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(Adriana) Making Plans
Author: Bill Weasley
Date: 03-04-16 10:37
A map of London was spread out on the table in Adriana's office. Several parts of the city were circled in red, but one spot in particular was not only circled but also marked with a giant X. The anniversary of the (temporary) death of Voldemort and short-lived defeat of the Death Eaters was just weeks away. Already, the news outlets were discussing the raid underneath Hogsmeade which took place on March 4, 2000 and whether another attack would mark the anniversary.
The news outlets brought up the attack on the Ministry of Magic, which took place ten years after the attack on Diagon Alley. There was great debate whether the Death Eaters would attack some place differently, or if Hogsmeade would once again be a target. It also didn't seem to matter that the upcoming anniversary referred to something not initiated by the Death Eaters but by the Order of the Phoenix.
Adriana didn't want to disappoint the newspapers and WWN announcers by letting March 4, 2010 pass by without anything newsworthy. She wished that her project in the crypt would be ready for debuting on the big day, but he had a long way to go. Adriana continued to dose him with the potion, and Alexander continued to use his healing background with some success, but it would be a while yet before the patient made a full recovery.
Thinking about him had her wanting to check on his progress. Adriana stepped out from behind her desk and made her way to the door, when Ivanova appeared bearing a letter from Mimsy.
Adriana read the brief missive and then promptly incinerated it with her wand. She knew now that everything "Mimsy" wrote was not to be trusted and most likely only served to lead her and the others into a trap.
When she last summoned him in person, which she did via letter instead of through the Dark Mark, he claimed he needed assistance in reaching the abbey due to disorientation from the prolonged effects of being in toad form. Adriana sent Meadow to fetch him and feigned nonchalance as she met with him in her office. She hardly heard a word of what he told her and instead focused on his mannerisms. He was quite good at mimicking the real Mimsy, but knowing he was a fraud, Adriana picked up on other things like his extreme vigilance. This Mimsy took in everything he saw, no doubt to report back to Shacklebolt.
His response to her casual question of when did he last feel the mark burn on his arm confirmed the fact that this Mimsy wasn't the real one. He was a good actor, though, and being a thespian herself, Adriana couldn't help but appreciate his efforts. She sent him off without any indication that she knew what he was all about and was pleased to know that he would share what he had seen while in her company––such as the map with the big X on it.
(Kate) Feeling Down
Author: Bronwyn Dewhurst
Date: 03-04-16 17:49
Kate collected her colored pencils and sketchbook and stuffed them into her book satchel. It was only the first class meeting of Observational Drawing and already Kate felt like she was out of her league. The fruit bowl in her drawing looked nothing like the one on the desk at the front of the room. She sighed as she pulled the strap of her book satchel over her shoulder.
Besides the drawing class, Kate was also enrolled in History of Architecture, the continuation of the Charms and Transfiguration classes she took last term, and Survey of Art History I. The architecture and art history courses met this afternoon. Hopefully they'd go better than the drawing course.
As she left the classroom, Kate debated where she wanted to grab lunch. She wasn't much in the mood for cafeteria food, so Orange and Yellow were automatically ruled out. She didn't want to wander far or floo or disapparate anywhere, so she ended up at Demeter's Diner.
The minute she walked in the door, she regretted the decision because she found herself face to face with Hugo. He was behind the counter, taking orders at the register. Kate started to turn back since Hugo was busy and didn't immediately notice her, but then his head turned in her direction. Kate froze, unable to move forward or backwards out the door.
Hugo had tried talking to her several times ever since Kate dumped him after catching him kissing another girl. Having become somewhat disenchanted with him before his transgression, Kate couldn't bring herself to care enough to give him another chance. Despite her lack of interest, his betrayal still hurt. She didn't want to see him if she didn't have to.
"In or out," complained someone trying to enter the diner.
Kate muttered, "Sorry," and stepped inside and away from the doorway.
The impatient person stepped around her to reach the counter. Kate hesitated and then queued up behind him.
After the other person gave his order, Kate found herself face to face with Hugo.
"Hi," he said. He looked silly in the hat that made up a part of his uniform.
"Hi."
"What can I get you?"
Kate ordered fish and chips and a drink. When she tried to pay, Hugo held up his hand and said, "It's on me."
"No, thank you," Kate insisted, but Hugo refused to take her money.
"It's the least I can do," he began, "for being a jerk."
Kate almost left her money on the counter but then she put it back in her coin purse and turned away from Hugo to find a place to sit while she waited for her food. At least he didn't ask her to forgive him again or inquire how her Valentine's Day went. She'd spent it with her dad, which had been fine, but Valentine's Day with a parent was not the same as Valentine's Day with a boyfriend.
Luckily, a waitress brought out Kate's food, so she didn't have to worry about any more conversation with Hugo. The diner grew busier as the lunch crowd arrived, keeping him occupied for the duration of Kate's meal. She eventually slipped out without him even noticing, and when he finally looked over at the table she'd been sitting at, he found it to be empty.
Meeting Maverick
Author: Ethan Somerset
Date: 03-05-16 10:15
Ethan glanced at his watch and then announced, "Looks like we're out of time already."
His third year Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw students didn't seem to mind how quickly the class period had passed. It had been a very full forty-five minutes, during which they continued the subject of potions and poisons relating to the defense of the dark arts. Today's topics specifically had been the Malevolent Mixture and the Noxious Potion.
"We'll pick this up on Friday," Ethan continued. "Be sure to read up on the Regeneration Potion. Who knows, there might be a pop quiz!"
There were groans at that, but the sounds of disappointment quickly dissipated. The third years gathered up their belongings and left the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom without a second glance at their professor.
That suited Ethan just fine, because he had an appointment with a former enemy turned friend. He stepped out of the classroom and locked up before making his way for the castle exit.
A short while later Ethan arrived at The Hog's Head. He'd skipped lunch but instantly regretted the decision upon walking through the door, since the pub didn't have the same sort of food offerings as The Three Broomsticks or some of the other places in the village. Ethan ended up choosing a dubiously prepared club sandwich and crisps along with a butterbeer.
Maverick Pilot arrived a few minutes after Ethan. He ordered up a firewhiskey and nothing else and then joined Ethan at the table in the dingy-lit corner of the room.
"Well met, Ethan," Maverick greeted.
"I wish it were under better circumstances," Ethan replied.
"Do you have news since we last spoke?"
"No, none," Ethan said with a sigh, "but I can't shake the bad feeling that it's going to start all over again."
"It's an ambitious project," Maverick said. "And what does she have to gain by reactivating us? We're all known. If the Ministry of Magic knows her plans already, then we're already being monitored. She can't possibly find much use for us, and she certainly can't in any longterm capacity."
"That's just it, though," Ethan said. "She only needs to use us once. Whatever she may have us do could have a lasting impact, even if she can only control us the one time. Aren't you worried?"
"Do I want to lose control of myself and do horrible things again? No, of course not," Maverick said. "I just don't see her following through with this plan. And how do we know she even can? Besides, I doubt she'll pick you after what you've done."
"Maybe," Ethan murmured, "but I do think we should all take this seriously. Even you, Maverick."
Maverick took a swig of his whiskey and said, "Have you reached out to the others?"
"Yes, but I haven't heard back from some."
"Tell me which ones and I will try to make contact," Maverick said. He fiddled with his glass on the worn, rough-grained table and recalled, "Morgain and I were the leaders. She's dead and can't resume her old role, but I can. Do you suppose Fairchild knows about my former rank?"
"I don't know," Ethan said.
"Well, I guess we'll have to wait and see. Send me your list later, unless you know off the top of your head who you've heard from and who you haven't, and I'll see what I can do. In the meantime, tell me about your Valentine's Day. Are you still dating the same woman?"
Ethan was glad for the switch in topic, even though there was so much more he could have said about Project 25 and his accompanying concerns.
(Anthony) Talking to Ariella
Author: Beck
Date: 03-05-16 15:14
Anthony stepped into the lift at the Ministry of Magic to make his way back to the Atrium and saw that the only other occupant was his sister Ariella. She was dressed smartly in blue business robes.
"Hi, Anthony," Ariella greeted. She was a bit surprised to see him there.
Although Anthony was back on the Ministry of Magic's payroll, he was on a paid leave of absence. As part of his negotiations to return back to work, it was recommended he take a mental health break. After all, the past year had been extremely taxing, and Anthony's normal line of work wasn't without its share of stressful situations. Anthony's only other requirement during his leave of absence was to periodically check in with his supervisor.
"Hi, Ariella," Anthony greeted. "How are things?"
"Oh, fine," Ariella replied, with a slight shrug of her shoulders. "I'm leaving the office a bit early today because I will have compensatory time after the hours I put in tomorrow."
"Oh, what's going on tomorrow?"
"I'm traveling to Sydney for a meeting about the Scholastic Aptitude Tournament. It'll be the last preliminary one before the schools pick their staff sponsors and begin meeting to plan out the events."
"I missed out on the SAT," Anthony recalled. "The first one happened the year after I graduated."
Ariella nodded, remembering her own involvement with the SAT as a student at Hogwarts. She had participated in several events, including the Invention & Design competition, for which she'd created the now patented LinguoCube.
"Will it pretty much be the same as last time?" Anthony asked.
"More or less," Ariella replied. "It'll be fifteen events instead of sixteen this time around, but the same seven schools are involved. The schedule of events and where they take place will be different, though."
The lift reached the Atrium. Brother and sister exited and slowly walked to one of the empty tables close to the Fountain of Magical Brethren.
"So is everything else okay?" Anthony asked.
Ariella chewed the bottom of her lip. Where to start?
"This pregnancy has me feeling extra moody," she finally said, and she rested a hand on her so-far flat belly. She'd mostly stopped snapping at Lawrence, but sometimes he still got on her nerves for no other reason than just because.
"Does it have anything to do with Alanna's situation?"
Ariella stopped and wondered if Alanna had confided in Anthony about the birth control, but then she realized Anthony only meant the fact that Alanna had divorced Jared and married Reed.
When Alanna told Ariella she wanted birth control, she never explained why exactly. Obviously, Alanna didn't want to have Reed's children, but Ariella knew there was more to the story––just like she knew there was a backstory for why Alanna divorced the love of her life out of the blue, only to marry someone she detested.
Ariella chewed her lip some more and then said, "I think she's keeping something from us."
"Do you think he has something on her?" Anthony asked, and Ariella knew without him saying that he meant Reed.
Anthony had found Alanna's behavior out of character since even before she divorced Jared and suspected, like Ariella, that there was more to the story. He also knew that Alanna was stubborn and that when she set her mind on something, it was difficult to force her to change.
Ariella shrugged her shoulders. "He's not controlling her with the Imperius Curse or a potion," she said. "That much is obvious. If he were, then she'd be more upbeat about the whole thing."
"That, or a zombie. So it must be information," Anthony concluded. "What do you think he's holding over her?"
"I don't know, and I don't think we'll ever get her to say," Ariella sadly replied.
Anthony leaned back in the metal chair. "Have you talked to Jared at all?"
Ariella shook her head. "No. I think he's avoiding everyone Beck these days."
Anthony shook his head too and wondered, "Why did he give up so easily? Surely he has to realize that something is off about the whole situation?"
Ariella shrugged. "Alanna probably made it hard for him to care anymore."
"Alanna, or Reed?"
Ariella shrugged again and said nothing.
Anthony sat pensively for a while until he couldn't sit still any longer. He might not be able to work at the moment, but he could use the time to figure out why Alanna gave Jared up for someone like Reed Wycombe.
New Mission
Author: Lee Sickleby
Date: 03-06-16 14:28
Lee sat in a small conference room in the Department of International Magical Cooperation and paid close attention to the presentation Rowle gave. There were other covert operatives around the table, including Newell, who had made a full recovery since getting shot while in the field over three weeks ago.
The mission had been a total success. Lee had managed to get in and out of the Russian Ministry's secret office within the Sayanogorsk dam undetected, despite the shootout that had preceded his task. While Lee had done his thing, Newell had somehow managed to not get shot at again.
Although not yet confirmed, it was believed the Russians were developing volatile potions that would be stashed in various compartments in the Lada Priora. In Muggle terms, the sedan would basically become a giant bomb. British intelligence did not yet know where the Lada Priora in question was located. The site of the potions facility was known, though.
Tomorrow, Lee and Newell were set to travel to Kyzyl, Russia, a city that claimed (along with Ürümqi, China) to be the geographical center of Asia. Their mission was to infiltrate the potions facility, rendezvous with a British undercover agent already familiar with the facility, gather all available intelligence for analysis, and sabotage the brewing stations.
"Who is the agent we are meeting?" Lee asked.
"Roman Travers," Rowle said. "Travers has been working undercover in Russia for nearly a decade. His cover is a potioneer for the Russian Ministry. He's been assigned to the Kyzyl facility since 2008."
"Not very long," Newell commented.
"But long enough to verify the facility is up to no good," Rowle said. He slid over two folders, one for Lee and one for Newell. "Read up on the mission and report here at dawn for a final briefing. You may go, unless you have other questions?"
Lee and Newell both shook their heads. Lee debated going back to his desk in his fake role as clerk for the International Confederation of Wizards but decided to visit Alaia instead. Every mission he went on reminded him that there was no guarantee he'd come back alive. Every moment with Alaia was precious.
As for what he'd tell her when she wondered why he wasn't at work? He'd just tell her the Wizengamot was temporary out of session and that he decided now was as good a time as ever to take the rest of the day off.
Not so Great News
Author: Jordan Thompson
Date: 03-06-16 14:54
Jordan sat at her house table, legs curled beneath her on the bench as she merely pushed around the last bit of stew in her bowl. She normally would have used the last bit of her crusty bread to scoop up the bit of stew and the gravy that lined the bowl. However, right now her focus was pretty much non-existent thanks to the letter she'd just gotten from home. She wasn't entirely sure how to process the information that was given to her. It wasn't that someone had died, or anything as melodramatic as that - but it was still something that was going to make the coming years much more annoying.
"Why do you look like someone just hexed your favorite pet?" Essie asked, dropping down next to her best friend and nudging her lightly. Jacob was more than likely down in the Fitness room doing a bit of a work out before he came to dinner - Essie only hoped that he'd shower this time so his stink didn't stop her wanting to actually eat her dinner.
Jordan sighed and tugged the folded parchment from her bag at her side. She handed Essie the letter, "It's all there." That was all that was offered as she ultimately finished off the bit of her stew and added a bit more of it to the bowl along with some rice beneath thick beefy stew.
Essie read the letter a couple of times before she folded it and handed it back. "Your cousin is coming to live with you? Seriously? You mean the cousin that absolutely made our childhood an absolute nightmare for three years?"
"The very one. He will now be living beneath the same roof as I am seriously considering asking my parents if I can move in with you and Jacob for as long as he's going to be there. Oh, and chances are he will be coming to Hogwarts next year too. Our year and everything." Jordan offered with a sigh, again pushing around the meaty stew, veggies and rice in her bowl before simply pushing the whole of it off to the side.
"Your parents know how much he tormented you when we were younger right? They are okay with this? Seriously?" Essie questioned, as she added a couple of strips of grilled chicken, steamed veggies and rice to her plate before drizzling the whole lot of it with a bit of soy sauce.
"It was their idea. I wish I was joking. My aunt and uncle have a grant or something through some Muggle university and are going to be spending two and a half to three years in some remote part of Africa for research or whatever and so rather than have him shipped off with some other relative, since they can't take him with me...my mum suggests that he come live with us." Jordan sighed and tore a bit off another small piece of bread and chewed on it a few moments before speaking again.
"Yes, mum and dad both knew how much he tormented the three of us when we were younger. However, she swears that he is different and he isn't going to make things difficult. He's actually looking forward to coming. Apparently he will be at the house right before our Easter holiday. I've already tried to get her to let me stay at Hogwarts for the duration, but she's already expressly forbidden it," Jordan closed her eyes and leaned against Essie sighing.
"Tell Jacob I'll talk to him tomorrow. I'm just going to turn in for the night. Spend the night doing homework and I've got to get a letter written to mum to go out in the post in the morning."
Essie nodded and turned her attention back to her dinner, while Jordan gathered her things and headed out of the Great Hall. So out of it, that she hadn't heard Jacob greeting her.
"What's wrong with her?" Jacob asked as he settled next to his sister.
"Her cousin, you know the one that we don't ever talk about is coming to live with her for a minimum of two and a half years."
"You mean the..."
Jacob didn't even get to finish his sentence before Essie was nodding.
"Merlin, that's obviously not going over well. When is he arriving at her house do you know?"
"He'll be there before we get home for Easter hols. She's already done all she can to try and get them to give her permission to stay here for the duration of the holiday, but her mum's already said no."
Jacob merely shook his head and started loading his plate with food. He would try and talk to Jordan in the morning, but trying to talk to her right now wouldn't do any good and only perhaps make her a bit angry and he had no intention of doing that.
(Malden) Lucky
Author: Minerva McGonagall
Date: 03-06-16 17:10
Malden and Arielle both took Care of Magical Creatures as one of their electives. Asher didn't, though not because he didn't care for the subject. Most magical creatures were actually very interesting. Asher simply didn't like the teacher.
Although Professor Kent probably knew that his daughter had gone to the Valentine's Day carnival with Malden, the Slytherin fourth year student was very careful not to show any public display of affection towards Arielle while in her father's proximity. Besides, it probably wasn't appropriate for class.
Not that Malden had kissed Arielle yet. All they'd done was hold hands. Malden knew he could have gotten away with kissing Arielle on Sunday and everyday since, though. Luck was very much on his side these days, thanks to a little vial buried in his school trunk. It was because of the lucky gift given to him after conducting his part in delivering a toad to his great aunt that Asher gave him no problem on Sunday about spending the entire romantic day with Arielle.
Malden had debated how to use the gift, from Quidditch matches to exam times, but the matter of Arielle and Asher turned out to be the obvious choice. Malden didn't think he needed luck to win over Arielle. She seemed to like him perfectly well enough on her own. The problem was Asher. There was nothing Malden wanted more than for his best friend to support his choice in potential girlfriend.
"One last thing before you go," Professor Kent began. He started distributing worksheets to the fourth years seated in the barn. "Your homework due next Tuesday has to do with other names for Irish ballybogs. This should not be too difficult, which means there will be no extensions. Turn in your homework next Tuesday or get a T on the assignment. You may go."
Malden stuck the worksheet in his notebook and put the notebook in his bag. Then he got up and walked out of the barn, where he waited for Arielle to emerge. He thought she might be a while, since Professor Kent was her father and they were close, but she joined him only a moment later. Malden held out his hand, and Arielle took it with a smile.
"I wasn't sure you'd come out right away," Malden said, as they set off for the castle.
"Sometimes I eat with my dad," Arielle explained, "but sometimes I don't. There's not a lot of time between lunch and my next class, so I thought it best if I head back to the castle. Besides," she added, and a slight blush spread across her cheeks, "it's rare that I get to spend time alone with you."
Malden beamed internally. "It's good we get to have these moments, then."
It wasn't long before they reached the castle and went inside where it was only slightly warmer. The castle was drafty in the winter time. Arielle slipped her hand from Malden's when they reached the Great Hall doors. She found it odd that Asher hadn't put up a fight upon seeing them together on Valentine's Day and wondered when the other shoe might drop. She offered Malden a small smile and then went to the Gryffindor table.
Malden, meanwhile, went to the Slytherin table, where Asher was already seated and halfway through a plate of roast beef with Yorkshire pudding.
Amalia (Cat)
Author: Fionna
Date: 03-06-16 18:51
Catriona finds a spot in the section of the library where food and drinks are allowed and sets down a tall cup of steaming honeyed tea. Next she sets out a small bag containing a variety of scones with fruit, such as blueberry and blackberry. The bag is followed by a stack of notecards and a a binder with the neatly written notes taken during the class for which she's about to get some studying done for an exam later in the week.
She takes a sip of the still almost too hot to drink tea then a bite of blackberry scone as she starts going over the notecards. Cat reads what's on one side of each card then tries to mentally recite exactly what's written on the other side. She's made it through the stack once and is starting on them again when a voice softly says, "Cat?"
Hastily swallowng a mouthful of tea, Cat says with surprised, "Amalia. Hello. I didn't know you'd returned to St. Emrys."
Amalia Ricchetti pulls a chair from another of the small desks to sit down near Cat. "Yes, though taking no courses where I would have classes with anyone I know. I saw you here and only chose to speak so I could inquire after Christopher."
"Christopher is... ." Christopher is what? Fine? Well? Cat ends up going with, "Coping."
"Please tell him I no longer blame him for Harvey's death."
"That's something I think he would rather hear from you himself."
In the precise way of speaking she often uses as someone for whom English is a second language Amalia replies, somewhat stiffly, "I am not ready. I do not blame you anymore either but talking with you is difficult."
"I understand but as you have now broken the ice as the saying goes. Talking with me, with Christopher, and your other friends should start becoming easier."
Amalia shakes her head. "I am not ready. Harvey was not good to me. I can say that now; but, I loved him."
"I am so sorry, Amalia."
"Yes, I know. Now, I shall go. Please tell Christopher what I said."
"I will. Take care, Amalia, and please don't forget that as your friends we all care about you."
"Thank you."
Amalia swiftly rises and moves the chair back to its desk then just as swiftly walks away. Cat watches her for a moment then returns to her studying, missing Amalia slowly to look briefly back over a shoulder.
Late Night Snack
Author: Illyria
Date: 03-07-16 18:50
Illyria ate from a pint of toffee ice cream and debated whether it would be unprofessional to eat while she lectured. She was almost certain she wouldn't finish the pint before the first year Ravenclaw and Slytherin students arrived. Maybe she could hold a last minute ice cream party while the students learned about stellar kinematics, but who held an ice cream party in the middle of February?
With a sigh, Illyria stuck her spoon in the carton of ice cream and set the whole thing on the corner of her desk. She cast a chilling spell on it so that it wouldn't melt while she lectured and then raised her wand to the enchanted ceiling, which displayed the night sky.
When the first years finally entered the Astronomy classroom, they saw high velocity stars zipping across the inky darkness. The topic was less exciting than the visuals, and more than a few students fell asleep. Illyria nudged them gently as she passed their desks but kept lecturing. For her, the topic was anything but dull.
In the few minutes between her first year class and meeting with the third year Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs, Illyria had a few more bites of her ice cream. She debated taking the carton up to the Observation Deck, where it would stay cold in the February chill, but she abstained. Instead, she threw on her coat, grabbed the supplies she needed for the lecture and went upstairs.
A few of the third years were already on the deck when Illyria arrived. They were dressed in their winter cloaks, and some had umbrellas, though it wasn't raining at the moment. Unfortunately, the sky was rather overcast.
As soon as the other students appeared, Illyria directed everyone to a telescope in case there was a break in the clouds. She began lecturing on Kemble's Cascade. Kemble's Cascade was an asterism, or a pattern created by unrelated stars. It was located in the constellation Camelopardalis. Kemble's Cascade was basically a straight line consisting of more than twenty colorful stars.
After thirty minutes, Illyria switched gears and discussed the Winter Hexagon, another asterism. By the time class ended, everyone was frozen except for Illyria herself, who could only think of the pint of ice cream waiting for her on her desk.