Preparation
Author: Lysander Stratford
Date: 04-14-02 11:12

The Grand Opening of Twice Told Tales was growing near, and Lysander couldn't have been more pleased about it. He had worked hard the past few weeks emptying boxes, arranging bookshelves, and meticulously going through mountains of paperwork. Every few days, heavy crates of "special" books would arrive, which needed extra documentation because they were extremely important to certain members of the wizarding community.

Chyler busied herself with the decorating. Lysander marveled at his wife's good taste. Like him, she enjoyed dark colors–blacks, greys, maroons, and navy blues...and a bit of hunter green here and there.

Julian kept up with the accounting, making constant trips to banks and businesses in the wizarding as well as Muggle world.

The three were more than ready for the a big bash to celebrate the opening of their life's work, and were counting down the days until the event.

Re: Chat with Severus
Author: Prof. Snape
Date: 04-14-02 19:58

Severus turned around. "What do you want now?" he said. Dierna stepped forwards. "I want to ask you a few questions, Severus."

Severus' eyes narrowed. "About what..." he said coldly, though Dierna didn't take this as any surprise. "Firstly," she began, "I want to know how you ended up out cold on the floor."

"That's none of your concern!" snapped Severus.

"I don't care whether or not it's a concern of mine, Severus!" Dierna snapped back.

Severus turned to leave. "I don't have time for this!"

Re: Chat with Severus
Author: Dierna ní Cíaran
Date: 04-14-02 20:20

"Then MAKE time!" I say firmly, and follow him as he tries to retreat. "Because I am not going away until you answer my questions." He glares at me with that hating stare I know so well. "And don't waste your time trying to intimidate me. It won't work. Something is bothering you, and I want to know what. You can start with WHY you were on the floor out cold." I cross my arms and match his stare. He is about to find out just how stubborn this auror can be.

A Confession
Author: Prof. Snape
Date: 04-14-02 22:47

Severus starts to shake in anger. "All right! Damn it!" Severus says coldly, and he strides to his desk.

Dierna stands, listening. "How can I put it to you? You know I am an ex-Death Eater?" begins Severus. Dierna nods.

Severus is now walking around the room. "Well, Voldemort has the ability to summon his followers, and he can speak with them through their minds."

Dierna nods. "Go on." Severus starts to pace a little faster. "Let me put it this way: How would you like to have a constant migraine?"

"I would hate it."

"Well this is even worse. You know, he sure does like to torture those who betrayed him!"

Severus leans against the wall.

Torturing a Traitor
Author: Voldemort
Date: 04-15-02 16:51

That's right, Severus. And I have only just begun. If you think you know torture now, just wait! Soon this will be nothing...you will be unable to think for the pain. Such is the price for betraying me, Severus. Remember, you could have been great...but now you must suffer...and sometime you will die!

The blinding pain of the cruciatus curse strikes Snape again. And in the room, Voldemort' s cold, high laughter echoes.

Walk...Scream...Wha' the Bloody 'ell is Going on Here?
Author: Neo Anderson
Date: 04-15-02 20:17

Neo was waiting in the hallway, thinking of what to perform for the teachers, until he heard a faint cry. "Hmm...?" he said to himself.

Neo tapped Prote on the shoulder. "I'll be right back, Prote. I... uh, forgot something... yeah!" Prote just stared. "Ooookay..." he said.

*few moments later*

Neo reached the dungeons and looked inside Snape's potions classroom. Inside he saw Snape and the school's auror. Snape was clutching his head... in agony?! "What the bloody is goin' on in here?" he said outloud... accidentally...

Re: Walk...Scream...Wha' the Bloody 'ell is Going on Here?
Author: Dierna ní Cíaran
Date: 04-15-02 22:12

I can't believe I'm doing this! I think as Severus collapses grabbing his head. I run over to the cupboard and grab a bunch of vials from his stash. Lucky for Severus, I was never too bad in Potions. Who'd ever have thought that I would be trying to help Severus after all our school rivalry? I'm mixing the ingredients together hurriedly when a student suddenly comes in and blurts out:

"What the bloody is goin' on in here?" he blurts out, then looks rather embarrassed when he realises that he said it out loud.

"You!" I shout across the room, "Are you good in potions? No, better yet, run and get Dumbledore...FAST!!!!!!"

Decorating with Style
Author: Chyler Stratford
Date: 04-15-02 22:58

Chyler set about decorating the book shoppe with many dark, deep colors. Her favorite colors, mostly the deep maroons and navy blues. She took a couple of yards of fabric and began dancing around the front room, holding it over her like a cape.

Jules and Ly looked up from there place at the desk, laughing.

"She thinks she's queen," Julian said to Lysander, rolling his eyes.

Chyler danced over. "I am queen!" she said, putting the fabric over Julien's head like a cloak, kissing him lightly on the end of the nose, then flinging it off of him and dancing away to the other side of the room.

"Hey!" Lysander said, pouting.

Jules grinned. "What?"

"You got my sugar!" Ly pouted, with a hurumph.

Chyler giggled on the other side of the room, danced over again, this time with a curtain rod. She hummed, coming closer, and Lysander's eyes got wide.

"Hmm," Julien thought, and Lysander elbowed him in the gut, knowing what he was thinking.

Chyler set the rod down, like a cane, and kissed Lysander deeply. "Now, what kinda sugar did he get?" Chyler asked, grinning.

"Just a granule!" He waggled his eyebrows.

OUT OF MY WAY!!! EMERGENCY!!!
Author: Neo Anderson
Date: 04-16-02 09:05

Neo stood for a moment. "Roight!" he said and ran to find the Headmaster.

After about a moment Neo suddenly ran into someone. "What is all the screaming?" Dumbledore asked.

Neo just started to talk really fast, so fast that no one could seem to have understood what he was trying to say.

"Neo, just take me to the source of the cries." Neo took a hold of the Headmaster's robes and pulled him to the dungeons as fast as he possibly could!

Hopefully Late
Author: Jet
Date: 04-16-02 11:48

Jet had purposefully stayed after class in Herbology by offering to help Prof. Sprout. He straggled late to the auditions hoping they'd be over. He really didn't want to have to do this but no amount of begging and pleading had worked with Prof. Fairchild. For some reason Jet still couldn't bring himself to call her Adriana. He'd not been able to find her Saturday after the match but he tracked her down yesterday. Jet had pestered her for the better part of an hour, trying to convince her he would better serve the play by working behind the scenes rather than being in the play. Not only had Prof. Fairchild turned down his request, but she'd firmly told him that if he bothered her again about it, she'd ensure he got a lead role. That threat immediately shut Jet up. It was going to be bad enough to have to take part at all but a lead role would be horrid! Jet had no desire to get up in front of people and act. The thought of it turned his stomach. Also, the more time he had to spend learning lines and rehearsing scenes, the less time he'd have to devote to locating the key to the mysterious chamber.

Jet arrived at the classroom where the auditions are being held only to find the hall full of students from various years and houses, and all Muggle Studies students. His heart sinks when he's told auditions are really just getting started. Suppressing a groan, Jet slides down the wall to sit on the floor, pretending to go over his audition lines while really pondering places to search for the key.

Tending to Severus
Author: Dierna ní Cíaran
Date: 04-16-02 20:23

"Preferably WITHOUT causing a commotion," I say as the boy dashes off like a harpy was after him. "Oh well." Meanwhile, a bubbling behind me tells me that my potion is ready. Fortunately for Severus, it's a fairly quick brew to make. I take a glass vile from the wall and say a simple cooling charm to bring it to room temperature. It won't stop the curse - there is no known charm - but it will help.

"Drink it. No. Don't look at me like that. I'm not poisoning you. It's a standard reviving potion like we learned in third year. It will help."

Yuck!
Author: Prof. Snape
Date: 04-16-02 20:45

Severus took the vile, not too sure about it. Hopefully it'll kill me... he thought, and without a word, Severus drank the potion.

"Disgusting..." said Severus, and he was able to stand up, but the pain just wouldn't stop. Dierna stared. "Feeling better?" she asked.

"A little..." said Severus, "...thank you..." Dierna just looked surprised. Severus went to put the vile away. "Sooner or later he's going to kill me... I just don't know what to do."

Severus gripped his arm where the mark was tattooed on. Damn, why did I ever turn to him... but that was long ago... and I vowed never to return...

Not even if he keeps cursing me...

Re: Yuck
Author: Dierna ní Cíaran
Date: 04-16-02 21:55

"You're welcome" I say, surprised at the sudden courtesy. "It won't stop the pain, but it makes it slightly more bearable. Yes, I know what the Cruciatus curse feels like." I sit down on a desk. "I have asked a student to find the Headmaster. You need to tell him about what's going on, Severus."

Lions, Tigers, and Goblins? Oh My!
Author: Aaron Miller
Date: 04-16-02

I slowly expell another breath while wondering if a collapsible cauldron is a must have item on a witch's camping trip. Okay, if Bernie is here I guess being methodical is the best way to locate him. I step into the cauldron shop and walk around as if casually browsing then move on to the shop directly opposite.

My head fairly reels as I go from one shop to the next. Who knew one could actually buy eye of newt and toe of frog? Or that flying broomsticks were real? Geez, I wonder if the pets stores mean that familiars are a reality as well? And what the hell is Quidditch? I don't think marching up to the salesperson in Quality Quidditch Supplies and asking would be such a good idea. Maybe I can browse a book on the subject at Flourish & Blotts. Yep, that's just what I'll do.

I walk into the bookstore and go right up to the only employee in sight. "Excuse me. Do you have any books on Quidditch?"

The man gives a booming laugh as if I've said something extremely funny. Grinning largely at me he says, "Of course we do! What sort of bookstore would we be if we didn't carry books on Quidditch?" He chuckles again before continuing. "I'm sorry to laugh like that. Just struck me funny even though I knew you were really asking where to locate the Quidditch books. That's an American accent, correct?"

I simply nod, not really sure what else to say.

"Great to know at least some of you Americans follow Quidditch. You lot don't have many Quidditch teams yet do you? Great followers of Quidpot though can't understand the preference for it meself. Oh, it's all right but Quidditch is the better of the two in my opinion. Already a fan of Quidditch or just now developing an interest?"

I keep nodding as though I have a clue what he's talking about. I word my answer carefully. "Just developing an interest. I figured that as long as I'm going to be living over here now is as good a time as any to get more involved in the sport."

"Righto! That's the spirit. We'll have you cheering on the Chudley Cannons or the Wimbourne Wasps in no time. Was there a reason you decided to move to our neck of the woods?"

As he talks he's leading me to the set of shelves where the Quidditch books are located. "Work brought me. I was promoted and the new position means I have to spend the majority of my time over here."

"Excellent! As long as I'm being so nosy," he chuckles again, "May I ask what sort of work you do?"

"I work for the Ministry of ..."

"Oh! The Ministry. Of course!" He interrupts, holding up his hand in a stop gesture. "Let me guess. Based on how you're dressed I'd say your work at the Ministry has to do with Muggles."

He grins as if very pleased at himself with this deduction. I on the other hand have the feeling that the ministry I was about to mention isn't the same ministry he's talking about. And what's a muggle? I do what I've been doing since speaking with the barmaid in the pub. I just go along with what is said and nod my head some more.

"That's grand! And ever so interesting. I'd love to quiz you on your Muggle lore but I suppose you'd like to get on with selecting some books and I'd best see to the other customers."

It's not until he's walked away that I realize I was holding my breath. I let it out slowly. I seem to be doing that alot today and based on things so far I'd wager it's not going to be the last. I scan the titles on the shelves and pull off Quidditch Through The Ages by Kennilworthy Whisp. Lord! There's a name for you. I'd bet a week's pay that he goes by Ken. I also pull a copy of Flying With The Cannons presuming it's about the team the Chudley Cannons the clerk mentioned. I select a couple of others at random then locate a chair in which to sit and peruse the books.

When I open the book on the Cannons I think my eyes must have popped out of their sockets rather like a cartoon character's. I slap the book shut then open it again just as quickly. Nope. I wasn't hallucinating. The images in all the pictures move. I close my eyes then open them very slowly. I squint. I cover one eye. I blink rapidly. I hold the book at a variety of angles. I get up and walk around with it. Doesn't matter what I do. The damned images keep moving. It's not possible yet there it is right in front of me. No strings. No smoke and mirrors. No hidden camera projecting the pictures onto the page. Good thing this chair is sort of hidden or else the clerk would be over here making sure I'm not suffering some sort of contortionistic seizure.

I walk over to another bookshelf and pick up the first book I reach. It too has moving pictures. Every book I check which has pictures has pictures with moving images. This is definately not some elaborate trick. Or, if it is I can't figure out how the heck it's being done with every single picture in each book I've opened. I return to the chair and the assortment of Quidditch books. I thumb through them in a daze, not really absorbing any of the text.

I look up as the clerk approaches. "Find anything that catches your fancy?"

I look over the small pile I've accumulated. I pick up the one on the Cannons, Quidditch Through The Ages, and another by Whisp entitled Beating the Bludgers - A Study of Defensive Strategies in Quidditch. "Yeah, I think I'll take these."

I follow the clerk to the counter and start to hand him the books when I remember something. "Damn! I didn't get any money changed today. All I have is American money."

The clerk looks puzzled for a moment then smiles brightly. "Ahhhhh, you mean American Muggle money. You must have to carry Muggle money because of your job, correct? Well, if it were English Muggle money, I think I'd be able to figure closely the conversion of what's owed but it being American..." He pauses, his face scrunched up in deep thought. "No, sorry. No conversions for it are coming to mind. I don't mind taking Muggle money since I can have it changed as easily as you can but not knowing the conversions I'm worried I'd cheat you or get shorted. Best let Gringotts do it. The Goblins will give a very fair rate of exchange. I'll be happy to hold the books for you while you run down to the bank. It's the big, white building just down the street. Oh, and just so you know, the total on the books is two Galleons, fifteen Sickles, and twenty Knuts."

There's that word newt again. Or maybe it's knewt? Or even knut? Galleon? Isn't that a ship? And aren't sickles a type of blade? These thoughts run through my head even as I stand there pretending I know what the hell he's talking about. I thank the clerk and leave the store in search of the bank. Gringotts he called it. Wait a minute! Did he say Goblins? Okaaaaay. I'd say the man was delusional but after what I've seen today I'm guessing I'd best steel myself to meet some Goblins

All Hail Queen Chyler
Author: Julian Valentine
Date: 04-16-02 22:35

Chyler charms the rod to stand up straight as she prances around it, trailing the cloth like a large ribbon.

"Lost track of time again, Chyler? You can't be May Queen until May." Julian teases to which Chyler replies, "Clean out your ears, Jules. I already said, I AM queen. You're giving me a crown at Christmas."

Chyler grins cheekily at Jules. "For my birthday you'll give me a scepter. Both crown and scepter are to be jewel encrusted of course."

"Hey now, why do I have to give you both the crown and scepter? Doesn't Lysander have to provide you with some lavish gift or some service?" Julian sticks his tongue out at Chyler.

"Why, Jules darling, Lysander already provides a most excellent, extremely satisfying service." Chyler purrs silkily.

Lysander gives Julian a smug smirk causing Julian to snort with laughter. Chyler beams at both of them before turning to send the rod to one window. As she busies herself with arranging the drapery, Lys and Jules return to work as well.

After a few silent, companionable minutes, Julian remarks, "The Briar situation aside, having Weasel hanging around Hogsmeade all the time is a nuisance. Either of you have an idea of how to get him to leave town?"

The Letter
Author: Brett Kingston
Date: 04-16-02

Brett Kingston sat down at the desk in his grandmother's room to send his sister a terribly sad letter about their grandmother's death. Australia had to be told about this and how he would be transfering to Hogwarts as soon as he could get his things together. He sanded the ink as he prepared himself on sending his sister the news. This was going to be hard on her. He knew this would be. He could feel it. But he also knew that she was a strong girl and could deal with anything, even her grandmother's death.

He sealed the note in the envelope as tears slowly crawled down his cheek. He knew she could handle this death if he could. And he was doing it. The letter would be there by the middle of the week if not sooner depending on how fast his owl flew.

Onwards to the Play Auditions
Author: Hermione Granger
Date: 04-17-02 09:15

Despite the cold and wet weather, Hagrid's class carried on. By the time the hour came to an end, all of the students were near experts on the proper way to care for magical flying pigs. Though enthusiastic the whole time, the class was very relieved to be able to return to the castle where it was dry and warm.

Harry, Ron, and Hermione made their way back to the castle, immediately heading towards the Muggle Studies classroom. The auditions had already started and they were more than ready to get their own auditions out of the way.

When they got to the room, they found a dozen or so students sitting in the hallway, murmuring Shakespeare lines to themselves. The trio found a place to sit near Fred, George, Samantha, and Ginny, whose eyes lit up the minute they showed up.

"What's going on?" Ron asked, nudging Ginny with his elbow.

She smiled and answered, "Everyone has been divided into groups of three. I was in the first group."

"How was your audition?" Hermione asked.

Ginny smiled again and blushed a little. "It went great–Much better than I had planned!"

The trio gave their congratulations to the young redhead and then focused on their own lines. Their audition would be coming up soon.

Break a Leg
Author: Bronwyn Dewhurst
Date: 04-17-02

After their audition, Bronwyn and Kendra found Toby outside the classroom rehearsing his lines. He saw both of them exit the room with big smiles upon their pretty faces and in turn gave each of them an affectionate, congratulatory hug.

"Good luck on your own audition, Toby," Bronwyn started. "Though, I imagine you don't need any luck. You're a natural!" She punched him lightly on the arm.

"Well, thank you, Bronwyn. But isn't the preferred phrase of sending luck to an actor, 'break a leg?'" He flashed a sexy grin and winked at her.

"Oh, but Toby...I'd hate for you to damage one of you muscular–"

Kendra grabbed Bronwyn by the arm and complained, "That's enough! I don't even want to hear it. C'mon! We have a class to get to." She waved at Toby and proceeded to drag a grinning Bronwyn down the hall and out of the castle.

The cold air bit at them sharply as the emerged from the warmth of the indoors.

"Remind me to not take anymore classes that we have to go outdoors for," Bronwyn stated, wrapping her arms around her body for warmth.

Kendra rolled her eyes and gave her best friend a slight shove. Soon, they found themselves in front of Hagrid's hut, where he stood clutching onto a very fashionable little piggie. Other warmly dressed piglets were flying around the air, squealing happily as they showed off their stunts for the arriving students.