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With Hazel
Author: Coco Nutt
Date: 02-03-07 09:36
Just after breakfast, leaving Fritz playing chess in the common commons, Coco walks down to the stables. Seeing her going past, Hagrid lets Fang out to come to the stables to visit his friend Pea while Coco goes through her morning ritual with her Aethonon Hazel.
The chestnut colored winged mare speads her wings as far as she can in the space of the stable stall. She nickers impatiently at Coco who replies, "If yer wantin' ter get out before 'aving yer brekkie, that be fine wif me."
Coco has been working hard to speak better but around Hazel and Hagrid she drops fully back into her regular speech. She's not sure why exactly.
Opening the stall door to let Hazel out, Coco then goes to the main stable door and opens it with Hazel following her. Before climbing onto the mare's back, Coco makes sure she shuts the door back again. Hazel spreads her wings wide again, takes off in a smooth run and with a great flap of her wings is in the air. Coco takes a deep breath, reveling in the rush of cold air streaming past her. She bends lows, streamlining herself against Hazel's contours, watching the ground rush past below. The only way this is better is when Coco transforms into her Animagus bird self.
After much swooping and soaring, Hazel comes in to land back at the stables. Once inside again, Coco feeds Hazel then begins grooming the beautiful horse, brushing Hazels coat, mane, and tail until they shine even more. Next Coco turns her attentions to grooming Hazel's wings. After that Hazel's hooves and teeth get attention.
When Coco, Pea, and Fang leave the stables Coco tells Hazel, "See you this afternoon," referring to when she'll return to work with Hazel on things to show the judges for the Care of Magical Creatures event. Leaving Fang off at Hagrid's hut, Coco deposits Pea into the warmth of one of her pockets then trudges back to the castle to see what Fritz is up to now.
Picking Up A Book
Author: Kissy Isuki
Date: 02-03-07 10:38
Kissy walks past the now closed shop where she'd met a gorgeous man named Jamie. That one night fling seems like an entire lifetime ago and Kissy wonders fleetingly where Jamie is now and if he's ever managed to deal with the grief of losing his daughter enough to be happy.
As for herself, Kissy is happy overall though she does have her moments. It's still extremely difficult to accept what her parents did and how they pulled her brother into such nasty business. There are days every now and again when Kissy yearns to be able to visit her parents for a cuppa while getting exasperated with their pestering about when she'll settle down and have a family.
There are days like today when Kissy has that sense of not just being lonely but alone. AJ and she are good friends but they've sort of drifted away from the dating aspect of it. She's got Ron as a good friend too and surprisingly out of all of this, Kazuo as well, even though there was a time when she couldn't stand the sight of that man.
Kissy picks up a few things at a couple of shops then goes to Flourish & Blotts to pick up a book she'd ordered. The book, talked up by one of the Dueling event judges, gives lots of ideas, tips, and suggestions for setting up DADA scenarios for students to work through. One section of it deals with dueling situations and another section is one concealment and disguise exercises. Kissy's already doing both with her students but having fresh ideas and someone else's take on doing something is always helpful.
Paying for the book, Kissy walks out, thumbing through it and finding something she'd like to try this very week. Maybe even today if some of the students are wanting to "play" a game. Pleased with the purchase Kissy walks back to The Leaky Cauldron where she has a late breakfast then Floos back to Hogwarts, eager to make changes to the DADA practice and exercise corridor and rooms.
One Year Later
Author: Harry Potter
Date: 02-03-07 11:52
It being a Sunday with no morning Quidditch practice and with no pressing papers or assignments to pour over, Harry sleeps in. That is until Pinky wakes him up to say, "Harry's breakfast is on the table. Miss Janine's is too. Pinky and Rocko are going out."
Harry grunts and rolls back over with the intention of going back to sleep. He's still very tired from a Quidditch match the Fireballs played last night. The match went for well over 7 hours with the temperature steadily dropping as the afternoon wore on into evening. Harry's played in some long matches before, and even knows of ones going on for far longer, but he's never personally played in one that last that many hours. Even practice isn't as long as that nor is practice as intense.
Harry tosses and turns, trying to get comfortable again, trying to relax enough to drop back off to sleep. He can't do it though so shoving the covers off, Harry dresses then goes to check out what Pinky left on the dining table. In a warming pan are thick, fluffy pancakes. In dishes beside the warmer are various fruits and compotes to put on the pancakes of Janine and Harry want. Taking it that Janine is still sleeping, Harry gets his breakfast as quietly as he's able and sits down to eat.
Today's edition of the paper, The Sunday Prophet, is folded neatly next to Harry's place at the table. He reaches for it and unfolding it is startled at the extra large, extra bold print of the headlines and by the several photos accompanying the front page news.
You-Know-Who Vanquished One Year Ago Today
Harry scans the first of the many articles on the subject of Voldemort's demise in the battle below Hogsmeade last year. He rolls his eyes at a few things and out and out chuckles at the bold faced lie of At press time Harry Potter is still refusing to comment for this article. Sort of hard to make a comment when one's never been approached about an article one didn't know was being written.
Come to think of it, Harry's not sure what he would have said if actually contacted. Would he have said anything at all? What if he were asked again about the details of the final showdown? How it felt to die and only be alive and breathing now thanks to the quick thinking of Hermione Granger?
Harry has a flashback to the exact moment he struck Voldemort down and Voldemort felled Harry. Harry remembers that part vividly, though immediately after and for a few weeks beyond the event he'd not remembered much of it at all. Harry doesn't recall falling face down in water and drowning while unconcious. He doesn't remember the sputtering breath that came from Hermione's frantic resuscitate efforts.
What Harry next remembers is a fuzzy awareness of Hermiione and others being greatly relieved about something; the slow sinking in that it's relief that he, Harry Potter, was alive. That awareness washes freshly over Harry as he sits reading the paper and eating the always excellent pancakes Pinky made. Yet again Harry thinks about how much he owes Hermione and that his thanks afterwards was little enough.
For the rest of breakfast, as he reads the other articles about Voldemort's death and the battle below Hogsmeade, Harry tries to think of something he could do for Hermione to show just how grateful he is to have her as a friend and for her quick thinking one year ago today.
The Goblet
Author: Thessily
Date: 02-03-07 14:23
I stood in the great hall looking at the Goblet that I was to place my name into if I wanted to join the broom racing events. In my hand there was a sheet of paper with my name on it. I was planning on putting my name in that goblet for the broom racing event. But I was hesitating big time. What if my grandparents found out? What if they decided to take me out of Hogwarts for causing a ruckus? I frowned. Okay then Thessily, it was time to stop being such a sissy. You want this. You know you do. I told myself taking a deep breath and taking a step towards the Goblet.
Then I suddenly stopped once again folding the paper into a small ball, and then unfolding it. If my grandparents got word of this I could very easily find myself on my way home by the end of the month. I thought closing my eyes. And here I was almost ready to finish my apparition lessons and graduate from Hogwarts next year. I could not afford to offend them now.
Then again, who as to say that they would find out. I thought as I took yet another step forward and once again took in a deep breath. Come on. Thessily. You know you want to do this. I told myself as I walked even closer to the Goblet and finally stood right next to it. Gulping, I took another breath. If they find out they find out. For once do something that you want in your life. I told myself as I lifted my arm and moved my hand to the goblet. Finally, after what seemed like an hour of staring at the Goblet I, Thessily Ware put my name into the Goblet of Fire to be in the next Broom Racing event.
With that, I turned around and ran down the hallway and shut the door before anyone found out that I had put my name into the Goblet I was going to write a long list of things I wished to do before my grandparents killed me.
Is It Enough?
Author: Briar Rose
Date: 02-03-07 17:40
"Yoo hoo," a voice calls from the hallway close to Grace's bedroom.
Briar quickly scoops up Grace, furtively whispering to her daughter to be good and not do any magic. She swivels around just as cousin Melisande walks into the room. "Hello, Melisande. I wasn't expecting you."
"Morning, Briar. Grace. I thought I'd drop by when I saw you weren't at the bakery yet. I knew you wouldn't mind."
Briar has never been able to figure out why Melisande constantly feels the need to drop by if Briar isn't where Melisande thinks she should be. Perhaps Melisande has sensed how special Grace is. Perhaps she saw something somewho and is trying to catch Grace in the act again. Perhaps it's just another of Melisande's annoying habits. Whatever it is, it's yet another thing that tries Briar's patience.
Keeping the irritation from her voice Briar replies, "I told you yesterday I wouldn't be in today unless Cora or Meg lets me know I'm needed."
"Ah. Right. You did," Melisande smiles.
"Was there something in particular you wanted me for?"
"I just wanted to let you know that the flat's kitchen needs restocking."
It's on Briar's tongue to ask, "You couldn't have told me this yesterday when you'd come and interrupted my work for an hour?" but she bites her tongue, instead saying, "All right. We can go to market after I drop Grace at Julian's."
Briar hadn't planned on having to shop for Melisande but just after Melisande began using the bedroom of the bakery's flat, it became clear to Briar that her cousin is incapable of buying groceries to replace what Melisande uses from the kitchen. Probably more like incapable of parting with what money she has to buy food when she knows Briar will buy it for her.
Briar can't wait until she has enough against Melisande to get the woman Obliviated. Maybe she'll go talk to Geoffrey again today to find out if what she's got so far is enough. Knowing that Melisande will be too lazy to actually accompany Briar first to Julian's and then to the market means Briar can talk to Geoffrey while she's out today without having to worry about ditching Melisande for a short time.
One Year Ago
Author: Janine Fox
Date: 02-03-07 18:37
Janine stretched out in her bed. She had slept in but felt she deserved it after staying up to watch Harry’s match last night. Talk about the game that never ended! It just went on and on and on…
After a quick shower, Janine wrapped herself in a fluffy pink robe and headed for the kitchen. The smell of warm pancakes and fresh coffee had her smiling. Filling a cup and plate, she moved towards the dining area where Harry was already sitting with paper in hand and a thoughtful expression on his face. Creeping up behind him, Janine peered over his shoulder and froze.
“Oh,” she murmured softly.
Harry dropped his fork. It clattered onto his plate, breaking the morning silence. “Janine! You startled me.”
Janine watched as he tried to hastily hide the newspaper’s bold headlines. Placing her hand on his shoulder she murmured softly, “It’s okay Harry. I know what today is.”
“I just… that is, I didn’t want to upset you.” He gave an apologetic look.
Janine almost laughed. One would have expected Harry to be upset over the headlines, but as usual it was Janine getting emotional over last year’s events. In her defense, Harry had technically died a year ago which was good cause for her being upset. It was something she was still trying to deal with today although she had a feeling she would never completely get over it and that it would always haunt her.
Taking a seat next to him she tried to shake off the ghosts of the past.
“I want to do something for her,” Harry said suddenly.
Janine instinctively knew who he meant. Hermione.
“What do you want to do for Hermione?”
Harry chewed on a mouthful of pancakes thoughtfully. “I’m not sure,” he finally said.
Smiling, Janine took a sip of her coffee before answering. “You will. And if I can help with anything, just let me know. I owe a lot to Hermione too.” She touched Harry’s hand and gave it a meaningful squeeze.
Before Harry could reply, Pinky and Rocko burst into the house. “Pinky and Rocko back from walk. Rocko drag Pinky in the snow!” Pinky gave a visible shiver.
“You poor dear,” cooed Janine as she tried not to laugh. “Bad Rocko.”
“Oh no! Pinky had fun!” insisted Pinky, defending Rocko as usual.
Rolling her eyes at Harry she said to Pinky, “Let’s get you dried up. I’m sure there’s a fluffy towel in my bathroom.”
Ushering Pinky out of the room, Janine tried to keep her thoughts on the present and not on last years ghosts.
Past, Present & Future
Author: Bill Weasley
Date: 02-03-07 18:58
Bill settled onto the sofa next to his wife, who read a French fashion magazine she had sent to Hogsmeade every month. He pulled his wand from the back pocket of his jeans, both to sit more comfortably and to flick on the WWN with one gentle movement of his wrist. A news program involving one moderator and three guest speakers currently discussed the first anniversary of the final defeat of Lord Voldemort.
"I'd completely forgotten," Bill murmured, stroking Fleur's hair.
She closed the magazine and listened attentively to the broadcast.
"Ze world eez better now, eez eet not?" she finally said, after listening for a few minutes.
"I think so," Bill said. "Bad things will always happen," he added, thinking about the Gringotts hold up that had occurred not too long ago, "but on the whole, the world is much better off without You-Know-Who in it. I just hope there isn't someone setting himself or herself up to take his place."
He twirled his wand between the fingers of his free hand. "Yes, I think the world is better now."
"Good," Fleur said, leaning her head into Bill's shoulders. "I want our child to grow up een a safe world."
It took Bill a moment to realize what Fleur was saying. "You're...?" He didn't want to say the word, fearing it would jinx it.
She smiled a small smile and nodded her head. "I am."
Bill broke out into a huge grin and wrapped both his arms around Fleur, drawing her almost into his lap.
"Eet eez early," Fleur warned, though she didn't want to damper Bill's mood. "Let us not tell anyone yet."
Bill understood. He didn't want the whole family to learn of the good news, even when good news was sorely needed after Arthur had lost his job, because he didn't want to set everyone up for disappointment if Fleur miscarried again. They would wait to share the good news when it seemed likely that Fleur would carry to full term.
He hugged her close and said, "I'm so happy."
"Me too," Fleur said. She couldn't help but get her hopes very high, and neither could Bill.
Applying Tact
Author: Bellatrix Lestrange
Date: 02-03-07 19:34
Bella threw the Daily Prophet on the table with disgust. She turned from the table, and let out a large sigh, crossing her arms protectively around herself. She still had very mixed feelings about that day under the graveyard.
She remembered the chaos, the final moments when she had come face to face with her Dark Lord, and how he had thrown her to the wolves in order to deal with Potter. With one nonchalant flick of his wand he had cast her aside, and that had been her final dealings with her master before his death. To anyone of a stable mind this would have caused issues, but Bella found that deep inside she was still fuming from his treatment of her. She had picked herself up off the ground in that passageway and walked away, calling down the Inferi on the members of the Order and those who had chosen to take the other side in that battle.
Not that it had done much good. In the end it had been inevitable – Potter had won, and with help from that infernal Granger girl. Bellatrix had escaped with her life and not much else.
She allowed herself a short bitter laugh before striding from the room into her study. For once her thoughts were on her husband, Rodolphus. She had come to the conclusion it would be in her best interests to have him close at hand once again. Who knew what kind of information he could be spilling to anyone in Azkaban who might listen. Rodolphus always had a high opinion of both himself and his value to the world. If someone learnt to play on those weaknesses, especially the fact he had defected from Voldemort's camp in those last days, it could be trouble.
She had thought about having him killed, but then she had no idea what he might have said to his cellmates. No, better to find out first hand and then take out any neighbours of Rodolphus' that might be feeling the need to talk.
After all, nobody would be expecting Bellatrix to break in to Azkaban.
She sat at her desk and pulled out a piece of parchment. How best to do this? Rabastan was even more of a bore than Rodolphus. She'd have to soothe his tattered ego before she could make him see things her way and help her. She cursed; perhaps she should have been a little bit more...polite about banning him from the manor last year?
She dipped her quill in the ink pot and began to draft a letter. Tact was a hard concept for Bellatrix to deal with, but sometimes a person has to rise to the occasional challenge.
Watching
Author: Roane
Date: 02-03-07 19:45
Roane sat by herself at the end of the Gryffindor table trying to look as if she were busy studying her notes for classes tomorrow. In actual fact, she was secretly studying Jet Obsidian, who was currently sitting at the Hufflepuff table eating breakfast. So far, she hadn’t been caught. Not that this would have been anything new for Jet. Roane was sure that he had received many curious stares since he “came back” not to mention the interested glances from half the female population at Hogwarts. Roane’s interest fell more into the former category. Sure, he was a good looking guy, but the part that struck her secret fascination was the mystery behind his disappearance. Ever since Roane had heard the story she had been hooked. What sort of powerful magic had swept Jet away only to have him reappear three years later? She had to know!
“Forget it Roane. He’s out of your league.”
Roane angrily focused on her text books and mumbled to Tranquillina, “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
Tranq laughed out loud. “Whatever. I saw you looking at him. You can’t deny it.”
Roane mumbled what hopefully sounded like a denial.
“Hey, it’s okay to have a crush. Gawd knows it’s more healthier than your sudden fascination for spells.”
Roane made an effort to keep her facial features calm. “I’ve always enjoyed spellbooks.”
“Sure, to a point. You’re all brains, don’t get me wrong you always were, but I don’t like this new trend. Locking yourself in that special room with all your books isn’t healthy.”
Roane rested her hands carefully on the table, trying to keep them from shaking in anger. “You needn’t concern yourself with it. I’m just trying to get ahead in my school work. I’m trying to skip ahead a year.” The lie easily left her lips, but seemed to do the trick when both Tranquillina’s eyebrows raised in surprise.
“You are?! Wow! No wonder you’re so grouchy lately.”
Roane scowled.
“Fine, fine,” laughed Tranquillina. “I won’t bug you any more. I’m just here for breakfast.” And with a friendly wave, Roane watched as Tranq joined the other Gryffindors further up the table.
Turning back to her book, Roane brooded. Tranquillina was noticing more than Roane wanted her to. Hopefully, she wouldn’t get too nosey. That could be a problem.
Tucking the thought in the back of her mind, she propped up her book and continued to peer over it as she studied Jet.