Rendevous
Author: H Potter
Date: 09-14-02 20:10

The past few weeks have been full of stress and worry for Harry. He's not heard a single word from his godmother, Dierna, in ages. Harry knows she's head auror for the Ministry of Magic and he figures her job sometimes requires her to be gone for weeks at a time. Nevertheless, Harry had thought he would have heard something from her by now and, oddly enough, the owls he's tried sending Dierna have returned with the letters he wrote.

Harry's also not received a letter from Sirius Black in a very long while. He knows his godfather has been doing work for Professor Dumbledore in efforts to halt Voldemort. This doesn't stop Harry from being concerned when Sirius is out of touch for long periods. And, even more worrisome, Sirius runs high risk of danger if he's hot on Voldemort's heels.

To make things worse of late is the fact that Harry is jealous of Ron having Hermione as a girlfriend. Harry knows it's wrong but he cannot stop himself from thinking that Hermione should be his girl. Harry's not sure when Ron began to suspect something was up but for well over a week now, there's been some friction between Ron and him. Harry's pretty sure there's been a little tension between Hermione and Ron as well. It's not helped matters that neither Hermione nor Harry has been able to find the courage to sit Ron down and be honest with him.

A bright spot in the week finally came early Friday morning. Just after dawn, an owl landing on his bed, letter in its beak, woke Harry. After giving the owl one of the treats he keeps on hand for Hedwig, Harry had hastily opened the letter thinking it was from either Sirius or Dierna. Who else would be sending him an owl?

Much to Harry's surprise, the message was from a fourth year Hufflepuff named Jet Obsidian. As Harry read the letter, a wide grin slowly spread across his face. According to the letter, Jet was acting as a go between for Hermione. The letter then explained the reason Hermione approached Jet is because she learned that the Hufflepuff knows of a hidden cavern. In exchange for Hermione keeping what she knows about the cavern a secret and also helping Jet practice a few spells he's having trouble with, Jet's agreed to show the cave to both Hermione and Harry. Jet specified a time early Saturday morning down by the cliffs near the lake if Harry is interested in meeting privately with Hermione to talk about a personal matter.

Harry is pretty sure he knows what personal matter Hermione wishes to talk about and in private has to mean no Ron. Harry's smile grew even broader at thinking about alone time with Hermione to talk about their future together as a couple. He committed to memory the time to meet Jet then went and burned the letter in the common room fireplace. A fire is always going first thing each day to ward off the early morning spring chill.

This morning, Saturday, Harry got up early, showered, and grabbed a quick bite of breakfast. To ensure no one sees him leaving the castle (no one meaning Ron) Harry returns to the now empty fifth year boys dorm room and dons his invisibility cloak. He slips out of the common room behind some first years heading down to breakfast. Harry leaves the cloak on once out onto the grounds, taking it off only as he starts down the path to where Jet sits looking out over the lake. He calls out and runs down to the beach, eager to find out of Hermione's already waiting in the cave.

Jet nods at Harry's question and beckons the older boy to follow him. Jet leads Harry to a cave with a semi-hidden entrance. Further in, Jet vanishes around a large rock. Harry follows and is shocked to see the stairs carved out of the stone, leading down into darkness. A light flares suddenly and Harry realizes Jet has lit a torch.

As the boys descend the staircase they make small talk about going into Hogsmeade later today for the last trip before school's out. At the bottom of the stairs, Harry stares in wonder at the chamber and walks over to a large, carved and painted door with Salazar Slytherin's crest. Just as he turns to ask what lies behind the door, Jet points a wand at Harry and all goes black.

Love in the Library
Author: Hermione Granger
Date: 09-14-02 20:25

"Where's Harry?" Hermione asked, mentally slapping herself for sounding too eager to know the whereabouts of her beloved Harry.

Ron looked up from his chessboard and shrugged. "I don't know. He left the dorm early this morning and I haven't seen him since. Are you ready to go down to Hogsmeade?"

"I thought Harry was going to go with us." Hermione bit her lip.

"I'm sure we'll see him there," Ron said, getting to his feet. "And besides, I think it would be nice if just you and me go somewhere...without Harry. C'mon. Let's go. Aren't you excited about the new library in town?" He smiled and held out his hand.

Although it was evident that Ron was tired of Harry and Hermione's odd behavior around each other, he didn't seem to question anything about it. Hermione accepted his out-stretched hand and returned his smile. "You have no idea how excited I am about the new library."

Ron laughed and said, "Oh, I think I do!"

As Hermione and Ron left the common room, hurried through the darkened corridors, raced down the never-ending staircases, stepped out of the castle, and rushed across the castle grounds, she couldn't help but wonder why Harry didn't want to go to Hogsmeade with her and why she still couldn't bring herself to tell Ron the truth about her feelings.

Once the pair stepped into Hogsmeade, however, Hermione's feelings started to change. It was as if leaving the castle and being apart from Harry was enough to snap her back into reality. Just what had she been thinking these past few weeks?

Nevertheless, the sudden change of heart was causing the bushy-haired girl to become very confused. Who did she really love? Harry or Ron?

Her inner turmoil was soon forgotten as she stepped into the new library and found herself surrounded by books and books. "Oh, this is heavenly!"

Ron laughed. "I knew you'd think so."

The couple walked up and down each aisle, Hermione selecting book after book, shoving a few into Ron's arms. Before long, he was laden with a tall stack of books and Hermione had a few under her arm.

"I can't carry anymore, Hermione. You'll just have to get more by owl." Ron said grimacing, as he maneuvered himself over to the counter and set the tall stack of books down with a loud thud.

Hermione sighed. "Oh, all right."

She followed Ron to the counter and set down her books. As she stood there waiting for the librarian to stamp them, she observed Ron who was fiddling with the cover of one of the hard-covered books. Suddenly, she remembered everything that had occurred between them during the past year...the jealousy she felt when Samantha had spent so much time with Ron at the start of the year, revealing her love for Ron in front of the whole school during the Halloween feast, getting upset at Ron when Majandra kissed him, and experiencing her own first kiss with Ron. So many memories that made Hermione realize who really was the love of her young life. Ron.

Sighing, Hermione reached out and pulled Ron's face to hers. Their lips brushed briefly, and then Ron pulled back and smiled.

"What was that for?" he asked, running a hand through Hermione's hair.

Hermione shrugged. "I just...needed to do that. Are you complaining?"

"No!" Ron laughed. "Not at all."

He tilted his head downwards to steal a kiss, but Hermione pushed back and smiled. "We got all the wrong books. We need some study supplements for our OWL exams. They're less than a month away and we haven't done nearly enough studying! I feel incredibly unprepared! What if I fail my exams?"

Ron shook his head and silenced Hermione with a kiss.

"You of all people won't fail the OWLs," he said, after breaking the kiss. "But, if you honestly feel as if you need to do some extra studying, I'd be happy to keep you company."

Hermione smiled.

Dunsidhe, Ireland
Author: Remus Lupin
Date: 09-14-02 21:24

After our conversation about Dierna's disappearance, Michael hands me a port key to get to Dunsidhe. I never met Michael before. He appears to be a good man and a good auror. I leave Pettigrew in his friends. We shake hands and I use the portkey and arrive at the ranch at Dunsidhe. As I make my way to the O'Ciaran farm, I try not to worry too much about Dierna, but I can't stop myself. It's not like Dierna to disappear. To get my mind of Voldemort and what he might have done to Dierna, I start thinking about the last time I was here. In the summer after I finished my third year at Hogwarts. Dierna had invited James, Sirius, Peter, Lily and me to the ranch. Most of us came except for Peter, who was afraid of winged horses. I wonder if Padraig and Seamus, the ranch hands are still there? I wonder if they will recognize me? I think to myself. I enter the field. One of the ranch hands is there. He turns around and recognizes me instantly

Re: Dunsidhe, Ireland
Author: Dierna ní Cíaran
Date: 09-14-02 21:26

Seamus was out in the front fields training a new foal when a man he remembered came walking towards the Ranch. Seamus would never forget a certain summer when a large group of Hogwarts students had spent their holidays at the Farm. The students were friends of Dierna's: Lily Potter (then Evans), Angelina, James Potter and the self-stylized Mauraders (with the exception of Peter Pettigrew, who said he was "afraid of p-pegasii"). One of the Mauraders had been the man now approaching.

"Remus Lupin?! You've grown lad!" Seamus said, walking quickly to open the gates. "I wasn't expecting you, but your welcome here anyway."

"You remember me!" Lupin was pleased by this.

"Always! Hey Padraig, get over here! We have a guest!" Padraig who was tending to a loose nail on a large winged palomino, quickly finished the job then looked over his shoulder "It cant be Remus Lupin?"

The two farm hands ushered Lupin inside and magically conjured tea and scones. Lupin explained his mission, and meeting with Micheal Turin.

"Dierna was here, aye." Semaus agreed. "But that was a fortnight ago. She took Scaithmor, her Granian, and left. We haven't heard from her since."

"Dierna is a woman who knows what she's about." Padraig said, after a brief pause. "But she isn't infallible. Take one of the horses, it will make your journey faster."

The two farmhands led Remus to the back, where the stables were. One horse looked up at Remus and came trotting over to him.

"Grainne seems to like him, and the Abraxan are fast and powerful. Use the seltive visibility charm to hide yourself. Find her, Remus. May the Danans guard you" Seamus saddled the giant palomino and gave Lupin a boost up.

"Send word if you need help."

Just Back in London to MoM - So Hurriedly!
Author: John 1st Duke of Marlborough
Date: 09-15-02 04:41

After the Quidditch-games and a brief but most lovely and relaxing holiday, entirely spent, day and night with that fair blossom Belladonna Sinistra, Lord John had returned briefly to the chores at MoM and the bustle of Muggle-London.

Again the traffic-wardens had to keep out of harms way as his Range speeded almost recklessly through the streets of London, licensed to do so by the special MoM-plates front and back. Whenever he conducted his business or ministerial duties it appeared that Lord John quite literally flew across the country and the cities and towns in a hectic pursuit of efficiency and time-saving.

Always limiting his stops to the barest minimum, responding with an uncanny, almost scary well-drilled manner to any inquiries, implementations or decision-making, he had the air of a Merlin about him, though so much younger and most certainly handsomer! A row of messages on his receiver told him that his old "flames" had not forgotten him, but he intently chose not to answer or take any further action with those. That lay all in the past now! Instead it was one certain still un-plucked but ever so attractive flower that stood in his focal point now...

And this fact made him rush through even more frantically than before! Now he was about to take charge of a collection of very rare wizard-handbooks destined for the Hogsmeade Public Library. Also he knew well that, at Hogsmeade, Bella would be awaiting...

Prince Charming Comes Riding In
Author: Belladonna
Date: 09-15-02 08:20

Bella took a seat in the Three Broomsticks and ordered two butterbeers with a smile. She took a deep breath as John came in and sighed hopelessly. Why'd he have to be so handsome? She took a deep breath and smiled as he greeted her with a kiss and grabbed the second butterbeer.

She looked up at him after playing with a diamond bangle and brushing a lock of raven hair out of her face. She had no idea why she was nervous. He loved her, or he wouldn't have proposed or continued spending time with her. Bite the bullet and confess, girl.

"John, lately I've been feeling as if lately my feelings have crystalized. Let me tell you a story, and then you finish it for me, okay?

Once upon a time, there lived a girl named Bella. She grew up in this lovely world, populated with servants, house elves, and every luxury conceivable to Muggle and Wizard worlds. She wasn't a princess, but her upbringing would have fit a princess. As time went on, she hated not being ordinary.

This feeling increased when she went off to school. Now, Bella developed a crush on one of the team captains at this school and thought herself madly in love throughout her school days, even though he never noticed her. When school ended, she felt like she hated the world she grew up in and got a job as a professor.

A few years later, the captain of the Quidditch team came back into her life and she saw only illusion. He was everything the boy she'd grown up with weren't and had no money, so there was a glamour about someone who had to work for a living. Time passed and they found it wasn't meant to be.

Now Princess Bella was quite emotionally wounded, mind you, and then a prince walked into her life. For a time, she was hesitant and didn't know what she made of him. As time passed, she found herself madly in love and accepted her past. She was obscenely rich, but she had found that was okay.

That's all there is so far of the story. John, I love you and admit it gladly. I don't care about the age difference, matter if fact, I rather like it. Your maturity is nice, even if you can and do hell raise with my friends and I. Marriage is out of the question right now, as I'd still like to know you better, but I want to let you know I love you and could see a future as your wife....one of these days.

So, do the prince and princess live happily ever after, John? Give the story an ending."

Entry Forbidden?
Author: Isolde
Date: 09-15-02 12:38

Thrilled that it was finally a day for another trip into Hogsmeade, the four Slytherins made their way into town. They were all eager to return to Twice Told Tales and to spend the day lounging about in the bookstore's secret room.

Like the perfect gentleman he was, Pyrrhus held open the shop door for the ladies. The foursome then wandered through the store, acting as if they were just looking around at the new book releases and special buys, when in reality, they were searching for one of the Stratfords or Mr. Valentine to let them into the chamber.

When Mrs. Stratford came into view, Isolde pulled on Azaelia's sleeve and nonchalantly walked up to the lovely owner of the bookstore.

"Mrs. Stratford," Isolde said, tapping the dark-haired woman on the shoulder.

Chyler turned around and smiled. "Hello Isolde. Welcome back." She smiled at Azaelia, Alexis, and Pyrrhus in turn and then casually looked around the shop. When her eyes finally settled on the four Slytherins once more, her voice dropped. "I'm afraid that the book you four are interested in isn't available today. It's on hold for a special purpose, but I assure you, you'll get access to it again sometime."

Isolde exchanged curious looks with Pyrrhus. Azaelia seemed to understand, though. "No problem, Mrs. Stratford. We'll just be patient." She smiled at the kind shopkeeper and then turned to her friends, pointing to a small loveseat and two armchairs which were situated off in a corner of the room.

After sliding onto the sofa, Isolde turned to Azaelia and asked in a low whisper, "What do you suppose is going on?"

From one of the armchairs Azaelia answered, "I don't know, really, but it's obvious they're doing something in there."

"Maybe they aren't exactly doing anything yet, but have plans?" Pyrrhus suggested.

Alexis, seated in the other armchair, shrugged. "Maybe there's some sort of meeting going on in there."

"Deatheaters?" Isolde merely mouthed the word.

The four Slytherins shrugged and exchanged looks of wonder and curiosity.

Dreams Come True?
Author: Helena Tufton
Date: 09-15-02 14:40

Helena stepped out of the inn and crossed the busy street, eyeing her destination as she tried not to get run over by the excited Hogwarts students who were in town for the day. As she neared the bakery, she could already see Charlie inside through the great show-window next to the entrance. He had hopped up onto the counter and was reaching his arm over the protective glass in order to snatch up a snack or two. Briar was standing on the other side of the counter and kept swatting at Charlie's eager hand.

Laughing, Helena continued on her path towards the building, and at the same time her mind kept wandering to that very vivid dream she had earlier that morning. Truth be told, she liked it, but she wouldn't dare admit that to anyone, much less Charlie. Nonetheless, she mentally scolded herself for allowing Charlie to get to her the way he had been lately.

As far as she was concerned, men were evil and always would be. She had Julian Valentine to thank for that observation. Certainly the best thing to do about this Charlie situation was to just ignore it and hope it go away, but Helena knew firsthand that love wasn't something one could fight.

"OK, get ahold of yourself, Helena." The blonde woman shook herself and reached for the door handle. Charlie probably didn't feel the same way about her anyway, so she should just let it go...

"Helena!" Charlie's eyes lit up as she entered the bakery. He slid off of the counter and took a few grand steps to meet her at the door. "Glad you could make it." He had taken her hand and was rubbing his thumb against the Chinese dragon charm he had given her for her bracelet.

Desperately wishing she could stop her cheeks from reddening, Helena smiled and turned to Briar. "Hello, Briar. How are you today?"

"Oh, I'm fine." Briar returned Helena's smile and winked at Charlie. "I've got a job for you two to do, if you're interested."

Helena nodded and said, "Sure. What do you want us to do?"

"Make some brownies? All the supplies are in the back room."

Charlie smiled and started leading Helena to the back room, but he failed to notice that Helena's face had turned a deep crimson. "I love brownies! Don't you, Helena?"

"Oh, yeah...sure...all that creamy chocolate...I love licking it off your fingers...erm...my fingers. MY fingers!" Helena reached for an apron and threw it on without looking Charlie in the face.

Visiting the Library
Author: Prof. Sorcha
Date: 09-15-02 15:11

Sorcha had left Hogwarts earlier in the day. She wasn't sure if she was feeling like herself anymore, like something was missing from her. It was just a feeling, but it was a strong one.

Sorcha had been wondering around Hogsmeade for a while, Ailsa over head. Her black outfit had matched the mood she had been in for awhile.

Sorcha's wonderings around Hogsmeade had led her to the new library. It could hold books that she hadn't read before about ancient runes. So, with a small sigh, Sorcha went in.

Inside, the library was very nice, and full of books. She saw Herminonie and Ron standing next to the front counter. She waited for them to be finished so she could ask the librarian if there were any ancient runes books.

Closing the Deal
Author: Jet
Date: 09-15-02 15:31

Jet turns away from the unconscious Harry just long enough to put the spell on the stairs back into place before casting the Mobilicorpus spell on Potter. He then picks up the invisibility cloak and after carefully folding it into a tight square, Jet tucks it into one of his robe pockets. Harry bringing the cloak was a stroke of good luck as far as Jet's concerned because it's just the type of thing that will come in exceptionally handy today.

Torch firmly in hand, Jet starts down the passage way to the other chamber, Harry's puppet-like body following along behind. Jet is not the slightest concerned that Harry will stir out of his comatose state because rather than using the Stupify spell, which can wear off over time even without the Ennervate counterspell, Jet used a spell he found in the large tome Sal was so kind to leave in the chamber for Jet to read. The Somnolentia spell keeps the victim in an extremely deep sleep until the counterspell Revivify is cast.

Once at the other end, Jet firmly binds Harry, gags him and for an added, extra touch, blindfolds Potter as well. All this really isn't necessary but Jet is determined that if anything goes wrong, it wouldn't be from his end. Next, Harry is levitated into the box Jet had put into place earlier in the week. After Jet hammers the lid into place, he takes the spell off the stairs and floats the crate to the top then turns and puts the spell back on the stairs.

Moving the box away from the stair landing, Jet has it settle next to a large rock jutting out of the cave floor. Whistling a merry tune, Jet takes Harry's cloak and carefully drapes it over the box. Satisfied with his handiwork, the still whistling Jet heads out of the cave and walks the short distance into Hogsmeade.

Jet strolls through town, stopping at the bakery for a thick slice of pecan cake with caramel swirls and chocolate icing. He also gets an extra large glass of ice cold milk and goes outside to sit at a sidewalk table to take advantage of the glorious spring day.

After stuffing himself with the cake and going back for seconds, and draining the glass of milk, Jet meanders over to Twice Told Tales. Inside, he locates Mr. Stratford and approaches. As prearranged in the messages they exchanged, Jet politely asks, "Excuse me, sir. I'm looking for a gift for my Uncle Tom. He's got a great interest in pottery."

Lysander Stratford smiles and nods. A thoughtful expression settles on his features as he replies. "Pottery, pottery. Ah yes, I believe there are several books on the subject in a newly arrived shipment. They're still boxed up in the storeroom so why don't you come with me and we'll see if we can locate them."

Jet follows Mr. Stratford into the storage area and after the door is closed he pantomimes for parchment and pen. Mr. Stratford points to a table in the corner then begins opening boxes and moving books around so that anyone who observed the two enter the room will hear the noises one would expect of someone hunting through crates. Jet hastily scribbles out a map and how to find the invisibility cloak covered box. He also makes note of the word that must be spoke to awaken Harry.

A minute later, a smiling Jet emerges from the storage room clutching a book to his chest. He follows Mr. Stratford to the register and thanks the man for his help in locating just the perfect birthday present for Uncle Tom. His business completed, Jet exits the bookstore and walks the short way to Honeydukes intending to buy a stash of sweets to help get him through his upcoming finals at school.

A Little Peace and Quiet
Author: Prof. Snape
Date: 09-15-02 20:31

Snape was in his office organizing his stuff, and he sighed in relief.

"How nice it is not having all thoes pesky kids in the school!" he muttered.

Accepting the Package
Author: Lysander Stratford
Date: 09-15-02 20:35

Lysander watched Jet leave the store and dealt with a few customers before leaving the front counter to find his wife. He found her putting some new books on one of the bookshelves, but because there were some patrons nearby, Lysander kept quiet. He didn't need to use any words, anyway, because his facial expressions revealed it all.

Lysander placed a hand on Chyler's arm and gave it a gentle squeeze. It's time.

Although no words were spoken, Chyler nodded and busied herself with the books once more. Lysander spun on his heel and went into the office, where Julian was flipping through a book.

Shutting the door behind him, Lysander spoke in a low tone. "Our young friend dropped by and has informed me that he has Potter locked away in a box in some cave. If you're game, we can set out now to retrieve him."

Julian set the book down and grinned. "What are we waiting for?"

The two men set out, explaining to Chyler that they were going to get a box of rare books and that they'd be back shortly. Anyone in the store overhearing the conversation wouldn't have thought any differently.

The two men followed Lysander's instructions to the location of the cave. Jet's instructions to Lysander had been very precise, allowing the older men to find the cave without much difficulty. Once inside with wands alit, they found a lot of stairs and no box.

"He covered it with an invisibility cloak," Lysander explained.

Julian located the box, which had been settled on a rock jutting out of the cave floor. It was decided that they'd float the box out of the cave and remove the invisibility cloak once in town. They figured that since Hogsmeade was especially crowded today since all the Hogwarts students were in town, it could be likely that some careless child would run into the invisible box. It would be better to transport the box in plain sight, and pretend as if it were a shipment of books.

They did just that, and once they arrived at the bookstore, Julian disappeared into the office and Lysander acted as if he were taking the box into the back room. As soon as he was out of sight from the customers in the store, he made a beeline for the secret chamber and slipped inside with the box hovering before him. He set the box down in a corner and removed the invisibility cloak from the inside of his robes, which was where he hid it after it had been removed from the box.

Using invisible ink, Lysander scribbled a message to Voldemort. He quickly tucked it in an envelope and sealed it shut, before stealthily leaving the room. An owl was already waiting for him in the shop, eager to depart with the letter.