Only Agression
Author: Kendra Beck
Date: 04-30-02 15:30

Kendra kicked off on her broom, soaring into the air. She looked over at Toby who was a bit of a distance. He winked at his sister, and she blew a kiss back at him for good luck. They took off, defending their team from the evil bludgers.

Kendra hovered for a while as she took a good look at the game. She went over what she needed to do in her mind, as she did everything she played a game. Strategies always worked.

She watched as Skyra scooped up the the quaffle, easily, as it slid by her.

"Dang it!" Kendra said, punching the air.

Quidditch was the only thing she let loose. Well, all except being with her family and with Bronwyn. Kendra suddenly heard an awful whirring noise and she whipped around to see a bludger coming right for her. She took a whack at it, sending it flying through the air. "Knock the quaffle away from the goal!" Kendra urged. Sykra had thrown the quaffle, it was an easy throw at that distance, but the bludger was headed right towards it! It was going to knock the quaffle away from the goal! Yes!

"C'mon!" She yelled again, and also heard a couple of other voices from somewhere behind her. The quaffle was knocked off course. Yay!

Kendra sighed, relieved and heard someone pull up next to her. She looked, and it was Toby.

"Great job, Sis! Ya did your best, now we've got to get the quaffle back." He spoke in relation to the other members of the team. He winked and whizzed off, whacking at the air, no doubt showing off.

She watched as Aradia caught the quaffle on the opposing end, then set about watching over her other team mates, and sending that nasty bludger back to the other side.

Search and Rescue, she thought giggling to herself. "Let's get with it, Hufflepuffs!!"

The Excitement and Burr, the Cold
Author: Australia Kingston
Date: 04-30-02 16:19

Australia sat in the Gryffindor section cheering on her beloved Prote and the Huffepluff team. She screamed and yelled until the rain got to her and she had to stay bundled up in her jacket and scarf.

She still remembered what Prote told her when she found out her grandmother had died and the joy of knowing her brother would be coming to join her. Prote told her that if she needed to take a few days off from class that he would gather up all of her homework for her and help her learn all the new material.

She had smiled and accepted. Her attention was drawn back to the game when Ginny bumped into her.

Vaccinations
Author: Charlie Weasley
Date: 04-30-02 17:11

Helena's eyes were cold as she stared at Charlie. He looked at Stephen who grimaced slightly, then looked back at Helena.

"We can only vaccinate the dragons who have not been infected with the disease. We've developed a vaccine that, when inhaled by the dragon, will build up their immune system to the disease, preventing it from being transmittable it. Works sort of like a Muggle flu shot, only much more extreme." She handed Charlie a manila file marked "Vaccine" in scarlet letters. "As to treating the infected dragons, we still need to come up with an antibiotic."

Charlie blinked, looking up from the file he held. "Excuse me?"

"You and Miss Tufton will be developing the vaccine yourselves, Charlie. With both your intelligence combined, you will have a more than enough knowledge to get this going," Kenneth said. He seemed so sure of himself and of this project. Charlie felt his annoyance move into fury, he kept his tongue.

Charlie nodded, looking back down at the file. "I see." He then gave it to Stephen to look over.

"When do you want to get started on this, Ken?" Charlie asked.

Shackleton looked down at his desk, flipping back a calendar. "ASAP. Tonight, if you can. I'll let you have the lab tents to yourself."

"Right. You can count on me, Boss," Charlie said, turning to leave.

Ken cleared his throat. "You'll get along nicely with your team, Mr. Weasley." His voice was a stern, yet held a subtle reminder of the woman with the icy eyes and voice he did not want to think about right now.

"I'm glad you think so," Charlie said, and he and Stephen left the tent.

Charlie crossed the grounds and had almost forgotten Stephen was at his side when a hand clapped on his shoulder to slow him down. "Charlie. Slow down, guy."

Charlie halted and looked at his friend. "I don't want to work with her," he said, teeth clenched. He realized his hands were in tight fists and released feeling a tinge of pain in his knuckles.

"I know you don't, but we don't have a choice right now, now do we?" Stephen said gently, giving him a reminder of what was at hand.

"No. I guess not."

"Then face your fears and work with this bitch. You both love dragons. You both want to save the dragons. Let's work on this as civilly as possible, Charlie," Stephen said, patting his shoulder. "Now let's get something to eat and get started on this vaccine."

Beauty
Author: Michael Thomason
Date: 04-30-02 19:33

I left the kitchen, regretting I even came to Hogsmeade, and that I'd sent the owl only a few short hours before I arrived. I sighed as I made my way through the front of the shop. I love my sister, and deep down I knew she loves me, too. The Slytherins had really messed with her once she had gotten into Hogwarts, but there wasnt much I could do about it now.

Lost in my thoughts, I slammed into something hard. I fell backwards, feeling heavy books fall all over me. I covered my face.

"Bloody hell, Lysander! Watch where you're going when you're moving books!" I said, eyes closed, rubbing my aching head. After a moment I opened my eyes and saw a lovely young woman on the ground across from me, rubbing her shin.

"Ouch," she said, then met my eyes.

I blinked, my mouth agape. "I-I'm very sorry."

I stood up and offered my hand to the beauty. She took my hand, gently, and I pulled her to her feet carefully.

"I'm so sorry. I really am. I wasn't watching where I was going." We both bent down to pick up the books that had fallen everywhere. "Are you okay, ma'am?"

She nodded and smiled. "Y-Yes. Thank you. Umm, you're very kind."

I smiled back, feeling that her smile drew mine over my face. "That's grand that you are all right. And you are most welcome."

She nodded and went to pay for her books, and I headed outside, stealing glances of her lovely figure over my shoulder. Before I stepped outside, I looked to see if Julian was anywhere in sight. He was nowhere to be found, and I waited outside for the woman I had bumped into. I sat on the bench nearest the door and saw the woman immerge, her books in a book bag with the logo of my sister's shop on it.

"Uh, Hi," she said, smiling at me.

"Er, Hi. I just wanted to make sure you were really all right." I smiled.

Her brow drew together slightly.

"I saw you rubbing your shin. I hurt you, didn't I?" I frowned, truly sorry for a lot of things I had done lately, and now this on top of it. I hated hurting ladies.

She shook her head. "No, um, I think a book hit me, but it was a smaller one. I just wanted to make sure it wasn't going to leave a bruise."

"Ah, I see. I'm Michael Thomason. The owners of the shop are my sister and brother-in-law and a friend of theirs. I just came to visit," I explained, wanting to get to know this beautiful young woman.

"Good people to know if it concerns books. I'm Christina Sorcha. Professor of Ancient Runes," she said, taking my hand in a firm shake.

I smiled, amused. "A Hogwarts professor? I'd have never thought!"

"Why is that?" she asked, her head tilted a bit to the side.

He shook his head. "You're so young."

"Thanks, I just know my Runes. That's why I was hired."

"I have no doubt," I said. A shadow of a large bird passed over us.

I looked up. "That's a very large hawk," I observed, feeling a chill run down my spine.

She nodded. "Oh, uh, she's mine."

"She's very protective of her mistress, it seems," I said, watching the hawk circle above us.

"She is."

I looked back at Christina. "Do you think she would mind if I took her mistress to the Three Broomsticks for a drink?"

Re: Beauty
Author: Prof. Sorcha
Date: 04-30-02 21:27

"Do you think she would mind if I took her mistress to the Three Broomsticks for a drink?"

Sorcha wasn't sure she heard him right. When the impact of the question hit her, she must have gotten some funny look on her face.

Both Michael and Ailsa had either amused or disbelief on their face. "Umm, well, I-I don't know. What would I do with the, uhh, books? I can't carry them around for long."

A warm smile grew on his face before he said, "I'll carry them if you'd like."

"Umm, ok," was all Sorcha could think of saying. Sorcha knew that Ailsa didn't know what was going on, and had lined up behind Michael, for an attack. "Umm, if you want to go to the Three Broomsticks, please lower your head."

Michael looked at her funny, but did as he was asked, just as Ailsa's beak went where his head used to be. He snapped straight up and looked at Ailsa, as she was gaining altitude. He had a look of shock on his face. "What was that for?"

"Well, like you said, she is very protective of me." Sorcha waves off Ailsa. When Sorcha turned back to Michael, their eyes met. "Umm, well, shouldn't we get going?"

"Oh, yes. Let me get those." Michael took the bag of books from Sorcha's hand. And started to lead the way.

Brotherly Love
Author: Belladonna
Date: 04-30-02 22:58

Dylan Sinistra was ready to throw himself right in front of someone doing one of the Forbidden Curses as he held his crying sister. Women! One minute they were crying over one thing and then the next they were crying about something else. It was beyond him and he thanked his luck his wife Brynn wasn't anything like.

It had seemed so simple: apperate into Hogsmeade from Wales, catch the Ravenclaw game, spend time with his youngest sister (by all of five minutes), and get some great hexes off of her for his next book. What he found when he knocked on the door was a sister crying so much that she didn't even feel like going to the game. He has whistled and made the mistake of asking what was wrong, although for years it had to do with Charlie Weasley and this was just deja vu of so many nights before.

"Okay, first you're worried because all you can think about is the quarrel you had with Charlie, then you get worried because you found another man attractive and couldn't stop staring at him. For crying out loud! If I were Charlie, I'd get my head out of those dragons in Romania and write you a letter because he should know from experience you'll make yourself miserable unless he does. Ever thought about seeing a therapist about your obcession with the man?

Awww...Bella, stop crying. If you're like this now, what's going to happen at Christmas when Mum hints about you still being single as much as she does? Sweetie, get out more, go shopping, bother Izzy, call up Brynn and get into London mischief so I have book writing time. We want you to be happy, not like this. Whatever happened to that nice Muggle nightclub owner you used to date? He seemed like a good chap.

As for Charlie, let him do what he wants. Right now he's got more than he can handle with vaccinating those dragons against an epidemic. Besides, I hear he's having to work with a real...um...less said the better. I had a mate who used to date her and believe me, Helena Tufton is not the sort you'd want to meet in a dark alley, no matter how attractive she is."

At that point the crying, which had subsided into sniffles,turned into full fledged wailing. Clearly he had made things worse.

"Awww...she's not that attractive. I never cared much for blonds anyway, although Brynn will kill me if you repeat that to her. Compared to you, Helena's short, rude, and doesn't stand a chance. Charlie seems to have a marked preference for tall, dreamy, dusky beauty astromers. My source tells me nothing is going on between those two and if there ever is, Mr. Charles Weasley and I will have a little talk.

Cheer up, Bella. He'll come around and forget about the quarrel and I'm sure make it up with a nice Christas present. The lucky sot's got a great girl he never deserves. I may not approve of him, but I want you to be happy. C'mon, Bells, just a little smile? For me? Promise after the game, I'll take you to Honeydukes for all the sweets you want and then we can get a drink at the Three Broomsticks...my treat. You're so pretty when you smile."

At that Bella laughed and cleared up somewhat. Dylan always knew what to say. She was so lucky to have him as a brother.

"Dyls? Champagne if Ravenclaw wins?"

"But of course! If we win, we'll get champagne. If we lose, we'll get champagne anyway. Always is a great pick-me-up."

Secrets and Feelings
Author: Bill Weasley
Date: 05-01-02 09:16

Bill had carried around the weight of Briar's secret for three weeks now. True to his word, he hadn't told a soul about what he had learned, although it had been somewhat difficult to keep it a secret. Such shocking news in times as they were was nearly enough to warrant further investigation. Several times Bill found himself scribbling a letter to Charlie about his discoveries, only to end up tossing the parchment into the fire. No matter how much he wanted to tell Charlie or even Percy, he couldn't bring himself to do it. Afterall, he had promised Briar he wouldn't. He just couldn't do it to her. And besides, he had vowed to protect her. Revealing such information, especially to someone like Percy who would surely bring it to the attention of the ministry, could put Briar in danger. No, Briar's secret could not be made public. Not yet.

Bill regularly met with her for coffee at the bakery, their conversations mostly sticking to the everyday topics of life. Rarely did they speak of the rise of You-Know-Who or Briar's past. Bill felt that when she was ready, she would tell him more, if in fact there was more to tell.

Now, if only he could get Adriana to confide in him. Lately, she seemed to be constantly in worry. She would try to hide it, but Bill could tell that something was the matter. He made frequent trips up to the school to check the perimeter for curses and to visit with her. She kept whatever was bothering her to herself, unsure of whether or not to burden Bill with her problems. "Adriana, you can tell me anything," he would say as he'd hug her. "Whenever you're ready."

They had made plans to attend the Quidditch game together and Bill was already running late. He was sorry that Charlie couldn't watch the game with them. Unfortunately, the situation in Romania was more serious than previously thought. Charlie owled Bill with weekly updates on the dragons as well as rants about his co-worker, Helena Tufton. She really didn't seem like one to cross. She seemed harsh and ill-tempered, very much unlike Belladonna Sinistra. Bill often wondered if Charlie was missing Bella, but Charlie never mentioned her in his letters and Bill really didn't want to open any wounds. He made a mental note to check on Bella later to at least say hello.

"Damn blasted weather," he mumbled, shoving his hands into his coat pockets as he trudged up High Street towards the gates of Hogwarts. As he walked along, he passed Twice Told Tales, which had been open for business for a little over a week now. He hadn't had a chance to look around yet, but he intended on it. He was certain that those three ex-Slytherins running the bookstore were up to no good. They had to be. He'd check in on them soon enough and there wasn't a doubt in his mind that they were ready for him.

Shedding Secrets
Author: Adriana Fairchild
Date: 05-01-02 11:01

Adriana sat in the stands watching the Quiditch game–alone. Bill was late, but Adriana wasn't worried. Nothing could pull her focus from this game. She had felt so bad (and been given so much grief from her students) for missing the last one, that not even the Dark Lord himself could tear her eyes off the field.

"Sorry I'm late." Bill's sudden entrance startled Adriana. He sat down next to her and gave her a kiss on the cheek. "What did I miss?"

Adriana shook her head. "I really wish I could tell you that. But honestly, I have no idea what's going on."

Laughing, Bill started to explain Quiditch to her. He was the forth Weasley to try to make her understand how this legendary game was played.

"Just stop!" Adriana giggled as she put her finger up to his mouth. "I'm hopeless, that's all there is to it. So, have you heard from Charlie?"

Bill frowned. "The situation in Romania is actually quite serious. And Charlie's ballbreaker of a co-worker isn't making things any easier for him."

"Ah, yes," Adriana smiled. "What was her name? O, Fair Helena?"

"No, very unfair Helena. Must you always quote Shakespeare?"

Adriana gave him a sly smile. "Always. Always. Always," she replied, cleverly mimicking King Lear's "Never. Never. Never." Whether Bill got the joke or not, it didn't matter. They had more important things to discuss.

"Let's go to Hogsmeade after the match." Adriana suggested. "Stroll around, maybe do some shopping...have dinner..."

Bill grinned. "Why, Miss Fairchild, are you asking me out?"

Raising an eyebrow, Adriana retorted. "Are you saying yes?"

"What else could I say to such a charming young woman?"

Adriana frowned. "Why must you always answer me with another question?"

"Why must you?"

"Are you going to let me have the last word or not?"

Bill smiled. "Should I?"

"Do you want me to tell you what's been bothering me?"

Bill's smile suddenly faded. This wasn't part of their game. "What?"

"Do you want me to tell you what's been bothering me?" Adriana repeated.

"Yes." Bill said definitively. "That is, if you want to tell me. If you're ready to tell me."

"Dinner then,' Adriana said softly. "Tonight."

"Tonight."

Houses
Author: Alexis Black
Date: 05-01-02 14:10

Alexis watched the game, the flying colors of yellow and blue zig-zagging gracefully in the air. She turned to the person sitting next to her. He was a small boy who looked like he was about twelve.

"Who's playing?" she asked him. His jaw dropped open and he laughed.

"You're joking, right?" he said.

"No," Alexis said simply. She had patience as deep as the ocean, it almost seemed like nothing could ruffle her feathers. She hated explaining things to people, so she simply waited for the boy to answer her question- or not.

"Hufflepuff vs. Ravenclaw. Hey, I don't think I've seen you before, are you in Hufflepuff?"

"Slytherin."

"What are you doing here?" he said, mouth agape once more.

"Watching Quidditch."

"But... most Slytherins would be ashamed to be seen anywhere near the Hufflepuff section of the pitch!"

Alexis simply shrugged and turned her attention back to the game, but she was very aware of the boy staring at her for a few moments longer before finally turning his gaze away from this strange girl.