In the Hospital Wing
Author: Majandra
Date: 07-01-02 01:02

From somewhere far away and sounding as if it's traveling slowly underwater, Majandra hears her name being called. She'd like to look and see but someone, her evil brother most likely, went and pasted her eyelids shuts. After several attempts to open her eyes, Majandra finally decides she'll have to physically pry them open. The only problem is that some idiot, most likely the same one with the paste, has also tied lead weights to her left arm. Her right arm is a big throbbing mass of pain so while working hard to lift her other arm, Majandra is working just as hard not to move the right one.

Her name is called again, this time right next to her ear. With other things to worry with, including a massive headache and a leg that seems intent on outdoing her right arm in the pain department, Majandra is quite exasperated to also have some annoying gnat pestering for attention. When the gnat calls her name a third time and encourages her to wake up, Majandra grumpily mumbles, "Oh do go away. I'm awake but someone went and glued my eyes shut."

Whomever had been hovering now seems to have moved away because no reply is forthcoming. This suits Majandra because it gives her a chance to concentrate on lifting her left arm. About the same time she's successful in getting her hand to her eyes and is forcing her left eyelid open, the gnat is back calling her name. An awful, sharp smell wafts under her noise. Now using her hand to push the horrid odor away, she peers through the one open eye at her tormentor. Majandra's face scrunches up in puzzlement.

"Madame Pomfrey?"

"Ah good, you truly are awake, Miss Fine. You have to stay awake now, dear. Very important with concussions you know. Now then, let's get a good look at you."

At some point while Madame Pomfrey is talking, Majandra is able to open her other eye. Her immediate instinct though is to shut them tightly again and go back to sleep. Madame Pomfrey, however, will have none of this.

"Really dear, you must stay awake for the time being." The woman pokes and prods Majandra while at the same time doing her best not to cause more pain. At length she announces, "In addition to the concussion it appears you've broken some bones in your ankle, torn a ligament in your knee, and separated the bones at your elbow. You sit tight while I prepare something to get those bones and muscles knitting together again."

With that, Madame Pomfrey bustles away leaving Majandra alone. Her eyelids feel like they now have the lead weights attached and before she can stop herself, Majandra has closed them once more. Next thing she knows those awful smelling salts are being waved under her nose again. She tries to grin sheepishly through the pain and the fog of wanting to sleep and starts to apologize.

"No need, Miss Fine. It's the concussion at work. Now then, drink this up so we can get you started on the mend. I'm sorry to say thought that for the next few hours I can't give you anything for the pain. You're already having trouble staying alert and until I'm satisfied the concussion isn't going to cause further problems, giving you pain medicine isn't an option."

The nurse stands over Majandra to make sure she drinks the entire potion as well as to make sure Majandra doesn't try to go back to sleep again. Next she numbs the area around Majandra's right elbow before carefully moving the bones back into proper alignment. After binding the arm in a sling, Madam Pomfrey cleans the various cuts, abrasions, and scrapes that Majandra received during the morning's tribulations.

While she works, Madame Pomfrey informs Majandra that oddly enough, it was Peeves who came to the rescue. He'd been in the middle of making some mischief when he discovered Majandra. Peeves had immediately come to the hospital wing. Madame Pomfrey had actually not believed him at first because it was, afterall, Peeves. At length, the nurse had finally agreed to go with the poltergeist, and sure enough, there was an unconscious Majandra at the foot of a staircase. When Madame Pomfrey expresses her shock at how helpful Peeves had been, Majandra just smiles, not bothering to explain that Peeves may have acted out of pity for the poor little mentally imbalanced girl who'd once had a crush on him.

Suddenly remembering where she's supposed to be, Majandra interrupts Madame Pomfrey in midsentence. "The Quidditch match! Is it over? I promised I'd be there."

Gently pushing her back onto the bed, a tsking Madame Pomfrey sternly says, "I don't know if the game is over yet or not. It doesn't matter though because you are staying put. Even if you didn't have broken bones and torn ligaments, there is that concussion. I need to keep an eye on you until the danger's passed for you going into a coma. You're also going to eat a nice, hearty meal. You're looking far too thin."

Knowing that in her condition she's not going to be able to sneak past the diligent nurse, Majandra leans back on the pillows with a defeated sigh. Madame Pomfrey gives her a motherly pat on the arm then sees to getting a tray of food. After setting the tray in front of Majandra, she hovers nearby to make sure the girl eats everything.

Taking her time with eating, as she really has no appetite and as it helps her concentrate on something other than sleeping, Majandra unhappily wonders how if the game is still going on and how upset George will be that she never showed up as promised.

Time to Score
Author: Fred Weasley
Date: 07-01-02 09:28

Soaring through the air, Fred wove in and out between the various players, eagerly swatting his bat around in order to send bludgers flying in odd directions. So far, he had been lucky and managed to stop the Hufflepuffs from scoring. Still, despite their friendly nature, those badgers were fierce on broomsticks!

Douglas, in possession of the quaffle, raced to the hoops and with a solid throw, sent the ball right through the goal.

"Hufflepuff scores!" Lee Jordan shouted and was met by roars from the Hufflepuff spectators.

Fred cursed silently and tilted his broom downwards to whack a bludger, when suddenly, Toby Beck collided into him. The Hufflepuff sent the bludger flying and turned to flash a grin at Fred. "Sorry about that!" he said, clearly not sorry.

Fred scowled and zoomed away, just as Douglas regained possession of the quaffle. The young Hufflepuff was on a roll, and soon made it back to the hoops. He easily made the goal bringing the score to Hufflepuff - 20, Gryffindor - 0.

A flurry of foul language erupted from Fred's mouth. Gryffindor just couldn't lose to Hufflepuff. No way! Just then, Angelina Johnson received possession of the quaffle.

What the...
Author: Charlie Weasley
Date: 07-01-02 21:13

Bill elbowed Charlie in the side. "Hey, Charlie. Look!"

Charlie turned to where Bill is pointing and sees Bella with her head on some guy. Charlie blinked and his mouth dropped open. "What in the hell..."

He nearly stood up as his fists clenched tightly into red balls. Bill rested a hand on his shoulder and pushed him back down. "Charlie, don't. Not now. Approach her later in private."

"She....a-uh-huh...she...." Charlie began.

Bill gave him a sympathetic look and tired to keep Charlie from getting so excited so as to not have to explain things to their parents at present. "I told you, Char. I told you the day she gave you back that stupid necklace."

Charlie sighed. "I guess you're right, Bill. She's too pretty to just stick with one guy. They'll be all over her...they are all over her. I trusted her when I was in quarantine."

"Cheer up, Charlie. You'll find Miss Right. Just looks like Belladonna ain't the girl." Bill clapped a sympathetic hand on Charlie's back as he watched his younger brother bury his face in his hands.

A Letter
Author: Prof. Sorcha
Date: 07-01-02 21:42

Sorcha sat at her desk staring at the ceiling, thinking to herself. A small pile of crumpled parchment lay near the desk, as a show of her efforts. There was a stack of blank parchment on the desk as well.

It had been over a week since Michael had left to go back home. They had spent a lot of time together after the Snow Ball, and then he had to leave. When his time with his sister had ended, he had to go back home, so when he left, SorchaŐs heart followed.

Sorcha had felt him missing every waking hour since Michael had left. Now, she was endeavoring to write him a letter. The only problem was, she couldnŐt get the right words, or get them to flow right. Finally she decided she would try again.

Dear Michael,

It's very nice to hear from you again. I know it's been a long time since we have seen each other last. I miss you too. I am not sure when the next break from school is, but I have three day weekends every week (I don't have class Friday). I could see you soon, I hope.

I'm glad that you can find the time in your busy schedule to write me. Your letters brighten my extremely boring day.

School is going very well for me, and the others. Although the most unusual thing happened a few weeks ago. One of my classes turned in every single homework assignment from a list that I had made up the night before. I didn't tell you until know because it was really confusing. I don't remember assigning the work. It was a lot of work too.

I hope you find the time to write me again. I always love to hear from you.

All my Love,
Christina

Introductions
Author: Christian
Date: 07-02-02 00:42

Christian Janson stared up at the high ceiling of the entrance hall to the castle with amazement. Sure he had seen castles in old history books but nothing like this. Until up about a few weeks ago he didn't think anybody still lived in castles, much less be wizards. Pulling out a crumbled piece of paper from his torn jeans pocket, he glanced up.

Cribbled on the paper was a small map of Hogwarts drawn by his sensi/wizard sponsor along with a note to Minerva McGonagall that he took great care not to crumple up. The young American tried to find McGonagall's office to no avail until a older boy helped him find her office. Moving a few locks of blond hair out of his eyes, he stepped into McGonagall's office. The older woman glanced up at the young American dressed in torn black jeans and dark blue shirt. She folded her hands on her desk and gave Christian a stern look that nearly caused him to straighten his map.

"Well young man, what is it you want to see me?"

"Headmaster McGonagall, I'm Christian Janson and I was told I was enrolled in Hogwarts by a Master wizard. I have a letter from him addressed to you," Christian handed over the still sealed letter.

After a few moments of her reading the letter, she turned her attention back onto him, "Well, it seems you're all signed in. It looks like you're in the Ravenclaw House. Do i need to show you?"

"No thanks." Christian said.

"Oh and Mr. Janson, please change into more traditional attire."

Christian half-smiled as he left Headmaster McGongall's office and headed for Ravenclaw house, head buried in the scribbled map.

A Question
Author: Prescott Clearwater
Date: 07-02-02 10:54

As Ginny and Prescott reached the stairs to the Gryffindor tower, Ginny stopped him and said, "Prescott...can I ask you something??"

Prescott replied, "Um sure Ginny, you can ask me anything..."

Prescott looked into her eyes and wondered what she was going to ask.

"In the army..."
Author: Timmy Simpson
Date: 07-02-02 14:40

Timmy sat on the end of his bed in the Ravenclaw dormitory watching his house-elf dance around the room doing the best Elvis impression ever while singing at the top of her voice....

"You're in the army now! You're in the army now!"

Shaking with laughter and vowing that never, NEVER was Ruby ever, EVER getting near a television again he jumped off the bed and catching hold of one of Ruby's tiny hands Timmy tried to get her to calm down before the whole of Ravenclaw heard the rumpus and came to investigate.

"Ok, ok. So you're excited. So am I, settle down before we get thrown out."

A look of horror crossed the small wrinkled face and true to form the creature did one of her famous mood swings.

"Oh NO Master Timothy! Ruby would never do that!"

Tears welled-up in her enormous eyes and threatened to soak the old (but very clean) floral patterned cushion cover that served as her dress. Timmy pulled out a paper tissue and held it to her button nose, "Blow." *polite raspberry* "Better? Good, don't worry we won't get kicked out."

Ruby mutely nodded and the boy gingerly put the tissue back in a pocket. He stood up and slowly looked around the room. The four-poster beds were great with their heavy drapes in house-color blue. Plenty of shelf space meant lots of room for books and next to a window a convenient perch for Athene his little owl. Ruby was rummaging around in the big chest at the foot of Timmys bed muttering to herself. He sat down again and watched his little friend, "Wonder who my room-mates will be?" More squeaky noises from the direction of the bottom of the chest. "I sort of thought we'd all get here together but everyone got separated. Guess you and me got here first."

The little head popped-up for a second, ears swiveled back and forth like little pointed radar.

"Mmmm, know you will soon Master Timothy, mmmmm, know you will."

The elf disappeared and the lid of the chest slammed shut.

"Thanks 'Yoda', and stop watching telly!"

Bulgaria: A Meeting
Author: Viktor Krum
Date: 07-02-02 14:58

Viktor's natural shyness and social clumsiness cause him to hang back from fully entering the room. Stefka, Grigori's sister, gives him a cheeky grin along with a flirty giggle. She slides a hand around his arm and leans in very close.

"Viktor, do not being such a, how you say? introwert? Either Grigori or I vill be by your side ze entire time ve are being here," she says encouragingly. As always, Stefka speaks to Viktor in English because, as she told him at their first meeting, she wants to practice the language as much as possible.

Grigori, halfway across the room by this time, turns and gestures to his sister and Viktor. As the duo works through the crowd over to where Grigori stands, Viktor can't help but think there are far more people at this gathering than he ever imagined there would be. He silently wonders, "Does everyone here know the people behind this book reading and signing are all followers of the dark arts?"

His musings are interrupted when Grigori excitedly grabs his other arm. A broad grin stretches across the other man's face as he faces Stefka and Viktor. Like his sister, Grigori uses every chance he gets to practice his English.

"Hurry up or else ve vill not get to meet vif Koyla az planned before efferyding iz to begin. He iz wery mooch looking forvard to meeting you, Viktor."

Stefka nods in affirmation of her brother's words as the two literally propel Viktor by his arms to a door on the other side of the room. A plaque reading Private Knock Please is centered at eye level. Grigori raps twice sharply and upon hearing a muffled, "Enter!" he swings the door open then allows Stefka and Viktor to walk in ahead of him.

In a large, oversized chair sits a rather unassuming, very average looking man. Viktor is very shocked to see the man is only a couple of years older than Grigori (who is only a year or so older than Viktor). He stands as Grigori shuts the door and extends his hand towards Viktor.

"Viktor Krum! A real pleasure to meet you. I've been following your Quidditch career since your first year as a keeper on your Durmstang house team. I'm really looking forward to Grigori's first game as a Bulgarian team member. It will be awesome to watch you both on the same side. Bulgaria will be virtually unstoppable."

Koyla heartily chuckles at Viktor's expression. Krum's brow furrows as he asks, "You are American, no?"

Grigori, a smile lighting up his face, intervenes. "Yes, Koyla iz being American. Dis is vy Stefka unt I are praktizing English az mooch az ve can. One day ve vill vork vith Koyla in American to spread his vork. Now, let me be making ze proper introdukzionz. Koyla, diz is my gut friend and teammate, Viktor Krum. Viktor, pleeze be meeting my friend unt mentor, Koyla."

The four talk for several more minutes before a knock at the door signals Koyla it's time for him to be introduced to the crowd and for the book reading to begin. The man takes his place on a small, raised platform serving as a stage and after a short but glowing speech is given about him, he steps forward. A hush falls over the room as Koyla's melodious voice entrances those gathered.

Standing off to the side, back against the wall, Viktor watches the mesmerized looks on the faces of Grigori, Stekfa and many others. Koyla might be nothing special as far as looks go but he has haunting eyes and with his excellent speaking voice it's easy for Viktor to understand why the man has gained a following.

Unfortunately, that following is into the dark arts and is one that places Voldemort on a pedestal.

With just a little more evidence, Viktor will be able to go to Dumbledore's group about this growing dark arts cult here in Bulgaria. All he needs is a little more time and patience.

Free at Last, Free at Last
Author: Helena Tufton
Date: 07-02-02 15:33

Helena breathed in the fresh, salty air and pulled a blanket over her body to cut down on the shivers that ran up and down her spine. She was curled up on a bench on the balcony of the home she grew up in. It was good being back in Sweden–Romania was so far away, but as much as she wanted to push any related thoughts from her mind, she just couldn't do it.

She and Charlie had finally been released from quarantine less than a week ago. Both had squealed enthusiastically and hugged each other like there was no tomorrow upon receiving the news that they were free at last. When they realized that they had been in each other's arms, they immediately broke away, quite awkward and frustrated at the same time. In the end, they extended their hands and shook, having wished each other good luck and prayed they never would see each other again.

After good-byes and farewells to other members of the crew, Charlie and Helena had apparated to their respective homes. It wasn't until a few days later that both received letters by owl concerning the dragon epidemic and the disease that plagued the two dragon keepers. All infected dragons were cured of their sickness, and any other dragon in the area was inoculated, just in case. To the humor of everyone at camp, except for Helena and Charlie, of course, it was learned that they hadn't been infected with the dragon disease. Evidently, it was just a bad case of the flu.

Now that the epidemic was taken care of, Helena's team and Charlie's team would be separated once more. Both were extremely relieved about this, but neither one intended on returning back to work until after an extremely long, extended vacation anyway. For now, Helena would just enjoy the tranquility of being at home and away from Charlie.

Back in Hogsmeade
Author: Briar Rose
Date: 07-02-02 19:37

Briar had returned to Hogsmeade shortly after receiving the owl regarding Bill's being found. She had not, however, gone rushing to the Burrow to see him. Briar felt she would be intruding on the newly reunited family and while she was anxious to see for herself that he really was all right, Briar knew waiting a few more days wouldn't kill her.

Besides, if she'd gone right away to see Bill, that woman would most certainly have been there. Briar wasn't sure she could be cordial to her just yet. Around Bill, she knew she'd have to be outwordly pleasant to her or risk having Bill ask questions Briar wouldn't want to answer.

So, instead, Briar had sent a message back to Bill letting him know she was waiting to welcome him back after he was no longer being besieged by family and other well wishers. Briar really hoped that Bill didn't interpret any of this as indifference for she had missed his friendship and brotherliness more than she could put into words.

Nasty Shock
Author: Dierna ní Cíaran
Date: 07-02-02 21:49

I walk back from the Quidditch game later the day. The game had gone just as I thought. Too bad Remus never accepts me bets. I wouldn't have to work! Or almost. Not that I'd quit working.

I come to an abrupt halt in front of my house. My Kneazle is stunned in the front door, which had been forced open. I am too shocked to think anything. My house is guarded by an enchantment to block out such invaders. I have been using the spell for 10 years. It has never failed before. That someone could find a way to get in is alarming.

"Enervate!" I wake up my kneazle who hisses, momentarily stunned.

I walk into my normally pristine home. It's completely demolished. Whoever managed to get inside totally smashed the place. My pictures are smashed on the floor, along with plates and other crockery, some of my ministry plans (though the ones I have here are generally old ones) and .... my manuscripts!!

They are gone....all my collection of invaluable Irish manuscripts are missing. This shakes me more than anything. Those Druidic spells are extremely powerful. I don't want to know the consequences.

News of a Friend
Author: Dobby
Date: 07-02-02 21:55

A collective groan rises from the Gryffindor fans as the Hufflepuff Douglas makes two goals in fairly rapid succession. Dobby gets to his feet to loudly cheer on the Gryffindor chasers. He also loudly yells in support of Harry finding the snitch. Out of the corner of Dobby's eye, he is able to see Hagrid's large form jumping up to cheer for Gryffindor. The House Elf is glad he didn't make the mistake of sitting behind such a humongous and enthusiastic Gryffindor supporter.

Dobby moves to sit back down only to realize that the seat beside him is no longer vacant. A very glum looking Winky sits slouched over.

"Why Winky so sad? Still upset butterbeer no be tastin' good ta Winky?" Dobby slyly asks, never having let on it was he who put something in her butterbeers at Christmas.

Winky slowly shook her head no. She sniffles and after pulling out a hanky and wiping her nose, Winky turns to face Dobby.

"Winky be sad 'bout Majdra."

"Majdra? Why?"

"Oooooh, dats right. Dobby not be knowin'. Nobody else really beez knowin' either. Majdra felled down stairs an' iz in da hospital wing now. Majdra always so nice ta Winky so Winky beez unhappy 'bout a good friend bein' hurt."

Dobby nods in agreement and makes a mental note to go visit the girl later today. Poor Majandra. Not only injured but having to miss a great game to boot!

She Shoots, She Scores!
Author: Amerah Patterson
Date: 07-02-02 21:58

I catch the quaffle and race at full speed towards the goal posts. A Gryffindor chaser is right on my heels. I carefully aim the Quaffle at the goal posts. Trying my luck, I shoot the quaffle. The quaffle barely gets by, but ten points are scored nonetheless "Yes!!" I cheer. We are leading so far, 30 to nothing! WAHOO!! Could we be on verge of another victory???

Everything's Golden
Author: H Potter
Date: 07-02-02 22:26

Harry hears a roar of delight from the Hufflepuff fans as the Patterson girl follows Douglas's two goals with one of her own. Hovering high above the pitch, the sounds of Lee Jordan's announcing the Hufflepuff lead seem far off and tiny.

A flash of gold shoots past Harry just then. The Hufflepuff seeker, Hannah Abbott, apparently sees it too because both of them dive for it at the same time, narrowly avoiding a colliding in midair. In the millisecond it took them to concentrate on not running into each other, the snitch has vanished again.

Harry angles up high again, scanning for any movement below. He yells loudly when Angelina goes whizzing beneath, agilely dodging a bludger while making a grab for the quaffle. The twins move quickly to protect her back as she moves in to take a shot. Harry is so energetic in cheering her on that he nearly loses his balance on the Firebolt. Grinning sheepishly at his almost blunder, Harry hopes that everyone's attention was on Angelina scoring ten points and not on him.

The Hufflepuff chasers manage to snag the quaffle and work with their beaters to move the ball down to the Gryffindor goals. They didn't plan on Fred and George both having deadly aim at the same time with the bludgers. One of the Becks ends up face down on the pitch while the other has to fight for control of the broom. It's all the distraction Katie Bell needs. She swoops in and steals the quaffle, a blur of gold and red as she zooms toward the Hufflepuff goals. It's only after Katie successfully scores that Harry realizes that not only he was holding his breath but for a moment he also forgot to watch for the snitch.

The snitch. That lovely, winged ball of gold must have known Harry had lost concentration because in a blink it is hovering tauntingly right before him. Harry reaches out to grab it but it darts just out of reach. It hovers again then is gone. Harry takes off after it, diving down and weaving between the other players. He mentally wills the Firebolt to go faster.

Everything dims for Harry. There is no sound other than that of the snitch whirring through the air and the swoosh of his broom. There is nothing in his vision beyond the globe of gold. He pushes forward on the Firebolt even more. He flies straight up only to sharply turn a 180 and dive straight down again. Harry leans over the broom handle, his hand reaching, grasping and then....

Sound and vision return. There is thunderous cheering and a wave of the Gryffindor red and gold rushing out to meet him on the pitch. A grinning Harry stands with snitch in one hand, Firebolt in the other, as his teammate pound him on the back. Lee Jordon can be heard excitedly yelling, "Gryffindor Wins! 170 to 30! Way to go, Gryffindor!"