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(Knockturn Alley to Catesby Castle) Springing the Trap
Author: Callandra Catesby
Date: 06-04-14 07:10
When Callandra appeared at the bookshop for the second time, it was with as little fanfare and ceremony as the first. She simply took one look at Kirley's face, grasped his arm and said, "Come with me. I have a plan."
The next moment, they had disapparated.
They reappeared on the wild and windswept Atlantic coast of Cornwall, within walking distance of what both knew to be the location of Catesby Castle, although the various charms and enchantments that protected it concealed it from view.
"There's someone not far from here we need to have a little chat with," Callie informed him, "but I thought it better to arrive unannounced."
"More than likely," he said, his eyes cold as he studied his sister-in-law. "And then you're going to tell me what you've gotten my wife into."
"Patience is a virtue," she murmured. "Just be ready to spring the trap when I bait it." She drew up the hood of her cloak and seemed to vanish into thin air as the disillusionment charms activated.
The man watching the castle was hidden by a thick bush. His eyes narrowed, his expression intent, he watched dutifully, but already boredom was setting in. He'd been on watch for days and hadn't seen anything more exciting than the occasional rabbit. Thus it was when his subject appeared in front of him, removing her hood with elegant hands, that he simply gaped at her in stunned disbelief.
"You..." he gasped.
"Me," Callandra agreed.
Kirley's wand pressed into the man's back. "But she's not alone," he murmured. "Disarm him," he said to Callandra, digging his wand deeper as he silently cast a spell that would slowly liquefy the man's insides.
A quick flick of her wand and their captive's wand sailed into her free hand. She caught it deftly.
"Let's take him inside the castle," she said. "I'd like a little privacy for this conversation."
A gabbled stream of alarmed Romanian slid from the man as he looked over his shoulder at Kirley. His hands clutched his belly as his insides seemed to roil uncomfortably. He groaned and suddenly bent over.
Callandra regarded him with no trace of sympathy. "Move!" she said, emphasising the gesture with her wand.
Kirley smiled darkly. "You corner a snake, you're likely to be bitten," he said.
Stumbling along, their captive was forced through the gates of the castle into the bailey. He fell to his knees as the doors slammed shut behind them, retching as the pain in his guts worsened.
"Ce faci tu..." he began and then groaned again. Sweat beaded his brow. "What is it that you want?"
"I want my wife back," Kirley murmured. "You're part of the group who took her."
"I..." the man said and paled.
"Do you know what that particular hex is doing to your internal organs?" Callandra said as coolly as if she were accepting a cup of tea. "First of all..." In clinical detail she described each and every agonising stage.
A shaking hand was raised pleadingly. "Help me," he begged.
Kirley eyed him mercilessly. "Perhaps. After you tell me everything you know about where my wife is."
"Castel ... au dus-o la castel..." he gasped, returning to his native tongue in his distress.
"They took her to the castle," Callandra translated. "Which castle?"
"Castelul a anticilor."
"The castle of the ancients," she translated again. "You're sure."
Their captive nodded miserably and crumpled to the floor clutching his middle. Unpleasant gurgling sounds came from his insides and he rolled over, vomiting up blood.
Kirley's expression darkened as he silently cast another curse, this one clear by the flash of bright green. "I hope you know where that is," he said.
Callandra looked down at the corpse that lay at their feet. Its face was contorted into a stark expression of fear.
"I do," she said. "But we need to collect something first."
She stepped away from the corpse and said, "Leave him. The roses will tidy up for us."
(The Cypresses, Bourton-on-the-Water) Retrieving the Box
Author: Kirley Mockridge
Date: 06-04-14 09:36
Their next destination was far less grand and far more charming. Callandra strode up the path of the quaint little residence built of the characteristically golden Cotswold stone on the outskirts of Bourton-on-the-Water. On the street beyond, the Muggles remained cheerfully oblivious of their apparition.
Kirley's eyes widened. He knew this property, it was a Parksinson one. One his mother particularly favored. "Mental note: Hex Mother into oblivion for harboring known fugitives."
"I'm not sure I'd describe it as harbouring," Callandra murmured, stepping through the front door of the Cypresses. "That makes me sound like a ship that had lost its mooring."
"It's better than aiding and abetting," he responded. "Either charge could do a great deal of harm to the reputation we've fought to rebuild after Alistair's death."
"If it was discovered that I was here," she said. She cast him a pointed look over her shoulder. "They haven't."
She led the way into the sitting room. On a table sat the puzzle box. She picked it up with both hands.
"This is what they're after," she said.
"I am certainly not going to tell, provided we get my wife back safely," Kirley said, studying the box. "You're sure that's it?"
"Without a doubt," Callandra replied. She held it out to show it to him. "Although I have no intention of yielding it up unless I have to." She cut off any protest with a small gesture of one hand. "I will if it is the only way to free my sister. However, if it is possible to free her and not do so, I will take it. I owe them nothing."
"Frankly, so long as Cass is out of there and safe, I don't really care," Kirley said. His eyes, when he looked at her were cold and almost menacing. "She is my only concern."
She inclined her head in acknowledgement and slipped the box into the pocket of her cloak.
"We will be travelling to Romania," she said. "The Castle of the Ancients is the headquarters of a group of wizards known as the Solomonari, an ancient order descended from Dacian priests. There are various Muggle legends about them: that they are able to control the movement of the "cloud dragons", to call a hailstorm, to cure diseases and to master the highest knowledge about the Universe. The usual mix of fact and fiction that arises when Muggles catch a glimpse of the Wizarding World, especially during the Middle Ages."
He nodded. "Do I need to request an international portkey or shall we apparate?" he asked. The information was filed away, something to be used if it were useful and to just be there if not.
"It would be better if our presence went unannounced," Callandra replied. "The less they know, the less chance of them moving Cassandra before our arrival. I do not know, but I suspect, that there are Solomonari amongst the Ministry in Romania."
"Then we'll apparate."
"Agreed," she said.
Gone
Author: Cate
Date: 06-04-14 14:27
A couple weeks had gone by and Cate still could not believe that Jordana was gone…it had happened the night that they got the ring back and tried to drown it.
"Here." Jordana said to Cate as she held out her hand to her best friend. "I found the ring a few weeks back and…"
"Have you been wearing it this whole time?" Cate asked but did not wait for an answer. Instead she took the ring and turned around to find Amanda standing there with a disbelieving look on her face.
"You had the ring all the time?" Amanda growled.
Jordana felt bad now that she was back to herself and nodded her head.
"And you've been wearing it…" Jordana nodded again. "Why?"
Cate stepped between the two and stopped the fight before it got out of hand. "It doesn't matter now. "What matters is tonight is a full moon and we need to drown this ring."
The rest of the day passed with little passing between the friends besides glances and glares. They decided it would be Amanda, Elliot, Cate and Jordana that would 'kill' the ring. They would drown it at midnight.
Moon blessed water, a quiet place like the room of requirement, the ring and the four friends were together…The four were on their knees around the silver bowl with the moon blessed water in it.
"Who wants to do it?" Cate asked.
"I'll do it." Jordana said.
"No!" Amanda cut in. "I will." And she dropped the ring into the water. The water began to boil and froth and suddenly the three girls all felt like they were drowning. Their lungs burned with lack of oxygen and felt as if they were filling with water. They coughed and sputtered trying to catch their breath.
Elliott looked from each of the girls they had all worn the ring and now were facing the consequences of their wearing of the ring…they were drowning. Elliott didn't know what to do or who to help first but it was Jordana who was obviously suffering the most. Her lips were blue and she was no longer toughing but still gasping for breath.
The water in the bowl slowed and just smoked lightly and the ring had been drowned. It was dead and could cause no more problems. Amanda and Cate both recovered from their experiences from drowning the ring but they all turned to Jordana and noticed that she was no longer gasping for breath.
Cate rushed to her side and felt for a pulse but there was nothing…"get help, Elliott!" Cate screamed. "She isn't breathing…"
"I still can't believe she is gone…why did she have to die?" She said handing back to Amanda and Elliott the things that Jordana had taken in her kleptomania while wearing the ring.
Amanda went to one side of Cate and Elliott the other and slipped their arms around her and pulled her close. "It was a senseless death but hopefully something good will come from it." Tears poured down Cate's face at the loss of her best friend.
(Anthony) A Prisoner Abroad
Author: Beck
Date: 06-04-14 18:23
Anthony sat at his desk in the Auror Office and read over the latest negotiations between the Belgian government and the Ministry of Magic regarding the extradition of Landon Dragonsblood. He had been rounded up after being discovered in the secret room beneath a faux fireplace in the Dragonsblood family home in Brussels. Dragonsblood had put up quite the fight, but he'd been severely outnumbered and not at all desperate enough to make the fight his very last stand.
Anthony had thought the transfer of the prisoner from Belgian to British hands would go without a hitch, but he had been sorely mistaken on that count. The Belgians claimed they had their reasons for maintaining custody of Dragonsblood, which Anthony didn't doubt in the slightest. As long as Dragonsblood had been on the run, he'd probably committed a myriad a crimes just to stay alive. Still, it had been the British who'd propelled the search for him, so Anthony was a bit disappointed that everything didn't go to plan.
At least Landon was in custody somewhere. His was a long overdue case finally solved. Now the question became, where was Landon's wanted wife? With any luck, he would tell the authorities, assuming he even knew.
A shadow fell over the documents Anthony was studying. He looked up, half expecting Desi there with her thermos full of pitch-black coffee and sunglasses perched on her nose, but he knew it couldn't be her. Instead, it was the one and only Alanna Wynbourne.
"To what do I owe the pleasure, Mrs. Wynbourne?" Anthony asked, as he leaned back in his chair and grinned.
"Stop being cute."
"Ouch. Have a case of the Mondays, do you? Or has married bliss already gone to pot?"
Alanna shot him the look only an annoyed sister could give her brother and replied, "We're still very much in the honeymoon phase, thank you very much."
"I really didn't need to know that."
"Then stop being cute and listen up. I think I can get your prisoner extradited."
"Yeah?"
"Yeah. I was thinking Reed could get it done. He's done the impossible more than once, so I'm sure he could do whatever it is he does and get Dragonsblood sent this way."
Anthony stopped smiling. "You're kidding, right? Why would I, or you for that matter, ask him for any favors? You know he'll want something in return."
"Which is why I'm not going to present the idea to him. I'm thinking Ariella can get someone in her department to approach legal, specifically him, and spin the idea as a way to boost his already inflated ego even more. Just think. He's busted out wizards who ought to rot in prison, but that's just local news. Dealing with a fugitive in another country is a completely different ballgame."
"Yes, but we don't want him to free Landon."
"I know. It'll be him exerting international magical cooperation in his underhanded way and us gaining the wizard who has been on your wanted list for how many years now?"
"A lot."
"So, what do you think?"
"I really don't like it," Anthony immediately replied, "but I really want Dragonsblood in Azkaban." He sighed and then said, "Let's give it another week, and if the negotiatons continue to stall, then we can approach Ariella with your idea."
Time With Kordelia
Author: Kody
Date: 06-05-14 19:00
Pushing a piece of lemon chicken around to better grip it with her chopsticks Kordelia states in a rather blasé manner, "Emilian wants to get married."
In the process of bringing his own chopsticks to his mouth, Kody freezes. "Did you say married?"
"Yes."
"You don't sound thrilled or excited."
Kody pops the bite of ginger beef in his mouth as Kordelia gives a one shouldered shrug. "I'm not sure what I am."
Quickly chewing and swallowing he states, "I thought you loved Emilian."
"I do but ," Kordelia looks down to her plate, pushing another piece of chicken about.
Kody starts to ask, "But," then stops himself. Instead, he gives her the moment and take the opportunity to take another bite of the excellent ginger beef.
After nearly a fully minute, heaving a heavy sigh Kordelia continues. "I thought I was pregnant. Emilian proposed. Turns out I'm not pregnant and though he's not withdrawn the proposal, I can't help but wonder if he only asked so his child would be considered legitimate."
"That's one possibility. It wouldn't necessarily mean he wouldn't have asked at some point."
"I know. I just can't help wonder that without a possible pregnancy, he would have been happy to continue along as we've been."
"Had you ever discussed eventually getting married? Having kids?"
"Sort of, but never in a real conversation. It would be little things here and there such as one time out walking we saw a house we both liked and Emilian made the comment that when we have a family that's the sort of house he'd like to have. Things like that."
"Even if it's never been a sit down, serious discussion about the future, you both have indicated with those sort of things that you see yourself together long-term. I wouldn't hold the timing of his proposal against him?"
Kordelia nods once then ask, "Do Mum and Dad truly like Emilian?"
"I haven't ever gotten any other indication from them. Never any little side comments or remarks I'm asked not to repeat."
"That they both like him has been my impression. I'm glad you think they do as well. I wouldn't want to tell them I'm marrying him and only then find out what they really think."
"Just my opinion but knowing Mum and Dad, I'm sure Mum would have told you her thoughts if she didn't like Emilian. She would have been very polite and nice about it but also very honest. If Dad didn't care for Emilian, I doubt he'd invite him fishing or to Quidditch matches. Maybe once or twice to be polite but never more than that. So you're going to accept Emilian's proposal?"
"Yes, because even though the timing was bothering me, I can't imagine living without him in my life."
"I promise not to say anything to our parents until you've had a chance to talk with them yourself."
"And Emilian. I suppose I should give him an official yes before telling Mum and Dad I'm getting married."
"Excellent idea. Quick topic change but want to split some fried bananas with me?"
"With your appetite, you better get two orders and I'll eat a few bites of one of them."
"Another great idea." Kody catches the eye of their waiter to put in the bananas fried in honey order before returning to the subject of marriage by asking his sister when she might want to set the wedding date.
Provocations
Author: Sophie McCourt
Date: 06-06-14 07:15
"The term only began yesterday and we already have a bunch of homework," Sophie complained seating next to Caleb in the DADA classroom. "Writing an essay about the Wiggenweld potion and reading about how to turn a pair of white rabbits into slippers for Transfiguration…I am already feeling bad for the poor rabbits that's going to get stuck with me…"
"I thought you did well at Transfiguration."
"More or less. But I'm always afraid to harm the poor animals we use. I know we don't actually hurt them, but it still bothers me."
"It is essential to train with living creatures. Transfiguration is a branch of magic that…"
"Here we go again," Sophie rolled her eyes and she took her DADA book out of her bag, placing it on her desk. "Are all Ravenclaws smarty pants, like you?"
"My house values intelligence and wisdom, yes. But for your information, there's also creativity, originality and quirkiness."
"Quirkiness? Really? I have to write Patricia and tell her about that. Maybe then she will change her mind about Ravenclaw. She wants to be sorted there, because of you."
"Me? Why?"
Patricia had come to Hogwarts for the Egg Hunt, where she met Sophie's friends, Caleb and Estine. Her cheeks had turned red and her natural confidence seemed to vanish the moment she shook hands with Caleb. Sophie had hardly recognized the shy girl that followed them around the grounds with her half empty basket, as she didn't do much of a hunting, preferring instead to hear Caleb talking about the classes she was going to take next year and the many things she was going to learn. Sophie had told her all of this before, but it seemed like this was the first time Patricia was hearing about levitation spells and brewing potions. When Sophie went home for the holidays she found out that the only thing her sister was able to talk about was Caleb and how she wanted to be a Ravenclaw. It was as if they had been friends forever. But when she took Sophie to platform 9 and ¾ Caleb was there and she turned again into a little shy witch, not daring to exchange a word to him.
"Well, Ravenclaw is a great house."
"Hufflepuff is the best."
"You wish…"
Before Sophie could reply, Professor Somerset entered the classroom, ready to initiate his class. When he turned his back to the students, in order to write something on the blackboard, Sophie looked at Caleb and showed her tongue to him. He pretended he did not see her, and for the rest of the class she didn't try and exchange any words with him. She knew he was very committed while in class and he disliked being distracted. He would get irritated when that happened. So as she took notes on what was being said, Sophie tried to think about a new bunch of ways to provoke him, which she would use the moment the bell rang.
Tragedy
Author: Minerva McGonagall
Date: 06-06-14 18:47
Professor McGonagall stood at the large window in her office and looked out over the Hogwarts grounds, though she did not see. Her mind was busy with images of the tragedy that had occurred at the end of last term. She had been roused from bed in the middle of the night by Professor Miller, after Hufflepuff student Elliot Baylis approached him for help. With dread weighing heavily upon her, Minerva had come upon the tragic scene. Two students in severe shock, another dead.
She'd spent the rest of the night in discussion with the Hogwarts heads or deputy heads of houses, law enforcement, and the parents of all students involved. Madam Pomfrey examined Ms. Moreau and Ms. Reynolds, who showed no signs of the asphyxiation they had suffered but were scared and upset. After a brief investigation by law enforcement, a coroner from St. Mungo's Hospital collected Ms. Walker's body. Ms. Moreau, Ms. Reynolds, and Mr. Baylis were released to their parents. What remained of the ring, and all the materials associated with its destruction, left with the law enforcement officers.
It was decided not to announce Ms. Walker's death at breakfast that morning. Professor McGonagall hadn't wanted to dampen the mood on the day most students left Hogwarts for their homes or to go on holiday. Instead, she'd waited till their return to the castle, despite knowing the news might break in the meantime. For those who hadn't learned of the tragedy, the loss of a fellow student, even one they hadn't known, came as a shock. Professor McGonagall encouraged anyone wishing to seek counseling to simply go to a head of house, teacher, or prefect. Her door was always open, too.
Yesterday evening, Professor McGonagall summoned Ms. Moreau, Ms. Reynolds, and Mr. Baylis to her office, first to see how they were holding up since they'd been Ms. Walker's closest friends, but also to dole out their punishments. Although she agreed that they had been punished quite severely with the tragic loss of their friend, she wanted to stress the utter stupidity of their actions. Never, ever, should they have attempted to destroy a dark object themselves, and they should have brought the ring to a teacher's attention from the very beginning.
That the three hadn't been completely forthcoming about the origins of the ritual used to destroy the ring, or their knowledge about the ring itself, wasn't yet known to Professor McGonagall. When prompted to explain themselves by teachers and law enforcement all those weeks ago, they said they had found reference to the ring in a book belonging to the library in Hogsmeade. At the time, it had been taken as the truth.
In terms of their punishment, Professor McGonagall first took points away from Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw. She deducted fifty per student, so one-hundred from Hufflepuff and fifty from Ravenclaw. She spared Ms. Walker from the punishment, since the former Ravenclaw had already paid with her life.
Then Professor McGonagall took away all of their privileges for the entire month of April, which meant no visits to the Common Common Room and they could not attend the Quidditch match between Gryffindor and Ravenclaw. Basically, they could only go between their own common rooms, the Great Hall, their classrooms and the library. With any luck, Ms. Moreau would utilize her down time to prepare for the upcoming O.W.L. exams.
Finally, she assigned them detention. Professor Somerset, who was not their DADA professor, agreed to take them but insisted they serve their detentions separately. Elliot was assigned to Tuesday evenings, Amanda to Wednesday evenings, and Cate to Thursday evenings. They would report promptly after supper and work two hours. Amanda would be able to make her Wednesday night Astronomy classes.
Professor McGonagall knew that Professor Somerset would give them grunt work to do, but he would also see to it that they never mishandled dark objects again. For now, the detentions were set to last the month of April, but if Professor Somerset felt they hadn't sufficiently learned from their grave mistake, then the detentions might carry on through May. Should Professor Somerset be forced to cancel a detention, then the student would have to report to Professor McGonagall's office and serve detention there.
The students had looked suitably unhappy but they had taken their punishments without argument. They knew they had done something terrible, and losing points, privileges, and earning detention was a small price to pay for being involved in a friend's death.
Professor McGonagall sighed and turned away from the window, returning to her desk to write correspondences with a few concerned parents.