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Fleeting Thoughts
Author: Ethan Somerset
Date: 11-27-11 15:44
"Remember that you are certainly encouraged to practice Shrinking Charms outside of class!" Ethan shouted, over the noise his fourth year Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw students were making as they gathered their things together and prepared to leave the classroom. "But I ask that you not practice on each other! I do not want to hear from Madam Pomfrey that a number of students have come into the Hospital Wing with various body parts disproportionately small compared to the rest of them!"
There was a bit of laughter at that comment, but most students didn't seem to hear him. They were too busy scrambling to leave, even if it only meant they had to go to another class.
The room cleared out soon enough, but only for a very short time. During the brief interlude, Ethan's mind wandered from thought to thought. The bodyguard from the Department of Magical Law Enforcement at the Ministry of Magic still kept an eye on his home, but that was scheduled to end in a few days. With no news on Hattie's whereabouts, and no leads to boot, the Ministry simply couldn't continue to expend its resources on protection for Ethan and his daughter. Ethan wasn't too upset that he would soon be losing that extra pair of eyes, but he did wish somebody would locate Hattie sooner than later.
Ethan also thought about the Dueling Club, which would have its first meeting soon. Thinking of Dueling Club inevitably brought to mind Kissy and the announcement she'd made at Club Day. Ethan told her that being a single parent wasn't easy, but being a parent, even a single parent, was totally worth it.
The last thought that came to mind before the Gryffindor and Slytherin first years entered the classroom was what Adriana had told him. That she was the daughter of a Death Eater didn't bother Ethan in the slightest. After all, he'd been raised by two loyal Voldemort supporters. Her question about Voldemort still having some control over his life had given him food for thought, though. Ethan knew it was impossible because Voldemort was dead. But the idea was still there.
He shook his head to clear his thoughts as the first students entered the classroom. Moments later, the room was full.
"Good morning, class. Today we're going to discuss Magical Law Enforcement. In our government, the Ministry of Magic, we have a Department of Magical Law Enforcement. For our purposes, we will focus on the Magical Law Enforcement Squad, but I would like to quickly discuss the other divisions…"
Leaving Early
Author: Bronwyn Dewhurst
Date: 11-27-11 17:17
The letter from Arley had arrived early in the morning before Bronwyn had even set out for work. Upon reading it, Bronwyn had been tempted to stick her head into the floo and wake Desi up with the news, but then she'd thought better of it. Desi was not a morning person and would likely cause Bronwyn bodily harm if she woke Desi up while it was still dark outside.
In hindsight, Bronwyn wondered if Desi had even been asleep then. Desi wasn't a morning person but she was a night owl and tended to stay up until the time normal people started their day. How she ever made it to work on time and without falling asleep, Bronwyn would never know.
She thought about Arley and Seb's visit all throughout work. Bronwyn was excited to see her old friends. It had been too long. Why did so much time always seem to pass between their visits? Why did they always fall out of touch? Such was life, she supposed. A lot of people didn't keep up with their school friends in adulthood.
"Leaving work early again?"
Bronwyn turned toward the speaker and toss some of her hair over her shoulder. "I have some friends coming into town."
While it wasn't a lie, Bronwyn had no idea when exactly they were coming or where Arley and Seb were staying. She and Toby had a room available at their duplex, the same one Seb had used while Arley had been missing. Maybe they would stay at Fallon's, though.
Milla put her hands on her hips and glared at Bronwyn. "Do you even like working here anymore?"
"Yeah, I do. Don't worry. I'll be here tomorrow and I'll know what I'm talking about when we go live. I always do."
Milla shrugged. "I guess."
Bronwyn pulled her purse tighter on her shoulder and swept out of the office. "See you tomorrow!" she called out to nobody in particular.
She debated checking on Fallon, who Bronwyn hadn't heard from at all, despite Arley's wishes. Bronwyn also thought about going up to the castle to visit with Karma, but she didn't know Karma's class schedule. She even thought about visiting Desi at work to finally share with her the news that the boys were coming for a visit.
In the end, Bronwyn went home. Toby was there, lounging on the sofa with a big bowl of popcorn balance on his stomach. He was looking out the window at the rain.
"You're home early," Toby remarked as she came in.
"I wasn't in the work mood anymore," Bronwyn replied, taking the bowl from his stomach to place it on the coffee table. She slid into place by his side and cuddled with him.
He wrapped his arm around her. "What's wrong?" She had only just started getting over everything that had happened over the summer. He didn't want her to suffer a relapse.
"Nothing. I'm actually really happy because Arley and Seb are coming for a visit. I got the letter this morning before I left for work."
"That's great!"
"Yeah. I just didn't feel like sitting at the office anymore."
"Don't blame you."
"I thought you had practice today."
"Half the team is out sick, so we decided to cancel. I can't say I'm unhappy over that fact. The weather is terrible."
They remained snuggled on the couch, talking about various things until they got hungry for more than just popcorn.
Discussion
Author: Minerva McGonagall
Date: 11-28-11 18:04
"What brings you to my office this evening, Minerva?" Professor Dumbledore asked, after Professor McGonagall entered the room.
She didn't answer right away. The portraits of the past headmasters mostly slept, but a few were alert and watched her progress across the room. She stopped before the chair Dumbledore offered her and placed her hands over its backrest.
"I wonder if Severus spoke with you regarding a very serious matter he overheard," Minerva finally said. Snape merely overhearing the information in question was a bit of an exaggerration, of course.
Minerva had initially passed off Snape's concerns as nothing, mostly because she hadn't been pleased with his method of obtaining the information. The more she'd thought about it, however, the more she'd wondered if, perhaps, Dumbledore should be told something about it after all. Minerva had no concern over Ethan, but her doubts regarding Adriana's mysterious return had never quite gone away.
Dumbledore studied her kindly through his half-moon spectacles. "Are you referring to the private conversation between Adriana and Ethan?"
"Yes."
"Severus confessed what he did," Dumbledore said. "I do not condone his actions, but they are in the past and we must move forward. Won't you sit, Minerva?"
She finally did and accepted a cup of tea Dumbledore summoned. She took a sip and asked, "And what do you make of what he told you?"
"When I first heard of it, I did not necessarily think it merited investigation. However, I have since changed my mind."
"You have reason to suspect her?" Minerva asked, sitting forward in her chair.
"No. She's done nothing but express her fears about a figure who should no longer cause fear in anyone. I only mean to learn why she cannot move forward."
Minerva said nothing. She couldn't place her finger on it, but something seemed unsaid. She relaxed after a moment and sipped her tea again.
"You mean to talk with her more often? Serve as her mentor, perhaps?"
"Something like that, yes."
Minerva processed the information and in the meantime finished her tea. She set the cup and sauce on the edge of Dumbledore's desk.
"Is there anything else you wished to discuss?" Dumbledore asked.
"No, Albus. Should we adjourn to the Great Hall for supper?"
"A fine idea, Minerva."
The two old friends and colleagues got up and exited the headmaster's office, all talk about Adriana abandoned for the moment.
Surprise
Author: Abdul Hazrat AlGunud
Date: 11-29-11 17:27
Abdul stood with the other sixth year students in the second floor classroom that served as the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom. All of the tables had been moved over to the sides of the classroom, clearing a rough circular area. The students stood at one end, keeping a healthy distance from an urn placed in the center of that circular area. Despite the unpleasant subject matter, the class was generally considered quite safe. Nevertheless, none of the students seemed eager to approach the urn. Everyone was waiting for Professor Isuki to arrive. The class had been arranged in this manner when the students had arrived. Students stood gossiping, talking about Quidditch or debating about what might be in the urn.
Abdul stared at the urn, a vague memory stirring in the back of his mind. The urn was actually an Egyptian canopic jar, a Duametef by shape of the top. It appeared to be from the Eighteenth Dynasty. He squinted at the hieroglyphs written underneath the jackal-head shaped lid. If he was reading the inscription correctly, it was a curse against disturbing a part of the dead. His mind went back to the research of the previous year. He remembered now that members of the Eighteenth Dynasty was infamous for placing curses on would be grave robbers. The curses on the canopic jars were frequently targeted against a portion of the would-be-robber's anatomy which corresponded to whatever organ the canopic jar held. In this case, the jar held the stomach. Wizarding authorities in modern Egypt maintained a rigid watch over Muggle excavations of tombs and burial sites to prevent unfortunate accidents. Abdul had read about some of the earlier Muggle excavations that were not supervised. Apparently, these had provoked a wave of stories amongst Muggles about mummies coming to life and murdering the Muggle researchers.
Professor Isuki startled the students with her robust "Good morning class" greeting as she entered the classroom. She moved to the front of the student cluster and pointed toward the urn. "Some of you may recognize that object. Rest assured, if you do not know what it is now, then you will by the time this lesson is over. This urn is actually central to today's lesson. Now I need someone to remove the top. Any volunteers?" The professor's tone was bright and cheerful; nevertheless, no one raised their hand.
"No volunteers? It might be somewhat uncomfortable but I assure you it is not dangerous. Still no volunteers? Very well, I will select someone then."
Several of the students stirred uneasily. A few others stepped back behind others in the crowd. Professor Isuki's gaze slowly traveled the assembled students, coming to rest on Abdul.
"Abdul, please go over to the urn and remove the top."
He twitched inwardly at the mention of his name. Professor Isuki had said little during the sparring session between Abdul and Professor Dumbledore. Perhaps this was a test. Abdul walked toward the canopic jar, bringing his wand up to waist height and making a peculiar gesture with his free hand. He moved both wand and hand in a counter-clockwise circle while muttering an incantation under his breath. Behind him there came a mutter, "What the bloody hell is he doing?"
He reached the jar and gingerly picked-up the lid. A faint coil of green smoke rose from the jar and rapidly encircled his waist. Abdul felt a faint twitch in his gut but then the smoke dissipated.
"Very impressive Mr. Gunud. The object of this class will be to use counter curses in a prophylactic manner. In this case, the curse would cause a minor stomach ache. Now if everyone will please gather about the urn, I would like to point out a few facts."
If Professor Isuki was surprised by Abdul's actions, she hid it well behind a business-like demeanor. For the rest of the class, she made no mention of his actions. But just as class had been dismissed, she spoke, "Please come prepared with your essays on Friday. Abdul, I would like you to stay after class for a short while."
Professor Isuki was silent until the rest of the students had filed out of the classroom. "We have a few minutes before the next class arrives. The curse on the canopic jar is a very old spell, virtually unknown to any but a few scholars. I am quite surprised you knew the counterspell. Professor Dumbledore has told me something of your circumstances. However, he failed to mention your very adroit use of ancient magic. We will need to rectify this oversight. Professor Dumbledore has other business to attend to and has asked me to continue your training. We will meet on Friday evening, at a location to be determined. At that time, I will expect a full account of your situation. You may go."
Isabella The Slow
Author: Georgia Copperpot
Date: 11-29-11 19:13
Walking from Defense Against the Dark Arts on the second floor to Transfiguration on the first floor, Isabella walked slowly enough that Catherine turned to say, "Hurry up!"
I looped one arm through hers as she sighed heavily. "Buck up, Izzy."
Isabella's response was to sigh heavily once more though she did walk slightly faster. Slightly being the operative word.
Arm still looped through hers I ended up dragging her along. We could have gone on ahead and left Izzy to her slower than a slow snail slithering slowly or whatever it is snails do. We were on time for Transfiguration but only just. What made this somewhat barmy is that Izzy doesn't even take Transfiguration this term. She just likes to walk with us to class, where we meet up with Edith who does not have Defense Against the Dark Arts.
When Transfiguration ends we find Izzy in the hallway across from the classroom door. As she normally returns to our room to sleep or goes to the library to work, all three of us are surprised she's sitting on the hard stone floor and in a drafty spot at that. It takes Edith and me pulling her up to get her to move. On the way to the Great Hall Isabella once again attempts to redefine the meaning of slow.
A little more than exasperated with her Catherine finally says, "We have less than an hour for lunch if we plan on making it to Charms."
Izzy response is another heavy sigh.
Edith does not have Charms at one so isn't as concerned about getting to the Great Hall before one. As I do have Charms after lunch I look to Catherine, "Shall we?"
"We shall."
With that, we each take hold of one of Izzy's arms for a combination of carrying and dragging. We do want to know what's got Izzy being so depressively melodramatic but first, we want to get to lunch. We can eat and hear her out, if she'll talk, at the same time.
Translations:
Only one this time. I know, I know. I am off my game. Falling down on the job. I shall endeavor to do better next time and blame the sex god Sage Porter for the inability to meet expectations. He's vair distracting, don't you know.
barmy = mental
Despite the threat of rain, the soon-to-be Herbologist—or perhaps soon-to-be Potioneer since she wasn't quite decided between the two—was out and about the Hogwarts grounds. Noting the affect different types of weather had on various plants excited Ferne. Well, everything concerning Herbology and Potions excited her. A chuckle erupted from the Slytherin. All her thoughts on how education excited her made her think of the Sorting Hat. Along with the many students to walk the halls of Hogwarts, Ferne was sorted into her house at the age of eleven.
"What do you think Papa would've done if you were sorted into Ravenclaw?"
"Nothing's wrong with being sorted into another house," insisted Ferne. Phyllida only gave her a skeptical look. Ferne continued her argument, "The four houses exist for a reason."
"Yes, to sort out the weaklings that wouldn't survive in our house."
"I would've been a weakling if I had been sorted into Ravenclaw?"
"But you weren't," drawled Phyllida, taking a sip of her pumpkin juice. "So this conversation is irrelevant."
Sighing at her best friend's dismissal of the conversation, Ferne turned her attention to the other tables. She eyed the Ravenclaw table in particular. Contrary to her best friend's sorting, the Sorting Hat had taken its time with Ferne. Listening to the Sorting Hat's moment of consideration, she discovered that she had characteristics of Slytherin and Ravenclaw. But Ferne's Slytherin characteristics were more prominent and she was finally sorted. Apparently, Gryffindor and Hufflepuff didn't have much to offer her. Yet, Ferne still wondered.
And she still wondered all these years. Of the two Spore girls, Ferne has always been the kinder. She never let the rivalry between Slytherin and Gryffindor bother her. Well, not too much. While Ferne had friends from all the houses, she had more friends in Slytherin and Ravenclaw, who admired her for her knowledge. Gryffindors—especially them!—and Hufflepuffs tended to stay away from her. But the Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs she did befriend were much more accepting of her than they were of her housemates.
Engrossed in her thoughts, Ferne absentmindedly took pictures with her camera, which was protected by the Anti-Rusting Charm and such. She took pictures not only of the specimens that intrigued her, but of the entire landscape. Perhaps one or two good shots for *Ars Gratia Artis will come from this trip as well, mused Ferne, who was the president of Ars Gratia Artis. Ever since Phyllida had started hanging out with Nathaniel Ross more often, Ferne had started spending more time on studying and extracurricular activities. Of course she spent time with others, most of who she saw in the clubs for Herbology and Potions, but she preferred to spend the time alone. It allowed the seeds of creativity to flourish with the proper care.
Thoughts of studying and extracurricular activities swirled in Ferne's mind. Education. Art. Education. Art. Images started to flash before her mind's eye. Ferne envisioned pages of her textbooks, particularly her Herbology ones, forming into beautiful flowers. That's it! She knew what she wanted to create. Securing her camera in her book-bag, Ferne dashed off to the Slytherin dungeon.
Notes:
*Ars Gratia Artis (Latin for "Art for Art's Sake") is a club that embodies all forms of art—unlike the Art Society, the Photography Club, etc. It's a haven for Slytherins and those who dare to venture among them.
Exam Review
Author: Karma Davyd
Date: 11-30-11 14:41
Today's classes would be the final groupings of review and finishing answering the last questions on the study guide. I'd started this morning with a run and some yoga, and then a coffee that currently filled my mug with the Japanese Kanji for Karma on it. First class was at nine with my third year Ravenclaw and Slytherin, and we'd gone over once again the founding of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and the four individuals that found it, giving their names to the houses.
There was no homework assignments for this week as it was all scheduled for review before the first examination. After the third years filed out, the fourth year Gryffindor and Hufflepuffs began filtering in for my ten o'clock class, I was desperately looking forward to a soy chai latte for lunch along with some warmed up curry that I currently had in my quarters from a late dinner last night. "Good morning to you all. Today we are going to finish up our review for the exam on Friday."
Quick flick of my wand toward the board put up a handful of questions. "The examination will be only four essay questions. Anything that we have discussed throughout the month is fair game for the examination. Also, tomorrow there will be a few additions to the syllabus that you received at the beginning of the term." I said as I moved through the classroom.
"Who can tell me the year that Hogwarts was founded?" I asked, and several hands raised quickly.
"Kate."
"Around 1000 A.D."
"Very good, two points to Hufflepuff. Now, give me the names of all four founding members as well as their colors."
Several more hands shot in the air and I waited a few minutes before calling on the first individual. "One founder and their colors please, Polly."
"Godric Gryffindor, and the colors are red and gold."
"Very good, two points Gryffindor. Next, Demetrius, one more founder and colors."
"Helga Hufflepuff and her colors are yellow and black."
"Correct, now, Charisma one more founder and colors please?"
Charisma shifted lightly, before answering rather quickly. "Rowena Ravenclaw and her colors are blue and bronze."
"Absolutely, now the final one please Caerwyn?"
The young man quickly gave his answer. "Salazar Slytherin and the colors are emerald green and silver."
"Very good. Now, finish working on your study guides, and if you have any questions please do not hesitate to come let me know. I have office hours this afternoon from twelve to one, and I also have evening hours from four to six. You've about twenty minutes left of class to work on your study guides then you are free to go."
As soon as the class ended, everyone quickly filed out to head to their next class while I got things ready for my incoming first year Ravenclaw and Slytherin that would be coming in any moment.
Same review would be given, and it would repeat with a touch more detail for the final two classes that I had today from one to three. Tomorrow my three classes would be having their examinations, followed by this group of classes having their own exams.
The Forbidden Forest
Author: Jolyon
Date: 11-30-11 18:36
The Forbidden Forest was normally off limits to students, hence the name, but there were some circumstances when they were allowed to venture into the dark woods. One such occasion was during Care of Magical Creatures class, when it was relevant to the topic being studied for that day.
This afternoon, the seventh years studied centaurs. In theory, Firenze, one of the more friendly centaurs living in the Forbidden Forest, could have visited the barn for the lecture. Jolyon, however, thought it might be more interesting for his students to visit Firenze where he lived and roamed.
Before entering the Forbidden Forest, Jolyon gave his seventh years a very stern warning. "It may be daylight still, but that doesn't make the Forbidden Forest any less dangerous. Keep close. Do not wander off the path. Do not stray from the group. Are there any questions before we enter the forest?"
Not a single hand went up. Jolyon made sure to look everyone in the eye before turning to lead them past the first line of trees that marked the edge of the forest. Although it was overcast, a lightness from the sky could be seen through the treetops. A lamp wasn't needed to light the way, though there were dark areas in patches around the forest. Jolyon used Lumos to illuminate the darker parts, just in case there was something there that might cause the group a problem.
The seventh years followed their professor in silence for a while, eyes open and ears alert for any sign of a magical creature, be it a graceful unicorn or a frightening acromantula. After a while, they came to a clearing.
Jolyon turned around to face the group, who fanned out in a circle around him. "I'm sure you are all aware that centaurs have the upper body of a human and the lower half of a horse. You are probably also aware that they are capable of human speech. But is a centaur a beast or a being?"
"A beast," Cornelia Vanderbilt said. She darted a glance around the forest, as if she were looking for something in particular, and then turned back to Jolyon to add, "They were offered the chance to be classified as Beings a long time ago but declined."
"You are absolutely right. You may remember from third year Care of Magical Creatures that Beings are described as creatures who have enough intelligence to follow wizarding law. Centaurs certainly fit that description. Creatures included in the Being classification are goblins, vampires, giants, house-elves…"
He let his sentence trail off. Then he asked, "Why do you suppose the centaurs would decline the opportunity to be beings?"
"Because they didn't want to follow wizarding law?" Tim Gabble asked.
"Good guess," Jolyon replied with a grin, "but no."
"Because they didn't want to associate themselves with vampires," Cornelia replied.
"And with hags," Jolyon added, nodding. "Very good. Let's go in a bit further." He turned and led the group deeper into the forest, where they would meet Firenze and perhaps a few other centaurs willing to talk to the students about their lives and livelihood.