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Summer Plans
Author: Fritz Schnackenpfefferhausen
Date: 06-15-07 12:25
Fritz listens as his friends discuss what their plans are for the summer. When it's his turn to contribute, he mentions his interest in attending Emrys Fest again. It was a lot of fun last year, and there will be some different bands performing this year too, and a lot of the bands from last year who will be back again will probably play some of their newer songs, so it should be a great time.
He's also looking forward to the Day with the Humbatas experience he won during the last Career Day at Hogwarts. Fritz has really missed playing Quidditch, and what better way to get into the swing of things again with a full day playing with and learning from professional Quidditch players.
He wonders what the Ravenclaw Quidditch team will look like next year. Who will be captain? Will the team be any good after having sat out a whole year? In a way, Fritz almost can't wait for September 1st to arrive just to find out what's in store for them Quidditch-wise.
One thing he's not doing this summer is going to Germany. Instead, Fritz's grandparents are coming to London. They are planning on touring the entire UK, but intend on spending a couple of weeks with Fritz, Otto and the rest of the family.
After everyone's talked about their summer plans, the conversation shifts to what sorts of announcements Dumbledore might make during his End of Term Feast, assuming he ever arrives, of course!
Hufflepuff On Top - End of Term Feast
Author: Oreileah McCoi
Date: 06-15-07 14:38
Well, as far as house points went this year, Hufflepuff came out on top, with Gryffindor in a pathetic third...Hopefully next school year will be better. Orei was heading to the Great Hall, distracted horribly with things she still needed to do tonight before she actually got some sleep. Mom and Dad knew that she'd be heading home and that they would need to meet her at Kings Cross.
It was in Mom's last letter that she said that Dad would be gone most of the summer, in fact most of the rest of the year. He'd be in Japan dealing with setting up a new branch of the Muggle communication company that he was CEO of. However, that meant that she and Mom would spend the summer going on trips around the UK, even go over to Ireland maybe for Orei's birthday, she'll be sixteen on the fourteenth of July. She just hoped that Dad going to Japan for the better part of the rest of the year, wouldn't result in them moving -again-. She was finally happy at Hogwarts, and dang it she only had two years left! Let them move after she finished, when she could get a flat and go to St. Emry's or something.
It was when she walked into the door of the Great Hall that she realized that she was so horribly distracted that she wasn't paying very much attention to the world around her at all. Moving in, she would settle at the Gryffindor table, the Hall was already bedecked in Hufflepuff house colors.
She was currently talking summer plans with Aubrey and Madeline Miller who didn't really have much of anything planned. Save for maybe attending the St. Emry's Feast which was going to be held on Orei's birthday. The line up was supposed to be spectacular for the entire day. Maybe she could convince Brett to go with her, at least to see The Weird Sisters at 830 that night. She'd have to Owl Brett tonight, see if he wanted to go...but for now, there was more food than one could imagine before her and she'd hardly touched a bite.
Maybe next year, with her NEWT classes getting into full swing, she would consider trying out for the house Qudditch team again. She'd actually kept herself in good shape when she'd been on the team, and needs to really get back into being that active once more. Anyway, food now! Her body was demanding it.
Plate quickly filled to the brim: mashed potatoes, gravy, sweet corn, butter bread, roasted turkey, sweet potatoes, green beans...pretty much a little bit of everything would make its way onto the fifth year's plate.
Destroying The Book
Author: Julian Valentine
Date: 06-15-07 16:18
Julian half crouches, half kneels, almost reverently so. Geheimzinnige Zilver lies open in front of him. The hole in which the book had been buried gapes in the shadow thrown off by wandlight, dirt scattered all about. In his haste to dig up the book, Julian had used a spell that caused dirt to be flung in a wide arc around the small clearing. Julian doesn't care about that or refilling the hole.
All Julian cares about is destroying Geheimzinnige Zilver.
Julian hadn't meant to open the book. It just sort of happened. He IS going to destroy it. There's simply the matter of looking at this one page. That's it. He's been dying of curiosity to know what the book holds. If he's going ot destroy it in a few seconds from now, what harm is one little peek?
Julian holds his wand near the book, increasing the brightness of the light at the wand's end. The spell the book is open to is a curse against rivals in business. Dark spells are either stupidly simply, such as Avada Kedavra or they're terribly complex. This curse, which includes a very involved potion, is one of the latter types. Complex in the extreme.
Julian reaches out to close Geheimzinnige Zilver. The pages riffles and turn of their own accord, prompting Julian to snatch his hand away. The gentle breeze blowing isn't even enough to flutter the edge of a page much less have fifty of them flipping over as if by an unseen hand searching for a particular spell. Even with only the light from his wand, Julian can tell there's something different about the ink used on the page now open before him.
Blood.
Not just any blood either. Julian knows instinctively it's human blood. Dark magic that requires human blood, even just a little, is some of the darkest of the arts there is. When the spell or potion is written in human blood as well, that notches the darkness up even further.
Inside, Julian recoils. He's no saint to be sure. In fact, that is such a laughable thought Julian actually does laugh aloud. He's done his share of nasty deeds. He has no hate of Muggles and even likes some of them, even some mudbloods, but they are definately the subservient class. Or should be. Julian's killed. He's tortured and maimed. Julian helped hand over Harry Potter to Voldemort once several years ago.
There is a line though. It might be a fine line that Julian's walked along but he's never actually crossed it. Never done dark magic that calls for human blood. There's dark arts and then there's dark arts. Hell, even Lysander's selling of human parts wasn't the same as doing human blood magic.
Julian suddenly recoils outwardly. He'd realized his free hand was tracing the words on the page with an itch to make the potion described. Julian hasn't even read what that purpose is. He doesn't want to know.
Letting the light of his wand dim, Julian stands and points the wand at the book. His hand begins to shake. He uses his other hand to steady the wand. The word of a spell form in Julian's throat but he's having difficulty opening his mouth.
A painful pulse shoots through Julian's skull. The harder he tries to say the spell, the greater the intensity of the pain, the longer each pulse lasts. Julian's hands, wrapped tightly around the wand, are vibrating he's shaking so badly.
Fighting through the pain and the shaking, against the case of lock jaw he seems to have suddenly developed, Julian hoarsely bites out, "Incendio!"
There is an overly bright burst and the smell of something burning. Julian is only dimly aware of the smell of ash and the crackling of flames as he drops to the ground on his knees, clutching at his head. There's a screaming roar in his ears but Julian can't tell the source as it seems to be coming from inside his head. His eyelids are pressed shut, his eyes stinging and burning.
Julian feels like he's falling. His last cognizant thought for a long time being that he'd better go to the side so he doesn't land on the burning Geheimzinnige Zilver.
Back Home
Author: Hermione Granger
Date: 06-15-07 16:35
Although the original plan had been to return to Great Britain after breakfast, Hermione had only just now returned home to her flat. She dropped her bag onto the sofa and collapsed right beside it, kicking off her shoes and shutting her eyes as she leaned back and sighed. It had been one very long and trying day.
Hermione woke up around two in the morning, when a siren went off in the house. Baniti had said that his home was protected against intruders, and Hermione's first thought was that whoever had stolen the book from Gringotts had decided to go after its owner now. She bolted upright in bed and grabbed her wand, throwing on a robe over her pajamas. Hermione carefully opened the door and peered into the hallway, which had been lit up brightly as if it were day, not the dead of night.
Across the hall, Alistair opened his door and stepped outside. Upon seeing Hermione standing in her doorway and armed, he immediately drawn his wand, gesturing for her to stay put. Hermione had had her share of danger over the years, however, and wasn't about to stand by if she could do something to help.
When the screaming started, both started bolting in the direction of the noise. Hermione's bare feet caught on something lying across the floor in the hallway, and she careened to the floorboards, landing hard on her elbow. Her wand skittered a few feet away from her.
Turning, she saw the body of Ana, the house elf. Ana's eyes were wide open and her facial expression seemed frozen, as if she'd tried to scream or shout an incantation at her murderer. Hermione didn't allow herself to dwell on it and scrambled to her feet, scooping up her wand as she continued in the direction of the screaming, which had already ominously stopped.
When she came into the living room, she found Alistair leaning over Baniti on the floor. No one else was in the room.
"Is he..." Hermione started, but then she saw Baniti's chest heave and he opened his eyes. Blood caked his face.
Hermione saw two wands on the floor next to Baniti's limp hand. One was his own.
"I disarmed him," he whispered, "but I fear he's still managed to do what he came here to do." There was a blood-covered paperweight on the floor by Baniti's feet.
"He fled through the back when I came into the room," Alistair said. "I got a good look at his face. It was Adallah."
"Are you sure?" Hermione asked.
"I remember his photograph from the Daily Prophet."
Baniti jerked in Alistair's arms. "Hermione... I must tell you... the poison... I've tried to remember..."
Hermione went to Baniti's other side and knelt beside him. "What is it?" she asked softly.
"The poison... it may be cursed mummy powder."
"Is that rare?" asked Hermione.
"It is. Mummy powder is relatively easy to come by, but..." He shut his eyes for a moment, and Hermione feared the worst. "Cursed mummies, and wizarding ones at that, are very uncommon. I've tried to remember... I think that's why he came after me and the others... he wants to eradicate all knowledge of the powder."
Hermione frowned. "We need to get you to a hospital."
"It's too late... it's too late." And Baniti stiffened and died.
The rest of the morning and day was spent talking to Egyptian law enforcement. When Hermione and Alistair were finally allowed to return home, it was evening. Hermione hadn't forgotten what Baniti had told her and wondered if she could find something more about his idea. She also wondered if perhaps she could ask someone to find another copy of the manuscript.
But first, she wanted to tell Ron and the rest of the Weasleys what she'd discovered about how deep Khalid Adallah's hatred for Bill ran.
Not As Happy As Can Be
Author: Sage Porter
Date: 06-15-07 16:48
Sage accepts a bowl of peas, spoons some onto his plate then passes the bowl to someone else wanting seconds. Looking down at the small, green vegetables on his plate, Sage isn't sure now why he wanted more. He ends up pushing them around and trying to build pyramids with them, using bits of mashed potato like cement.
Sage had thought he'd feel a sense of elation. Sure, he knew he'd miss friends after tomorrow but many he can see, even if it's just chats in the fire, over the course of summer. Sage just figured that he'd be happy with the feast, school ending, the fatigue from the two weeks of OWLs gone, some great trips coming up. He's not really feeling any of that though. Even Hufflepuff winning House Cup hasn't got Sage as jubilent as he thinks he should be.
Saffron could have waited a few more days to tell him about Da getting married again. She'd been going to tell Sage for days but kept putting it off. A short time before the feast began she finally told him. Sage really doesn't want to see his father, really doesn't want yet another step-mother, especially one whose name he doesn't even know yet. That means he is not looking forward to the wedding.
Right after talking with Saffron and learning about Da's impending nuptials, Sage had had an encounter with Aubrey. She'd come straight up to him and declared, "Well, this is it. We could have had something long term, Porter, but you've blown it."
Sage had shrugged. "You still don't get it, do you?"
"The only thing to get is that you were an idiot to let me go. The day the regret sets in, just remember not to come crawling to me to take you back."
Sage hadn't even bothered to reply. He'd just turned and begun walking away, something that Aubrey didn't like. She went after him. "Come wish me off at the station tomorrow. I might let you have one more kiss for old time's sake."
Sage had stopped and faced Aubrey. "Get over yourself. I'm not the one making doing the chasing here. I'm not the one who keeps trying to get us back together. You were a nice girl once, Aubrey. Maybe if you figure out where she went and retrieve her, drop this egotistical persona you've got going, I'll consider the possibility of us becoming a couple again. Until then, drop it. Not going to happen."
Sage started walking again, entering the Great Hall. Aubrey bleated a few times in protest at his words then shut up to storm angrily past him. Before the last of those standing took their seats for the feast, Sage has seen Aubrey glaring and pointing his way while talking to some of her friends. He wonders if those friends will miss her all that much once she's gone and they've had time to adjust to what her friendship these last months have meant - them adoring her and doing everything for her while she talks about how wonderful she is.
Done with one pea and mashed potato pyramid, Sage turns to some carrot rounds on his plate to start building a tower.
Stuffed
Author: Emerald Green
Date: 06-15-07 20:40
Emerald only thought she was stuffed at the feast held to mark the start of the term. That was nothing compared to this. Emerald is quite sure she won't need to eat again until at least mid-July.
Maybe even later than that if she doesn't stop eating. It's sort of hard though, even with feeling so full, because desserts are now more visible than the dishes from the first part of the meal. Emerald takes a very small piece of a cake that's along the lines of lemon chiffon then puts a dollop of ice cream on the plate. The way none of the ice cream seems to be melting yet has her wondering if the serving bowls for the various flavors are specially charmed. Probably so.
Emerald would never normally gorge like this. Once that overly full feeling set in, she'd stop eating if she'd not already stopped. Tonight though is a celebration. Emerald has successfully made it through what has been, hands down, the worst year of her life. At least she hopes she made it through. Her OWL scores when they come will let her know just how successful she's been.
Although she doesn't have the highest grades around, all her professors have let Emerald know she's gotten marks in their classes that are high enough to pass. Things will greatly hinge on those OWLs but for now, Emerald's looking at getting through them without seriously stumbling, or so she hopes and thinks, and at having been able to pick up enough of the four years of magic she was behind on to get through the fifth year with her classmates.
One bright spot the past year has been having Phin for a boyfriend. He stuck by her when she was at her gloomiest and crankiest. He's smart, funny, and in a band to boot. Emerald had always scoffed at girls who found boys in bands to be major turn ons but now she sort of gets it. She'd like Phin all the same if he weren't a member of Dynamic Duo but he definately comes off as all the hotter for being in the band. The most important thing though is he's sweet and a good boyfriend to her.
Adding to tonight's celebration is Emerald's first time ever of experiencing real pride in being in Hufflepuff House. Her house won the House Cup, something that when she first got to Hogwarts and heard about Emerald had shrugged, not understanding what the big deal was. Now she totally understands. It's sort of like when her old school took state last year in baskbetball. Even though Emerald had gone to only some of the games, she was nonetheless puffed up with pride at seeing the trophy the boys' team added to the school case.
Reaching for the pie tin with strawberry pie, Emerald helps herself to a small portion, wishing she knew a spell to allow her to eat more without feeling like a stuffed Thanksgiving turkey.
Sick
Author: Skyler
Date: 06-16-07 03:05
Skyler sat quietly at the Slytherin table with Kate and Isabel next to her. As usual the two were arguing about nothing in particular. For two girls who undoubtedly cared for one another they fought an awful lot.
"Oh shut up, Katheryn," Isabel said. Kate glared at her sister.
"You shut up and stop calling me Katheyrn. Only mom calls me that when I'm in trouble. My name is Kate or Katie, NOT Katheryn!" Kate retorted. Isabel snickered knowing full well it irritated her sister to no end.
"Katie and Izzy! Please!" Sky finally said. She was tired of listening to them fight. They got really quiet and finished eating. Skyler was beginning to feel sick. She had easten way too much and her stomach was revolting.
"I'll be back. I'm going to get some air. I feel sick," Sky said standing up. She placed her hand over her mouth and headed out. She glanced over at Jet making brief eye contact before walking out the door.
Sky walked outside loving the feel of the fresh air and the way the breeze caressed her skin. She liked the clear skies and stared at the moon for a moment. She sat down in the grass and closed her eyes.
Mom, I miss you, she thought. Sky opened her eyes when she heard someone walk up next to her.
"Hey, you okay? You looked sick in there." Sky looked up and smiled.
"Yeah Jet, thanks," she replied sofly. He took a seat next to her.
"What are you doing this summer?" he asked looking at her. Sky turned her attention back to the moon.
"I'm going to stay with a friend," Sky said sounding distant.
"What about your parents?" Sky winced at the question. She knew she couldn't avoid it forever.
"Dead. My mom was killed and I never knew my dad. I just found out he died," she told him. She kept her voice clear of emotion.
"I'm sorry" Jet said. She shrugged. Everyone said that so it didn't matter much to her.
"Don't. You better go back. You'll be missed," Sky told him. She was getting defensive and tried to control it.
"Did I offend you?" he asked curiously. She tore her eyes away from the moon and looked at him and forced a smile.
"No, I...It's still kind of a diffcult subject. You know my family," she said honestly. He nodded and began to turn away.
"Bye Skyler," he said. She didn't reply right away. She took a deep breath and called out to him.
"Hey! Jet!" He turned back toward her.
"Write me, please?" she asked. He smiled and nodded.
"Okay." She smiled and echoed him.
"Okay." He walked back inside. Skyler waited a while before returning to the great hall too.
Speech
Author: Minerva McGonagall
Date: 06-16-07 08:56
By now, dessert had been served and Professor Dumbledore still hadn't arrived for the End of Term Feast. It was most unlike him to miss such an important event, and his absence had Professor McGonagall quite concerned. He hadn't sent word that he would be missing the feast, and usually Albus kept Minerva in the loop about things. She was, after all, the Deputy-Headmistress and needed to be informed about matters that might be questioned, such as the absence of the Headmaster. Perhaps something had suddenly come up and he hadn't had time or opportunity to send word to McGonagall, or perhaps something foul had befallen him. She kept a calm expression on her face because she didn't want to alarm the students.
However, she could only wait so long before realizing that Dumbledore probably wouldn't make it to the feast. Soon, the students would be retiring to their dormitories for one last night at Hogwarts before taking the Hogwarts Express home tomorrow morning. Dumbledore always made a closing speech, and it looked like this year she would have to make it in his stead.
She rose, lifting her crystal goblet and a fork. She tapped the fork against the glass, causing a pleasant tone to resonate through the Great Hall. The talking died down almost immediately, and all heads turned towards the Head Table.
"Good evening, students. I hope you are enjoying yourselves. Unfortunately, Professor Dumbledore is unable to attend at the present time, but I am certain he is very pleased with all of your hard work this school year and that he wishes you a wonderful summer holiday. To the seventh years, good luck with your futures. I'm sure they will be bright. To the rest of you, we will see you again on September first."
Professor McGonagall thought about ending her speech there but then carried on to reflect on some of the major events that had occurred during the past school year.
"This past year has been quite remarkable for us all. It was the first time we participated in the Scholastic Aptitude Tournament. I am very proud of all of you who participated. Because of your hard work and determination, you managed to make Hogwarts the top scorer overall. Please, give yourselves a round of applause."
She lowered the fork and goblet she'd still been holding and clapped her hands together. Thunderous applause erupted through the Great Hall. When it died down, Minerva continued.
"As there was no Quidditch this year, there was no Quidditch Cup to present. I assure you that Quidditch will return to Hogwarts next year. Professor Krum is very much looking forward to working with you all again."
The more enthusiastic Quidditch fans shouted and whistled loudly.
Professor McGonagall lifted both hands to quite down the room.
"And now, the House Cup needs awarding. In fourth place, Slytherin with 56 points."
There was a light smattering of applause. Several angry glares were directly at Oberon Smith and Gervaise Taylor, who'd twice lost Slytherin major points.
"In third place, Gryffindor with 90 points."
Professor McGonagall clapped lightly for her house, though she was disappointed that Gryffindor hadn't fared better.
"In second place, Ravenclaw with 182 points."
The Ravenclaw table clapped and cheered happily.
"And in first place, with 205 points, Hufflepuff. Well done!"
The Hufflepuff table went wild.
When the cheering finally died down, Professor McGonagall closed her speech. "Please, enjoy the rest of the feast and then return to your dormitories. Have a safe trip tomorrow and a safe summer."
She sat down, and the Great Hall became noisy again with conversation and laughter.
Now where was Professor Dumbledore???