Rewards
Author: Minerva McGonagall
Date: 07-29-02 19:51
"Oh my goodness!" Professor Minerva McGonagall hurried over, kneeling over Professor Snape to see if he was all right. She had left the play, in search of any students who had not come to the production. It had been settled for several weeks that the play would be mandatory to attend the play else points would be taken.
McGonagall tapped Snape's cheek. "Severus. Severus, wake up."
The man was out cold. She tapped him again, but no arousal.
"I'm going to get you to the hospital wing, Severus." She said, knowing he couldn't hear her. She pulled him up with difficulty and put one of his arms around her beck, her other around his waist. The old witch then looked to Isolde and Pyrrhus.
"You both did a very brave thing. Forty points to each of you. Now, come with me to the hospital wing so that Madame Pomfrey can check the two of you out." She turned with a limp Snape about her neck.
"But, Professor M--"
McGonagall turned, eyeing them both. "No arguments, Mr. Fine! Come alone before I decided to take points away!"
"Yes, Professor." Both agreed, and followed their Head Mistress and Professor to the hospital wing.
Narrow Evasion
Author: Peter Pettigrew
Date: 07-29-02 19:22
THAT was much to close for Peter's liking. He hadn't expected to come across aurors in the Muggle city of Bristol. And he had been recognized by one of them. NO doubt they had already sent a message to the Head Auror - who would pass the word onto Remus.
He had only escaped - and narrowly at that - by turning into a rat and hiding in the sewers. He obviously couldn't stay, or he'd be caught. Possibly killed.
But he couldn't return to the Dark Lord with his mission unfinished . . . or he'd DEFINITELY be snake-chow.
Which leaves him there, in the sewer below Bristol, shaking head to silver paw in paralyzed fear.
Watching and
Thinking
Author: Dierna ní Cíaran
Date: 07-29-02 20:41
I had promised Harry and his friends that I'd watch them in the play. Otherwise, I'd be tying up last minute details at the office before I leave to find Tennille. I also want to track down Severus. I have that protective spell for him, and I want to see if he can offer me any advice.
Predictably, he has done an admirable job avoiding me the last few times I have been around the castle. I fully intend to find him this time.
Meanwhile, I devote my attention to the play. A Midsummer Night's Dream is one of my favourite Muggle plays, especially by Shakespeare. The professor in charge did an admirable job directing this.
Friday is
Date Night
Author: Briar Rose
Date: 07-29-02 21:48
Charlie and Briar quickly and quietly move to where Bill sits. He moves over one chair as Briar steals up beside him. Charlie sits down on her other side, already focused on the action taking place onstage. Briar leans over to Bill and soto voice hastily whispers a thanks for holding the chairs along with an apology for being late with a promise to explain later.
Briar settles back in her chair, immediately relishing the play. At one point in her life, as Rosalyn, she would have copied her parents and their friends, scoffing and turning her nose up at a Muggle play. Thanks to the one who saved her when her parents died and saw to her upbringing, Briar has willingly attended many a Muggle play. This one is all the more special because she knows the faces of many in the play and has actually met a number of them on Hogsmeade Saturdays. Additionally, four of the Weaselys are in the production. The only negative factor as far as Briar is concerned is that all this is Adriana's doing. Thankfully, Bill has yet to ask why things between Adriana and Briar are so cool. Briar's not sure what she'll say when and if he does.
Smiling thanks for the invitation first at Bill then at Charlie, without really thinking about it, Briar clasps Charlie's hand in hers and sits a little closer to him as she returns her full attention to the play.
Act I Draws
to an End
Author: Brett Kingston
Date: 07-29-02 22:24
Before the play had begun, Brett experienced massive butterflies. Now that he's actually on the stage, his stomach has settled considerably. When it's time to deliver his first line as Robin Starveling the tailor, Brett finds himself at ease, pretending this is just another rehearsal - the only ones around are the others in the cast.
Brett had not been at Hogwarts when the play was initially cast but with the departure of Robert Blackheart, Professor Fairchild had been forced to recast. He'd been nervous about it all when she first told him he was to have the part but that was mainly because he'd hardly known anyone yet. That of course changed with time and working closely with the other Muggle Studies students to be ready for opening night had allowed Brett to make some friends he might not have made otherwise. Once person he'd thought for sure he'd end up friends with had turned out to be anything but.
Brett had figured that since they are in the play together, have four classes together, and are both fourth years, Jet Obsidian and he would end up at least on friendly terms. Standing on stage together at this very moment, Brett wonders if anyone in the audience can read the bad attitude Jet exudes. Brett's been told Jet used to be nice and friendly. That it's only been since after school began that he's seemed different. Brett finds this hard to believe and his personal opinion is the guy should be a Slytherin as Jet is about the most un-Hufflepuff person Brett's met since being at Hogwarts.
With a start, Brett realizes he nearly missed a cue. Everyone on stage says together, "That would hang us, every mother's son."
"Well," thinks Brett to himself, "at least if I had messed up just then, no one would really have noticed!"
The scene is soon over, bringing an end to the first act. As soon as the curtain falls, all those working backstage scramble to get the stage set for the next act. Brett, glad he has some time before he's got to be onstage again for the third act, finds a quiet spot where he can mentally run the rest of his lines.
After the
Accident
Author: Isolde
Date: 07-30-02 08:43
Isolde and Pyrrhus silently trudged behind Professor McGonagall as she half-carried, half-dragged the unconscious form of Professor Snape off of the staircase. When they got to horizontal ground, McGonagall eased Snape to the stone floor and then took out her wand. In an almost inaudible voice, she uttered, "Mobilicorpus," and the prostrate body rose into the air and began moving forward as she walked to the Hospital Wing.
Inwardly, both Slytherins beamed for they had earned their House many points. Although the points they earned would not completely make up for those lost earlier in the year because of Pansy and Milicent's major flub, the addition helped.
When they arrived at the Hospital Wing, the levitated form of Professor Snape was lowered onto one of the white-sheeted beds by Professor McGonagall. Madam Pomfrey rushed over and immediately began looking over her patient, who was still very much unconscious.
Isolde and Pyrrhus went over to a metal-framed bed on the other side of the room, as to stay away as Madam Pomfrey worked, and quietly sat next to each other with hands clutched together. They truly hoped that Professor Snape would be fine. Had it been any other teacher on that staircase, Isolde and Pyrrhus may not have been so helpful.
For now, the pair watched as Madam Pomfrey summoned various ingredients and wizarding medical tools over to Snape's bedside, and McGonagall paced around the room in a nervous manner. After a while, when it seemed clear that McGonagall's anxiousness was nerving Pomfrey, the deputy headmistress left the Hospital Wing to round up any other stragglers that should be at the play. Silently, Isolde and Pyrrhus were grateful that a distraction, as serious as it was, kept them away from what was surely a horridly boring event.
Waking Up
Author: Prof. Snape
Date: 07-30-02 09:29
Professor Snape opened his eyes. Unaware of where he was, he looked over and noticed two Slytherin students on the other side of the room; also noticing he was on a bed. Snape shot up in a sitting position. Madam Pomfrey placed a firm hand on his shoulder. "You need rest Professor, please lay down!" she said.
"What the hell happened, why am I here?" Snape said looking at the students, "and what are you two doing here?"
But he was quickly interrupted by a pain in his head, and he placed one of his hands on his head. Oh, no not again...! he thought. He looked over at the students again. "Well, what happened?"
Waiting in
the Wings
Author: H Potter
Date: 07-30-02 09:31
Harry watches from the wings as Puck and Fairy take to the stage. Fred and Samantha, who are Oberon and Titania, along with those standing in as their various train attendants, including, no pun intended, a fairy tale gorgeous Ginny as Moth, wait in the wings as well. From his position, Harry can just make out his godmother, Dierna, sitting in the audience as promised. He can't help but smile broadly though he does wish Sirius could be there as well. He's also not sorry in the slightest that although sent an invitation to attend, the Dursleys never bothered to reply.
A tap on his shoulder causes Harry to turn. Hermione wordlessly beckons him to follow her. Once a safe distance from the stage to speak, she tells him that Ron, Aussie, and she are going to rehearse a little before they are all next needed on stage. Would Harry like to join them?
Still feeling the queasiness from being onstage during the first scene of Act I, Harry readily agrees. Maybe having the lines fresh on his mind will help settle his nerves when the time comes to take to the stage once more. He tries to get his mind into Lysander mode as he goes to join Demetrius, Hermia, and Helena.
Exploring
Author: Helena Tufton
Date: 07-30-02 10:27
"So, where are we headed tonight?"
Helena and Avery were strolling down the empty street, for it was evening and most of the shops in Hogsmeade were already closed or on the verge of closing for the night. Helena stopped in the middle of the street and admired the glow of the moonlight as it reflected off of the moisture on some of the cobble stones on the road.
During the week, she and the rest of her friends had caught up completely on old times and had made some new memories together. Helena's time in Hogsmeade had been wonderful and when the rest of her friends started to depart because their careers were calling them, Helena had decided it was time to take her leave as well.
Ally had forbidden it and given Helena a guilt trip about how they hardly ever get to see each other anymore. Avery had added that Helena was still recovering from her adventures in Romania and that a nice, long vacation elsewhere would do her some good.
Helena needed little convincing, however, and was happy to stay in Hogsmeade a bit longer. She only wished that the rest of her friends could stay as well. Clarissa and Natalie, the models, had to apparate to Milan to walk the wizarding runways, Geoffrey needed to return to London on official auror business, and Bran's hectic Quidditch practicing schedule was back in full swing.
On that Friday evening, Clint had whisked Ally away on a romantic night out, leaving Helena and Avery to roam Hogsmeade on their own.
Helena glanced up from the ground and repeated her question. "Where are we headed tonight?"
"The only places open are the pubs, really." Avery shivered as a cold breeze assailed her neck.
Helena shrugged. "What about the bookstore? I've yet to visit that shop or Briar's Bakery."
Avery shook her head. "The bakery is closed, Helena, and I think the bookstore is too, actually."
"Are you sure?" Helena started for Twice Told Tales, but Avery placed a hand on her forearm.
"It's cold. Why don't we get a drink at The Three Broomsticks instead?" Avery seemed determined to keep Helena away from the bookstore.
Helena raised an inquisitive eyebrow. "Does Charlie spend a lot of time here, or what?"
Avery shook her head. "No, it's not–"
"Then what are you protecting me from?" Helena shrugged off Avery's arm and walked up to the door of the shop. "It's still open. I'm going inside. Are you coming?"
Helena was unable to read the expression on her friend's face, but something told her that she really ought not to go inside.
Reluctantly, Avery followed Helena inside. The store was virtually empty. A few books were haphazardly scattered on the front desk and others were sporadically placed on little tables and leather armchairs. The bookshelves were full of leather-bound books, all reeking of age.
Avery was keen on getting Helena out of the store, since obviously the place was empty, but the blonde woman wanted to explore. There were some old dragon books that Helena would love to get her hands on. She perused the aisles of bookcases for the volumes, aware that Avery was trailing her heels with a look of apprehension plastered across her olive-toned face. Helena was quite unaware that another olive-toned face was watching her, although it lacked the anxiousness Avery was exhibiting.
Hidden in the shadows, Lysander Stratford watched the two ladies as a coy smirk played upon his lips.
Old Acquaintances
Author: Lysander Stratford
Date: 07-30-02 20:09
Lysander's eyes twinkled mischievously as he watched the two petite women peruse the bookshelves without the slightest realization that they were being watched. The dark-haired one seemed a little nervous and kept casting furtive glances around the room, but the blonde one was completely oblivious to the fact that someone from her past was hovering nearby.
He waited a few minutes longer, silently watching Helena Tufton select a book from one of the shelves and begin to flip through the pages. After a few moments, she smiled and slammed the book shut with one hand, before tucking it under her arm and turning to her friend.
"What's the matter, Avery? You're acting like the end of the world is near. Lighten up!" She flipped a blonde strand of hair over her shoulder and moved around to the other side of the bookshelf.
Avery sighed quietly and followed her friend around the corner. It was then that Lysander thought to reveal himself. Quietly, he strode out from the shadows and lightly tapped Helena on the shoulder. "Can I help you with something, Miss?"
Gasping audibly, Avery's facial expression soon changed from one of surprise to one that clearly read, "I told you so!"
As Helena whirled around to face the speaker, all color drained from her face and the book she held under her arm dropped to the floor.
"Oh, let me get that for you," Lysander said, stooping to retrieve the fallen book. He flipped it over and gazed at the cover momentarily before handing it back to pale woman standing before him. "That's a fine book. Still dragon keeping, I imagine?"
The initial surprise caught Helena off guard, but soon she was back to her normal demeanor. "Yes, Lysander. I didn't know that you were into books." Her tone was cold and condescending.
Lysander flashed the woman a dazzling smile and replied, "Oh yes, very much so. You know, you're very becoming when you're bitter." The last remark was anything but flirtatious.
Turning to Avery, Lysander smiled and said, "Nice to see you again, Avery. What possessed you to bring Helena here of all places?"
"Damn it, Lysander. Shut up!" Helena spat, shoving the dragon book back into his arms before spinning on her heel for the door. Avery, saying nothing, followed quickly.
Lysander laughed. "You've really lost your edge, Helena!"
Helena spun around, prepared to give a rebuttal, but the appearance of Chyler Stratford caused her to change her mind.
"Apparently, she's lost her nerve too, Sweetheart." Chyler smirked at Helena and crossed the room to embrace her husband.
Avery tugged on Helena's arm. "Come on. Let's just go before things get even uglier."
"Too late," sang Chyler.
Issuing what was perhaps her millionth gasp of surprise that day, Avery gripped onto Helena's arm tightly as a figure appeared in the doorway. A familiar scent assailed Helena's senses and once again, all color drained from her face. Lysander she could handle, but she was certain that she couldn't face this other man. It had been years since she saw him last, but this chance meeting was really all too soon. Why hadn't she stayed clear of the bookstore like Avery suggested?
With great dread, Helena turned around slowly and found herself face to face with a grinning Julian Valentine.
Forewarning
Author: Voldemort
Date: 07-30-02 20:47
You can't escape me, Severus, I say as he is about to reprimand some students. You may think I am done with you, but that is a false sense of security.
Severus grasps his head as the all-too-familiar pain begins to take over...he sinks to the stairs and is only saved by the students. By the time I am done, he'll wish he was cut in half by those stairs.
Later he wakes up, and this time he hears me, but so does another.
This is my power. Take warning. I cannot be escaped, I cannot be avoided.
As subtly as my voice came, so it stops. Only an eerie, echoing silence, discernable only by Snape and this Other, is left.
C_____ Gardens,
London, England
Author: Belladonna
Date: 07-30-02 20:50
"Thank you, Twinkle. Has the Daily Prophet come yet and could you fetch me some tea and scones?"
"Oh yes, Lady Belladonna. Right away. Twinkle hurry!"
Belladonna Sinistra sighed from the couch in the library as she put down her book. "1001 Ways to Hex an Ex" wasn't as amusing as Izzy said it would be. Then again, it probably would have been if the ideas hadn't been so temping. She was slightly angry, quite tired, extremely heartbroken, and worse still so exhausted that taking a leave from teaching for a week or so seemed like such a good idea.
Not that it was bad. Mumma had nicely seen that there was enough nosh to put on all the lost weight and return dimples. Da had seen to it that she was taken care of and that the house elves were on constant call. Really, being able to take a whole day and do nothing but read while wrapped up in a chenille throw was something most people would kill for.
Tonight, there would be a godawful dinner party, which meant getting dressed up, putting on jewelry, and making small talk with Ministry people. Rather dreadful, if you asked her. However, it was better than being at Hogwarts, dreading bumping into Charlie or seeing how happy Bill and Adriana were.
Maybe after dinner, she'd change into that lovely Alaia Izzy had bought for her, put on a pair of stiletto heels, and go clubbing. Emma was free, so she might owl later and go "hunting," which Bella found a horrible term but dancing like a maniac until daylight always freed the mind. For now, nothing to do but pick up the book while trying to not knock over the vase and wait for Twinkle to come back. Scones with double whipped cream would be lovely.
Next Stop:
Bristol!
Author: Remus Lupin
Date: 07-30-02 21:17
An owl flies from Dierna arrives. The owl informs me where I can find Peter--Bristol, which is not very far from where I am. I pack my stuff and head towards Bristol. Watch out, Peter. I know where you are. . .
A Star is
Born
Author: Australia Kingston
Date: 07-30-02 22:33
Australia goes over lines with Harry, Ron, and Hermione until Harry and she are told to get ready to go onstage again. After a quick glance in a mirror to check her costume and hair, Aussie joins Harry in the wings to await their cue.
At first, Australia had trouble picturing Harry as a love interest, even though it's all make believe. After deciding to envision Prote as Lysander instead of Harry, Australia found it was a snap to be Hermia. As she stands offstage waiting to make her entrance, Aussie once more mentally prepares herself by picturing Prote. Minutes later, as Hermia, she easily, and skillfully, delivers her first lines in Act II.
"Be it so, Lysander: find you
out a bed;
For I upon this bank will rest my head."
Explanation
Author: Pyrrhus
Date: 07-30-02 23:12
Pyrrhus and Isolde exchange surprised glances and Isolde gives Py a slight nudge. He doesn't speak right away though because Madame Pomfrey hovers near the professor as another obvious bout of pain shoots through his head. She makes him drink something that Py decides must have a bitter taste from the face Professor Snape pulls after choking it down. Only after Madame Pomfrey is satisfied that the professor will now rest comfortably, does Py venture to answer Professor Snape's question.
Pyrrhus goes over each detail of what took place, starting with right after Professor Snape had warned Isolde and Py about taking points from them. As Isolde continues to tightly hold Py's hand, her head constantly nods in affirmation of what Py is telling the professor. Pyrrhus concludes the story with Professor McGonagall arriving and bringing Professor Snape to the hospital wing.
Before anyone can say another word, Madame Pomfrey is back with potions for Isolde and Pyrrhus to drink. She explains that the potions will help in the event either student strained or pulled any muscles. When both try to protest they are fine, she adds that with a traumatic situation injury and/or pain may not be immediately noticeable. Knowing they have no choice, the pair drink up as instructed. While they wait for the effects of the medicine to kick in, they look expectantly at Professor Snape, both wondering if he'll explain why he's having such blinding headaches, or if he even knows the reason.
Backstage
Author: Bronwyn Dewhurst
Date: 07-31-02 09:24
Act II, Scene II had just begun. Fred as Oberon, had just left Samantha sleeping on stage. Harry and Australia were the next to succumb to sleep. As George pranced on stage to give a short monologue, Hermione and Ron waited in the wings for their cue.
Meanwhile, Bronwyn and the other fairies stood backstage. Some recited their lines, others made necessary last-minute adjustments to their costumes. Bronwyn, however, did neither one nor the other. Instead, she found herself leaning up against a pillar, her pale pink and lilac wings sprouting out gloriously from her back. Her eyes were on Toby, who was rehearsing his next scene with Orlando, Prote, Seamus, Jet, and Brett.
They would start the next act and scene, but Bronwyn and the rest of the fairies (George, Kendra, Ginny, and Eithne) would appear with the other boys towards the end of that first scene. Fairly confident in her acting ability and memory, Bronwyn simply stayed up against the pillar and continued to watch the boy she loved.
