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Betrayal and Hope
Author: Drucilla Eternal
Date: 06-18-07 14:46
He had drugged me!
I sat on the couch alone, waiting for the potion’s effects to wear off. After answering all of Sirius’ questions truthfully, he had finally told me what he had done to me. Veritaserum – a truth potion making the taker unable to tell a lie. Apparently, he distrusted me so much that he felt this was the only option left to him – to secretly drug me.
I still couldn’t believe he had done this to me!
I rubbed my numb face, willing the potion out of my system. I needed to think clearly.
“Here, this will help.”
I looked up warily. Sirius had taken the seat again, across from the couch. He held up a steaming mug of tea which made me feel a moment of déjà vu.
Interpreting the look in my eyes, he softly said, “It contains an anti-potion. It will clear up the effects.”
I took the mug and sipped it carefully. Immediately, I could feel the cloudiness in my head start to lift. Cupping the mug between both hands, I rested it on my lap. I sat for a moment, trying to find the words to express how I felt, but after a long pause I finally gave up and simply asked.
“Why Sirius?” I hated that my voice cracked and that I was fighting back tears.
He rubbed his face tiredly. I noticed it was pale and taunt. His jaw had a slight tick as well. He finally ran both hands through his hair and answered. “I had to know.”
“But why not ask me the questions in an open manner? Why did it have to be done like this? I feel so used. So… violated.”
I noticed how his jaw clamped down sharply. He almost seemed pained. It made me wonder if he would have felt better if his suspicions had been right. If it had turned out that I was the awful person he seemed to believe me to be.
“There’s nothing I can say to explain why I had to do it this way. All I can say is that I needed to know the truth and this was the only way to get it.”
I sat quietly as I let his words register. He didn’t trust me and he thought I was a liar. It was at that moment that I knew I needed to leave this house. It was time to find a new place to live.
As I stood up, Sirius made a gesture for me to sit again. Sitting down, I watched as he carefully took out the piece of parchment with the words written in blood and placed it on the coffee table. I stared at the words and felt my heart start to beat faster. The address.
“I’ve been researching this address and have pinpointed a few possible locations. I want to search them. Today.”
I held my breath, willing myself not to ask. Finally he answered for me.
“I want you to come with me.”
It was more a demand than a request but I would take it. I wanted to go, needed to go. In my heart I felt that the address held the answers I had been seeking ever since waking up in the storage closet. Perhaps, somehow, finding this place would end the nightmare I was living in now.
I had to hope.
Mr. Simon Rivera
Author: Cailyn Spicer
Date: 06-18-07 17:42
A cool breeze blew Cailyn’s hair as she stood on the ship’s deck watching the seagulls fly in the sky. She was reading Guide to Advanced Transfiguration deciding to get ahead start on her school work. She had no idea what the teachers at Hogwarts would expect. And she wanted to make sure she knew her stuff before entering to Hogwarts. Least of all she look like a fool in front of a class while a teacher asked her a question.
She was so into what she was reading that she didn’t notice a man in his twenties walk up behind her. The man stood behind Cailyn for some time before he cleared his throat. Making Cailyn jump a mile high and almost drop her book into the ocean. She sucked in her breath and swung around. Then glared at the man. How dare he interrupt her while she was trying to read her book. Which was very interesting.
“ Might I introduce myself?” The man ask as he gave an old fashion bow.
Cailyn only raised an eyebrow. If he was trying to be charming he might as well stop. She thought but nodded her head. She didn’t even know the man infront of her. But for some reason she didn’t like him at all.
“ I am Simon Rivera.” Mr. Rivera said. “ Your father’s new business partner.”
Cailyn raised her eyebrow. Her father didn’t have a business. He was on the Ministry of Magic. She frowned and looked at Mr. Rivera sideways.
“ It’s very nice to meet you Mr. Rivera. Now may I please get back to my homework?” She asked.
“Homework? On summer break?” Mr. Rivera asked raising his own eyebrows.
“ Well, its not really homework. I’m reading all the text books I will have to read this year to get caught up on what the students of my new school will be learning.” Cailyn explained coolly.
“ I see. Well I am sure we will see lots more of each other. So I will let you get back to your steadying.” Mr. Rivera said as he put his hands in his pockets and walked away whistling.
Cailyn frowned as she watched Mr. Rivera leave. She really didn’t like this man. She thought.
Headed Home
Author: Oreileah McCoi
Date: 06-18-07 17:43
Orei had met Brett at the station as planned, sighing she curled against him. "Everything alright?" He asked, looking down at her as she rested her head on his chest. "Yeah. Just blah. I don't know. Not sure about this summer, have a feeling something bad is going to happen, considering Dad's going to be spending a LOT of time in Japan..." She'd told him about what had happened before they moved to London. Dad had spent -months- in London working to establish the company and then the entire family was uprooted. "If we have to move again, I'll be stuck finishing up my schooling in Japan instead of -here- at Hogwarts and with you."
She'd not yet come of age, and she highly doubted that her parents would let her move out on her own. Maybe, if they were moving, she could convince her parents to let her live with Aussie and Yuri? Would they let her? "I'll keep you posted on how things are going. Hopefully they won't make us move again..." She kissed him lightly, before curling against him once more. She had to get on the train soon, her baggage was already loaded, and she had her bag with her with her book and such with her.
"Don't worry about it Orei, things will work out." He said, pressing a soft kiss to her cheek and hugging her tightly. "Your dad is already well established here, they won't make him move again." She hated the confidence in his voice, when she herself was terrified that over the course of the summer she'd be forced to rip herself from her life here in London, a life she's loved for the past several years, and be forced to start all over again.
"I guess you're right Brett..." She said, kissing him and slowly beginning to pull away. "We are going to Emry's Fest this year right? I've already got the tickets, owled for them about a month ago. Besides, I'd best see you at least for a little while on that particular day anyway..." She grinned, knowing full well that he knew that it was her birthday, and she would be turning sixteen.
"We'll see Orei." He grinned down at her and kissed her. Above their heads the final boarding call soon blasted and Orei with a final kiss, said good bye for now to her boyfriend. "I'll owl when I get home." She called and quickly boarded the train.
Getting in Touch with Old Friends
Author: Lawrence Masterson
Date: 06-18-07 18:13
Lawrence currently sat at the writing desk that had been his mother's. It was positioned before the large window in the living room of his flat, so he could look out over the city as he worked. Already he was working on a letter, a short one, but one he wasn't quite sure he should send. It wasn't that long ago that he had been at Hogwarts...just two school years had passed, he knew the 2000-2001 school year was just coming to an end or had already.
"Oh what the hell...the worst she could say was no right?" He muttered to himself, and continued writing the letter.
Bronwyn,
Hello. You may not remember me, but we had attended Hogwarts together, not too long ago...members of Hufflepuff house. Well, I am back in London, after a lengthy stint back in Australia, and am trying to get back in touch with some old friends. Vera and I are no longer together...broke up about eight months after I finished at Hogwarts. It's a long story really, but one I'll not go into here.
Hope all is well with you. Are you and Toby still an item? If so, I wish the two of you the best and hope all continues to go well...
I'm thinking of going into the teaching field, most likely in Herbology. I know I don't have that much experience, but I've submitted an application for that new Swiss school that is going to be opening up for next school year. Hopefully I will get the position.
Anyway, look forward to hearing back from you soon.
Sincerely,
Lawrence Masterson
He sealed up the parchment, and summoned Eloise to him. "See that this gets owled right away to Miss Bronwyn Dewhurst." With that Eloise was gone with a "pop" to see that her Master's order was followed out quickly. Now that the owl was sent, he got up and headed to the kitchen, hmm...not in the mood to cook. Left overs it is then! Reheating some of the pasta from last night, he moved into the living room and turned on the radio, looking for a decent station, finally settling upon a station that was blazing the Weird Sisters.
Location, Location, Location
Author: Sirius Padfoot Black
Date: 06-18-07 20:15
The address isn't 100% complete. That's why Sirius has spent time locating spots that might match up completely. All he's found seem to be in largely Muggle areas. Because of that Sirius had told Drucilla, "A change of clothes is necessary."
Sirius was already dressed for the Muggle world but not presentably, wearing slacks with patches on the knees and a tatty summer weight jumper, both of which he tends to wear while puttering in the garden. He changes into tan slacks and a pull over shirt that Harry called a golf style. When Dru's got something on that won't draw undue Muggle attention for its difference, Sirius shows her on a map the first stop they'll make.
Sirius doesn't think to ask Dru if she's up to apparating. He's not given much thought at all to what magic she remembers and what she doesn't. He hasn't given thought to the ethics or morals of slipping her the veritaserum. All Sirius has given thought to is getting over the anger that made him unable to think rationally and getting down to the bottom of what dark art was performed in his house, that involved James, and led to this partial address.
The first stop is the closest, just to Inverness. Sirius apparates to the spot where he's told Dru to meet him, then waits impatiently for her to show. When she does, there's strain on her face. Sirius rolls his eyes, thinking it will be faster and easier to do this himself but he wants Dru there. Wants to gauge her reaction when they get wherever it is they need to be. Wants to see if she reacts even before they know what they're looking for.
The address is within walking distance. Sirius has to keep his stride in check so Dru's not forced to trot to keep up. When they round the corner and match the numbers, Sirius knows instantly it's not anything. It's just an empty shop, the interior open with nothing to conceal or indicate there's anything more to it.
Pulling a sheaf of folded up maps from his pocket, Sirius crumples the top one up and lets it fall on the floor of the empty shop. He taps the next page. "This is where we're going next."
For the next few hours Dru and Sirius go from location to location, moving from Scotland into England, and then over to Ireland. Dru is keeping up though Sirius isn't sure how much longer she can go before she starts splinching. With the way she's looked each time they've arrived at a location, Sirius is sure the very next time would the when she splinched.
In Ennis, Ireland, taking a much needed break, Sirius drinks tea while contemplating whether to have a Guiness even though it's not even noon yet. Something stouter than tea seems reasonable under the circumstances. Glancing at Dru, he decides not to. She already thinks he's nearly an alcoholic as it is, though he's not. She just manages to pay the most attention to things when he's had a few.
There's also the fact that Sirius might end up doing a side-along apparation or two with Dru. Best not to have alcohol in his system with the distances they might be going by then.
Sirius shows Drucilla the information for the next location on the list. "It's in Ballyvaughan. That's not all that far from here."
Dru has had little to say to Sirius since leaving the house this morning. Now is now different. She nods while reaching for her drink to finish it off before they go.
(Canterbury, England) Counting Down to Quarantine
Author: Griet
Date: 06-18-07 20:18
Griet stood outside the safe room her parents had had constructed in their home and stared at the bed they'd specially ordered so that Griet could spend her nights as a werewolf in relative comfort. It was, essentially, an extra large pet bed. Just looking at it made Griet sick. Just when she thought she was coming to terms with the fact that she wasn't exactly normal, she had to be sorely reminded that she was nothing but an animal once a month.
She felt eyes boring into the back of her head and turned to see Cornelia looking at her. Cornelia sucked on a popsicle that was almost the same shade of pink as the long scar that stretched across her neck.
"Don't like it?"
Griet shrugged her shoulders. "It's okay."
"It's soft. I already tried it out."
"Oh. Well, that's nice then."
Cornelia bit off the top of her popsicle. "Did you take your potion yet?"
"Not yet."
"You better not forget."
"I won't."
"Do you want a popsicle?"
Griet stalked towards Cornelia and put both of her hands on Cornelia's shoulders. Shaking her, she complained, "Why are you being such a pest? We only just got home from Hogwarts. Couldn't you have waited five more minutes?"
Cornelia waited until Griet stopped shaking her to respond. "You always get so moody this time of the month." She extracted herself from Griet's grip and turned away, pausing to look over her shoulder. "Well, do you want a popsicle or not? There was one left in the box, last I looked, though I saw Franciscus eyeing it when I got this one."
Cornelia walked on into the kitchen. Griet followed, deciding she might as well help herself to the last popsicle. It would probably be one of the last things she'd eat before the sun would go down, and she sure wouldn't have the appetite for one when the moon rose.
She hunkered down on a stool in the kitchen and let Cornelia get the popsicle for her. While Griet unwrapped it, Cornelia sat down next to her sister and tried to lick the rest of her popsicle, but she was too greedy and impatient and wound up biting through the whole thing while Griet, not in a hurry to finish because that would only bring her closer to her confinement, took much longer with hers.
Welcome to Ballvaughan
Author: Drucilla Eternal
Date: 06-18-07 23:10
Moving from location to location, I was unsure what exactly we were looking for. In fact, I wasn’t sure even Sirius knew what we were looking for. Each time we would reach a location he would study it for a moment, and then shake his head proclaiming that it was the wrong spot. How he knew it was the wrong spot he didn’t care to elaborate to me. In fact, we had barely spoken since the journey began. It had been tiring and tense, and the apparating was starting to take a toll on me. Like most things since I had awoken, I remembered most of the magic I had learned but found it harder to perform. There was one thing I did know though – if I had to apparate once more I was going to splinch.
“Welcome to Ballyvaughan,” Sirius said sarcastically as I appeared beside him. I swayed slightly, feeling dizzy and nauseous. I was definitely not apparating on my own after this.
Squinting his eyes, Sirius looked down towards a valley where a farm house was situated at the bottom. Surrounding the farm were pastures filled with a mish-mash of animals. Goats, cows, sheep even chickens roamed about in their own fashion. To my own untrained eye I could tell it was a modest set-up.
“Let’s go,” said Sirius as he started down the slope. I found myself struggling behind him, trying to keep up to his long strides. It was difficult walking on the uneven ground and I had to catch myself a few times to prevent myself tumbling over. Although, I supposed, if I rolled down the hill I could probably keep up with Sirius. The thought made me give a small laugh that Sirius acknowledged with a quick look back. The suspicion in his eyes made the laugh die away as quickly as it came. Steeling my features, I followed in silence.
When we reached the outside of a white picket fence surrounding the farm house, Sirius paused. He gazed towards the house, frowning. He was shaking his head, and I knew he was about to proclaim this spot wrong as well.
I’m not sure when I felt it. The presence. It was if my body started moving on its own, forgetting Sirius, forgetting the humiliation I had suffered earlier that morning. My feet moved. First slowly, then more quickly, until finally I began to ran.
I could hear Sirius cursing behind me, as he suddenly realized I wasn’t beside him anymore. I could hear his footsteps close behind me but I ignored him. All I knew was that I needed to get to the backyard as quickly as I could.
And that’s when I saw her.
Freezing in my tracks, I almost fell as Sirius’s body ran into me from behind. He steadied me in an instinctive manner, but I barely felt him. Barely felt myself. All I could do was stare.
“What the hell are you pulling, Dru! We don’t want to draw attention to ourselves. Now come on, we need to check the next location…” Sirius’ voice broke off as he finally looked up to see what I was staring at.
A blond hair blue-eyed girl sat in the backyard and stared back at us.
Pretty In Pink
Author: Sirius Padfoot Black
Date: 06-19-07 18:56
In a strangled whisper Dru says at much to herself as to Sirius, "She looks like,"
"James," Sirius finishes, his own voice tight. "Just blonder."
Sirius can't really believe he's seeing Mira. Although it's been nearly a year, the child is just as he imagines Mira would look at this age. She's fairer than James but then she always was and James's hair has gradually darkened as he's gotten older. It's still a blonde but a blonde verging on being light brunette. Sirius wouldn't be all at all surprised if James's hair eventually matches his own in color. Mira's eyes are slightly different, more blue whereas James's are a gray mirror of Sirius's.
Tearing his eyes away from the child, Sirius turns to cup Dru's elboy to guide her to the house. There are silent tears running down her face. At Sirius's touch she grips his arm. "Who is she? Why does she remind me so much of James?"
"Mira. Krasimira Lilyana. You told me it was your mother's name."
Dru's eyes widen. "What? You mean ?"
"She's ours."
"You never mentioned we had a daughter," Dru says accusingly.
"I thought you were faking the memory loss. I thought you were faking the semi-maternal show you've put on with James these past weeks. I also thought that if you were being truthful about any of it, if there was one thing at all you'd remember from before it would be Mira. You doted on her to the point of neglecting James. Besides, there are countless pictures of her scattered around the house."
Dru says something under her breath.
"Pardon?" Sirius asks.
"I, er, thought those were of James. In pictures I know he's in his hair wasn't that much different and in certain light eye color can look different when they're gray like his are."
"There are many of Mira in pink. With lace."
"I thought you were being progressive; not consigning pink to being just for girls. As for the lace, well, I couldn't ever think of a reason for that."
Sirius can't help it. He laughs. Drucilla folds her arms, looking defensive. The burbling, oh so happy laughter of a child captures their attention. Turning their gazes, they watch Mira having fun sitting in some dirt, scooping mounds of it with no apparent rhyme or reason. Dru's quiet tears start again and Sirius feels his own eyes getting wet.