Wondering if it Will Work
Author: Tranquillina Aemilius
Date: 01-28-04 14:05

Tranquillina looked nervous as Kairi helped Sora onto the broom. Yet, she tried to seem calm, at least exteriorly, for the sake of Sora.

"Now kick off," Kairi was telling Sora, who didn't move. "Kick off," she repeated.

Not too sure of himself, Sora kicked off the ground and hovered about a foot above the ground. His eyes were shut tight and he was ghostly white.

"You're doing it!" Tranquillina smiled. "You're not too far above the ground, Sora...You wanna have a look around?"

After a moment's hesitation, Sora opened his eyes...

---

Brilliant Ideas of an Unholy Kind
Author: Merdroit Turin
Date: 01-28-04 17:42

"This is most interesting," Merdroit commented after reading though the manuscript. "Most interesting indeed." He teepeed his fingers together in thought. "It would be well worth the effort to do this, I think. It would certainly elevate us amongst the Knights."

He looked once again at the manuscripts, more careful this time. "Such Alchemy would require many ingredients that are hard to find - some have been banned for centuries. But I am not about to let such a minor detail foil a truly brilliant plan."

"And how are you going to get those ingredients without begin traced?" Nathaniel asks, nervously.

"I'm not." Merdroit finished his second drink and pours himself a third, giving his friend time to consider what was said.

"You are going to get someone else to get them for you - for us." The second man says, finally.

"Of course. That was if he's stupid enough to get caught he goes to jail. Not one of us. So thereÕs nothing at all for you to worry about. Now, how's your contact coming along with that chess set?"

---

I Believe I Can Fly!
Author: Sora
Date: 01-28-04 18:03

Sora looked around. "Hey this isn't so bad!" he said. Everyone laughed. "Yeah, even if you're only a foot off the ground," said Roane. Kairi gave a laugh. "Well it's a start," she said. Sora sighed of disappointment. "No, I need to go higher!" Everyone gasped. "Is that wise?" Tranquillina asked. Roane and Kairi both nodded. "Yeah, what if you lose control?" asked Roane. Sora shook his head. "I can handle it!" he said, but Kairi stepped in. "Kiwi, they're right, you should learn the basics first." Sora let his head fall onto his chest. "Okay, whatever you guys think is best."

Two hours had passed by and Sora was learning quickly. "I think I'm getting the hang of this!" Sora called down to the girls. "It sure looks that way!" Tranquillina called back. Kairi pulled something out of her bag. "Yup! Hey Kiwi! How's about a little treat?" she shouted up to Sora (who was flying around about sixty feet in the air). He gave a grin. "Sure!" he called back and Kairi threw the candy up to him.

The range was a little short and immediately, Sora flew down quickly and snatched it with one hand. It was a chocolate frog. Sora gave a small gasp. "I've been wanting one of these!" he said to himself as he opened his palm a little to stare at it, but the frog jumped out of his hand and Sora tried to catch it and prevent it from getting away!

"Holy Shnikees!!" Sora screamed. He slipped off the broom and caught the handle with one hand just in time! His frog was in his other. "SORA!!" he heard Tranquillina, Roane and Kairi cry. He at once dropped the chocolate frog and grabbed the broomstick. Sora felt sick. Looking down made him feel dizzy especially since he was hanging in the air. His hands were also getting sweaty. "I-I'm S-S-Slipping!" he shouted. Tranquillina and Roane were scrambling on the ground. "OH NO!!" was all they managed to say. Kairi was also freaking out. "SORA! WHATEVER YOU DO, DON'T LET GO!!" Right at that moment, Sora's grip failed him and he came plummeting to the earth below.

"SORA!!!!!" they all screamed as they ran to catch him, but too late, there was a loud crack as Sora landed on his side, with his broom landing ten feet away. Once the girls got to him, they turned him over on his back... He wasn't breathing. "Sora!" Roane gasped. Kairi was panicking as she smacked him across the face and shook him frantically. "Sora! Sora!!"

Sora got up slowly. "Ouch!" he said as he looked at his arm. It was in a strange angle. "That's it... I give up..." he said as he tried to put his arm straight.

---

End Game
Author: Bellatrix Lestrange
Date: 01-28-04 18:06

Bellatrix felt the full force of the spell's impact, knocking her back against a rock. It took a few seconds for the excruciating pain to sink in. She staggered to her feet, gasping in pain.

Ni Ciaran was down for the count, on the point of passing out and unable to get up. The bitch still managed a weak smile, though.

Bellatrix tried to move, but the pain in her hand and ribs was so great it made movement all but impossible. She stared at her hand, surprised to see a great amount of blood come away. Her field of vision started to go fuzzy and things began blur in and out. She stepped forward, but had to put out her good hand to steady herself against the rock.

"You'll pay for this, ni Ciaran," she hissed. "Enjoy what little life you have left, for I shall come back for you. This is far from over."

She took a final look around the cliff side. Hermione lay bleeding near her comatose father, and the Weasley boy resembled nothing more than a broken puppet. Ni Ciaran lay there, unmoving but still conscious.

The last thing Bellatrix did before she blacked out was disapparate.

---

The End?
Author: Dierna ní Cíaran
Date: 01-28-04 18:09

That last spell drains me of all energy. But I know I have to get help - Ron and Hermione have been lying injured far too long. I try to sit up, but even that seems too much. My breathing shallow and my eyes are tearing from the strain and effort. I try to think, but even that seems too much. I can feel myself sinking toward unconsciousness.

Then I feel something cold nudging me and a gentle tapping at my shoulder. Two feline eyes look at me in concern. It's my kneazle!

"Siabhra," I whisper. "Siabhra. Find Dumbledore." She seems to nod, then goes bounding down towards the village.

After a brief run she finds the wizard in question and starts meowing loudly, pawing at his robes. Seeing she has his attention the kneazle dashes toward the cliffs.

---

---

Sweets and Infatuation
Author: Sebastian Sjoblom
Date: 01-28-04 20:55

Sebastian wears his characteristic grin as he wanders the aisles of Honeydukes, his eyes leaping from a display of Fizzing Whizbees that hovers just off the ground, to a shelf of exploding bon-bons that he gives wide berth as he walks by to avoid accidentally setting them off, to the tiered trays of colorful fudge that run along the length of the front counter, with a glass guard that many famished Hogwarts students have undoubtedly pressed their noses against.

He turns and glances out the bay window at the bench across the street, where Desdemona and a young male friend are embracing familiarly. A boyfriend? This gives him pause. Bronwyn had directed him to Honeydukes as soon as they reached Hogsmeade and so, tripping over himself to get there, he hadn't asked Desi again where she got her fascinating Muggle clothes or, for that matter, noticed the young male friend. He shrugs it off, and turns on his heels back to the candy aisles.

Torn between the immeasurable candies of every color, shape, and size, he decides in a fit of stupidity that there's no need to be terribly thrifty with his small fortune, and so he sweeps a little bit of everything up into his arms with no regard for cost. In a careful balancing act, he walks slowly to the counter, and finally releases his burden on the front counter. Candies skid across the counter in every direction, and a bag of Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans drops to the floor and slides to a stop in a mysterious shadowy gap between the counter and the floor. He Accios it back to him, apologizing heartily to the shopkeeper. As a last thought, he orders a square of strawberry-mint fudge with chocolate-covered pecans.

Sebastian emerges with a triumphant grin from Honeydukes, and a bell jingles merrily as the door shuts behind him. His bag, though bulging with his purchases, has a Featherlight Spell on it, so he slings it over his shoulder and raises his other arm in greeting to Desi, Bronwyn, and the young male friend. As he strides across the cobblestone street, he scrutinizes the young man--just about the same age as he, a little taller, evenly tanned, and--Sebastian scrapes his front teeth over his lower lip to suppress the thought--rather dashing. He regrets that his first impression of the fellow was as Desi's boyfriend, surmising that first impressions can often be very telling, but on second glance, they aren't holding hands or kissing in greeting or anything of the sort, and this makes him feel a little better.

"Ah, oh--hello," he says suddenly, realizing he's reached the bench and had been staring steadily at the young male friend as he walked. He blushes and slumps a little, hoping Desi will go about making the introductions for him. His gaze goes to his sneaker laces, and he examines the eyelets; they're painted a deep shade of green, he observes. He hadn't noticed that before.

Just like his green eyes, he thinks before he can stop himself. Sebastian instantly scolds himself for being a little too observative, and looks up again.

---

Giving Aid
Author: Majandra
Date: 01-28-04 21:41

George and Majandra stroll down the street away from the bakery with the intention of getting a cozy, corner, secluded table or booth at the Spinning Horn for lunch. Just as they are turning towards the restaurant entrance, they hear their names being called. Turning as one, they see Briar coming from the direction of the intersection, waving at them and calling their names once more.

"I'm so glad I found you two. Bill's received some bad news from Charlie. Adriana has died. I don't know if Charlie wrote your parents as well so would you please get the news to them, George?"

"Of course, of course. After I find them I'll also let Fred and Percy know. I suppose Bill's not taking the news very well?"

"No, not at all. In fact, now that I've found you two and relayed the news, I'm going straight back to his house."

George nods, gives Majandra a hasty kiss and disapparates to the Burrow as the first stop in his search for Arthur and Molly.

Even before George has vanished, Majandra asks Briar, "Would you like me to find Ron and Ginny? Oh, and Harry too?"

Briar's sad expression becomes even grimmer. "Yes, I suppose someone should let Harry know since Adriana was his cousin. Thank you, Majandra."

As they part, Briar squeezes Majandra's hand, both in reassurance and silent gratitude. Majandra watches Briar begin the walk back to Bill's then turns to start looking for the two youngest Weasleys and for Harry, not really sure of how she's going to break the news to any of them.

---

023 East Lane :: Hogsmeade
Author: Vera Delgety
Date: 01-28-04 23:31

After a nice little brunch, Vera and Lawrence headed to the "private dwellings" part of Hogsmeade. They found a cozy little cottage on East Lane that Vera fell in love with instantly. It was surrounded by a garden of flowers and trees. The roof was a pale blue and when you walked up the long stone steps you come to a blue door. The cottage was the most beautiful house Vera had seen. Sure she grew up in a mansion, but this was different.

It was a 2 story brick house with 3 bedrooms (2 of which are located upstairs), 2 bathrooms, kitchen, living room, and dining room. But that was just the house. As the couple stepped out the back door they found themselves engulfed by nature. It was more like a room then outside. It took Vera's breath away, she just had to have this cottage.

As they left the little cottage Vera's heart leaped with excitement. "Oh I gotta get me this cottage Lawrence!" She was just so anxious about finishing school now.

"Wait a sec Vera...Just how exactly are you planning on buying it?" Lawrence was almost certain of the answer. And sure enough when Vera avoided his eyes before answering, he knew.

"Well, I...My father...of course."

Upon hearing this answer Lawrence stopped her in their tracks. "Vera, you can't always be depending on your father for everything."

"I know that Lawrence." Vera was sporting a look of guilt. "But my parents were planning on buying me a house and building for my own shop in Hogsmeade after I was done with school. Sort of a...graduation present."

Lawrence raised both brows. "Your parents are buying a house and a building for your own business...as a graduation present?" He said this in an "I'm-not-quite-sure-I-believe-you" tone.

Vera nodded. "Aye. And just enough to set up shop. After that, I'm on my own. They insisted on paying me monthly to help with expenses, but I refused. I didn't really want them to get me a house and shop too, but they insisted." By this time they had started walking back to town again.

"So," Lawrence began after a pause. "What kind of shop will you be opening then?" He asked.

Vera grinned. "A Quidditch shop of course! I'm not sure what to call it yet, but I was hoping maybe you could help me?"

---

Trying to Stay Calm
Author: Roane Eternal
Date: 01-29-04 08:12

I jumped at the sound of the newcomer. He obviously knew Sora and Kairi. I tried to say hello, but found myself still in shock over the fall. Shaking my head, I briefly thought of pulling out my spell book, but then decided to leave it in my robes.

"We.. we need to get you to the nurse!" I finally managed to say.

"Can you walk Sora?" Tranquillina asked nervously.

Sora nodded, and with some help from Kairi and the newcomer we all made our way to the castle to find the hospital wing.

---

Consider it a Favor
Author: Draco Malfoy
Date: 01-29-04 10:13

"I thought it was pretty obvious what I was doing," Draco said casually, as if the kiss had meant nothing to him even though it really had. "I was doing you a favor."

"A favor?!" Santhea hissed, not wishing to raise her voice lest Pansy and Milicent were listening. "Look here, Malfoy. I don't need your favors. I don't need or want your help, ever again."

She moved to get up and storm away but Draco seized her by the hand and forced her back to him. "Not so fast, Fennally." He kept his hand on hers, and noted that she really made no movement to fight him. "Want a drink?"

"A drink?!"

"Yeah, you know. A butterbeer or something else to cool you down. You look a little bit bothered."

Santhea looked at him blankly (if not a little heatedly), and Draco took her unresponsiveness as acceptance and ordered her a tall mug of butterbeer.

He was extremely curious to know what Santhea's father had to say about his daughter's determination to do whatever she wanted, even if it went against dear daddy's strict orders. Did he cut her loose yet? Was she really all on her own? Did she need Draco now more than ever?

He cast a sideways glance at her and studied her profile. She stared down at the surface of the table, looking a bit pensive. Draco wished he could wear the medallion to read her thoughts but it was locked away in his trunk up at school, and he knew better than to carry it to Hogsmeade anyway. It would do no good here.

He held on to her hand and massaged it gently with his thumb, and for a several moments the four Slytherins sat together in companionable silence.

---

Resolve
Author: Ginny Weasley
Date: 01-29-04 14:07

Ginny exits the new shop Egyptian Mysteries with a large group that includes Brett Kingston, the Patil sisters, Lavender Brown, Seamus Finnegan, and Justin Finch-Fletchley. As several suggest visiting the other fairly new shop, Pots & Pages, Ginny feels a tap on one shoulder. Turning, she's surprised to see a grim faced Majandra and without George anywhere in sight.

In such a low voice as to be a whisper, Majandra states, "I need to speak to you privately." As almost an afterthought, Majandra adds, "Please."

Knowing something is wrong, Ginny nods and holds up a finger to indicate she needs just a moment. Ginny then turns to the group, "Go on without me. I'll catch up later."

Brett glances at the two young women, a worried expression on his face but somehow knowing now is not the time to intrude. With one more glance back, Brett joins the others walking away in the direction of Pots & Pages.

Majandra and Ginny watch the group for a second then Majandra looks Ginny straight in the eyes. "There's really no way to sugar coat this so I'm just going to say it. Charlie's sent word that Adriana is dead. Bill's not taking the news well. Briar's with him and George has gone to find your parents. He's going to also get word to Percy and Fred. I've not found Ron yet to tell him and I also promised Briar I'd tell Harry."

Ginny's eyes instantly become shiny with tears. She sniffles and backhands her eyes with a quick wipe in an effort not to start crying here in the middle of the street. "If you'll keep looking for Ron, I'll go tell Harry. I'm pretty sure I know where to find him."

Majandra murmurs in agreement then gives Ginny a quick but reassuring hug before moving on to look for Ron. Ginny sniffles again does her best to suck it up. The last thing she wants is to be stopped by every person she meets asking her why she's crying and if she's all right. Doing her best to be stoic, Ginny begins the walk back to school. With every step it becomes easier to overcome the urge to cry but only because that urge is replaced by the slow, simmering anger she's felt more and more lately at Harry.

As school began, Harry showed a more than usual interest in his classes. As that first month passed by and the second month of the term began, Harry's attention to school work and to being organized grew a little each day. All this meant less of his free time was spent with Ginny and Harry, in a mindboggling move, even gave up his spot on the Quidditch team. When he cancelled time with her today, and not just with her but with Sirius as well, someone he's not seen in months, it was the proverbial last straw.

Ginny managed to hide her upset and anger from the group of friends she ended up spending time with in town today but the entire Hogsmeade trip has been spent with her deciding to call it quits with Harry. At least until he comes to his senses anyway. Ginny wasn't going to speak to Harry again other than to break up with him but this news about Adriana has changed that.

Adriana Fairchild was Harry's cousin, the only blood relative he knows of and one he barely got to know. Harry deserves to hear of her death from someone who cares about him on a number of levels plus, the entire Weasley clan has more or less adopted Harry as a member of the family. Ginny smiles remembering all the times her mother has fussed over Harry just as if he were one of her own children. The smile is replaced by a bleak expression as Ginny reaches the gates of Hogwarts. Her first stop in the castle will be the library and if Harry's not there she's sure she'll find him in the Gryffindor common room.

Taking a deep breath and gathering her resolve, Ginny marches on towards the castle and mentally begins thinking of how she'll break the news to Harry.

---

Years Apart
Author: Brett Kingston
Date: 01-29-04 15:13

Brett browses through Pots & Pages but is no longer in the mood to stick with the large, animated group of friends he's so far spent the day with. It's not that Brett hasn't enjoyed being with the others. It's that with Ginny leaving because of some obviously bad news Majandra had to give her and with Orie at Viktor Krum's workshop since she's not able to come to Hogsmeade yet, the day's luster has suddenly worn off for Brett. In all honesty, the day started out on a dim note anyway because of Orie's second year status keeping her confined to the school grounds.

Brett wanders back outside, slowly strolling toward Dervish & Bangs where Australia works. Maybe she can take a break long enough to get a butterbeer with him or something. Thinking of butterbeer reminds Brett that he wants to picks up several bottles to take back to school for Orie. The thought of Orie makes him sigh.

If someone had told him of a sixteen year old boy having certain feelings for a twelve year old girl, Brett would have scoffed and thought the boy was immature or only after one thing or both. Now that Brett is the boy in question, he knows that sometimes the stereotypes don't hold true. Maybe he is immature for his age though no one's ever even hinted as such. Brett thinks it's more a case of Orie being more mature and wordly for her age, making her seem several years older. Either way, Brett's prepared to wait it out until the age gap isn't something that will cause people to gasp or to think Brett's perverted in some way.

Reaching Dervish & Bangs, Brett walks inside while sighing again, thinking that the real issue is going to be whether Orie will still be interested in him in a few years.

---

Break Time
Author: Australia Kingston
Date: 01-29-04 16:27

A large pair of male hands covers Australia's eyes and a grin filled voice teasingly asks, "Guess who."

Aussie turns around and at the same time makes a playful swat at her brother before giving him a big hug.

"I was wondering when you'd show up." "Are you able to take a break long enough to grab a butterbeer or something?"

"How about or something?" Aussie laughs. "I haven't taken any breaks today and I didn't take lunch either so that I could have one big long break if you managed to stop by. Let's go to the house. We'll make sandwiches and you can finally pick out what color or colors you want your room painted. Just give me a couple of minutes to put the finishing touches on this display."

Brett nods and meanders over to look at another display then leans against a wall to watch Aussie arranging newly arrived sweaters with logos of various professional Quiddtich teams.

Aussie looks up once to smile at her brother before giving her full attention to her work. Her job is to oversee any Quidditch related merchandise Dervish & Bangs carries and to also work with suppliers to determine what Quidditch merchandise Dervish & Bangs will purchase for sale here in Hogsmeade. Two minutes later, Aussie waves to her boss and points a finger at Brett then at the door. He waves back and as the siblings exit the shop he calls out, "Bring me back a cold butterbeer, please!"

Aussie lifts a hand to indicate she's heard his request then links arms with Brett and the two stroll down the road to their small home.

---

Okay?
Author: Jared
Date: 01-29-04 16:47

Jared listens carefully to the advice Professor Krum is giving him and starts to push off the ground again when he notices the professor's face crumple into a frown. He swivels his head to see what Professor Krum is watching and sees the students who were doing their own thing off to the side of the pitch heading back to the castle. Jared can't figure out why their leaving would concern the professor but just as he once more starts to push off the ground, Jared hears Professor Krum mutter something in what has to be Bulgarian.

"Is everything okay, Professor?"

"Vhat? Oh, yes. I zink one of zat group iz being injured but it zeeems zey haf all under control. Now, let me be zeeing you try ze move we just discussed."

Eager to do just that, Jared laughs gleefully and shoots high into the air.