Plan B
Author: Molly Weasley
Date: 10-26-04 22:28
Molly sat at home in the Burrow pacing back and forth. How could Bill not tell her anything! How could he be so cruel to his own mother and why was he sitting so close to that tart? She found herself drifting from the issue at hand to the issue at The Spinning Horn. Was Bill really interested in Fleur? She just didn't seem his type, not a homebody at all! What was with her sons? Did none of them want a woman who wanted to be a wife and mother? She forced Bill and Fleur out of her thoughts. Who! Who could she get to confirm her suspicions about George and Majandra? Her index finger gently tapped her lips. Who was one person who might want to talk to her?
"Who could be......ahhhhh!" Molly got an idea, a long shot but worth a try.
Where could I find Blossom at this hour?
Snooping
Author: Kody
Date: 10-27-04 18:49
Kody, with a little help from Drake, has spent the last several days since completing the OWLs snooping around and spying on Emma. Ariana's even done her share, albeit accidently, by mentioning some book Emma has and is secretive about. A book that is not a diary or journal Emma's keeping and one that she got shortly before she started acting strange.
Kody's been trying to find a way of sneaking into the fifth year girls' room but the ward on the stairs leading to the girls' dorm has been a problem. He knows it can be overcome. Others have done it in the past in all the houses. Or so he's heard. He may have come up with a solution that doesn't involve negating the ward. Kody's just waiting for a good chance and he think it's come.
Even though today is a little overcast, most of the fifth and seventh years are outside, making up for all those days cooped up taking their exams. Most everyone else is either taking finals or studying for them or too tired from both to notice anything Kody might be up to. He takes his broom to the doorway leading to the girls' dorm, and after looking furtively around, he mounts the broom, rising up just enough to clear the first step. Kody angles the broom so it's parallel to the stairs then slowly navigates up, taking his time at each landing to make the turns. He'd thought about touching down at each landing but then it occurred to him that each one might just as easily slant down the second he touched it just like the stairs would.
With patience, Kody reaches the entrance to the fifth years' room in a fairly short time and without meeting any girls along the way. He flies through the door and lands in the center of the room, already trying to figure out which bed and armoire are Emma's. It takes him longer than he would have liked but once he's sure of which things are hers, Kody starts looking around, starting with the space between the mattressed.
Final Day of Finals
Author: Isolde
Date: 10-27-04 20:15
Isolde left Professor McGonagall's classroom and felt a heavy burden lift from her shoulders. Just two more final exams remained, Astronomy and Potions, scheduled for an hour later and in the afternoon respectively. Rather than relax during her hour break, however, Isolde dutifully followed some of her Slytherin comrades to the library, where they reviewed material for the upcoming Astronomy exam.
The hour sped by, regretfully, and soon Isolde and Pyrrhus wound their way to the site of the Astronomy final exam. Professor Sinistra gave instructions and passed out the test questions, and with no more than an hour for the exam, Isolde set to work. She scribbled fast and furiously, mindful of the fleeting time but careful not to make any silly mistakes. Too soon did Professor Sinistra announce the end of the exam. Isolde hastily finished her last thought, then passed her test parchment to the front of the class.
"How do you think you did?" Pyrrhus asked both girls, once they'd left the classroom.
Alexis shrugged. "At least it's over."
Isolde nodded. "I barely finished. How was Herbology?" she asked Alexis.
"Tolerable. Glad it's over too."
"Just Potions left," Pyrrhus remarked.
Isolde breathed a sigh of relief. "And then we're free."
Letters
Author: Blossom
Date: 10-27-04 21:08
At her desk in the office at WWW, what she's come to think of her desk anyway since she spends more time behind it than either of the twins, Blossom turns the unopened letter over and over in her hands, wanting to rip into yet at the same time a little scared at reading its contents. There's a return address so even without opening Blossom knows who sent the letter. It's the reply she's been waiting for. The reply from the man who, according to her grandfather, is her father.
Finally, Blossom slides a fingernail under the flap and opens the envelope. Her hand trembling slightly, she pulls out the letter and reads it.
Dearest Blossom,
What a shock to receive your letter! A very pleasant surprise to be sure but still a great shock. You see, while I have always known Felicity had a child, I was told someone else was the father.
I don't know if you know this or not, Blossom, but your mother and I were married for a brief time. We eloped because Dexter did not approve. I was not his chose of a husband for his precious daughter. A week later he tracked us down on our honeymoon and Felicity, never able to stand up for long to her father, caved in. The marriage was annulled that same day.
I tried for several weeks to see her but she refused me and Dexter made sure she never left the house alone so I was unable to approach her without someone intervening. Within a month she was engaged and married to Dexter's choice, Seth Wedgewood. I left America and came to England. A year later, at a business conference in America, I saw Dexter who was quick to tell me all about Felicity having a child and what an excellent father Seth was. He never mentioned your name so I never thought twice about Seth NOT being your father. If only Dexter had said your name I would have known it was Felicity's secret, little revolt against her father.
Blossom was my mother's name.
Obviously, Felicity told you Seth wasn't your natural father. He died when you were still very young so perhaps that's why she felt comfortable letting you know. I don't understand though why she didn't give you my name. My guess is that once again Dexter interfered.
If it's all right with you, I would dearly love to meet you in person and meet your Fred. If things go well, perhaps you'll let me escort you down the aisle come July 4th.
With love,
Garrett Matthews
P.S. I'm sorry it took me so long to reply. It took me awhile for your news to sink and then for me to compose a reply that wasn't just me gibbering happily over finding out you are my daughter.
Blossom feels tears welling and quickly brushes them away. She doesn't want to stain this letter with blotches just moments after reading it. It will be stained and wrinkled enough as it is by the time she and Garrett - Dad - do meet. Plus, she needs to be able to see to write a reply. It takes her only a few minutes to think of what to say and jot it down, suggesting this Thursday to meet if he's able.
Going over to Jolly, the shop's new owl, Blossom sends off the reply to Garrett, then sinks back down into a chair, thinking about him escorting her down the aisle. Just yesterday Molly Weasley had popped by the flat as Blossom was putting a casserole in to bake. Molly had been delightful though one part of her reason for being there soon became apparent.
Molly had tsked and bemoaned over there being no one from Blossom's family to attend the wedding. Blossom had pointedly not mentioned her grandfather's sudden interest in coming. Molly had then talked animatedly about drafting someone to walk Blossom down the aisle, suggesting at length that Percy would be perfect. From there she'd jumped to talking about how she was so very glad to be included in the wedding and its plans. Oh, she was resistant at first but that was just a mother's natural instinct to protect her young from jumping into something so important. So good of Fred and Blossom to understand and not shut her out. Why, she didn't know what she'd do if one of her children shut her out on such an important event. At least when Charlie eloped they planned a real wedding so include the family. But look how that turned out. Maybe if they'd done a proper wedding to begin with...
Molly went on and on for so long that Blossom felt the only polite thing to do was invited her future mother-in-law to stay for supper. When Fred got home, he was very pleased to see Molly getting on so well with Blossom, even whispering in her ear as he helped get things from the kitchen to set out for supper, "See. All you had to do was be patient. She's not mad at us anymore."
Over supper, what had already become obvious to Blossom soon became apparent to Fred. First thing today, they'd told George and this morning Blossom had owled Majandra a warning that Molly may be on to those two about their elopement. Good thing the couple are telling Molly and Arthur everything this Thursday though Blossom does not want to be anywhere around when they do. Things could get ugly.
Plan of Action
Author: Lord Voldemort
Date: 10-27-04 21:16
Drucilla's plan shows more nerve and ambition that I would have expected fro, her. But then again, I hadn't expected for her plan to ensnare Black to work out this WELL either. And now s he was marrying the man. It would be very interesting to see how long that sham of a marriage lasts.
I grab Wormtail's arm and jab his mark to call Bellatrix. She appears promptly.
"You are aware of Drucilla's plan?"
"I am, my Lord."
"And you are agreeable to it."
"Yes, My lord, if it will help your cause."
"I think it may, yet having you caught - or Rodplphus - would not help my cause. I want the two of you well out of there before the Order arrives. Understand?"
"We will be cautious, my Lord. We will not be caught."
"That is all."
Not Done Yet
Author: Fritz Schnackenpfefferhausen
Date: 10-27-04 21:50
Fritz leaves the Charms classroom with Coco at his side. The two second year, soon to be third year Ravenclaw students, decide to go to the Great Hall with their Herbology and Astronomy notes, where they can eat and review before their last two exams of the day. The dining chamber is relatively busy, as other students between exams are lounging around, some with their heads on the tables and others with their noses stuck in textbooks.
Fritz and Coco take their seats at the Ravenclaw table and spread out their study material. They help themselves to sandwiches and quiz each other on Herbology and Astronomy, occasionally digressing into talks of summer plans and tomorrow night's End of Term feast. Even Quidditch comes up into the conversation, as both are on the house team and wonder what the game will be like next year, when new players will be in the mix.
"I hope we play better next year," Fritz says. He reaches for his ice cold goblet of pumpkin juice and takes a sip.
"Gort that roight me ol' plate," Coco replies. She points with the feathered end of her quill to a question in her notes and reads it aloud: "Wot be tha prahper'ies o'tha mandrake?"
And Fritz, expelling a slight sigh, launches into his answer.
Rage Unlike Any Other
Author: Bellatrix Lestrange
Date: 10-28-04 05:11
"How dare she? In fact, how dare he allow her to do this to me!" Bellatrix paced up and down in front of the huge stone fireplace, her cloak trailing on the ground from one delicate white hand. She spun around, startling Rodolphus. “The Dark Lord has always been there for me, and now he throws my house open to those bastard upstarts in the Order? I, I…"
Bellatrix was so rigid with rage that her husband became worried. She hadn't been like this since the whole Granger incident. And he had thought things were going so well, what with Bella and Lucius having fun torturing Charlie down at the BOO.
With a shout of anger Bellatrix hurled the cloak into the fire, watching it explode in a shower of sparks from the fire before finally settling down to burn merrily away. Rodolphus wisely said nothing and let her get it out of her system.
"I know that Eternal is jealous! This is what it's all about – sell me out to the Order so she can get in with those sniveling idiots. I'm not going to stand for it. Eternal will wish she'd never thought of this one. How could the Dark Lord agree to it?"
She continued to pace up and down, looking for something to destroy. She noticed Mortifer stick his little hairy head around the door and disappear sharpish before he became the next target.
"I need to think." Bella turned around and stood by the window, one hand on the glass. "Rodolphus, I'm at the BOO if you need me, or if Lucius comes looking. Whatever you do, don't tell my sister where I am or I might be tempted to do more damage than necessary."
She walked over, kissed her bemused husband on the cheek and took his cloak before disapparating.
Finals, Finals and More Finals...
Author: Angelina LoganGryffindor
Date: 10-28-04 09:04
I knew as a student finals were a bear, but now as a professor I never knew how much stress went into the finals. As I sat on my stool watching the class, I lifted a mug of lemon tea and took a sip. It soothed me, and I got down to walk among the class. Watching their progress, I had to smile. Most of these students will be back next term and most will be going on to greater things.
I looked at my watch and then at the class. "Students, you have 10 minutes left." I said and went back to my stool. I looked out the greenhouse and saw a few brooms flying. I knew Viktor was giving some of the older students a final flight around the pitch, and I sighed. "May you fly to a brighter future our 7th years." I thought and looked back at my class.
Finding a New Friend
Author: Gretchen Feller
Date: 10-28-04 10:42
Gretchen woke up in her room after a long day. The food here in Hogsmeade was really good, but the fact of moving bit. She just wanted to go back to the beach and surf for as long as possible. Today was a new day though. The moving was now done and everything was in its proper place. Gretchen got ready and put on jeans and a shirt. Her mother was making french toast with warm milk downstairs. Gretchen had a nice breakfast with her family and then decided to take a walk outside. The morning air splashed in her face as she walked to various stores. She still felt like an outsider in this town, even though it had been a few days. Gretchen stared at various people as they kissed or held hands or sold books. It made her feel lonely so she wandered around somemore. She finally reached the far edges of Hogsmeade and found a very old house. She stared at it long enough till she thought someone would pop out.
"It's the shrieking shack. It supposedly haunted." Gretchen turned to face a boy around her age. He had bright yellow hair and icy cyan eyes. She looked back at the house and wondered about it. "I'm Carl Houssen."
She turned around again and the boy took her hand and kissed it. Gretchen could feel a warm feeling reaching her cheeks as she quickly puller her hand back.
"I'm Gretchen. You can call me Gretch."
"Nice to meet you Gretch."
Gretchen smiled. Finally she'd found a new friend.
Potions and Other Things
Author: Pyrrhus
Date: 10-28-04 11:45
Lingering over lunch, quizzing each other for Potions, everyone managed to get in bits and pieces of regular conversation as well. All too soon it's nearly two o'clock, time for the sixth year Slytherins to make their way to the dungeons for their exam. Over the course of the hour, the tension is so high it could be cut with the proverbial knife. When Snape imperiously informs the Slytherins and Gryffinbores that they are done, turn in their parchments immediately, Py rushes to do just that and get out of the classroom. Everyone seems jubilant to be done; everyone that is except for the Gryffindorks who still have Divination to go and the Slytherins who still have Arithmancy.
On their way up the stairs, Gingevitis the Weasel passes Isolde, Py, and Alexis. They overhear her commenting to Brett Kingston how she can't wait to tell Theodore how well Potions went. With a snicker, Isolde asks only loud enough for Alexis and Py to hear, "How long with the spell on that one?"
With a wicked, little impish grin, Py replys, "Let's leave it. You know what they say. Absence makes the heart grow fonder."
When It Rains
Author: Bronwyn Dewhurst
Date: 10-28-04 14:28
Gray clouds speckeled a white, almost dreary-like sky. The atmosphere seemed unfitting for the occasion; finals were finally over! It was time to celebrate! Among the revelers of the most welcomed freedom were Bronwyn and Desi, the latter of whom rather wanted to spend the day inside, but for the less than supreme weather conditions.
Bronwyn, however, insisted they take in the fresh air, for they had been couped up indoors, aside from the hour in the greenhouses for the Herbology exam--but that barely counted, reasoned Bronwyn. No more studying! No more homework! Just the clean, springtime, almost summertime air!
"It's going to rain!" Desi protested. She attempted to pry her wrist free from Bronwyn's iron grip.
"It's not raining yet," Bronwyn responded, "and you're not going to melt!"
"Your mascara might run!" Desi exclaimed, but Bronwyn simply shook her head and stated calmly, "It's waterproof. Besides, I have an umbrella in here--" She held forth the basket she carried. "--in case we need it."
Desi slumped her shoulders in defeat.
"Here's a good spot," Bronwyn said, after they'd walked a bit further. She released Desi's arm (and Desi immediately started massaging her wrist), and set the basket down in the grass. Unfolding the blue and white checkered blanket she'd draped over her arm, Brownyn laid it out on the green lawn and sat down. She patted the empty space next to her, and Desi, reluctant, sat down too.
"I brought snacks," Bronwyn proudly proclaimed. She handed Desi a cauldron cake, and then started to arrange the other tasty morsels and sweets on the blanket.
Just then the first drops of rain started to fall.
Desi looked triumphant.
Brownyn pretended not to notice and plucked a chocolate frog package from her pile of goodies.
But when the sky emptied and buckets of large raindrops showered down upon the two picnickers, Bronwyn and Desi hurriedly stuffed the goods back into the basket, grabbed it and the blanket and ran for their lives to the castle. By the time they reached the front doors, both were soaked to the bone (and Bronwyn's mascara had run).
"So much good for your umbrella," Desi expressed sarcastically.
"Seems I forgot to pack it anyway." Bronwyn shrugged and wrung out her hair.
The rain stopped as suddenly as it had started.
"We can go back..." Bron ventured, and she started to laugh at the look on Desi's face. "Okay, okay, let's not."
Mindlessly Going Through Finals
Author: Lawrence Masterson
Date: 10-28-04 20:07
Lawrence had thrown himself into his finals, while Vera had been working on her tests and getting ready to finish up her time here at Hogwarts. It was him attempt to stall the thoughts of Vera not being at Hogwarts next year. At least she would hopefully be close in Hogsmeade, it was the least he could hope for right now.
He'd gone through his DADA, Potions, Charms, Herbology, Ancient Runes, and Muggle Studies. He had two left: Transfiguration and Astronomy.
He walked into the Transfiguration final and sat down, even garnishing a look from McGonagall. The sixth year hufflepuff looked as if he hadn't slept very well. He shook his head, waving off questions from McGonagall, because if he had to explain why he looked like he hadn't slept, he would most likely break into tears.
Lawrence moved through the Transfiguration final, mindless as he had gone through the others, but he thinks he had done well, at least he hoped so. He had one more to go, and that would be easy enough. He quickly stepped out of the class room and headed up to his room. He was looking forward to the end of the year banquet, just as much as he WASN'T looking forward to it.
He grabbed some stuff for his astronomy final and headed to the library to study, he left a note with Vera and then left.
Mother and Son
Author: Bill Weasley
Date: 10-28-04 20:37
Bill felt badly for not giving into his mother's not-so-subtle demands when it came to discussing George's marital status. He knew that she knew something about the secret marriage. He knew that she simply wanted confirmation from someone she knew to be in the know. Bill hated keeping it from her, but it simply wasn't his secret to tell. George and Majandra would do it themselves in just two days time. She would have her answer soon, very soon...
To ease his conscience and maybe to appease her as well, Bill took Molly out to dinner on Tuesday night. They went to The Spinning Horn and settled into a booth by a window.
"Are you sure Dad didn't want to come?" Bill asked. A waiter came with the menus. Bill accepted both and passed one across the table to his mother.
Molly shook her head. "He said we should have some time alone. We will both dine with you some other time."
"Perhaps we can do a dinner at the cottage. I'll cook."
"Goodness, do you know how?"
"I've picked up a thing or two from Briar." He perused his menu for a minute.
His eyes looked at Molly over his menu. "Say, Mum... what do you think of Fleur?"
Heart to Heart
Author: Molly Weasley
Date: 10-28-04 21:07
Molly was smiles and sunshine when Bill took her to The Spinning Horn. She felt a bit odd thinking that the last time she'd eaten there Fluer was practically sitting in his lap. She sighed. Then it came. It was inevitable.
"Say, Mum... what do you think of Fleur?"
Molly smiled her large motherly smile and produced a few short jerky head nods.
"She's ......lovely dear. Quite lovely." She ducked her head into the menu.
"I'd like a nice cup of tea if I may?" Her voice sounded from behind the menu.
"Mum?" Bill's voice was hesitant. "Mum...Does it bother you?"
Molly was displaying her best contented mother face. The smile looked almost painful.
"Mum you can tell me how you feel. Really, you can." He put his hand on her arm.
The server came and took their orders."
"Mum, I care what you think." He said in all sincerity.
Molly started to tear up. She grabbed a handkerchief.
"No one cares what I think." She tried not to sniffle. "Fred...George...no one! I"ll be surpried if Ginny doesn't run away and come back with three children!" She dabbed at her eyes.
Bill felt like dragon droppings. "No Mum thats not true and you know it. Its just we all have our lives and sometimes it seems so busy you know? You just do what comes next and then later stop to think about what you've done. Mum, no one would ever hurt you on purpose.........except maybe Percy.... oh nevermind."
He was rambling and he knew it. He didn't want her to cry. He didn't want her to be hurt.
Molly dabbed her eyes again then squeezed his arm.
"You're such a good boy. Fleur is lovely if thats the type you're looking for. She doesn't seem to me a girl who'd want ....you know...to concentrate on children and family. But if she's your choice then...then...she's lovely."
Dinner was served and conversation was switched to more light and airy topics. Molly and Bill left happily. Bill feeling a bit of a load off his shoulders and Molly.Molly now had one more possible daughter-in-law to worry about.
Re: It's an Elf... and a Cat!
Author: Erestor
Date: 10-29-04 10:23
After a few hours, I woke up in a strange place. Looking around, I began to get nervous and weepy. Why was I here? Wherever here was. Where was my master? Was he spared or had he died? If he died...then who was going to be my new master? Getting out of the small bed, I made my way to the door and started looking around. There were boxes full of books and a metal safe like master had. Only it was not his. His books were not like these. His were neatly set upon their shelves free of dust. Looking about at the limited space, I set to work. Dusting off the shelves, I began placing the books on the shelves and flattened the boxes. Stacking them neatly in the corner, I then swept the floor and made everything look neat. Hearing somebody coming, I sat on the bed and began to think of my master. I hoped it was him. Only instead it was a different man with kind eyes like my master.
"Where am I and where is my master? He has to be helped. He was badly hurt by a man on our way to the entrance of the pub to go to Diagon alley and then to Hogsmeade. Please tell me where I am and what has happened to my master."
Although it was not for a house elf to care deeply for one's master, I did. He was always kind to me and that meant alot.
"I put your books on the shelves and cleaned up in here for you as payment for your kindness."
Reaching into my rag outfit, I gave him a picture of my master.
"He's a good man," I said. "I must go back to him. Where is he?"
