Daphne's Bedroom:
Owl to Draco
Author: Daphne GreenGrass
Date: 11-24-03 09:43
Daphne woke up. She looked at the calendar beside her bed. August 31st... WHAT!!! She quickly got up and packed all the things she needed. Wait. Why am I packing? She then remembered her wand and let the magic do her job. She went to sit on her study table and looked for any sign of a letter but not a single one showed up.
"Ohhhh that git, Malfoy. He doesn't even bother to write me back. That spoiled brat surely doesn't have manners." She sat down and got a piece of parchment when her cat Mischa spoke.
"Tsk tsk, princess... Don't you know that he already has a girlfriend? That puny San-what's her name again?"
"Who Fenally?? I know. and that's why I hate her. Because she's taking Draco away from me. Now I can't even talk to him that much. And I'm getting bored. Maybe I should get a boyfriend too. What do you think?"
The cat laughed. "Yeah, I wonder why you still don't have a boyfriend. Is it because you still like that Malfoy?? Princess there are lots of guys who want you... bad... like that one down in the living room talking to your dad."
Daphne went to check who was downstairs and she saw that guy who followed her whereever she went.
"Mischa!! That weird guy's here! How could you know everything when it's my own house and I know nothing! I won't have this." She then put an invisibility spell on her and started writing her letter.
Draco Malfoy
Malfoy Manor
Dear Draco,
How dare you forget to answer my letter! Better give me a good explanation for this, my dear friend, or you won't see the sun rise again... See you next day at the train station... platform 9 3/4. Don't miss the train!
Daphne Greengrass
Critters
and Supplies
Author: Roane Eternal
Date: 11-24-03 10:13
Even though Dad's "Critters and Supplies" shop wasn't as popular as some of the other animal shops at Diagon Alley, it was definitely busy today!
"Last minute school shopping", Dad mumbled to himself, but from the twinkle in his eyes I knew he was loving it. I was personally glad for the distraction - it kept his thoughts off of myself. I knew he was a bit upset that I would be leaving for Hogwarts tomorrow, and that he would be by himself at the shop. I looked at it from a different point of view - that my leaving might give him the push he needed to get a social life of his own!
"Roane, can you grab some more cat food from the back?"
I quickly jumped off my stool and ran to the backroom. Tomorrow I would be on a train off to Hogwarts! I could hardly wait!!!
Remembering
an Old Friend
Author: Devo
Date: 11-24-03 14:25
Devo jumped off the silk bedding and on to the cooled wooden ground. She smiled as her owl Yiana flew in with many letters all addressed to her!!
She ran over to greet her owl friend slowly she patted Yiana and untied the letters one, by one she looked at who it was from mostly all of them were from either Alexis Black, her father or her mother over in Japan. At the end of the stack there was something new:
Devo Smith
Smith Manor
Hello old friend, I do wish to see you soon at Hogwarts. Can't wait to see your smiling face!!
Your Friend
She read over and over the letter but couldn't find any signature!! Who was this from?? The pink flowered envelope had to be a clue but what was it saying?
Philosophies
and Histories
Author: Nevvyn
Date: 11-24-03 15:34
"Philosophies?" I echo. "Do Albus Dumbledore and I share the same philosophies?" I scratch my head for a moment and then understand the root of her question. "If you're asking 'Do we fight on the same side of the battle?' I would say 'YES!' We both fight for that which is good and right. As to our philosophies... they are both the same and yet different. I suppose you could say we use different means to accomplish the same goals."
Seeing that we have both run out of liquid refreshment, I refill our cups. I also fetch a box of chocolate-covered biscuits from Bavaria. Resuming my seat, I continue my response to Sidi's questions. "I am happy that you have had the chance to meet Dierna. She is the Head Auror at the Ministry, if you didn't know. Many years ago, back in Ireland, I occasionally did a bit of business with her father. She's rather busy, these days, but she always stops by when she has the chance."
"As for my past and my teaching... well now, that's a very long story, and rather boring, to boot. Let's just say I am qualified in a number of areas; offensive and defensive spells and charms, herbology, potions, runes and runic charms, and even a bit of divination. I have spent much of my life in the import - export business, mostly magical items and supplies for the wizarding community. I've traveled over most of the world and lived in a number of places."
About this time, I see a curly brown head pop around the edge of the door with an inquiring look on the associated face. I give him a nod and he enters quietly and stands off to one side. Sidi's eyes light up when she sees Tom, and she gets a 'bubbly' look about herself. "Miss Sidi," I say. "If you would like to give your list to Tom, perhaps he can get started with gathering your needs."
Tom hustles off and begins collecting things. Sidi looks at me with great, round eyes. "Is that what I think it is?" she giggles. "Did I actually see a 'Brownie'? How did you capture him?"
I almost laugh at the concept of 'capturing' a Brownie. "Oh No, Miss Sidi! It's the other way around. They, Tom and his two brothers 'adopted' me, many years ago. I suppose they thought it would be interesting to follow me around and see what kinds of difficulties I could get myself into." As I speak, the other two lads poke their apple-cheeked faces into the room. "Do you think you could give your brother a hand?" I ask. "There's peach Ice Cream at Briar's, for all that help." With a dual nod, they are off to see what needs to be done. Sidi is slightly agog at the sight of three Brownies, picking her order.
"So! You said something earlier about a Muggle... 'Adam', I am thinking you called him. Is this the lad who caused such a stir a while back, preparing food in the Muggle way... without using magick?"
Biscuits and
Brownies
Author: Sidi Ross
Date: 11-24-03 17:11
"Yes." Sidi smiled and sighed at the same time. "That would be Adam. I'm afraid even in the muggle world he is considered a bit backward but he is a lovely person and has a kind and honest heart. We met in Jamaica when I was sent to study there."
Sidi couldn't help but turning her head to watch the brownies. She smiled at Nevvyn. "I don't mean to be rude, but they are most extraordinary! How on earth did you get them to trust you? I did not know brownies could form attachments to people." She spied the biscuits. "Oh you do treat me like a queen! I could get used to this." she laughed.
"Runes, I wish I could get that down. It's not one of my better subjects. Divination is something I am quite good at though." She looked down at her hands. "Herbology and potions I find quite fascinating and fun. Spells and charms, my magic would look quite different than yours. It's the same magic. It comes from inside. I just speak with a different accent." Her had again found the shell. She looked up. "I'm a Gypsy. Do you think I could learn how to use a wand?"
General Chaos?
Author: Michael Turin
Date: 11-24-03 17:56
Michael had barely apparated at Hogsmeade when a stream of people came running out of the library, screaming unintelligibly. "Now what could all this chaos be about?" He asks, partly to himself and party to the house elf close by.
"Blinkey not know! Master find out. Blinkey set up master's room!" Before Michael could suggest otherwise, the elf disappears. The last time he'd gone there to sort something out, the librarian had seen a young girl with a bruise on her right arm and panicked. Michael had pointed out that the Dark Mark is on the left arm, but the librarian seemed to think that a minor detail. Furthermore, the poor girl wasn't even school age, so there was no way she could have been a DE.
"What is the cause of this commotion?" he asks.
"Oh! Sir! Mr. Turin, thank goodness! That man over there came in asking for books on V-on V on."
"Voldemort?" Michae puts in, causing the woman to scream some more.
"Don't say that name!"
"I just did. So he asked for books on Voldemort. Why does that make him a death eater?"
"Well. Um. No decent person would ask for books on He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. And worse, he said the name! He didn't even tremble!"
"I did too just now. Am I a death eater?"
"NO! I would never suggest . . . "
"And have you ever seen a Death Eater cower like that?"
"Well, no . . . "
"And did he threaten anyone? Use any dark magic?"
"No. Actually, he didn't even seem to have a wand."
The Librarian was starting to go red now, feeling embarrassed at having these obvious things pointed out. Michael turned to the cowering man and held out a hand to help him up.
"Hello. I'm Michael Turin. Can You do me a favor? Can you please roll up your left sleeve and show me your forearm?"
Protect Mode
Author: Adam Sparrow
Date: 11-24-03 18:35
Adam didn't know what to do. He was so scared he couldn't move. People were waving wands and yelling at him. He didn't understand why they were so angry. He didn't know muggles weren't allowed to use the library. He didn't know you weren't allowed to say Voldemort. A man of obvious authority entered the room. The people yelling strange words stopped. The man came over crouched down and started to speak directly to him. Adam stared at him silently when he spoke. The people reacted to the man like the people on the street reacted to the woman who healed him when he fell through the window. This man would help him. Frightened and numb, Adam slowly offered the man his arm.
Shopping
As Well
Author: Coco Nutt
Date: 11-24-03 20:50
In a repeat of last year, Papa Wal chooses to stay in the Leaky Cauldron, drinking butterbeer and having a natter* with Tom and some of the other older men, while Coco and Pea shop for school supplies in Diagon Alley. Just opening the archway leading into the alley from the Leaky Cauldron, Coco matter of factly tells Pea, "We best make tha tin tank* our first, stop, Pea. Gorta exchange tha Muggle money Papa Wal gave us fer roight proper Wizardin' money. Least wise this year we ain't a Lilley and Skinner*."
After visiting Gringotts, Coco pulls her supply list from one pocket. She decides to start with the lightest items first and promptly heads to The Apothacary. A short while later Coco, having everything but textbooks, enters Flourish and Blotts. Despite the store being extremely busy a salelady immediately approaches Coco. "Here for Hogwarts textbooks, dear? What year? And might I say what lovely shades of blue and silver your hair is."
"Thank you, and yes, ma'am. Oi'm 'ere fer me fish hooks*, Oi mean books, second year."
Once the books are paid for, the petite Coco (and even more petite Pea) staggers out of the store laden with the texts and her other packages. "Wot say we get a cornet*, Pea? Oi ain't able ta see over me stack 'ere so lead tha way, please."
Craning her head to see the ground to one side, Coco follows Pea's small form to Florean's. As they near the outside eating area, Coco hears a very familiar voice calling her name. "Keep talkin', Fritz so Pea kin find ya."
A second later, two hands reach out to take the top of Coco's stack. Now able to see in front of her, she's greeted by the grinning face of her best friend, next after Pea of course. Putting the rest of her things down beside Fritz's table, Coco greets Fritz's parents then she spies his new broomstick.
"Cor! Wot uh noice broomstick, Fritz! Oi wonder iffin Oi kin convince Papa Wal I need one o' me own too."
Nodding that it's worth a shot, Fritz and Coco excitedly begin discussing the various broomsticks available at reasonable prices.
*natter =chat
tin tank = bank
Lilley and Skinner = beginner
fish hook = book
cornet = ice cream cone
Gypsy Magic?
Author: Nevvyn
Date: 11-25-03 07:37
"A Wand?" I reply. "Of course you could learn to use a wand! After all, a wand is merely a focusing device for your own magic. And, as you say, it comes from within." I take a sip of tea, and find it is cooled and undrinkable. I don't know how those Yanks can stand to put ice into it. I feed a bit of power into the liquid and it begins to steam again. Continuing on the subject of wands I caution Sidi. "However, I would avoid trying to use the home-made variety. Unless you know exactly what you are doing, things can go awry. 'The WAND must be matched to the WIZARD,' as Ollivander is wont to say. Or, I suppose, WITCH, in your case."
Sidi looks at me questioningly. "Ollivander's?... Diagon Alley?..." Use of these names brings no recognition from her. "Have you never been to Diagon Alley?" I ask. She shakes her head, somewhat bewildered. Then, I realize, this lass has come from Romania and Jamaica! She would have no reason to know about Diagon alley. "That is the main shopping district for the Wizarding Folk of this region. Buried deep in the heart of Muggle London. An amazing place! Almost decided to open my shoppe there, but thought Hogsmeade would be quieter... more restful. If you'd like, I can take you there and show you around. Introduce you to Mr. Ollivander, himself, and get you fitted out with a proper wand."
Suddenly, the normal, restful peace and quiet of Hogsmeade is shattered by some sort of great commotion, outside. All three Toms rush to the door and we follow close behind. A crowd has gathered outside the Hogsmeade Public Library, one of the quietest places in the village. There is much yelling and shouting, and epithet, 'Death Eater' is carried to my ears. I "Accio" my staff, and we stride out with great urgency to see what is the problem and if we can help sort things out. On arrival, I see the crowd has gotten ugly and is threatening to turn itself into a mob. Not by means of magic, but a natural consequence of too many excited people in on place. Wands are out and being waved about, with shouts of "Death Eater!" and "The Dark Lord's Spawn!" being all too common. I ground my staff between the cobbles of the street and, drawing on The Power, recite a calming spell of great strength. Waves of peace radiate out from me and the crowd calms quite quickly. Wands are tucked away and some of the folk on the fringe begin to disperse. "Can someone please tell me just what is going on here?" I ask.
A skinny old witch with a bad squint is standing near the door. She turns, with fists on hips. "'E comes in, big as you please, an' starts askin' all about 'You-know-who'! Usin 'is roight improper name an' all. Wantin' t' learn all 'bout tha Dark Lord, so's 'e could jine 'im, I s'pose! An' then, when Miz Marina starts shushin' 'im, 'e busts out wid a bunch o' dark spells an' chases us all out!"
I step up to the door, not knowing what to expect. Peering in, I see the welcome sight of Michael Turin, speaking rather sternly with the librarian. A young man is cowering in the corner, looking totally confused and frightened. I turn to the remaining onlookers and announce, "Everything is under control, folks! The Chief Auror's assistant is taking care of things. You can all go back to what you were doing." The crowd disperses rather rapidly, and Sidi joins me at the doorway to the Library. She looks past me and her eyes go wide with shock.
Hoping to
See Red
Author: H Potter
Date: 11-25-03 10:21
Harry doublechecks what he still needs from his supply list then leaps down the stairs three at a time. After making sure the house is secure, he enters the kitchen and grabs the container of Floo powder. Throwing a handful of the powder into the fireplace, Harry clearly states, "The Leaky Cauldron," then steps in.
The now familiar but still somewhat unsettling feeling of using the Floo Network passes over his body and an instant later Harry is emerging from the fireplace at The Leaky Cauldron. Harry checks the time then orders a frosty bottle of butterbeer. As he sips the refreshing beverage Harry walks back to where the entrance to Diagon Alley lies. Not even having to think twice about the order for tapping the bricks, Harry whips out his wand and quickly dispenses with the requirements to open the archway.
Harry bought much of what he needed in Hogsmeade, much preferring to buy his potions supplies from Nevvyn's than at the stomach turning, foul odor infected Apothecary here in Diagon Alley. Mainly Harry just needs his textbooks and a new cauldron and, of course, there is also meeting up with the Weasley's and Hermione, something Harry rarely passes up a chance to do.
Strolling down the lane, Harry keeps his eyes open for the familiar heads of red hair. They are to meet at a certain time in front of Gringotts but there's always the chance they're already here. If that's the case, there's no reason Harry can't join them sooner rather than later.
The Strange
and the Unusual
Author: Ginny Weasley
Date: 11-25-03 16:42
Ginny holds up a silver chain with a perfectly formed smokey quartz crystal as a pendant. "Ooooh, this is pretty. What do you think, Majandra?"
Maj sidesteps an aromatic display of lilac, gardenia, hyacinth, and rose scented candles, coming up on Ginny's left. "Yes, very nice and vintage. Look," Maj fingers the price tag, "it's very affordable. You should get it, Ginny."
"I agree!" Ginny says with a grin then manuevers her way through aisles filled with merchandise to find one of the clerks. A few minutes later the two young women exit the gloomy shop, blinking in the bright sunlight. With a flick of the wrist, Majandra checks her watch.
"It's almost time to meet up with everyone. Let's start that way, shall we."
Ginny nods and the two step out into the bustling Diagon Alley crowd. Ginny momentarily stops watching where she's going when she drops her head to adjust her new pendant around her neck. Maj's warning of, "Watch out!" comes a split second too late and Ginny collides with someone, knocking them both off their feet.
Rubbing her head where a bump is already forming, Ginny looks over to see who she ran into. "Jet! I'm so sorry! Are you all right?"
Jet Obsidian regains his feet with Maj's help then both help Ginny off the ground. "Yeah, I think. Though," making a show of rubbing his tailbone, Jet grins ruefully, "maybe I need to go to St. Mungo's and see if I broke anything. I'm not sure I'll be able to sit down on the train tomorrow."
Ginny turns an extremely bright shade of red and runs a hand over her own tailbone. "I know what you mean! I am so very sorry, Jet. If you truly do need to go to St. Mungo's, we'll pay for it."
Majandra, who'd just picked up a package Jet dropped in the collision, turns a worried expression to first Ginny then to Jet. "Should I go get someone to help you two or can you walk?"
Jet takes a few experimental step, wincing with each one. "A bit painful but it feels more like my pride's extremely bruised more than anything else."
"And you, Ginny?"
Ginny too hobbles a few steps. "I think I'll be okay. Good thing it's only my trunk going on the train tomorrow." By way of explaining to Jet what she means, Ginny adds, "I'm going by Floo to Hogsmeade in the morning after the train leaves."
Jet peers closely at Ginny's forehead. "Say, that's quite a dark blue bump there." He rubs his own forehead. "I've got a tender spot but no bump. Is there a bruise?"
Majandra examines the spot indicated by Jet. "No, it's just sort of medium shade of red."
Chuckling, Jet says, "I guess I've got a hard head. Harder than yours anyway, Ginny. Do you have a headache?"
"A little bit but not too bad."
Jet's gaze drops down, noting for the first time the pendant around Ginny's neck. His eyes narrow, surprising both girls with how harsh Jet's face now looks. "Where did you get that?" he bites out.
Ginny lifts the pendant by its chain, letting it dangle and swivel beneath her fingers. "I bought it just before bumping quite literally into you. Why? What's the matter? Oh, I hadn't noticed the writing on top of the crystal when I bought it."
Jet screams, "NO!" but Ginny has already read the short inscription aloud. The smokey crystal glows almost gold from within.
Kcor sti rednu kcab tnepres eht hsinab.
Majandra's eyes goes wide with shock and Ginny's mouth drops open at the sight of what happens next. Plumes of green smoke begin steaming out from all over Jet. His body seems to shrivel up, becoming serpentine in shape. He falls to the ground, curled up in the fetal position only to be transformed into a coiled, glistening malachite colored snake. With a final burst of smoke, the snake that was Jet vanishes.
Ginny's knees give out and she falls back to the ground, unblinking at the charred green spot where Jet had been. The passersby who'd become rooted in place as the spectacle unfolded before them, begin murmuring in panic. In a very frightened tone, one man informs Majandra he's going to get someone from the Ministry's department of Magical Law Enforcement. Majandra nods and then forcing herself to snap out of her daze, she looks around at the growing crowd. Spotting someone she knows, Maj calls out, "Parvati, will you go to Gringotts and find Mr. and Mrs. Weasley's please? They should be standing out front. Tell them it's urgent they come at once."
Without a word, Parvati takes off at a run. Majandra once again helps Ginny off the ground and guides her to a bench as Ginny, eyes still locked on the charred, dark green circle on the ground, asks over and over, "What happened to Jet? What happened to Jet?"
A Commotion
Author: Draco Malfoy
Date: 11-25-03 17:15
"First time to Diagon Alley?" Draco asked, tapping the bricks behind the Leaky Cauldron with his wand.
Santhea watched with feigned interest as the bricks formed into an arch, revealing the tightly packed alley and all of the shops along the way. "I did all of my school shopping in France when I was still a Beauxbatons student. Never had a reason to come here before now."
"Well, there's not much to it. Knockturn Alley is much more of interest, but we can't get any of our school things there. Maybe if there's time, I'll take you." Draco led the way along the cobbled path, stopping for a moment to observe the commotion near the doorway of one of the shops. A circle of densely packed students and parents were staring at something, eyes wide and murmurs circulating around the crowd.
"Wonder what that's all about," Draco pondered aloud.
"Probably nothing," Santhea commented. She turned away from the scene and turned to Draco. "So, where to first?"
"Flourish and Blotts for our books," Draco said, leading the way to the bookstore.
Calming the
Chaos
Author: Michael Turin
Date: 11-25-03 17:48
Michael nearly jumps at the burst of energy he feels when he takes the man's hand and pulls him to his feet. Michael gently pushes the sleeve just above the forearm and raises an eyebrow to the librarian.
"Well, look, absolutely NO dark mark! And before you suggest it, there is no way to erase it. Once the dark Mark is on, it's on for good. I suggest you look up the Muggle fable about crying wolf and read it very carefully. Because one day a real emergency is going to happen and we'll ignore it thinking it's another false alarm."
Michael turns to Nevynn. "Good to see you again, Nevyyn. And thank you for your vote of confidence. I was on my way to the castle when I saw the ruckus. I'm going to be teaching DADA, so I'm sure I'll get to see you again."
"And you, Sir," He says to the man. "You've done nothing wrong and received quite a nasty shock. you look like you need a stiff drink. Why don't you come to the Three Broomsticks with me - you're welcome too, Nevyyn, of course." Then to the lady he bows slightly. "Forgive my poor manners, mademoiselle. I am Michael Turin, deputy head-auror."
Acceptance
Author: Prof Flitwick
Date: 11-25-03 18:24
I have spent the entire morning, going over lesson plans, acquainting myself with the various class rosters, and making certain that everything is I order for the first day of classes. I am about to go discuss the decorations and plans for the feast with the Headmaster, when an owl flies in through the open window. He drops a scroll upon my work-table, then simply stands around like a bellman waiting for a tip. He looks everywhere except straight at me. Finally, I give in and fetch a handful of owl-treats. He gobbles these down and bobs his head in thanks before flying off. The message looks rather important, being tied up with a narrow red ribbon. I slip off the ribbon and start to read:
Professor Filius T. Flitwick
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
My Dear Prof. Flitwick,
I am pleased to send you some very good news. Your manuscript, "Hilarious Hexes and Jocular Jinxes", has been accepted for publication. They expect the book to be on the shelves in time for Christmas. An advance in the amount of One Thousand Galleons has been deposited in your account with Gringotts. Further royalties will follow, once we see how the volume sells.
Regards,
Harlan P. Whitesides,
Agent
P.S.: The old man is anxious to see your autobiography. Do you have any idea when it might be finished?
As I read it over for the third time, the smile on my face grows ever wider. I can hardly wait to show Professor Dumbledore...
