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(Anthony) Siella Dragonsblood
Author: Beck
Date: 06-02-13 13:45
Anthony moved to the side of the corridor to make room for a passing gurney and then continued on to Ward 49, also known as the Janus Thickey ward, where long-term residents afflicted with spell damage were treated. He was not there to follow up on the recent disappearance of a patient, since that case belonged to someone else. Rather, he had come to St. Mungo's Hospital to interview Landon Dragonsblood's cousin.
Siella Dragonsblood worked as a healer in the Janus Thickey ward. Her father Dirk was the younger brother of Landon's father. Dirk was a good ten years younger than Sergio Dragonsblood, just as there was an approximate ten-year age difference between the two cousins, Siella being the younger of the two.
Anthony inquired after Siella at the nurses station and did not have to wait long for her to meet him. She invited him to join her at a table in the Visitor's Tearoom, where they could sit and talk over cups of coffee or tea.
"Landon and I weren't very close growing up," Siella explained, both hands wrapped around a steaming mug of chocolate-flavored coffee. "We saw each other occasionally, like at Christmas or the birthday of one of our grandparents, but we didn't really spend much time together apart from that. I can't say I knew him well enough to realize what he was up to," she went on, referring to her cousin's involvement in Voldemort's Project 25. "I had no idea he was dark."
"Do you remember when he adopted Eusebius?" Anthony asked.
"Yes, but like I said, I didn't talk to him regularly to keep up with his family."
"I suppose you haven't heard from him in recent years?"
"Not since before he ran into trouble," Siella said. She shook her head. "I'm not sure I will be of any help to your investigation."
Anthony waved away her concerns. "You've already been a help to me. Just a few more questions and I'll let you return to work."
"Oh, goodie," Siella joked with a smile.
Anthony grinned and then grew serious again. "What about your father? How was his relationship with his older brother and his nephew?"
"My dad and Uncle Sergio weren't very close either, I think mainly due to the difference in their ages. Uncle Sergio died when I was a little girl, so I don't remember very much about him. As for my dad and Landon? I guess they are about as close as Landon and I are. Not very."
"Would you give me your father's information so I can speak with him?" Anthony asked.
"Yes, but he lives in Brussels."
Anthony grinned again. "Great. I love to travel for work."
Siella laughed. "Is there anything else I can help you with?"
Anthony took down Dirk Dragonblood's information and then shook his head, extending his hand across the table to Siella. "No. Thanks for taking the time to talk to me. You've been a big help."
Siella shook his hand and said, "I'm not so sure about that, but you're welcome."
She finished her drink first and then got up to return to work, leaving Anthony to jot down some thoughts and drink his own cup of tea at a more leisurely pace. He had several more interviews to conduct. Hopefully one of them would lead him to the whereabouts of wanted criminal Landon Dragonsblood.
Ballybogs
Author: Jolyon
Date: 06-02-13 15:23
"Come in, come in," Professor Kent said to his fourth year students, shepherding them into the warmth of the barn. He pulled the double doors closed behind them and moved to the opposite end of the room, passing the many stalls along one of the longer walls. Reaching a sturdy table set up next to a portable blackboard, Professor Kent turned to face his students.
For the most part, they had divested themselves of their cloaks and had moved to the simple desks arranged in the middle of the barn.
"Find your seats so that we can get started," Professor Kent said.
As soon as the stragglers were seated, he began his lecture on ballybogs.
"What is this?" Professor Kent asked, removing a dingy cloth covering a large terrarium set up on the sturdy wooden table. Inside the glass rectangle were extremely muddy conditions. Dirt and grime splattered the walls, making it almost difficult to see through the lower half of the glass. In a mud pit lolled a round creature with extremely spindly limbs.
Mason Jeffers raised his hand and said, "It's an Irish ballybog."
"Quite right. Take 2 points for Slytherin," Professor Kent said. "The ballybog goes by many names, depending on the region. That will be your homework assignment, so we won't discuss its other names in detail today. Instead, we will talk about the ballybog's habitat and characteristics."
The creature in the terrarium shifted in its mud pit and started making grunting noises.
"Ballybogs live, as their name suggests, in bogs, and as Mason pointed out, are mainly from Ireland. There are species in England and northern Europe, as well."
The ballybog sluggishly moved forward, pressing its pointy nose against the glass. Its eyes were bright red, making the creature seem more unpleasant that it actually was.
"Everyone, come a bit closer," Professor Kent instructed. There was some hesitation on the part of a few of the students, but most crowded around the terrarium to get a better look at the oddly-looking creature.
The ballybog, besides being completely covered in mud, had a round body and no neck. Its head started where its rotund torso ended. Its arms and legs were stick thin and could hardly support the creature's body, which explained why it mostly sat around in the mud.
"Ballybogs communicate with each other through grunting," Professor Kent went on, "and slobbering."
"Eww!" exclaimed one of the girls.
"Yes," Professor Kent agreed. "Exchanging slobber is not my preference when engaging in conversation with someone else!"
The ballybog, which had stopped its grunting, swiveled its head around and fixed its red eyes on each student in turn. It stopped when it met Adina Blackwood's eyes and immediately started drooling. Its saliva mixed with the mud on its chin and dribbled down its front in a brown stream.
"Believe it or not," Professor Kent continued, "this little guy is not the worst sort of ballybog. He's clearly very disgusting, but he's also quite mellow. His English counterpart, on the other hand, has a nasty temper. The least of your worries when crossing an English ballybog is getting pelted with mud. In extreme cases, they will lead you to your death in the bog where it lives."
A few students shuddered at the thought. Professor Kent discussed the English version a bit more and then described the northern European variety, before returning to the Irish version again.
Watching and Waiting (Vasilka)
Author: Sirius Padfoot Black
Date: 06-02-13 15:48
Moving through Godric's Hollow, head down against a chill wind, Vasilka trudges from the shoppe where she purchased a sandwich and some coffee. She had meant to bring food as she often does but had found her cupboards more bare this morning than she remembered them being yesterday. Why can't she just conjure a sandwich from that shoppe without having to actually go in and pay for it, with confusing Muggle money at that?. Some might call it theft if she were to use magic to conjure something from there but it's only a Muggle shoppe so what's the big deal? It's not as if a theft by a solitary witch would matter in the grand scheme. A theft by a witch from a Muggle place of business isn't even worthy of mention.
Reaching the spot from which she'd spent the morning in wait, Vasilka decides that tomorrow she may do just that. Who would notice or even really care? Anyone of import that is.
Reaching the spot where she has a small camouflaged tent, Vasilka feels around for it, not wanting to walk into the side and uproot the thing. With sandwich in a pocket and coffee in one hand, the other hand trails along the side and around to the opening. The inside isn't that big. Just a single small room and what looks like a closet in one corner but is really a built in loo. In the small room is a comfortable chair, some blankets since using the tiny fireplace might give away her position, a book to help while away the time, and some items to assist with viewing, including a somewhat old fashioned looking spyglass.
Vasilka has never actually seen the house. She simply figured out about where it's located. In the time since, she's watched, gathered information, and planned. Though not naturally patient she's forced herself to be, testing her own limits. After handling things badly the first time, she's willing to take even more months if necessary.
It took Vasilka awhile to put together a workable plan of action. Over the course of the days and weeks of watching, observing, and taking notes, an idea formed. Since formulating this plan, more waiting ensued. There is only one target and she does not want anyone else affected, though she concedes that may not be possible now matter how carefully she goes about it.
Settling into her chair, Vasilka munches her sandwich and drinks the coffee, watching the nearby lane through a one way viewing portal. He sometimes comes home for lunch and sometimes takes the dog for a quick walk when he does. Hopefully her foray for food and drink did not mean missing seeing him today.
Oh So Productive
Author: Charlie Weasley
Date: 06-02-13 19:36
Charlie should be grading some make-up exams of the handful of students who missed a test at some point in the term. Instead, for the third time he's reading through a copy of a report from the group comprised of Blythe Mumps and other veterinary healers specializing in dragons. The group has been studying the genetic manipulations discovered to have been done to all the dragons that have mysteriously turned up dead at various dragon preserves around the world.
"Busy?"
Shaking his head as he looks up, Charlie half rises, gesturing for Remus Lupin to come in.
"Wholly unproductive as a matter of fact. How are you, Remus?"
"Good, though final exams always make me tired for some reason. You'd think I was the one who's been pulling all nighters cramming to write an exam." Remus gives a wry smile adding, "Of course, we are just a few days from the full moon."
"Maybe you should convince Hermione and Maj to work together to finally come up with a potion that would eat least stave off the effects of the change if not keep it from happening altogether."
"Healers and potion masters have been working on some sort of cure for centuries. I'm just that I've benefitted from what progress has been made."
"If anyone could do it, those two could. If Severus Snape would work on it with them, I wouldn't be surprised if they had something within a year or two."
Remus smirks at that. "Severus working on something to directly benefit me. That would be something. Enough about me and my moon problems. What's that you've got that's keeping you from being unproductive?"
"You know those dragon deaths I've mentioned? The veterinary healer team found the cause of death in each case to be because of genetic manipulation. After more study the team released a report. This is a copy. I've read through it several times now and though some of this stuff I have no idea what they're talking about, I get the gist of it."
"Which is?"
"When each dragon reached a certain age the genetic manipulation causes degradation to occur on the cellular level. Enough degradation and the dragon drops dead, still giving the appearance though of being healthy."
"Why would anyone do that repeatedly?"
"From what I gather from the report, subtle changes were made from dragon to dragon, as if the person is trying to fix the problem, adjusting and experimenting. What exactly the end result this person, or persons, is hoping to achieve, no one has figured out yet. The veterinary healer team is still working on that."
"You get the impression that whatever the goal is, it's not good?"
"Some days, definitely."
"I'd be interested to know what more is learned. I would also like to grab some lunch, which is why I stopped by. I hate to pull you away from all the work you are steadily getting through but want to join me?"
Charlie chuckles at Remus's sarcasm. "Yes, I am dying from a break from this work overload."
As Charlie locks up, they discuss their options, deciding on a wizarding restaurant only a few blocks off campus.
(Mark) Tuesday After Classes
Author: Isolde
Date: 06-03-13 17:41
Ever since Care of Magical Creatures let out, Mark hung out in the Slytherin common room and pretended to go over the reading for tomorrow morning's Herbology class. He rarely felt motivated to study or do homework after a full day of classes, but with his friends on a different schedule, one that kept them in class a bit longer on Tuesday afternoons, Mark felt he could try to get at least something done.
He had changed out of his school robes and into jeans and the long-sleeved Quidditch t-shirt he had gotten from his Secret Santa. His only remaining plans for the day, besides his failed attempt at homework and dinner in a little while, was Quidditch practice at 7. Mark was glad the days were growing longer, especially with winter soon passing into spring, but tonight's practice would still take place in the dark.
It was certainly good practice, playing under less than ideal conditions, but the night brought with it an even colder cold. Mark couldn't wait for warmer temperatures.
His cat Cavall suddenly sprang up onto the back of the sofa where Mark had spread out his person and his things. The snow-white cat settled into a position where he could look over Mark's shoulder, as if to supervise him while he worked. Mark cast the cat petulant look and then turned back to his textbook.
Sometime later, Gus and Johanna breezed in the common room. They had just come from Ancient Runes class, which they also had with Kate. As Gus passed by the back of the sofa, he ran his hand over Cavall.
"Don't tell me Mark is actually studying!" Gus said, coming around the sofa to sit in the adjacent overstuffed armchair.
"Attempting to study, you mean," Mark replied, finally closing his book and making room for Johanna to sit. Cavall moved to the arm of the sofa and then sprang into Gus's lap.
"You should follow Mark's example, Gus," Johanna said, looking at Gus, who was busy scratching behind Cavall's ears. "Maybe you would be doing better in class and wouldn't need to copy off others so much."
"Yes, Gus," Mark said, feigning seriousness. "It is your O.W.L. year, after all."
"Okay, Mum and Dad," Gus remarked. He shooed the cat from his lap and asked Mark, "We're still on for practice tonight, aren't we?"
"As far as I know Basil hasn't canceled," Mark replied.
"Great," Gus exclaimed, getting up. "I'm going to change out of this uniform."
Johanna got up too. "Kate said she would be in the Great Hall by 5:30."
"Thanks," Mark said. He also got up and started gathering up his things. There would be no more attempt at doing homework tonight. He carried his stuff into his room, dumped it on his bed, and then announced to the closed curtains around Baltus Crane's four-poster bed, "Dinner's at 5:30 if you care to join us."
He didn't expect a response, and he didn't get one either. Baltus and Felicia were too busy sucking face to think about anything other than each other.
Mark slipped from the room and made his way back to the common room for a little rest and relaxation before dinnertime.
Security Questions
Author: Minerva McGonagall
Date: 06-04-13 18:02
Minerva walked the third floor corridor with her hands clasped behind her back and thought about the great many issues surrounding Hogwarts at the moment. The recent article on Declan Douglass had pointed a finger at her as well, claiming she had helped cover up the incident in which former student Zabrynna Ravensdale had used a love potion on her History of Magic professor. Minerva knew it was but a taste of what would come, should she ever fall victim to Rita Skeeter's acid green Quick Quotes Quill. No doubt that would happen sooner or later.
She slowed her walking when a nearby classroom door opened, spilling out eager second year students. They hardly paid her any attention, instead moving in droves to the staircases. It was lunchtime, and they were no doubt hungry after a double lesson of Charms. Minerva waited for the last students to leave the classroom and then entered it, greeting Professor Flitwick as he tidied up after the lesson.
"Greetings, Minerva. Just passing by or is there a purpose to your visit?" the diminutive teacher asked, pausing in his straightening up to look up at the older witch.
"The first," she said, "but I suppose we should discuss a serious matter."
"Regarding what to do about the post?" Professor Flitwick asked. He moved over to a chair and sat down, while Minerva did the same at one of the desks. The pair had briefly discussed the possibility of conducting security checks of the owl post, but they hadn't settled on any plan of action yet.
"The incident with Miss Carter-Cardin," Minerva began, clutching her hands together on the surface of the desk, "has me worried that the next gift Adriana sends won't be as innocuous."
Although it had not been immediately clear that the bouquet of roses delivered to Angharad had come from Minerva's former colleague, the similarities in her card and the one left with Bill Weasley's birthday bouquet were too great to ignore. Even the handwriting matched.
"Poor child," Filius mused, shaking his head, "to be so tormented after the agony of losing her mother."
"Possibly at the hands of her tormentor," Minerva added, with a frown.
"Well, what say you, Minerva?" Professor Flitwick asked. "Is it necessary, for the safety of our students, fellow staff, and the school at large, that we thoroughly search each package and letter before it reaches its intended recipient, or will it suffice to simply scan each item with security charms?"
"Perhaps this is a question for someone with law enforcement experience," Minerva replied, after a moment of quiet reflection. "I will ask Ethan his professional opinion, though I am loathe to invade the privacy of everyone within these walls on the chance that something might happen."
"And yet, is it not better to be cautious for the sake of safety than to leave our safety to chance?"
Minerva fixed her colleague with an appreciative glance. "I will inform you of Ethan's opinion as soon as I hear it, and then we can discuss how we wish to proceed."
"Very well, Minerva. If there is nothing more, I think I will take my lunch in the Great Hall. Do you wish to join me?"
"Certainly."
The two professors got up and exited the room together.
How Many Know?
Author: Dante Knight
Date: 06-04-13 19:01
The latest any of Dante's classes run is to 12:15. Today is one of those days. He still goes on runs in the mornings and evenings but when the colder weather set in he also got in the habit of going for a run at some point after his classes end, finishing up in time to take a quick shower and be in his office for his posted hours. Isreal, he Ministry Hit Wizard who often runs with him, asked why in Merlin's name Dante is almost literally running morning, noon, and night.
Dante had shrugged, not sure how to fully explain. He finally settled on, "It helps me think and, for the moment, it's really the only hobby I have."
"It's also not like I get out much," he adds after a second's pause, thankful he doesn't have to explain the reasons for that to Isreal. He does get asked from time to time why he doesn't leave Hogwarts that often and when he does, that he never seems to go far. He also gets told from time to time that he needs to get out and meet some dateable people.
Today, sitting on a bench in a little patch of sun after yet another run, Dante is the one with a question. "Isreal, why are you coming on the midday runs two, three times a week with me when I haven't been your assignment in a few weeks now?"
A few weeks ago the Ministry decided to end the near constant monitoring of Dante, needing to assign their personnel to other cases. His mail is still screened and Dante had to vow to report in to the Ministry first thing if any family member does contact him. After so many months of someone shadowing him whenever he did leave Hogwarts, not having someone hovering has seemed a little strange.
Isreal takes a moment to answer, wanting to fully catch his breath first. Dante doesn't prompt for an answer, choosing instead of stand and stretch. After a nearly half a minute, Isreal follows suit, saying as he does, "Doing the runs with you I've dropped weight and firmed up even though I haven't changed any of my eating habits to speak of. I know if I were to run on my own or start some exercise regimen, after awhile I'd stop. Do you not want me coming along?"
"No, I don't mind. I did a little at first because I had to go slower with you running with me. That feeling didn't last very long though it might have if you were someone who wanted to constantly chatter." They do talk on the runs, just not for the entire time. "I was just curious why you'd keep coming even though, in your words, running is torturous agony."
Isreal grins at that. "I still think it is but I think all exercise is. That said, I do feel better overall than I have in awhile and I've told you my wife likes that I've dropped weight and have firmed up. It's actually improved our sex life."
Dante shakes his head even as he returns Isreal's grin. "Too much information, mate."
He resumes his position on the bench as Isreal opens the bottle of water he'd brought. His expression turns serious as he asks the older wizard another question. "On a whole other topic, how informed were you about why the Ministry wanted me monitored?"
"Unless someone was given information privately, we Hit Wizards were only told that you had family members wanted for questioning and were cooperating with the Ministry to assist that in happening should those family members attempt to contact you. I don't know how much the two Aurors were told."
"You weren't ever curious?"
"Only every day but if my higher ups wanted me to know, I would have been told. I have come close to asking you a few times but held back."
"Why?"
"Other than what I just said about the higher ups, I guess because I came to think of you as a friend. Whatever it is, it must be somewhat sensitive. I didn't want to overstep the friendship when work hasn't considered me someone in the need to know. I think also that a small part of me thought maybe you'd been told we Hit Wizards hadn't been fully briefed and would know I was just being overly nosy."
Isreal frowns as a thought occurs to him. "Are you asking because of those articles Rita Skeeter has written about some of your colleagues."
"Yes. When some of those articles have been based on information Skeeter shouldn't have known, with the last one out and out stating an anonymous source close to those involved had spoken with her, I haven't been able to stop wondering how many know about my situation."
"I'll find out how many do know beyond Ron Weasley if I can. Weasley is who took your statement, right?"
"Right. He would know and Minister Shacklebolt. I'm not sure who else might as I only talked with those two. Here, Professor McGonagall, but she isn't going to say anything."
"I'll poke around. Give me a few days."
"Thanks you. And, next time we are somewhere we can be sure of no prying ears, I'll tell you about my family. I have to warn you though that after you know, you might not want to know me any longer and wouldn't want me at your home, around your family."
Isreal is very quiet for at least a full minute before replying, "This is about your family, not you, right?"
"Yes."
"I won't know for sure until I know the whole story but I don't think I'll be holding against you whatever it is your family is wanted for questioning about."
Isreal decides that's the perfect time to take his leave. He bids Dante goodbye and promises again to see what he can learn about who knows what. Deep in thought after his friend leaves, Dante only gets up so he can go shower, get a sandwich, and make it to his office in time for the start of his 2 pm Wednesday office hours.