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Pair and Trio
Author: Ethan Somerset
Date: 09-27-19 17:07
Unsurprisingly, the first Hogsmeade trip of the school year came under a lot of scrutiny and posed a logistical challenge for Hogwarts staff. Knowing members of the press and potential protestors might be loitering outside the school gates and crawling all over the village was enough cause for concern that Professor McGonagall held a staff meeting yesterday after supper.
Instead of having staff patrol Hogsmeade alone as in the past, everyone would go around the village in pairs. It was quite sad when the reason for this had little to do with security and everything to do with getting accosted by a journalist or angry parent.
Certainly, law enforcement would be out in droves, but their duty was security. After all, the threat of Death Eaters recruiting students, attacking Hogsmeade, or infiltrating the castle while it was empty was still very much real.
Ethan had signed up for a late morning shift, along with Neville Longbottom. When Neville signed his name next to Ethan's, he grinned at the younger professor who had once been his student and asked, "Are you sure you want to associate with the likes of me? I've definitely got a target on my back."
"Sure," Neville said. "I've got your back."
Now it was the next morning and the two professors were walking around together, drinking steaming cups of pumpkin spice lattes made specially by Ethan's girlfriend. Briar had, of course, sent them off with sustenance in the form of glazed cranberry scones, too.
There were a few reporters about, but none appeared to be bothering anybody. At any rate, not a one had pressed Ethan on whether he was under Voldemort's thrall again or if he and Briar were going to make baby Death Eaters together. Upon observations, the majority appeared to be taking notes and instructing their photographers to take shots here and there. Ethan couldn't imagine that none of them were asking tough questions, but perhaps they were visibly holding back due to the retinue of law enforcement in the village.
Oliver had noticed all the aurors and hit wizards around when he entered Hogsmeade with Grace and Rand. A lot of them were wearing badges or uniforms, indicating they were the law, but Oliver supposed there were lots of plainclothes one about too. He noticed the reporters, too. There was one hanging outside the bakery, where Grace's mother had given them cinnamon rolls and hot cocoa for breakfast.
Grace's mother had watched the trio carefully as they left the bakery. Oliver didn't know that it was because she worried the press might bother Grace about being the granddaughter of Death Eaters, just like he didn't know that Uncle Ethan worried that he himself might somehow get dredged through the mud for being related to someone who once served the Dark Lord.
There was another reporter loitering outside the bookstore. Grace's uncle Lysander stared daggers at the woman through the shop window. He gave Grace a big hug and shooed some other students out of the comfy seats in the bookstore, freeing them up for the three friends. Grace's father emerged from the back office soon thereafter and scooped her up into a big hug.
"Da-aad," she playfully complained.
"You're never too big for a hug from your father," Mr. Valentine said. He looked out the window and asked, "You weren't bothered coming in, were you?"
"No," Grace answered, shaking her head. "Do you think they are trying to figure out which one of us got corrupted?"
"I'm sure they are, but don't joke about it," Mr. Valentine said. "You don't want to give any of them a reason to notice you."
"Do they even know who any of us are?" Oliver asked, "Or do you think they are just looking to see if any of us seem shifty?"
"Oh, you definitely look shifty," Rand jokingly supplied.
"Darn," Oliver replied, grinning.
"What did I just tell you lot about joking about that?" Mr. Valentine exclaimed, not actually angry but still serious.
Grace, Oliver, and Rand looked up at him sheepishly and said in sing-song unison, "Sorry."
Yellow
Author: Viktor Krum
Date: 09-27-19 21:12
Reaching for some of the grapes available to those attending the workshop or simply there to watch, Viktor's hand freezes just above the fruit when a small voice from behind asks, "Will the wedding have a Quidditch theme? Even the cake?"
Turning Viktor finds second year Emmie Reade gazing expectantly at him. He knows Emmie from flying lessons last year and because she sometimes comes to his Hogsmeade weekend workshops. She isn't in Fitness & Athletics nor the Athletics Club. In his surprise he's not only slow to reply but reverts to using Vs in place of the Ws. "Vedding? Vhat vedding vould that be?"
Emmie grins. "Yours of course. To Miss Theodosia. Have you given her a ring yet? With her coloring, a yellow diamond would be smashing." She taps her chin. "Or, really, any yellow gem. Topaz. Citrine. Sapphire. Tourmaline. A more yellow peridot though a pear green one would be lovely. That's just to name a few."
Still astonished to learn that some students already have Theodosia and he engaged with a wedding in the works, Viktor doesn't know what to say. His mind is also blanking on a suitable response to Emmie's question about a ring. Instead, he blurts, "Sapphires can be yellow? How do you know this?"
Emmie flashes a brilliant smile. "Because gems are pretty. If you've not gotten an engagement ring yet go with a yellow stone. Get a wedding ring to match."
"Erm, yes, I vill keep all that in mind."
"It's too bad you don't have a ring yet or you could surprise Miss Theodosia today with a proposal. Maybe charm brooms to spell out "will you marry me" or something like that. When is the next workshop? I could help you plan for then. Or did you want to ask her before then? Or have you already asked and she's just not wearing her ring?"
By now, Emmie has a fisted hand resting on a cocked hip, her head tilted the opposite direction, eyes fixed on Viktor who's questioning whether she's truly a twelve year old or has Rita Skeeter managed to infiltrate his workshop in the guise of a Hogwarts second year?
"Viktor, did you say you wanted to set up another obstacle course?"
Thankful for the interruption, Viktor tells Marjani, "Yes, be right there." To Emmie he says, "Thank you for the input on rings." Hurrying off, Viktor can't help but think Emmie has a good point about yellow being a good color for Theodosia.
(Belinda) The Meeting
Author: Sophie McCourt
Date: 09-28-19 03:13
Belinda had been waiting anxiously for the Team Delta Echo meeting at Hogsmeade. The group gathered at the usual place, bringing band instruments and all the necessary materials for a rehearsal. At first no one appeared and Belinda looked down from the window. There were teachers patrolling the streets and she was sure some aurors would be there as well. The security was tight, even inside the castle. Belinda tried to act natural. She had once again joined the Dueling Club, when she visited Club Day at Great Hall, she was working on some new plays with Charlotte and Mira, who had joined the team, replacing Malden's place, during Quidditch practices, she began her OWLs preparation and the best of it all, she spent a lot of her time with Conrad, either making out or just enjoying each other's company. But all she could really think about was Delta Echo, and today's meeting with Maurice.
He had finally arrived and was very well received by the group. They started to shower him with questions, mostly about Asher and Malden. Someone commented how unfair it was that Asher was now at Azkaban.
"It is not unfair," Maurice told them. "He should rotten there for the rest of his life."
There was a silence and then Maurice proceeded.
"Asher Kent has betrayed us. He changed his allegiance and his no longer part of of our cause. He delivered himself to the authorities and the only reason we are still here today is because he was not able to talk, thanks to our preventive spells."
The group was shocked. Some started to call Asher a traitor and Belinda thought about her classes with Asher's father, Professor Kent. She had given up her Muggle Studies classes and swapped them by Care of Magical Creatures. She decided it wasn't worth it to waste her time getting to know Muggles. She thought Professor Kent was a good teacher and although he was not one of them she felt sorry for him, because his son was in prison. But now she started to see Professor Kent under a new prism. He was the father of a traitor. It would be hard to attend his classes again and look him in the eye.
"As for Malden I can assure you he is doing well. The Dar Lord takes care of those who are loyal to him. Do not forget that, if you ever consider changing sides. Asher, who had so quickly ran towards the other side is now sitting on a prison cell, while our dear Malden is out there, safe and untouched. My friends I know you might be feeling afraid or even abandoned. But I want to assure you that you have not been forgotten. The Dark Lord knows of your work and devotion. Even in these hard times when the enemy is trying to hunt us down I urge you all to be strong and brave. Our day will come!"
Hands were clapped and fists were raised in the air. The morale was once again high. The meeting proceeded as Maurice revised some security measures and other important issues. Then they picked up their instruments and started to rehearsal, in order to maintain their cover. Maurice's speech made Belinda feel better. The sleeves of his shirt were rolled up and her eyes got fixated for a moment on his Dark Mark. It was beautiful, she thought, with fascination and a bit of envy. She sang and moved her body trying to imitate some famous lead singers she had seen at Emrys Fest. She was unaware of the glance of lust Maurice sent her. She would be turning 16 in December and she was turning into a beautiful creature.
The rehearsal continued until lunchtime. Maurice left before the end since his part has already been accomplished. Team Delta Echo was as live as ever.
Order Patrol
Author: Bill Weasley
Date: 09-29-19 08:05
Besides professors and members of law enforcement, the members of the Order of the Phoenix were also patrolling Hogsmeade. Bill had spent the morning in the bank, had gone home for lunch, and set out for his shift only a short while ago. His feet carried him to the park, where a number of students had congregated to kill time before returning to the castle. Some were looking through their various purchases, which were mostly sweet-related items from the looks of things, while others were simply "hanging out".
With all the seating full, Bill opted to lean against the trunk of a tree with his arms crossed. The students paid him absolutely no mind.
He wasn't in position long before Rita Skeeter sidled up next to him. Bill had heard rumor and later seen with his own eyes the presence of the media during this Hogsmeade trip, but he hadn't noticed any of them actively pursuing stories. Perhaps they didn't want to get arrested for stalking and harassment.
"Hello, Bill," Rita silkily drawled. "One might say loitering in a park without one's own child in the presence of other children is objectionable. Did some of Fenrir Greyback's abominable interests rub off on you after the attack? Could the treatment of your scars serve as a wishful double entendre? No more scarring, no more depravity? I'm not sure it actually works that way…"
Bill shot the reporter a withering look. "Did you really come here to make an absurd allegation? Oh, wait…"
Rita smiled. "Well, if you must know, I heard a rumor that the recruitment of Hogwarts students actually started here in Hogsmeade. It makes perfect sense, when you think about it. The Death Eaters did headquarter here at one time, and then there are wizards like you who have a connection."
"A connection to the Death Eaters?" Bill sarcastically asked. "How do you figure?"
Rita's smile turned more catlike. "Didn't you have a relationship with Adriana Fairchild prior to marrying your wife?"
Bill frowned. "That was something like 17 years ago, well before she had anything to do with the Death Eaters."
"Are you sure?" Rita asked. "Maybe she wasn't large and in charge when you dated, but surely you knew she wasn't normal."
"Instead of creating rumors and hysteria with your false stories, which could get someone hurt, by the way, you ought to focus on the truth. The real Death Eaters are still somewhere out there and they need to be found and imprisoned. Put all your efforts into locating the new hideout and do something good for a change," Bill said, pushing off from the tree to walk out of the park.
Rita followed him, not easily swayed or deflected. "Then there's your long-time friend Briar Rose. Are you aware that she and Ethan Somerset have been ordered to create Death Eater babies?"
Bill rolled his eyes while he walked. "That seems really unlikely, given that Ethan is Muggle-born. A tainted bloodline doesn't seem to be a desirable quality for any dark wizard."
"Desperate times call for desperate measures," Rita pointed out. "Besides, some recruits are expected to be expendable. You expect losses when you amass an army."
"You sound like an expert," Bill said, pivoting so they were face to face. "Are you sure you're not a Death Eater?"
Auror Geoffrey Blackwell came over and asked, "Is everything all right here?"
Rita smiled and said, "Everything's peachy." She winked, turned on her heel, and sauntered down High Street.
Bill exchanged an annoyed look with Geoffrey and said, "It would be nice if all media could get banned from Hogsmeade during the next student trip to the village."
Geoffrey nodded. "I'm not sure it's possible, but I'm with you there."
They parted ways after a little bit of small talk, with Geoffrey continuing his beat and Bill patrolling in the opposite direction on behalf of the Order.
(Magnus) A Fellow Reporter
Author: Sophie McCourt
Date: 09-29-19 11:40
It was Magnus and Ned's very first Hogsmeade trip. The two boys had run towards the castle gates in a rush to leave the castle and visit the so famous village they had heard so much about during the past two years. There were many fun things to do at Hogsmeade and Magnus was worried that there would be no time to do everything on one day.
The first thing they did was to visit the Shrieking Shack. They cautiously approached the supposedly haunted house and stared at it.
"Do you think we should try and enter?" Ned asked.
"Maybe...Agnes Frink from Gryffindor said she would. We would look like fools if we don't."
"Well, we can tell everyone that we were there. There's no one here to witness if we actually went or not. What do you say?"
Magnus sent another glance at the Shrieking Shack. He did not feel like entering there at all. Ned's suggestion prevailed and the two friends abandoned the house, trying to come up with a story to tell the rest of their colleagues about their fake visit to the haunted house. Ned even suggested they should dirt their clothes and maybe get some fake bruises in order to pretend they had faced some dangers inside the house.
After that they went to Honeydukes. The two boys resembled greedy burglars, taking all sorts of sweets into a bag, wanting to taste them all. After paying and leaving, they left the shop.
"Maybe we should go back at the end of the day and buy more sweets...we don't want to run out of those before our next visit."
Magnus was about to agree with Ned, when he saw Rita Skeeter just across the street.
"Ned! It's her!"
"Who?" Ned asked looking everywhere but not able to understand who Magnus was talking about.
"Rita Skeeter! I can't believe she is here! Do you think we should go talk to her?"
Before Ned could agree or disagree Magnus crossed the street. He tried to compose his hair and clothes, and stood up straight trying to seem older. At first Rita did not see him, as her eyes were on someone else who had just entered The Three Broomsticks.
"Excuse me? Miss Skeeter?"
She finally looked at Magnus.
"Oh, and what do we have here?"
He blushed. Here she was, the woman who made the Daily Prophet sell millions of copies all over the country. The top reporter who seemed to know in advance everything that was about to happen. She was Magnus' idol. One day he aspired to be as popular as her.
"Hello Miss Skeeter. My name is Magnus McCourt. I...I am a big fan of your work."
"Wait! Are you related with the McCourt who married into the Pole family?" She asked, her eyes sparking with interest.
"No...I'm a Muggle-born."
"I see..." she said with an obvious disappointment.
"Like I said, I love your articles. I never miss one! I am a reporter too, you know? I write for the Hogwarts Herald," he informed her with pride.
"How lovely..." she told him, but clearly not giving much importance to it.
Magnus asked her for an autograph and she agree to give it to him, in the hopes he would be out of her way. He thanked her and in a goodbye note said:
"Maybe one day we can work together."
He turned his back to her, his heart pounding, holding her autograph in his hand. He smiled, happy with his achievement, even if Rita Skeeter did not give him the proper attention he felt he deserved. But maybe one day she would, when he too became an important journalist.
"Wait a moment dear boy...Magnus isn't it?"
"Yes." He turned back at her. She looked around to make sure no one was watching and then pushed him deep inside an alley.
"You said you were a reporter for the school newspaper?"
He nodded.
"So I suppose you know about everything that happens at Hogwarts?"
"Er...not really, but I always try to have good stories for my readers."
"Of course you do. They do not let me enter the school you know?" She gave a deep sight. "It is a shame how they disrespect the freedom of the press. I hardly know what is going on inside that castle. Are the students well? How is Headmistress McGonagall handling things? My readers would die to know more...if only a fellow reporter could help me..."
"Maybe I could," Magnus offered, not seeing he was walking right into Skeeter's trap.
"Really? Oh I would be eternally grateful!"
Her magic quill started to scribble at a high speed on a parchment and then she gave Magnus the parchment.
"Here are some topics I would like you to investigate. Maybe we can meet here again on your next
Hogsmeade trip? What do you say? Can I count on you for this mission? I promise you will be rewarded. I know many people in the press world. I could make you the youngest English reporter to reach fame. My readers would be eternally grateful if you were able to provide them with the truth," she said.
Magnus put the parchment on his pocket.
"Do not worry Miss Skeeter," he assured her.
She said goodbye to him with a smile. He left the alley, smiling as well, mesmerized by Skeeter's promises and exited with his newest assignment.
Teen Witch
Author: Sirius Padfoot Black
Date: 09-29-19 15:06
This being Mira's first Hogsmeade Saturday, she was eager to get up and gone from Hogwarts. As she and Charlotte made their way through the gates they stepped to the side of the lane to let by some boys who broke out running once around the first bend. "You know," she mused aloud, "I want this break from school but I do wish we could go somewhere other than Hogsmeade."
Charlotte had nodded in agreement. "We live there so ," she hadn't even bothered to finish the statement as Mira understood exactly Charlotte's sentiment.
Upon reaching the High Mira gestured in the direction of Twice Told Tales. "Your dad first?" As Mira sees her mum at school from time to time when she comes to eat a meal with Dad at the staff table, she's not in quite the rush to go say hello as Charlotte is to see her dad and little brothers Dylan and August if they're about.
It's while Charlotte is at the counter talking with her father and helping him check out a few students and Mira is poking around the young adults/teen section looking to see what catches her eye that a man sidles up to her. "Miss Eternal-Black, how would you like to get your name in a magazine?"
"Is it a fashion magazine? Teen Witch maybe?" Mira asked with a flip of her hair.
"Erm, no, but maybe this would lead to that. Ripper Rosenblatt by the way. Did you know your mother was once associated with the Death Eaters?"
Fixing Ripper Rosenblatt with her most frigid glare Mira just as icily replies, "Are you trying to say my mother had something to do with Asher Kent and Malden McGonagall?"
Just as Mira answered a question with a question he asks another. "Has your mother ever mentioned the Dark Lord to you? Said complimentary, that means nice, things about him?"
"I'm thirteen, Mr. Rosenblatt. I know what complimentary means."
"Pestering children now, Ripper?" someone sardonically says from behind Mira. Without turning she knows to whom that voice belongs.
"Just trying to do my job, Mr. Snape. Oh, hello, Mr. Black. Perhaps you'd like to comment on your wife's past activities with the Death Eaters."
Mira turns to find her father standing with Professor Snape. He makes a small motion for her to move on. She does but only after grabbing the book she'd decided upon about the time Rosenblatt first spoke. Not wanting to miss anything, she doesn't go far, taking up a position slightly behind her father and Professor Snape.
If one didn't know Drucilla Eternal-Black, one would think from the chilly look Sirius is giving Rosenblatt that Mira inherited her own frigid gaze from him. "How about we speak of my wife's activities that helped overturn the oppressive regime of Euphemia Smythe-Jones, such as risking her life by working undercover at the Ministry during that period?"
"But was she really working against Smythe-Jones?"
Severus steps in between Sirius and Rosenblatt, one hand raised palm up in a staying gesture in Sirius's direction. To the reporter Severus drawls, "Perhaps, Ripper, it's best you leave before you cause a scene in front of all these impressionable young minds for whom you claim to be so concerned."
Taking in the wrath on Sirius's face, Severus's own visible irritation, and seeing the angry, narrowed eyed stares from both of the bookshoppe's proprietors who have both moved into a position to see what's caught the attention of so many in this particular store aisle, Rosenblatt slowly nods. "I don't think I would be the one causing the scene but, yes, all right, I'll go. For now, anyway."
Grinning, Mira gushes, "That was awesome, Dad! You too, Professor Snape!"
Sirius puts an arm around Mira. "From now on, just say no comment if he or anyone else tries to interview you."
"Okay, Dad, but if someone from Teen Witch comes along, I will pose for photographs, especially if there are free clothes involved."
Chuckling, Sirius hands her some money to pay for her book then with a nod to Lysander and Julian, leaves with Severus, still not quite sure how he came to Severus in the first place but now glad that is he since it was Severus who spotted Rosenblatt going into Twice Told Tales and told Sirius who "Ripper" is.
Rights and Wrongs
Author: Hermione Granger
Date: 09-30-19 09:44
When deciding which weekend might be better to host Rose's birthday party, Hermione and Ron weighed the facts. If this weekend, then the Weasley cousins at Hogwarts who were old enough to visit Hogsmeade could attend; however, with all the hullabaloo surrounding the visit, next weekend seemed more favorable. In the end, that was what was decided. Rose's birthday party would be held next Saturday at Blossom's Gaming Centre, with her friends from school and any younger Weasley cousins on the invite list.
At such, Hermione and Ron both signed up to patrol Hogsmeade today. Ron did so in his official capacity as an auror and as a member of the Order of the Phoenix, while Hermione volunteered on behalf of the Order. Hermione only planned on going out when Ron wasn't on duty anymore. He came home in the late afternoon and passed the baton to her, with the warning, "Rita Skeeter is hunting for a story."
"More like fabricating a story," Hermione replied, kissing the tops of Rose's and Hugo's heads before heading out.
It was still bright, but the sun was low and hit Hermione's eyes at a bad angle. She shielded her eyes with a hand until she turned away from the blinding light, stepping onto High Street, which was still quite crowded with students.
As she walked, her mind wandered. She thought about how no one knew where the Death Eaters were now. There was not even a hint as to their whereabouts, not like before where it had long been known that they were hiding in a ruinous abbey. All the usual places were checked, such as past hideouts and the properties of incarcerated Death Eaters. There was talk of getting warrants to search the properties of past associates, but this was under legal debate.
At work, Hermione still provided regular updates to the PM and his designees. Unfortunately, there was little concrete information to give. One thing Hermione put forth in the effort to pinpoint the new Death Eater hideout, assuming there was only one, was to research areas with a spike in crime, particularly disappearances and murders. So far, there was nothing of note, which meant the Order had no where to begin searching. It was a familiar, frustrating pattern.
Hermione looked up at the castle. She thought about the time before when Voldemort was in power. It had partially overlapped with her years as a student at Hogwarts. She didn't know of any students who had actively been recruited during those years, but she could think of plenty likely candidates: Crabbe, Goyle, and Malfoy, to name a few. The former two became convicted Death Eaters in their adult lives, only to be cleared of all charges by silky smooth, now-deceased lawyer Reed Wycombe. Hermione hadn't seen Malfoy in years to know where his current allegiances might lie. The apple probably didn't fall far from the tree, though.
"Something really needs to be done about it," Hermione said to herself, earning a curious look from a group of students passing by her.
So many former Death Eaters and other dark wizards, like those associated with the Communities for Nons, were set free from Azkaban and cleared of charges in the time between the Pureblood Movement and Adriana Fairchild's rise to power. It made no sense at all to have the likes of someone like Bellatrix Lestrange walking freely in the wizarding world.
So many wrongs needed to be made right. But how, and where to start?