That Ravenclaw Boy
Author: Fynn Greenleaf
Date: 11-11-02 19:57

The train came to an abrupt stop.

Fynn was jolted back from his dreams to the odour of exhaust fumes and the cacophony of conductors shouting. He looked out of the window, and at last, there it was, the Canterbury he knew and loved- with its unique skyline of cathedral and clouds, hills and blueness. He stepped out of the train and dragged his luggage behind him. His owl Daedulus, a solemn snowy-white speckled with bronze, had parted ways with him at Hogwarts. He would find his own way to him, and Fynn knew what a stir he would cause, carrying a magnificent owl and such a large suitcase. It -was- very heavy- after all, it did contain Fynn's whole life in there, all that he loved- his precious wand, his books, his journals. And here he was, back where he had spent the first eleven years of his life. He had not been back for four years. And he had missed it for every minute he was away.

Each time it was the last day of school, Fynn heard shouts of joy in the hallways, resounding through the ancient stoneworks of Hogwarts and annoying the resident ghosts. In his own heart he too felt that jubilation, but it sank each time. Each term his father wrote him letters, and they all stated the same thing; "Don't come back until I say you can....mother's condition is not good...she needs rest...stay with Aunt Mildred in London". And that he had. Each holiday, he stayed with kind Aunt Mildred, aged seventy-two, whom called him her "angel boy" and always baked him cookies and cakes as hard as rocks. She was very good to him, and she was blissfully unaware that Fynn's "boarding school" was much more than just "a place to train young gentlemen". He had been at Hogwarts for six years- it was hard to believe it had all happened so quickly.

Fynn vividly recalled the whirlwind of events leading up to the first day there- the letters, the shopping, the tense preparation. And that day, as the sorting hat declared him a Ravenclaw, without a doubt, Fynn had felt so happy, so excited of what was to come. Fynn found his lessons so new, so enchanting- every time he learnt a new spell, it was like immersing himself in that different world he had only just been introduced to. And he hoped that he would forget, as well- forget about what was happening in Kent. His marks were excellent-[though by no means as excellent as Hermione's, even though she was one year his junior]- Fynn had a good memory and knew how to apply what he learnt. He wanted to be a great wizard. He wanted to, in some way, [and ambitious as it seemed] change the world. At school he was quiet, brooding, oftentimes making himself invisible. Others at Hogwarts wondered about him, some dismissing him as cold or just too silent for their tastes.

You see, Fynn often wondered around shadows and empty halls, smoking behind pillars and writing in his journals. He had friends, and around them he joked a lot and had more fun, but there was no denying that there was always that air to him- of inhibition and some sort of hurt. Most people who didn't know him referred to him as "that Ravenclaw boy", his name something elusive and which they didn't really care to find out. He had a few girlfriends, from time to time, and for those short periods he devoted his every thought to them, writing them love poems and making them little presents which he left on top of their spell books when they weren't around. He was what those old books termed as a fool in love, a dreamer. But he hadn't really found any one he could truly relate to. And that wasn't what was really bothering him ,at present. What mattered now was that-

"Your mother is dying" Fynn's father greeted him at the door with that statement, a hushed whisper, really, as Fynn bore his luggage in and surveyed the hallway. Itwas still his same home, the one he had left six years ago. But it was mustier, dustier, the whole hall seemed darker with an ominous, tangible grief. It weighed in on Fynn's heart, a shadow and a thief. "You've grown.." Fynn's father said, as they hugged. He was shorter than Fynn, now, and he had dark circles under his eyes.

"So...how's it...over there", he asked Fynn wearily. Since the Greenleaf household had received the letter from Hogwarts, Fynn had been regarded differently- not shunned, but with some kindof outsiders wonder- that Fynn's parents were different from him, that they felt they did not understand him totally. Things were always changing, and Fynn was always on the brink of them, the outsider.

"It's good. I did well for the finals. I wrote you a letter-"

"Yes, yes. Your letter. I got that." Fynn's father wiped his brow, and looked at the carpeted floor. It was dusty.

"Can- may I see her? May I see mother?" Fynn asked, hesitantly. A moment of silence. Fynn could hear the clock ticking, the grandfather clock which used to shock him as a child with it's sudden shrieking.

"This way," his father said, as if he was a visitor. Was he, then? He mused, as he followed his father up the stairs and to the left. And then he saw her.

His mother was so much smaller- thinner, and she was lying in bed. She was asleep, and her breathing was shallow and ragged. Fynn took her hand- it was so fragile, and so very tiny, and saw that her bedside table was full of pills and tissue. Each breath she took seemed like an unfathomable burden he would never understand the full weight of.

"I wrote to you of it." Fynn's father said, sighing. "That the cancer spread. Do you even know the full extent of it? These- these mugglethings. You don't understand, do you?"

Fynn looked at his father, then back at his mother. She was so pale. His father looked so much older. He didn't reply. But maybe it was true. That he didn't understand- there was nothing of this illness in all of his books, there was no solution for it in his wand or in the potency of a few magic words. And magic? Fynn would continue to learn it, master it, until he could find some solution, to end his mother;s pain and make her happy. He would. He would do so well and dream up that spell, that spell which would save her, bring her back.

"The doctor gives her a month," Fynn's father whispered into his ear. They both looked down on his mother. She turned slightly, in bed, mumbling softly.

And Fynn knew then, there was no magic, no spell, no platform 9 and three-quarters, no sudden salve, that could take this all away- this which was real, which was now, all this pain.


Sydney to Port Macquarie, New South Wales, Australia - Change of Plans
Author: Lawrence Masterson
Date: 11-12-02 11:24

Lawrence was sitting in his History of Magic class, in Sydney's School of Wizardry, obviously bored. Class was almost over, he couldn't wait. He needed to talk to his mum about his exam at the end of the term. He wasn't sure that he'd be able to pass the exam. He needed it to move on to the class for third term.

With ten minutes left of class an owl flew in and dropped a note at Professor Lyston's desk, and flew off. His gaze drifted down to his book, before he looked out the window. It surprised him and snapped him from his thoughts when Professor Lyston dismissed class.

"Lawrence, I need to speak with you a moment." He said as Lawrence moved toward the door with his class mates. ~Oh great, what did I do now?~ He thought as he turned back to face Professor Lyston. ~It couldn't be about the incident involving Alisa, could it? No that was two terms ago. Things were over and done with that.~

"Lawrence, I hate to be the one to give you this news. But it seems there is no one else who can." The elder wizard placed a hand on the younger's shoulder, and handed him the letter from the Owl. Lawrence opened the parchment, and quickly scanned the delicate yet hurried writing.

His features went blank, and the page simply fell to the floor. Dead. No, they couldn't be! He turned and ran from the class room. This couldn't be true. His parents were dead? How could that happen? The parchment had said that it was a car crash, on their way to Sydney to see him.

He quickly packed his trunks. He had to go home, had to find out why they would play such a cruel joke on him. As he packed Professor Lyston quickly made arrangements with the Headmaster, explaining the situation, and that Lawrence would be excused from the rest of the term as well as the beginning of the next.

Quickly Lawrence boarded a bus bound for Port Macquarie. It was then that tears finally came. He bit them back for as long as he could. There was part of him that had slowly started to realize that this wasn't a joke, but the other part needed to know for a fact.

A short time later the bus arrived in Port Macquarie, and his family car was waiting for him at the bus station. "Home quickly please Daniel." He called as soon as he climbed into the back of the car. "Yes Master Lawrence." he said as he finished putting the trunk and other baggage into the car, and pulled away from the station.

"Daniel, is it true?" he asked from the back seat as the pulled into the Masterson's driveway. "Sadly yes, Master Lawrence." he said with a soft nod of his head.

"An owl arrived for you just before I left to get you from the bus station. It dropped off a very important letter and flew away." He said as he opened the door once the car had been parked. "I'll see to it right now Daniel, thank you."

Lawrence rushed into the house and found the letter in the study. He opened it quickly and read it over.

My dear nephew,

I am sorry to hear about the death of your mother and my dear brother, your father. I have made arrangements for you to come and stay with me until you are of age to be on your own. Things will be arranged for you to continue your schooling here. There will be travel arrangements made soon for your arrival in London.

Love,
Aunt Maribel

"Well, I guess I won't have to worry about that exam at the end of the term then." he said and set the letter down. Just as he did so, another owl flew in and dropped a letter in his hands. Lawrence quickly unfolded it and scanned the professional, and perfect hand writing.

Mister Masterson,

It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. We look forward to seeing you at the start of the term.

Prof. Minerva McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress

"Alright, well that is settled." he said with a tired sigh. "Daniel, will you see that things get packed for my trip to Aunt Maribel's. I need to rest." Daniel nodded. "Yes Master Lawrence, I will see that your things are ready."

With that Lawrence climbed the stairs to his room. Shutting the door behind him he fell into bed, sleeping as soon as his head hit the pillow. The house seemed cold and empty with out the smell of his mother cooking in the kitchen, and the smell of his father's pipe.


Port Macquarie, New South Wales, Australia to London, England - A New Home
Author: Lawrence Masterson
Date: 11-13-02 08:25

Lawrence woke to the sound of the knock at his bedroom door. "Enter." He said as he stretched and sat up. He offered Daniel a sad smile, upon his entrance into the room. "I take it things are ready for me to head to London then." Daniel nodded.

"Your Aunt's second Owl came only ten minutes ago. You'll be leaving on the next flight to Honolulu. You'll have a layover there, before you fly to San Francisco, then a brief layover there, before flying into New York. There will be a one and a half hour layover in New York, before you fly to London."

Lawrence listened as Daniel rattled off his itinerary. He didn't like flying, but sadly it was the only way he'd make it to London before the term at Hogwarts started. "Alright Daniel, give me a few minutes to shower and change clothes." He said as he moved from the bed and into the adjoining bathroom.

Once showered and his clothes were changed, he made his way downstairs. "Everything loaded in the car? You did pack some things for me to use to on the plane." He asked, knowing that most likely everything that was packed was some form of Muggle entertainment.

"Yes Master Lawrence, everything is in the car. There is a carry on bag for you with items to occupy your time on the plane." Daniel said as they walked to the car.

The trip to the airport in Sydney was slow and silent. Lawrence was content to stare out the window at the passing scenery. He had a feeling that this was the last time he'd see his home in Australia for quite some time. Perhaps it was for the best, but he just wished he would have had enough time to talk to his friends before leaving. If anything to talk to Annabelle, the girl next door, who Lawrence had fallen for head over heels. Would she ever forgive him for leaving and not saying good bye?

It didn't seem to matter now. They went through the checking in process at the airport surprisingly quick. Lawrence's passport had been updated only three months before, because he was supposed to be going to see Aunt Maribel during the break between his third and fourth terms, looks like it is being used a bit earlier than expected.

Daniel wished him well as he boarded the plane for San Francisco. "I'll send a few things that were left to you soon." Daniel said, before turning and melting in with the crowd.

Lawrence settled into his seat on the plane, and sighed. Sure, he was fifteen, but that didn't mean he was ready to up root his life, one he had thoroughly enjoyed and move to the other side of the WORLD!! As the plane started taxing along the runway, Lawrence let his eyes slip closed.

He would be content to sleep the entire flight, most of the Muggle items in the bag wouldn't hold his attention very long either. His sleep was restless and dreamless. He woke only when the flight attendant placed a hand on his shoulder. "Pardon me sir, but it is time for you to leave the plane. We are in Honolulu."

He nodded and grabbed his bag and left the plane. He had an hour and a half lay over. He found a food cart and got a bagel and orange juice, ah, nothing like Muggle breakfast foods. He sighed softly and made his way to the gate he'd need for his connecting flight.

He sighed and sat down, reaching into the bag he pulled out a drawing pad and pencil. He needed his charcoals and canvas, but they were packed in his belongings that were under the plane. Though he seemed content enough with the pad and pencil, drawing the faces of various Muggles that passed him by.

Soon it was time for him to board the second plane. ~Hopefully this trip will be over soon.~ he thought as he settled himself down into the seat. He stayed awake for this leg of the trip, filling the pages of the drawing pad with, what Muggles call doodles, and various portraits of the people he saw. When the plane touched down in San Francisco he didn't have to leave the plane for this brief stop over. Finally the plane took off and headed toward New York.

Once the plane touched down in New York, he disembarked and looked for a pay phone, procuring his phone card from his wallet, always with him when he had to travel in the Muggle World. He quickly dialed the number on the card, and then finally the numbers to his home in Port Macquarie. He smiled when Daniel answered. "I'm in New York now. Figured I'd give you a ring, let you know." He said. They talked for about half an hour.

Apparently in the time that Lawrence had been gone, the Sydney School of Wizardry had been contacted and things had been arranged for his grades and items passed to Hogwarts, if required. All his classmates would be informed of his new location, and letters would be sent via owl for him, when needed.

Lawrence sighed and went to find something to do to pass the remaining hour of his lay over before he had to re-board the plane for London. He wanted to be reading his History of Magic text book, but because he was traveling in the Muggle World, he couldn't. He sighed softly and waited impatiently for them to call for boarding.

Finally when the call came, he practically ran to the gate and on to the plane, getting back in his seat. It was the same plane he had just gotten off. This part of the trip would be the longest, and he was so tired, having been up for almost two days straight. It wasn't fun traveling through so many time zones.

He slept through this final leg of the trip and was relieved when the plane touched down in Heathrow International Airport, just outside of London. He stretched and waited patiently for everyone else to leave the plane before he finally collected his things and moved off the plane. Aunt Maribel was waiting for him at the end of the ramp.

"Hello Lawrence." She said and wrapped him in a hug. "Hello Aunt Maribel. Can we head to the house, I'm really tired." He said and yawned. "But of course Lawrence, I do understand that, given the rather long distance that you've traveled."

With that they procured all the items that had come with Lawrence from Port Macquarie to London. "Well head home so you can rest young one."


London, England - New Start
Author: Oreileah McCoi
Date: 11-13-02 10:13

Orei slept almost the entire car ride from Heathrow International Airport to their new home just in the city limits of London. She hasn't been this tired in who knows how long. Her dad carried her upstairs into the house and brought her into the room that would be hers.

He was surprised to see that the house came completely furnished, as well as nicely decorated. Once Orei was in bed, he went about bringing in the luggage from the cab. He brought Orei's things into her room, and his and his wife's things into their room. When Orei woke, she looked around the room.

It was almost like her old room, except half a world away. There was a private bath just off her room, she had a large window in her room as well.

The house was quiet as she left her bedroom and did what any eleven year old girl would do in a new house. She went exploring! Her first stop was the door next to hers. It opened to a linen closet. She sighed softly and closed that door and moved to the one across the hall. That was her parents' room.

She also found the guest bedroom as well as the guest bathroom. Then she made her way downstairs.

"Gosh, this house is big! Much bigger than our house back in San Francisco." she said as she wondered through the various rooms downstairs. The large kitchen, the living room, the family room, a study, and the sun room.

She made her way back into the kitchen and got a can of soda and went to her room and grabbed her History of Magic text book and went back down to the living room and sat on the sofa and opened the book to where she left off.

Wandering About
Author: Mirai
Date: 11-13-02 19:08

Mirai Schultz wandered aimlessly around. She was trying to get the feel of the place as this will be her home for the next few weeks before the new term starts. She's staying with her mum at the Leaky Cauldron to help her adjust to the new surroundings and perhaps, meet a new friend. She misses her friends already. It seems as though she has already been gone for a year when in fact, it is only a month. They have been owling each other almost everyday.

As she walked around the alley, she entered a store name Flourish & Blotts. Wow! she thought. She knew she's going to love this store and visit it everyday while she's at Diagon Alley. She picked a book and scanned it.

"Might as well start looking for books that I need," she muttered to herself and started browsing around.

After a few minutes, she left the bookstore with two books and glanced around when she saw two redheads and a girl walk from the sandwich shop.

Sandwich, she thought, to which her stomach growled in response. So, she headed to where the threesome came from. She'll continue her exploration later of the alley later.

Joy in Muggleville
Author: Jet
Date: 11-13-02 20:59

Jet stares up at the newest of the indoor climbing walls, already feeling the thrill of the ascent. He's also feeling quite pleased with himself for proving to some so called experienced climber named Cleve that Cleve had no clue in hell what he was doing. In front of Cleve's girlfriend at that. The lovely Ashlyn now stands at Jet's side waiting for her a real lesson from someone who could actually teach her something about climbing. Then, after the lesson is over and the wall conquered, Jet is springing for supper at some just opened place Ashlyn is gushing about and then on to a nice, dark movie theater.

"Too bad there's not much time left before school starts again. Ashlyn could be worth knowing awhile. At least with what time I do have, squaring her around in front of Cleve a few times will be great entertainment," Jet chuckles to himself. "And woe to Cleve if he tries to cross paths with me or take issue. With Salazar on my side, no mere Muggle has a chance!"

With that thought, Jet turns to Ashlyn to double check everything with her gear is as it should be. His first lesson with Ashlyn had been going point by point over all the gear and its proper use. Once he'd been satisfied she had a grasp of what was what, they were ready for the second lesson.

Turning to grin at his companion, Jet grins, "Now comes the fun part, Ashlyn."


Grand Opening
Author: Nevvyn
Date: 11-14-02 18:03

I stand in the middle of the shop and survey the results of the Brownie's efforts. They have done a remarkable job and are now sitting around a table in the storeroom, munching ginger snaps and guzzling milk by the pitcher-full. They deserve this well-earned treat.

All the potions I have spent the last few months in making are sealed in small vials and flasks. They are displayed by function and strength in a series of magically-locked, glass-front cabinets. The bright colors of the various preparations provide a nice contrast to the warm wood colors of the furnishings.

The sales counter, itself, is a work of art. The long front, facing into the store, is of dark mahogany, with various runic charms and spells engraved into the surface. The top is white carrera marble, looking very much the professional "Chemist's Shoppe." There is a lovely wrought iron holder for the white wrapping paper, and another for the twine to tie up the packages. In the center, there is an automatic cash drawer, with places for galleons, sickles and knuts, and a special section for Muggle money. There is also a magic converter which allows me to determine the correct price, based on the current exchange rate.

The far wall is taken up with packaged "kits" for the various student's classes. Prepackaged stones for making their "personalized" sets of Rune Stones. Squares of applewood and an engraver for rune sets based on the Elder Furthark are next. And my own favorite - bags of Yew sticks for making an Ogham Croab, or set of Ogham Sticks. There are also plaques of each of the nine sacred woods for the making of various Runic charms, as well as the necessary materials for preparing and sealing these.

In the center is a row of shelves, one side of which contains most of the common ingredients for various potions, philtres and other preparations. Parchment, vellum, blank scrolls and the like are on the other side. I have a good supply of both regular and pre-inked quills, as well as some which write in four different colors. Bottles of ink in all the colors of the rainbow, plus a few others, fill out the rest of the stock.

Across the back, we have a variety of mortars and pestles, "dragon-hyde" (not the real thing) gloves, trowels, scoops and spatulas, and most of the other common "wizarding" tools.

A glass display case in front of the window contains such things as genuine Austrian Crystal Orbs in various sizes, a selection of cut crystal pendants, tie pins, hat pins and lapel pins with the sigil of each of the four Houses, and other such items.

Now! If we can just drum up a little business! Carefully, I unroll the banner which was stored beneath the counter. At the moment, it looks like nothing more than a strip of very clean, white bunting. I step out the door and hoist it into place, fastening each end with a light tap from the tip of my staff. I step back to be sure it is evenly spaced above the front window. Satisfied with the results, I raise my staff and say, "Ignitio!" Words appear, as if by magic! I chuckle at that turn of phrase. With a hissing and a popping they sputter and spit little sparkles.

~ GRAND OPENING ~

Yes! I think we're ready for business! I can hardly wait for the students to return from their summer holiday.


Exploring London
Author: Mirai
Date: 11-15-02 04:28

Mirai Schultz asked her mum if she could go out of the safety of the Leaky Cauldron one morning to explore the other part of the world, the Muggles' world. After a few minutes of haggling and persuading her mum, she went out of the bar cum inn and stepped out into the sun.

She let her eyes roam the area before walking into the street. She saw a muggle bookstore, several coffee shops along the street, and a place to buy food called a grocery store. Hmmm, interesting, she thought, and decided to go in that grocery store.

Several items were on display as she moved about the store, picking and putting back things that piqued her interest. There was this boxed breakfast food called cereals. Then there's this section where a lot of rubber thingies were placed.

"Wow," she said to herself, as she went around the store once more before heading out.


No Signs of Anyone
Author: Remus Lupin
Date: 11-14-02 20:07

After the meeting with Michael and Dumbledore, I resume my search for Dierna. I have been on this quest for four months, and still no signs of the missing parties. Today is no different. As disconcerting as all this is, I do have confidence that Dierna is fine. She is not easy to get rid of, and knowing her, she's not about to let a death eater kill her, and no doubt she'll protect Harry too. In addition to all this, I have also heard about the death of Kendra Beck. A terrible tragedy. Kendra was a nice girl and a good worker, her loss makes no sense and is another act of evil. This does nothing to ease the situation. However, the search will continue

Back from the Muggle World
Author: Mirai
Date: 11-15-02 06:31

"Mum, I'm back," Mirai called out when she didn't see her mum in the armchair that became her mum's favorite place to read.

"I'm right here at the bathroom," she heard her mom's muffled voice.

"Of course you are," she said, chuckling. "Has Andrew owled yet?"

Andrew is her older brother who stayed behind in Sweden to fix their estate there before following them here in London.

Her mum went out of the bathroom and reached for a package well hidden in one of the dressers. "He's got something for you, Mai," she said, smiling at her daughter as she gave her the package.

Excited, she hastily opened the package and in the process dropping the small letter attached. Noticing this, she picked it up and read:

Dearest Mai,

How's my little imouto? School's going to start very soon for you. I hope Hogwarts will give you the same experiences that you had in Florecido. By the way, enclosed is a charm bracelet for you to wear. A good luck gift. I miss you, Maya and mum so much. But not to worry. I'll be there in about three weeks time. Aishiteru. Tell that to mum, too.

Andrew

Teary eyed, Mai opened the box and saw the charm bracelet her brother gave her. It was silver and the only charm hanging from it is a heart. Staring at it, she didn't notice her mum place two other charms in the box.

"Look inside the box, love. I placed something in it," her mum said.

Wiping her tears, she peeked inside and saw the book shaped and key shaped charms.

"The book's from me and the key's from your sister," her mum informed her.

She nodded as put them right beside the heart shape and tried it on.

"It may not be as bad idea as I thought it would be coming here, mum," Mai whispered as she looked at her left wrist bearing her new bracelet.

OC: Imouto means little sister and aishiteru means I love you in Japanese.

Ending the Tour
Author: Clara Devaki
Date: 11-15-02 12:34

Clara smiled as Malfoy took her hand. It felt great being there with him. She let him drag her through-out the house, showing off the many rooms. The house was larger than even her own. After a bit, Clara halted suddenly, nearly making Malfoy fall over.

"Oh sorry!"

Malfoy shook his head. "It's alright, but why'd you stop?"

"Well...I think it may take awhile to finish viewing the house, how's bout something else for a bit?"

"Sounds good. How bout something to drink?"

Clara nodded. "Sounds good."

The couple headed toward the dining area. When they got there Malfoy yelled for a house elf. "Kwippy!"

The small creature came bustling out. "Ye-yes sir?"

"Get Clara and I something to drink."

"Ye-yes sir. Kwippy get drinks right away for Draco and Clara."

After the house elf went off into the kitchen, Malfoy turned to Clara. Grabbing her around the waist, he pulled her next to him and gave her kiss.

"I like having you here."

Restless
Author: Lawrence Masterson
Date: 11-16-02 10:08

Lawrence had slept for a few hours, and couldn't sleep any more right now. He made his way downstairs and searched for Aunt Maribel. "I think I might go for a walk. Wonder around for a bit. I won't be gone long." he said.

"Alright Lawrence. You might want to go down to Diagon Alley and get what ever you'd still need for Hogwarts, this term." She said, handing him a few galleons, always keeping a few around the house.

"Alright, but I think I might explore the Muggle world for a bit. I still have a bit of time before the term starts. Not much, but some." with that he pocketed the galleons, and made his way out of the house.

He wondered around London for a bit and sighed finally ending up at the Leaky Cauldron. He found a quite seat and ordered a butterbeer from waiter. He leaned back in his seat and closed his eyes, letting his fingertips trail over the rim of the glass when it was brought to him.

~Well Mum, Dad. I'm starting over. Perhaps something good will come out of this. I miss you.~ he thought, taking a deep breath and taking a long drink of his butterbeer.