Bulgaria:
Life As We Know It
Author: Kendra Beck
Date: 11-05-02 21:31
Kendra was kneeling on the hard floor, tears streaming her cheeks. She wished she had stayed with her brother - with the group. Oh, how she wished she did.
Expelliarmus? Kendra looked to Viktor and his friend. She was shaking all over. She was so scared. She knew she would never see her family again. Toby's face flashed in her mind, his grin and how he would poke her in the ribs to get her to laugh when she was down. How his arms swallowed her in the biggest hugs. To Anthony and Ariella and their bright little smiles as they would laugh when Kendra would chase them around the yard when playing a game. Nana and Gramps and how special it felt to be tucked in bed at night, and the tickle of Gramp's mustache when he would kiss her good night.
Bronwyn. Oh, her bestest friend in the whole world. Tears spilled from her eyes as she remembered Platform 9 and 3/4, and how Bronwyn just about bounced her over when they were sorted into the same house. How their friendship had grown so much in these past few years. How very much like Bronwyn was more like a sister than a friend. Hunter. Kendra was in love with Hunter MacRoth. He treated her like a lady, and the way his eyes sparkled New Years night when he told her he loved her. How wonderful it felt in his arms.
"Now, Little Girl." Koyla's voice was sharp as he circled her and looked her over.
Kendra was shaking. "Please...I promise I won't tell anyone. Please, let me live."
Vacation at
Home
Author: Shayna Ryan
Date: 11-06-02 03:40
I had been home in Oxford for a while, and didn't find the trip up enjoyable at all. No matter how much I tried, I couldn't convince the Wicked Witch that Neo wasn't my boyfriend. She just couldnÕt get it through her thick skull.
When I got home, there was a tearful reunion with my mother. She got me to talk about school for hours. Near the end, Neo came up. The Wicked Witch convinced my mother that Neo and I somehow had found the time to be a couple, or at lest tried to.
The week that passed before I had to go to my dad's house passed rather slowly. I wasn't allowed to send out anything. That was so I wouldn't talk to "that wretched boy from the train station." It didn't help that my mom just told me to listen to my aunt.
The plane flight to New York passed quickly. As festinating as airplanes are, they have nothing to do, and I fell asleep. My mom told me that they played a movie, but since I was a sleep I missed it. I slept through all but two hours of the six-hour flight.
It wasn't until I saw my father that I actually felt free. When I was with him I could do almost anything. I would have run as soon as I could see him, but there were too many people in the way. So, I just smiled at him. We exchanged greetings, hugs, and kisses, then we had to go get my owl, who rode in the hold of the plane.
There was a lot of discussion between my parents on the ride to my dad's house. It wasn't until we got to his place and I greeted my grandmother that I was able to talk about school. I didn't explain even half of what actually happened. I tried to leave the part about Neo out, but he asked me about him.
I grew tired early, a side effect of traveling across five time zones quickly. Before I fell asleep I sent my owl off with a letter to Neo telling him why I wasn't able to write him sooner.
True Power Unleashed...
Author: Angelina
Date: 11-06-02 03:42
McGonagall told me of how the school was pleased with my work and that they were looking into having me back next year to continue to teach. Pleased with those words I was about to reply when my arm began to tingle, rubbing it McGonagall looked at me as did Dobby.
"Missy Gryffindor what's wrong?" Dobby stammered while wringing his hands.
Looking up at McGonagall, the tingle turned into a burning sensation that started to hurt. "Professor, the Death Eaters are getting near. The Dark Lord's powers are growing as we speak." I managed to gasp and quickly got up. "I've got to get outside fast." Running out the door with McGonagall and Dobby on my tail I barely made it to the flying field that Madam Hooch used for flying classes and stopped.
Looking up, I noticed the sun's position as my arm began to glow. I heard McGonagall's footsteps behind me and turned to see her and Dobby standing there, looking at my arm. Turning away from the two, I closed my eyes as the pain grew too intense. I had no other choice but to say it to protect the school. Raising my hand to the sun, I opened my eyes. "GRYFFORIUS!!!!" I shouted and a rather large golden lion like my birthmark shot forward from my hand and landed in front of the three of us.
Falling to my knees, the lion sat there as McGonagall and Dobby ran to my side. "Missy Gryffindor, you all right?" Dobby's voice squealed in my ear. I nodded as sweat covered my brow. Wiping it, I looked at the lion, who then let out a booming roar. "You have summoned the spirit of Gryffindor," it spoke. "The heir of Slytherin's powers grow stronger. I will help in any way to protect you and those around you. I will also seek those who are in the heir's clutches. How may I serve?"
Professor McGonagall stood there speechless and Dobby whined, then hid behind me. "Dumbledore may want to know about this one," McGonagall finally said as we looked at the lion.
It's Final
Author: Remadi Ye
Date: 11-06-02 11:42
Professor Ye's Office, Department of Foreign Languages and Literature, University of Central Florida
Remadi knocks on the open door before entering her father's office.
"Good morning, Remadi," Tony Ye says as he looks up from his work, a smile spreading across his face.
"Morning, Papa," she replies, sliding into the chair on the other side of his desk. Her movements are graceful. Of course, that might be because she doesn't want to disturb the cat sitting on her shoulder. "You have Japanese One in five minutes," she reminds him.
"That's why I'm trying to finish these tests now," Tony says, going back to the stack of papers in front of him.
"Do you want me to start your class for you," Remadi asks, giving the cat on her shoulder a pat.
"Would you?" he asks, relieved, as he marks a paper with red.
"That's what I'm here for," she says with a smile as she gets up.
"Remadi," her father says, looking back up at her. She stops and gives him a questioning look.
"Everything's been worked out. You'll be going to Hogwarts this fall," he says softly. Remadi pauses and then nods.
"You knew this would come. It's what Lorelei wanted, and now, I have to agree with her. It'll be the best place for you for now," Tony says, not knowing what Remadi is thinking.
"I know, Papa," she says. "Well, I better go to your class." Her voice is void of emotion and Tony watches her as she leaves, worried.
The black cat on her shoulder purrs loudly into her ear.
"Don't worry, Neko. I'm alright. Mom went to Hogwarts, right? So it can't be that bad," she says with a small smile. "C'mon. Let's go teach those college students a little Japanese."
Summer Delivery
Author: Lysander Stratford
Date: 11-06-02 16:25
"Lysander, the delivery wizards are here," Chyler Stratford called out as she stood at the foot of the staircase. She nodded politely to the wizards and asked them to wait a few moments. The crates of used books, which were floating in the air, suddenly lowered to the ground and stacked themselves on top of each other in neat rows near the front door.
"Sweetheart!" Chyler called out again. "They're waiting on instructions!"
Footsteps thundered from above and the olive-toned man can rushing down the staircase. "Terribly sorry for the wait, gentlemen. There's a storage room to your left. Yes, that way behind the bookcases." He indicated in the correct direction and watched as the wizards levitated the crates into the air and began moving them towards the back of the store.
He smiled apologetically at his wife and placed his hands on either side of her face. "Sorry, Love. I was in the bathroom."
"I hope you washed your hands," Chyler joked, grinning.
Lysander kissed his wife on the forehead and winked. "I knew I forgot to do something!"
She rolled her eyes and slipped back into the office where a mound of paperwork was awaiting her undivided attention. Meanwhile, Lysander crossed the room to prop open the front door as to let in the cool, summer breeze. It was quite stuffy in the store, a sure by-product of having thousands of musty, old books around.
With the cool air circulating around the shop, Lysander made his way to the storage room to instruct the wizards on where to place the crates.
Owl Delivery
Author: Gabriel Garisson
Date: 11-06-02 17:33
Gabriel sat under his favorite oak tree, large sketchpad on his legs, carbon pencil in hand. His brown eyes watched the soaring eagle intently before returning to the sketchpad. Already an eagle's nest watched by a mother brown eagle was drawn onto the paper. Moving a few curls of his blond hair out of his eyes, Gabriel smiled and looked at the finished image. The mountains in the background, tall trees lining the river and an eagle nests surrounded by two eagles.
Turning off his CD player and pulling off his headphones, Gabriel stood and glanced back at his family's summer cottage in the hills near Yosemite national forest. He always liked it out here, in the wilds of nature. It was peaceful. Not unlike the streets of San Francisco. An owl hoot brought him from his daydream.
Looking up Gabriel smiled, "Aren't you up a little early?"
The owl dropped a envelope and took off, dodging the patrolling eagle.
Opening it, Gabriel read it once before reading it again out loud to make sure he wasn't hallucinating.
Dear Mr. Garisson,
We're pleased to inform you that you have been accepted to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
This had to be a joke. Witchcraft and Wizardry? He was a Wiccan, even if his parents weren't, but would they accept this.
He knew he was special, but this? "Gabriel, Dinner!" His mother called.
"Coming!" Gabriel gripped the envelope and sketchpad tightly in his hands as he ran off toward his home, the eagles gone from his mind.
Re: True Powers Unleashed...
Author: Miss Irma Pince
Date: 11-06-02 18:46
Irma Pince was not one to rush, except when it came to regaining over due library books. However now would need to be an exception. She darted out of the library, her carpet slippers barely touching the stone floor.
"Dumbledore, McGonagall where are you when you are needed!" her thoughts raced, as the sound of the cracking plaster began to fade away. Her inner mind had picked up a sound of someone attempting to dig away at plaster. But who and where?
As she turned a corner she was amazed to see Professor Dumbledore and the house elf named Dobby and an unknown young student running out of the school. She followed and exited onto the lawn. Seconds later a huge lion was sitting on the lawn. Miss Pince was not one to faint, but there could always be a first time.
Disappointment
Author: Helena Tufton
Date: 11-06-02 19:58
Helena slipped out of the Hogsmeade Inn and made her way to Briar's Bakery, with high hopes of getting a cup of coffee and something sweet to eat. Plus, Charlie had asked her to bring him a slice of chocolate cake ("Make that two, Helena!"). She was also eager to have a little girl talk with Briar Rose.
Ever since learning that an old friend was having some kind of relationship with Julian Valentine, Helena had separated herself from the rest of the old gang and found new friends in Charlie and Briar. Never in a million years did Helena think she'd ever consider Charlie Weasley a friend, much less a boyfriend! How things change...
The proprietress of the bakery was the only female she felt she could talk to right now. Briar seemed to know Charlie quite well, and could probably provide helpful insight into his inner workings. At any rate, some girlish chatter about guys was just what Helena wanted.
As the blonde woman approached the bakery, she found herself skidding to a sudden halt. Briar Rose was standing outside the shop, deeply embraced in the arms of Julian Valentine. Suddenly over-whelmed with a variety of emotions, Helena spun on her heels and made a mad dash for the Three Broomsticks. She needed a drink, fast.
No, no, no...Helena couldn't believe it. Her ex-fianceé seemed hell-bent on ruining her life. Everywhere she went, every person she met...he was always there, meddling with things. Why wouldn't he let her be?
She ordered some scotch and found a secluded table in a darkened corner towards the back of the room. Helena slumped down in her chair and immediately threw back the glass, emptying it on the spot. She couldn't help but think back a few years to the first time she met Julian, their first date, their engagement, the wedding day...betrayal, a broken-heart...
Memories came flooding back, and Helena felt the incredible urge to cry. Instead, she put her head down on the table and groaned. Why does this always happen to me?
"Helena." A voice cut through her internal whining. "Mind if I sit down?"
She mumbled, "Not at all," keeping her head down.
Julian Valentine eyed her empty glass and signaled for Madam Rosmerta to bring over another. "Listen Helena, there's something I want to tell you..."
Location Unknown: New Assignment
Author: Voldemort
Date: 11-06-02 20:14
My interview with Lucius concludes quite satisfactory, as I had expected. We decide that he should return to the Ministry, so as not to arouse any undid suspicion. He can also keep an eye on things there for me.
I turn to Sorcha, waiting patiently through the dialogue with Lucius and Severus.
"I have another mission for you, a more dangerous one. Also, a very important one. I want you to contact the Giants for me, convince them to join my army. After that, any other allies you can bring to me are welcome. The more allies you collect, the greater the reward you will receive. Take any two death eaters with you for assistance and depart tomorrow."
Bulgaria:
The End
Author: Kendra Beck
Date: 11-06-02 20:44
Koyla barked at Kendra, "SILENCE!"
Kendra shrunk into the floor, or wished she could, still trembling and weeping. She watched Viktor and his friend. The looks in their eyes were of hopelessness and despair as Koyla's goons had them restrained. "Please, please, please..."
Koyla was making another loop around Kendra's small body and whirled around. "I said SILENCE! If you do not stop sniffling I'm going to....Crucio!"
Kendra gave long yelp in pain, the sound bouncing off the walls in the room as she fell to her side and wrapped herself in the fetal position. The pain started in her stomach and radiated in every direction through her body.
The pain slowly subsided and the girl laid on the floor trying to catch her breath. Her body felt tingly all over. Tears still rolling down her cheeks, she craned her head to see where Viktor and his friend were. They were both slowly opening their eyes and raising their heads to see her.
"Please" She said to them both in a shaky, small voice.
Koyla placed his foot on her shoulder and rolled her over onto her back. "I said silence girl, and I mean it!" He said through gritted teeth. "Is that clear?"
"Y-y-es." Kendra stuttered.
Koyla's eyes opened wider. "I warned you, child. No more sniveling!"
He moved away from her. "Crucio!"
Again, the pain surged through the girl's body. She let out another great scream, as the pain seemed like it was trying to escape her body. Kendra again pulled herself into a ball, her eyes squeezed shut, the pain feeling like it would burst through them.
She could hear Koyla's voice. "Tell them to open their eyes! Make them open their eyes!"
Kendra sprawled across the floor where she was bunched up as the pain dissipated. All of her energy was gone, and she couldn't move a muscle. Her eyes would flutter but never open. She could hear her heart in her ears. Her whole body felt like it was beating. Thump, thump. Thump, thump. Thump, thump. Would this ever end. Ever? She just wanted to sleep forever.
No! No, she wouldnÕt let herself! She could get out of here! She could go back to Nana and Gramps, Toby and the kids. She would! Kendra tried to roll over, but a groan escaped her lips as she did so.
"Feeling weak, my Child? Has that curse taken every thing out of you, my poor, dear, soul?" His voice was steely, cold and smooth, and made her shiver. She forced her eyes open and saw Koyla over her, his wand pointed straight at her head.
"Let.......m-me......g-g-g-goo. P-p-p-p-p-please...."
Koyla's laugh sounded as cold and steely as his voice, but it was evil and mechanical. "I will let you go, Kendra. Into the underworld."
She watched him raise his wand and he shouted, "Avada Kedavra!"
Kendra's mind swirled, everything around her swirled, cycloned, making her so dizzy she wanted to throw up, but she couldn't. And then it all faded into darkness.
Location Unknown:
Unsettling Thoughts
Author: Dierna ní Cíaran
Date: 11-06-02 21:06
It is a relief to learn that Lucius has retuned to the ministry. Keeping up enough stamina to fight with him AND resist the dementors was getting increasingly difficult. However, I cannot just do one. I have to do both.
But a thought that has been at the back of my head suddenly makes it way to the forefront:
If Sorcha is to be believed, and I have no reason to doubt her, Tennille is under the influence of a mind-control curse and working for Voldemort. Clearly, I need to find her and get her out of the influence of the spell. However, I have not even SEEN Tennille since I was first brought here. I am beginning to doubt she is even here anymore. Where could she be? Or is Voldemort just making sure we don't see each other in case friendship can reach through the spell?
Then another thought, equally unsettling: my Irish books and some of my possessions from the office are still stashed away somewhere. I really don't want to know the consequence if Sorcha has the skill to use those spells. They are incredibly powerful.
I still down, and put my head in my hands. Just what I need: something else to worry about. Tennille is experienced, clever; she can look out for herself, but she isn't herself now. I HAVE to get her out of here. I HAVE to get Harry out of here. I CANNOT give away the plans of the aurors. I MUST get my books back.
Can I do all of them? I don't know. I really don't but that's not enough to stop me from trying.
The Lion of
Gryffindor...
Author: Angelina
Date: 11-07-02 06:32
The tall lion sat on the lawn as the three of us looked at it. McGonagall looked pale and Dobby began to shake.
"Don't worry," I told them in a hushed tone. "Grandfather told me of this happening once before with another heir. The lion will not harm anyone who has a good heart."
As I walked up to the lion, I spoke to it, but to Dobby and McGonagall I guess it sounded like a cat. "Greetings. I am Angelina Gryffindor. I summoned you to help us in our time of need." As I spoke to it, I heard a loud gasp and turned to see the librarian coming out of the castle with her hand over her mouth.
"Don't worry. He won't hurt you," I called out as she floated near. I turned back to the lion and he gave a slow growling sound. "Slytherin's heir and his Death Eaters have those that you seek. I shall wait here to protect those within the walls till you need me. Tell your headmaster this."
I gave a nod and told the lion a safe place to stay. The only place I could think of was behind Hagrid's hut. It was big enough and Hagrid did love fine animals. "The one called Hagrid will shelter you for now. Professor Dumbledore will hear of this and we will talk about when we shall need you again." The lion nodded and lowered its head. I gave it a rub on the mane and said, "Thank you dear friend. We shall stay in touch."
The lion turned and with shaking footsteps that almost knocked the group over headed towards Hagrid's Hut. I turned back to the others and shook my head. "Professor Gryffindor, what is it?" McGonagall asked as I came near. "He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named and the Death Eaters have Harry and the others. I just don't know where. Professor Dumbledore must be informed. It looks like we have a battle coming."
Neo was sitting in his room doing some homework. It was a nice day so he kept the window open to feel that nice and gentle breeze. He was nearly done, until his mother, Rosemary, came up to his room. "Nicholas! Are you doing your homework?" she asked. Neo rolled his eyes. "Yes ma'am, I am," he replied. Rosemary smiled. "Good, because once you're done we can go out and visit some friends, okay? Good, now get your work done," she said.
Rosemary left, closing the door behind her. Neo just sighed. "Yeah, go visit some friends to spread more rumors about me and Shayna," he said to himself. He then looked at his homework (Potions) and thought I wonder how she's doing anyway... I haven't even gotten a letter...
And to Neo's surprise, an owl flew in his window and dropped off an envelope on top of his work, then perched on his lamp.
Neo looked at the envelope, and it was from Shayna. He smiled and quickly (and quietly) got the letter and read it.
Dear Neo,
Hey there! Sorry I didn't send you a letter sooner. The Wicked Witch (my aunt) has convinced herself that you are my boyfriend, imagine that! And just because of that she's banned me from sending any letters to you. I'm truly sorry. Well, right now I've just arrived in New York to see my father! I'm so happy!
I tried not to mention you, to prevent more problems, but he kept bringing it up... I hope he doesn't get too crazy about our friendship...
I hope to get a letter from you soon, that is, if my aunt doesn't get it first!
Shayna
Neo smiled and raised an eyebrow. "So her aunt thinks I'm her boyfriend, eh? Sounds like what's going on here, only a little more serious..." he said. Neo got out a piece of parchment and a quill, writing his response. Once he was done, he gave the letter to the owl. "Be sure to give this to Shayna when she isn't near her aunt, you understand?" he asked. The owl hooted and flew out the window.
Neo then tried to do his homework as slowly as possible.
As Orei laid on her bed, flipping through the pages of the book she had kept out, there was a knock on the door. "Come in." she said casually. Her dad walked in and sat on the edge of her bed. "Well, it looks like we will be living closer to the school Orei." he said as she sat up with the book in her lap.
"Oh? Why? You guys moving over there just because I'm going to Hogwarts?" she said canting her head to the side. He shook his head. "No, I got a letter in the mail after we got back from Gryphon Avenue. The company will be transferring me to the London office." Orei smiled. "That's great dad! Now it will be easier for me to come home on vacations and stuff!"
Jacob smiled and hugged his daughter. "That it will Orei. We are going to be moving in eight days, so you need to get packing. I'll bring you up some boxes in a little bit, I have a few phone calls to make about seeing if Mom will be able to travel with us, and about making flight arrangements."
"Alright, I want to keep reading for a little bit longer anyway. When you're off the phone I want to call Jessica and let her know what's going on. Though I don't think she'll believe me about the Hogwarts stuff, so I'll leave that part out." She said as she laid back down propping the book on her pillow.
"Alright, I'll let you know when I'm off. Enjoy your book sweetie." With that Jacob stood and left her room closing the door behind her. She closed the book and sighed rolling over on to her back. It was then that it finally hit her, just what exactly going to Hogwarts would mean. She'd have to live thousands of miles away from her best friend Jessica, and she wasn't sure when she'd be able to come back to San Francisco and see her.
She reached for the photo frame on her nightstand and looked at the picture of her and Jessica, they had been friends since the third grade, never been apart more than three weeks when they went to different summer camps. Jessica to Girl Scout camp, and her to her riding camp.
"I wish I could tell you where exactly I'm going, but I honestly doubt you'll believe me. Heck, I didn't even believe it at first." she sighed and put the picture frame back on her nightstand. "Well I suppose I should at least -start- getting things ready for the move to London."
With that she slipped off the bed and dashed to her closet. The first things she pulled out were her various games and books. Those would go in their own box. Then came her shoes and a few other things. Where did all this stuff come from?? She didn't realize she had this much stuff. Then again she was eleven and her parents spoiled her rotten, being as she is an only child.
She blinked and grinned. "Definitely need some packing music." she said as she dashed over to her stereo and turned on her Fiona Apple CD. Turning the volume up to a reasonable, not too loud as to disturb her parents, but not too soft as she couldn't hear it while she was rummaging around in her closet, level.
She poked her head out of her closet when she heard a knock at her bedroom door. "Come in." Jacob pushed the door open and dropped several unfolded boxes and a roll of clear thick tape. "There ya go Orei. Gotta assemble them yourself. The doctor will be coming two days before we leave to make sure Mom can travel. Then it is off to London." Orei nodded, only half hearing what her dad had said, given the fact that she was listening to him, the music, and half buried in her closet.
"Alright, I need to start packing everything else. Call if you need me." with that Jacob left Orei to her packing and music.
Orei nodded and continued sorting things out in her closet. "This is trash. This can go. This is trash." finally that sorted out she looked at the multitudes of piles she now had in her room. "Now to box them."
