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(Tessa) Enchanted
Author: Bronwyn Dewhurst 
Date:   08-08-13 10:49

Tessa wandered around the Great Hall with wide eyes. Having grown up entirely in the Muggle world, she had never seen an enchanted ceiling or hourglasses filled with gemstones that moved up and down seemingly at their own accord. What she saw both excited and frightened her.

"You have one more year to get used to the idea of attending a school for magic," Will said, as he led Tessa around the grand room.

There were tables here and there for eating. Booths with food and booths with games.

"What if I'm not good at it?" she asked Will, her eyes sweeping over the different students who seemed perfectly at ease in their fantastical surroundings.

"Don't worry," Kate said, joining them with three small plates of key lime pie. "You're a witch, so magic is already in your blood."

"Maybe, but I only learned about magic around Easter. What if I can't keep up with everyone else?" Tessa asked, accepting one of the plates. Will took one, too.

"I think you'll do fine, and I'll still be here when you start. Maybe you'll even be in my house," Kate said, now only holding one plate.

Tessa didn't feel very confident about her magical abilities, now or in the future, but she tried not to worry. Like Will said, she had an entire year to prepare for attending Hogwarts. She was only ten years old, with her eleventh birthday still have a year away.

"Want to sit?" Kate asked. They were currently standing in the middle of a busy pathway, forcing people to move around them.

They found three seats at one of the tables and sat down to eat their slices of pie.

Kate had managed to pass her apparition examination earlier in the morning, which had lifted a major burden off of her shoulders. Now she only needed to worry about the O.W.L. exams, which were just around the corner.

She glanced around the Great Hall and immediately spotted Mark with his parents. Mark just happened to look in her direction, but his gaze lingered for half a second for fear that his parents would notice anything.

Kate couldn't deny that it bothered her that they had to act as if they weren't even friends, but she played along anyway. Would things always be this way? Would they have to marry in secret? Have children in secret? Would that even work?

Tessa polished off her plate and asked for something to drink. Will brought her a cup of pumpkin fizz, something she had yet to experience. She had had pumpkin juice at his house, though.

She drank the fizz and found it actually very good. Who knew that pumpkin had other uses than just pie and jack-o'-lanterns?


Love and Kindness
Author: Celeste Quigley 
Date:   08-08-13 12:37

Celeste had the feeling she was bleeding from her ears. For the last hour her brother in law, Tobias Quigley, had been talking about her newest idea for one of his ghosts' books.

At first it was actually interesting to hear that he planned to study poltergeists and write a manual on how to get rid of them. But then, Tobias came with the theory that the best way to expel such evil spirit was with love and kindness. Celeste had looked to Eugene who just shrugged his shoulders and remained silence, while his brother told them that the key was to show love to the spirit, who probably had never been the object of such feelings before.

Celeste could already see Tobias trying to deal with Peeves and she had to do her best to hold her tongue, not to ask him for a demonstration of his theory using the school's poltergeist. It would be really interesting to see how Peeves would reply to her brother in law 'wave of love'.

The worst part about all these absurd concepts and theories, that Tobias had learned only Merlin knew where, was that they were also being told to Caleb and at his young age, Celeste had the feeling he believed in almost everything his father was telling him. She didn't blame the boy. It was natural that he would use his father as a role model and think everything he said corresponded to the truth. She was just glad Caleb had a good sense and he probably wouldn't mess with Peeves either, in order to test his father's theory.

Her nephew had been a good student, not counting with the umbrella episode. Celeste knew she had probably been a bit harsh with him, but the idea of Caleb jumping out of the Astronomy tower was too much for her to handle, even though he had assured her he did not plan to jump. Celeste just wanted to be really sure that such idea would not come into his mind again. Or to any of his friends as well.

While Tobias continued his monologue, Celeste noticed Rylee Marks not far away calling for her attention. She excused herself and walked towards the girl, happy that Miss Marks' appearance had saved her from another hour of nonsense.

"Professor? I was wondering if we could speak in private…"

"Of course," Celeste replied. "Follow me."

Her office was at the Astronomy tower, but instead of going all the way up there, she took Rylee to an empty classroom. Celeste sat at the teacher's chair and invited the girl to pull her own chair and sit.

She observed Rylee for a few seconds and she realized that there was something wrong, by the sad expression she carried in her face. As a teacher, it was her duty to assure all the students' well being, and particularly the ones from the Slytherin house since she was the assistance head of that house.

"What can I do for you, Miss Marks?"

Rylee told Celeste about her grandfather. The Astronomy teacher nodded in comprehension and she even used her wand to summon a tissue, handing it to the girl. Celeste assured to Rylee that she was going to speak with the headmistress and everything would be arranged so she could visit her grandfather to say her goodbyes. She was sure Minerva would not oppose if Rylee skipped a class or two in order to do so. She also told Rylee that if she needed someone to talk with or any sort of help, she could come to her encounter at any time.

The girl thanked Celeste and she left the empty classroom, her face not so sad anymore. Celeste was glad she was able to somewhat help Miss Marks, even if there was not really much she could do about her grandfather.

She lingered in the classroom for a few more moments, not in the mood to deal with Tobias just yet.


Part Of The Bennett Family At Spring Social
Author: Kody 
Date:   08-08-13 16:07

Drake sits on a blanket keeping watch on his daughter. Marnie Irene Bennett is named for Drake's mother. When Marnie was born and Drake announced the name, his brother Deak had pretended to be angry, informing him, "Hey, that's the name I wanted to name my own daughter." This has led to the family joke of sorts that Deak is going to go ahead and name a daughter, should her have one, Marnie Irene.

This Marnie is sitting near the edge of the blanket chewing on a stacking ring from a set Drake's "brother" Brandon had been playing with earlier but had quickly tired of. Marnie may be tiring of this particular ring as well because she keeps looking over at a nearby stick.

Deciding to head her off before she gets the idea of chewing on the stick in her head, Drake does a roll her direction then reaches for the stick, tossing it far enough away to solve the potential problem.

Or so he thought.

Marnie offers her father a grin and, still faster at crawling than she is at walking, takes off on all fours in the direction of the stick. Drake jumps up to follow. "Marnie! We aren't playing fetch!"

Ophelia arrives with scoops of ice cream in a cup and a milkshake about then, laughing as she says, "I've told you that she'd get ideas watching you play fetch with Brat and Casey."

"I thought you meant she'd want to throw something, not be the one fetching it with her mouth." Drake, catching up with Marnie, swings her up, causing her to squeal and giggle.

She brightens even more at spotting Ophelia with food, her mother waggling both the ice cream and shake asking, "Want some nummies?"

Back on the blanket, Ophelia helping Marnie hold the milkshake asks Drake, "Where'd everyone else go?"

"Brandon was restless and Niccola wanted one of those slushy things a lot of people seem to have. Aaron and Saffron took them in search of the booth. Deak went off with Jack and Wiggy."

"Were you wanting to tell them the news today at some point or wait a little longer?"

"I guess we should go on and tell them."

Ophelia sniggers, "If we don't, they'll figure it out fairly soon when I start showing unless they only ever see me in witches robes for the next few months."

"Over lunch?"

"Perfect. There are teeny little brooms over that direction. I was thinking after Marnie shares her ice cream and shake with us, we could go check them out."

"Marnie might like that. Now, if I could just convince the Quidditch Little League to lower the age minimum so she can play on a team next year and we'll be set."

"And the year after? Youngest member on your team?"

Drake, who is an assistant coach for the professional team Pride of Portree, grins at his wife. "Of course. Two years from now, tops."

A few minutes later Ophelia and Drake, with Marnie toddling between them, leave the blanket for the miniature broom ride, Marnie now wearing a tiny Pride of Portree shirt.


Family Reunion
Author: Roisin Rae McCray 
Date:   08-08-13 17:59

Silence quickly engulfed the dysfunctional McCray family. Few conversations arose here and there, each ending in an awkward stillness. They had been sitting under a tree, on a blanket that had been in the family for nearly a century, and a bit away from the crowd. It was quite apparent that her family preferred serene pastimes and kept in a certain company. They were certainly a complicated bunch; they each valued propriety and were well spoken, yet had a quick temper and a great deal of pride. Each seemed infatuated with the past, at least where it concerned the family history. There was a great deal of ancestral honouring and they made no secret of certain practices. Their idea of revering their ancestors had even passed to her cousins, her aunt's children.

Roisin was terribly shocked to discover she had an aunt – it was likely Ailbe's pride that barred him from mentioning his estranged sister. She was further shocked to learn that she would be spending the summer with the Carews. It was quite apparent that the McCrays had many secrets, and she wondered if she'd ever learn them all.

"How is that woman's daughter?" Wisteria asked, full of experienced contempt, as she glared at her brother. "All suitable subjects have moved past us, it would seem."

The calm demeanor Rosie had begun to know disappeared, and the McCray fury settled in. She and her cousins looked expectantly to their uncle, while George tried to calm his wife. Ailbe seemed odd, a little too odd for even his standards. But there was something different; he seemed rather distraught and lost in his mind. He remained silent for a moment, the silent tension rising.

When he spoke his words were slow and without retort. "I…don't…know." He paused, seemingly lost in a daze. When he continued he was in control over his words, but his mind was still lost. "I haven't heard anything since she disappeared. I think Charles killed her."

Wisteria was silent; even she could detect how the conversation was affecting her brother. "Have the dreams returned then?" Her lips were a thin line, her words now full of concern. His face grew pale at the mention of his dreams, answering her question. "How long?"

"A few months," he sullenly replied.

"Dear Merlin, Ailbe! You shouldn't have stopped taking your tonic!" Her voice was now shrill and in horror. "Why have you stopped?"

He gave her a knowing glare, which she seemed to comprehend, and silence once again took sway. It was George's turn to break the silence.

"I have a bit of news actually," he announced. He nervously glanced toward his wife before continuing. "I've bought a Muggle manor-house."

Matthew laughed as his mother now looked with horror to her husband. "Why? What would we ever use a Muggle house for?"

The McCrays didn't dislike Muggles; they were rather infatuated with the idea of them. And neither did the Carews, Roisin believed. They enjoyed learning about their ways of life, often touring their world and buying their artifacts. But other than that, they didn't interact with the Muggle world. Thus, the news was a great shock to them all.

"For a museum!" He exclaimed, full of excitement.

Wisteria, playfully, slapped her husband on the arm. "George, I don't know if yo've noticed but we are not the sort of archaeologists the Muggles will agree with."

"Ah, now," he said, eagerly turning to her. "When you're visiting Torhousekie, I will be finding some artifacts for our new project."

"Our project? No, your project. Have you even chosen a theme?" She asked, shrilly.

"Uhh…no." He turned to his children and new-found niece. "Any ideas?"

"Shakespearean?" Rosie suggested. For her birthday her guardian gave her a collection of Shakespeare's work, and she quickly became obsessed. She, quite fervently, began research on his life and surroundings.

George pointed to her. "Brilliant. Simply brilliant."

Tom leaned over and whispered in Roisin's ear. "Dad has a lot of projects – when he's done with one he moves to the next. It drives Mum absolutely mental."


Possible New Business Deal
Author: Declan 
Date:   08-08-13 20:01

After giving a warning to sixth year and a slightly older, visiting friend who'd stepped behind some bushes, Declan watches them for a few minutes to make sure they don't try to immediately slip off to do things best not done with so many on the grounds to potentially witness the hanky panky. He'd told them if he caught them again doing anything that even hinted at anything others weren't going to want to see, the sixth year's house would be severely point penalized and the friend would be escorted from the grounds.

Unfortunately, knowing what those two were most likely going to do behind those bushes and seeing a good many here today holding hands and others exchanging kisses has put Zabrynna in the forefront of Declan's thoughts. Other than fleeting glimpses when she's been at the castle doing work for AJ, Declan hasn't truly seen her nor has he spoken with her in a long time. Much as he'd wanted to talk with her about the Rita Skeeter article, with the scrutiny they were under, especially from the Ministry, it was best to stay away. Even communicating by owl wasn't prudent.

Most likely, it's been long enough now they could at least say hello. The Ministry has been satisfied that certain aspects of Skeeter's article held no truth. If they hadn't been, Declan would either be in a Ministry holding cell or already at Azkaban.

Declan stops walking, looking around having no idea where he's going. He'd been roaming without paying attention. It's only when he sees AJ and Mariposa that it occurs to him he had been walking with purpose, though a subconscious one.

They see him, AJ smiling and inclining his head in acknowledgement, Mariposa raising a hand. Declan returns the gesture, a brief wave then walks more deliberately in their direction. When he reaches them, AJ pats the empty spot an empty spot on the picnic bench. "Have a seat."

They exchange pleasantries then spend the next few minutes talking Spring Social. This offers the perfect opening for Declan to ask Mariposa, "Is your sister coming this year?"

"I think so. She said she'd come but she's also been working on a massive research paper and I know she was planning on putting in a few hours at the St. Emrys library."

Not wanting to make it obvious he's interested in Zabrynna's whereabouts he next asks, "And your father?"

"Most likely no. The woman he's been dating has some family thing today and wanted Dad along."

"What about your family, AJ?"

"A number of them are already here. Mum and Dad may even come around lunch. Those not yet here will probably be coming at some point."

Mariposa asks, "Did you invite your family, Declan?"

"I let them all know. My parents were a little vague about whether they'd be here or not, I think because they were contemplating other plans. My sister said maybe."

"If she were to come, would she be alone or with her family?"

"Her youngest, Isla and possibly her husband. Their other two children are in school."

"I thought only one of your nephews was school age."

Declan shakes his head at AJ. "Joseph is 10 and Aiden is 12. They attend Danal de Magie Académie where students begin at 9. Isla just turned 8 but she's already talking about starting school. I think that as annoying as she finds her brothers, she's found she misses having them both around. That and she can't wait to have a wand. She says hers will be pink and yellow with blue glitter."

"Ooooh, fancy," Mariposa laughs. "Though, you know, maybe there's a market for that sort of thing. I know when I was starting school I would have loved a wand that was dressed up a bit more than just a polished stick of wood."

"I can think of a few adults who'd jump at having fancy wands," AJ grins.

"Maybe we should look into the market," Declan suggests.

The next half hour or so is spent talking about how such a thing would even work, such as would they start with wands already made by wandmakers such as Ollivander or whomever it is that makes the wands for the Wand Showroom, another shoppe like Olllivander's located in Diagon Alley or would it require their own wandmaker.

When conversation finally turns to something else and they decide to walk around for a bit, both AJ and Declan needing to make a show of being on the lookout for students doing things they shouldn't, Declan finds his mind returning to thought of Zabrynna and hoping she does decide to come to the Spring Social.


Looking for Information (#68 Knockturn Alley)
Author: Cassandra Catesby 
Date:   08-09-13 07:48

Blaise Zabini's office at number 68 was only a short walk down Knockturn Alley from Ravenscrofte's Rare and Antiquarian Books. Cassandra and Kirley walked past Cobb & Webb's Dark Arts Emporium, the Coffin House and Borgin & Burke's. Snakes and lizards crawled about in the window of the Spiny Serpent. Large glass jars filled with strange ingredients were visible through the gloomy windows of Mulpepper's Apothecary. A hag on the street corner held a tray of mouldy fingers.

They stopped outside a door. Were it not for its discrete brass plaque, it would have attracted no attention at all, particularly not with the Rotting Flesh tavern next door.

Kirley opened the door, and stepped aside to let Cass enter first. A house elf popped into sight, bowing low. "Does Sir and Miss have appointment?" it squeaked.

"No, but please tell Blaise that Kirley Mockridge and Cassandra Catesby are here, he'll make time," Kirley said confidently. The elf nodded and popped back out of the room for a moment.

"Upstairs, please. Master is expecting you."

The office upstairs was small and dimly lit. Filing cabinets stood against one wall. Cassandra ignored them, her attention for the handsome, dark-haired man behind the desk.

"Blaise," she said coolly.

"Cassandra," Blaise said, getting to his feet when they entered. "Kirley."

"Blaise, good to see you," Kirley said, stepping forward and shaking the other man's hand.

"What seems to be the problem?" Blaise asked.

Cassandra took a seat on the other side of Blaise's desk. "I take it you have been reading the Prophet?" she said.

"Not by choice, but I've been trying to keep up with Skeeter's nonsense," Blaise answered. "I take it you're either wondering if she's telling the truth about Callandra's working with Phineus or you want protection in case the Ministry decides to come after you for her whereabouts?" The dark-haired man leaned back in his chair, long fingers tapping against his lip as he thought for a moment.

"Not exactly," Cassandra said. "We want to know what you can tell us about Grimsay. I understand you visited the island not so long ago in the company of Pansy Parkinson and Phyllida Grimshaw-Spore."

"We went nearby. Phyllida was the only one who could actually reach the island though," Blaise clarified. "She said something about her ancestry, basically only a Grimshaw or other descendant can find the island. She seemed spooked when she got back, but she didn't want to talk about it and since Pans and I'd had an almighty row while she was gone, I wasn't about to press."

Kirley shook his head. "You mean Pansy still hasn't realized that she's it for you?"

"I've flat out told her, I'm just not sure she believes me," Blaise said. "But things are back to normal, somewhat. Things were tense over the holidays, so she didn't get her Christmas present until a few weeks ago."

Cassandra barely restrained a snort. She suspected it was more than Pansy didn't want to believe him, although the idea of Blaise actually telling her outright - as opposed to dancing around the subject - was in some ways perhaps more eyebrow-raising. He was normally more subtle than that. Clearly his patience did have limits.

The defence attorney's troubled love-life was not, however, her main concern at present. She frowned as she considered. If a Grimshaw was required to provide access to the island, that was a little unfortunate. Unless they could convince Phyllida to go back with them to the Hebrides - and since Blaise described her as spooked by her last experience, she might not be entirely willing - then that avenue of investigation was blocked. Besides, did she really want to bring a comparative stranger into private family business?

"Phyllida gave no indication as to what had spooked her?" Cassandra asked.

"She found a ghost who showed her the way to the island and ultimately, convinced her of her father's guilt. She didn't go inside the buildings, she decided she couldn't face that and as far as I know, she hasn't gone back. She's been at the Notts since shortly after that and we haven't made much progress with the case or gone to trial yet," Blaise said. "Of course, I trust none of this will be repeated outside of here, it could damage my case."

Kirley nodded. "I won't say a word. I'm not sure I agree with all of this pursuing of old crimes that weren't crimes when they happened when there are other things to be dealing with. But then, considering the connections with the vaults that the Blackguard is investigating, and Nephele's instructor going missing, perhaps it makes sense."

"Did Nephele pass her exams?" Blaise asked. "I haven't heard from her since Bexley decided she wasn't involved in Slughorn's disappearance."

"She did," Kirley said with a grin. "She's a full-fledged Potions Mistress now, and spending a good deal of time with Hartcrofte too."

"About which Cloris is no doubt delighted," Cassandra said dryly.

She looked at Blaise and inclined her head. "Thank you for your honesty. I assure you that no word that might prove damaging to your case will come through me." Especially since it seemed that Rita Skeeter might actually be right. Cloris was adamant she had made the donation to Callandra personally for the project with Phineus Grimshaw-Spore, and now here was Blaise saying that whatever Phyllida had seen on Grimsay had convinced her of her father's - and thus also Callandra's - guilt.

"You're welcome," Blaise said with a slight smile. "And I'm sure Mrs. Mockridge is as delighted about Nephele's choice of company as she is Kirley's," he added, a hint of wicked mischief slipping into his eyes. "She's been on them for ages to be more social. She's nearly as bad as my own mother about the whole continuing the lines and heirs nonsense."

Midnight-blue eyes met hazel. "Perhaps you need to persuade Miss Parkinson to cease running away rather than confronting her problems, then," she observed. "Your mother would, I am sure, be delighted."

"More than likely, she would," Blaise agreed. "But you know how stubborn a Parkinson female can be, you've met Cloris and Nephele, and I hear young Valeria takes after her grandmother as well."

Kirley got to his feet. "Thanks for the reminder on that one, Zabini," he muttered, but he grinned and the two wizards shook hands again before Kirley offered Cass a hand to help her up.

"I'm sure you'll both survive," Cassandra said unsympathetically as she stood up.

"Thank you for your assistance," she said to Blaise.

"You're quite welcome," Blaise said with a grin. "I trust you'll be sure to remember me should you need my other services," he added, a teasing glint in his eyes. At Kirley's look, he clarified. "Legal services, that is."


Assisting A Little Girl
Author: Dante Knight 
Date:   08-09-13 13:50

Other than halting a brewing squabble between a young Ravenclaw and a young Slytherin, Dante hasn't had to intervene anywhere or reprimand students for displaying poor behavior. He thinks part of that can be attributed to having so many parents and grandparents in attendance for Spring Social. Bad enough to be disciplined, possibly losing house points and gaining a detention without having your parents there to witness or to learn about within five or ten minutes.

Getting an aromatic whiff of what smells like grilling meat, Dante's stomach rumbles slightly to remind him he has not yet eaten lunch. He has not had anything since a banana and a cup of coffee before going on a run this morning. His feet turn of their own volition to follow the aroma. Dante is soon in line at a booth offering kebobs, filled pitas, and gyros. Opting for the lamb gyro, he's soon strolling along enjoy the tangy meat combined with a zesty tzatziki sauce.

He's eaten nearly all the gyro and is contemplating going back and getting another when a somewhat petite girl of around 7 or 8 approaches. "Mister, can you show me where the ballyball is?"

"Vollyball do you maybe mean?"

"Vollyball." She nods. "I think that's it."

Dante turns slightly and points. "If you walk that direction, you'll see the courts set up for it."

The girl frowns. "There's a lot of people and I'm too short to see much. I'll probably get lost again. Will you take me? Please?"

Dante has no reason not to. He can still get another gyro after. He bobs his head, "Yes, sure."

They walk in relative silence at first but upon breaking into space somehow clear of other people, games, and food booths, the girl speaks again. "Mum sent me. She thought you should know Dad is ill, though for now he's stable. If he takes a turn for the worst, we'll somehow get word to you."

The revelation that this little girl is actually his older sister doesn't come as much of a surprise to Dante. Not with his family's history. What does come as a shock after the way he last parted from the family is that she's here at all.

"I wouldn't have thought any of you would bother filling me in on anything ever again."

"Rocky was entirely against it. Dad doesn't know."

"Probably for the best. If he's still as mad at me as when I let that day, he'd burst an artery. What's wrong with him?"

"We aren't really sure. Tests have been done and more are scheduled. He didn't feel well for about two weeks. Nothing specific; just no energy, appetite falling off, more irritable than usual."

The both go quiet as they reach another throng of people. Dante steers for an opening that will lead them to another less trafficked spot and allow them to speak again. He'd suggest going and sitting somewhere but it might raise questions for some if they saw him sitting alone deep in conversation with a young girl when it's known he has no family of that age to come visit. One of the people he's seen here today is Ron Weasley, the Auror Kingsley Shacklebolt had take his statement. Dante doesn't know who else is here at Spring Social other than Minerva McGonagall who knows he's been on the Ministry watch list but it's best not to tempt fate.

"If Dad does take a downturn or if the diagnosis is serious, you can't tell me where you are."

"He'd want to see you if it was to be the last time, no matter how mad he is. I know he said you're no longer part of the family but deep down he didn't mean it."

"Yeah, he did but that's not why. I'm under obligation to inform the British Ministry of any contact from the family."

"I still can't believe you said anything."

"Rocky or Dad was going to if I didn't."

"You'll tell them you heard from me then?"

"Yeah, though I'll say I found a note slipped into my pocket that could only have been put there sometime today. With so many people about it's easy to bump into someone or be bumped and not think anything of it."

"I'll put an ad in the Daily Prophet if I have to contact you again. You know the one."

Dante starts to say something but Sunshine has an expression that he knows all too well. "What?"

"You don't remember that standard ad we do?"

"No, sorry. I mean what else did you want to say?"

"I wasn't sure I should say anything but there's something else you should know."

Dante waits for his sister to tell him whatever it is. She stops walking to turn to face him, craning her neck to meet his eyes. "No matter how angry the Dad and Rocky have been, no matter the threat of outing your background to the Ministry, they nor Mum or I will ever say anything. We won't be behind any story that might ever run on you in the Daily Prophet by that Skeeter woman."

"You do realize that by saying none of you would be a source for her, it makes it sound like a story on me will be coming out sometime soon."

"I know, which is why I hesitated to even bring it up. If none of us contact her, then there's nothing she can run on you, right?"

"I don't know. Maybe. Dante Knight's history only goes back so far. For someone like Rita Skeeter that's like waving a red flag in her face."

"Your expecting something on you to run then."

"Pretty much. She's been targeting the entire staff. Few are left that she hasn't run a story on, even if it has meant digging up old information that's not a secret and no one cares much about one way or the other. In my case, it's just going to be a matter of what she'll decide is worth throwing dirt on. She'll question why she can't find anything more on Dante Knight and will probably imply a few things about why that is. As long as she doesn't know the truth, however, I've decided I don't care."

Sunshine gestures towards the courts Viktor Krum set up for volleyball after it having been a success at other Spring Socials. "We're here."

"Are you leaving soon?"

"Not immediately, but yes. It's best if I don't want to be caught out when the Polyjuice Potion begins wearing off. I'd hug you goodbye, even give you a kiss but "

"Yeah, same here."

"Want me to write that note to slip in your pocket before I do go?"

"No need. I've always been able to copy your handwriting perfectly. Rocky's and Mum's too. Dad I'm so so on."

"I never knew that! You little stinker! You wrote that mysterious love letter from me to Archie Higgins, didn't you?"

"No comment."

"I'd so stomp on your foot and kick you in the shins right now if that wouldn't draw attention."

Dante grins. "Lucky me."

"I won't forget. Just you wait."

"I'm scared."

Sunshine glares a second longer then expression going sad she says, "Bye."

"Goodbye. Wish we could talk longer."

She turns to walk on to sit on the sidelines to watch one of the volleyball matches. Dante watches her for a moment then turns as well, walking with destination in mind before deciding he might go get that second gyro after all.

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