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Destruction Of Property
Author: Travis
Date: 05-11-14 17:58
Lips compressed in a thin line, bending at the knee, Travis scrutinizes the Monarda didyma, also known as bergamot and bee balm, planted in neat rows. The normally dark green leaves with reddish veins are deep gray, hanging limp. The tubular crimson flowers are equally droopy, the petals washed of all vibrancy. Standing up, eyes scanning the devastation she asks Neville, "All are like this?"
"Every single one."
Neville Longbottom sounds as if he wants to cry. Travis wouldn't blame him if he did. She definitely wants to. This long greenhouse holds bee balm. A plant in the mint family, Monarda didyma is used for teas and essential oils and has been used for its antiseptic qualities. It's even used commercially for mouthwashes. The plant normally flowers mid- to late summer but the greenhouse allows the plant to flourish outside of its normal growing season. They also use a little magic here and there in all the greenhouses as an additional aid.
Most of Travis's greenhouses in this location each have a different plant. If every single plant in every single greenhouse here is dead or nearly so, and each is a different species, then there's something more at work here than an unexpected blight.
Though she knows it's not insect related, Travis asks anyway. "No sign of bugs?"
"None." Neville is nice enough not to point out that it really is a stupid question.
Giving a snort of disgust Travis states, "Someone did this."
"That's what I think too but none of the alarms went off. No unauthorized person gained entrance to any of the greenhouses."
"Someone either figured a work around or it's an employee."
"I hope it's not. An employee I mean. I just don't know why anyone, employee or someone else, would do something like this."
"Attempting to shove the competition aside? I cheesed off someone without realizing? This is a hint that I should give a wage increase?"
"You pay nice wages so if that's the reason, the person is barmy but then, the perpetrator could be barmy without wanting a pay increase. We'll be wanting to interview the employees." Neville says this even as Travis is about to make the same remark.
"Those from here and if nothing pans out with any of them, which I hope to Merlin it doesn't, we should consider talking with those at our other locations. If it is an employee, could be it's one who works elsewhere and picked this place to divert our attention. I should also report this. No matter who did this, it's destruction of property or I should think that's how it would be termed. Whatever it is, a criminal act has been carried out."
Neville and Travis return to Hogsmeade to Botanicals & Beyond where Neville pulls the records of the employees from that particular location while Travis contacts the Ministry.
Afternoon Stroll
Author: Ella
Date: 05-12-14 10:50
Ella Yao bundled newly renamed Ramsey Harville-Yao into a fleece, zip-up jacket and wrapped him up in a warm, woolen blanket given to him by his grandmother Cecilia Yao. The elder Mrs. Yao had become very fond of her grandchild, even if he wasn't technically a Yao by blood. She doted on him and sometimes even offered to look after him so that Ella and Francis could enjoy a night out or simply relax without a baby in the house. Of course, she hoped that Francis and Ella would add to their family in the future, but she wasn't in any hurry for more grandchildren just yet.
Dunstan Harville likewise doted on his only grandchild, but his job at the Ministry of Magic sometimes kept him too busy for babysitting duties. Nowadays he put in extra hours to help provide for the young family who couldn't yet take care of themselves. Dunstan didn't mind, since it wasn't as if Ella had planned to have a baby so young. He also knew that Francis would one day take over the breadwinning duties. Maybe when Ramsey got older, Ella would find some work too.
After getting the baby situated, Ella carried him into the dining room, where Francis had all his school books, class notes, and other material spread out. It was finals week at St. Emrys University. Francis already had a couple exams behind him but still had more to go, including one that very evening.
"Are you at a good stopping point?" Ella asked.
Francis put down his quill and nodded. "I think so. Going to take a walk?"
"Yes. I thought you might like to come along, since it's actually sunny today and not as dreary and wintry as it's been."
Francis got up and followed Ella and Ramsey to the front of the house, where their coats and cloaks hung on a stand in the corner, along with the baby's pram, which was neatly folded so as not to take up too much room. Francis situated the pram and took Ramsey from Ella's arms to tuck him securely into the cot, while she put on her coat. Francis put on his jacket next and then the three set off down the front walk before heading along the sidewalk.
"Sometimes I think we should move," Ella said, after a long companionable silence in which they basked in the sun that made the chill seem less noticeable.
"Out of your father's house, or far away from here?" Francis asked. He pushed the pram at a gentle pace.
"Both," Ella said. "I know Dad says we're not imposing on him, and it's not like we can live on our own yet, but I feel bad about our situation. And no, I'm not saying you should quit school and find a job. That's not what I'm saying at all."
"I know, and I agree with you," Francis replied. "After this term ends, I'll have four left before I've got my degree. I should be able to find a real, decent-paying job after that, which will not only help us but your father as well."
"As for moving away from here…" Ella began, debating how to phrase her next words.
"You're afraid he'll find out about Ramsey," Francis answered for her.
"I know he could always find out, even if we move halfway across the world, but I have this nightmare that he'll just show up at our door one day and take him away from us."
Francis said, "He's a wanted fugitive. He's not going to come around unless he's willing to risk getting caught."
"I just wish I knew where he was. Is he far away from here, or is he hiding in our own backyard?" Ella asked. She looked around her shoulder as if Zane were watching her at that very moment.
"If he's smart, he left town. Smarter, if he left the country." Francis put a hand on her arm. "I know that as long as he's out there, there's a chance he can come back and there's the possibility that he'll learn about Ramsey. It's good to be cautious, but I don't think you should live in fear of what might happen."
"I'm trying not to worry, but it's hard not to think about him sometimes. He's a bad person, Francis. Who knows what evil things he's doing right at this very moment."
(Mark) Shenanigans
Author: Isolde
Date: 05-12-14 13:54
After Ancient Runes, which Mark took but Capri didn't, he went up one floor to the library, where they had agreed to meet. The study carrels were fairly private compared to other parts of the castle. After the exposé written about Capri in yesterday's Daily Prophet, a little privacy was just what she needed. Mark found her in the last carrel and dropped a kiss onto the top of her head before seating himself next to her at the small table.
"Hi," she murmured, pushing her books away to give her boyfriend a little attention.
"Hi," he replied, making no effort to remove any books from his satchel. He raised his hand to brush some hair from her face, tucking the loose strand behind her ear. "What did I miss?"
"Oh, nothing," Capri replied, shrugging her shoulders. "I made a pit stop in the dorm room to switch out some books and have been here ever since."
Capri was avoiding contact with others as much as possible. Yesterday's article only darkened her reputation, and it certainly didn't help that Andromeda had run with it. She told anyone who would listen just how dangerous her sister was and thought Capri should get expelled from Hogwarts, even though she hadn't done anything worthy of expulsion yet. But why chance someone getting hurt? Capri had blown up a classroom before, so she could definitely do it again––and what if it was full of students the next time?
So far, Capri wasn't taking Andromeda's bait and any time someone else commented on her situation, she said nothing. Some would argue she was only confirming her guilt by remaining silent, but then she really had caused the explosion in her old school, so it wasn't like she was totally innocent. But just because she did it once, didn't mean she would do it again.
Mark ran his thumb over her cheek and said, "It's like I told you. Rita Skeeter is the type of person who likes to stir up trouble for the sake of a story. It's not personal. She picked you because you were an easy target and you had a story she could spin to her advantage. I doubt very much she's trying to change the school for better or worse. She's just writing about everyone here because she can."
Capri had a little frown on her face, but then she quirked up the corners of her lips and asked, "If she wrote about you, what do you think she would say?"
Mark grinned. "That I'm a bad influence on the female student body."
"Oh? And here I thought you were the model student. After all, here you are in the library, and you have every intention of studying, right?" Capri grinned impishly at him.
"Oh, I plan on studying all right, but not necessarily for any of my subjects…" He traced his fingers along her jaw and then cupped her chin with his hand, pulling her into a deep kiss. Her arms went around his neck. He started to pull her into his lap, when there was a loud rapping at the room's window.
They pulled apart enough to look and saw Azaelia. She wagged her finger and then pointed at Mark, indicating for him to step outside for a moment. Mark shot Capri an apologetic look and said, "Better see what the librarian wants."
"Don't be long."
Mark untangled himself from her arms and left the study carrel, following into step with his cousin's cousin, who led him all the way over to the office behind her desk at the front of the library. They sat down before anyone said anything.
"I get that you're in a new relationship and everything," Azaelia started, "but if you aren't going to use the room to study, then you'll need to take your shenanigans elsewhere."
"We would," Mark began, "but there's no where she can go without getting harassed right now. You know what it's like."
"Yes, I do," Azaelia agreed, "and I guess I have the advantage of not being a student and prone to bullying and peer pressure and whatever else you face when you're not an authority figure. But getting hot and heavy in the library is not acceptable. Also, aren't you moving on kind of fast?" She knew how he'd felt about Kate.
"I'm moving on," Mark said with a note of finality in his voice. He softened then and said, "We'll try to keep the shenanigans at a minimum."
"Thanks, because I would hate to have to give you two detention or worse, have Professor Snape give you the talk."
Mark snickered at the thought.
Azaelia changed subjects then. "How are you holding up?" she asked. "About your parents, I mean. Isolde told me."
Mark shrugged. "I guess you never know what your parents are really up to, do you?"
"Don't I know it. What Rita Skeeter wrote about my dad… turns out it's all true."
"Really?" Mark asked.
"Really." Azaelia leaned back in her chair. "Okay. You can go. No shenanigans."
"No shenanigans," Mark promised. He smiled at her and then left the office to rejoin Capri in the study carrel.
Home Again
Author: Chance Morgan Lovell
Date: 05-12-14 14:24
Chance had been in Hogsmeade for more than a week and she was glad she was back it was always good coming back home again. She had another week before she started at the Daily Prophet and that meant she had some time to spend with Jonathan before things got too crazy and she also had sometime to catch up with some old friends; at least she had hoped that she did.
In the eight years that she had been gone so much had happened and she wished that she had stayed in touch with her friends but a letter here and a letter there and then nothing because she was just too busy to write anything but work related things. It was a crazy life. Then she got married.
Chance and Torrance were married for four years before he got sick. He was in and out of the hospital and they never could figure out what was wrong with him. It was May 26th, 2005 that he died after being ill for more than a year. Chance was broken hearted that the man she loved more than anything in the world was now gone. She cried and grieved for him and then threw herself into her work and did nothing but work until she met Jonathan a year and a half later.
Jonathan Strong-Allison was a good man, a pureblood wizard who was also working for the Oracle in New York City. He was originally from Adelaide, Australia but had come to New York for work. He was assigned to help Chance on a story – and when you spend every waking hour together for three months you either fall in love with the person or you end up hating them – Chance loved him.
Chance's thoughts turned back to her friends and she smiled as she thought about Bronwyn Dewhurst. It had been ages since she had seen or talked to her, since she moved for that matter and she wanted to get back in touch with her. She sat down at her cluttered desk and wrote a letter to her:
Dear Bronwyn,
I know it has been some time but I am back in Hogsmeade and I would love to see you. It has been a rough road getting back here but I am here to stay and I have to say it would be nice to have my friends back. I've missed you over the years and I have thought about you often I am sorry I was such a lousy friend and I did not write to you like I said I would. I hope you can forgive me.?
I would love to have you over or we could meet anywhere you want to when you are free. I have so much to tell you. I've missed you terribly.
Yours,
Chance
Folding the letter Chance placed it in an envelope and sent Jonathan's owl off with the letter and hoped that it found Bronwyn in good health.
Eye Witness Account (Hartcrofte House - Knockturn Alley)
Author: Peregrinus Hartcrofte
Date: 05-12-14 15:17
The tension in the air was palpable. Both Pippin and Nephele could see how rattled the other was. Pippin lacked his usual swagger and charming smile. Nephele was far more difficult to read; the Ice Princess in her element. It was a credit to Pippin's intimate understanding of his fiancée that he could see just how much Cassandra's disappearance bothered her.
"I've sent an owl to Mother, conveying our regrets that we'll have to reschedule having tea with her and Belle. Don't worry, I'm sure she'll understand."
"Can we pencil that in right behind the appearing in Gryffindor colours?"
Pippin couldn't help but smile at the old rivalry. He knew the sarcasm was her shield against the very real fear of what may have become of her dear friend and sister-in-law. Thus, any witty comeback that may have normally been voiced was squelched.
The two held each other's hand, a bit more tightly than usual, as if afraid they too would become separated. They stood side-by-side in the large fireplace as Nephele cast her handful of Floo powder. Her voice was clear, but lacking her customary confidence as she instructed the Floo system of their destination.
"Ravenscrofte Rare and Antiquarian Books!"
Immediately, the two took to scanning Cassandra's shop with Pellego spells. Nothing seemed at all out of the ordinary, so they took their search outside, into Knockturn Alley. Pippin continued his scanning, while Nephele went to work canvassing the residents for any clue as to her disappearance. It was Nephele who first had any success, interviewing the proprietor of The Starry Prophesier.
"Aye, I know the lass. Miss Catesby, though I s'pose it's Mrs. Mockridge now, innit? I sawr her jus' yesterday, walkin' past me shop."
"Did she seem upset? Or was there anything else out of the ordinary? My brother is quite concerned for his wife."
"So the bloke 'at she Apparated away with wasn't' im, then?"
"No, Kirley hadn't seen her since breakfast yesterday. He works at the Ministry. Can you tell me about the man she apparated away with?"
The proprietor shrugged helplessly. "Just some bloke. I din' pay 'im no mind; thought he wuz Mr. Mockridge." He squeezed his eyelids tightly, trying desperately to recall something – anything – that might prove useful. "Brown 'air, maybe black. An 'ead taller'n Miss C-Mrs. Mockridge … sorry, Miss. 'At's all I can remember."
"Thanks. If the Aurors come by, please share everything with them, too. My brother really is quite desperate to find his wife."
"'Course, Miss."
Nephele left the shop, finding her fiancé outside. She looked at him, worry still filling her eyes. "We need to get back and update Kirley. From the sound of things, Cass apparated away with some bloke, but I doubt it was willing. That's not like her."
(Ivanova) Task Not Yet Complete
Author: Bill Weasley
Date: 05-12-14 16:00
Ivanova apparated to the end of High Street, just past the turnstyle that signified the edge of the village. He was dressed in plain, brown robes and had transfigured his facial features so no one would be able to identify him. Like so many of Adriana Fairchild's current followers, he was a known criminal and would risk recognition if he went out and about without a disguise.
When Adriana first came to power, she tasked him with finding out about the spell her predecessor had used to control Christina Sorcha. He had checked her record at the Ministry of Magic but had found no mention of the spell in question. Ivanova found it odd that the transcript from her trial, during which Albus Dumbledore himself defended her, made no mention of the spell, but he also had the niggling feeling that the transcript wasn't complete.
Adriana had not asked him for the spell again, but Ivanova hadn't forgotten his task and in between his other duties had continued to investigate the matter. His research eventually led him to a spellbook that would not be easy to find. The book was the reason for his visit to Hogsmeade, and to Twice Told Tales, the used bookstore that had an eclectic and impressive stock but was also owned by two wizards who were willing to search high and low for specialized works.
Ivanova made his way down High Street and then entered the bookshop to the tinkling of a bell. His entrance drew the attention of the wizard behind the counter.
"May I help you?" he asked.
Ivanova's eyes swept through the bookshop. There was an old woman looking through the craft books but other than her and the wizard behind the counter, the store was empty. Ivanova's check of the room did not go unnoticed by the wizard. His features remained entirely neutral, though Ivanova could tell that he understood the need for discretion.
Ivanova approached the counter and spoke quietly, "I'm looking for this title." He pulled a scrap of parchment from his pocket and slid it across the counter. "Do you think you can find it for me? I'm willing to pay handsomely for it." To prove his point, he removed a heavy, leather sack from his pocket and set it on the counter top forcefully enough for the coins inside to jingle.
The wizard didn't immediately reply and seemed to be having an internal battle with himself, but then he swept up the coin sack and said, "I'll make some inquiries. How can I contact you?"
Ivanova shook his head and said, "I'll drop in in a few weeks to see what you've found."
The bookseller gave a nod of his head and put the coin purse out of sight. Ivanova didn't linger after that. He left the bookshop and made his way to the same spot just past the turnstyle, where he disapparated.
Not Sure If The Security Detail Will Last Much Longer
Author: Jet
Date: 05-13-14 19:44
Spooning more bhindi masala onto his plate, Jet double checks the time. He's got a final examination to write later today and doesn't want to get so engrossed in studying for one he has tomorrow that he loses track of time and isn't able to do one more glance through of his notes for the one soon. While he's glad he decided to get Indian takeaway on his way home from a shift at the Magical Junkshop, he's kicking himself somewhat for agreeing to stay an hour past that scheduled shift at Cranville Quincey's Magical Junkshop.
Propping his notecards up so he can have a piece of warm, buttery garlic naan in one hand, pushing the bhindi masala and chicken chittinad onto the fork in his other hand. After a minute, however, he gives up the studying for now. He's studied so much this term he's feeling a little burnt out. After another minute during which he reminds himself he's nearly to the end and there are only two more exams to go, he resumes going through the notecards for tomorrow.
A short while later Jet is putting the leftovers away and the dishes in the sink. He packs up his notes for this next exam to write and everything needed to continue studying for tomorrow's. Moving to the fireplace to Floo, Jet lets the hit wizard on duty know it's time to leave again.
The hit wizard on watch had declined Jet's offer to share the Indian food, preferring to wait until turning over the duty to the next person on guard duty. He'd taken up a spot near the front door, a small, portable WWN held to his ear. The wizard might not have looked very alert but Jet knows differently. Though more relaxed at certain times, in certain locations, each hit wizard who's been on duty since the assignment began has been observant, alert, and ready for anything odd or out of place.
So far there's been no outward threat from Emerson Reed, her parents, or anyone else associated with Cymdeithas y Sarff. There have been a few messages that though sent anonymously must be from Emerson. That's Jet's opinion anyway. The Ministry has said not to jump to conclusions but from the tenor of the messages and some of the phrases used Jet is certain the sender of each is Emerson.
The Ministry so far hasn't come up with much about Cymdeithas y Sarff or its members. Tracing the actual identities of Emerson, Alden, and Laurette Reed is still in progress, or that's what Jet's told whenever he's asked for a status update. At times he wonders if even with the security detail and those working undercover around him if this Adriana Fairchild business isn't taking up most of the Ministry's attention.
Jet isn't even sure the security detail and undercover hit wizards on his case will continue for much longer. If all that's going to happen is he gets a few anonymous notes that contain no overt threats, if Emerson and her people don't make a move against him, and if nothing more than he's already told the Ministry about Cymdeithas y Sarff is discovered, then he doubts those overseeing his case are going to want to carry on as is.
Jet also isn't sure if he should be concerned or not. Will Emerson or others with Cymdeithas y Sarff leave him be now that he's told the Ministry what he knows? Or will someone come after him, wanting him to work again on deciphering the code on those Salazar Slytherin journals?
Stepping from the floo in his flat to one at St. Emrys, Jet forces himself to get his mind back on the matter at hand. Closely trailed by the hit wizard, Jet walks to the classroom where he'll be writing the exam. Luckily, it's empty so he enters, taking his seat and pulling out his notes to go over once more time even though doesn't actually need further study for this particular test