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Return to Hogwarts
Author: Severus Snape
Date: 06-25-07 09:17
Severus disapparated from Spinner's End for Hogsmeade and then walked through the gates that separated the village from the Hogwarts grounds. He hadn't yet visited Hogwarts since his release from prison and had finally decided he couldn't put it off any longer. He had a few things to take care of before the start of term, though Snape certainly didn't intend on spending his entire summer at the castle. In fact, after he did what he planned on doing today, he'd go back home to Spinner's End rather than stay in his quarters in the castle.
Horace Slughorn had decided to official retire from teaching for a second time, even though when Dumbledore asked him to teach potions during Snape's incarceration, he'd been clear that unless Severus didn't want his old job back, then Horace would only be on staff for the one year. Horace claimed his heart attack was a wake-up call and pledged to live an easy and healthy life from now on, even promising to hit the Health Nut in Diagon Alley a few times a week. Severus could hardly imagine it.
He entered the castle and inclined his head to the various paintings and ghosts that welcomed his return to Hogwarts. His feet carried him to the first floor, where he went to Professor McGonagall's office. He found her filling out an order form for supplies like parchment and quills.
Feeling his presence, Minerva lifted her head. "Severus. I didn't expect to see you today. Please, have a seat."
She flicked her wand at the chair in front of her desk so that it scooted backwards a little bit, and then she flicked her wand at a tea tray in the corner of the room. It sailed onto her desk, with a teapot full of piping hot tea, two cups and saucers, and a platter of biscuits and sweets.
Snape sat down and poured them both a cup of tea. "I came to check my own stores to see what needs restocking."
His eyes fell on the Daily Prophet, where the ad for Professor Binns' old position stood out among the rest.
"Any takers?"
"Not yet," Minerva replied bitterly. "It disturbs me that the Ministry of Magic is trying to usurp our own authority over the way Hogwarts is run."
"It's not the first time," Severus pointed out, "and it certainly won't be the last."
"If only Dumbledore were here," said Minerva sadly.
Severus frowned. He, too, was worried about Dumbledore and had tried putting his ear to the ground to see if he could find out about the Headmaster's whereabouts. Unfortunately, he'd come up without any clues whatsoever.
"Let us hope he returns to us soon, and safely," Severus said.
What would Hogwarts be like without Dumbledore?
Snape didn't want to find out.
Who Are They?
Author: Jared
Date: 06-25-07 15:42
At one point when Wicked Wizards of the West were performing, Titus, Jim, Sage, and Jared had walked by four younger girls who were staring at them but pretending to be watching the band. It seems like ever since then wherever they look those girls are nearby, still pretending not to goggle at the four young men.
Snitch is just wrapping up on stage 1 and Werewolf Code of Conduct will be performing next on stage 2. Jim, around a mouthful of fish and chips, gives a slight nod in the direction of the four girls. "Who are they anyway?"
"Not Hufflepuffs," Sage answers. "At least I don't think they are."
"Me either," Jim manages to get out, despite having taken another bite without fully swallowing the other.
Jared shrugs, "Don't think they're Gryffindor. Can't say I recall them being around the common room."
Titus good naturedly slugs Jared on the shoulder. "As if you'd notice anyone female who isn't Alanna Beck."
Jared scowls at Titus but doesn't bother trying to deny something they all know to be close to the truth. Close to but not dead on because Jared does notice other girls. He simply tends to start making mental comparisons to Alanna when he does give them a look. What Jared does do is say, "You'd think if they've been going to Hogwarts a few years now we'd at least recognize them better."
Jim, mouth clear of food at least for the one second, says, "You know how it is. We tend to notice more those older than us but anyone younger, even in our own houses, don't often register with us. At least not until one of them starts looking like someone you'd want to date. Sort of like those four."
Sage glances that direction again. "I think they're Ravenclaw. That one there is Catherine Scott and that one is Edith Parr. They were both in broom racing events."
"Ooooh, yeah," Jared nods.
Sage looks again at the girls. "One of the others was in, um, what was it? The Cauldron Clash. Isabella Hastings. Or is it Isabel? It's something like that I'm pretty sure."
Jim snaps his fingers. "And the fourth is Georgia Copperpot. She's the one Filch got ticked with for doing a funny dance every time she saw him."
Jared says, "Whatever their names are, they are certainly trying hard to pretend not to be looking at us this whole time. I want something else to drink which means going right by them or taking a long way around in this crowd. Who's up for it?"
Titus waggles his eyebrows. "Unlike some people I am not fixated on one particular bird. I'm more than happy to walk by four who appreciate my superior form."
Jim, mouth full again, nods. "Yeah. What he said. And I'm hungry again."
Sage just shrugs and follows along with the others, saying nothing.
Day Off Interrupted
Author: Forest
Date: 06-25-07 17:17
Forest's day had started out well enough. He'd watched Furnella's son Phin as part of Dynamic Duo, the Emrys Fest opening act. He'd helped out some at the Imperial Crown & Cauldron food booth. Mainly though, Forest has enjoyed being with Furnie on his day off and being lazy with all the music going on around them.
Earlier in the day he'd been part of the arrest of Belladonna Barkwith but Forest was determined to keep to his promise of more time off from work. He let those on duty take the woman in for questioning. Forest's desire to stay out of the office today came crashing down when Forest checked in with the office after not hearing any word on how the raid on Wolfsbane & Belladonna and the other arrests had gone. Learning that things hadn't gone exactly as planned, Forest begged forgiveness from Furnella and disapparate from the festival.
Forest arrived at the Ministry more than a little angry that he'd not been contacted. Those on duty knew he could be reached at the festival, if he couldn't be found then by leaving a message at the restaurant's food booth.
Approaching one of the temporary holding cells, Forests pauses to ask Connor MacRoth, "How'd she take the news?"
"About as you'd expect. She's fairly devastated."
Giving the briefest of nods, Forest walks in. Belladonna Barkwith has her head buried in her arms, bent over the table, shoulders quivering. Muffled sobs fill the room.
Forest sits down in the only other chair and folds his hands, resting them on the table. When a full minute has lapsed without Barkwith acknowledging anyone else is even in the room, Forest speaks.
"I'm sorry for your loss, Miss Barkwith."
Mercutio Wolfsbane might not have been a good person. He had been resisting arrest for a great many crimes. That does not mean that Forest can't find the empathy to extend to a woman who's recently learned her brother is dead.
Forest waits another quarter minute then tells her, "Barnabus Wolfsbane has already given an extensive list of illegal activities. You may draw things out, contesting the charages against you and denying the truthfulness of Barnabus Wolfsbane's statement or you may expedite matters and confess. That would be easier on everyone, most especially you. Cooperation may earn you a reduced sentence."
Forest doesn't mention the fact that if Berwyck Oldridge has anything to say about the Wizengamot's decision on sentencing, even a half day reduced sentence is not damn likely.
Without raising her head Barkwith laughs harshly. "Barnabus is a sodding fool. What about Griffin Price?"
Forest tells the truth, or part of it anyway. "Mr. Price has not made a statement so far today."
Griffin Price hadn't. He'd met with Forest and the personnel who'd be holding the raid and making the arrests in the late night hours of two nights this past week. Price presented everything he'd gathered in his months of undercover work. Forest knew there were spies around but until meeting Price, he'd never had official confirmation on black ops work. Not even his suspicions about Maude Marsh were ever confirmed.
Barkwith's reaction to hearing that as yet Price has not given a statement today is to start crying again, this time more silently. Forest shoves a box of tissue at her as he gets up. "If you decide to cooperate, just rap on the door. Within the next few hours you'll be moved to a more long term holding cell."
Forest raps on the mirrored glass. A regular law enforcement officer opens the door for him. Walking out, Forest locates MacRoth. "Has Price been told yet?"
"About Wolfsbane's death, yes."
"Not the other?"
"No, sorry."
"Where is he?"
"Until Barkwith and the other Wolfsbane are moved to the other cells, he's in temporary cell #4."
Forest sighs heavily as he turns to go deliver more news.
News
Author: Griffin Price
Date: 06-25-07 20:52
Griff looks up from the book he's reading as the door opens. Head Auror Forest Woods walks in. "You need anything? Something to eat or drink?"
"A drink of some sort would be nice. Lemonade?"
Woods turns his head to talk to someone then walks all the way into the holding cell. "Are you comfortable enough?"
"I'm fine, considering this is a holding cell. Someone lent me a book," Griff holds it up to show Woods. "I'm sorry you had to come in to work on a Saturday, Mr. Woods."
Woods takes a chair and turns it around then sits down backwards on it. "Forest. All right if I call you Griffin?"
"Griff is fine. Griffin if you just feel overly formal."
"I used to work most Saturdays. Lots of Sundays too. Not as much now but probably still way too many. We didn't get much chance to talk those two nights last week. You been in the UK long? Your accent isn't one I've heard yet."
"Grew up in the Falkland Islands. Came to Britian with the job. Can't say much more than that."
"I understand. With what you do I doubt there's much you can say."
Griff grins. "Oh, I can say quite a lot. There's a very good chance thought most won't be true. You have any openings for aurors?"
"Pardon?" Woods looks puzzled for a split second with the abrupt change of topic. "We're always looking for good people. I can't guarentee that an opening will be there though. Things have been, how to put it, strange lately around here. Some departments are being cut to the bone, others expanded beyond what some might consider reasonable. I shouldn't say that to an outsider," Woods makes finger quotes when he says the word outsider, "but it's true and nothing that can't be gleaned from reading the paper regularly. Why do you ask?"
"I need more stability. Something that I don't have to worry about somneone higher up deciding that I get a cover story and a new place to live but have to use my real name and don't get a disguise. I've a son to think about."
Griff can tell this takes Woods by surprise. "I know auror work is dangerous but it doesn't normally involve long term undercover work, rarely getting to see loved ones, does it?"
"No, not normally."
"My handler, you met her the other night, is trying to wrangle me a job that has more stability. If I can't get it, I'm resigning and if that's the case, don't be surprised if I apply to work for you."
By this time the lemonade has been delivered and the person left. Griff finally reaches to take a drink, asking before he actually sips, "Will I be here much longer, you think?"
"Hopefully not. Barkwith and Wolfsbane, that's Barnabus Wolfsbane, are to be transfered to more long term holding cells. They'll be here a few days and then go to Azkaban if we're to hold them even longer before trial or sentencing. When they've been moved to those long term cells, and any solicitors for them won't be coming through here, you'll be able to leave. We're trying to make sure you stay protected for as long as possible from them finding out you're something more than an employee."
"What about Mercutio? His body I mean?"
"We'll allow Barkwith through her solicitor to arrange a funeral."
"And Jacob LaBranche? No one's said a word yet even though I've asked."
Something Woods's face, which doesn't change but in very subtle ways, lets Griff know the news is not good.
"Unfortunately, LaBranche got away. Two of my people were injured, though not seriously, thank Merlin."
Woods tilts his head to one side, appraising Griff. "The expression on your face is more than that of someone in our line of work finding out a Most Wanted got away."
"LaBranche and I have a history. I should have known he'd find a way out of capture."
Griff tries to swallow the fury that's welled up. It's not Woods's fault Jacob got away. He feels the need to lash out and next thing he knows he's hurling the book across the room.
Woods takes a moment to look slightly bemused, commenting, "Could do worse and hurl the glass of lemonade I suppose."
"I'm sorry," Griff begins.
"No need to be," Woods cuts him off.
Griff sighs heavily, getting up to pace. "I can't go back to the flat if Jacob's on the loose. I'll have to go to Ruth's. After I get my cat that is."
"I'll get the cat. Will he be a problem?"
"She, and no. Seeayetee is very friendly."
"In case he's watching the place, we'll go in like we're doing a search."
Griff gives Woods the address, saying, "I should have thought about this earlier. No one would tell me about Jacob so I should have known something was up."
"I didn't know until a short time ago. If I had, I would have come to talk to you sooner. We wouldn't have even known LaBranche was in England if not for you. In addition to the crimes we know he committed under the LaBrnache now, we've now connected him to ones as Jacob Hawthorne, as well as under three other aliases. I'm sorry you weren't told sooner he got away."
Woods gets up, going to the door. "I'll get this sham of a search done of your place and get your cat secured. If there's a problem with staying at your handlers, we've got some safe houses. I'll make sure you're taken care of. Should we worry about your son?"
"No, Jacob doesn't know about my son or my son's mother. If he did, I wouldn't still be sitting here."
"I understand."
Woods leaves without saying anything else. Griff continues pacing, suddenly feeling extremely cooped up and useless.
More Clues on Mr. Rivera
Author: Cailyn Spicer
Date: 06-25-07 21:08
“Yes but if I want to get this I need more time.” Simon’s voice could be heard from the hallway were Cailyn stood. “Yes I realize this. But I need more time. There is no way I can get the money to you in the amount of time you want me too.”
So that’s what this is all about. Cailyn thought as she heard a loud pop of some one disapparating away and there was more movement inside Simon’s room. He wants my father’s money for something, but what? And why? Those were her two big questions. Why did he want her father’s money and what did he want it for? She knew there was a reason why she didn’t like Mr. Simon Rivera.
He was to quite and asked to many questions. She thought looking at his door. He wanted her father’s money. She was sure that was the money he was talking about. But she didn’t have any proof. How would he get her father’s money anyway? It was hidden safely inside Gringotts bank. The Goblins didn’t let people inside other people’s bank accounts lightly.
If this man thought her father had his own business as a lawyer or something, it was possible that he would try and get her father to transfer funds into his bank account. In order to do that he would need her father’s permission and key. Cailyn frowned. The man wasn’t a Muggle that was for sure so she didn’t have to worry about him trying to transfer the funds through her laptop. Which was the only computer in the house. Besides, even if he had wanted to transfer the funds online he wouldn’t be able too. Computers didn’t work in the wizarding world.
Cailyn had received the laptop from a distant aunt who had married into the family and was a Muggle. She never really used it expect to help her with homework and such. But perhaps, she should make sure her laptop was secure so no one could get into it. Especially, some one like Simon. She didn’t want to take any chances. Cailyn couldn’t help but wonder if Simon had figured out that they were also Wizards or not.
“What are you doing here little girl?’ Simon asked coming out of his bedroom and glaring at Cailyn.
“Just walking down the hallway.” Cailyn responded with a small smile. She would catch him at his game, she would.
“Right now you are standing in the hallway and not walking.” Simon stated with the same glare.
“Well, it is my father’s house. I can do what I want in it. If I want to stand. I can stand. If I want to walk, then I will walk. Excuse me Mr. Rivera but I have things to do.” Cailyn responded sticking her nose into the air and walking away.
When she was down the hallway, she took out her note book and wrote down:
Clue number Seven: Simon needs more time to get money. Her father's money?
Potential Date Material
Author: Ginny Weasley
Date: 06-25-07 22:13
Ginny reclines on the blanket she'd brought, listening to the Broomstick Boys. Ginny's at Emrys Fest alone. She's seen friends throughout the day and family as well but she's not actually here with anyone. Ginny can't decide if she's okay with that or not.
At times like this, Ginny misses Jase more than she thought possible after all this time. The fact that Ginny doesn't dwell on those she's dated since he died means she has no regrets that none of them ever worked out long-term for her.
At times like this, Ginny is also a little lonely. Ron has Hermione. Harry has Janine. The other Weasley boys are all married, and happily so. Even Neville has a girl he's been with for a long time now.
"Mind if I share your spot?" a voice loudly asks over the music.
Ginny looks up to see Luna standing there. "Sure! Sit down. Great to see you, Luna!"
"Not here with a date?"
"No, I'm solo tonight. You?"
"Sadly, yes. I was seeing someone but we broke up after he and I had a serious disagreement over the existance of the six-legged, bald duckalump."
"The bald duckalump?"
"Yes, six-legged. Why are you dateless tonight?"
"No one I wanted to come with. I'm not currently seeing anyone and I couldn't think of a single man I wanted to ask to come with me as a first date."
"Perhaps," Luna says settling back on her elbows, "we should scope out potential date material here. Gives us something to do while we enjoy the music."
Ginny hands Luna a butterbeer from the cooler she's got. "Excellent idea, Luna."
Cupcakes
Author: Brett Kingston
Date: 06-25-07 22:51
With a spot halfway between the two stages, Madeline, Orei, and Brett are assured of getting to see both The Weird Sisters and Nine Inch Wands equally well. Not necessarily the best way to go about things but they didn't want to be right up near the stage for Weird Sisters, putting them all the way at the back of the crowd when Nine Inch Wands goes on. Being at the back of the crowd for Weird Sisters so they could be close for Nine Inch Wands also wasn't something that appealed so they went with the middle of the road approach.
The Broomstick Boys are reaching the end of their set. Brett asks, "Orei, Madeline, want any refreshments?"
"Some water would be nice," Madeline responds.
"Something to drink too," Orei says. "Anything's fine."
Brett goes as quickly as he can. He gets the girls' drinks, along with something for himself, and also picks up some cupcakes, very often called fairy cakes he's come to learn since moving to Great Britain. Just before reaching Orei and Madeline again, Brett stops to stick some candles in the cupcakes.
Reaching the girls, Brett hands Madeline the carrier the three drinks are in, then passes out the cupcakes. Lighting the candles he says, "I know I've already said it today but Happy Birthday, Orei."
Not Interested
Author: Skyler
Date: 06-26-07 01:57
Kordelia smiled at Alex and Sky just stared at her feet. She wasn't about to tell a complete stranger her 'story' as he said it.
"Well I was raised in an oprhanage until I was 18. My parents' fortune was saved for me until I could move out alone. That's where I met this tough little thing," Deely said placing her arms around Skyler. She barely looked up.
"What about you?" Deely asked Alex. Sky just couldn't bring herself to particpate in their conversation.
"Uh well, my dad was a muggle in the military and died two years ago. Me and my mom moved around a lot and we moved here today. She says this is the last move but we'll see, I guess," Alex said with a dismissive shrug. Sky felt Alex look at her but she didn't react.
"So Skyler, what house are you in?" Alex asked. Skyler smiled. He seemed hesitant to speak to her. Sky decided to be a little nicer. The boy had problems too.
"Slytherin," she answered flatly. Skyler finally looked at the new addition to their group. He wasn't so bad. Deely continued to chat with Alex as they went back to the other stage.