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News
Author: Hermione Granger
Date: 02-16-15 18:45
The giggling nurses could hardly contain themselves, even when Hermione shot them a reprimanding look. They had just admitted a patient who was the unfortunate victim of a sticking charm––he had a toilet seat stuck to his bottom. Hermione, being a consummate professional, kept any amusement she felt hidden and planned on having a serious discussion with the nurses or their superior at the next opportunity.
It wasn't terribly difficult freeing the wizard from the round, rose-pink seat, though the charm used had been a version of a permanent sticking charm and left a red ring on the site of contact. The marks would likely fade in time. Now the wizard need only endure the embarrassment at having gotten stuck to the toilet and showing off his bum to everybody.
Hermione left the exam room to hand the wizard's discharge form to one of the nurses at the nearby station. No sooner was that done when she spotted a familiar face at the end of the corridor. He noticed her almost immediately and set out to speak with her.
"Hermione? Do you remember me? We meet in Diagon Alley…"
"I remember you, Linus," Hermione cut in, feeling wary despite the fact that Linus had never given her any indication he was anything like his sister or cousin.
"I wanted to talk to you about Leigh."
After the veiled threat Leigh issued her, Hermione was able to get law enforcement to agree to harassment charges. When law enforcement officers went to issue Leigh with a restraining order, they found her flat empty but for a bed with bare mattress and a chest of empty drawers. Leigh had vanished without a trace.
The knowledge that Leigh was out there but unaccounted for made Hermione nervous, especially knowing how much Leigh idolized Liza. If Leigh really did push her down the stairs and cause her to lose her baby, what would stop her from doing it again or something much worse?
Linus rubbed the back of his neck with his hand and said uneasily, "I received a letter from Leigh this morning. I've already turned it over to the Ministry of Magic, but I wanted to tell you about it because I think it might impact you."
"What did it say?" Hermione asked.
"She said she's searching for the Death Eaters. She wants to join up, gain some powerful allies, and seek her revenge."
"On me?"
"She didn't specify, but I don't know of any other grudges she has." Linus sighed. "My sister is unhinged. She needs help. Joining the Death Eaters will only get her imprisoned or killed when she really ought to be institutionalized."
Hermione bit her lip. "Will you keep me posted if you learn anything else?"
"Yeah. I think I owe you that much."
"You don't owe me for what your family has done," Hermione said, "but I'm grateful you are sharing what you know with me."
Linus smiled weakly. "Be that as it may, I still feel like I have to atone for their sins. I'll keep in touch."
"Thanks."
Linus gave her a salute and then turned and walked away, leaving Hermione even more nervous about Leigh being at large and on a mission.
Needing Sleep But Not Getting It
Author: Charlie Weasley
Date: 02-16-15 19:05
Tiredly rubbing his eyes Charlie reminds himself it's only just noon and not late into the night as his body seems to think it is. Ava, Schuyler, and Hendrika have had a stomach bug. Artie has been at his grandparents' in the hope of keeping him from getting it. Charlie's lucked out so far but he's beyond exhausted.
He came to the dragon preserve today both to get caught up on some paperwork and to catch a nap on his office couch. He's tried napping at home but every time he'd start drifting off, someone would need him for something. Tea. A little soup. Read a story. Ava needing a change of pajamas after getting more vomit on herself than anywhere else. Artie wanting another blanket. Charlie would still be at the house, taking care of his sick loved ones if not for one of Hendrika's friends, who's already have the same stomach bug, showing up and insisting Charlie get out of the house for a bit. He'd thought about just roaming the village a bit but decided he shouldn't put off the parchmentwork any longer. That put him in mind of the office couch where he could get a few uninterrupted minutes of sleep if he closed the office door and put a do not disturb sign on it.
When there are several forceful knocks followed by the door opening even though Charlie's not invited anyone in, he sits up thinking he should have charmed the door in addition to putting that sign on it. "This better be an emergency," he bites out, irritation lacing every word.
He's turning toward the door and the person standing there when she speaks. "Not an emergency but I couldn't wait."
"You aren't supposed to be within 500 feet of me, Belladonna. I'm pretty sure me being in my office and you standing just inside the door is less than 500 feet."
Staying where she is Belladonna Sinistra placatingly holds up both hands. "I was going to write but then thought you might not even open it if you knew it was from me. If I didn't put my name on the envelope, I thought you might toss the letter as soon as you saw who wrote it."
"Correct on both counts."
"I need to apologize. As inadequate as it sounds I'm so sorry for everything."
"You've apologized, no go."
"That's it? Not even going to say you don't accept the apology?"
Charlie pinches the bridge of his nose, taking several breaths, his eyelids so heavy with each blink he's not sure how much longer he can fight the pull of gravity. "I've nothing to say to you other than you're in violation of the restraining order. You were locked away once for violating the conditions of your release. Do you really want to go back for doing it again?"
"That was an accident. It wasn't deliberate. Not like... the things I did before."
Belladonna's wealthy parents had managed to get her an early release from Azkaban and from a mental institution. Not long after, she'd bumped into Charlie at the Ministry of Magic. The encounter was by accident but rather than quickly back off, cross to another hallway, anything to distance herself from him, Belladonna had insisted on trying to chat him up to the point of following him straight into the warren of auror cubicles where he was on his way to meet up with Ron and Harry for lunch. She was shocked when she was arrested and locked right back up.
Given Belladonna's history, he shouldn't be surprised she's sought him out at the dragon preserve. Yet, in his tired state he is. "This is deliberate." He sounds much calmer than he feels and wonders how he's managing it. He wants nothing more than to rage and storm, not only for all she's done but for the frustration of Hendrika's injury from Adriana's attack leaving her so frail, for his failure to protect his family, for the healers' inability to make his wife fully well again, for the nightmares his children still have.
"I know. I know. Seeking you out was the only way to be able to apologize. That's all this is. Nothing more."
"You say it's nothing more yet you've apologized and are still here, waiting for Merlin knows what."
"As I said, I thought you might at least tell me to stuff the apology, that it's not accepted." Belladonna makes a move as if she's turning to go. "If I run into you by accident again, I won't bother you as I did last time." She does turn then, saying over her shoulder, "For what it's worth, I'm sorry about your wife. I hope she makes a full recovery."
She pulls the door shut behind her when she goes, leaving Charlie standing there, all thoughts of a nap gone. Moving to the door he opens it to check if Belladonna's lingering then walks to the fireplace. He's too tired to apparate so uses the Floo to go home where he thanks Hendrika's friend then for the rest of the day while taking care of his family wages an internal debate on whether to report Belladonna's violation of the restraining order or not.
(Jonathan) Fantasies
Author: Chance Morgan Lovell
Date: 02-16-15 19:13
Jonathan was working in the office and Chance was out on a lunch meeting when Katherine Spinnet knocked on the door. She was a beautiful photojournalist that both he and Chance knew from around the office. Jonathan had even found himself day dreaming of her on occasion. It made him feel bad to think of another woman the way he was thinking of Katherine when he had a wonderful woman in Chance; and especially now that she was pregnant.
"Hi." He said with a broad smile on his face. "What can I do for you?"
"Oh, I just thought I would come by and say hi. It's been a while."
"Yes, it has." Jonathan wasn't sure that he had ever really had a conversation with her at least not in real life; fantasy didn't count.
The two talked for a while with Katherine coming into the office and sitting down. The more he talked to her the more excited he felt and the fantasies were coming to his mind. "Would you like to go to lunch with me?"
"You sure your fiancé won't mind?"
"No, she'll be fine it will be a working lunch we can talk about work..." He said but he knew that wasn't what was going to be talked about. He knew that they were going to talk about everything but work -- because they were hitting it off really well and so far since she had been in his office they had not once mentioned work.
"Okay then. I'd love to." And the two headed out into Diagon Alley to find where they wanted to eat.
Team Tension And Discord
Author: Ginny Weasley
Date: 02-17-15 18:49
Angrily dropping to the bench beside Ginny, Selma Hollingberry eases off the shoe and sock from her left foot. Through clenched teeth she hisses, "That bitch has got to go!"
Without being obvious, Ginny looks across the room to where Freya Southway stands talking with an assistant coach. "I agree and I'm fairly certain the other Harpies feel the same way. She's dangerous. No regard for her own teammates."
On Selma's other side, Tess Goshawk, bent over inspecting some of her gear, says in a low voice, "I don't understand why none of the coaching staff has a problem with her."
A number of complaints have been filed with the staff and not only from Freya's own team members. Every single match the Harpies have played in which Freya has been on the roster has resulted in at least one official complaint lodged by the other tea. In one match, after a referee ended up with a broken arm because of Freya's actions, she was booted, leaving the Harpies one person short and making some of the Harpies and coaches wish that league rules would finally be changed to allow substitutions.
Keeping her own voice equally low, Ginny puts forth, "I could have Harry or Ron check into her. I don't know why I haven't thought to before now."
Selma touches Ginny's arm. "Do it! I've started thinking about either trying for a position on another team or taking an extended leave."
Tess is nodding in agreement with Selma. In reference to the head coach she remarks, "Coach is going to find himself without enough people to field a team if she's allowed to go on unchecked. There would be some vying for vacant positions but word is going around about her."
Ginny nods once. "I'll take to Harry when I get home. We all know that playing this game means bruises, broken bones, and concussions, but ," there's no need to finish the thought. The other two know exactly what she means.
With the tension and discord permeating the locker room, Ginny decides not to stay any longer. She can shower at home and without worry that Freya is lurking about. Grabbing up her things she bids Tess and Selma goodbye, hoping that Harry will be able to check into Freya Southway. He's been busy with work, some project Kingsley Shacklebolt has given him. While it's great Harry's not sitting taking complaints, whatever this secretive project is might not allow him time to do a thorough background check on Freya. If not, Ginny will speak with Ron, not that he's really any less busy. One way or the other, though, Ginny is determined one, or both, of them will information on Freya that will lead to her being removed from the team.
Adoption
Author: Lysander Stratford
Date: 02-18-15 18:17
Alfred Bisbee slid a parchment sheet across a polished mahogany desk and pointed at a blank line marked by a large X. "Sign here."
Lysander used the sleek raven-feathered quill he held in his hand to sign his name on the line and then slid the sheet back to the solicitor, who looked it over and then turned it upside down on a thin pile of similar parchments. Mr. Bisbee looked at the next one needing Lysander's signature, turned it around, and slid it across the desk.
"And by the X at the bottom of the page."
Lysander signed that one too, and a few more after that. When at last, the solicitor turned the very last page over onto the slightly thicker stack, he smiled.
"I do believe that settles it," he said, turning the entire pile over so that the first sheet became visible. It was one of few pages that had required more than just Lysander's signature.
"Dylan Julian Stratford," Mr. Bisbee read aloud. "It has a nice ring to it."
"Thank you," Lysander said. "So that's it? He's officially my adopted son?"
"Yes. Congratulations." The solicitor stood and offered Lysander his head, which Lysander firmly shook after also getting to his feet. "I'll file it today and owl you a copy of the adoption certificate."
"Thanks."
The solicitor escorted Lysander out of the office, where they shook hands once again and then parted ways.
Lysander wasted no time returning to the book shoppe, where Julian was looking after Dylan and the twins. Xavier and Jasmine were sitting on a rug looking at board books, while Dylan was in a sleeper that rocked slightly and made it difficult for him to keep his eyes open.
Julian was at the counter and looked up when Lysander breezed into the shoppe.
"It's official?" he asked.
"It's official," Lysander said. "Dylan Julian Stratford is part of the family."
"We should celebrate. Dinner tonight? I'll see if Briar is free."
Lysander grinned and went to see Dylan, who had lost the battle to stay awake and was sleeping peacefully while the twins looked at their books. He couldn't wait to tell Charlotte that "Pookie" wasn't going anywhere.
Dinner Party At The Munches'
Author: Travis
Date: 02-19-15 20:00
Travis arrived at her mother's to find Odgen Fitzmorris and his mother Nova already there. She immediately began setting up the idea that she's not feeling well. It didn't take long for Morticia to hiss in her ear, "If you leave early with your fake illness, I'll schedule five get togethers to make up for this evening."
Travis had whispered back, "What if I am ill?"
Morticia beamed a smile. "We both know you're not, Fifi." With a squeeze to Travis's arm, Morticia moves away to offer another dinner guest a refill on a cocktail.
Travis actually might not have been ill when she arrived but by the time everyone is sitting down for the meal, she's feeling slightly queasy and has a headache coming on. At seeing her mother has her seated next to Odgen, the slightly turns to positively and she won't be at all surprised if the headache is a migraine by the time she gets home this evening. She glares at Morticia who pointedly ignores her.
Meanwhile, Ogden is boastfully blathering on to those closest to them about how since he's provided additional security for Travis's business interests, there's not been a single case of vandalism or destruction of property at any location. Hearing him verbally patting himself on the back has Travis wondered for most likely the thousandth time how Ogden had known about one incident in particular and the details of others when certain information had not yet been shared.
There have been a few times Travis has had a thought that Odgen knew about the attacks before they took place. She has quickly dismissed such a notion as ridiculous. Why would he have foreknowledge? Unless... Travis turns her head just enough to observe Odgen letting the others know just how wonderful he is and how he's practically single handedly saved Travis's business.
Eyes narrowing in thought, Travis listens closely to Odgen's self-aggrandizing, forcing herself not to flinch when he throws an arm around her shoulder at one point in his lengthy narration on his many merits and how he's used them to aid this lovely woman at his side.
(Arielle) Potions
Author: Jolyon
Date: 02-20-15 08:59
Arielle carefully measured out one portion of doxy eggs and tipped them into her cauldron, where a vivid turquoise mixture already simmered. She increased the heat and waited for the color to change to pink, indicating she could move to the next step in the process of making a girding potion.
While she waited for the perfect shade of pink, she glanced across the room to where her brother worked on his own potion. Asher plopped the doxy eggs into his pewter cauldron with much less care than some of his classmates, causing some liquid to jump out of the cauldron. At least the mixture wasn't hazardous. At most, it might stain.
Next to Asher worked Malden. He was also a bit carefree with his potion-making, handling the delicate dragonfly thoraxes meant to go into the cauldron after the doxy eggs too rough so that they crumbled.
Arielle thought about that day in Hogsmeade when she overheard Malden say that he found her pretty. Up until that point, there was never any indication that he liked her at all, nor had Arielle witnessed or overheard anything more to suggest he'd meant what he'd said to Asher.
For her part, Arielle didn't know what to think about it. She'd never thought of Malden as anything more than her brother's friend, and because she and Asher weren't close, she kept her distance from Malden too. She admitted to herself, however, that it was nice knowing somebody found her pretty.
By now her potion had turned pink. Arielle picked up the dragonfly thoraxes and carefully added them to the mixture, ensuring they were whole and not in pieces. She kept adding until the potion turned red and then increased the heat once more for the next stage in the process.
Suddenly, there was a shriek. Everyone swiveled their heads to look at Diana, who was jumping up and down where she stood and shaking out her hair and clothes. Many of the Slytherins hid smiles.
Professor Weasley got up from her desk and learned from Diana's babbling that someone had flicked dragonfly parts onto her and that bits and pieces had gone down her robes. Arielle glanced past Diana to where Asher and Malden stood smirking and guessed they'd been the likely culprits. Professor Weasley sent Diana to the bathroom and then set her stern gaze on the boys.
Like everyone else in the class, Arielle forgot about her potion, which had turned blue in the interim and was ready for more dragonfly thoraxes, and watched as the boys proclaimed they knew nothing about Diana's predicament. While Asher spoke, Malden suddenly looked past him and Professor Weasley and met Arielle's eyes. To her surprise, he winked.
Arielle's mouth dropped open and she looked away suddenly, finally noticing that her potion had gone nearly turquoise again. She frantically tried to salvage her work but had a feeling it was beyond saving, just like Asher and Malden!
Professor Once More
Author: Ethan Somerset
Date: 02-20-15 14:00
Ethan walked around the front of his classroom and cast his glance between his Gryffindor and Slytherin third years and the projection screen, which showed various depictions of basilisks at regular intervals. It was very nearly the conclusion of Ethan's first week back to school after an unplanned sabbatical. Ethan was glad for the return to normalcy. It took his mind off his worries and gave him purpose.
Most of his students seemed pleased to have their professor back again, though there were whisperings and rumblings from those with parents who believed every word Rita Skeeter wrote. As much as he would like to emphasize the fact that he never was or will be in league with Adriana Fairchild, Ethan knew that he wouldn't be able to convince everyone of the truth––not when their minds were already made up about him.
There was also the challenge of winning over the first years, who had never met him up close and personal before the start of Winter Term. Everyone seemed to like Professor Grubbly-Plank, and losing a beloved substitute to an unknown professor with a bad reputation according to the news media was understandably difficult. There was still some adjusting to do on both sides, but so far, so good.
The third years had spent the previous class talking all about beings associated with the dark arts, specifically vampires. Not only were vampires discussed in general, but a great deal of time was spent covering certain vampires and their roles in dark activity throughout time. The topic of today was the start of a unit on dark creatures, beginning with basilisks.
"Who can tell me what the origin of the basilisk is?"
Savannah Applewhite raised her hand and explained, "The first basilisk was bred by the dark wizard Herpo the Foul, who hatched a chicken egg beneath a toad."
"Thank you. Three points to Gryffindor," Ethan said. "And when and why was the breeding of basilisks banned?"
Lilith Balfour answered, "It was banned in medieval times, probably because it's deadly to wizards."
"Three points to Slytherin," Ethan said. "The basilisk is classified XXXXX by the Ministry of Magic's Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures because it is deadly and impossible to control, unless you can talk to snakes, which very few can."
Ethan went on to describe the basilisk in detail, from its size and life expectancy, to its fatal glance and poisonous venom. Then at the halfway mark, he switched to the next topic for discussion: dementors. Ethan had no personal experience with basilisks, thank Merlin, but he knew what it was like to be around dementors.
His first stint in Azkaban had been mercifully dementor-free, but not so the second one. Three months into his sentence, dementors returned to Azkaban. Life had already been miserable up until that point, and the dark creatures' presence had only made things worse.
Ethan shuddered at the memory.
"Words can't describe what it feels like to be near a dementor," he said, eyeing the image of the hooded creatures on the screen.
There was a long pause before he asked, "Dementors can't be killed, but they can be driven away should you ever face one and have your wand and wits about you. What is the name of the spell that will do the trick and what does it do?"
Portrait
Author: Minerva McGonagall
Date: 02-21-15 11:23
Professor McGonagall sat rather impatiently in a scarlet wingback chair and found herself losing the battle to remain still for Polonius Pennethorne, the wizarding artist hired to paint her portrait. They had met for portrait-sittings a few times already, but only ever for short periods of time. After all, Professor McGonagall was a very busy witch.
She also found it a bit awkward, both sitting still while someone else scrutinized every aspect of her person and knowing that a version of herself would eventually hang on the wall with the other Headmasters and Headmistresses of Hogwarts. Hopefully that wouldn't happen for a long time.
"I dare say that I'm astounded you waited this long to have your portrait painted," Polonius said in an almost frail, wavering tone. He was not a young wizard himself.
"What if you would have perished within your first year of leading the school? While it's true a portrait can be painted post-mortem, it would likely be of no use to its successor, being nothing more than a vapid, slow-witted representation of the real witch or wizard."
He fixed her with his gaze, which was pale blue and through half-moon lenses. "Best not to waste any more time than necessary imparting your memories and knowledge to your portrait, lest the unfortunate befall you."
"Thank you, Mr. Pennethorne," Professor McGonagall said, having heard quite enough. She got up from the chair and said, "That will be all for today."
"Yes, well. Shall we make an appointment for our next session?" Polonius said, also getting to his feet, though much more slowly.
"I'll owl you my next available time. Goodbye."
Polonius draped a cloth over the unfinished portrait, packed up his paintbrushes and paints, and left the office.
Professor McGonagall cast a distasteful glance at her covered portrait and then moved to her desk, but then she paused and walked over to one of the many cabinets that held all the trinkets and gadgets Professor Dumbledore had collected during his tenure as Headmaster of Hogwarts. She opened the door to one of the glass front cabinets and peered at a small desk astronomical clock that had a crack across its face. Professor McGonagall had never noticed the crack before, but then she only ever glanced at the items in the cabinets in passing. Perhaps it had always been there.
She shut the door to the cabinet and returned to her desk, thinking that perhaps one day she should go through all the items in the many cabinets. Some of the more personal or sentimental items could probably go to Aberforth, if he wanted them.
She sat down at her desk and glanced at the fire-bellied toad Malden had given her. It stared at her with unblinking eyes. Minerva had named it Dolly, and though she wouldn't tell anybody, she had named it after one of her least favorite witches, Dolores Umbridge. Minerva didn't know if the toad was actually a girl, so maybe Dolly was wholly unsuited in that respect, but naming her pet toad Dolly nonetheless gave her pleasure.
Working Slightly Late
Author: Zabrynna
Date: 02-21-15 15:05
Stepping back, Zabrynna's lips twist one way then the other as she critically eyes the display she's working on. The museum where she has a part-time job as both a historian and an archivist will soon be opening a special exhibit on clothing and accessories from 1700 to present day, both Wizarding and Muggle. She's been put to work helping get everything just so in time for the special preview showing for museum patrons with yearly memberships.
The display Zabrynna is near to finishing consists of some of the most beautiful jewelry sets she's seen. All belonged to one 18th century witch who had family ties to some of England's leading nobles of the day. Learning what little she has of the lady has Zabrynna intrigued enough that she's planning on researching the woman further.
Using her wand to adjust how one necklace sits, Zabrynna then adds the information card next to the gleaming Alexandrite and gold necklace. Double checking each of the other pieces of jewelry and information cards, Zabrynna is just about to go over the display again when the curator approaches.
"Excellent! I'd say this one's ready for the security charms." Amphyllis Loveday motions for the museum's head of security who stands talking to and flirting with one of Zabrynna's coworkers.
Zabrynna's part with this particular display apparently finished, she asks, "Where would you like me now, Ms. Loveday?"
"I believe that's all this evening, Zabrynna. Thank you for staying late. See you in the morning."
Zabrynna pauses to talk to a few others on her way out of the museum. Now that her attention isn't so focused she's suddenly famished and eager to get home. Declan and she are going out to eat with Mariposa and AJ to some new place Mariposa discovered.
Her things gathered from her locker in the employee break room, Zabrynna exits outside through the employees only door and steps aside so as not to block that door as she disapparates for Hogsmeade, her mind on her closet and what she's going to wear.