Hermione pressed her nose up against the window of the moving vehicle, growing all the more excited when her home came into view. A low, brick wall lined the edge of the Granger property, enclosing the rolling green grass and the perfectly trimmed rose bushes below the elevated front porch. As the car pulled into the driveway, Mrs. Granger came rushing out of the house to greet her daughter.

After her father turned off the car, Hermione tore off her seat belt and flew into her mother's warm embrace.

"Oh, Mum! I've missed you so very much!" she exclaimed.

"And I you, Hermione!"

After the pair separated, Mrs. Granger studied her daughter carefully. It had been nine long months since they had last seen each other, yet it very nearly felt as if so much more time had passed since last August. Hermione's mother immediately noticed that her daughter had grown tremendously. In outward appearance, Hermione still looked more or less the same, but her eyes revealed great wisdom beyond her young years.

"How's Ron?" Mrs. Granger finally asked.

Hermione's cheeks flushed a rosy color. "He's fine," she mumbled. "Wants me to come visit him at the Burrow in a few weeks..."

"Sounds wonderful." Mrs. Granger added mischievously, "I hope he doesn't mind if you bring someone else along."

Hermione cocked her head to the side. "Someone else? You?"

"Not me, silly girl." Hermione's mother smiled and bent to pick up Crookshanks, who had just been released from his cage.

Hermione raised an eyebrow and pushed past her mother, climbing the porch steps to get inside the house. Once there, she walked from one room to the next for any signs of life. Her feet eventually carried her through the back door, where she found a familiar-looking boy standing in the grass with his back to her. He turned slowly towards the house, revealing an old football in his hands.

The peaceful sounds of the wind breezing through the leaves of the trees were suddenly disturbed when Hermione let out a squeal and exclaimed, "Gabriel!" She rushed towards him and gave him a great hug, knocking the football from his grasp in the process. "Gabe! I haven't seen you in so long! How long has it been? Two years? Three? Oh, I don't know! I think it's been a long while. Oh, it is good to see you again!"

"Whoa! Calm down, Hermione! I've never known you to be such a ball of energy!" Gabriel took a step away from his old friend and smiled.

Hermione returned his smile. "Well, I have been couped up on a train for hours! It is good to be home, and to see you again. I can't believe it. My horrible parents wouldn't even tell me! How long are you staying?"

Gabriel bent to pick up the football and answered cheerfully, "You're stuck with me all summer, Granger, and..."

"And what?" Hermione prompted.

"And, I'm going to be attending Hogwarts next school year!" He grinned and started kicking the football in the air.

Hermione gasped. "Get out!"

"I'm serious!" He let the ball hit the ground, and then gently kicked it to her.

She kicked it back. "Really?"

Gabriel rolled his eyes.

"All right, I believe you!" Hermione laughed, and then she squealed again. "Oh, Gabriel. I'm so glad you'll be going to school with me now. You'll like Hogwarts, you really will."

The two old friends continued to kick the football around for a while, until Mrs. Granger called them in for dinner. Hermione hadn't felt this happy in a long time.

---

The sun had nearly slipped below the horizon when Bill apparated to Hogsmeade. He had spent most of the day at the Diagon Alley branch of Gringotts bank. The goblins there had called him in to check for a few particular curses and to doublecheck that special wards were still in place. He had also been called into several meetings while at the bank, a few of which had been quite long and tedious.

As he entered the inn, he greeted the plump witch behind the front counter. She was a nice, older woman who seemed to find Bill quite charming. At least, he got the feeling that she felt that way about him. She'd always bat her eyelashes and giggle behind her hand when he would say hello or goodbye to her.

Bill grinned and climbed the stairs, hoping he'd find Charlie in the room. He was eager to speak with his younger brother about a few things. When he reached the landing of the third floor, he approached the first door on the left and reached for the handle. He pushed the door open and stepped inside, finding Charlie and Helena standing by the window in a deep liplock.

"Sorry, sorry!" Bill apologized, walking backwards out of the room.

Charlie and Helena abruptly broke their kiss and turned toward the startled Bill.

"No, don't worry about it Bill." Helena explained, "I was just leaving anyway. I have some errands to run." She smiled, sheepishly pecked Charlie on the cheek and headed for the open door. After she brushed past Bill and disappeared down the hall, the older redhead fully entered the room and shut the door behind him.

"I didn't mean to interrupt. I had no idea you were...entertaining a guest."

Charlie grinned. "Don't worry about it, Bill. She was just leaving."

"I noticed," Bill replied, rolling his eyes.

"She's really something isn't she?" Charlie asked, dreamy-eyed.

Bill grinned. "Half a year ago you would not have said such a thing."

"Oh, I probably would have. Just not the same way I mean it now." Charlie ran a hand through his hair, unable to wipe the smile from his face.

"Maybe you two should go on holiday together?" Bill suggested.

Charlie scratched his chin. "That's not a bad idea. I'll run it past her later, or better yet! I can surprise her. Hmm..."

Bill laughed. "It's good to see you so happy."

"I am happy. You have no idea, Bill."

"Oh, I do." Bill smiled.

"How is Adriana?"

"She's been busy at the school all day...loads of faculty meetings and end of the year things to do. I've been wanting to have a talk with her about something, but I just haven't found the time to bully her into coming clean with me."

Charlie frowned. "Trouble in paradise?"

"No, nothing like that. I can't really say anything more, you understand..."

"Sure, private matters. No problem. Say, how's Gringotts?"

Bill shrugged and strolled over to one of the chairs in the room. "Still there. It's been a long day!" He kicked off his shoes and slid into the seat, propping his feet on the table.

"Oh, Mum sent an owl a few hours ago. The kids all made it home safely." Charlie walked over to the little table by the door and retrieved two letters. "This also arrived." He handed Bill the letter from his mother as well as one bearing the Gringotts seal.

"What's this?" Bill pondered aloud, accepting the letters. He set the one from his mother down and flipped the other one over to get a better look at the seal. "Looks important to me," Charlie stated matter-of-factly as he indicated to the red stamp that read, IMPORTANT!

Bill chuckled. "You're such an ass."

"Thanks, Bro. Now open it!"

Bill tore into the letter and pulled out a piece of Egyptian papyrus upon which text was written in black ink. He read through the letter silently and then stated quietly, "They're recalling me to Egypt."

---

Return of the Prodigal Son
Author: Voldemort
Date: 10-28-02 21:03

The guard enters the questioning chamber and informs me of Sorcha's arrival and a "gift."

"Very well. Tell her to bring her gift and meet me in the great hall." The guard bows and leaves to get them.

"Lucius, I leave you in charge here," I say quietly, so as no one hears the name. "Do what you must."

I leave. When I enter the room, I see Sorcha waiting patiently. Beside her I recognize Severus. How interesting.

"Well, you have returned and bring me my prodigal follower, I see. Nevertheless, what makes him think he can return, after he rejected all the offers I made?"

Now I address Severus directly:

"I offered you many times to return, Severus. You refused, and disavowed Me. Now you come back, all contrite. Why should I accept you back now? How do I know I can trust you? You better have a good reason, Severus. Because many would tear apart for your treachery. If you cannot prove your sincerity, I may just let them."

I regard him closely, watching his every reaction as he answers my query.

---

A Bump in the Hall...
Author: Angelina
Date: 10-29-02 10:02

I walked the halls my arms completely loaded with my school supplies heading to McGonagall's Office. I felt better after my first talk with the professor. I felt like a schoolgirl and my thoughts were elsewhere.

As I walked, I bumped into something and fell flat on the floor, spilling my supplies across the floor. "What in the name of Merlin?" I mumbled and stood up. I then saw a house elf. It was dressed in the fashion of the Hogwarts House elves from what I could tell. It was wearing a tea cozy as a hat and miss-matched socks.

"Who are you?" I asked as I began to pick up my items. The elf lifted up some of the items and smiled. "Sorry to trip you. Is you not hurt?" I dusted myself off and shook my head. "No, it's just I was on my way to see Professor McGonagall," I replied. The elf's eyes grew wide and just stared at me. "Oh, you're the one the elves are talking about. We heard you must be Miss Gryffindor. Your house is powerful, most powerful indeed."

I thanked the elf and finished picking up my things. "I would like to know your name please."

The elf just stood there and glowed.

---

Majandra sits curled up in the old, beat up chair she's had in her room for as long as she can remember. On her lap is a book she's using as a makeshift desktop as she scrawls on a piece of peach colored parchment.

Dear George,

Can you believe I miss you already? Would you like to meet in Diagon Alley after you and Fred apply for your apparating licenses? We could spend the rest of that day together.

Can't wait to hear from you!

Hugs and kisses,
Majandra

After reading through the letter, Majandra carefully folds it then goes out to the small barn where the family owl loves to perch. She feeds Snowflake a handful of tasty treats, gives the owl the letter then sends the bird off. Majandra watches Snowflake until the bird is nothing but a speck in the distance then goes in to impatiently await a reply.

---

Sending a Package
Author: Pyrrhus
Date: 10-29-02 13:31

Pyrrhus walks out to the barn in search of the family owl, Snowflake. Not finding her there he scours the yard and everywhere else she might be but can't find her. His mother shakes her head no when Py asks if she knows where Snowflake might be. As a last resort Py bangs on Majandra's bedroom door. Majandra, a quizzical expression on her face, opens the door.

She arches an eyebrow at Py but says nothing.

"Have you seen Snowflake? I've a package to send off."

"She's delivering a letter for me. You'll have to wait until she gets back."

Py scowls at Maj who promptly shuts the door in his face. Not wanting to wait to send the package off to Isolde, Py walks down the dirt lane to Old Lady Hazel's house. He finds her in her usual place in a rocker on her front porch. Smiling sweetly Py crosses the lawn to the porch.

"Hallo, Miss Hazel. Might I borrow your owl to send off a package? In return I'll degnome your garden."

Old Lady Hazel beams at Pyrrhus. "Such a nice boy you are. Of course you may use Flint. He'd love to get out on a delivery. No need to degnome the garden though. It was done just yesterday. Oh, but you may water the flowers for me."

Grinning at getting off so easily, Py seeks out the large owl, Flint, and sends him off with the package. Py hopes Isolde will like the ankle bracelet with their initials entwined. He'd love to be there to put it on her dainty ankle himself but they won't be seeing each other for at least several more days. By then, Py will have another gift for his girl.

Humming a merry tune while thinking about Isolde, Pyrrhus waters the flowers then slowly walks home, day dreaming more about Isolde Farnon.

---

Convincing
Author: Severus Snape
Date: 10-29-02 16:20

"Do what you must," Severus started. "I've come for my punishment if I can't be accepted back." Severus bowed his head. "It is your decision, whether you want to trust me or not. I deserved the pain and suffering you have given me.

"It's your choice. You can accept me back if you wish or you can tear me apart with your bare hands. If you'd like, I could start for you." Severus struck his hand with his wand hard enough, causing it to gush out blood. Voldemort watched Severus' every move, but Severus didn't flinch or blink. "I was wrong to leave. There is nothing I can do to make up for what I've done. Do what you want with me. I'll go with anything you choose."

Severus waited for Voldemort's response.

---

Bulgaria: Waiting Game
Author: Viktor Krum
Date: 10-29-02 17:42

As soon as possible after returning to Bulgaria from the New Zealand game, Viktor had sat down with Ethan and related everything Grigori had told him. Ethan had immediately contacted his associates and related the information to them. All four then apparated to an auror safe house in France where they could freely discuss how to handle things.

There is no way of knowing just when Kolya would put his second phase of the initiation into action nor is there a way of knowing where it would take place. Because of these things, the big obstacle the aurors and Viktor have to figure a way around is keeping track of Ethan and Viktor once Kolya sends for them. Even if the two could find out where Koyla will have them taken, it's highly doubtful they could get an owl off to their backup. The aurors finally decide that the best course of action is for Ethan to wear a watch set with charmed gemstones. A scrying spell will allow the gemstones to be tracked on a map.

The decision is also made that Viktor will keep a candle burning in one window. When someone comes to fetch them, Viktor will make a point of putting out any candles saying he doesn't want to chance a fire. When the one in the window is extinguished, that will be the sign to the others to begin tracking Ethan. Other aurors will be sent for to help when it comes time for the actual raid. If all goes well, Koyla will be put away for a very long time.

Until Ethan and Viktor are sent for, they wait in dread at Viktor's Sophia apartment for things to be set in motion.

---

Hermione & Gabe
Author: Gabriel Baine
Date: 10-29-02 19:24

The dinner was exceedingly memorable for Gabriel, and he got the impression that it was the same for the Grangers. The food that had been prepared tasted absolutely exquisite; at the meals completion both Mr. Granger and Gabriel, almost in a synchronized movement, pushed out from their plates and put a hand over their abdomens as a sign of approval. Hermione witnessed the spectacle from across the table and burst into a short fit of giggles. Mrs. Granger smiled as everyone complimented her on the meal. She responded that it was because of her little helper, which caused Gabriel to turn crimson ("Such a sweet boy," mouthed Mrs. Granger to Mr. Granger with a smile). As Mrs. Granger began to gather the plates Gabriel and Hermione both offered to help with the dishes.

Mrs. Granger was about to dismiss them both when Mr. Granger leaned over and whispered something in her ear. Mrs. Granger grinned and agreed to let them help. Once the table was cleared she left Hermione and Gabriel to the dishes. "Talk about taking an advantage of someone's generosity," said Gabriel with an approving grin of Mrs. Granger's smoothness. "I'll have to remember that one for later use." Hermione laughed and together they began to tackle the dinner plates. Noticing that they were taking unusually long, Mrs. Granger returned to the kitchen to check on them. She was pleased to see they were finished, but found them soaking one another in the soapsuds. Hermione landed a pile atop Gabriel's head while he smeared both her arms and the side of her face.

"Oh! You two!" cried Mrs. Granger. She wasn't angry, indeed far from it, but she shooed them out of the kitchen. "Go for a walk or something to get rid of that energy."

The two of them dressed in warmer clothes and walked the suburb streets for hours. What did they talk about, well what didn't they? In pieces they informed each other of their lives from five years ago to the present. Hermione listened as Gabriel told her all about living in Africa, attending his first two years in a magic institution there, and then moving to New Zealand and staying there for three years. Hermione talked about Hogwarts, and the fantastic adventures (or misadventures) she had there. It wasn't until they came to realize it was nearing midnight that they turned back to Hermione's home. When the two wanderers returned Mrs. Granger had gone to bed and Mr. Granger was asleep in a living-room chair. After Hermione awoke him Mr. Granger gave them a disapproving look and a short lecture about the concern their tardiness had raised in both Mrs. Granger and himself. Mr. Granger went off to bed followed by Hermione and Gabriel.

Gabriel readied for bed and changed into his pajamas. The guest room was located upstairs and down the hall from Hermione's room. Mr. and Mrs. Granger's master bedroom was located downstairs near the kitchen. In the upstairs bathroom Gabriel found Hermione brushing her teeth and joined in next to her. For a few minutes they had a competition to see who could dominate the mirror by pushing the other out of the way with their hips. The battle became rowdy and Mrs. Granger appeared in the doorway with her bed robe on and a cross face, "Get in bed, now!" Gabriel and Hermione went off to their rooms and it appeared as if the Granger household was quiet for the night. Appearances can be deceiving.

Near two in the morning Gabriel snuck into Hermione's room. Throughout their childhood they had done this. Whenever separated for long, or when their families were on vacation together, they developed a system of sneaking into one of their rooms and spending the night talking. Their parents knew for they always found them asleep together and stopped scolding them after the first few occurrences. Now they talked again of whatever came to mind in low, soft voices. The hours seemed to pass them by now as the reunion was nearing completion. Eventually heavy eyelids overcame the conversation and Gabriel fell asleep at the foot of Hermione's bed into the pillow he had wrapped in his arms and throw blanket over him.

---

"I'm sorry, Lucius. I really don't have anything to tell you," I state simply, as if he had just asked me a perfectly normal question.

"The truth is, I have no idea how long I have been here. And not knowing that, I don't know what is going on outside here."

And that is truth, plain and simple. The plan Michael Turin and I had developed to combat the dark forces was in stages over several months. I really don't know how long I have been here, so don't know at what stage the plan is in. There is also the possibility that Michael, despite my instructions, altered the plans as a precaution.

Lucius (always assuming it's him) of course, doesn't believe this.

"Well, perhaps your memory needs to be jogged." He sneers at me and steps toward Harry.

"My memory is just fine, Lucius. I forget very little. BUT Dementors are not conducive to my mental well-being nor to my memory."

I know there is no way he is going to believe me. It's too much the perfect lie. Only, it's not a lie. The death eaters begin to make threatening moments toward Harry. One picks up a hot brand. One points a wand toward me. I try thinking fast. I CAN'T give away the plans. I need way out, fast. Now.

---

Meeting Miss Gryffindor
Author: Dobby
Date: 10-30-02 10:25

"I is being Dobby, Missy Gryffindor. Dobby too is going to see the lady Professor McGononagall. Be askin' her about Dobby's good friend Mr. Harry Potter sir. Dobby carry Missy Gryffindor's things for her?"

The unusually understatedly dressed Dobby holds out his arms to take the items from Miss Gryffindor. His smile turns into a broad grin when she deposits everything in his arms, a friendly smile lighting up her own face.

---

A Good Spot of Fun
Author: Lucius Malfoy
Date: 10-30-02 17:34

Lucius, who has not acknowledged Ní Cíaran's use of his name, waves off the Death Eater with the hot poker. He has a much better idea. Just the thought of it makes him want to chortle loudly while rubbing his hands in glee, but Lucius maintains his stoic composure behind the mask he wears.

In a most congenial tone of voice, Lucius addresses Ní Cíaran while approaching Harry. "I was so hoping you'd prove taciturn. I am quite delighted you've not let me down. Keep in mind there is always that oh-so-perfect-for-roasting fire. For now, however, I have another form of amusement in mind."

Lucius gestures for two of his associates to hold the boy. Lucius takes hold of Harry's left hand and caressingly runs his finger's over the boy's. Then, with no warning and a quick flick of his wrist, Lucius breaks Harry's index finger, the loud snap drowned out by Potter's cry of pain.

As the boy bites his lip in an effort to stifle his crying, Lucius turns once more to Ní Cíaran. In the same rather pleasant tone he asks, "How's your memory now, auror?"

Her face turning purple with rage, Dierna snaps out, "I've told you the truth. Leave him alone!"

"Tsk, tsk. Still in need of help." With another quick twist, a popping crack is heard as Harry loudly cries out again.

Within a matter of minutes, the fingers and thumb on Harry's left hand have all been broken. Lucius has one of the Death Eaters holding the boy pour a potion down Harry's throat. "This will heal those bones. When they are all good as new again, we'll begin once more only I'll break every bone in both hands and start on the boy's feet. When I've run out of bones to break, we'll stoke that fire and pull the spit out for roasting."

Walking out of the room in an overly casual manner, Lucius orders both Ní Cíaran and Potter returned to their respective cells.

---

Bulgaria: Family Vacation Gone Bad
Author: Kendra Beck
Date: 10-30-02 17:53

The summer holidays had turned out wonderful so far, and it had gotten better when Nana and Gramps told Toby, Anthony, Ariella and Kendra to Bulgaria.

Toby had the best reaction to it, and asked if Hunter could tag along, but Gramps told him no and that it would be a family trip. With that answer, Kendra pushed all hopes of Bronwyn coming along too.

As the family walked down the sidewalk through a park towards a large cathedral in Sofia Bulgaria, and approached the front steps, Ariella squealed.

"Nana! I don't want to go in there!!"

Everyone froze and turned to see Ariella pulling on her grandmother's hand, wide-eyed.

"But, honey, it's just a type of church building. It's pretty on the inside!" Nana cooed to the girl.

She sniffed. "It looks scary."

"I don't want to go in, either!" Anthony proclaimed.

Their grandmother looked to their grandfather.

"I'll take the older two in, you three can stay out here. We'll be out in an hour or so." Gramps said smiling.

Toby and Kendra grinned and waved to the kids as they went up the stairs of the Catherdral. Gramps pulled open the heavy, wooden door and the three stepped into the darkness.

The dark soon faded as the door closed and the church's interior came into view. It was cavernous, and both Kendra and Toby's heads tilted back and they looked straight up and the ceiling.

"Whoooooooooa!" They said in unison.

Gramps chuckled. "Welcome to the Church of St. Nedelya, Kiddos!"

Kendra slipped her hand into Toby's as they looked around at the intricately designed cathedral.

"Don't wander off too far, Kids!" Gramps called. "Meet back at the doors in about an hour, all right?"

"Okay!" They called and ventured off into the church.

"Toby, look, a tour, let's slip in!' Kendra pulled her brother over and they slipped into the back of the group of people.

"The Church of Saint Nedelya was built in medieval times and known as the Church of the Blessed Sveti Kral. This current building was reconstructed after 1925 when it was almost completely destroyed by a bomb explosion." A female tour guide said as a few people gasped and they continued down the corridor.

Toby and Kendra looked at each other and grinned, "Coooool." They said in unison and followed the group of people throughout the cathedral.

The tour continued on for about twenty more minutes, looking at pictures, these sculptures on the walls that the lady referred to as 'Crucifixes', statues, and various other items. The group moved on and turned down a corridor as Kendra lingered toward the back, staring up at the ceiling.

"Ken! C'mon!" Toby hissed before he left with the group.

"I'm co–Aaaahh!!" Kendra screamed and something, someone grabbed her around the waist and covered her mouth. She kicked and screamed, trying to scream around the hand over her mouth. She bit the large hand over her mouth and the man who was trying to carry her dropped her.

She broke into a run. "Toby!!! HELP!!!!!"

"Kendra?!" She could hear him yelling for her.

Before she could get any farther something hit her on the back of the head and everything went swirling into darkness.