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Mental
Author: Hermione Granger
Date: 07-17-11 14:27
"Who is that man?"
Hermione stood outside the window of a private room and looked in on a patient who'd just been given a powerful sedative. Next to her stood Barbara Bones, a healer who specialized in neurology.
Hermione had missed the rather haggard-looking wizard's arrival, since she'd been busy with another patient, but she and everyone else on Sub Ground 3 had heard his lunatic protestations.
"He's a patient at Hinchcliff Hospital," Barbara explained.
"The mental institution?"
"Yes, in Yorkshire," Barbara clarified. "He's been there for something like four years now. Evidently, the man thinks he's a werewolf."
Since working in the neurology wards, Hermione had seen quite a lot of cases of mental illness. There had been a young girl who'd had an addiction to eating her own hair. There'd been an elderly wizard who'd been overwhelmed with the desire to amputate his foot and had done a rather botched job of it with Diffindo. There had even been a witch who'd insisted that she had a doxy on her shoulder and that it went with her everywhere and told her to do evil things.
The wizard who thought he was a werewolf slept now and had his arms in restraints, for later when he woke up.
"What brings him to St. Mungo's?" Hermione asked.
"He mauled another patient at Hinchcliff who had an epidermal fungal infection."
"Is the other patient all right?"
"I don't know," Barbara admitted. "As far as I know, he or she wasn't admitted here."
"Is this a common mental affliction, thinking one is a werewolf?" Hermione asked.
"He's not the first I've encountered, but I can't say I see this kind of thing everyday."
"I only asked because I am just reminded of a wizard who was arrested a while back after a string of attacks, only he wasn't an actual werewolf. He was like that man there, someone who merely thought he was a werewolf. As I understand it, that particular wizard went to Azkaban and fell victim to a dementor."
"I know exactly who you mean. If he's still alive, I wager he's a patient at Hinchcliff now. Hinchcliff has an entire ward of witches and wizards who were subjected to the dementor's kiss. It's quite depressing, should you ever have any reason to go there."
Hermione shuddered at the thought. If she never saw another dementor again, then she would be quite happy.
Problems Abound
Author: Bronwyn Dewhurst
Date: 07-17-11 16:04
"Has anything come out about the line-up for Emrys Fest?"
The Morning Show had ended a short while ago and now the two hosts, sports announcer, and producer sat in a circle around a table and hashed out ideas for tomorrow morning's production.
All eyes turned to Bronwyn, who'd had a hand in planning Emrys Fest on several occasions. As she wasn't involved this time, there was little she could say, though if they really wanted answers, she supposed she could visit her old boss, assuming he was still working at St. Emrys University.
"Not to my knowledge, but I can make some inquiries," Bronwyn said to Bryce Monroe, the Morning Show's host. "I'm stopping by campus sometime this week to conduct Quidditch interviews, so I can pop by the studio for the information––if it's available for the public, that is."
"Are the Wicked Wizards of the West playing?" Milla Tufton asked.
Bronwyn eyed her steadily. "I don't know."
And she really didn't, but she seriously doubted they would. Ever since the bad business between Desi and Bianca had blown up last month, the band had been extremely low profile. All of the members, which included Xavier on bass, Bianca's ex-boyfriend Blane on drums, lead vocalist and guitarist Cecil Gainsborough, and guitarist Gabriel Dupont, had gotten their memories restored.
In some respects, Bronwyn was rather jealous of them because it had been easy for the obliviators to reverse Bianca's spell. The boys no longer had any holes in their memories.
She wondered how they felt, knowing someone had messed with their minds. Did they feel like she did? Were they mad at Bianca? Did they pity her for why she'd done it?
Bronwyn hadn't heard anything, least of all about Xavier.
"What about Cleaver?" Milla asked. Cleaver was Xavier's side project band.
"I don't know," Bronwyn repeated. She felt a little annoyed but was trying not to show her true feelings. She knew that Milla was trying to find out what she knew about Bianca and Xavier. Thankfully, very little had gotten out about it so far. Bronwyn didn't want to gossip about it and was glad she only knew so much about it anyway, even if she knew more than most.
"Okay, see what you can find out when you go to St. E's," Bryce said. "I guess that's all we need to discuss for now."
Bronwyn didn't wait another second. She got up from the table and exited the conference room for her cubicle, where she plopped down and fell deeply into thought about everything that had happened lately.
The situation with Bianca had gotten quite complicated, despite the fact that she'd been proven guilty of obliviating four individuals. The Ministry of Magic wanted to put her on trial and send her to prison, but as she was an American citizen, there was talk of extraditing her to the United States where she would be dealt with as the Department of Magic saw fit.
The only reason Bronwyn knew anything about that was because of Anthony. Desi was still talking to her, but she kept their discussions light. Talking about Bianca and Xavier was strictly verboten.
As for Desi herself, she'd been placed on administrative leave while Bianca underwent investigation. When it was determined they had a solid case against Bianca, they turned to Desi's concealment of the crimes. Bronwyn feard that Desi would lose her position and face jail time, but Desi's cooperation in the investigation that followed served as her saving grace.
She wouldn't go unpunished, however. Beginning today, she was on unpaid leave for 90 days. She was not allowed to leave the country during that time, particularly as she might be needed to testify in court, if Bianca even went to trial in London.
Rather than stay at home and twiddle her thumbs while waiting to return to work, Desi decided that she would make use of her free time and travel across the country. She didn't want any company, which made Bronwyn feel kind of bad, but Desi didn't mean it as a slight against her best friend. She only felt that she needed some time alone. Time away from everything and everybody she knew so that she could find herself again.
Just that morning at breakfast, Bronwyn had gotten a postcard from Stonehenge.
Bianca, Desi, Xavier and the boys weren't the only ones with problems. Bronwyn still hadn't recovered any more memories from those few days she went missing four years ago. Anthony constantly asked about them because he was in a desperate race to solve his case––less than a month now until the Summer Solstice––and still Bronwyn couldn't help him. She wished she could. She wanted to help him, just as much as she wanted to help herself.
She sighed and crashed her head face first into her desk. She thumped it a couple of times and then raised her head.
"Great. I probably have an unsightly bump now," she muttered to herself. She grabbed her purse, which had concealer in it, and trudged to the loo to check her reflection in the mirror.
Unfortunately, she bumped into Milla there. "Confess, Bron. You know what's going on with Xavier and the band."
"Just because I'm acquainted with him, doesn't mean I know everything that's going on," Bronwyn retorted. She dabbed at her red forehead with the concealer.
"Oh, please. Your reaction when I showed you that tabloid said it all. There's a story there."
"Because we all know tabloids are sources of outstanding journalism."
Milla made a face at Bronwyn in the mirror. "I know you're not a magazine snob, Bronwyn, so stop acting like you are."
Bronwyn stuck the concealer back in her purse and latched it shut. She thought about retorting but instead spun on her heel and left the restroom. Milla, thankfully, didn't follow.
(Kate) At Lunch
Author: Bronwyn Dewhurst
Date: 07-17-11 17:06
Kate walked alone into the Great Hall and made her way to the Hufflepuff table. She, Johanna, Felicia and Gus had just come from Transfiguration. They had all gone down to the Slytherin common room to unload the books from their morning classes and to get the ones they would need for the afternoon. Directly after lunch the Slytherins had Potions, while Kate and the other Hufflepuffs had Defense Against the Dark Arts.
She set her books down on the empty place next to her seat on the bench and sat. Fourth years Sadie and Aleydis sat across from her and ate grilled cheese sandwiches. They paused their conversation to greet Kate.
"Hey," she replied back to them, and then to Aleydis directly said, "Bad luck on Saturday."
Aleydis sighed and said, "I know. I thought we were going to have a perfect run."
"Even if it wasn't perfect, it was pretty close," Kate said. She sliced open an English muffin and put some lettuce and cheese on it to make a sandwich.
"Have you heard anything about the championships?" Sadie asked her cousin.
Aleydis shook her head. "Not a peep. Some of us have been trying to figure it out, since all the other scores have been in the paper over the past year. Problem is, none of us saved all the papers with all the scores in them, so we're guessing at some."
"You would think The Daily Prophet would have made an announcement about it already," Kate said.
Aleydis and Sadie exchanged looks. "You know, I didn't actually check the Sunday Prophet," Aleydis said.
"There's got to be one in the castle still," Sadie told her cousin.
"But surely Dumbledore would have made an announcement already if it's common knowledge," Kate wondered. "Wouldn't he?"
"Yeah, maybe..." Aleydis murmured.
"Probably," Sadie said at the same time.
All three Hufflepuff girls fell silent and chewed on their sandwiches while they wondered about the details surrounding next month's championship match.
Bright Spots
Author: Harry Potter
Date: 07-17-11 17:14
Reaching his cubicle Harry slumps down at his desk, wishing he had a door he could shut. And real walls that go all the way to the ceiling. He wonders what one has to do to finally rate an actual office. Not even noon and it's already been a hell of a day. The worst of it has been Remus finding out about Pettigrew.
Shortly after arriving at the Ministry this morning he got an owl from Tonks asking if he'd get a letter off her desk and bring it to her. Teddy's not feeling well this morning and with the full moon tonight Remus isn't his usual self either.
Tonks hadn't wanted to come in herself even for the short time it would take and she doesn't want to summon it from such a long distance and chance having something happen to the letter before it reached her. Harry had been happy to oblige, easily finding the letter just where she said it would be.
When Harry arrived at the Lupin household Remus had been in the kitchen having a cup of coffee, looking wan, pale and shakey. Tonks gratefully accepted the letter from Harry then had immediately excused herself to go check on Teddy, who's fever had gone up. This left Harry with Remus though with his friend not being at his best thanks to tonight's full moon, Harry didn't think he should stay and chit chat. He said as much to Remus unsteadily got up. "I'll see you to the door though really, Harry, stay and have some tea or coffee."
Harry hesitated before walking over to meet Remus before his friend had gotten very far. "No, really, I should go and there's no need for you to see me out, Remus."
Suddenly Remus had grabbed the front of Harry's auror robes and with a suprising show of strength for someone who looked so frail just seconds before, jerked Harry closer, inhaling deeply as he did. Just as abruptly he'd let Harry go, a scowl on his face. "You reek of the ratty scent Pettigrew had our last few encounters. Why would his smell on your clothes, Harry?"
"I don't smell anything."
"Heightened senses, especially this close to the full moon. Now answer the question, Harry."
Short of oblviating Remus's memory of this little interaction, Harry can't see any way around the question other than the truth. He could try a lie but have a feeling Remus would see right throught it. There was nothing for it then so Harry plunged in without any sugar coating.
"He came to me desperate and incredibly fearful, begging for help. My curiosity on why he'd come to me won out. I took him somewhere safe."
Through gritted teeth Remus had bit out, "Where?"
"I'm not going to tell you that."
"Does Sirius know?"
"No."
Harry found himself jerked close again as Remus growled, "Either you'll tell me or I go to Sirius."
Wrenching free of Remus's grasp, head shaking back and forth Harry firmly replied, "I'm not telling you."
He's seen Remus angry before but not like this. At Harry's response Remus's face turned even darker. He took a step forward and gave Harry a hard enough shove that Harry stumbled back a few steps. "Two days. Tell me by Wednesday night or I clue Sirius in and you'll face us together."
"Remus," Harry said, trying to sound reasonable, rational.
"Get out and don't return unless you're going to take me to him or tell me where he is," Remus barked with such fury that Harry felt it wise to not push the matter. Remus isn't fully himself today, not with the full moon. Harry can try again tomorrow or Wednesday.
Nothing else has gone well this morning either, including a setback in Griffin Price's and his investigation of Rufus Henshaw, which means postponing actually arresting the man.
Harry takes a moment at his desk, eyes closed, tuning out the buzz of noise going on all around. He sits like that for five, maybe ten minutes before taking a deep breath, opening his eyes, and getting up from his desk. Even if nothing else goes right today, there's one bright spot, or so he hopes.
Harry manuevers through the maze of cubicles then out of the Auror Department altogether, following one corridor to where the Department of Muggle Artifacts is located. Approaching the department head's office, Harry well remembers the first time he ever came to Arthur Weasley's office. Then it was a tiny, cramped thing. Now, as department head, Arthur rates much better digs and a secretary to boot. She looks up from her work with a smile, which grows bigger at the sight of Harry.
"He's expecting you so go right on in."
Harry doesn't generally make appointments when wanting to see Arthur Weasley but today is different. He wanted to be sure of catching Arthur somewhere that none of the other family members would be and the best place for that is here at work. And to be sure of finding Arthur in, Harry had come by this morning first thing, even before Tonks has owled him her request about that letter, and finding Arthur's secretary there, he'd made the appointment.
Even before Harry has his hand on the doorknob, it swings open, Athur standing there with a friendly grin. He sticks his hand out to Harry, both to shake and to physically pull Harry into his inner sanctum.
"Harry, my boy, I was surpised this morning to find you on my appointment calendar."
"Yes, sir, I know it's unusual but I wanted to be sure to catch you at a good time and without interruption from any of the family."
Arthur's expression turns serious. "Is everything all right?"
"Yes, sir, it's just I need to discuss something with you." He casts a glance at the couch that's part of one of the perks of having a large private office. "May I sit?"
"Yes, certainly," Arthur responds, take a seat as well in a nearby leather chair. "what is it, Harry?"
"Well, sir, you know Ginny and I are getting along really well. we tried dating a couple of times before and things didn't work out but things are different now."
Arthur's eyes light up and Harry can tell he's dying to blurt something out but somehow he keeps hold of himself.
"Arthur, sir, I love Ginny and I know now that I don't want anyone else but her. I'd like your permission to ask Ginny to marry me."
Arthur is on his feet now, hauling Harry up from the couch to envelop him in a huge hug. When he finally releases Harry he takes a step back and wipes at the corner of one eye. "You didn't have to ask me for permission you know, but Ginny being my only daughter I can't tell you how happy I am that you did. Of course you have my permission, Harry! You're already part of the family, this will just make it official, just like with Hermione. Molly's going to be over the moon!"
"About that, could you not say anything to anyone until I've popped the question to Ginny?"
"Yes, yes, I think I can keep your secret, though you know Molly's going to sense something."
"Which is why I was going to ask Ginny tonight."
"Excellent, excellent."
Harry is suddenly enveloped in another hug. "Don't keep me on pins and needles tonight. No matter how late, you two come to the Burrow and break the news."
"Yes, sir. We will."
After a third hug, a grinning ear to ear Arthur walks Harry out to the corridor and gives him a pat on the back. "With this to sit on, I for one can't wait for the day to be done."
"Me either, sir!" Harry replies, thinking that he was wrong about there being one bright spot today no matter what else happens. This meeting with Arthur makes for two.
Kensington Gardens
Author: Ginny Weasley
Date: 07-18-11 18:59
As it's been a lovely spring day and th evening promises to be equally nice so when Harry contacted Ginny about getting together earlier than originally planned and taking a stroll through a park or along a river, she readily agreed. After going home to change after work, Harry arrives at Ginny's Diagon Alley flat a few minutes early. Once of the twins is still in the shoppe downstairs so Harry comes through that way to say hello to Fred. When Ginny hears someone bounding up the stairs from the shoppe, she correctly guesses it's Harry.
Harry knocks even as Ginny is calling out, "Come in, Harry!"
She takes one last look in the mirror, patting down a stray hair, then grabbing up her purse goes to greet Harry. They'd decided to go casual so he's dressed in tan shorts and a crisp green cotton shirt that Ginny thinks matches his eyes well. She's wearing shorts as well, only hers are lilac with a matching lilac and pink peasant style top. After a hello kiss Harry looks appreciatively at Ginny, "You look great."
"Thank you. You clean up pretty decent yourself."
"Give any thought where you want to go?"
"Would you mind very much going somewhere Muggle?"
"No, of course not."
"Good, because I was just reading the other day about a lovely park here in London called Kensington Gardens."
"I know the place, though I don't think I've ever been. Want to apparate there or go another way? We could catch a cab out on Charing Cross Road or take the bus, or even the Tube."
"Normally I'd say let's do the Tube. That's sort of thrilling I think but I sort of want to hurry and get there so we have lots of time to stroll around before dinner."
"Apparate it is then."
Harry holds out a hand to her so they might go together but she holds up a finger before moving around to the coffee table. "I think I put that book right here. Yes, here it is." Ginny opens it to the part about Kensington Gardens and taps a picture. "What do you think? A good spot to apparate to without worry of being seen even if there are lots of people out and about?"
"Yeah, that should do nicely," Harry agrees, reading the caption under the picture to help fix the spot in his mind.
This time when he extends a hand to her Ginny takes it. "Ready?" he asks.
"Ready," she replies.
Hands tightly clasped the couple disapparate from Ginny's flat, reappearing in a blink in Kensington Gardens in the spot they'd just been looking at in a picture. It's good they took the precaution because as nice as the weather is and with light still left in the day, there are plenty of people enjoying the gardens, though how many are Londoners and how many are tourists Ginny couldn't even begin to guess.
Ginny and Harry join the others enjoying the gardens, strolling along hand in hand. After a few minutes of companionable silence and with Ginny taking in her surroundings and thinking she'll have to return soon with a camera, she asks Harry, "How was your day?"
"So so. Had a set back in a big case this morning and then some minor problems arose with another case just after lunch. Did see your dad this morning though, so that was a bright spot. How was yours?"
"Practice went really well and some of us were asked to do a workshop with the little ones next week so I'm excited about that. This afternoon I shot photos of some new products for the fall Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes catalog."
For the next little while Harry and Ginny talk about whatever comes to mind as they walk hand in hand along a path running next to what Ginny thinks from her reading is the Long Water. They eventually reach a spot that's an ornamental water garden made up of ponds and fountains with statues.
"If I remember correctly what I read about this place, I think this spot is called the Italian Gardens," Ginny tells Harry.
"There's a place for freshments. Would you like something?"
"I wouldn't mind something to drink."
"Want to share a lemonade if they have it or a soda?"
"I do rather like those soda thingies."
"A soda it is then."
They find a place to sit and enjoy the view and share the soda. They sit side by side, Harry with an arm around Ginny. They don't say much, just sit there drinking the soda and enjoying watching others in the area, particularly a small child of perhaps two, who keeps dancing a lively jig despite there being no music playing. When the soda is finished, Harry gets up to find a bin to toss it in then they begin a slow meander around the Italian Gardens.
"Ginny, we've been getting on really well I think."
Ginny gives Harry's hand a squeeze. "Extremely well."
"I think that unlike before when we tried this, we're going to stick this time."
Ginny stops walking and whirls to step in front of Harry, facing him. "You do, do you?"
"Yes, I do."
"Good, because I really didn't want to resort to using the Imperius Curse and ordering you to worship me," Ginny tells him with a cheekish grin.
"I already worship you, Ginny," Harry says, going all serious. "I love you."
Ginny, knees going all wobbly and insides going all squishy, is opening her mouth to tell Harry she loves him as well when to her amazement, right there beside one of the fountains, Harry drops down to one knee. He's got a ring box open in one hand and with his other he reaches out to take hold of one of Ginny's.
"I love you, Ginny Weasley, and don't want to live without you. Marry me?"
Others out enjoying the Italian Gardens are now watching this little display with interest but Ginny is hardly aware of anyone else being anywhere in the vicinity. Her eyes go from Harry to the ring then back to Harry.
"Yes, I will marry you, Harry Potter," she says, giving his hand a small tug to pull him back to his feet and draw him near. Harry resists long enough to take the ring and slide it on Ginny's left hand then he stands, pulls her close for a kiss as their audience applauds.