The Art of War
Author: Bellatrix Lestrange
Date: 01-26-04 17:59

Bellatrix hadn't spent years tormenting ni Ciaran at school without getting to know her enemy. At the same time that Dierna yelled "Stupefy!", Bellatrix called out "Crucio!". The two spells mingled in midair with disastrous consequences. There was an explosion and the air burnt, throwing everyone within twenty feet to the ground. A sulfurous smell lingered and the air was tinged a nasty green for a few seconds.

Bellatrix went down face first onto the rocky ground. She spit leaves from her mouth and felt the warm trickle of blood down her face where her cheek was cut. Her hair spread on the ground like a black veil. She got slowly to her feet and wiped her cheek, looking at the blood that came away on her hand. Her whole body was tingling with electricity, and she was certain the others were in a similar predicament. Ni Ciaran climbed slowly to her feet, as did Hermione. Bellatrix let out a horrid laugh.

"Ni Ciaran! You've done it now!" she guffawed. "What will the Order say when they see that their pet Auror has killed a student!"

Shocked, ni Ciaran turned around, searching for Ron. He lay unmoving on the ground, a jagged cut on his forehead. His arm was bent oddly to one side.

"Ron!" called Hermione, shocked at her friend's state.

"Is he all right?" called Dierna roughly, flicking a glance towards Ron. Immediately she looked back, distrustful of Bellatrix.

Hermione knelt beside her friend. She placed a hand on his chest, desperate to know he was still alive. After a few seconds she said, "He's breathing! He'll be okay!"

"One down, two to go!" snapped Bellatrix, tired of the theatrics. Her arm stung where Hermione's shot had glanced off of her. "You're next, ni Ciaran!" she spat.

Hermione stood up, obviously intending to go and protect her pet Auror. Wasn't loyalty so dependable, thought Bellatrix. It made things so much easier. As soon as Hermione moved, Bellatrix sent a spell at Dierna, watching her move to the side and throw back a counter-curse. Bellatrix used the time to turn her wand on Hermione. "Diffindo!" she yelled, using the cleave spell in a way it was never intended. She made a slashing gesture and a red bolt cut across Hermione's arm and chest, causing her to fall to the ground unconscious and bleeding profusely.

"Two down, ni Ciaran!" she called. "Let's do this. It's always been about you and me!"

Dangerous Dances
Author: Dierna ní Cíaran
Date: 01-26-04 18:50

"Hermione. Stay back!" I shout, but too late. Bellatrix sends diffindo faster than I can block it, and Hermione collapses with a large gash. I take a breath to calm myself, then count . . . one . . . two . . . three . . .

"Gaoth mhor!" A strong, sudden, unearthly wind throws Bellatrix back against a rock. She looks dazed for a moment, either from surprise or the hit to the head - probably both.

"Didn't expect that did you? I've learned a few new tricks since Hogwarts."

Bellatrix gets back on her feet. "You think you're so clever don't you, Ni Ciaran? With your Irish magic . . . but you can't last long against me."

"Oh, I think I can."

"Deflagratio aboleo!" She sends a fiery red blast at me, but this time I'm prepared.

"Protegio!" I block the spell, but get thrown backwards from the impact. Not for long though, almost immediately I'm back on my feet.

"Is that the best you can do?" I jeer, dancing around on my toes. "Didn't Voldy teach you any advanced tricks -- or doesn't he think you're smart enough?"

I raise my wand, ready to counter her next move.

First Workshop of the Year
Author: Viktor Krum
Date: 01-26-04 20:00

Viktor calls out, "Nice work, Alanna. Watch dropping the end of your broom, Bradley."

As Viktor continues to keep a close eye on the group of students with whom he's currently working, he also takes time to scan how the other groups are getting on. The same three friends who helped him with the workshops last year are here again and four others showed up as well. This has allowed for small, easily worked with groups, ensuring each students gets a great deal of one on one instruction.

A bright blue headed streak goes whizzing by and Viktor takes a moment to call Coco over. When she's close enough that no one else can hear, Viktor asks, "Vy did you not try out for ze Rawenclaw team? You are being natural to flying, Coco."

The petite girl beams a smile as bigger than she is, "I thought about it but I love flying just for the sake of flying. Makes me feel like a bird."

"Vell, iv you change your mind, zere iz one beater position open. Perhaps you will be trying for it."

With another huge grin, Coco remounts her broom and as she zooms off she calls back, "Maybe. Just maybe."

The Benefits of Flobber Worm Farming
Author: H Potter
Date: 01-26-04 20:43

Harry finds the book he's hunting for, pulls it from the shelf and returns to the table covered in other books, papers, and other items Harry needs for his studies, including a large stack of blank parchment. On the nearest table to Harry's, there's another stack of books. With the library pretty much to himself today, the books, papers, quills, and other items seemed to spread out on their own, taking up more and more space.

Harry opens the newest book to his "collection" and begins scanning its pages for the information he's seeking. As he reads, he ignores the beginning rumbles of his stomach and doesn't even think twice about changing his mind concerning the lunch invitation Sirius extended this morning.

Harry had gone into Hogsmeade earlier enough to be at the shops when they opened. He carried with him a carefully thought out and organized list of items he needed to purchase, such as an entire box of parchment since he seems to have used up as much of the stuff in the short time since school began as he used in both terms last school year.

It was while he was perusing a pamphlet on "Flawless Flobber Worm Farming" and waiting in line to pay for his purchases that Sirius found Harry. Sirius had seen Harry through the shop window on his way to where he thought he and Harry were going to meet for breakfast. Harry felt slightly guilty at the shock on Sirius's face when his godfather learned that Harry was returning to the school to study and work on assignments. Harry had meant to send an owl but apparently he'd forgotten to even though it was on yesterday's to-do list.

Sirius tried to convince Harry to stay in town for at least part of the day, reminding Harry how long it had been since they'd seen each other. Much to Sirius's disappointment, Harry declined and never once asked Sirius a single question about the mission that kept Sirius away for so long. When Sirius asked Harry to at least meet him for lunch, since the boy did have to eat afterall, Harry again declined, saying he'd already wasted study time by coming into town but there were a few items he needed that he wanted to pick out himself rather than ordering by owl. Leaving his godfather scratching his head in puzzlement, Harry had said goodbye, spun on his heel, and walked out of the shop without a glance back.

Now, sitting in the school library, making some notes on the information he's reading, Harry's stomach rumbles again. Harry decides he'll take a break in half an hour to grab something to eat and maybe while eating he'll finish reading over the flobber worm farming pamphlet. Farming flobber worms might well be a good, steady, dependable job. Yes, indeed.

A Common Enemy
Author: Santhea Fennally
Date: 01-27-04 07:38

Santhea was still clutching the small piece of parchment in her hand when she entered the Three Broomsticks. How dare he! But all right, if he wanted war, so be it. She was after all not dependent upon him. Not at all.

Studying the patrons of the pub, her eyes met with familiar grey ones. Perfect. Why did Malfoy have to show up wherever she went? And why was he nodding towards her? She hadn't asked for his kindness, on the contrary. For a moment she considered leaving again. But that would only fuel Draco's believe that she was weak. And for one reason or other, she didn't want that to happen.

Instead she approached her three classmates, as Draco was once again flanked by his two gorillas.

"Oh Fennally," Draco sneered, "care for a drink?" Under his breath he added, "Tell me, how did your dear father take the news?"

"Sure, Malfoy..." In a whisper she answered, "None of your business..."

"Oh look. The Prince and Princess are back together. Now isn't that sweet." Swirling around, Santhea came face to face with Parkinson. Pansy grinned as if Christmas had come early.

She was about to reply, or even get out her wand to hex the Prefect into the next week, when Draco cut in, "Yes indeed. Poor Pansy, your beautiful plan didn't work out now did it?" As if to emphasize his words, he drew Santhea around again and into his arms, planting his lips firmly on hers.

Too startled to put up any kind of resistance, Santhea let him take the lead, and only after a few moments did she manage to fully comprehend what was happening and drew back. But it had been worth it... The look on Pansy's face was almost too good to be true. Her mouth opened and closed, but no sound escaped her lips.

Not wanting to think of the kiss, Santhea commented dryly, "Oh Pansy, giving an impression of a fish? You're pretty good at it..."

Milicent, though equally shocked but still able to move without making too much of a fuss, led the still unresponsive Pansy back to their table, leaving Santhea alone with the three Slytherin boys.

Slowly turning towards Draco, Santhea drew in a deep breath before asking, "Would you be so kind to tell me what in Merlin's name you think you were just doing?"

Finally in Hogsmeade
Author: Desdemona Diamond
Date: 01-27-04 10:30

On the way down to Hogsmeade I followed Bronwyn and Sebastian down the hill. They were walking slow, very slow. It gave me some time to think. I didnÕt want to meet my friend of ten years in robes that I barely liked and only wore because Bronwyn picked them out for me because they were in style. So, I decided right then and there that I wasnÕt going to wear them.

I stopped walking so I could get out of my robes. A little bit of struggling later I stood there, robe in hand. I slung it over my shoulder and I saw Bronwyn raise an eyebrow at me.

"What?" I asked and glanced down. I was wearing a black t-shirt, and a pair of tight black pants with metal items that made noise when I walked along the sides, and my ever-present boots. I noticed that Sebastian was busy looking at other things and didn't notice that I wasn't wearing my robes anymore.

"What are you doing?" Bronwyn asked.

"I didn't feel like wearing my robes anymore. They feel funny," I told her. I started walking again. Bronwyn followed me with a weird look on her face that I couldn't identify.

"Those are great looking robes," Bronwyn commented, "They go well with your hair." I didn't respond to her because we were close to Hogsmeade. I started to look around to see if I could see my friend Arlington. I thought I heard Sebastian ask a question, but I wasn't sure. I suddenly heard Bronwyn yell "HA!"

"Huh? What?" I asked as I turned to look at her.

"I figured it out, you're not looking for something, but someone!"

"No..."

"Yes! You didn't hear Sebastian's question about your clothes because you were busy looking for someone." Bronwyn accused.

"No, I was..." I trailed off when I saw Arlington sitting on a bench. "What was I saying?" I asked and turned to look at her. She was about to say something, but instead I started talking first. "I'm gonna go for a moment. I'll talk to you in a bit."

I figured she'd follow me, so I took off running. Arlington was looking down at something so I slowed down to a walk and headed for the bench. Once there I sat down next to him, and dropped my robes on the ground next to the bench. He started to look up so I asked, "Waiting long?"

Re: Finally in Hogsmeade
Author: Arlington J Montgomery
Date: 01-27-04 10:50

Arley looked up, a bit suprised someone would sit beside him. Then he noticed the hair and a huge grin spread across his face "Desi! You made it! I haven't been waiting long, I just got here." Suddenly he pulled Desi into a huge bearhug.

"I missed you Desi, it's been awhile..." He suddenly looked to the ground "I'm guessing you know why I'm here." Looking back up he noticed Bronwyn and Sebastian following after their friend. Then with a grin he added "Those friends of yours, Desdemona?"

Re: Ivy Cottage: Lunch
Author: Prof. Sorcha
Date: 01-27-04 11:24

Sorcha got up that Hogsmeade Saturday a little late for her. It wasn't often that she slept in, at least on purpose. When Sorcha did get up she graded a few papers and let Ailsa out for a bit. She then got dressed to go out for lunch. She had been invited earlier in the week.

So, having accepted Professor Sinstra's invitation, Sorcha made her way down to Hogsmeade. She was headed to Bella's cottage for lunch. It would be Sorcha's first visit to the cottage. She had been told where it was and was able to find it quickly. She knocked on the door and waited for someone to answer.

Using the Name of the Lord in Vain
Author: Bellatrix Lestrange
Date: 01-27-04 17:57

"How dare you use the Dark Lord's name, even in jest!" cried Bellatrix, incensed. "The Dark Lord is far beyond your reach! You could not hope to understand his plans, or his ways. They are for the true bloods, those who are untroubled by muggle simplicities!"

The bitch ni Ciaran continued to pace backwards and forwards, looking over her shoulder as if she was expecting help at any moment. "You are just Voldemort's pupied*, Bellatrix! You do his bidding without question, without thought. You are nothing, and he would be rid of you in a second if he thought it would help his cause," replied ni Ciaran.

"Occido Debellius!" shouted Bellatrix, pointing her wand with a shaking hand at the Auror. The air seemed to implode and there was a dull booming sound followed by a ripple of energy that raced towards ni Ciaran. The ripple of energy formed a spike and the auror attempted to block the spell with a shield, but it was in vain.

Bellatrix crowed with delight; this spell was a recent addition, newly learned from the Dark Lord himself and of incredible strength. The Auror went down hard, landing on her back in the earth. She lay unmoving for a moment, gasping for air, her wand to one side.

Bellatrix could feel the end was near. She would finish off ni Ciaran, slit her carcass wide open and send a triumphant Dark Mark over Hogsmead for all to see and fear. Shortly the world would know that it now belonged mind and soul to Voldemort.

She rested briefly, savoring the moment. She was exhausted, her mind reeling with power and fatigue, a heady mixture. Once ni Ciaran was dead she would kill both Hermione and Ron, leave the Potter boy to mourn anew at this fresh loss of life.

She watched as ni Ciaran tried to get to her feet and then stumbled and failed. The woman lay on the ground, her teeth gritted. It was game over.

*puppet

The Parting Shot
Author: Dierna ní Cíaran
Date: 01-27-04 18:31

I lay on the ground, desperately catching my breath. For a moment I Wonder if I'm paralysed, but then force myself to find my wand. I see Bellatrix looming above me. She thinks I'm helpless, and is about to finish me off.

But I'm a Fenian. I"m alive - and so still fighting. I clench my hand around my wand and force every ounce of my energy to the wand. I raise it upwards, just slightly.

Bellatrix has her wand raised "So ends the Orders great champion, Dierna ni Ciaran. Avada Ke-- "

"Timtreach Draoid!" Lighting streaks out of my wand, striking Bellatrix across her side and wand-wrist. She shrieks in agony, her blurred form clutching her injuries in shock.

A Thing Unholy
Author: Nathaniel Hawkins
Date: 01-27-04 18:49

Merdroit apparated to Nathaniel's front drawing room, making him jump.

"Merdroit! That was quick!" Nathaniel exclaimed. He bent over to pick up the papers and notes that had fallen to the floor.

Merdroit sneered, waiting for Nathaniel to finish. "What's got you so jumpy these days?" he asked. "I can't imagine who you must have upset if you're acting so...traumatized."

"It's nothing, really," replied Nathaniel, piling the paperwork onto the table. "Can I get you a drink?"

"I'll have the usual," drawled Merdroit, taking a seat by the fire. Nathaniel poured two glasses of Chivas Regal. He joined Merdroit by the fire and handed his friend a glass. They were silent for a moment, enjoying the taste of the scotch.

"So, tell me about this item of interest you found," began Merdroit.

"Ahh," laughed Nathaniel, settling down now the shock was past. "I couldn't believe my luck," he began, taking a seat opposite Merdroit. "I was in Germany recently, hanging out in one of those poisonous back allies that seem to appear everywhere. This ancient muggle was selling old manuscripts and I'd gone inside mainly to see if they had a book I was searching for. About three shelves back I found this – document. I've never seen something so...unholy in my life. Of course he had no idea what he had."

"And you of course relieved him of it," smirked Merdroit.

"Well, I actually paid him for it!" Nathaniel grinned. When he saw Merdroit's shocked face, he continued, "I thought that in the circumstances it would be better to complete the transaction without the entire wizarding world knowing about it. That would only bring trouble down on our heads."

"I suppose you have a point. So what does this scroll say?" Merdroit held out his glass for a refill.

Nathaniel filled both glasses and sat back down. "Now that's the really interesting part..."

Comfort
Author: Briar Rose
Date: 01-27-04 21:06

Walking with the distinct waddle of a heavily pregnant woman, Briar slowly makes her way up the steps of the Hogsmeade Gringotts. A very familiar face by now to the bank employees, none try to intercept Briar on her way to Bill's office, indicating to her that Bill isn't in a meeting with anyone. She swings the door open while simultaneously asking, "Ready for lunch, Bill?"

As the door shuts, Briar sees Bill on the floor, his face puffy and streaky red. His eyes are bright with still unshed tears and his entire body has the crumbled, slouched look of one utterly defeated. Starting to crouch down beside him but not getting very far in her pregnant state, Briar ends up pulling an armchair around to use it as leverage to lower herself to the floor.

Briar puts one arm around Bill, hugging him as closely as she is able. Her other hand seeks out one of his and clasps it in a manner meant to comfort. She softly asks, "What is it? Has something happened to one of your parents? Charlie? Someone else in the family?"

A sob escapes Bill as the word family leaves Briar's lips but Bill still has yet to say a word. Briar notices a crumpled piece of paper clutched in Bill's other hand so she reaches over and gently releases it. After smoothing it out, Briar reads it, blanching at its contents. Instinctively she hugs Bill to her again, murmuring, "I'm so sorry, Bill."

With great effort, Briar heaves herself off the floor and goes to the door. She opens it a crack and gestures to Bill's assistant. "Bill... Mr. Weasley has taken ill. I'm going to Floo him home." Not waiting for a response, Briar once more shuts the door, goes over to Bill and somehow manages to cup a hand under one of his elbows. "Let's get you home, Bill. You'll have to do most of the work getting off the floor or else I'll need to use a spell."

Briar gives silent thanks when Bill woodenly pushes himself up and allows Briar to steer him to the fireplace. She locates the can of Floo powder and tosses in a handful, clearly stating the destination. Briar's fairly sure she can get them to Bill's house though since being pregnant if upset and very stressed, she sometimes makes a mistake.

A moment later, stepping into Bill's living room, one hand firmly gripping Bill, Briar breathes a sigh of relief. She leads Bill over to the couch and has his sit down then she heads to the kitchen to make a strong pot of coffee. Back in the living room, Briar pours Bill a cup of the coffee then puts a liberal drop of whiskey in it. After making sure he takes a drink of it, Briar tells him, "I'm going to leave long enough to find one of your brothers or Ginny. I think I can find George pretty quickly. He and Majandra were sitting at one of the bakery's outdoor tables when I left to go to the bank. I'll be back as quickly as I can."

Not expecting an answer from the clearly in shock Bill, Briar leaves with as much haste as is possible for a nine months pregnant woman.

Air Time
Author: Kairi
Date: 01-28-04 10:31

Sora, Kairi, Tranquillina and Roane had decided it was a good day for flying. Kairi enjoyed flying a lot. Her mom would take Kairi flying when she was very young. So she was stoked when she got her own broom before the school year had started.

Upon hearing Sora's fear of heights, Kairi felt it was time to erase that fear. How she, Tranquillina and Roane would do it...was beyond her. But the trio would cure Sora of it eventually. For now they'd have some fun with the book of spells...

All their planning was in vain however. Once they had reached the Quidditch Pitch, they found it full of students. Viktor Krum was instructing and watching as they all practicing.

Sora's heart sank. "Well, I guess that's it then, what else is there to do?" He clearly was a bit bummed. Kairi slapped him on the back. "Hey! Just because there's people around don't mean we can't go fly, yeah?"

"Yeah, but I think you've missed the point Kairi. We wanted to try out some of those spells from the book. We can't do that with all these students and Viktor Krum around." Tranquillina pointed out.

Kairi sighed. "I know perfectly well what you guys came here to do. Using spells and such, yeah. But the true way of conquering a fear is to get out there and do it. Spell are just the fast way out of a mess, and can be temporary." She wrapped her arm around Sora's shoulders. "What this little kiwi needs is air time!" She grinned when Sora's face seemed to wear a few shades paler...

Ivy Cottage: Twittering Away
Author: Professor Belladonna Sinistra
Date: 01-28-04 10:37

Bella made an absent gesture with her hand as the door rang. One of the house elves could get the door while she pushed aside her embroidery and placed a napkin in her lap. Lunch was to be a wonderful five courses, with appropriate vintage wines. They would start off with a wild mushroom pate and move on to a salad with watercress, pecans, and blue cheese. The main course would be spaghetti a la Carbonara, with dark chocolate cakes for dessert. As no Sinistra dinner was ever finished without coffee, she and Sorcha would finish with one of Bella's favorite blends and a final sweet touch of mocha or strawberry truffles.

The menu would be suitable for lunch at any rate. Of course, the house elves would take at least half an hour to get it served. Rather an unexpected development that would mean having to speak with the kitchen elves. Thank goodness that there were fresh strawberries and mimosas left over from breakfast. With luck, Sorcha would think that it was the beginning of lunch. Lady Stella had done the same once when a house elf had tasted some of the Long Island iced teas and gotten drunk.

Bella looked up with a smile as Sorcha entered. It was a wonderful thing that she had made it. Bella's instructions usually got people lost, unless they wanted directions to a certain star, in which case they could find it in two seconds once they got her to stop being technical. Still, she was getting better, most likely. First John and then Sorcha had safely found their way.

"Sorcha! How wonderful to see you. Please sit down and have a mimosa. Lunch will be ready in thirty minutes. Strawberries? My greengrocer assures me that it's the last I'll have until spring, even if I was to search Australia. Oh, I can't believe that I didn't invite you sooner. I was here for several month last term, recovering from an illness, so allow me to use that as an excuse."

Bella sniffed the air. Oh God, the place smelled like a humidor. She was going to kill John, she really was. The least he could have done was cast a clear air spell. For that matter, she could have cast one herself.

"Give me a minute, please. I am sorry. I'll just cast an air clear smell and things will be fine. Really, I'm sorry. John came over for breakfast and forgot that this wasn't the smoking room. Men, you know. John you met at a Quidditch game, right? Tall, aristocratic, roguishly handsome. I'm sure you read something in the Prophet about us being engaged. I swear it's so rude to put my age in print, especially when mine lies about her age so much. Oh God, I'm still twittering! Quick, before I make a bigger ass of myself, tell me what's been going on with you."