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Copycat Captured
Author: Remus Lupin
Date: 02-18-07 08:03
Lupin flicked his wand at a bookshelf, causing every item on it to sail off of it and land neatly onto his coffee table. He felt like giving his home a deep cleaning, something he probably hadn't done since last spring. As soon as the shelf was clear, Lupin flicked his wand again so that the thin layer of dust disappeared. Another flick, and the shelf gleamed like newly polished wood.
As Lupin turned his attention to the books and other artifacts he'd had on the shelf in order to dust and polish as needed, his mind wandered to two weeks ago, when the copycat werewolf had finally been captured in Manchester, the city where the very first werewolf attack had occurred almost a year ago. The attacks had gone full circle, but thankfully had finally come to a close––though that's what Lupin had thought when Fenrir Greyback had gone behind bars.
The culprit had been a deranged man by the name of Acheron Rookwood who was not a werewolf but someone who believed he was one. He was currently in a secure room at St. Mungo's for observation. His intended victim in Manchester, a young boy, had escaped with only a small scratch over his cheek. Rookwood's fingernails, which had been long, sharp, and dirty, had been trimmed as soon as he'd been admitted to the wizarding hospital.
Rookwood would stay in St. Mungo's for a while, perhaps even forever if deemed unsuitable for imprisonment at Azkaban after his sentencing, which had yet to occur on account of his mental health. Lupin felt a little sorry for the man, who perhaps couldn't help thinking he was werewolf, but was nonetheless glad that the man had been taken off the streets.
After tending to each item belonging on the bookshelf, he returned them to their rightful places and then worked on the next shelf in the bookcase. If he could get the entire living room straightened up, then perhaps he'd treat himself to a drink later that evening.
Still Strained
Author: Marzipan
Date: 02-18-07 09:12
Marzi had only seen Weston once since their argument, when the entire Ravenscroft family had gone out to dinner at the Bamboo Forest in London for Carolina's twenty-fourth birthday over a week ago. Marzi had almost opted out of attending the gathering, since she didn't think she could bear facing Weston after their disagreement, nor did she want to be in the company of her stepfather Constantius. However, she put her qualms and differences aside for the sake of her half-sister and went to the birthday dinner. She'd purchased a simple bracelet with lapis lazuli beads for Carolina, not really knowing much about her sister or what she might like. Carolina seemed to like the gift, which made Marzi very happy.
Throughout the evening, Constantius seemed quite smug over the fact that things were tense between his son and stepdaughter. Everyone else seemed to know that something had happened between the two, who didn't speak to each other the entire night, but no one said anything. Everyone but Constantius tried to ignore it.
Now, well over a week later, Marzi still hadn't spoken to Weston. She wished she could make him see that his father was a liar, but she didn't know how. She had no proof of what had happened all those years ago, as she hadn't even been born then and hadn't been present to witness it. All she had to go on was her father's word, and while he'd sometimes kept secrets from her, he'd not once ever lied to her.
Marzi started to think that what had happened between the last two generations of Ravenscrofts and FitzRoys was happening again. Valerius Ravenscroft and Cadmus FitzRoy had been close friends, even supporting each other after Constantius had nearly killed Percival and Percival had killed Daniel Lyttle. It had been years later that they'd had a falling out.
Constantius and Percival had started out as friends, but their friendship had quickly deteriorated, all because of a girl named Georgia. And Weston and Marzipan had grown very close upon first meeting, only to break up not once, but twice since first falling in love with each other. Perhaps a Ravenscroft and FitzRoy were never meant to be friends. Perhaps they were always meant to be enemies.
Marzi nevertheless hoped that the third time would be the charm. She wanted to overcome her most recent hurdle and reunite with Weston again. She loved him too much to let him get away from her so easily. If only she could make him see the truth about his father.
Slow Saturday
Author: Gigi Martini
Date: 02-18-07 09:29
Gigi sat at the reference desk at the library and twiddled her thumbs. For a Saturday, it was quite slow. She'd only had one question so far that hour and it had merely been to inquire about the location of the lavatories. Sometimes Gigi didn't mind it being a slow day in the library, but it usually made the entire time drag. She liked keeping busy because it made the day go by quicker, but sometimes it got too busy. On the weekends, the staff was cut in half, so if it ever got busy, it could sometimes get too overwhelming for just one person.
Because she had some time to kill, Gigi thought back to a couple of days ago, when Gerry had celebrated his fourth birthday. Because it had been in the middle of the week, and since Gigi had to work today, she'd arranged for him to have a party tomorrow afternoon. The family had gone out to dinner at the Imperial Crown and Cauldron the day of Gerry's birthday, however.
Sometimes Gigi found it hard to believe that her baby was already four. She could remember it being only yesterday that he'd been born. Now he was a big brother, too!
The door chimed and in stepped Geoffrey, who was also working today. He spotted Gigi sitting at the reference desk and came over, smiling.
"Hi," she said, rising to meet his kiss.
"Hey. I was just patrolling the West Lane when I saw that a house has gone up for sale. I'm thinking about buying it."
"Really?"
"Yeah, and I want you and the boys to move in with me."
Gigi couldn't help but smile. She'd always wanted a house and the flat over the library was spacious but nonetheless a little cramped for two rambunctious boys.
"Really?" she asked.
"Really." Geoffrey smiled. "Maybe we can look at the house later, or tomorrow if there's no time today."
"I would like that," Gigi said. "I would like that a lot."
Exchange
Author: Griffin Price
Date: 02-18-07 12:00
Griff stands staring at the gray choppy water, a cold mist falling, the harsh weather today and somewhat bleak conditions remind him somewhat of home in the Falklands. Haroldswick on one of the Shetland Islands isn't enough like home though to bring about the pang of loss that Griff sometimes has when reminded that home is no longer home and his family there is long gone.
A skiff coming ever closer bobs sharply up and down as it meets the waves head on, the roar of an outboard motor growing in intensity as the boat draws nearer to where Griff waits. Back in Knockturn Alley it's Barnabus Wolfsbane, some sort of cousin of Mercutio's, who's clerking the shoppe today. It's Barnabus who has helped out with some of these clandestine exchanges but after getting to know Barnabus Griff can understand why Mercutio and Belladonna are desperate to find someone else to trust. Barnabus is a raging idiot.
The skiff reaches the jetty on which Griff stands and he goes over to take the rope thrown at him. Expertly tying off the boat, something that's old hat for someone who grew up on islands as Griff did, he stands back to let the man in the boat climb onto the dock. Or woman rather.
She's tall and underneath the rain slicker she appears lean and athletic. "You're Wolfsbane's man?" she asks in a low, throaty voice.
"I'd best be or I won't be here long before you blast me," Griff says without humor.
She chuckles anyway. "True. Too true. Let's see the galleons."
Griff takes out the heavy cloth purse full of the galleons in question. "Let's see the merchandise."
The woman uses one of the jetty posts to put a metal valise on. She opens it to reveal a well padded interior with six dragon eggs nestled in sculpted beds. Shutting the case she hands it to Griff at the same time he gives over the money. She opens the purse and peers in then looks up, "It appears to be correct. Tell Mercutio to watch the paper for the next drop off location."
Griff nods, not letting on that she's just given him a huge piece of information on who these exchanges are arranged. Without further adieu, the woman gets back into her skiff and after Griff unties and throws the rope to her she motors away. Griff doesn't move until she's well clear on the horizon.
When Griff does, it's to walk down the jetty and then onto a barely visible path. When he reaches the same spot where he apparated to earlier, Griff disapparates. He makes one layover just long enough to remove the extendable eye and ear he'd had concealed. He leaves them for one of Ruth's other people to pick up, before disapparating again to meet up with Mercutio Wolfsbane to give the man the highly illegal to have dragon eggs Griff just picked up for him.
Warm And Fuzzy (Estella Primrose)
Author: Gabrielle Delacour
Date: 02-18-07 15:24
Estella Primrose carries her entry's cage to the station she's been assigned. Putting the carrier on the station's table, she opens it to let the kneazle out. The steel gray cat-like creature with lighter slate gray spots emerges from the cage, making an eleborate show of stretching while casting baleful glares at Estella.
Quietly she says while starting to comb its fur, "I'm sorry, Fuzzy, but to get you from the RV to here I was required to keep you in the carrier."
Fuzzy, having a great love of being combed, deigns to forgive Estella for the afront of making him be in the cage. Estella moves the comb to the longish fur around Fuzzy's large ears, working out a tangle. Behind her, in the center of the arena, the group 3 results are being announced. Continuing her ministrations on Fuzzy, Estella listens to hear of the names of either or both Hogwarts third years made the top three in their group.
Sadly, it's not to be for either William Reade or Victoria Visconti. For their group first goes to Margaret Chepkemei from right here at Okapi École de Sorcellerie. Second place is to Beauxbatons Academy of Magic student Sébastian Martin and third is awarded to Julissa Lopez of La Escuela de Hechiceria.
When the awards presentation and picture taking is completed for that third group, it's time for judging of the group Estella's in. The judge for group 4 is Giorgio Vasari, one of those males whom Estella thinks fits perfectly the tall, dark, and handsome mold in all those romance novels so many girls read. Not Estella though. Well, okay, maybe every now and again but only when she finds one laying around the Hufflepuff common room or in the common commons.
Looking around at the other entries, Estella's not worried that all she has is a kneazle. Fuzzy is an extremely fine example of his species and that's what counts the most.
At the station next to Fuzzy and Estella is the other Hogwarts participant for this group, Alaric Beauchamp. Alaric has, of all things, a grindylow in a large tank. The grindylow, called Nessie for some reason Estella's never quite understood, looks unhappy, scowling through the tank wall in her direction.
When Judge Vasari reaches Estella, her replies to the questions are amplified just as they've been for all the participants. Estella gives concise, well thought out answers (she'd practiced giving answers to questions she anticipated being asked) and has Fuzzy show off, something the kneazle loves to do.
When it's all over, said, and done, Estella stands holding her breath to find out if Fuzzy and she were deemed worthy enough for a top three placement. Estella doesn't have lone to wait. Her name is read off first, meaning she's gotten third place!
Huggy Fuzzy before hurrying up to stand by the judge, Estella is so happy she nearly misses hearing the name of second place. It's Mozelle Prophet of La Escuela de Hechiceria. Mozelle to everyone's amusement had entered two garden gnomes. Guess her taking second place shows those who found her entry amusing! First is awarded to Watling's Jesse Summerville and Jesse's boarhound Clover, who looks just like Hagrid's Fang except for being a deep caramelly color.
Accepting her award, Estella can't keep the smile from her face. First would have been better or even second but third will definately do!
Relaxing with a Good Book
Author: Hermione Granger
Date: 02-19-07 07:16
Hermione was glad for the break between terms, not because she'd grown tired of attending classes and doing classwork (like that would ever happen!), but because she knew that even she had limits and that a nice rest was good for her. She'd arranged with Alistair Mickle to work during the week instead of on the weekends during her break, so that she could put in more hours and so that her weekends could be free for other things. Once term started again, things would revert to the old schedule.
Beyond that, things might be very different. Hermione could hardly believe that she'd almost finished three years at St. Emrys. If she studied anything else, she would graduate at the end of next term. With Healing, she had an additional three years of clinical rotations before she was officially finished with the program. Hermione really couldn't wait to get her hands dirty, but at the same time would miss the everyday pattern of attending normal classes and doing normal schoolwork. Alas, it all must end someday!
Hermione knew that juggling two clinical rotations, one at John Radcliffe Hospital and the other at St. Mungo's, would be much more difficult than managing to attend classes at both Oxford and St. Emrys. She hadn't yet figured out how she'd manage it, unless she worked a day shift for one and a night shift for the other. It would require more thought, and she supposed she had a little time left to think about it.
With it currently being the weekend and her day off from work, Hermione snuggled on the sofa in her flat over Zonko's (Weasley's Wizard Wheezes II) with a book in her lap and Crookshanks purring loudly beside her. She wanted to finish the chapter she was reading and then go for a walk ouside to get some fresh air. It was quite cool outside and there was a chance of light snow, but the air was clean and crisp and would certainly do Hermione some good.
Maybe Crookshanks would want to visit Wendy, and Hermione could say hello to Sirius and James, if they were at home. She liked being on her own, a lot, but missed the company of her extended family greatly. Maybe they would like to come to dinner at her flat. She'd been practicing cooking, after all, and would welcome any test subjects brave enough to try her homecooked meals.
Hermione shut her book after slipping a bookmark between the pages and then rose from the sofa to grab her coat, scarf, mittens, and hat. She went for the door and called for Crookshanks, who bounded off the couch and trotted to Hermione's feet. As soon as she opened the door, he ran outside into the cold air.
Snidget
Author: Jared
Date: 02-19-07 08:51
Having an extremely rare bird as his Best in Show: Magical Creatures entry has garnered Jared some attention this weekend. In case anyone asked Jared made sure to bring along the special documents that Professors Dumbledore and Hagrid obtained for him showing that Jared has legal permission to raise the snidget he's named Rubeus.
In raising Rubeus, Jared has consulted via letters with one of the Snidget Preserve employees where Rubeus will be released into the wild. Katya Goldstein has provided Jared with information in the letters and in books she's sent him all that he needs to know for ensuring Rubeus will survive once he's a free bird.
Much as Jared hates the thought that the time is very near when he'll have to let the snidget go, he knows it's for the best for the endangered species to have another healthy speciman in the wild to eventually mate and bring more snidgets into the world. It helps knowing that he can visit the preserve whenever he's able and wants to and Katya will show Jared around with a chance of spotting Rubeus whenever he goes.
Getting set up for Group 5's showing, Jared places the bird's cage on the table at his station. Next he sets up a perch from where Rubeus will take off and land to show some of the foraging techniques Jared has taught him. Stroking the snidget's head, Jared thinks Rubeus looks even more golden under the warm African sun. As if knowing he needs to look his best, Rubeus starts preening as soon as Jared places the snidget on his perch.
Just after the awards presentation for Group 4 ends, the judge for Jared's group, a petite woman called Irina Feordoravna, introduces herself and quickly gets things going.
Group 5's Judging
Author: Coco Nutt
Date: 02-19-07 09:50
The fifth group's judge Irina Feordoravna starts at one end of the line of participants arranged in an arc. Coco is at the other end of the line with her Aethonon. The winged horse, although large, is still young and not fully grown. Hazel's chestnut coat, mane, and tail glisten in the sunlight and when Hazel extends her wings, they too shine with a rich luster.
Looking around at the other entries in this group, Coco notes the same thing she has while waiting the previous four groups - each creature exhibited appears to be a prime speciman. Coco wouldn't expect any less of animals being put on display in competition like this. If any didn't look tip top it would be the fault of the student - and that student's magical creatures advisor - and the student could expect to gain few, if any, points for such a poor showing.
When at last Ms. Feordoravna reaches Coco and Hazel, the judge begins with asking Coco questions relating to the care of Aethonons. As she asks the questions such as, "How do you best groom the mare's wings?" and Coco responds, the judge is also looking Hazel over very closing, running a hand along the winged horse's flank and down a front leg and then a back leg. Even Hazel's hooves get an inspection.
Judging for the group ends and Coco along with the other thirteen competitors and their magical creatures begin clearing from their stations so that the next group can be getting into place and ready. Within a short time Irina Feordoravna is ready to announce the top three placements in Group 5.
Starting with third as all the judges have done, Ms. Feordorvna announces, "Receiving third place, with his jobberknoll named Marta is Durmstrang Institute's Canute Ostrowski."
"In second, with a lovely snidget named Rubeus, is Jared Wynbourne of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry."
"First is awarded to Coco Nutt, also from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, with the very beautiful Aethonon called Hazel."
Thrilled at winning, Coco hugs Jared to congratulate him and both shake hands with Canute, accepting their awards and posing for pictures. Coco would love to sit back and relax now but she's got the Transfiguration Tournament tomorrow. She'll put off thoughts of it though until after watching the next two groups compete.
I want to be alone.
Author: Eleanor BlackThorn
Date: 02-19-07 14:17
I stood in the forest with my cloak on, trying hard not to think about the past. A week from Today, is the day my sister in law died and the day that Thessily came into my life. Sitting down on the edge of the stone, I couldn’t help but reflect back on those lost and forgotten memories.
I wondered if things would have been different had Thessily never come into my life. Oh they probably would have remained the same. But I had a hunch the reason why I was still alive, was Thessily. She was so good and sweet no one suspected that her guardian was a former death eater. Which was good for me in many ways. I had never dreamed keeping Thessily would prove to be so useful.
“ Eleanor! You shouldn’t be out here alone.” My husband said as he came outside and found me in my normal spot. “ You know you shouldn’t be out here alone.” He said again.
“ Darling I am able to take care of myself. Or have you forgotten that it was I that kept us alive since Voldemort died?” I asked.
“ I never said you couldn’t take care of yourself dear. I just said…”
“ Oh just leave me alone.” I snapped glaring at my husband as I gracefully walked away. Why did he always have to follow me? I wondered as I moved through the forest. I was so bored always staying home these days. And my family was driving me insane. I needed some time away from them. Perhaps, I should open a shop up in Knockturn Alley. I thought. With a room up above it so I could be alone.
Another Round Of Judging
Author: Bailey
Date: 02-19-07 15:01
Bailey had watched the judging of groups 1 through 5 with interest. The variety of creatures entered was broad and interesting. In a couple of the groups there had been crups but none of the three wizarding dogs had placed in the top three of their groups. Bailey hopes that doesn't mean Ares hasn't a chance. He doesn't think that's the case, not when entries earning awards have ranged from pygmy puffs to a jobberknoll to an acromantula.
The judging for the fifth group ends, signalling to those in the sixth group to check in and get station assigments. Bailey gets up from the stands, goes to speak with the judge for his group, Raymer Vanderspeigle, then goes to retrieve Ares. By the time Bailey, the crup, and the items Bailey will use to demonstrate some of the tricks Ares has earned are back at the arena, Ares's and his station is clear of its previous occupant.
Anastasia King, Bailey's 6th year classmate at Hogwarts, is one station away with a large, snow white owl. In between them is Lucy Macharinyang, a student from host school Okapi École de Sorcellerie. Lucy's got a niffler and because there are so many things shining under the wonderfully warm sun, Lucy's got her hands full as the animal, which she calls Sable, struggles against a least to go after all the shiny objects.
By the time the judge reaches Lucy, the girl has gotten a pair of blinders on Sable making the niffler subdued and manageable. Bailey listens as Lucy talks about Sable in response to questions from Judge Vanderspeigle. All too soon the judge is done with Lucy and moving on to Bailey.
Bailey answers each question with confidence and without hesitation. Ares performs on cue and acts like the happy crup he is. Bailey had worried about that because Ares has had a habit of acting like he's pouting when a large number of people are around and he's also stubborn sometimes about doing the tricks. Today, however, it's as though Ares understood he needed to be a star. Perhaps he does given that Bailey saw Coco Nutt petting the crup this morning just after breakfast. Maybe the fifth year said something to Ares to let him know how important today is.
Bailey experiences a great sense of relief when Judge Vanderspeigle moves on to the next person, Jay Chambers from Watling's who's got an albino bloodhound. Bailey knows from speaking with Jay before dinner last night that Jay's father works for America's equivalent of the British Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. It's through his father that Jay has the albino bloodhouse, which are used to chase off nogtails.
After all the group 6 competitors have been spoken to by Judge Vanderspeigle there's only a little bit of a wait to find out the results. In 3rd it's Glenda Davies, a Sydney student, whose entry is a diricawl. Bailey is ecstactic when his name is announced for 2nd place. Dabney Turcotte, from Beauxbatons, receives 1st with his entry of an abraxan fowl, the product of two of that school's winged horses used for pulling the Beauxbatons carriage.
Last Portion of Magical Creatures (Malcolm)
Author: Fionna
Date: 02-19-07 18:10
Malcolm has spoken with a number of the thirteen others in Group 7 of the Magical Creatures Best in Show event but as they all get set up for judging, it's the first time he's had a real chance to check out the competition. Of his group, the only competitors whose animal Malcolm has seen is that of Candice Ives from Hogwarts. Candice has a Porlock she's been raising since shortly after it was born. Although the creatures are normally so shy of humans they are rarely seen, Candice's Butterscotch is enough used to human contact that he's not as shy.
Malcolm's creature is one he finds terribly amusing though his judgement in choosing it for a competition has been questioned. Nitwit is a Jarvey, an animal that resembles a large ferret. While useful for chasing gnomes, a Jarvey has the ability to speak but its vocabularly is nothing but rude remarks and insults. Malcolm has tried to teach Nitwit some acceptable words and phrases to say on cue for the competition but so far the Jarvey, to Malcolm's continued entertainment, stubbornly sticks to saying things that can make some people blush.
The judge, Seomoon Park, doesn't seem put off by Nitwit's running chatter. Instead, Mr. Park actually compliments the Jarvey's extensive vocabulary. Park asks Malcolm a series of questions about Nitwit's care, feeding, and grooming then moves on to the next contestant. As the show and questioning portion for Group 7 ends, Malcolm's more than ready to find out the results. He's starting to get really hungry and knowing there's a big, bountiful feast planned is making Malcolm all the hungrier.
Seomoon Park takes center stage of the arena to announce, "Third place is awarded to Tim Joshevama of Watling's Wizarding Academy and his Kneazle Happy. Second place is awarded to Daniella Sarkozy of Beauxbatons Academy of Magic and her Fwooper Franz. First is awarded to Jesus Santos of La Escuela de Hechiceria and his Phoenix Flame. Well done everyone, congratulations to you all."
There are the handing out of awards and the obligatory picture taking then audience and competitors alike clear the arena to get ready for socializing and the big feast that will be dinner.