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The Wonderland Gang
Author: Callandra Catesby
Date: 01-22-14 01:22
There was a sharp crack like that of a car backfiring, but there were no cars out on the windswept moor. Two cloaked and hooded figures had appeared as if out of thin air. Both wore masks.
They waited.
One by one, others - also cloaked and masked - apparated in until they formed a loose circle.
"The White Rabbit has led them down the rabbit hole," one of the first two arrivals stated in cool tones. His mask was that of a man wearing a top hat. In the hat band was a card reading "In this style 10/6". He continued, "But their own personal vendetta has exposed them. They have fallen into the hands of the cursed Blackguard."
"Then they have become a liability," said the one wearing the mask of a hare with long ears.
"Where is the White Rabbit now?" another asked.
"The Ministry of Magic," the Mad Hatter replied.
"Liabilities," said the Caterpillar in a slow, lazy voice as if they were in fact smoking the hookah they were so often portrayed with, "should be removed."
There was an ominously meditative silence as they all considered that pronouncement.
"But the Ministry..." one began.
"...Is not impenetrable," stated the Cheshire Cat. The mask's wide grin was uncomfortably at odds with the coolly pragmatic tones coming from behind it. "Every day hundreds of people come and go. Where hundreds go, so may one more."
The Mad Hatter nodded. "So we are agreed," he said. A low murmur of agreement rippled around the circle.
The Red Queen laughed and gave a dramatic flourish of one hand. "Off with their head!"
Reunited
Author: Lysander Stratford
Date: 01-22-14 18:14
It had been over a week since Charlotte had been returned to him, and Lysander couldn't be happier. That which he had been wishing for had finally happened, though he only knew a little about what had made their reunion possible.
It had been a Friday morning when a knock at his door had brought him to discover Charlotte standing alone on his doorstep. She was white-faced, with tears in her eyes and tracks down her cheeks. After seeing her father, Charlotte sobbed in earnest, throwing her arms around his neck and squeezing as if she would never let him go. Lysander had shed a few tears, too.
When she eventually could speak, Charlotte told him about the invasion of the Fox home by hooded figures. She described the one who had revealed herself, recognizing her from photographs that had appeared in The Daily Prophet. Charlotte's encounter with the intruders had been brief, with one of the hooded figures taking her home and abandoning her on the doorstep where Lysander later found her.
Hearing the terror in Charlotte's voice had angered him, but at the same time, he felt indebted to Adriana. She'd stayed true to her word and brought Charlotte back to him. Lysander had yet to hear from her, though, and wondered when he would.
He also wondered about Aralyn and Kristos. Were they even still alive? A part of him felt a thrill at the thought of Adriana ridding him of the two wizards who had made his life hell for over a year. With them dead, he would never have to worry about losing Charlotte again.
Charlotte also wondered about the fate of her mother and uncle, the latter of whom had been unconscious when she'd last seen him. Although she had not been happy while in their care, she feared they were dead.
Lysander tried his best to encourage her not to think about what had happened, and for the most part, Charlotte seemed to be coping very well. Grace was overjoyed at having her best friend home again and kept Charlotte entertained when not in school.
Lysander had inquired about sending Charlotte back to school but had reached the decision to re-enroll her after the holidays. While in Aralyn's care, Charlotte had not gotten any schooling whatsoever. Lysander worried she had fallen too far behind, and while a little over a month wouldn't be enough to make up for well over a year of lost schooling, it would be a start. Blossom had been kind enough to give Lysander material he and Charlotte could go over until classes resumed in January.
Now it was Hogsmeade Saturday, and Charlotte was in the bookshop sitting behind the counter with her dad. Every time the doorbell chimed, she looked to see if it was Caerwyn, but so far it hadn't been. He had been told of her reappearance, and she had written him a letter too.
"He's coming, isn't he?" Charlotte asked in between her father helping customers.
"Yes, Charlotte. You know he wouldn't miss seeing you."
And then the bell chimed again and there he was. Charlotte flew off of the stool and ran around the counter, straight into Caerwyn's arms. He swung her around, heedless of the customers in the area, but no one seemed to be in danger of getting hit by Charlotte's swinging legs.
"Caerwyn!" she happily shrieked.
"Hey, Kiddo. I'm so happy you're home."
"Me too."
Caerwyn set her down, but she kept a hold on his hand and led him over to the counter. His friend Gus appeared a second later. For good measure, Charlotte gave him a hug too.
"Your dad's in the stacks somewhere," Lysander told Caerwyn.
"I'll show you!" Charlotte exclaimed, dragging Caerwyn deeper into the store.
Lysander couldn't help but smile to himself. He had his daughter back and things were almost normal again.
A Day Away From School (Justin)
Author: Plum
Date: 01-22-14 19:12
It seems to Justin that every time Nathan, Kay, and he plan to do something together one or both of the other two chooses to sleep in or go missing. This morning was much as Justin had expected. Kay was so deeply asleep that he never once stirred when his roommates were getting dressed and excitedly talking about getting away from school for the day. Nathan and Justin left Hufflepuff House together, passed through the checkpoint to ensure they had permission to go to Hogsmeade and were nearly to the gates when Nathan snapped his fingers. "Bloody hell. I left the galleons I've been socking away just for today."
Justin waited for a time but Nathan is taking so long, probably distracted flirting with someone, he decides to continue on alone. He's not taken two steps when another friend hails him. "Justin! Wait up!"
Justin stopped, turning as Hunter Green came jogging up. "Hey, Hunter."
"Some of us are doing paint ball later. We could use someone else if you're interested?"
The two fall into step, Justin nodding at the paint ball invitation. "Sure, what time?"
"Around one. You eat?"
"Not yet."
"Me either. Briar's?"
From the previous Hogsmeade trip Justin knows Briar's is one of the go to spots for those not eating breakfast in the Great Hall. Or even for those who have but want something more. "Sounds good. You doing this Secret Santa thing?"
"Yeah, every year. It's fun. You signed up for it?"
Justin nods again. "Plum said I should but "
"You have no idea what to get the person?"
"Nope. A first year girl in Slytherin."
"I got a Slytherin too but a guy."
"I guess I'll look around a little while this morning and if I get stuck I'll write Plum for help."
"You can always do what some do. Give a bunch of candy."
"That's a thought."
The rest of the walk to Briar's is spent talking about favorite candies and what Justin misses from home, such as the Muggle chocolate bar Violet Crumble. At the bakery Justin goes with treacle tart with clotted cream while Hunter gets cake. Once done and back outside, Justin pulls his jacket more tightly around him. He's not used to snow in December. He's not used to snow at all really or this level of cold except when his family has taken a few trips over the years.
Hunter and Justin end up meandering along, both keeping eyes peeled for suitable Christmas gifts. If Hunter is like Justin, he's got more than a Secret Santa gift to buy. Every gift doesn't have to be found today but Justin thinks it would be good if he could make headway and not end up doing what he's often done in the past, which is relying on his mum to get something and put his name on it.
At a kiosk outside of Dervish and Bangs some girly book bags and backpacks catch Justin's attention. He immediately spots a plaid one his sister Martha would love. Another that looks like abstract art puts him in mind of his other sister, Betsy. After further searching Justin selects a book bag of green, pink, and orange with festive flowers for his Secret Santa, Igraine Van Tassel, hoping that a girl of eleven or twelve would like such a bag.
With three names ticked off his list, Justin pays before stepping inside Dervish and Bangs with Hunter.
In the Village
Author: Rylee
Date: 01-23-14 11:01
Brair's had been busy, but that was to be expected as it was the usual stop for those who did not want to eat breakfast in the Great Hall, or were craving one of the delicious baked goods that filled the shop. Thankfully Raz and I had gotten there early, and were currently debating on what to do with the rest of our time in the village today.
"Eventually, I think I want to play a round of paintball and laser tag."
"Sounds like a plan. I'm thinking Three Broomsticks for lunch? Or maybe Crown and Cauldron?"
I laughed. "Really, Raz, you are planning lunch already? We just finished breakfast!"
He grinned at me. "I'm a growing boy."
I rolled my eyes and we headed off to start shopping. "Where do you want to start first?"
"Gladrags? Get some stuff there and head wherever?"
"Sounds like a plan, and maybe we can both figure out what to get for our Secret Santas."
"Definitely, but I have an idea of what to get Alys, since she is only a year older than Etana."
"Awesome. I have to figure out what to get Mrs. Blackheart, the librarian."
We wandered through Gladrags for a bit, and ultimately came out a few galleons poorer for our wandering, but Raz had gotten several gifts for Etana for Hanukkah and his gift for my mom, and his gift for Alys. I had gotten a couple of things for Etana as well, had already owl ordered some gifts for Raz for Hanukkah, and gotten my gift for Mrs. Blackheart.
Raz had selected a trio of floral headbands for Alys, and I'd gotten a book themed charm bracelet for Mrs. Blackheart.
Secret Santa Gifts (Jade, Hunter, & Olive)
Author: Emerald Green
Date: 01-23-14 18:27
Jade had walked into Hogsmeade with some friends, going to Brews and Stews for breakfast where they sat at a table with a window view chatting about everything from school assignments to boys to the upcoming holiday. From there they'd started out together but with everyone having different shopping styles and paces most eventually drifted off with the promise of meeting up for lunch.
Spotting her twin Jade breaks away as well, needing to get Hunter's share of gifts for Olive and for Uncle Woody. Hunter and she know what they want to give both of them but as the cost is a little much for them individually, they decided to pool funds with Jade saying she'd see to the actual purchase of each gift. Hunter's on his own for Aunt Blythe and Olive and anyone else on his list unless he specifically asks her for help.
The spot where she has caught up with Hunter is outside of Dervish and Bangs where he and Justin Hodges are at one of those temporary stands set up to take advantage of the holiday gift giving season. After speaking with Hunter and getting the galleons he'd promised she gives her attention to the stand's merchandise. Jade's backpack is in need of replacing. Dire need or she'd ask for a new one as a Christmas gift. While searching for one that appeals to her, Jade spots one she thinks would be nice for the person whose name she drew this time for Secret Santa, Aleydis Vanderbilt.
Aleydis is a seventh year who Jade knows somewhat because of Quidditch, though they are on opposing teams, Jade with Ravenclaw and Aleydis with Hufflepuff. The bag is stylish, reminding Jade of a paisley print even though it's not. She thinks it would serve Aleydis well her remaining time at Hogwarts as well as at university if she decides to attend. If not, it would be perfect for toting purse and coffee or tea thermos and lunch and coat and whatever else might be needed at a job somewhere such as the Ministry.
Hunter notices Jade picking through the book bags, backpacks, and other bags the stand offers, wondering what he's going to get her for Christmas. In the past he's had little problem because he knows his twin so well but this year he's somewhat stumped for some reason. Maybe it's because for the first time he's truly noticed Jade is an actual girl. A girl who likes having her hair look nice and wearing a little make-up and, Hunter shudders, flirting with some of the guys. Guys he's friends with. Hunter is not sure how he feels about that at all.
"Problem?" Justin asks.
"What?"
"You're making a really nasty face, mate."
"Sorry. Really hate this sort of shopping," Hunter says, hoping that's explanation enough for whatever face he was making.
"So let's hurry and get it over with."
Hunter has no problem with that suggestion. The problem is that no matter how fast they breeze through shops, finding gifts for some people is never easy. When he'd joined up with Justin earlier he'd had no idea that Justin's Secret Santa, Igraine Van Tassel, is sister of Hunter's. Or half-sister. Hunter doesn't know Gus all that well outside of Quidditch, Gus being older and in a different house, but he's heard through the grapevine Gus isn't overly fond of his sister and isn't thrilled she's at Hogwarts. Jade probably knows more about all that but Hunter's never bothered to ask.
When in Gladrags Wizardwear, Hunter finds something for Gus that with a gift certificate he'd gotten in a Hogwarts Easter egg, is within his Secret Santa budget. It's a tri-colored hoodie that's spelled to adjust to the weather. If it's only a little chilly out, the hoodie seems like a light jacket. If it's freezing out, the hoodie provides the thermal protection of warm polar fleece.
"Getting it?"
Hunter nods. "Yeah, it's this or a big basket of candy or a gift certificate for somewhere like Krum's. I kind of like this and wouldn't mind having one myself so I'm hoping Gus will like it too."
Hunter pays for the hoodie with Justin and he deciding it's time for a snack, where they both take stock of what they'd bought and what else they need to get before lunch and meeting up with others for that game of wizarding paint ball.
Olive, accompanied by boyfriend Zuberi who made sure to keep his schedule today clear so they could spend time together, is also hunting for Christmas gifts. She's been doing a little shopping with catalogs but she's only bought a few things via owl. Some of the catalogs have just been to give her ideas.
What she's most been lacking an ideas about is the Secret Santa gift for one Bowen Goodnight. He is a Gryffindor so she asked her brother to suss out a little about the first year as Hunter is also in Gryffindor. He'd managed to get her a little information and while she appreciates his effort, she wishes it were more.
Standing now looking down at a box in her hands she tells Zuberi, "I just don't know."
"It's nice."
"Being nice and being something Bowen would want or like are two different things."
"If he hates it, it wouldn't be because you didn't try or put any thought into his gift."
"I know, but ," Olive sighs and shakes her head. "Okay. I'll get this but I'm going to keep looking."
The this in question is a wizard's chess set. One of the things Hunter told her is that Bowen's new to the Wizarding World. If he's like her and her siblings, and others she's met over the years not initially raised Wizarding, games such as wizard's chess fascinate him. If he's fascinated by the way a wizard's chess set moves and how the pieces seems to be destroyed when captured only to be returned whole after a match ends, ready to be played once more, then Bowen might like having his very own game set.
Holding the box close to her chest, Olive gets in line to pay, thinking that even though finding a Secret Santa gift each year for someone she doesn't necessarily even know in passing can be stressful, she's going to miss it next year when no longer at Hogwarts. Perhaps there is a group or organization at St. Emrys or wherever she ends up that does it. If not, she could start such an exchange. Maybe.
As the line inches forward, Zuberi and she debate where to go next and whether they want to eat at one of the village restaurants or in the quiet of the Krum-Batuti kitchen.
Gone
Author: Mildred
Date: 01-24-14 14:38
Mildred and Melpmene were shopping for Mildred's Secret Santa gift, the Gryffindor fifth year and prefect, Hydrangea Marchbanks. They were at Gladrags Wizardwear, looking at the beautiful creations of Wendelin Meek. Wesley was seated at a corner, bored to death, still not sure why he had agreed they should go shopping first, instead of visiting the Hogsmeade cemetery.
Finally, after what it seemed to Wesley an eternity, Mildred decided to get Hydrangea an elegant black rain coat, that she hoped to be to her liking. She was assured by the shop assistant that if Hydrangea didn't like it she could come to the shop and exchange it for something else.
The three Gryffindors left the warm establishment, back into the cold streets filled with snow. Mildred guided them into the cemetery in order to show them Erica Sims's grave. She had trusted Melpomene and Wesley with her story and Melpomene wanted to check if Erica's ghost was at the cemetery and ask her how she died. Mildred wasn't very convinced there would be any ghost but she admitted that if it did, then they could ask her how she died and she would learn once and for all if her father had killed Erica or not. Wesley didn't believe in the ghost theory either, but he was curious about Achilles's sister grave.
They left a trail of footprints in the snow as Mildred took the command guiding them to the already somewhat familiar headstones of the Hogsmeade cemetery.
"Over here! Just a few more meters and we are there."
They increased their walking rhythm, following Mildred and Melpomene didn't clash against her by a luck. The young witch had stopped abruptly, the bag carrying Hydrangea's present falling on the ground.
"Where is it?" Wesley asked standing aside the girls.
"I…" Mildred tried to say, but she wasn't able to articulate any more words as she looked to what was in front of her in disbelief.
There was no stone there, no mark that this place had been Erica Sims's resting place. The snow covered the ground and for a moment she wondered if the beautiful stone was hiding under the white glinting layer. She used her wand to melt the snow. Under it there was nothing but dead grass and mud.
"Maybe we are at the wrong place," Melpomene suggested, looking around in search for the right headstone.
"No. It's here, I know it!" Mildred declared, her voice sounding hysterical.
She felt the feeling like she was being watched from a distance but when she looked around she saw no one there. Then something occurred to her:
"He took it away."
"What? Who?" Wesley asked.
"Achilles's father. I told you we had met in here last Hogsmeade trip. He caught me. He must have removed the stone and the body, I suppose."
"But why?"
"Isn't it obvious?" Melpomene said, rejoining them. "He was probably afraid you would come back here with Achilles. Or even if you didn't, maybe you would tell a friend about it and he might learn about his sister from a third party and come here on his own to check. So to assure he wouldn't find out the truth, his parents remove Erica's body from Hogsmeade."
Mildred nodded. It made sense. But what was so wrong about Achilles learning about his sister? What were the Sims (and her own father) hiding about Erica and her mysterious death?
"Or maybe he just wanted to make you look like a fool. Imagine how would Achilles feel if you told him his sister was buried here and he would come and there was no grave or stone? He might think you were making things up or it was some joke," Wesley added.
The witch looked at him with inquiring eyes and the boy added immediately:
"I don't think you're lying. I believe you."
Mildred nodded gratefully. But now they were back at square one because there was no ghost to give them some answers. A bit disappointed she made her way towards The Three Broomsticks for a butter beer, before getting back to the castle.