Honeydukes
Author: Bronwyn Dewhurst
Date: 07-23-02 09:02
Once again, it was time for another Hogsmeade weekend. High Street was bustling with activity from street vendors to excited Hogwarts students eager to spend all their money.
"Where to first?" asked Bronwyn happily, turning around and walking backwards to look at her friends as she questioned them.
"Sweetshop!" exclaimed Hunter and Kendra simultaneously.
Toby flashed Bronwyn a grin and nodded. "Sounds good to me too."
"Great!" Bronwyn spun on her heel and started walking forwards again, linking her arm around Toby's.
The foursome squeezed through the crowd to get inside the shop, and once there, bought various treats such as Cauldron Cakes and Chocolate Frogs.
Walking and
Talking
Author: Australia Kingston
Date: 07-23-02 10:05
Australia and Prote had arrived at Hogsmeade not long before the streets started to become jam-packed with students. As they make their way over to The Three Broomsticks, they met up with Lee and Eileen, who are also on their way to The Three Broomsticks.
After entering, they see that the store is filling up quickly and decided that if they want to get a table that they better do it now. The foursome grabbed a table in the back and ordered a round of Butterbeers.
Fritz's Laboratory
Author: Fritz Schnackenpfefferhausen
Date: 07-23-02 10:19
In a small, old neighborhood in London is a series of restored Victorian houses. Most of them are now occupied by families, but a few are simply historical markers and tourist attractions. Below a rosy-colored, gray-gabled home at the end of Canon Street, is a young boy named Fritz. He is hunched over a lab table in his basement, hard at work on his latest experiment involving chromatography.
"Ein drop of der blue dye," mumbles Fritz into a hand-held cassette recorder. "Ein drop of der red dye, und ein drop of der yellow dye."
He sets the tape recorder down on the stainless steel table and drops a single dot of ink per color onto a piece of filter paper with a pipette. When he is finished, he sets the filter paper into a beaker filled half-way with ethanol and then picks up the tape recorder once more.
"Die time ist 11:50 in der morning. In eine hour, das paper must be removed from der beaker."
He clicks stop on the cassette recorder and sets it down on the table. Then, he hops off of the stainless steel stool and trots over to the pegs on the wall next to the rickety, wooden staircase. Fritz slips out of his clean, white lab coat and hangs it up on one of the free pegs. Next, he bounds up the creaky, old stairs and unlocks the door at the top, which leads into a short hallway by the kitchen.
The mouth-watering aroma of fried bratwurst assails Fritz's nose, and he rounds the corner to find his mother, Mitzi, turning the burner down on the stove as she tends to the fattening sausages.
"Bratwurst, again!" exclaims Fritz, as he slides onto the floral-patterned bench around a light-brown rectangular table.
Mitzi smiles and fills up two tall glasses of applewine, and one of lemon-flavored club soda. "*Ist doch dein lieblings Malzeit," says Frau Schnackenpfefferhausen.
"That ist true," admits Fritz. He takes a sip of his drink and swivels his head around towards the foyer at the sound of someone coming through the front door.
"Fritz! Du hast Post!" It's Franz, Fritz's father who has just walked in through the front door bearing mail.
The young boy at the table springs up and snatches a letter from his father's grasp. He rips it open and gasps aloud. "It ist a letter from the London Youth Chemistry Society! I am selected to attend summer camp at the Natural History museum! If I make good impression, I will be able to attend weekend camps next school year!"
Fritz jumps around the kitchen excitedly until his parents ask him to stop. He sets the letter on the edge of the table and eats his bratwurst hungrily, talking happily about the camp between bites. Little does he know that in a few months, he will receive a letter that will force him to change his plans and alter his entire life.
*German for, "It's your favorite food."
Working, Thinking,
and Seething
Author: Lysander Stratford
Date: 07-23-02 19:50
Lysander Stratford manned the front counter on that particular Saturday of the Hogsmeade trip for Hogwarts students. He watched many children enter the door, fiddle around with a few books before depositing them back on the shelf and leaving the store for the sweetshop or the bakery.
Honestly, don't kids read nowadays? pondered Lysander. He quietly tsked tsked to himself and fumbled around with the money in the cash register. For the most part, the morning was dull. The people entering and exiting the bookshop were anything but interesting and frankly, Lysander could think up a long list of other things, mainly things involving his lovely wife, that would be far more entertaining than standing around behind a counter waiting for someone to buy something.
It wasn't until four young Slytherins entered the shop, that things started looking up. Lysander recognized the foursome–two dark-haired girls and a blonde couple. The couple approached Chyler and were directed to the fireplace, and then the raven-haired girls were escorted to the secret room. Lysander smiled to himself and silently wondered if more Slytherin students would seek out what lay hidden in the store.
He then remembered when he had to escort some Hufflepuff boy and Lucius Malfoy's son up to the castle after a fight broke out in the store during the last Hogsmeade visit. Lysander had subtly hinted to Malfoy that he and his friends were welcome to stop by the bookshop again in order to enjoy the benefits of being Slytherin. Hopefully young Malfoy would appear to take advantage of the opportunity...
In the meantime, Lysander busied himself with the money again and let his mind wander to other, more unpleasant thoughts. Ever since Bill Weasley had returned to the wizarding world, he had yet to stop by the bookshop. Was he avoiding the Stratfords and Julian? Probably not. In fact, it was highly probable that the Weasel was just waiting for the right time to make an appearance. Did Bill suspect the bookshop owners were behind his accident in the muggle world? Knowing Weasley, there was no doubt about it, especially since Adriana seemed to know the truth.
Lysander gritted his teeth and slammed some of the money into the cash register, and then shut it with a bang. Why did Weasley always get him in such a foul mood?
An Invitation
Author: Aaron Miller
Date: 07-23-02 22:45
Although still not back to full strength after a long, and fairly serious, bout with flu, I am restless to get out of the apartment. I decide the short walk to The Leaky Cauldron won't be overtiring and from there I can go to Diagon Alley. Once there, I'm planning on heading to my favorite chair at Flourish & Blotts.
The walk takes me longer than normal but then I'd expected it to. Despite assuring my mother during her regular phone calls that I was fine and recovering nicely, in actuality I'd been extremely ill with high fever and became dehydrated. I'd even spent a couple of days in the hospital because of it. I shudder to think how long recuperating would take if I weren't normally so fit.
Upon arrival at the pub, I sit for a short time nursing an icy cold butterbeer while waiting for someone to pass through the going to or coming from Diagon Alley. I take the first opportunity I see and once on the alley's thoroughfare I go straight to the bookstore.
Inside, I go through my usual routine of browsing the shelves, selecting a variety of books, then taking a seat to peruse them. Just over an hour later I hear a familiar small voice calling my name in greeting. Peering over the book I'm holding, I smile at Deak.
Before I can return the greeting though, Deak says excitedly, "We're going to Hogsmeade to see Drake." Without pausing, he then asks rather hopefully, "Come with us? Pleeeeeease?"
Re: Working,
Thinking, and Seething
Author: Jarl Hrafnkel
Date: 07-24-02 13:02
I found myself walking down to Hogsmeade thoroughly disgusted at the outcome of the Quidditch game. To be sure the Slytherins couldn't play an honest game if their lives depended on it. Nor was their cheating very imaginative either. Blatching seemed to be their favorite, and they certainly weren't very sportsman like. Just then I happened to spot two dark-haired girls and a blonde couple, Slytherins, going into the bookstore. "Now what's a Slytherin doing in a bookstore?' I asked myself. It's not like Slytherins are known to be very studious. It was far more likely to find that Granger girl in a bookstore, then a Slytherin, so I followed them in. OK so I wasn't entirely surprised to find the store empty of Slytherins as I looked in. Entering the shop I turn as to look through the books then ask, "Do you have a copy of the 'Elder Edda?' I've been wanting to get my own."
Adventure
Bound
Author: Pyrrhus
Date: 07-24-02 15:42
After profusely thanking Mrs. Stratford, who had winked at them and insisted they call her Chyler, Isolde and Pyrrhus walk hand in hand into the fireplace. They emerge mere moments later in the tour office's fireplace. Pyrrhus pulls out the tickets and still holding hands with Isolde, debates which counter to head towards.
Isolde spots one with a sign indicating the clerk speaks English. The excited, grinning couple walk over and present their tickets. The exotic looking ticket agent returns their grins.
"A pleasure to have you join our tour today, Miss Farnon, Mr. Fine. My name is Vashti." She nods towards a man standing in a doorway to what looks to be a coffee shop. "Jumah and I will be the guides for your group. In approximately twenty minutes he will call for Tour 13 to join him right outside that doorway. In the meantime, feel free to browse our shops or enjoy some complimentary refreshments in the cafe."
Isolde and Pyrrhus decide they can look in the shops after the tour is over. They opt for getting something to drink and trying some of the interesting looking pastries being offered in the cafe. While enjoying their snacks, they flip through the pamphlets Vashti had given them along with their stamped tickets.
Pointing out one item in his pamphlet, Py exclaims, "This sounds bloody interesting!" He reads aloud, "See the grotesque and cursed home of Mundawar the Malevolent, known for his marauding of missionary Muggles in the 18th century."
Isolde nods, "Very cool! And look, the tour has lunch right next door at a restaurant built by Dallale the Deformed in the 14th century. She lured unsuspecting Muggles into the establishment where they would drink a mysterious tea, the ingredients for which are still unknown, and end up turning into her devoted servants."
They continue reading and exchanging tidbits of information until Jumah calls for Tour 13 members to gather. Grabbing their packs, Isolde and Py rush to be the first in line, their faces alight with giddy glee.
Unannounced
Visit
Author: Viktor Krum
Date: 07-24-02 18:56
Viktor apparates into Hogsmeade, stands for a moment to get his bearings, then follows the directions he committed to memory. Only after he's knocked on the door at his destination does it occur to him that it's possible no one is home. It's not like this is an announced visit afterall and it is a Saturday.
"Oh well," thinks Viktor to himself, "I will just have to go to the post office and buy a sheet of parchment and borrow a pen, write her a message, then come back and slip it under her door."
Viktor knocks again, more firmly, deciding to wait another minute or two. That should be long enough to give her plenty of time to get to the door if she is indeed home. Less than half a minute passes when Viktor hears the sound of someone approaching the door. The door swings open and a pleasant looking face peers out at him while asking, "Yes?"
Doing his best to give a friendly smile rather than the scowl he's often told he expresses even when he thinks he's smiling, Viktor clears his throat. "Hallo. You are being Dierna ní Cíaran?"
Hoping he's pronounced her name just as he was told to say it, Viktor plows on. "I am Viktor Krum. Please be accepting my apologies for coming vitout an inwitation but I am not trusting ze owl post vith zis. Iv now iz not a good time to be speaking vith me, vhen vould be a better time, please?"
Ms. Ciaran's face lights with recognition just as Viktor states his name. She opens the door wider and invites him in. As he follows her into another room she explains, "My godson Harry and his friends Hermione and Ron are visiting. I believe you are already acquainted. Unless I am very much mistaken, whatever you need to tell me you may say in front of them if you wish. If you prefer not to, then after they leave we can talk one on one."
Viktor, suddenly nervous at seeing Hermione, doesn't trust himself to speak right then. Instead, he just nods and continues following Ms. Ciaran into the room where the others sit having refreshments and chatting. He's not the least bit surprised when all three stared wide eyed on him, no one saying a thing.
The Quest
Continues...
Author: Remus Lupin
Date: 07-24-02 19:18
I had been on the quest for a few days now. There was no sign so far of Peter, but patience in this mission is critical. After all, Peter isn't about to run into me and turn himself in, he isn't that stupid. He's probably running from fear. He can't run forever, I know Peter, and he will eventually show up. I will catch Peter. He can be sure of that.
Irish Hospitalitiy
Author: Dierna ní Cíaran
Date: 07-24-02 21:23
The silence is interrupted by a faint knocking sound, then a second, more loudly.
"I wonder who that could be. Excuse me for a minute."
I open the door cautiously and immediately recognize the young lad sanding uncertainly at my door "Hallo. You are being Dierna ni Ciaran? I am Viktor Krum. Please be accepting my apologies for coming vitout an inwitation but I am not trusting ze owl post vith zis. Iv now iz not a good time to be speaking vith me, vhen vould be a better time, please?"
"Come in Viktor. I never refuse hospitality to visitors. "My godson Harry and his friends Hermione and Ron are visiting. I believe you are already acquainted. Unless I am very much mistaken, whatever you need to tell me you may say in front of them if you wish. If you prefer not to, then after they leave we can talk one on one." He nods, and follows me into the kitchen where my other guests are sitting, Harry slowly examining his mother's possessions. They all look up in surprise when I walk in with Viktor.
"Harry, Ron, Hermione. I believe you already know Victor Krum?" I actually know as a fact they do, but this is simply the more polite way of saying it. I do notice that there is an uncomfortable, almost strained silence. I quickly move to lighten the atmosphere.
"Can I offer you refreshments, Victor? Tea, butterbeer?" He accepts his refreshment with a polite "Thank you Ms Ciaran."
I sketch a chair in the air with my wand, it rotates then falls by the table "Call me Dierna, please."
"Yes Dierna. I hopes I was not interrupting?"
"I had invited Harry and his friends over to talk about his mother. You seem to have something of importance to say. What is this message that you would not entrust to Owl post?"
Heartbreakers
Times Two
Author: Charlie Weasley
Date: 07-24-02 21:25
Charlie Weasley stared at his former girlfriend before him. He took a few steps back and sat on the bed, running his hands thought his hair.
"Bella...I just don't think it's going to work. Long distance relationships never do. My work could call me away again at any moments, and then what would you do? Would you break up with me again? Like you did before? My heart broke that day, Bella, and to be selfish for once since my boyhood years, I really don't think I could do that again."
He patted the end of the bed next to him and she crossed over, taking a seat. She was going to cry at any moment; her eyes were becoming hazy.
"Being in quarantine made me think...a lot. You need someone to take care of you, not someone who could be gone ten of twelve months of the year. I can't do that – I tried, but I can't. If anything, it's both our faults. Mine, for acting on a dream that was never mean to be a reality, an yours for expecting too much too fast – for not waiting until you knew it was okay to panic before you did."
She was crying now, but Charlie knew that she came to talk and they were always truthful even when they didn't think the other could handle it.
"So, I just think we both need toÉto remain friends. I'll always be here for you if you need to talk." Charlie smiled, brushing a hand over her tear streaked cheek. He rubbed his thumb gently over her cheekbone, and leaned closer, kissing her on the forehead.
"I'm sorry. I just think this is best ... for both of us, Bella."
An Evil Day
for Hogsmeade
Author: George Weasley
Date: 07-24-02 21:57
George stood at the base of the stairs in Gryffindor House. He had to be losing his mind, because he couldn't remember where in the heck he was going...or was it what in the heck he was doing?
"Bloody 'ell!" He swore soundly as he ran his fingers through his hair and continued into the common room.
He paced several times, back and forth, in front of the fireplace, and then took a seat in a scarlet, over-stuffed, high-backed chair. He slouched, frowning deeper and deeper. Eventually, his head was down by the arms of the chair, or close to them, and his long, bony legs pointed straight forward.
Next things he knew, someone had plopped on his extended lap, patting him on the chest.
"George, dear, what's wrong?"
It was Majandra. With one great movement he pulled the girl close to his chest, sitting up correctly.
She giggled.
'Oh, I really don't remember, Maj!" George said, resting his chin in her hair, still thinking.
Majandra snuggled in. "Well, I'm sure you'll think of it. Hey, by the way, you're comfy!"
They both laughed and then fell silent again.
"You looked kind of scary looking with that grumpy looking face. Your hair was down in your eyes," she paused. "You looked...evil.'
George laughed. "Evil?"
Majandra nodded.
"Eeeeeeeevil, my dear young woman, is my middle name!" He said as he closed his arms around her so she couldn't wriggle free and began to tickle her.
The two laughed uncontrollably until they couldn't laugh anymore. Until their sides hurt so badly they had to get up and walk around. ŇLetŐs go down to Zonko's and look around.
"What do you think?" George asked, grinning at his beloved Majandra.
She grinned back. "Sounds eeeeeeeeeeevil to me!"
Not with a
Bang, but a Whimper
Author: Belladonna
Date: 07-24-02 22:36
Bella sighed...Bonaparte. It was over, at least the dating. However, room was left to be friends and she had a feeling they might be good at that. Time would tell. She stopped crying. It was silly, but kind of sweet in a way to be so careful of her feelings.
"Thanks, Charlie. You're right about things and long distance relationships. God...never knew I broke your heart. I understand about not wanting to take another chance, especially with our track record and the way I treated you. We'd most likely get even more confused as time went by and not even make the attempt to be friends.
I really shouldn't be in a relationship right now anyway, right? I need to learn to take care of myself, figure out who I am and what I want in life. Really, being protected just isn't my thing. Besides, I'm not sure you could have handled what would come later and I know I wouldn't have been able to help you through it.
Dating Bella the Hogwarts professor is hard enough, but what would have happened when you also had to date Lady Belladonna Sinistra? It's a different world then---half artificial, frivolous, and very unreal. I was born to it and I can't handle it most of the time. One of the reasons I took a job as a professor----a little refuge.
It's really better this way and you're right. It was a pleasant dream, but we'll leave it at that. I'll always keep fond memories of you and I hope we'll be good friends, especially since I finally worked myself up to sharing how I really feel. I'd like to visit Romania every now and then still. Was getting rather fond of dragons.
I'm not worried about me. I'll keep busy with the OWLs and NEWTs coming up. The comes summer when I'm taking a class at a Muggle university, going to several house parties, visiting this little Greek isle, and being glad to spend a few minutes in my flat in London and just rest. I'll have family to support me and I'm actually late for meeting them.
Will you be okay? I hope so. Listen, I have to go now. I'll keep in touch and I hope you will. Take care and I'm sorry it turned out this way."
She gave him a huge hug and practically ran out before she was tempted to cry again. Without noticing, she ran right into a pair of arms and her face was lifted up.
"He dumped you? Hope he at least used that we'll be friends bit and he'll be lynched by a posse if he didn't mean it."
"Luc, I didn't know..... Sent you to fetch me?"
"You know, you're getting good at this bit. My lovely wife got bored waiting and sent me. We've got cigarettes, baked goods, chocolate, firewhiskey, and we want to know everything and will ply you with what's necessary to find out. Iz and Bry have out your date book and are filling it with dates while Dylan's following orders and tracking down Liam who will secretly be overjoyed. Your lovely sister says it'll do you good to be taken out by friends and to keep busy. How do you feel about Slytherins? Oh, we bought this book for you. Thought it might help."
Bella ran her fingers through her hair and she walked with her brother-in-law. She'd be fine or learn to be. Falling out of love was easy; people did it all the time Better be, because Izzy was relentless and caring. Oh God, having to go some place with a Slytherin would be dreadful. Wait, "1001 Spells to Mend a Broken Heart"? Hmmmm.....did it work?
'Lone for
the Time Being
Author: Cho Chang
Date: 07-25-02 04:41
Adam had cordially disappeared, this time for good. Apparently the teachers who were in on the scheme had thought that best. She didn't mind too terribly much, Sykra was happy, Aradia was happy, she was happy - for the most part anyway. She smiles and waves at a few people, strolling in to the Three Broomsticks to get a butterbeer before heading out onto the streets again. Cho sips her butterbeer as she window shops from the street, feeling no urge to go spend money.
