Majandra stares down at the lovely, silver ring, immediately becoming choked with emotion as her eyes fill with unshed tears. She tries to speak but all she can get out is George's name.

"The design around the band means eternity. Majandra Fine, will you go steady with me?"

Majandra remains mute, still too emotional to speak and certain that her heart is beating so loudly anyone walking past the shop can hear it. In her state of shock, Majandra is also certain that at least ten minutes have passed and therefore she'd really better give George an answer before he walks off in a huff, taking her silence as a no. In actuality, not even two full seconds have passed.

Trying very hard not to cry, Majandra, the ring in her quivering left hand, holds it toward George. "I would love to go steady with you, George Weasley."

George takes the ring and slides it onto Majandra's finger, both grinning like idiots. Majandra closes the gap between them, thanking George for the beautiful ring, her voice husky as she continues trying not to cry. Their lips meet and as the kiss deepens, both shut out everything else.

They shut out everything else that is until several minutes later when Fred interrupts the romantic moment by yelling, "Oy! Get a room you two. Work to be done here and it's not selling tickets to watch you two make sparks."

George and Majandra both suddenly burst out laughing as Fred continues making remarks, including, "This is a joke shop, not a place to teach the young ones about the finer points of making out."

For the next little while, the couple work as hard as Fred is though with frequent glances at each other and quick kisses whenever one walks past the other.

---

Exploring Diagon Alley
Author: Aerith
Date: 11-25-02 21:03

Knockturn Alley...that sounded terribly interesting. It really piqued Aerith's curiosity. Aerith was really having fun. Ian seemed to know Diagon Alley inside out, as if he had designed it himself. He knew what every single shop sold, and where to find all the things she needed. He even treated her to Canary Creams! It was great to meet up with him, and he reminded her of her friends and the fun she'd had at Beauxbatons. When Aerith explained to him that she had lost her supplies list, he simply went "Oh, that's easy!! I know what you need to get, Gainsey....let's go inside here...." Soon, Aerith had almost all the things she needed- a Pewter cauldron, her books, everything except for a wand. Aerith had broken hers back at Beauxbatons.

Ian and Aerith stepped inside Ollivanders. Mr Ollivander made Aerith try many wands...until she tried out one which was Unicorn hair, mahogany, and 8 inches long. It was perfect. "This is great, Ian!" she said delightedly. They headed for Flourish and Blotts.

---

Escaping the Inquisition
Author: Cho Chang
Date: 11-26-02 04:19

Cho pinches Sykra gently for good luck as she slips away from the shopkeeper's angry words. She grins and waves at Aradia, giving her a quick hug, "Aradia! It's so good to see you..." Cho smiles brightly at her good friend as she looks up, coal eyes framed in curled lashes, she raises a hand as a shield over her eyes against the sun as she sees who had called her name...Fynn? He stood there, his lithe form illuminated from behind by the mid-morning sun. Cho waves and makes her way over to him. She grins and tucks a few loose strands of hair behind her ear, blushing gently, "Hey Fynn...Thanks...you look dashing as well." Cho laughs gently and clasps hers hands over her new book on Ancient Runes, "How have you been this summer? Are you ready for school?" Her mind was reeling with the events of the summer and she wanted to focus all attention on someone else.

---

School Supplies... *Grin*
Author: Shaquida Hannah
Date: 11-26-02 11:36

Shay and Quida entered Gambol & Japes' Joke Shop and started mosing around. Looking for some good supplies to last them all year. Or at least until they headed to Hogsmeade. The twins found every possible thing they could buy. Snickering as they went. It was a good 15-30 minuets before they were finished.

On the way back to find their mum, they were devising a plan for when they were aboard the Hogwarts Express. This was the moment of all moments! Their reputations were at stake. This had to be one (of two) the best, biggest and funniest thing they could possible imagine. The second biggest had to be at the end of their 7th year. It was most important!

Quida spotted their mum and headed home. Back to the Leaky Cauldron to finish packing for the big day...

---

Truly Hopeless
Author: Sykra Sawyer
Date: 11-26-02 15:58

Sykra gave Aradia one of her grins that usually appear after some sort of chaos as Cho went off to talk to another friend. "Hey...it's not as bad as knocking all the first years down the stairs last year..." Sykra started to help with the putting the books back on the shelf.

"I guess you're right." Aradia laughed. "But still, you're always knocking something or someone over. How'd you ever make it onto the quidditch team?"

"Cause as long as I stay on my broom, I'm a pretty decent player. Plus when I fall off, I usually don't get hurt and there's still two chasers in action while I'm getting back in the air."

Araida stared at her friend for a second. "I didn't need such a long explanation. It was a rhetorical question."

Sykra laughed this time. "Those are my favourite questions to answer, plus I talk too much."

"You ARE truly hopeless, Sykra Sawyer. Truly hopeless."

"I know."

The two girls started laughing and finally finished cleaning up the books. The they quickly bought their books and started off to get the rest of their supplies.

---

Mirai was sitting quite peacefully at her table at Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor when two shadows fell on her. Squinting, she looked up and saw two familiar grins.

Eyes wide, mouth open, she was speechless for a few seconds if the two owning the grins didn't laugh at her demise.

"Oh, my Merlin!" she squealed with delight as she jumped off her stool and hug one of the persons shading her table.

"Red! Mon!"

---

The Single Guy
Author: Fred Weasley
Date: 11-26-02 18:03

Each time Majandra and George snuck in a kiss or cuddle, Fred would simply roll his eyes and smile. Words couldn't describe how happy he felt to know that his twin brother and dear friend were officially an item. Majandra was positively beaming with joy, and she constantly stole looks at her hand to admire the ring George had given her.

Maybe Fred did feel a little like the odd man out, the third wheel, but his happiness for Majandra and George far out-weighed those other feelings. While he did feel he was ready to date again, Fred didn't need a girlfriend right now. Of course, if one dropped into his lap again he wouldn't be disappointed. Fred had been a single guy for a little over six months now and he wouldn't be opposed to a little female companionship.

On the other hand, Weasley's Wizard Wheezes had just opened and desperately needed his undivided attention. The store had gotten a steady stream of customers, and because of word-of-mouth, more and more people were showing up daily to catch a glimpse of the newest joke products on the market.

Things were looking up for the Weasley twins, that was for sure!

---

Good to See You
Author: Diether Jameson
Date: 11-26-02 18:10

Diether and Raymond Jameson arrived at the Diagon Alley by Floo powder to buy Diether's school things. They were dusting themselves as they were looking around when they came upon the ice cream parlor. Diether saw the familiar brown hair of his bestfriend Mirai and he nudged his older brother to surprise her. Stopping purposely to shade her view, he waited for her reaction.

It was priceless. She was so dumbstruck that he and his brother couldn't help but laugh at her. He was caught off-guard however when she hugged him.

"Red! Mon!" she said. Disentangling herself from him and quickly hugging his brother, she continued laughing as she led them to sit at her table.

"What are you doing here in London? And why haven't you been owling me, you two?" she demanded, as she ordered ice cream for him and Raymond.

Diether grinned. "Well, we wanted to surprise you. Dad was transferred in Ireland and we barely had enough time to work on the transfer papers to Hogwarts," he answered.

"Yes," Raymond agreed. "And of course, I have to tag along as I am my father's assistant," he continued, shaking his head when Mirai laughed.

"I was all ready to hate both of you for not answering my letters," she said. "But it's so good to see you! And now, I won't be having a hard time adjusting to a new school system as I have my good friend Red here to help me," she continued, patting the hand Diether placed on the table.

He raised his eyebrow. "Come on, Mai. Just admit that you missed my brother," Diether said, which earned him a punch on the arm. "Hey!" he protested, laughing at Mirai's indignant face.

Raymond watched the exchange with interest as he knows how miserable Red was when he learned that Mai has to live in London. He also knows how happy his little brother was when he learned that they, too, have to transfer to Ireland.

After a bit more teasing and more punches and pokings, they caught up with each other on what has happened to a month of no communication. They ended in comfortable silence, letting the moment sink in. Finally, Red spoke.

"Hey, Mai," he said. "Care to show me around?" He wiggled his eyebrows in an attempt to convince her. She just laughed at his antics and shook her head. "I need to buy my books, you know." This time, he was nudging her.

Laughing, Mirai answered, "Why not?" With that, the three stood up, the brothers flanking the petite girl on each side, who in return linked her arms on each of the guys.

---

Deja Vu (or rather cheana fein)
Author: Dierna ní Cíaran
Date: 11-26-02 20:29

After work, I apparate back in Hogsmeade and walk around, happy to see the village again. As with the ministry, people keep stopping me to welcome back. Down the main road, I notice two new buildings: (Sheesh, you'd think I'd vanished for four months!) a library (about time!) and an interesting-looking store that sells (among other things) Irish wizarding equipment. If I can buy my supplies here it would save the time waiting from ordering them overseas. Interested, I open the door and enter the fair-sized shoppe. The owner greets me pleasantly, and I reply, "An trahona mhaith"* Looking at the owner, an older wizard who brings Dumbledore and Amergin to mind, I get the strong feeling that I should know who he is.

I pick up some Ogham sticks and carving tools and examine them carefully. "These are VERY well made," I comment to myself. I look at the price: 13 sickles and four knutts. "Not too expensive either." I see a book of Irish magic and flip through it. "Cá as tu, maith bean Eireanach?*" he asks. I turn sharply at the Gaelic, feeling more than ever that I really should know this man. "Is as Dunsidhe mé." Still unable to place him, I give up. "Olamh*, I don't mean to presume, but is it possible that we have met before? You seem very familiar. My name is Dierna ní Cíaran."

-----------

Notes
1. An trahona maith = good evening
2. Cas as tu . . . = Where are you from, good Irish Lady.
3. Is as Dunsidhe me = I am from Dunsidhe
4. Olamh = professor, here used as synonymous with "sir"

---

Ron and Harry browse through the bookstore, each carrying heavy bags of the textbooks they've purchased, waiting on Hermione. A good half hour passes and the boys, realizing Hermione is nowhere near done perusing the shelves, inform her they will be at Quality Quidditch Supplies and from there will go to Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor. Hermione gives a distracted nod and Ron wonders if she really heard them or not. He gives Harry a rueful grin as he shrugs. Harry, understanding exactly what Ron's grin and shrug are about, chuckles then inclines his head towards the door in a motion of "let's go on and leave."

As usual, there's a crowd of kids pressing their faces against the large window at Quality Quidditch Supplies, all of them ogling the broom on display. As they push through to the door Ron asks, "How long do you suppose the shop was in business before they thought to put an anti-smudge charm on the window?" Harry laughs again, Ron joining in as he thinks how great it is that Harry seems so unguardedly happy. Those first two weeks he was at the burrow, Harry was quieter than usual, features often drawn. Ron knew Harry also wasn't sleeping much during that time. Either Harry is recovering or he's gotten better at covering what's going on in his head.

Once inside, the two go straight over to the window display, thankful that the crowd of those staring at it wide-eyed here inside is much smaller than the one outside. A plaque written in bold, red, italic letters reads:

THE LIGHTENING BOLT
THE NEXT GENERATION OF FIREBOLT

Harry and Ron both inhale sharply at the sight of the sleek, top-of-the-line broomstick. Never taking his eyes off the Lightening Bolt, Ron states in an almost reverent whisper, "Brilliant. Absobloodylutely brilliant. I'd love to have one of those."

Harry, his voice nearly as low and equally full of admiration, his eyes also never wavering from the broom, asks Ron, "Will that scholarship you got pay for a new broom?"

"I don't know. The information just says it provides for all school supplies this year as well as paying me a stipend of spending money."

Tearing his eyes from the Lightening Bolt, Harry turns to Ron. "We could go ask at Gringotts."

Ron's eyes go even wider than they've been. "Oooooh. Great idea, Harry. Let's go!"

The two boys bolt from the store and run the entire way to the bank. The easily locate the goblin whose name appears on the Kendra Beck Hogwarts Scholarship information Ron had received by owl the same afternoon of HarryÕs birthday. Grychly listens to Ron's question and slowly nods. "You are required to have a broom at Hogwarts. If your present broom is old and you feel a replacement is needed, then yes, by all means, the scholarship covers the cost of a new one." He adds with a devilish looking goblin grin and wink, "I hear there is a new Firebolt on the market."

Ron pumps Grychly's hand up and down in effusive thanks then he and Harry are out of Gringott's in a shot. They sprint all the way back to Quality Quidditch Supplies and once inside immediately find a sales clerk.

A few minutes later, Harry with a beaming Ron walking in a daze beside him, heads to the ice cream parlor. As they sit down, Ron gently places the carefully wrapped Lightening Bolt on the table. "If I ever find out who chose me as a recipient of that scholarship in Kendra's name, remind me to thank him or her." He manages to look away from the broom long enough to look towards the doorway while mumbling more or less to himself, "I can't wait to show Hermione."

---

Vegas, Baby
Author: Charlie Weasley
Date: 11-26-02 23:58

The wild noises and chatter (along with the wild carpet) that flooded Charlie and Helena's ears in the casino that Gerard and Sharon took them into ran low on their nerves. It was either that or when Sharon took Helena by the hand and led her around, showing her all the games, the same with Gerard and Charlie. They were split up, and it made Charlie nuts.

After what seemed like hours, Charlie finally gave Gerard all his little blue and red disks that Gerard called "chips," though he kept all the money that Gerard helped him win and went in search of Helena. He found her and Sharon, distracted by a machine that you pulled a lever on, waved her hand mumbling something about "yeah, sure, Dears."

Charlie and Helena exited the noisy casino into the humid night air of the Las Vegas strip. The lights, sounds and fancy buildings put the couple in awe as they walked hand-in-hand down the sidewalk.

They were just lost in their thoughts a shoot of colored water sprays from across the street. They quickly crossed in front of a giant palace of a hotel. There was a lake in front of it, and they watched as the water sprayed in many different colors. The music that was played with the water was even more fascinating! It was so mesmerizing that Charlie blinked and suddenly noticed Helena had her arms around him and her head against his chest. He cradled her against him and they watched the dancing water until it stopped.

"Let's go inside." Charlie said, pushing Helena a bit away from him so he could look into her eyes.

She blinked and her brow furrowed. "What?"

"Yeah, let's go inside. Maybe get a room or something." Charlie grinned.

"What? How?" She looked almost panicked, but curious.

Charlie nodded. "We got into town in too much of a hurry, and, well the reservations of the other room expired . . . twenty minutes ago." Charlie looked at the muggle watch that Harry Potter had gotten for each of the Weasley's one Christmas. "I've got the money. C'mon! It's Vegas, Baby!"

~*~

Nearly an hour later, with all their things in hand, the "bell boy" as he called himself, brought Helena and Charlie to their room. It was just as huge as the hotel itself!

"We hope you have a pleasant stay here at the Bellagio. Good night."

He bowed and left.

"Well, Miss Helena, what do you think?"

---

Ice Cream Treat
Author: Remadi Ye
Date: 11-27-02 00:50

After paying for her books, Remadi and her grandmother leave Florish & Blotts and head towards Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions. On their way there, Remadi spots Quality Quidditch Supplies. After a little pouting and flattering, her grandmother finally agrees to go in. Remadi spends about an hour in the shop, just looking (especially at the new Lightning Bolt), before her grandmother drags her out. They find their way to Madam Malkin's and Remadi quickly gets fitted for her first school robes. Her other shopping is quickly finished and she convinces her grandma to relax at Florean FortescueÕs Ice Cream Parlor. They find two free seats and order two sundaes to enjoy before heading back to the muggle world.

---

Returning to Lord Voldemort
Author: Peter Pettigrew
Date: 11-27-02 06:40

Wormtail, clueless as usual, did not know about Dierna and Harry's successful flight to freedom. Therefore, he didn't know that Voldemort was in an exceptionally foul mood. All he knew is that he was out of that frightening, terrifying prison and the man who kept asking him about Dierna and Harry's location and Voldemort's plans (And who clearly didn't believe him when he said he didn't know anything).

In fact, Wormtail only knew that he hadn't completed the mission and that Remus Lupin had a very important letter Wormtail was to deliver to certain wizards. So, Wormtail scampers to his own twisted-quasi freedom and back to his master.

He hopes (against all possible hope), that Voldemort will have forgot the mission on which he sent his weakest death eater

---

Walking side by side, grinning and laughing together, Mirai felt carefree and happy in the company of her two friends. She was greatly surprised when she found out the reason for the Jameson family's sudden shift to Ireland. She was surprised, indeed. But pleasantly surprised.

She led them first to the bookstore. Red has mentioned that he already has his school robes and uniform. The only things he need left are some books, refill of potions, parchments, and a few miscellaneous ones.

When she heard what little he needs to buy, she just had to raise an eyebrow. "That's all you need to buy?" she asked sarcastically.

He just laughed at her. "Did I forget to mention that you're going to carry half of them?"

She stopped in her tracks before entering Flourish and Blotts to gape at him. Then, without warning, she let go of the two brothers' arms to smack Diether's chest. Laughing at her retaliation, she went ahead the bookstore and heard their laughs as they followed her in.

Looking around, she saw that the girl she met earlier was talking to some guy and her friend is still being lectured by the bookkeeper.

She turned around to face her companions and asked, "So, what books are you going to get?"

---

After Harry and Ron left Flourish and Blotts for Quality Quidditch Supplies, Hermione continued to peruse the shelves for some extra reading material. Gabriel, watching his old friend as she ran her index finger over the spines of several particularly fat books, sat in a nearby armchair with two stacks of Hogwarts textbooks in his lap.

"C'mon, Hermione!" he exclaimed. "The longer we stay here, the less of Diagon Alley I'll get to see today. You know I've never been here before."

Hermione pulled a brown, leather-bound book from one of the shelves and swiveled her head around to look at Gabe. "I'm almost done, Gabriel. A few more minutes."

Gabriel rolled his eyes. "Yeah, right. I know you, Hermione. A few more minutes will turn into a few more hours, and before you know it the day will over." He grinned, knowingly.

"That's so not true, Gabriel Baine!" Hermione pouted playfully and returned the book in her hand to the shelf. Then, she walked over to the armchair and lightly kicked Gabriel in the shin. She rolled her eyes at his faux wince and said, "All right. Let's pay for these books and go exploring. Shall we?"

"We shall, but I'm not going to be able to stand if you don't get at least one of these stacks of books off of my lap!"

Hermione grinned playfully and stooped to collect her stack. After Gabriel got to his feet, the pair went over to the counter and paid for their books. They left the shop with two armfuls of parcels and decided the best thing to do would be to drop off the heavy loads at the Leaky Cauldron.

Hermione had reserved a room for Ginny and herself next door to the boys' room. As the Gryffindor deposited the new books into her trunk, she pondered whether it had been a good idea to put Gabe and Ron in the same room together, even if it would be for only one night. While she was fairly certain that Harry didn't mind, she also knew that Ron assessed the situation differently.

She sighed quietly, wishing that someday Ron would get along with Gabriel.

Hermione met Gabe in the hallway and smiled. The two friends hadn't had much time alone together since arriving at the Burrow.

"Where to first?" Hermione asked, as they wandered down the stairs.

Gabriel shrugged. "You're the tour guide. You pick."

They ended up going to Madam Malkin's, since Gabriel didn't have any Hogwarts robes. While the seamstress measured him with her magical measuring tape, he squirmed and fidgeted and shot Hermione pained looks. She could only laugh.

"It wasn't really that bad, was it?" Hermione asked later, as they left the shop for the Magical Menagerie.

Gabriel grinned. "I just didn't want you learning my measurements, is all." He laughed when Hermione shot him that look.

"Oh, Gabriel. You haven't changed one bit! All right, I need a couple boxes of Crookshanks' favorite brand of kitty treats."

After stocking up on cat chow, the pair admired the various magical animals. Hermione was particularly fond of a litter of Kneazle kittens. So fond, in fact, that she couldn't bear to leave them be. After a good twenty minutes of cuddling with the felines, Gabriel was ready for some ice cream.

"You already have a pet, you don't need another five," teased Gabriel. "Come on, Hermione. Harry and Ron are waiting." He gave Hermione a little nudge and indicated to the door.

She nodded and gave each kitten one last cuddle before following Gabriel out the door.

"Caramel-covered vanilla, right?" Gabriel asked.

Hermione pushed her way through a large group of students who appeared to be heading for the Weasley twins' new store. "I can't believe you remember, Gabe," Hermione replied, smiling.

"Yeah, well." Gabriel shrugged and returned Hermione's smile. "If you ask me, vanilla's too plain for my tastes. Although, I'm impressed that you at least eat it with caramel. Makes it a little more interesting."

Hermione laughed. "Well, then maybe I'll be a little bold and ask for rainbow sprinkles, too!"