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Working at King's Cross
Author: Nathaniel Ross
Date: 10-31-13 01:55
Nate was leaned against a wall, watching the trains at the King's Cross station. From time to time he would consult his watch, pretending he was checking the time. The relaxed position was a mere act: Nate was very attentive to what was happening around him and he knew there would be a few other members of the Muggle Liaisons department at the Muggle side of the station, just like him. They were present in case any unusual situation would rise, concerning the large flux of witches and wizards who would pass by the station today, in order to reach platform 9 and ¾ that would give access to the Hogwarts' Express.
In the seven years he had studied at Hogwarts, Nate had never noticed the presence of any Ministry employees, but now he realized it was probably because they made sure they blended in with the Muggles.
He never realized there could be some incidents at the train station until Hecubia told him a few stories that had happened in the past. Once, a young boy's luggage had been checked by a pair of Muggle policemen. They found his potions' supplies and they thought the boy and his family were part of some contraband network and their plan was to smuggle the flask with goods they could not even identify (how could they know about dragon blood?), to another part of the country. Another time, a little girl, eager to prove her parents she too should go to Hogwarts, had stolen her father's wand and used it while still at King's Cross. All the clocks were delayed by ten minutes and that caused a big confusion that needed to be solved promptly. A lot of people had missed their trains that day.
Despite these big incidents, there were still little things that spiked the Muggle's curiosity and it was Nate's job to stay alert to make sure they wouldn't get too anxious or suspicious. Such little things were ,for example, the bad combination of Muggle clothes worn by wizards and witches who were not aware of Muggle fashion. Or talking out loud about Hogwarts, the four Houses and Quidditch, or even bring The Daily Prophet and other magazines and newspaper at everyone's sight. There was a lot to monitor and Nate was actually glad to be on the field than in the office filling out reports and sorting files.
He then noticed a familiar figure approaching. It was his mother, followed by Bowen Goodnight, who pushed a trolley with his trunk and other objects. Nate recognized his old cauldron, as well as his telescope and his old broom. He almost felt nostalgic, recalling his first day aboard the Hogwarts Express.
"Hello, dear," Rosie Ross greeted, kissing Nate's cheek with affection.
"Mom, I am working!" he protested.
"Can't a mother greet her son, now?"
Bowen looked somewhat amused by this scene.
"Nervous?" Nate asked him.
The boy's smile died and he shrugged his shoulders. He felt a bit nervous but he was not going to show it in front of Mrs. Ross' son. This was his very first time outside his home at Dorset, away from everything he knew. It was exciting, but also a bit terrifying. What if he was a bad wizard? What if he didn't fit in any of the school houses and they would send him away? Rosie had told him about Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin, but she did not specify how the students were sorted.
"Do you have money for your sweets? Try the Chocolate Frogs, they are the best," Nate advised. "And , if I was you, I would avoid the Bertie Bott's every flavor beans."
"Oh, that's right, the money!" Mrs. Ross exclaimed.
She opened her purse and took her wallet out. She gave a few coins to Bo, who accepted them with reluctance. She had already done a lot for him, by buying him a wand at Ollivander's and offering him Nate's old robes, books and other school supplies. He had no way to repay it.
Nate then protested, telling his mother she shouldn't show wizarding currency in a Muggle place, but his mother ignored him, telling him no one was looking at them. He wished a good year to Bowen and he watched him and his mother walking away. Then his eyes went back to the crowd and to his watch. There was still a while until 11 o'clock, so his work was not done yet.
(Sagitta) Nervous Firstie
Author: Orion Howell
Date: 10-31-13 12:21
Sagitta walked along beside her uncle through the Muggle areas of King's Cross Station. He pushed her cart, with her owl's cage atop her trunk, carefully covered from prying eyes. "Uncle Orion, why didn't we just go to Hogsmeade so I could take the carriages?"
"Because everyone should go on the train at least once," the former Unspeakable answered. He tugged on a spiral-curled pigtail. "Besides, did you tell me that Remedy was going to ride the train too?"
"Yes. She said her dad said the same thing you just did."
"Then I must not be far off," Orion said with a slight grin. Shadows shifted in his eyes and Sagitta pretended not to notice. He'd been quieter since Bronwyn had disappeared, and since Driver's bar had been attacked, and Dexter Morgan had been missing. She knew he spent time with Jefferson, and with Driver, Fallon and Fletcher as well as with Desi, working on the cases in an unofficial capacity.
The eleven year old swallowed and looked around as they came to the wall between platforms 9 and 10. "It doesn't hurt, right?"
"No, and we'll go quick, since you're nervous," Orion promised, pushing the cart a bit faster so that Sagitta had to almost run to keep up as they stepped through the concealed entrance to the platform. The sight of the large steam engine, gleaming red and puffing smoke, took her breath away. "See, easy as can be. Want me to help you to a compartment?"
"Please? Rem's going to find me once she's done with her family," Sagitta said, glancing up at him. It didn't take long to find a compartment, though she'd gotten some odd looks from a pair of older girls, one dark and one fair, who had claimed another compartment. She vaguely remembered the two, from parties that her grandmother had thrown and they'd shared nods of recognition, but there was still a sense of strangeness about the looks.
"Alright, here you go. All settled in," Orion said, putting her trunks up for her. He squeezed her shoulder and started to turn to go back to the platform.
"Uncle Orion?"
"Yes, Sagitta?"
"You will write me, right? And you'll tell me when you find Bronwyn? And Crew's Uncle Dex?"
"Of course, I will. I promise. Let me know if you need anything, okay?" She nodded and he winked as he headed out the door. She saw him when he got back to the platform, and pressed her hand up to the window as he waved.
Gotta Go (Remedy)
Author: Jefferson
Date: 10-31-13 19:20
"I'm up...I'm up…" Remedy rolled over in bed and pulled the covers back up over her. Today was September First, and she was going to Hogwarts today. She was hesitant though, so far she rarely spent time away from her family, and she was very close with her dad, what if going to a boarding school changed all that?
"Remedy, up now kiddo." Jefferson stood in the doorway of his daughter's room, Camden was already up and downstairs for breakfast. As Remedy mumbled something, he pulled the covers off his daughter and sat on the edge of the bed. "You don't want to go, do you?"
The little girl sat up and shrugged, her father could always see right through her. "It's not that, Daddy. I actually am excited, but…" She paused for a moment, not wanting to sound like a nervous child, even if she was, "I'm gonna miss you, things won't be the same anymore."
"Oh Remy," Jefferson pulled her into his arms and kissed her cheek. "You are gonna be just fine, we all are. You'll get to come home on breaks and we'll write you everyday."
"Well, maybe not every day." She teased her father, feeling a little better. maybe it would be alright after all. Jefferson made his way downstairs while Rem got dressed.
~~~
A little while later Jeff, Rem, Mel and Cam were stepping onto Platform 9 ¾. Rem was in awe seeing the train and all the students crowding around and boarding. "Wow." They had decided for Rem to take the Hogwarts Express for her first trip, they had been told it would be a worthwhile experience for a brand new firstie.
"It is pretty cool huh? Sure different than back home." Jeff had to admit, he was in awe too, and was trying to avoid the thoughts of his little girl actually leaving for school, back in Louisiana, he figured that wouldn't happen until she was at least eighteen, not eleven.
"Daddy, you can let go now." Rem pulled out of Jeff's arms who had been hugging her for over two minutes.
"Oh, sorry sweetie." He let go of her, "You ready?"
"Yeah, I am." She smiled and hugged Mel, then Cam. "I'm gonna miss you guys."
"We'll miss you too, sweetie, be good okay?"
Remedy nodded and made her way onto the train after another round of goodbyes and hugs
Now she had to find a place to sit, she was supposed to meet up with Sagitta so they could ride together. She looked into each compartment as she walked, which earned her some glances from other first years, as well as older students. "Sorry." She turned into a compartment as she caught sight of a girl with curly auburn pigtails.
"Ita! I found you!" Jeff had helped get her stuff stored on the train before she boarded herself.
"I wasn't hiding," the other girl teased. "I'm surprised you got away so quick though, I thought it would takes ages yet." She tucked away the book she'd been reading.
Rem sank down onto the bench opposite of Sagitta. "I know, but there are so many people on here." She frowned as she thought about the people she was leaving behind. "I had to get away from them before I went crazy, am gonna miss my dad, but I think Cam's mad at me." She said with a shrug.
"Why is she mad at you now?" Sagitta asked. "And how's Crew? We have to remember to write to him tonight after the feast." She was worried about their friend, with his uncle missing. Crew was one of the first people who had ever been nice to her and she didn't like knowing he was hurting.
"I think it's because she won't start at Hogwarts for a few years or something. Oh, I saw him yesterday, he was kinda quiet, it was weird. We will have to be sure to write him." She was worried about Crew too, and wished there was a way to help his family. "In other news, are you excited about starting school?"
"I am!" she answered. "There's so much I want to learn, and it's something I looked forward to for years. Even before coming to Uncle Orion's, I was excited because Hogwarts meant Grandmother couldn't watch my every move."
"I hope it'll be fun, I'm kinda nervous about it." She thought for a moment, "I'm glad you know some stuff about the school, I've never been anywhere like this before..."
"I only know because everyone in my family went there. My grandparents, my father and uncles were all in Slytherin House. Uncle Orion says I probably will be too, but he reminded me that it's okay to not agree with everything my grandmother taught me," Sagitta said with a smile. "Are you worried about not being home with your dad?"
Remedy nodded, "Yeah, I've never really been away from him, it's kinda scary. Does that make me sound silly, Ita?"
"No, it doesn't. Before everything, I'd never been anywhere but my grandparent's house. I was afraid to go to Uncle Orion's flat, but it was all okay, once I got there. And it was better after I met Crew and you."
"I'm glad we met, you're a good friend, Sagitta. You just needed to get out and have fun!" She glanced out the window as the train pulled out of the station. "I think we're off to a new adventure this year."
"I think so too," Sagitta answered as she waved out the window to her uncle, who stood just off to the side. Desi had joined him, which Sagitta appreciated because she knew how busy the auror was trying to find Bronwyn.
Remedy got up and waved at her father, Mel and Camden, she was still unsure just what this year would bring for all of them, but it was going to be interesting.
New Girl
Author: Ellis
Date: 11-01-13 16:39
Alys Ellis sat next to the window in a compartment she shared with three older children, who all seemed to know each other and didn't pay her any mind. She wished she could have found other first year students on the train, but the Hogwarts Express was very long and she hadn't wanted to search every compartment for somebody who looked around her age.
Instead, she'd gone into the first empty compartment she'd found and taken her place by the window. The older students had joined her at the last possible minute, having found no where else to sit. They seemed nice enough but Alys didn't feel comfortable joining them in their conversations, which varied from the summer holidays to what was in store for the new school year at Hogwarts.
Alys listened in, especially when it came to the bit about what Hogwarts was like, but she remained unengaged and kept her eyes focused on the scenery whipping past the window.
It wasn't that she was a shy person. It was simply that she had grown up somewhat sheltered. Until today, Alys had spent every waking moment with her family.
She was the oldest child and thereby the first to attend Hogwarts. Her parents were both alumni, but they had never really talked about their time at Hogwarts; at least not until Alys had received her letter. Then the old stories came out about how they had met, what clubs they had joined, and so on. Mr. and Mrs. Ellis had gotten married directly after leaving Hogwarts and had wasted no time in starting their family.
Alys and her younger siblings had never attended a real school. Instead, their mother had homeschooled them. Attending Hogwarts would be new to Alys in so many ways.
There was a racket outside the compartment door, which drew Alys's attention away from the window. She saw an elderly witch smiling at them. Her hands were on the handle of a cart bearing a variety of sweets.
The older students scrambled to make their purchases, and after they seemed to have gotten everything they needed, the trolley cart witch asked, "And for you, dear? Anything off the cart?"
"Yes, please. One box of Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans."
Alys got up and handed the witch the requisite amount of coins and received a box in return. She sat back down at the window and pulled one of her books into her lap. She opened the box of Bertie Botts beans and emptied them onto the makeshift table.
While the others in her compartment laughed and snacked and told each other tales, Alys divided up the beans by color and then started eating the ones where she had the most. When each pile of perceivably different bean contained the same number, she poured them back into the box to save for later.
She turned her attention back to the window and wondered how much longer it would be until the train reached Hogwarts.
Compartment Conversation
Author: Rowan Westwick
Date: 11-01-13 18:42
The Westwick siblings shared a compartment with Beatrix, who had found them after the conclusion of her meeting with the other prefects. She already wore her robes but Ash, Rowan and Willow were still dressed casually.
Like the Westwick girls had done upon their first ride in a long time on the Hogwarts Express, Ash drew a lot of curious looks from returning students. Some wondered if he was a new transfer, while others remembered seeing him with Rowan and Willow at the Spring Social and rightfully assumed he was their brother.
Also like before, the siblings did not want to air their dirty laundry before the entire school. It didn't matter to them that they were merely the children of a couple who had defected from the Dark Lord. The fact remained, their parents had served him for however brief a time during the height of his power. Better to leave the past in the past.
"So, who else made prefect?" Rowan asked Beatrix while unwrapping a chocolate frog.
"Preston is the other fifth year prefect for Ravenclaw," Beatrix replied. "There's also Glori and Jasper for Hufflepuff, Hydrangea and Jake for Gryffindor, and Adina and Mason from Slytherin. Hunter Rabnott made Head Boy, and Olive Green is the new Head Girl."
Not knowing anyone Beatrix mentioned, the names meant nothing to Ash. He was picking up where he left off twenty-seven years ago, when there had been a completely different set of prefects and head students. Ash was re-entering Hogwarts as a sixth year Slytherin.
"Did you discuss anything only prefects are allowed to know?" Willow asked.
Beatrix quirked an eyebrow. "Maybe." Then she smiled and said, "Not really. It's fairly standard. We divided up shifts for patrolling the corridor. Mine is coming soon."
"I think you're lucky," Willow said. "I wish I could give and take points."
"It's not something I can abuse," said Beatrix, "or I could lose my badge."
She looked over at Ash, who was seated diagonally across from her on the other bench. His gaze was turned towards the window. He held a half-empty bottle of chilled butterbeer in one hand. The condesation left a wet impression on the knee of his slacks.
"I'm a very responsible person," Beatrix went on, "so when I take points, or give them, I won't do it without a good reason."
Rowan smiled and rolled her eyes, very much aware that Beatrix was trying to sound more mature to match her brother's personality. Ash was more of a serious sort, unlike Beatrix who could get especially silly whenever he was in the vicinity.
"Ash, are you nervous about going back to Hogwarts?" Beatrix asked him.
He turned to look at her and said, "Yes, and no."
"Yes, because you don't know anybody anymore except maybe some teachers, and no, because you already know what Hogwarts is like?"
"Something like that, yes."
"Well, you know you can ask me anything. As a prefect, I'm here to help, and it doesn't matter if you're not in my house. We all do belong to the same school, after all."
Ash stared for a moment and then said, "Thank you," before turning his head back to the window.
He did have some concerns about returning to Hogwarts after so many years, but if his sisters managed it last year, then he would get through it too. At the same time, Ash looked foward to a little bit a normalcy. A regular schedule of classes, studying and perhaps some extracurricular activities would make it easier for him to reassimilate.
Rowan opened up another package of chocolate frogs and remarked, "All our teachers will be different this year. Not yours, Willow," she added, "except whoever is replacing Professor what's-his-name?"
"Flint," Willow supplied.
Beatrix nodded. "I know. This is our O.W.L. year. Ash," she continued, turning back to him, "what were they like?"
"I shouldn't remember," he said, "but even though more than two decades have passed since I've taken them, I recall the exams almost as if I'd written them yesterday."
"Tell us about them?" Beatrix asked.
He turned to look at her and questioned, "Don't you have to patrol?"
Beatrix checked her watch and said, "Oh, bullocks!" Then she seemed to regret her outburst and smoothed down the front of her robes, saying, "I shall return shortly."
She got up and left the compartment.
Rowan snickered and shook her head.
Making Arrangements
Author: Eoghan
Date: 11-01-13 19:15
Eoghan is just about to tuck into his fish and chips when Sherman slides in on the opposite side of the booth. "This for me?"
His mouth full, Eoghan grunts a yes. Swallowing enough to speak he says, "Haddock."
Sherman and he have eaten at enough chippies together for him to know what the other man prefers.
"Thanks," Sherman says, digging into the mushy peas and reaching for the vinegar on the table. He's never satisfied with the amount of vinegar put on the chips in the places, like this one, that salt and vinegar them when served.
After taking a moment to eat a few bites and because Eoghan hasn't said anything beyond, "Haddock," Sherman asks, "What's new?"
"I've met with Fairchild."
This tidbit has Sherman coughing up a chunk of fish, his face turning a dark red in the process. It takes him a couple of minutes to stop coughing enough to hoarsely speak. "That wasn't for you to do. Hewitt and Radley "
"Haven't done shite."
"You shouldn't have actively pursued this."
"Didn't. Call it a fortuitously serendipitous happenstance."
"Sure it was. That's your story and you're sticking to it."
"Merlin's honest truth. Hand to God." Eoghan wait's a beat before saying, "I need a copy of Von Hohenheim's Codex."
"Don't need much, do you. When?"
"Today would be good. Tomorrow's fine."
"So no rush, is it then?"
Eoghan gives an unapologetic shrug.
"I can do tomorrow."
"I know you won't owl something like that so where and when."
"Five-ish. How about that tavern in The Claddagh with the great steaks?"
"I could go for steak. Around five tomorrow in Galway it is."
That bit of business out of the way Eoghan inquires, "How's your da doing?"
Sherman bobs his head up and down. "Much better, thanks. If he keeps improving he'll be home within another week."
"Excellent news. I know that's got to be a relief."
The rest of their lunch conversation is in the same social vein, the two parting ways approximately fifteen minutes later with a reaffirmation of the time and place for the meet up tomorrow.