Chocolate Wisdom
Author: Alexis Black
Date: 09-20-04 14:28

"Where's Isolde?" Pyrrhus asked Alexis as she emerged from the girl's dormitories.

"Sulking. She says to go without her, but to get her something from Briar's." Pyrrhus sighed. Alexis shrugged, "I told her you were waiting and everything. I've never known her to turn down a dose of Pyrrhus Fine."

Her voice was flat like always, and just in case she wasn't being sarcastic Pyrrhus gave Alexis a look.

"No, her mood has nothing to do with you and everything to do with Potter's catching the snitch last weekend," Alexis explained.

"Yeah, I'm still a bit depressed over that one, too. She'll get over it, right?"

"Yeah, let's get her some wicked chocolate cake. Chocolate always helps."

"Girls and chocolate." Pyrrhus shook his head.

"It's the instant cupid's arrow to any girl's heart. Seriously, you can't go wrong."

Still worried about Isolde but masking it well, the two sixth-years left for their last Hogsmeade trip of the term, determined to bring back something that would cheer her up, if only a little bit.

---

Job Prospects
Author: Draco Malfoy
Date: 09-20-04 14:41

Sitting beneath a green and silver Slytherin banner at The Three Broomsticks, Draco and Santhea occupied a small table towards the back of the room. They sipped on ice cold butterbeers and enjoyed their company together on this last trip to Hogsmeade as Hogwarts students. Draco shot occasional looks of disgust at Potter, Weasley and Granger, who sat at a booth towards the front of the pub. He still couldn't believe Gryffindor won the Quidditch Cup after all the success Slytherin had seen during the past Quidditch season. How terribly unfair!

Draco's eyes swept to where Minister Fudge had sat earlier with another wizard. Weasley senior now occupied that seat. Scowling, Draco turned away and looked at Santhea.

"What's wrong? Still upset about Quidditch?" Santhea asked, reaching across the table to squeeze his hand.

"I won't get another chance, it's a shame really." Draco shook his head, but suddenly brightened. "I've got some decently good news, though."

"About Quidditch?"

"No, about a job."

Santhea smiled. "Tell me about it."

"I sent in a letter of interest to the International Wizarding Communications department. Got back a response yesterday at breakfast. Completely forgot to tell you. You know how hectic Fridays always are. Anyway, I have an interview lined up for June 19."

"Draco, that's fantastic!" Santhea exclaimed.

"Yes, well." He drank from his glass. "What does life after Hogwarts look like for you?"

---

It's a Damned Shame to be Sure
Author: Darius Sparrow
Date: 09-20-04 15:42

Darius and Arthur stood to leave. Darius threw a few galleons on the bar, and motioned to the man behind the counter for a mug of coffee to take with him. He took the mug and started for the door.

"I'm going to pop into the shoppe to see Adam. You coming?"

Arthur grabbed the grey checked Brioni cashmere sportcoat thrown over the back of the chair and hurried after him. He put it on. "Hmm nice..I need a good jacket for work. What does something like this cost?"

Darius absently looked in his pocket for the keys to the car.

"More than your house... damn I can't find my... oh never mind."

A familiar sneering voice rose above the noise in the room. "THAT," Arthur's head nodded over to an extremely self-confident, blonde young man sitting in group of kids in the dining room, "is Lucius Malfoy's son."

Darius smirked. "His Royal Ministership thinks it could be possible for me to almost achieve near-Malfoy status. I do so aspire to it you know." Darius hoped the latter part of his statement didn't project the bitterness he actually felt. It was hard to give up it after so many years. Growing up, although both were pure blooded Wizard families...they were at opposite ends of the spectrum. The Malfoy mansion was impressive no matter who you were.

Arthur couldn't help listen to the boy's bellowing announcement of possible employment.

"I sent in a letter of interest to the International Wizarding Communications department. Got back a response yesterday at breakfast. Completely forgot to tell you. You know how hectic Fridays always are. Anyway, I have an interview lined up for June 19."

Arthur shook his head. "I'll bet his father is devistated....A Malfoy actually working for a living..."

Darius laughed. "A damned shame to be sure!" They exited the The Three Broomsticks and strolled down to Pots & Pages.

---

McDonalds... Not Loving It
Author: chase danielle black
Date: 09-20-04 19:32

Chase kept eating her fries. She hated muggle food, but McDonalds hit the spot at the moment. The boy next to her was obnoxious and weird. She rolled her eyes. Her mother used to take her here alot. Her mother never talked or laughed though, as a matter of fact Chase didn't have much of a memory of her mother. She never saw her happy. Never. Except once, but it quickly faded. She really loved Chase's dad, but he was dead. And so was she. A tear trickled down Chase's cheek as she finished up her meal. Grandma Nona was waiting for her outside. Chase grabbed her bag and quickly walked out to the car. Her grandmother got in the front seat. The car began humming as it turned on. Chase stared out the window as her grandmother was screaming glory to herself for starting the stick-shift. Suddenly, the surroundings around her disappeared. She was where she had grown to call home.

---

Hogsmeade is Home
Author: Lysander Stratford
Date: 09-21-04 11:38

Lysander took the offered seat by the fire and accepted the cup of tea from Nevvyn. He took a few sips, savoring the flavor, and rather enjoyed the steaming liquid as it soothed his throat. Nevvyn took his tea in silence for a few moments, allowing Lysander the chance to look about the shoppe with great interest. When at last he looked upon the older wizard again, Lysander exclaimed, "This place hasn't changed a bit since I last saw it." He smiled and helped himself to another sip of tea.

"No, I suppose it hasn't!" Nevvyn laughed. "Though it's always out with the old, isn't it? New items are added to the shelves everyday."

Nevvyn studied the younger wizard. "How have you been?" he said at last.

Lysander sipped from his tea cup. "Better. Much better."

Nevvyn nodded.

"I spent the last year, nearly year and a half in the Caribbean. Half the time I moped around the beach, wishing to Merlin that all of it had just been one big nightmare. When I wasn't drowning in my own sorrows, I was working the bar at a wizarding pub." Lysander sighed. "It took a long time to heal. I wanted to be alone, and away from here at all costs."

He drained his cup. "I never planned on returning to Hogsmeade, but then one day I woke up and felt good for the first time in a long time. Without giving it a second thought I came back, and I am glad to be back." He managed a smile. "Hogsmeade is home. Always will be, no matter what happens here."

---

The Moment of Truth
Author: Severus Snape
Date: 09-21-04 11:57

Severus remained in the treasure chamber for well over an hour before Goyle seemed to leave his post again. He waited a full minute before attempting to unbar the door from the inside, which he opened a mere crack to check and see if the coast was clear. The chair next to the door was empty--Goyle had indeed left his post--and no one else was in the front chamber of Voldemort's lair. Hastily stepping out of the room, Snape closed the door behind him and recast the enchantments over it. He patted the scroll hidden with his robes with his free hand.

"Severus, what are you doing?" came Goyle's voice from the shadows.

Snape froze. Had Goyle seen him leave the room? Had he seen him perform the spells on the door?

He held up the translation and asked gruffly, "Is the Dark Lord occupied?"

Goyle stepped into the light and approached Snape warily. "I believe he has time for you. What's that?"

"Never you mind," Snape snapped. His eyes fell on the empty chair by the door and then to Goyle's chubby face. "Your post, is it not?"

Goyle's face turned a shade of green. "D-don't tell him. I ate something foul and have to get up every hour or so. D-don't tell him, please."

Snape narrowed his eyes. "There's a potion for that, you know." And he spun on his heel and walked towards Voldemort's chamber, leaving a relieved Goyle in his wake.

Severus knocked on the door and entered at the Dark Lord's command. He approached the center of the room and knelt before Voldemort's chair.

"What brings you to the lair, Severus," Voldemort questioned.

Snape looked up at his master. "I bring you the completed translation of the Volumen Immortalitas." He offered the translated scroll to Voldemort, who took it into his spindly-fingered hand.

"This has been a long time coming, Severus," Voldemort said, unfurling the scroll to review its content.

"Yes, my Lord."

"I do not like to be kept waiting, Severus."

"Yes, my Lord."

"You may go now."

Severus rose, but inclined his head before his master before leaving the room. His eyes met Goyle's for the briefest of moments, then Snape left the lair and disapparated.

---

A Cup of Coffee, If You Would
Author: Genesis Sparrow
Date: 09-21-04 12:33

Genesis Sparrow hurried down the streets of Hogsmeade searching the signs that hung above each door. Why was it she could never remember if Adam's shop was on this side of town or the other? Maybe he moved it. Or Sidi. Adam probably couldn't manage it, but Sidi could have gotten some help and kept the store moving from space to space just to keep things interesting. Genny entertained the idea for a short moment then shook her head, no that was ridiculous, too much time and effort and bad for business anyway. She dodged around school kids as they seemed to have suddenly over run the little town. Must be another visit to town. Shouldn't they be out of school already? Or was that a little later? She hoped it meant they were still in school, she'd been crossing her fingers about a notion that had just crossed her mind at the last seminar she'd been to. She wanted to teach. Well, that hadn't been the notion, Genny had always wanted to teach. But she'd decided to actually pursue it now. And why not? If anyone knew divination and it's ilk, it was her.

Genny strode up one side walk and down the other, her pale milky eyes held as high as any others. She wouldn't do anyone the favor of hiding her eyes so they wouldn't have to look at them. If she could live with them, so could they. She knew they bothered people, but it wasn't something she could really help. Her father had made her that way. She'd always had these eyes, but never once had she seen out of them. She saw things in a much different way. Constantly, Genny was casting out a wave of magic, and constantly, she was watching the images it lapped against. It wasn't anymore a conscious effort than seeing was for normal beings. It was much the same thing as what bats did, using sonars when they flew. Only problem was that everything was in black and white. She saw objects that the magic hit with a bit of a gray-white light outlining them, and that was all.

But it wouldn't be all for very much longer. She'd discovered something, and that was exactly why she was looking for Adam.

Genny knew she should have used floo powder, or just aparated as she usually did, but she had thought it would be nice to walk in the front door for once. And it would probably be the last time if this was all the effort it took to get to the bloody front door. Oh sod it. Genny had her wand in hand when she saw her father crossing the street with the Minister of Magic. What was he doing here? Surely he wasn't here to visit Adam...But sure enough, she watched him open the door to the very shop she'd been searching for this entire time.

Genny stowed her wand and hop, skip, ran to her brother's shop.

A small cluster of bells chimed above her as the strong scent of rich coffee and the comforting smell of books wrapped around her as Genny stepped into Adam's little shop. She could hear her father's voice rumbling near the counter, and Adam's as well. This could never be good. Saying Adam and her father tended to but heads was like saying Mt.Everest was just your average little mountain. Genny waltzed up to the counter and leaned against it.

"I'd like a cup of coffee, if you would, Adam," she said in the smartest accent she could manage before a great grin spread across her face.

---

She Hates Me, She Hates Me Not
Author: Blossom
Date: 09-21-04 13:16

"She hates me," Blossom states very matter of factly.

Fred looks up from the inventory sheet he's been going over. "No, she doesn't. With the exception of some very evil people, Mum doesn't hate anyone.

"In her mind, I'm very evil." This is said just as matter of factly but with a heavy hint of sadness.

Blossom pauses only long enough to help a customer.

"Didn't you notice that I'm the only one your mother didn't hug in celebration when Gryffindor won the championship game? Didn't you notice that at dinner the other night she offered dessert to everyone but me? Haven't you wondered why when she drops by here or home she leaves within minutes if I'm here or if I'm not, why she leaves seconds after I arrive? This all only began after telling her we are getting married. After Molly learned we are living together she was a little frosty towards me but that quickly passed. Her behavior and attitude since hearing the wedding news quickly deteriorated. Plain and simply, your mother hates me."

Fred puts the inventory sheet aside and moves behind Blossom, wrapping his arms around her. "Mum doesn't hate you. It's just her not so subtle way of saying she doesn't approve. She thinks we're too young and just like all with other older people, pointing out her own age when she got married and started a family doesn't mean a thing. Mum will come around and when she does she'll treat you so much as a daughter you'll have a hard time remembering anything else."

Fred turns Blossom to face him. "Look, I know it's better to start marriage on Mum's good side but whether she comes around by the wedding date or not, I'm marrying you, Blossom Wedgewood. I love you and, though you'll never hear me say this when there are other witnesses, knowing you has made me want to settle down some, be more responsible."

Giving her a kiss on the nose, Fred goes back to his inventory sheet. "Weren't you going to a, um, um..." Fred struggles for the right word "Travel agent. Yes, that's it. Aren't you going to a travel agent today about the trip to Florida? George gave you that list of potential dates, right?"

Blossom, wishing she knew what to do about her future mother-in-law but obviously not going to get any suggestions from Fred beyond, "be patient," nods. "Yes, after talking with Maj we've come up with shooting for after Michaelmas term has ended but before Christmas. With both Maj and me taking classes that term at St. Emrys, that seems like great time, plus according to Maj that's the best time to go to Disney World. Less crowds and it's all decorated for Christmas."

Glancing at the clock, Blossom informs Fred, "I'll go now and I'll pick up some lunch for you on my way back."

As Blossom exits the shop, Fred calls out, "Don't forget to stop at Gringotts for Muggle money for the trip deposit. And, Blossom, about Mum, really, don't worry so much. She really does like you!"

---

Relaxing Day
Author: Harry Potter
Date: 09-21-04 15:44

After Harry buys another round of drinks, Hermione, Ron, and he continue talking about Thorpe Park. "Nemesis Inferno was bloody fun. So was Vortex."

Taking a large gulp of butterbeer, Ron chimes in, "The Tidal Wave."

Hermione makes a face at the mention of more of the extreme rides at the amusement park before stating, "Ribena Rumba Rapids wasn't so bad. And Thorpe Farm was a nice place to just walk around and relax. The pot bellied pigs were sort of cute."

Around the time they all finish with their butterbeers, their talk has turned to the upcoming N.E.W.T.s. Ron glances at Harry, "You owe me."

Nodding, Harry reaches into a pocket of his jeans and pulls out some coins. As he hands them to Ron Hermione inquires, "What did Harry owe you for, Ron?"

Without looking the tiniest bit embarassed, Ron says, "We bet how long it would take you to start talking about those blasted exams. I won."

Hermione leans over and punches them each in the shoulder. Rubbing his arm Ron makes a face, "How many times do I have to tell you that you hit way too hard, Hermione? Despite that I'll treat you to something from Briar's. Might as well go on over since we both know you're dying to play with the baby."

Harry plays the gentleman and holds Hermione's seat as she rises. Ron, in turn, offers her his arm. They stroll three abreast from the Three Broomsticks to the bakery, running into Charlie as they reach the shop. He gives them a hearty greeting then adds, "Briar keeps telling me that as long as I'm in town I should come help her make brownies. You three know by that she means eat the batter faster than she can bake it."

"Sounds like an excellent plan. Harry and I will be glad to help!" Ron offers as he chuckles. Before long, Hermione is cooing at Grace between bites of cake while the three males lick spoons clean of fresh, fudge brownie batter.

---

There's a Tapping at the Window
Author: chase danielle black
Date: 09-21-04 21:11

She entered her grandmother's putrid smelling house. She sat on the couch and began playing her music as loud as possible. Her grandmother put a silencing spell on her room and took a nap. After about a billion songs, Chase turned off her music and went to the " den ". In the middle of the room stood her cello. She loved that cello like she loved ice cream cake. [ she loves ice cream cake, but who doesn't? ] She sat down and began playing Symphony NO.9. She played it gracefully, until she noticed something odd about the sound. She stopped playing and listened carefully. The window was tapping. Odd, she said to herself, window don't tap. She opened the curtains to see an owl perched on the windowsill hold a little white thing in his talons. Chase opened the window and took the white thing. It was a letter to her grandmother. She set the letter underneath her grandmother's door and went back to playing her cello.

---

Nobody Knows the Trouble I See
Author: Annie Paul
Date: 09-22-04 03:06

Most of the upper classmen had gone to Hogsmeade leaving the rest behind. I didn't care really and still thought about my parents. It hurt so much that several of the professors (the ones who cared) noticed my lack of interest.

Professor Gryffindor was the most concerned. She had noticed my not eating at the Gryffindor table and also had caught me falling asleep in class (almost getting bit by my snapping dragon plant.) "Miss Paul, if this contiunes I will have to report you to the Headmaster and Madam Pomfrey. Do you understand?" She said in a very concerned yet stern tone unlike Professor McGonagall. Even getting taken off the Quidditch team didn't seem to bother me much even though in my heart still I wanted to play.

That was weeks ago and now I'm worse for wear. I looked out the window of Gryffindor Tower and wondered what was in store for me when I did get home. I knew I couldn't do magic outside of school till I was 17 and that was some time away, but deep in my heart I wanted to. I wanted to do it to protect my family, but how was I to do that? I heard the students talk about the Headmaster and how great he was, but I felt he wouldn't get to much involved in Muggle matters. Besides how could he help?

These questions ran through my mind and I sighed, picking up my Potions book. I began to read or try to at least and finished off my report for Professor Snape.

---

Seeking the Headmaster's Advice
Author: Angelina LoganGryffindor
Date: 09-22-04 03:22

It had been weeks since Miss Paul had told me her troubles and I relayed them to Professor McGonagall but the girl's work, eating and sleeping habits have become much worse for the wear.

Making my way along the corridor's of the castle I was in search for the Headmaster to express my deep concern for the well being of the girl. I remembered her close encounter with a snapping dragon plant as she dozed off in Herbology. If she was doing that I feared how she was doing in Potions and other classes as well.

I turned a corner and spotted Peeves doing one of his pranks. Sighing and approaching the poltergeist I shook my head. "All right Peeves, what are you up to?" Peeves turned upside down and looked at me with a mischievous grin on his face. "Oh it's you. Why nothing at all. Why should Peeves tell you his little fun?" I put my hands on my hips and glared at him. "All right, if it's 'nothing' as you so put it you won't mind if I call for the Headmaster to look in to it or perhaps the Bloody Baron?"

Peeves turned rightside up again and quickly took down whatever he rigged for his joke and zoomed away muttering something I couldn't quite get. I finally made it to the Headmaster's office entrance and stood before a large stone Gryffin wondering if he was in or somewhere else.

---

Healed, Whole and Hearty...
Author: Nevvyn
Date: 09-22-04 07:02

...Almost!

As Lysander details his activities over the past year, I observe his aura. Mostly what I see are pale greens and shining silvers. However, here and there, I detect a streak of grey, fading to near black. I suppose that's to be expected. Such a loss cannot help but leave a few shadows. Actually, I'm rather surprized that he is doing so well. As he finishes his description of his recent life in the Caribbean, I bring my full attention back to the conversation.

"Well..." I begin, refreshing our cups, "as you can plainly see, Hogsmeade is still Hogsmeade. The more things change, the more they seem the same. We've had a whole new crop of students come through here. Dumbledore and McGonagal even decided to let some of the younger ones come into the village... with proper chaperones, of course."

I pause a moment as the bells jingle again. One of the Toms is watching over things. He'll take care of this group of students, two boys and two girls, by the sounds of the voices.

Lysander takes this break in my chatter to observe, "I thought they looked younger than I remembered."

"Not this time," I respond. "These are just the regulars... third year and up. I think it's a matter of changing perspective on your part," I laugh. "They ALL look very young to me!"