wish he'd finally let old grudges die."
"You know what those three can be like, what their backgrounds are. Is it really so hard to understand why Bill gets so suspicious of them?"
Pausing long enough to shoot a quizzical glance at Adriana, Briar picks up a cookie cutter and begins to quickly cut shapes from the carefully rolled out dough. "I have no idea what you are talking about, Adriana."
Adriana emits a low, throaty chuckle. "Oh come on, Briar. Up until we both went away, you and I spent hours playing with Chyler Thomason, Lysander Stratford, and Julian Valentine. You know exactly what their backgrounds are because they are the same as ours."
Taking another round of dough and aggressively rolling it out, Briar says in a tight voice, "You do have a wild imagination, Adriana. I never met any of you until I moved to Hogsmeade last year."
"You don't have to play that game with me, Briar. I know who you really are just as you know who I am, what my past is."
Adriana leans close to Briar and whispers, "There's no need to pretend around me anymore, Rosalyn Burnshire."
Hopping back suddenly, Adriana exclaims, "I've got to dash if I'm going to get some lunch and make it to class by one. Please tell Bill I looked for him."
Adriana rushes out of the kitchen as Briar puts the cookie sheets in to bake, slamming the oven door shut. As she moves over to work on some bread dough, Briar punches the dough down while her thoughts whirl.
She trusted Bill with her secret and he betrayed that trust by telling Adriana. Julian's right. Bill is a weasel!
Last Class
of the Year
Author: Hermione Granger
Date: 09-23-02 15:32
Professor Fairchild hurried into the room five minutes after class officially began and apologized hastily for her tardiness.
"I just had some business to take care of in Hogsmeade," she explained, wandering over to her desk to pick up the roll book.
A few snickers erupted from the students, as many of them figured that their professor had probably entertained her boyfriend, Bill Weasley, during the lunch hour. Hermione and Ron exchanged small smiles, although they found that not even this brief light-heartedness could keep them from thinking about Harry. Even Adriana seemed disturbed when her eyes fell onto Harry's empty desk. Her usual coolness faltered somewhat, and Hermione noticed that Professor Fairchild's hand shook as she marked Harry Potter absent in her roll book.
After gathering herself back together, Professor Fairchild began her last lecture of the school year. Since Muggle Studies was a subject not covered in the OWL exams, the class essentially summed up the entire year and briefly touched on what to expect next year, if anyone signed up to take the course again.
Before long, the bell sounded and Professor Fairchild dismissed the class. As per Professor Dumbledore's rules, anyone without another class to attend was required to go straight to the common room. Thankful for her prefect status, Hermione went with Ron to the greenhouses to get some last minute tutoring on Miss Logan's snapping dragons.
Best Men
Author: Aaron Miller
Date: 09-23-02 19:41
"Well, will you?" Bernie asks, his face full of eager expectation. Beside Bernie, holding his hand tightly, is Andie, the look on her face a mirror of his.
I grin at them both as I rise, hand outstretched. Taking Bernie's hand I shake it in congratulations then bend down to kiss Andie's glowing cheek. "Of course I'll be your best man! I'm honored you asked."
I retake my seat while asking, "Have you set a date yet?"
Andie and Bernie nod in unison but Bernie lets Andie answer. "Saturday, August 10th. My mother wants us to wait till next year to give her plenty of time to plan and organize a huge blowout, but that's not what Bernie and I want."
Bernie vigorously shakes his head up and down in agreement. "We've already made alot of the plans for what we want. Pretty much now we're down to asking a few people to be attendants and making the public announcement. Oh, and sending out invitations closer to the wedding."
Bernie pauses to glance once more at his open menu before decisively snapping it closed. "Aaron, do you think Bill would agree to be an usher?"
"I can't see why not. I think he'd be thrilled to be asked."
Andie claps her hands in delight. "Well, that's settled then. Now let's order, boys, I'm starving!"
Re: the Search
for Dierna
Author: Dierna ní Cíaran
Date: 09-23-02 20:08
Michael pushed the owls off his desk. They seemed to be getting more each day, and he was being very selective about which he responded to. HE read most of them, threw a handful to the fire and replies to only a select few. No, he doesn't know what has happened to Harry Potter, no, he doesn't think Harry is dead. No, he hasn't any idea what happened to Dierna ni Ciaran either, and no, he doesn't think she is dead. Yes, of course he's trying to find out. etc etc.
There was one person he did wand to hear from, and that was Albus Dumbledore. He fishes through a drawer and find a blank parchment and paper and writes:
Sir,
I am writing in Dierna's stead, knowing she'd want me to. The head auror has been missing for several months now and has appointed me her deputy, and acting chief auror in her absence.
I wish to assure you that I have all the aurors now currently not on assignments are looking to find Harry Potter and Remus Lupin is seeking Dierna. I will be sure to keep you informed of any developments. Please don't hesitate to send an owl if I can be of any further assistance.
With respect,
Michael Turin,
Acting Head Auror.
Michael attaches the note to an owl and sends it off to Hogwarts. Then he begins to go through the messages and paperwork for that day.
{Location Unknown}:
Harassing Harry
Author: Voldemort
Date: 09-23-02 20:56
I walk about the place I have taken over in a state of triumph. Finally, finally I have Harry Potter. And on top of that, I also still have the head auror, who has been a thorn since the start.
For now, I keep them alive. It's good to keep the ministry guessing and searching in all the wrong places for the two of them.
I walk over to where Harry Potter is being held.
"Are you wondering why I haven't killed you yet, Harry?" I speak quietly, dangerously. "Let me tell you why. I want you to suffer, as I have, for the past fifteen years. Also, you are incentive for your newest protector to talk. She knows the plans, but refuses to tell them to me. Perhaps when faced with a choice between you and talking she'll change her mind. But most of all, Harry, I want to see you beg me for death. I want to see your will broken first. Then I will kill you."
What? Me Worry?
Author: Julian Valentine
Date: 09-23-02 21:10
Julian lazily leans against the end of one bookshelf watching Weasley methodically pull books off shelves running along one of the walls. "Going to clear every shelf in the store?" he drawls, a hint of smug humor in his tone.
Bill narrows his eyes as he stops long enough to look at Julian before answering matter-of-factly, "I just might at that, Valentine."
Julian walks into the storeroom then promptly returns with a rag in his hand. He tosses it at Bill who easily catches it. "Well then, at least be a useful chap and wipe any dust as you go along. I doubt there's any because Chyler runs a tight ship. White glove test and all. But you know how books can be, especially old, used books. Dust traps."
Smiling in that unconcerned way that he knows is irritating the hell out of Weasley, Julian casually strolls away and into the office. From a robe pocket he pulls out a stack of galleons and desposits into them Lysander's hand. "Chyler. Lysander. Go to lunch on me. Take your time. Go someplace really nice. Relax. Drink some wine. Enjoy yourselves. If you like, afterwards go to my cabin or go to the island for some quiet solitude to take pleasure in each other's company. I'll take care of things here."
Chyler and Lys exchange glances. A gleam already growing in their eyes at the thought of unhurried time together in utter privacy.
"You're sure about this, Jules."
"Absolutely, Lys. Go. Have a great time. Don't worry about the store. I'll get rid of the weasel infestation."
Chyler, much calmer than she was a few minutes before, wraps her arms around Julian in a big hug. Grinning like a cat who's just eaten the cream and the canary Chyler says, "In that case, Princeling, we may not be back until Sunday. Late. Very late."
Taking Lysander's hand in hers, Chyler laughs. "Let's go to our favorite restaurant for lunch and then the cabin for dessert. And let's hurry before Jules changes his mind. We don't even need to pack."
At her words, Lysander's mouth turns up into a grin wider than his lovely wife's. "Excellent observation, my dear. Bye, Julian."
"Yes, Jules, bye. See you whenever."
Without further words, the couple apparate out of the office. Julian, fighting the urge to laugh, walks back out into the store and takes a seat at the counter. Opening the Daily Prophet Julian doesn't bother looking up as he calls out to Bill, a chuckle evident in his voice, "One other thing, Weasley. Expect to be billed for the hours it takes to put the store back to rights."
Hermione and
Ron...
Author: Angelina
Date: 09-24-02 01:33
I just finished cleaning up and waited for Miss Fairchild to bring two students from her Muggle Studies to greenhouse two for a tutoring class I thought of the missing student Harry Potter.
I thought if the Dark Lord and how he could be the only one who would have a hand in his disappearance sense all the magical community knew of how Voldermort wanted revenge on what the boy did to him as a baby.
Placing two covered jars on the table and two pairs of dragonhide gloves along with two face shields I got up and went outside. I saw Miss Fairchild and two of the students I recognized from the Quidditch match. My mind raced as I went down my roll sheet in my mind and knew they were Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley. "Hello," I greeted as I stood there in my coveralls, green blouse and head scarf taking off my dragonhide gloves. "I was wondering when you'd show. The plants are in greenhouse two."
I opened the door letting the two in and thanked Miss Fairchild for their safe arrival. She seemed nervous and a bit giddy I knew what it meant and just smiled. "Thank you again Miss Fairchild I'll take it from here." The young woman gave a smile and headed back up the hill.
Letter to
a Certain Belladonna
Author: John 1st Duke of Marlborough
Date: 09-24-02 06:49
Dearest, precious rare flower of mine.
I fully am aware of your rather delicate situation, and trust me on my gentleman's oath of honor: I shall not conduct myself in any manners as to merit another negative appraisal of your aunt. I must, however, confess, I know your aunt Gertrude and will not be much in doubt about her hostile inclination towards me. You see, dearest, my ex-wife, that outrageously improperly behaved Deliah, is none other but Gertrude's cousin's child once removed, and I am not at all surprised she has kept it all to herself, that, in fact, she rather trust the vicious words of the tabloids and their infernal lies than own it up entirely to you. Deliah, to whom I was married to but four months, hurt me, as well as I may oblige the fact that I did the same towards her. Our match was more than imperfect, it was a sordid one, born out of certain people's ambitions to see through the creation of alliances. Forgive me, darling Bella, if I have been less than forthright about this, but, since our married life can only be called a mere malepisode or rather an unfortunate incident; certainly with no love lost on either side, I found the subject less appealing to divulge yet.
I know, however, that whatever you do, you will act with outmost prudence and clarity as to the objects.
And, no, you need not to beg forgiveness for leaving me at the ball. Since I know who commanded your actions therewith, I also know it was not to your liking or agreement, thus you may not blame your own innocent, dearmost heart, my sweet love!
And, yes, we shall drive yet a many more times in one or several of my convertibles, either fast or, rather more fitting on a sunny, bloomy day, in a modest, comfortable pace and thoroughly let in nature's sweet air.
I long heartachingly to be nigh you, sweetest one, last not long and give my fondest regards to aunt Gertrude (though I fear she may not reciprocate, but someone needs to raise above the shame of defamation, or...?)
Love you dearly, love you eternally, love you till I break
Johnnie
And...that birthday-present, well, it will come...
Thoughts
Author: Belladonna
Date: 09-24-02 21:24
Bella took a forkful of Welsh rabbit before turning the pages of her brochure, a schedule of the Royal Academy of Astronomy in summer conference. It seemed like there were many good lectures and it never hurt to keep abreast of the current happenings in one's field. She loved astronomy, and when actually doing her job, was marvelous at it. She was considered an expert in the field, often published articles, and had both Muggle and Wizard degrees.
She put down her reading material and fork for a second to check her mail. Roses from John, but he sent roses every day, not that she'd ever tire of it. Letter from her mother, reminding her that she promised to go to some estate sales and see if she could pick up thing for the shop, but that was expected. She went back to eating and poured a glass of wine.
It was sad to think that in less than a week, dust sheets would be placed over everything in her office, her window seat would have the silken pillow removed, her stain glass windows would be closed, and her living quarters would be a mess. Well, not a mess as the place was well cleaned before she left. More like empty: bed stripped, linens packed in the closet with sprigs of lavender between the folds, closet doors locked and closed, same thing for her trunks, and just without the presence of anyone there.
Course, Hogwarts was deserted in the summer. Sometimes, not even Dumbledore was there. All the professors left to various homes, or she assumed they did. Some had families, others didn't. She never was able to figure out what McGonegall or Snape did during the summers.
Well, everyone needed summers off, that was for sure. Finishing writing the exams made her think in a rather gloomy mood. Sure, she'd be off for the summer, but there was still the End of Term Feast and summer was always fun. Besides, there was always John, so things weren't too bad.
She finished the last bit of her dinner and sipped the wine. Wonderful thought, John..... She'd plan on spending the morning with him and dashing off to proctor NEWTs before having dinner with John. After three hours in the damp, moldy potions room with a bunch of Slytherins, she'd need a stiff drink to warm her up and make her feel better, and something warm to eat wouldn't be bad. Maybe they'd apperate to that charming little inn in Vienna and eat there. Oooh...Viennese pastries!
Re: Thoughts
Author: Prof. Snape
Date: 09-24-02 21:33
Severus Snape strolled around the school, deep in thought of what has been going on for the past few months... Dierna was missing, and now Harry Potter's disappearance!
But Severus would only take action if he was asked to, but it didn't stop his concern...
Tutoring
Author: Angelina
Date: 09-25-02 01:07
I directed the two to the tables I had the covered jars on and they sat down. I knew their minds were elsewhere and tried to get them occupied on the subject at hand.
"All right," I began "I want you to slowly take off the covers to reveal what you will be working with." The two did as I asked and before them were two plants each with long blooms point out to the front two shorter blooms coming out of the sides and two dark beads that resembled eyes. "The plants are called Snapping Dragons and are very volatile to a potion used by Madam Pomfrey." I looked at Ron your sister Ginny had some of the potion I'm referring to last year."
I took one jar from my bench and sat it down near the two then pulled up a stool. "The potion I refer to is the Pepper Up potion that's what causes the person to look like they have smoke coming out of their ears." I then put my gloves on and then my mask and asked the two to do the same after they had done so I asked them to slowly raise the glass casing off the two plants.
"Now then I am going to show you how to control the plant so you can get the key portion its baby teeth."
Hermione and Ron watched as I approached the plant from the side and slowly reached under its chin as I did so the plant gave a sort of hiccup and belched a small flame. I smiled as I drew my hand away and looked at the two.
"One thing you have to becareful of," I said. "The little ones can only produce small bursts of fire but the adults can cause the most damage. That is why you need the gloves and the masks."
I then was able to get the plant to open wide and I showed the two its rows of sharp teeth. "Now what I want you to do is take your small pliers and carefully extract the baby teeth."
"If you have any questions or help I will be glad to lend a hand."
