|
|
Making a Display
Author: Lysander Stratford
Date: 08-25-07 17:02
Lysander pulled a few books from the shelf and took them to the window display he was creating in anticipation of this Saturday's Hogwarts Hogsmeade trip. He knew that the village would be inundated with teenagers this weekend, many of whom would come to Twice Told Tales and buy something, if only to get the leather-bound journal Lysander and Julian sometimes gave away with every purchase. This year, Lysander had found journals that had a small pocket on the front cover just the length and width for an average-sized quill. He'd even managed to find some cheap quills that he'd had Twice Told Tales printed on to stick in that very pocket.
He'd used some of the money Hermione Granger had paid him for the journals and quills. She'd given him more than he'd expected, perhaps making up for all the troubles he'd gone through to get her what she wanted. Lysander rarely put his nose in other people's business, even when they were his clients, but he couldn't help but be extremely curious as to why Hermione wanted that particular chapter of that particular book. He'd nearly died while undertaking her assignment, and he almost felt that entitled him answers. He hadn't seen her since that day at St. Mungo's, though, except in passing down High Street, and didn't know if they'd ever have cause to speak again.
The authorities had promised to keep him updated about their efforts to catch the man who'd imprisoned him in the warehouse at West Irian Jaya. So far, they hadn't uncovered his tracks, though they knew now, as most everyone had already suspected, that it had been Khalid Adallah––the same man who had a vendetta against Bill Weasley––doing the kidnapping. Lysander hoped Adallah didn't think he and Weasley were friends, because they most definitely weren't.
He flicked his wand at some of the dustier surfaces in the display window and then arranged some of the books he'd pulled on stands. Most students were interested in books that had nothing to do with school, but there were some who were probably already freaking out about the OWLs and the NEWTs, so he was sure to include some study guides in the display.
Wondering
Author: Ariella Beck
Date: 08-25-07 17:25
At breakfast, Ariella had received an unsigned note extending an invitation to meet in the common commons for dinner that evening. She'd known at once it wasn't from Lawrence, because they never met anywhere that public and were still a bit at odds with one another over his choice of detention for a Slytherin boy. Things had definitely improved between then since then, but, perhaps owning to the fact that they were still teacher and student, their relationship had difficulty mending easily.
Alanna had received one of the mysterious messages too, it turned out, as she'd confided to Ariella later. Both were extremely curious over the nature of the note, wondering if a friend had sent it or a foe trying to lay them and potential others into a trap. In the single month the current Hogwarts term had been in sessions, Ariella had rapidly learned that one never knew who one could trust. Many students, and not just those who weren't purebloods, weren't at all happy with the changes taking over Hogwarts, but there were those few who definitely didn't mind. It wouldn't surprise Ariella at all if someone had received the message who supported Snider and would rather rat out those involved in the meeting than keep the knowledge of its existence quiet.
Because of these thoughts, Ariella exerted extreme caution. She fully intended on going to the common commons before Quidditch practice, but she didn't want to get caught in a trap. So, when it came to be around dinnertime, Ariella hovered in the doorway to the common commons with a stack of books. She went straight to the bar and got a glass of pumpkin juice and a sandwich. She pretended to study while roving her eyes around the room, wondering if some of the others in the room were also waiting there for the same reason.
Alanna came into the room and sat down beside her, saying nothing. She helped herself to a giant chocolate chip cookie and picked at it while she, too, waited to see what she was doing there in the common commons.
Sympathy
Author: Georgia Copperpot
Date: 08-25-07 21:03
"It's not fair," Isabella complains.
"What isn't, Izzy wizzy?"
"This stupid Defense Against the Dark Arts with Professor Yaxley."
Edith looks up from the Divination homework due tomorrow that I'm waiting to look over before starting my own. "But he's nice on the eyes."
"In a brooding, scowling menaceosity sort of way," Catherine tacks on.
Izzy makes an ick face. "He is handsome but his sneering snotnosity really detracts. Also, he's a boring professor."
"In what way?" I ask.
"So far we've mainly just read from the text and then he talks and talks to expand on what's in the book." Izzy sighs, "Professor Isuki made the class so interesting and fun."
Feeling a little guilty, I put my hand over the bruise I got dueling during DADA this morning. I offer, "Maybe he's wanting to get some of the more boring coursework out of the way so you can spend entire class sessions doing nothing but dueling and other interesting things."
"Maybe. Yes, that's probably it," Izzy says, her tone oozing vair wistfully.
I helpfully point out, "You do have at least one professor who could be termed a sex god."
Catherine dreamily sighs, "Professor Everard," at the same time Edith interjects, "Professor Masterson."
"There's also Professor Moon."
Izzy sadly says, "Yes, but I like Professor Lancaster and I miss having Professors Fitzroy and Jones."
"Did any of you hear?" Edith asks.
"Hear what?"
Catherine asks, "Are you meaning the rumor about Professor Fitzroy?"
"What rumor?" Izzy and I ask at the same time.
Edith nods at Catherine then looks over at me. "Remember when some people came to talk to Professor Fitzroy during Herbology today?"
"Yes, one was a woman with pretty black hair and the other was a man who I think was talking in an Australian accent."
Edith nods again. "Rumor is they came to tell Professor Fitzroy her father was killed. I heard a few of the fifth years saying she was crying when they walked in just after we left."
"We should do something nice for her," I suggest. "Card and flowers. Or a plant. Would a Herbology professor like to get a plant as a sympathy gift?"
The other three look blankly at me. "Time to brainstorm then though Edith if you would hurry with that Divination homework I'd be better able to think of things we could do for the professor."
Edith rolls her eyes at me but gets busy finishing up what she's working on as do we other three. Then putting other work aside for later, we put our heads together to come up with something nice for Professor Fitzroy.
Translations:
menaceosity = menacing
snotnosity = snotty, snottiness
vair = very
sex god = a male who, just by blinking your way, turns you into a drooling idiot
Waiting on the Potion
Author: Hermione Granger
Date: 08-26-07 09:59
Hermione had set up a cauldron in the Spell Research Laboratory at St. Mungo's over two weeks ago, upon returning to England after a successful trip to Egypt. The directions Lysander Stratford had given Hermione from the Book of Kem Heka he'd had opportunity to memorize stated that she needed to place seven fresh petals of the Adenius Aegyptus into a salt solution and let it simmer for thirty days. Sixteen and a half days had already passed. To Hermione it felt like an eternity.
She checked on her potion daily, particularly while she was at work. The current week was actually her last in her present position at St. Mungo's; next week she started her first clinical rotation as a healer. Hermione really couldn't wait to return to her studies, this time very practical studies. She missed school when it wasn't in session. The next three years of her education would be quite different than the previous three at St. Emrys, however, as she would now get paid to learn.
Hermione's current boss, Alistair Mickle, was sorry to lose her but had known of her leaving since even before she accepted the position in the first place. He'd already found someone to fill her position starting next week and had asked that person to come in this week so that Hermione could train him. Hermione's replacement was at least ten years older than she and had experience in her position at a private company. He was a fast learner and would no doubt excel as Alistair's new assistant.
Alistair himself had a personal interest in Hermione's antidote she was brewing for Bill, as he himself had been friends with one of the owners of the stolen books. He promised Hermione that he'd keep an eye on the potion for the next two weeks since it would remain in the Spell Research Laboratory, which he managed. Since Hermione would still be at St. Mungo's with her healing apprenticeship, she would have opportunity to check in on the potion too, but she was glad to have one monitoring it a bit more regularly than she might be able.
She hoped that in just two weeks time, Bill would wake from his coma and recover fully from his poisoning.
Secret Meetings
Author: Minerva McGonagall
Date: 08-26-07 10:35
Professors McGonagall and Snape sat at the lesser of the high tables in the Great Hall and ate breakfast. They said little to each other besides remarking on the rainy weather and how they thought this coming winter might be especially cold. Although they had plenty of other topics in mind, most were considered taboo. They certainly didn't want to draw unwanted attention to themselves if they could help it.
Over the past month, Professor Snider had made it quite clear that opposition to the new rules governing Hogwarts would lead to severe consequences, not just for students but staff as well. Neither Minerva nor Severus were concerned for themselves over Snider's threats, but they knew they had to keep the students in mind. If they rebelled, what would happen to those students unfortunate enough to have "impurities" in their bloodlines?
For the present, Professors McGonagall and Snape and others, like Hagrid, met in secret to discuss the regulations imposed upon Hogwarts by the Ministry of Magic. It wasn't the first time the Ministry had put its nose in the school's business; just two years ago, the Minister had seen fit to send a "Ministry Monitor" to Hogwarts for every foreign-born professor on staff. That imposition had been nothing like the current one, where a whole slew of Ministry-approved teachers had come in to teach only the pureblood students, while the remaining staff taught the rest of the student body.
Segregation was an idea so barbaric and antiquated that it had Minerva wondering if the world was going backwards instead of forwards like it ought to be. The Minister of Magic wouldn't see it that way, of course. She would claim she was making the world right again.
Professors McGonagall and Snape usually didn't meet to discuss the changes on campus, because there were too many eyes and ears around them. At the very least, they met somewhere on the Hogwarts grounds or at Hagrid's Hut, but more often than not, they met somewhere off campus, and with other members of the Order.
Both only had afternoon classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays, which gave them ample time for such meetings on those mornings. In fact, this morning they were due to meet at Fleur Weasley's house in Hogsmeade for a quick update with other members of the Order who could make the meeting. Those who couldn't, would be filled in later by those who'd attended.
Minerva pulled up the sleeve of her robe and glanced at the silver watch on her wrist. She and Severus would not leave Hogwarts together because that might look suspicious, especially since they were often off campus these days at the same exact time. Noting it was nearing the time of the scheduled meeting, she drained her goblet of pumpkin juice and stood, scraping her chair across the flagstones. She filed out of the Great Hall without looking back, knowing that within five or ten minutes time, Snape would also leave for Hogsmeade.
The First Meeting
Author: Zahara Destrout
Date: 08-26-07 10:46
Zahara had spent the entire morning in a somewhat daze, she had gotten up quite early, and not hungry for breakfast yet nad still having almost an hour before class she had found herself wandering to the Common Common Rooms, the events of last night came back to her, the entire thing seemed like some kind of dream. She let herself fall into a chair and closed her eyes, recalling the events as though it was happening again.
Skyler and herself had made there way to the Common Common Room early enough that yet. Both of them had been eager and full of excitement, but also the fact that they might be betrayed early on had become a reality. Afterall, it was unlikely that everyone would show up, and even if they did how could they tell who was friend and who was foe?
They had convinced a few house elves earlier that day to bring food for a dinner, and though it wasn’t nearly the same amount found in the great hall, it was more than enough for the amount of people they expected, or rather hoped, would show up. When they were sure that the only people there were for the meeting, Skyler stood up and raised her voice, Zahara reflected on how confident she sounded compared to herself.
“Hello and welcome. I’m sure most of you are curious as to why we are all here.” There had been a couple nods and some people whispered quietly amongst each other. Some seemed slightly disturbed that she was a pureblood slytherin, but their fears were quickly dispelled once she continued to talk. “My name is Skyler, and this is my friend Zahara,” Zahara nodded at the mentionof her name. “We have come to an agreement, that the rules that have been placed at Hogwarts, the segregation, the unfair treatment of Nons, even Quidditch has been tainted, is not in the best interest of anyone here.” Zahara blushed as she thought about how shy she had been, the whole idea was partially hers but she had been afraid she would mess everything up.
“We want to fight it, but start in subtle ways. The first of which is tonight’s meeting, I’m sure you can all notice that those gathered are a mix of pures and nons and also all the houses are represented. This is to show that Hogwarts can stand together, and that we are stronger then any Hairy Snide.”
This time, when she paused again, Zahara had mustered the strength to say something. Her voice was soft, and small at first but it grew in volume as she grew in confidence. “They can segregate us, but we will not be separated. I encourage you all to buddy up, pures with nons, and take turns walking one another to class. And do not be afraid to be seen. Undoubtedly, we will do more as our numbers grow, but like all else we must start out small. If anyone has any doubts, please leave now. And if you have any suggestions, please join is in conversation as we eat.” Zahara finished and sat down as her and Sky began to answer questions while they began to eat.
Summons
Author: Kody
Date: 08-26-07 11:23
Kody purses his lips as he reads the letter from Harriet Snider, headmistress of Hogwarts. By the end of it he's grimacing enough that his mother asks, "What is it?"
"From Hogwarts. Dynamic Duo's been asked to play there Saturday night. There was another band scheduled but the lead singer went into labor a month early."
Kordelia peers over his shoulder as their mother Laura looks over his other. "That should be fun," Laura comments, trying to see what in the letter has Kody making such an awful face.
He passes her the letter, shaking his head. "I don't think it will be. Anthony, Plum, and Drake have told me all about a new common room there. Jack's mentioned it in one letter he sent just after the room was unveiled. It's for Purebloods only and every Friday and Saturday there is live music."
Kordelia moves around to sit opposite from her brother, her nose scrunching up. "At Durmstrang, it was all Purebloods. Well, I suppose someone could have slipped past but who would have wanted to? After learning all about Hogwarts, I very much wished I could have gone there as I should have. Then this new headmistress comes in and starts making changes to that it's sounding more and more like one day it will be like Durmstrang. So very dark and oppressive. You aren't going to play if it's for that new common room are you?"
Shaking his head once more Kody replies, "I don't want to but I'll need to talk with the others before sending a reply."
Kody writes a quick letter to Phin at Hogwarts then sticks his head in the fireplace to gather the rest of the band for an emergency consultation. It's not long before Drake, Anthony, and Plum are at the Reese-Emerson house, wondering why Kody's had them come over now when they'd be seeing either other this afternoon at practice.
After offering refreshment Kody tells them, "I know we've got the standing gig in the Crown & Cauldron for Hogsmeade weekend this Saturday, but we've been offered another paying gig for Saturday night. I won't decline or accept until I get input from all of you."
"Why would you need our input?" Plum asks. "I thought we already cleared Saturday night with you as being available."
Anthony, his arm around Plum's shoulders, asks, "Weren't we all going to go check out that new dance club. What's it called?"
"Zenergy," Drake fills in.
Kody, his face going into a grimace again, tells them, "It's for Hogwarts."
"That Purebloods only common room?" Anthony asks.
"The letter doesn't specify it but from what you three have told me, I think that has to be it."
He retrieves the letter from where Laura had left it on a table and reads it aloud. "Dear Mr. Reese-Emerson, A band that was to play at Hogwarts Saturday night has had to cancel due to the lead singer going into labor a month early. Dynamic Duo is an excellent replacement though I do apologize for the short notice. Your bandmate who is still a student here, Phinfilius Hodfuffer-Flefforfore, will be allowed to join you for what I'm sure will be three rousing sets. Do let me know if 7 pm is a good time for the first set or if you need to push it back closer to 7:30. Cordially, Harriet Snider, Headmistress."
Drake's face mirrors Kody's grimace. "That doesn't sound like she's expecting us to decline."
Anthony quietly says, "Maybe it's because she knows we don't actually have much choice."
"What do you mean?" Kody asks, scanning the letter again.
"She could make things uncomfortable for Alanna and Ariella."
Drake expells a loud breath. "Deak. Aaron. Saffron. Sage too."
Plum leans into Anthony, "My father."
Kody pales. "My cousin Jack. We also can't forget Phin and his uncle."
Sighing heavily, Kody says, "This is more of a summons then. Not an invitation. Looks like we've got another gig on Saturday."
Order Meeting
Author: Severus Snape
Date: 08-26-07 11:58
Exactly fifteen minutes after Professor McGonagall left the Great Hall, Professor Snape excused himself from the conversation he was having with Professor Jones and also left the room. He was halfway through the entrance hall when Professor Spudmore, his counterpart, stopped him.
"I was wondering if we might compare NEWT level lesson plans," she said. She had a condescending manner of speech, as if she believed that what Snape taught his students was far inferior to what she taught hers.
"It will have to be another time, Augusta. I have a few errands to run this morning."
"In Hogsmeade? I'll join you, then. I have a few errands in need of running myself."
Snape opened his mouth to find a way out of his predicament, when a couple of students who were not in his classes––they were purebloods––came rushing up to Professor Spudmore requesting a few minutes of her time. Snape took her moment of distraction as the perfect opportunity to slip out unnoticed.
He walked briskly down the yellowing lawn and stepped through the gates into Hogsmeade, where he followed High Street to where it branched off into the East and West Lanes. Snape turned east and went the short distance to the small cottage that Bill and Fleur Weasley owned. He knocked on the front door and saw someone pull back the curtains in the narrow window beside it. The curtains fell closed again and the door opened.
Charlie greeted, "Come in, Severus. Most everyone who's going to come is here already."
Severus stepped inside and went into the living room, where a number of people were already sitting, including Fleur, Harry, Ron, George, Fred, Ginny, Remus, Kingsley, Moody, Minerva and a few others.
"Tonks can't leave the office," Lupin explained to everyone, when Snape sat down next to him. "They're starting to restrict who can and can't go on holiday, even for just a few hours out of a workday."
"Does anyone know the ratio of "pures" to "nons" at the Ministry?" Minerva asked.
"We all know that there are less purebloods these days than in the past," Snape said. "Wizarding families would have died out long ago if there hadn't been any sort of interbreeding with Muggles."
"Or at the very least be virtually extinct today," Moody said. "I think there are more than enough wizards getting the short end of the stick who can rise against those few in power."
"But power can be a vairy frightening zing," Fleur put in. "And ze Ministair 'az powerful support. She weell not easily be overcome by ze people."
"How is it at Hogwarts?" Kingsley asked Snape and McGonagall.
"Disconcerting," Minerva replied. "The majority of the students are suffering under Harriet Snider's dictatorship. Something must be done to reverse what can only get worse."
"Unfortunately, we're dealing with children at Hogwarts. They cannot successful rebel against Snider, Yaxley and the others who support the changes, even if they so wanted."
"And we cannot ask them to," Minerva put in.
"Don't underestimate what kids can do," Harry said, speaking from experience.
Snape put a sour expression on his face. Even after all these years, he didn't like Harry very much. He was so much like James.
The meeting went on, much in the same manner, with some raising questions and others offering solutions or ideas.