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What?!?!?!
Author: Oreileah McCoi
Date: 07-27-07 14:01
Through the second half of the sorting, four more students joined the Gryffindor table: Blake Holloway, Eric Ling, Polly Pots and Hunter Rabnott were all seated near the end of the table, where the newer students sat when they'd been sorted. Orei, Jared and Bailey fell silent, shifting their attention now to Head Mistress Harriet Snider as she gave the welcoming speech. Sudden sense of foreboding came over Orei, this wasn't going to be good. She introduced Mrs. Whitman who would be teaching History of Magic...sure, of all years, she had to skip out on History of Magic due to the lack of desire to further have Professor Binns and now he wasn't here!
The next words out of Harriet Snider's lips stopped Orei dead, and she stared at the Head Mistress with pure disbelief upon her features.
"As of this second, pure blooded students will not be educated alongside half-bloods, Muggle borns, and half-breeds."
"I am most happy to introduce to you your new Deputy Headmaster, Ryland Yaxley."
Was she serious? Hogwarts was going to be segregated? New deputy Headmaster? What happened to Professor McGonagall? She was deputy Headmistress! Now she'd have to come down to the Great Hall tomorrow for breakfast and get her robes altered? A purple hem added to mark her as pureblood. This was insane! Would she still be allowed to hang out with students who were not pureblood or was fraternizing with those of mixed blood going to be frowned upon?
"She can't do that." Orei murmured to Jared, wondering what the heck exactly was going on. How could the ministry allow such a thing to happen?
However, Snider's run of surprises was not done yet as she announced the four new heads of households. Professor McGonagall wasn't going to be head of Gryffindor any more? She now had to go to a witch named Carmella Flume, who was also the Charms teacher for the purebloods.
Mom nor Dad were going to be happy when they heard this, and she doubted Brett or Aussie would be happy with hearing it either. She'd be owling all of them when she got done with the feast. Her appetite was shot, she wasn't entirely hungry and thought about simply leaving the feast and heading up to her room, but she decided to wait, to see what else Harriet had tucked up her sleeve to announce to destroy the term for the students who were against the segregation. What did the new teachers think? Did they all support the segregation? One, Lawrence had looked like he was about to tell Harriet off, but he held his tongue, it was obvious he was not a fan of the segregation either.
Nervous
Author: Roane
Date: 07-27-07 15:55
“What are you?” hissed Tranquillina in her ear.
Roane stared at her plate in silence.
“Well?” prompted Tranq impatiently.
“I don’t know,” Roane finally mumbled.
Tranquillina stared at her as if she had just grown dragon scales all over her face. “What do you mean, you don’t know?”
Roane blinked hard, swearing she wouldn’t cry. “I think… I think I’m a pureblood. Dad, he never talked much about my mum but I’m pretty sure…” Roane bit her lip hard.
“They’ll have your records though. Your dad would have filled all that information out during your first year right?”
Roane nodded her head, still staring at her plate.
“It doesn’t matter though,” Tranq said a bit savagely. “This is all stupid. Just you wait, Dumbledore will show up and straighten all of this out. He would never put up with this!”
Roane nodded her head again, but was only half listening to Tranquillina. What if she wasn’t a pureblood? What if her mother was a muggle or… or something else! As her eyes wandered the room nervously she knew only one thing – she did not want to be one of the students left without a purple ribbon on their robe.
This Sucks
Author: Illyria
Date: 07-27-07 16:11
Illyria takes a sip from her goblet, still finding it difficult to come to terms with the information provided in Professor Snider's speech. Although none of the old Hogwarts professors fared well by the recent developments, Illyria considered herself luckier than those like Professor McGonagall, who'd not only lost her classroom, but both of her titles (Deputy-Headmistress and Head of Gryffindor House). Illyria had lost her classroom and had even been restricted use of the observation deck on the Astronomy tower. In the beginning, she hadn't known why she wouldn't be able to use it when it suited her, but now she understood perfectly. Professor Helveticus Moon, who sat at the head table in front of hers, had preferential treatment.
"I don't know how else to say it, but this sucks," Marzi muttered. "We are being supplanted by pawns from the Ministry of Magic."
"Hogwarts has always been under its own jurisdiction," Illyria said quietly, so as not to be overheard by Snider and the others seated in front of her. "It's a bad sign when the Ministry gets involved, especially when it's obvious the Ministry's idea of wizarding rights and equality echoes that of You-Know-Who and other less savory characters from our history."
"What do you think about being a second-class staff member, even though you are a pureblood witch?" Marzi asked. She was a pureblood witch, too.
"I suppose I'm glad that you and I will be able to look after the students who Snider seems keen on leaving behind. We can do our best to make sure they receive their full education, even if we have to struggle to do so."
Illyria took another sip of her drink. "I firmly believe the reason we weren't selected to teach the purebloods is because we're Dumbledore's staff through and through."
She said that last a bit louder and saw Snider stiffen in her seat. Illyria and Marzipan held their breaths, but the moment passed and Snider relaxed, turning to say something completely unrelated to Yaxley seated next to her.
Illyria vowed from that moment on that she would do her best to look after the students who weren't pureblood, because she knew that they would suffer the most under the new regime at Hogwarts.
Learning About The News
Author: Kissy Isuki
Date: 07-27-07 18:22
A House Elf had just appeared with the mini-feast for Poppy Pomfrey and Kissy when another came right after. She's frantic about something and it takes the combined efforts of the male House Elf, named Stan, Poppy, and Kissy to calm her down. By that time, two of the Hogwarts ghosts have entered the Hospital Wing, equally in a tizzy.
Poppy, standing at the foot of Kissy's bed, finally says, "Quiet!" in that commanding, no-nonsense nurse voice of hers.
The House Elf Stand instantly shuts up from trying to get information from the others. The others, the two ghosts and the House Elf named Tilda, also stop jabbering. Kissy, wobbly with one leg extremely stiff, hobbles to sit back down as she says, "Okay, you, Tilda, what's going on?"
"The new headmistress. Evil. Evil. Ooooooh."
Poppy and Kissy exchange looks then Poppy addresses one of the ghosts, "All right, how about you tell us what's the problem?"
"The House Elf is correct. Evil is afoot. There are new professors. The headmistress has announced that pureblood students will have separate classes from those who are not pureblooded. A new deputy headmaster has been named."
Someone else bursts into the ward. All heads swivel to see one of the students, Hank Hillier. He looks pale but upon seeing them some of the color returns to his face. "Thank Merlin! We thought something awful had happened to you, Professor Isuki!"
Kissy pushes up and hobbles stiffly over to Hank. "Why would you think that, Hank?"
"You know, the curse that's had a different Defense Against the Dark Arts professor at Hogwarts every year; and now that woman, she's," Hank shakes his head as if not wanting to believe. He gathers himself. "We thought maybe you had learned something before they were ready to announce it so they did something to you."
"So it's true? Professor Snider is segregating classes?" Poppy asks, coming over to join Hank and Kissy.
Hanks eyes flash with anger. "Segregated classes is just the start of it."
Kissy says, "I fell earlier, Hank. Nothing serious. Just need a day to mend fully. Now, come sit over here and tell us everything Professor Snider said."
Not Good Doesn't Cut It
Author: Alex Whitmen
Date: 07-27-07 19:50
Alex had been sorted into Ravenclaw. His mother sat at the table with the other professors smiling at him. He grinned and excitedly took a seat at his table. He wanted him and Cailyn to be in the same house but he wasn't going to complain. They still could have classes and hang out with each other. He glanced over at his cousin who was sitting in the back at the Slytherin table. She smiled and waved. When Harriet Snider walked up and began giving a speech, Alex smiled as they introduced his mother. She looked a little nervous but smiled. However as Snider continued his mother's smile faded as did his.
"I can't believe this!" he muttered. He looked over at Skyler, then Caliyn. He never even thought to ask if they were pureblooded or not. He didn't think it mattered but it was quite obvious it did. When she was done talking the podium disappeared and she sat at the first table and there was a great amount of food in front of them.
"What the bloody hell is the Ministry thinkin'?" one boy said harshly. Alex sat there trying to make sense of it all. He wanted to talk to Skyler but she was to far away.
"You there," a girl said. He looked up at her.
"Me?" he asked confused. She nodded.
"Yeah, you. What's your name again?" she asked.
"Alex Whitmen, yours?" he answered. He couldn't understand why the Ministry would go along with something like this. He was beginning to like the muggle schools better already.
"Gertrude Hatcher. What year and are you pureblood?" she asked. He knew this the way the introductions would always go. Name, blood status.
"6th year and I'm a half blood. My father was a muggle," he answered, staring down at his empty plate.
"It's okay. I'm muggle born. We're in the same year too," she replied. He looked up and smiled at her.
"Well, looks like we'll be in the same boat, huh?" Alex replied. She nodded and sighed, then began putting food onto her plate.
"Yeah, this is not good," she told him. He nodded solemnly.
"I think this is past not good," Alex answered, finally deciding to eat a little.
Naples, Italy
Author: Charlie Weasley
Date: 07-27-07 20:14
Arthur steps through the entrance into the taverna. Charlie walks in behind, letting the door shut behind him. The light inside isn't much different from that outside. Although it's just now sunset, with the massive volcano Vesuvius looming over Naples, it seems closer to being fully dark.
Charlie is the first to spot the person described to them by Elphias Doge. Even sitting she looks tall. Tall and thin. Her thick, dark hair is partially hidden by a yellow headband that in this dim light looks as bright as a ray of sun. Charlie taps Arthur on the arm and together they weave their way around crowded tables to where she sits alone.
"Adalgisa Gargiulo?" Arthur asks, hoping he's not mangling the name.
Up close, Charlie can see she's older than he'd first thought. Very attractive with thick lips and large, wide eyes with full lashes. Good thing he's married or older or not, Charlie might be tempted to ask Adalgisa on a date.
In perfect English she replies with a broad smile revealing even, white teeth, "Yes. You are Arthur and Charlie, no? Please be seated."
There are two empty wine glasses on the table and without asking if either wants any, Adalgisa pours white wine into each glass. "You should taste. It is my family's vintage."
Charlie reaches for his glass. Before putting it to his lips he tells her, "We understand you may have seen Albus Dumbledore."
"Yes, I am not certain but I believe it was he."
"Tell us, please," Arthur requests before he too tastes the wine.
"This is very good," Charlie comments.
Adalgisa smiles. "Thank you." The smile turns to a slight frown. "I wish I had known sooner Albus was missing. I would have contacted Elphias before now. In July visiting a very busy open air Muggle market. There is a particular stall that has the best olives. I had just made my purchase and turned to go to another favorite shoppe when I saw someone who looked remarkably like Albus, but wearing Muggle clothing. I've never seen him dressed that way though I have known him many years now. I called out to him. The man quickly went the other direction. The market was so crowded I soon lost sight of him."
"Did he act Confunded or Imperiused?" Arthur asks.
"Not that I was able to tell but that is not saying much. It was just a glimpse and may not have been Albus at all."
Adalgisa rises. "Let me get you both something to eat. Also, I shall send a bottle of wine home with each of you."
Charlie looks to his father. "What do you think?"
"I'm not sure. She's telling the truth, of that I'm positive."
They'd made the trip rather than having Elphias ask a few questions by owl so that they could better determine if this is another wild snidget chase.
Charlie drinks more of the excellent wine. "Well, at least we have something more positive to report for the next Order meeting."
Little do either know that at the next meeting, their positive news will be far overshadowed by some very negative, dire news.
Shocked
Author: Ivy Whitmen
Date: 07-27-07 20:15
Ivy took only a few bites of food. She couldn't believe what she had just heard. Two different sets of professors?! The idea was outrageous! She looked around at the professors she was sitting with. She would have her son in her class but not her niece. She shook her head, unable to overcome the shock. She wanted to leave the table and go to her chambers but knew she had to keep it together. Students were watching and she knew if it were that easy, many of the professors would have left already. She looked at the first set of professors. She didn't like them already. It wasn't so much them, just what they stood for. Teaching these kids to separate themselves because of their blood was stupid. What vile person came up with this? she wondered. Ivy couldn't believe people actually cared about other's bloodlines. The students could no more help who they are born to than their professors.
Ivy hated the thought of having to go along with it but what choice did she have at this moment? They needed to come up with a plan. Get rid of these people and whoever was behind this at the Ministry.
"Are you alright?" one of the professors whispered. She couldn't remember her name nor what she taught.
"I feel a bit sick but I'll be fine," she answered. The woman patted her hand and went back to eating. She wanted to have a word with Professor McGonagall in private once the shock had subsided and she had emotions under control again.
Letters
Author: Lysander Stratford
Date: 07-28-07 09:33
Lysander searched high and low for the pages of the Book of Kem Heka that Hermione Granger wanted, but so far hadn't had any luck in the matter. It seemed that other copies of the rare text simply didn't exist and that the only way Hermione would ever find what she wanted was if the any of the four stolen copies miraculously showed up. Somehow, Lysander didn't bet on that happening, but he didn't yet rule out the possibility.
He sat down to prepare a short note to Hermione. It being evening, Lysander didn't want to disturb Hermione at home, even though she lived right across the street.
Hermione,
No luck yet. I will continue the search as long as you are interested, but I'm afraid we may come up short this time. Perhaps the stolen books will turn up yet.
He'd started to sign his name when a large owl with big yellow eyes, a dark brown head and wings, and a light brown and white striped front landed in front of the window. It had a letter in its beak and, to Lysander's mild disgust, a large dead rat in its talons.
Lysander opened the window a slit to accept the letter, but he really didn't want the owl flying in with its dinner when Charlotte was playing with some blocks only a few feet away from him.
The letter had his name on the front. There was no return address.
He broke the seal and unfolded the letter.
It read:
Mr. Stratford,
It has come to my attention that you are looking for the Book of Kem Heka. I believe I can help you locate it. You are invited to visit me at my home in West Irian Jaya. Please inform me if you accept my invitation.
Sincerely,
Allah Al-Khidad
Enclosed was the exact address of Mr. Al-Khidad's home.
Well, maybe I have a lead after all, Lysander mused to himself.
He added a postscript to Hermione's note with the updated news and then magically folded the note into an airplane, much like the interoffice memos that flew from floor to floor at the Ministry of Magic. Lysander sent it flying through the open slit in the window, past the owl who was busily eating its meal, and across the street to Hermione's window.
Then he took out a fresh piece of parchment and wrote to Allah Al-Khidad.
Loss of Appetite
Author: Aaron Miller
Date: 07-28-07 10:26
Like others, my appetite is gone. In fact, looking at the normally delectable food, my stomach gives a heave. Segregated based on blood status? What a freaking load of crap. Or, as I've heard my lovely wife say on occassion, "Fecking ridiculous."
My own niece Cora to be shunted off into classes away from her cousins and many of her new friends. She'll have Olive Green but starting with breakfast tomorrow she can't sit at the same section of table as Hadrian, Daniel, and Alastor? My eyes dart to Hadrian's brother. Hunter had looked so happy and excited; now he's in as much shock at the rest of us. Jill's in his house. She'll look after him.
Beside me, Saffron keeps mumbling to herself, "Should have seen it coming. Should have seen it coming."
Putting my hand over hers, I shake my head. "Don't do this to yourself. You've had a sense of foreboding. You did know something was coming."
Saffron turns haunted eyes to me. "I should have known more. I should have seen more."
"You're the first one to point out your gifts don't work that way. Stop beating yourself up."
"They looked as shocked as we are."
I follow the direction she's looking now. The so called new head table. Most don't seem to be eating much either. "Yeah, looks like this was all news to them. All except that Yaxley guy. What a blow to Minerva to be demoted in front of the entire school."
Saffron squeezes my hand. "I want to quit but I know I have to stay. We have to stay. Minerva will say the same I'm sure. We have to stay and be strong for the students."
"I agree. I'd like nothing more than to pull Deak and Sage, and get Natalie to pull Cora, and my cousins to pull their kids."
For the first time tonight since the speech, Saffron smiles. It's a small smile but it's a smile nonetheless. "We have enough to start our own school."
"If it ever comes to that, we will. For now though, as you said, we have to stay and be strong for the students."