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Just Before The Feast
Author: Jet
Date: 06-13-07 17:59
Unlike many students Jet did not sleep in this morning. His sleep hadn't been very restful. It got to be bad enough he didn't see the point in remaining in bed. Jet had quietly gathered up clean clothes and gone to shower. After dumping his pajamas onto his bed Jet had just as quietly left Hufflepuff House. Jet had reached the painting of the fruit bowl, tickled the pear, and gained access into the kitchens where one of the House Elves gave Jet a couple of hot from the oven rolls.
Jet had roamed around the school grounds, slowly munching on the rolls. When he reached the rocky beach along part of the lake, Jet stood for a long time watching the giant squid swimming lazily across the water. He even caught sight of a merperson's head though since it was only the top of the head and from the back, Jet couldn't tell if it was male or female.
Jet spent an even longer time staring at where the entrance of one of the caves is located. That entrance is now blocked by powerful spells and charms though Jet's not sure he would have gone in even if the entrance were open to him. That cave with its passageways and odd, stone hewn stairs is where everything began that resulted in his change of personallity, culminating in his vanishing for three years. At the same time, Jet feels inexplicably drawn to the cave, enough so his palms and soles of his feet began itching and didn't stop until Jet was out of sight of the entrance again.
The rest of the day was spent playing a pick-up game of Quidditch, beating Jude Fairchild in a game of wizard's chess, and just sitting around being lazy with friends, including Jewel and Bailey. No voice in his head spoiled the day for him though at times he couldn't stop thinking about seeing the inside of the cave again.
Jet showered again then headed to the Great Hall. He walks in on the early side. There are only a few others present. Seeing Jewel and her step-brother Phin, Jet walks over to join them. Phin promptly asks, "Got any summer plans?"
"Nothing much," Jet shakes his head. "Going to get in some rock climbing and my parents will probably want to take a trip. What about you?"
"Work some at Mom's restaurant. Lots of practice with the band. Dynamic Duo's at Emrys Fest again this year. I also want to play more of wizard's laser tag and paint ball at Blossom's."
Jewel pokes Phin in the side. "I think we should get enough people together to have a war."
"Paint ball or laser tag?" Jet asks.
"Either. Both. Doesn't matter as long as we have fun."
"Count me in if you do," Jet tells her.
A now familiar face enters the Great Hall. As Skyler walks past where Phin, Jewel, and Jet are standing, she gives a hint of a smile and says hello. As Jet says hello in return, Jewel lightly tugs on his sleeve.
"Who's that?" she asks sotto voice.
"Skyler."
"And?"
"Oh. Um. Fifth year. Slytherin I think."
Both Bailey and Emerald walk up to them just then so the conversation turns once again to getting together for games in Hogsmeade.
No Plans To Leave
Author: Kissy Isuki
Date: 06-13-07 19:25
Kissy had spent the day getting exams graded and giving a few practicals for students who'd been unable to take theirs over the past couple of weeks. Throughout the day she'd also been visited by students hoping she'd gotten to their exams, curious to know how they'd fared. With so much work to do and with students dropping by, Kissy ended up working through lunch, her mind not on food at all.
Now, however, Kissy is hungry and thinking very much about food. Walking into the Great Hall Kissy is thinking about the feast. It was always wonderful when she was a student, partly because the end of term feast was always marked by the exitement of going home for summer holiday. Kissy's looking forward to the summer break but she's not filled with the excitement she'd had each year as a student. The food though should be every bit as good.
Making her way to the head table, Kissy feels a few eyes on her. She's sure it's students wondering if this is the last look they'll have of her in the event of not seeing her at breakfast in the morning. The question of whether she'll be back come fall term is starting to annoy slightly. No matter how often she's assured both students and colleagues that she has no intention of quiting Hogwarts any time soon, there is lingering doubt.
Kissy supposes she can't blame them. For years now Hogwarts has been unable to keep a Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. She suspects that Remus Lupin would have returned, based on all the good things she's heard about him, if not for being forced to resign the position. Another she's heard good things about is Ethan Somerset. By all accounts he was doing a splendid job until whatever it is that happened to him that resulted in him eventually serving time at Azkaban. Kissy wonders if he would jump at taking the position again if it were offered. Would he even be a candidate if it were, what with his past?
Taking her seat at the table, Kissy turns to chat up AJ and hopes the feast gets started soon. She's famished!
Snape and Catweazle
Author: Bellatrix Lestrange
Date: 06-13-07 20:37
"Bellatrix!" Rodolphus shouted. "Where by Merlin is that woman? BELLATRIX!"
Out in the hallway Mrs. Black's portrait began screaming about people showing disrespect to the Ancient and Most Noble House of Black. Apparently in this case it didn't matter if the disrespect was coming from a pureblood whose family was just as noble and ancient as the Black's, namely the Lestranges.
"What?" said Bellatrix with a frown at her husband. "Whatever is the screaming for now?" she demanded. "You know it's going to take forever to calm her down!"
"I've just received the Daily Prophet" hissed Rodolphus, waving the offending object in the air.
"And? Did you forget to pay the owl and it pecked you?"
"Have you read page two?"
Bellatrix tried not to loose her temper. She was itching to pull out her wand and...and...
Rodolphus stormed past her into the main study. He unfolded the paper and pointed a finger at the offending column. "Tell me, Bella, what does this say?"
She tore the paper from his hand with a sigh and began to read out loud. "Two days ago Severus Snape was released from Azkaban after serving his sentence for his role in last year's debacle with the Dark Lord. This reporter wants to know, what strings were pulled, and how did our darling Professor manage to survive the attack on the prison? Did he have insider knowledge? Was he part of it? And when is he going to get a more appealing haircut?"
Bellatrix stared at Rodolphus. "I didn't realize you were interested in fashion tips, darling," she said dryly.
"Don't hedge around the subject. Snape is still bloody well alive! How is that possible? You go into his cell, and then come out and tell me he's dead. Therefore how can he possibly be walking around now, unless you've managed to turn the bastard into an inferi?"
Bellatrix sighed again. "I said he'd been dealt with, not that he was dead. You should listen to me more often and complain a lot less. Besides, that's between Snape and I, not you."
Rodolphus was for once speechless. Bellatrix wasn't sure if it was murderous rage that was preventing him from speaking or not. His face was turning bright red and he fought for the right words.
"This has something to do with that bloody pig, doesn't it?" he bellowed.
Sick
Author: Griet
Date: 06-13-07 21:04
Griet wasn't at the End of Term Feast. With tomorrow being the full moon, she wasn't feeling up to sitting through several hours of dining and conversation, even if it was a feast night and not just an ordinary dinner. Griet was sorry to be missing it, but had comfort in knowing that Cornelia had promised to bring her something back from the Great Hall. Griet also felt rotten enough that not attending seemed far more desirable than attempting to sit through the evening.
Instead, Griet stripped down to her underwear and climbed into bed, feeling hot and cold simultaneously. Madam Pomfrey had already made a visit to the girl's fourth year dormitory in Slytherin House to make sure Griet was okay despite the circumstances. She had almost convinced Griet to return with her to the Hospital Wing, but Griet really didn't want to spend her last night at Hogwarts somewhere other than her own bed in her dorm room.
Tomorrow, Griet and Cornelia wouldn't be taking the Hogwarts Express back to King's Cross Station in London. Cornelia really would have liked to, even though it was a long way home, but because it would be late evening by the time they got there, it wouldn't be safe for Griet to be on the train with a bunch of other students, when it wouldn't be long before she'd turn into a werewolf. With the wolfsbane potion, Griet probably wouldn't hurt anyone... but what if the potion didn't work? It could happen.
Instead, the girls were due to meet their parents in Hogsmeade in the morning when everyone traveled to the train station. Then they would floo home, so that Griet would have plenty of time to get settled in for her long night as a werewolf.
Because it was summer, the days were long, so technically Griet could still take the train, but no one wanted to take the risk. After all, what if the Hogwarts Express broke down or faced an unexpected delay?
And Griet didn't particularly want to ride the train anyway, because it's not like she had many friends to enjoy the long trip with, aside from Cornelia, of course. But Cornelia she'd see everyday all summer long.
She groaned, shifting in her bed to find a more comfortable position, but everything ached. Griet's bones were preparing for the fact that in less than 24 hours, they would move and change to reflect the werewolf she would become. She squeezed her eyes shut, glad the dormitory had no windows, and hoped that she'd fall asleep before the return of her roommates.
Delayed
Author: Julian Valentine
Date: 06-14-07 00:21
Julian had arrived back in Hogsmeade yesterday, his focus solely on going to the book. What stopped him was Aegean showing up at almost the same instant he'd stepped from the Floo. Grace had gotten sick, enough so that Briar had taken Grace to St. Mungo's. Aegean was coming to see if Julian was back yet and was prepared to go to the island to let him know about Grace if he weren't. As she'd said, that was much quicker than sending an owl.
Julian had felt a flash of irritation but quickly hid it. He'd have been angry with Briar if she'd not let him know Grace was ill enough to warrent a visit to the hospital. She has no way of knowing the timing of this was bad. That Geheimzinnige Zilver had to be taken care of before things got even worse. Briar knows nothing about the book. Lysander does but as far as he's concerned, Julian destroyed it the same day he and Julian spoke about it.
Julian had gone straightaway to the hospital, only taking long enough to change out of his sweaty clothes and to ask Aegean to let Lysander know he was back but that he'd had to go to St. Mungo's for Grace. At the hospital, he'd waited with Briar for Grace to be seen and admitted. Thankfully it turned out that Grace had simply picked up a nasty, fast acting bug and the overnight hospital stay was to ensure Grace was rehydrated.
During all that time worried about Grace, Julian was able to block out the call of Geheimzinnige Zilver. It's only now, with Grace home and resting and the adrenaline surge from the worry subsided that Julian feels once more like he'll go insane if he doesn't go to the book.
Leaving Grace asleep with Aegean close by and Briar resting on the sofa, Julian leaves Briar's house turning not towards Twice Told Tales and his flat but towards a stand of woods. Walking through it, Julian reaches the small clearing where Geheimzinnige Zilver is buried.
A Return To Normalcy
Author: Viktor Krum
Date: 06-14-07 11:29
Viktor entered the Great Hall about twenty minutes before the End of Term Feast was slated to start. He walked around speaking with students, many of whom were curious and hopeful to know about Quidditch at Hogwarts for the fall term. Viktor assured each and every one who asked that yes, there will be Quidditch comes the next school year.
Viktor fervently hopes his assurances are the truth though he would think that by now he'd know if there were something in the works that would negate having Quidditch again. He's very much looking forward to getting the house teams reformed and training again. Even with the Humbatas, the broom racing preparations, and the flying and Quidditch workshops, Viktor has found he misses the Hogwarts houses competing.
More than anything Viktor wants a return to normalcy. The whole business with Lyric Morgan needs to be entirely over and done. Unfortunately, there are still some pending legal issues that won't allow Viktor to put the entire incident good and well behind him. Much as he'd like to think that he'll be able to move on once the legalities are all handled, Viktor knows it will take far longer. He's reverted to being as shy around women as he was the first time he ever visited Hogwarts. The exceptions are the women he already knows but even then Viktor tends to clam up.
Glancing around the Great Hall, noticing a growing restlessness among those gathered, Viktor wonders what's keeping Professor Dumbledore. Usually the headmaster is here by now, set to begin the feast.
End of Term Feast
Author: Illyria
Date: 06-14-07 20:50
Illyria sat in the Great Hall next to Marzipan and idly sipped at her drink, glancing around the Great Hall at the sea of smiling faces in front of her. The chamber had been decorated to reflect Hufflepuff's win of the House Cup, though the actual breakdown of points wouldn't be announced until Dumbledore's speech... whenever that would be.
Thus far, the headmaster hadn't made it to the celebration, and people were starting to wonder. Illyria hadn't been at Hogwarts very long, but she had picked up on the fact that Dumbledore never missed a feast. A few seats down, Minerva bent her head towards Horace, who was still recovering from his heart attack but looked to be in much better health than he had in previous weeks.
How long should they wait before serving the meal? Ultimately, Minerva decided to summon the dishes. Dumbledore would arrive when he'd arrive and make his speech then, and if not... well, then she would have to make the closing remarks.
"Do you think he simply got delayed?" Illyria asked Marzi in an undertone.
Marzi shrugged. "He always has important business to attend to. Perhaps something came up last minute." She changed the subject. "So, what are your plans for the summer holiday?"
Illyria, helping herself to something to eat, told Marzi about her sisters wedding. Yes, she was a bridesmaid. No, she wasn't the maid of honor. That duty had fallen to the youngest Jones sister, Urania.
Talk of Urania instantly drew Illyria's gaze towards the Gryffindor table, where she searched for Ronan. She spotted him, sandwiched between his friends, and while he wore a small smile on his face, his features looked worn. Illyria was lucky in that she'd never experienced the death of a loved one. She knew plenty others, both on staff and in the student body, weren't nearly as lucky as she. Some had lost a parent or a sibling. Others, like Ronan, had lost virtually everyone.
"I hope nothing's happened to him," Marzipan murmured, looking towards Dumbledore's empty seat.
With the subject back on Dumbledore's absence, Ilyria turned away from Ronan and pondered more about what might be keeping Dumbledore away from the End of Term Feast.
Working Behind The Scenes (Euphemia Smythe-Jones)
Author: Harry Potter
Date: 06-14-07 21:11
Ensconced in her favorite chair in her study, Euphemia drinks port while going over more applications. She'd love to be able to sit at her desk in her Ministry office doing this. At the same time, Euphemia gets a tingle of thrill from doing something covertly that will have huge repercussions. Huge in her opinion anyway. She's sure others will think that as well.
Euphemia couldn't get these applications the normal route. That would have drawn attention and too many questions she's not ready to deal with yet. She placed ads in magazines and papers throughout the Wizarding World, making it sound as though a new, private institution is opening in Switzerland.
The applications come in from around the world to a Swiss address. A House Elf forwards everything to Euphemia here at the mansion. Every evening when she's had time to herself, Euphemia comes into her study and goes through as many of the applications as she feels like dealing with.
Euphemia picks up the next application while simultaneously pouring herself more port. She really should think about sending for her dinner to be brought on a tray. Euphemia sips her port and reads over the one page application. It's informative yet brief and to the point. Just how she likes them.
Speaking aloud, Euphemia places the application in a very short stack, "You may have just found yourself a new job, Urmaleen Closterfob."
End of Term Feast
Author: Roane
Date: 06-14-07 21:25
As Roane sat at the feast, her gaze once again flickered to the Hufflepuff table where Jet and his friends were seated. The decorations in the hall boasted a win for Hufflepuff but that wouldn’t be made known until it was announced by Dumbledore. Last minute points could always change the outcome of the win, but Roane was pretty sure that Hufflepuff had won - not that it really mattered.
“I hear you have competition Roane.”
Roane looked up into the teasing face of Tranquillina. Next to her sat Danica who seemed to be concentrating on her meal, but Roane could tell by the grin on her face that she was listening to their conversation.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” Roane tried to keep her voice sounding bored even though she was annoyed.
“Sure you do. That Slytherin girl who’s always hanging around your guy.”
Roane placed her fork carefully next to her plate to resist the urge of jabbing it into Tranq. “I do not have a guy.” The strain in her voice was not missed on Tranq.
“I’m kidding Roane. Seriously, it was just a joke.”
Roane could see that Tranquillina was feeling bad so she let it drop. On any other day it would amuse her that Tranquillina thought she had a crush on Jet. But today was different. Today Roane had followed Jet in the earlier morning and had watched him pause at the forbidden caves that Dumbledore had warned the students to stay away from. Roane could feel in her gut that those caves held a secret – a hidden power that Dumbledore was keeping her away from. And somehow those caves were tied in with Jet.
Roane did not have a crush on Jet. In all honestly, she was obsessed by him. Obsessed by what had happened to him and how it had happened and what sort of dark magic he had tapped into for those strange events to have occurred all those years ago. She had to know. She had to find a way into those caves! Alas, of course, the year was now ending and her curiosity would have to be put on hold until next school term. At least, as far as exploring was concerned. She planned to do lots of research during the summer break on the caves and grounds around Hogwarts.
“Cake?”
Roane looked up in a daze as Danica offered her a slice of the cake that had now appeared on the table. As the students dug into the treats, a soft wave of whispering started to sweep across the room. When it reached Roane, Tranquillina turned to her and asked, “I wonder where Dumbledore is? It’s strange not having him here.”
Strange indeed, thought Roane.
Hungry and Wondering
Author: Ronan Eastwick
Date: 06-15-07 11:19
Ronan discovered he had a hearty appetite even though initially, he felt quite sure that he wasn't very hungry at all. He supposed that only very few could resist a Hogwarts feast. He heaped a variety of food onto his plate, including a large turkey leg, creamy mashed potatoes, sweet corn, and a steaming hot biscuit. He broke the biscuit in half and stuffed one part into his mouth, washing it down with a swig of his pumpkin juice.
Up until that morning, Ronan hadn't been sure where he'd go once he got to King's Cross Station tomorrow. When the owls came bearing mail at breakfast, one had come with a letter for Ronan. It had been from his mother. In it, she'd expressed her condolences on the death of Caden and had promised she would be at King's Cross in the morning. She had returned to his life to take care of her baby in his greatest need.
Honestly, Ronan hadn't known what to make of the letter. He hadn't heard from his mother in years and had only seen her in passing during the three SAT events he'd participated in during the school year. She'd made no effort to take care of him after the death of his father and had left the caring to Caden, who, truth be told, probably hadn't ever expected to raise his little brother. Why should Ronan allow Enid back into his life?
He wasn't sure he had a choice, for one. He was still underage and she technically was his legal guardian, even if she'd been MIA the past few years. Ronan was also a bit curious about his mother. Deep down he still missed her. He also wanted to know why she left to begin with and why she'd removed herself from his life for so long.
In a way, he looked forward to tomorrow night, but he also dreaded it. What if she didn't show up at all, or what if she wasn't what Ronan wanted? What if she wasn't the mother he remembered? He supposed he'd find out tomorrow... well, maybe.