Blythe House: On Constellations and Propriety
Author: John 1st Duke of Marlborough
Date: 09-03-02 06:23

Lord John found much to his own surprise such a great delight in Bella that he went all the way to try to make her stay at Blythe a memorable one. Normally, if being with any of the, now increasingly faceless, "hyphens" he would have gotten around to, and past third base, as the "Colonials" used to say...but this, Mitfordian outburst of the purest, indeliable energy and handsome initiative, he treated almost like a piece of the rarest china.

Indeed, Lord John was taken in by all her little quirks and egocentric behavior. Mightly impressed by Bella's vast knowledge of the stars and other heavenly objects and those ever so funny, quick remarks she used to excel in as she guided the insatiably curious lordship through the cluster remotely above their raised heads, he had purchased a top-of-the-line telescope with lenses so strong that through them you traveled millions and millions of lightyears' out into deep cosmos.

So, night by night the two of them, after staff-hour and the servants of the manor were dismissed for the day, they had driven out on to the open farmlands, placed the telescope on the highest hilltops and there, under the watchful eyes of only a token owl and other night-active fowls, and a few hares grasing, and with the gently glistening moon, in its full radius being the sole other onlooker, they let themselves be carried away, gazing with awestruck, bewildered eyes up on the celestial sensations, that Bella so lightly and with such a keen eye to details described.

Far away over the crescent of the heaven to the skies above, passing the glittering stars, she removed them as they passed hours' just talking and get better acquainted. Normally this would have been awfully dreary for any one so energetic as Lord John, but with this new girl, this tender creature, any waking moment offered yet another intricate surprise - a surprise well beholden any appropriateness that could be expected of a true gentleman! As she continued lecturing him on the secrets of the Grand Constellations, he continued to grow infatuated in her, She attracted him like a magnet...her whole apparition, her well behaved manners, her always witty, yet often surprisingly direct and upfront comments everything about her, so non-conformistic, yet so appealing! Indeed Lord John was heavenly happy that he had finally laid his eyes on Bella, though it had to last another overseas trip, a wretched Christmas party and finally to turn into Easter before he fully realised what had been before his very eyes but he had not seen. But now, surely he was beholden, and thus, one skyclear, moonlit evening, as they entered their late night picnic as usual, in the swift, gentle springbreeze, Lord John decided to make the decisive move.

"Bella, I must tell you something..." he stuttered as he attempted to find the correct words. Being such a chivalrous gentleman of the world, with time only for fleeting passions d' amour, but no true love, he had never been forced to come to terms with his innermost feelings and that they might one day wake up in full bloom! Bella just tossed a leaf on John's nose giggling. She had had a wonderful time and certainly had seen something change about the good Lord's behavior and within him, but not yet picked up what was to follow. "What John, you may tell me anything. Already this is boring you out or?" she said with a light-aired gigglish voice as she tickled her "little Lord's nostrils.

Lord John harked and swallowed and then rose up to assume a more proper position, gazing Bella directly in her dark, velvetted eyes and continued:

"You see, dearest Bella, in my position we are almost exclusively expected to join in suitable unions based on agreement or arrangement or simply enjoy ourselves in a rather harmless way, not causing any embarrassment or any scandals as we go along. Sadly, I must admit I've followed that traditional path too long already. When I heard about you I was under the impression that there would be nothing much, this I must admit to you, since it is the truth, Bella."

Here Bella had long ago stopped her childish game and now listened intently as Lord John tried to explain. And so he added: "Bella, straight out of the horses mouth, which is rather suitable for me, considering that I'm a rather bad rider: I have fallen madly in love with you! I cannot help myself! I do want and desire you to stay with me - though I know consciously I cannot request that of you, since you have your work and your life, which neither I want you to give up. At this Bella tried to interject, but was gently hushed by John with the palm of his right hand and he said: No, Bella, let me please finish soon. I've been together with many wellbred ladies of the gentry, as you may well know, I'm assured, if not by anything else, by the numerous more or less faked or explicit photos invariably published in the Sun or News of the World - always only as token flings of the moment, since they did not have the presence, gaiety or sheer incredible personality of yours, my most precious Bella, nothing to take pride in or be much cheerished for - but let me assure you that my feelings are not hasty ones, nor sudden, but very deliberate and well-considered on my part. Will you, Bella Sinistra, PH. D. and all, be my lady to behold and truthfully honour and respect as two equal partners will do?"

Bella rose to her feet, feeling an itch in her legs as she tried to combat the cramps in her feet. She was quite struck by surprise at these words, so sincerely and directly offered to her. But, what should she do, what could she do? After all, she had only too recently left a messy relation. Would she dare to engage into another, as yet wholly unknown relation, furthermore with this, clearly so gentle, intelligent, wittty and most handsome scion of one of the oldest families of the land, a man with an indubitably bright future...Bella sighed as she attempted to find the right words...

On to Phase Two...
Author: Julian Valentine
Date: 09-03-02 17:30

Julian had shown up at Briar's apartment bright and early. He thought she looked rather fetching in a dressy robe of bright, spring colors and had told her so. Julian had chuckled at the rosy blush that had crept up Briar's cheeks then had taken the bag in which she'd packed something less formal for after the big luncheon at his parents'. He'd held out his free hand and after she'd placed her smaller one in his, they'd apparated together to the Valentine home just outside of Bath.

At first, Briar had seemed a little shy of the various Valentines gathered for the holiday meal. By lunch time, however, she was her usual, vivacious self and Julian couldn't help but feel pleased. He couldn't wait until the time came when he could reveal to them who Briar really is.

Hours later, when Briar and he had gone for a walk along the Avon River, Julian felt it was the right time for the next step in the plan. He led Briar to sit in the shade cast by the branches of a very old tree in a very picturesque setting with ducks and swans circling lazily past. Sitting beside Briar, Julian had traced small kisses up and down her neck then took both of her hands in his.

"Briar, I know we had sort of a rocky start but things have been going really well. I'd really like this to be an exclusive relationship."

Julian reached into his robe pocket and pulled out a small box. He opened it and presented Briar with a ring set with a stunning black opal, surrounded by small, but perfect, emeralds. Seeing the hesitation on Briar's face, Julian hastened to finish his little speech.

"Our relationship isn't ready for marriage or even an engagement but we are ready for something exclusive, more committed. Think of this ring as a promise of things to come."

Briar still said nothing, just stared at the ring for a long time then turned to stare wordlessly at Julian. His cheeks dimpled with his most brilliant smile. "I care about you, Briar. I care about you deeply. I hesitate to say this because I don't want to scare you off but I'm falling in love with you."

When Briar still said nothing, Julian was worried he'd pushed things too fast or hadn't said the right thing. His concerns vanished for the moment when Briar finally leaned over to passionately kiss Julian. When the kiss ended, Briar held out her hand to Julian so that he could put the ring on her finger.

Sometime later, when they were returning to the house, Julian mentally congratulated himself on a job well done.

The Hunt Continues...
Author: H Potter
Date: 09-03-02 18:05

Harry reaches under one bush and pulls out three small, foiled wrapped eggs, one very large foil wrapped egg, and one plastic egg that clattered around when he shook it. He adds his finds to the bright, sky blue basket he carries then moves on to look under the next bush.

Hermione is already there though, a huge grin on her face as she pulls out a great big, sugar spun egg with intricate decorations as well as a handful of the small, foil eggs.

Harry spots Ron rooting around one of the school's many flower beds. Ron gleefully adds several more eggs to his basket then seeing Harry, the red head points to another flower bed. Harry nods in understanding and takes off running. He and Ron reach it at about the same time only to have Hermione push past them and triumphantly grab an egg hidden in plain sight.

Booming laughter erupts from Hagrid as he and Fang approach. Hagrid's basket is loaded though his friends know it would be much fuller if Hagrid would stop eating every other egg he found and if he would stop giving the non-chocolate ones he finds to Fang.

Harry doesn't give much more thought to how much Hagrid's been eating because just then he sees the reflected glistening of foil and takes off in hopes of being the first one there.

Eggcited
Author: Majandra
Date: 09-03-02 20:40

Majandra had been thrilled with George's sweet gift. She'd shown her appreciation with several more kisses and a big hug. Majandra had then taken George by the hand and together the two went down to breakfast. There they learned that Dobby and some of the other House Elves had set up an egg hunt.

The couple each grabbed a brightly colored basket and started their search around the castle. They passed Samantha Thatcher then turned a corner to find Fred standing there with a look changing between forlorn and anger. George asked what was wrong but Fred shrugged it off with one word, "Snape."

Majandra and George nodded though both knew that part of Fred's current state of emotions also had to do with Samantha. Majandra, hoping to perk Fred up as well as surprising George, decided to present George's Easter gift, which in a way was also for Fred.

Hanging her basket on the crook of her arm, Majandra took hold of one of George's hands and one of Fred's and pulled them over to a bench. She had George sit on one end and Fred on the other with a space in between them. Next, Majandra pulled from a pocket what looked to be a genuine egg.

Majandra set the egg down between the boys, pointed her wand at it and muttered, "Eggervate." She then grinned at the twins and said, "Now, pick it up."

Fred reached for the egg but it hopped to the side. George then made a grab for it but it wobbled away from his hand as well. They watched as the egg started jittering and dancing. They broke into laughter, their faces turned in unspoken question towards Majandra.

"It's the EggCitable. A new novelty item for the company. If you like it that is."

George jumped up and hugged Majandra before planting a big kiss on her lips. "It's great!"

Fred also gave Majandra a hug and a chaste kiss on the cheek before echoing his brother's sentiments. "It's eggcellent."

They all laughed at Fred's pun then Majandra pointed her wand at the EggCitable. "De-eggervate."

George picks up the EggCitable and pockets it then taking Majandra's hand and motioning for Fred to follow, the threesome begin hunting chocolate eggs in earnest.

Presents
Author: Pyrrhus
Date: 09-03-02 21:49

Isolde stands holding both her basket and Pyrrhus's as he shimmies up a tree after the many eggs that have been hidden there. Isolde and Lia help Py locate the eggs by calling out directions to him. When done with that tree, they equally divide up the "loot" then move on to the next one.

The sounds of laughter ring out over the grounds as students and professors alike delight in the hunt set up by the House Elves. From the way everyone's baskets are brimming over, it's clear that enough candy and candy filled eggs were hidden so that no one would go without.

Py gets ready to climb up another tree but first unwraps an egg and pops it into his mouth. He also keeps an eye out for the owl he's expecting just any time with presents for Isolde and Lia. He wads the foil up and tosses it into the basket and turns to the tree but Isolde grabs him and kisses him first.

"You had some chocolate on your lips," she explains with a grin.

Lia pretends to groan at their behavior, "Get a room, you two."

Py and Isolde just laugh then Lia joins in. Still chuckling, Py climbs the egg laden tree and carefully tosses down several fragile looking concoctions along with a large number of smaller candy eggs.

As he's climbing back down he spots an incoming owl and hopes it's for him. Sure enough, the owl swoops down over Py and drops a large package. The girls are intrigued and close in around Py as he opens it.

Inside are two packages wrapped in pastel gift paper. One is rectangular in shape. This he hands to Isolde with another kiss. The other is square and he hands it to Lia with a quick hug.

Isolde has her package ripped open before Py is done hugging Lia. She makes several sounds of delight at the gift. In a frame with an obviously Eastern design on it is a picture of an enchanted Isolde and Pyrrhus on their magic carpet ride.

Lia's gift is a beautiful robe in deep garnet, bright gold, and black in an intricate Middle Eastern pattern. She too seems thrilled with her gift. After both the girls thank Pyrrhus, they carefully pack the presents in the bottom of their baskets and the three return to their egg hunting.

******

At the same time the owl delivers the package to Pyrrhus, another drops one off for Chyler Stratford. The note inside thanks Mrs. Stratford for helping Isolde and Pyrrhus take their little trip those many weeks ago. Her gift is also a gorgeous robe with a distinctly Middle Eastern design but is done in saphire, emerald and black.

Not Eggsactly Hufflepuff Behavior
Author: Jet
Date: 09-03-02 22:44

Jet meanders across the grounds, stopping periodically to put eggs in the basket he carries. For the most part, he ignores all the happy people running around eating candy while searching for even more to eat.

Jet makes his way down to the cliffs and only after making sure no one was around to see, he slips into the hard to spot cave. He says the appropriate spell to get down the secret staircase then once at the bottom casts the spell that will keep any nosy people from making it down the stairs.

He pulls out the key from around his neck and feels the glee that always comes on at the sight of the key contorting itself to fit the lock on the chamber door. It was a great stroke of luck the day he came across its hidden nook in the chamber. With this key he could open not only the chamber door but just about anything else locked as well. Or from what he's been able to tell so far. No lock he's tried it on, no matter how charmed, offered any resistance to this key. After he'd realized what a find it was, he'd been able to return to charm bracelet to Professor Fairchild.

Jet gets cozy at the table in the chamber, pulls a piece of blank parchment towards him, and starts writing. He plans to send it off by owl once back at the castle. Jet carefully reads the note, a rather pleased expression on his face.

Lord Voldemort,

I may be able to deliver Harry Potter to you. Let me know if you would have an interest in this. We could handle it however you wanted to ensure I am not trying to set you up.

Salazar's pal,
Jet

Putting the note aside for now, Jet opens one of the candy filled eggs he found and starts methodically eating the contents while reading more in Salazar's huge tome.

{Location Unknown} The Delivery
Author: Prof. Sorcha
Date: 09-04-02 06:17

Sorcha walked into the room with her prize. The looks in the room were all in astonishment at what they saw. Sorcha stopped in front of Voldemort, and pushed the prize towards him.

"My Lord, I have brought Dierna as you requested. I have also brought you Tennille Dumbledore. She is under a mind control spell to help me. I leave them to you."

{Location Unknown} I Capture the Auror
Author: Voldemort
Date: 09-04-02 21:19

There is a murmur of astonishment when Sorcha brings in the auror. Many of them had failed to do the very thing Sorcha had done - capture Dierna ní Cíaran, now Head Auror. She also has, under the imperious curse, Tennille Dumbledore. I look closely at the woman, who stands spirited before me. I will break that spirit. But first I turn my attention to Sorcha.

"You have done very well. You have succeeded where these incompetent fools who call themselves death eaters have failed. Return to the Castle and act as normal. Your reward is forthcoming."

"Yes master."

I turn my attention to Cíaran.

"Stand proudly now, auror. Soon that spirit in you will die, as do all who fight against me. You will not escape here. Except your end." Still she stands, silently. "I see you are not going to make this easy for yourself. All the more fun for us. McNair, Malfoy, Goyle, take her away and guard her. See she doesn't escape."

They grasp her and begin to take her away. As she goes I add, "Oh, and one more thing. We have your horse."