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Nicko's Pet Peeve
Author: Cailyn Spicer
Date: 07-05-07 11:54
“Cailyn?” Nicko’s booming voice could be heard from the bottom of the huge staircase in the manor that he and Cailyn lived in.
Uh-oh. Cailyn, jumped up out of her chair and dropped the book she had been reading. That Cailyn didn’t sound so good and Cailyn couldn’t help but wonder what she had done now? She sighed and hurried towards her bedroom door.
“CAILYN!” Nicko yelled again, growing impatience waiting for his daughter to come down stairs. He was trying very hard not to lose his temper with her.
“ I’m coming!” Cailyn, called running down the stairs. She came to a complete halt when she saw her father’s face. Uh-oh. She thought again.
“ Cailyn, how many times have I told you not to leave the toilet paper out on the counter and to put it away in the cupboard when you are done with it?” Nicko asked annoyed. This was one of his biggest pet peeves in the world. When people took out a package of toilet paper, to get more toilet paper and didn’t put it back. That and when people took anything out of it’s original place and didn’t take it back. He understood that his daughter was only 16 years old. But, every time she went to get a new role of toilet paper she always left the package out on the counter. He was getting annoyed with it.
Cailyn suppressed a giggle and grinned up at her father. She couldn’t help it. Putting things away when she was done with it had never been her strong point in life. She was a messy person. She got that from her mother she supposed as her dad was the most organized, clean person in the world. Here she was thinking she had gotten into trouble. When really all she had done was forget to put toilet paper away.
“ I’m sorry daddy.” She giggled.” I’ll try not to do it again.” She said giggling as Nicko fumed with annoyance.
A Familiar Face
Author: Lawrence Masterson
Date: 07-05-07 15:03
Lawrence's lunch had just arrived when he heard someone say his name. He turned and looked and it took him a moment or two to realize that it was Ariella Beck, it had been years since they'd seen each other. He offer her the empty seat across from him after he moved the stacks of parchment and tucked them back into his messenger bag.
"I'm doing great. Just running a few errands for work. I have an internship at the Ministry. Are you working?"
"Actually, I just got hired to teach Herbology at a new school of magic in Switzerland. I was just going over my textbook listings and making certain that I had all years covered." He indicated the stacks of parchment that was now hidden away within his bag.
"What area of the Ministry are you working in?" He asked, before catching a passing waitress, "Add whatever she orders to my bill please."
He waited for Ariella to order something for lunch before she answered his question. "I'm working at the Agency for the Development of Magical Items in the Department of Magical Research."
"Sounds interesting."
"It is." Her food arrived a few moments later and they ate for a few minutes in companionable silence and then idle chit chat catching up on the past couple of years since they'd last seen each other.
"I should let you get back to work...don't want to keep you too long." He said finally, when their lunches were nearly gone. "I've got a bit of shopping to do and then head back to my flat. If you've got nothing to do tonight, maybe you could come over for dinner and we can catch up on what's been going on a bit more? Reminisce."
He flashed her a charming grin, and gathered up his bag, and then made to grab hers, being a gentleman as always. "Where are you headed next? Back to the Ministry? Or do you have another stop to make before you head back?"
Kenmare Ireland, August 1-August 4
Author: Oreileah McCoi
Date: 07-05-07 20:29
Orei and her mom floo'd into the lobby of the bed and breakfast that they were staying in on the outskirts of Kenmare Ireland. This was the first stop they would make over the next two weeks, doing both muggle and wizarding things on their vacation for Orei's birthday. Orei's parents had planned out several things that were going to be special for Orei on this trip...the first being, unknown as of yet to Orei, time spent with the Irish National Team.
On the morning of August 2, after Orei and her mom had had breakfast Orei intended on heading into town, her mom stopped her. "You ready for your first present?"
Orei stopped, blinked, turned and looked at her mother. "First present? What are you talking about Mom?" She asked, turning her back to the door now to face her mother.
"Well, I know that there was no quidditch this year at Hogwarts, so your father and I arranged for you to spend some time with the Ireland National Team."
Orei's face went blank for several seconds, had her mother just said...what she thought she said? Oh my god! This seriously couldn't be happening...she was going to actually get to spend time with the Ireland National Team...winner of the Quidditch World Cup in 1994?!?!
"Are you serious mom?" Orei asked, still in shock as she looked over her mother's features.
"Yes. I am one hundred percent serious Orei...now, get ready because we have to be there in five minutes and we are apparating." She'd apparated with her mother a couple other times, simply because she was not yet old enough to apparate herself.
Orei had -never- gotten ready so fast in her life! She changed into clothing fit for a quidditch practice match, which was most likely going to happen...she was going to get to fly with the Ireland National Team! As it was she was a fan of the Kenmare Kestrels. When she was ready they apparated and soon were in the midst of the stadium...
"Hello Oreileah, Mrs. McCoi. Pleasure to finally meet you both." Aidan Lynch's voice drew Orei's attention to him...He was -gorgeous!-
"Aidan Lynch!" Orei couldn't help but let the girlish, and so unlike her squeal escape her before composing herself. "Good morning Aidan."
He introduced her to the rest of the team: Troy, Mullet, Moran, Connolly, Quigley, and Barry Ryan. She told them about her time playing quidditch at Hogwarts and that she was looking forward to the new school year because Quidditch would be back in full force and she was determined to bring the cup to Gryffindor this coming term.
Shortly after conversations finished Orei was dressed in an Ireland National Team jersey and she was up, on her new broom autographed by all seven guys. She also received two shirts, one for her and one for Brett, which she'd be owling off to him as soon as they got back to the bed and breakfast.
Orei and her mom soon apparated back to the bed and breakfast, with promise that at least one member if not all would attempt to come see the Gryffindor team and cheer them on to winning the house cup this coming school year.
Orei was giddy as she quickly penned an owl to Brett and sent it off along with the package that contained his shirt and a photograph of Orei with the Ireland National Team.
Brett,
You will NEVER guess who I got to meet today! Mom and Dad had arranged for me to meet with.......the IRELAND NATIONAL TEAM! You know, the Quidditch World Cup Winners from 1994! I've gotten to meet all of them! Each and every one!
There is a photo enclosed along with an autographed shirt from the Quidditch World Cup game in 1994.
I even have a new broom for the quidditch season this year (provided I make the team). It is also autographed by all the members of the team. This is the best news ever, the team may actually come to Hogwarts for one of the Gryffindor games! To watch -me- and the House team bring the Quidditch Cup back to Gryffindor where it belongs!
Will write again soon!
Love always,
Orei
With the owl sent off, Orei collapsed on the bed amidst a peal of giggling! She was entirely on cloud nine, nothing, absolutely nothing could make this trip better!
They spent the next two days exploring southern Ireland, going here and there, and getting a few souvenirs to take back with them when they headed home. Though Kenmare was only their first stop in a two week excursion.
Visit from Lysander
Author: Hermione Granger
Date: 07-05-07 20:41
Hermione opened the door to her flat and found Lysander Stratford standing on her front stoop. "Mr. Stratford. What can I do for you?"
"You can call me Lysander," her visitor replied, not being much for formalities. "Mind if I come in? I have a few questions I'd like to ask you about the book you requested I find."
"Not at all. Please, come in." Hermione opened the door wider and allowed her guest to enter. She briefly wondered what he might think of her place. It wasn't anything fancy but at least it was very orderly. Still, it probably possessed a sort of Muggle charm at which the pureblooded, ex-Slytherin type Hermione knew Lysander Stratford to be would probably turn down his nose. To her surprise, he hardly gave the living area much of a glance and only seated himself when Hermione offered him a place on the sofa.
"Is it important to you that you buy the book for your own collection, or for someone else? By that I mean, are you wanting to physically possess the book in some shape or form?" Lysander asked, getting straight to business.
Hermione nodded and shrugged her shoulders simultaneously from where she sat in an armchair. "I don't need the actual book or even the original pages of the small portion I want, but I do at least want to look at or make a copy of what I need."
"Can you tell me what chapters or pages you require?" asked Lysander. "The reason I ask is because I may have a source for a partial version of the book."
"Unfortunately, no," Hermione replied, "but I'd know if I saw it."
"Is it impolite of me to ask exactly what it is you want from this book?"
Hermione shook her head. "I'm looking for information on cursed mummy powder. If your source has the pages that discuss it, I would be in your debt if you could copy them for me if they can't be purchased."
"I'll see if I'm able. My source is a collector and probably won't be willing to sell, but perhaps he will allow me to copy the text, or at the very least allow you to have a look with your own eyes." Lysander rose. "I'll keep you informed of what I discover."
Hermione rose too and walked Lysander to the door. "Thank you. You've done a lot of work for me already. Are you sure I can't pay you a portion in advance?"
Lysander shook his head. "We'll talk money when I've found what you want. Goodbye, Miss Granger."
"Hermione."
Hermione opened the door to let Lysander out and saw Ron standing on the front step with an astonished expression on his face. Lysander didn't have to ask who Ron was, recognizing him instantly from the shock of red hair on his head. He grunted hello, though it was hardly understandable, and left.
"What was he doing here?" Ron asked, stepping inside Hermione's flat.
"I'll tell you everything."
Hermione closed the door and sat Ron down to tell him what she'd been up to.
Explanation
Author: Gabrielle Delacour
Date: 07-05-07 20:43
To Gabby it feels like ages sent she was sent to her room. She's been confined to her bedroom, not even allowed out for meals - they've been brought to her. Gabby had started wishing her room didn't have a lavatory connected to it since even having to go across the hallway would have meant a temporary reprieve from her room.
Finally, finally, finally the Delacours call Gabby to the living room to allow her to make an attempt at justifying her actions. At least she hopes that's why she's been summoned. For all Gabby knows, she's about to be told she's being sent off to some group that lives cloistered and only uses magic when absolutely necessary.
Gabby sits down in the chair her mother indicates. Her parents are sitting side by side on the couch, directly across from her. Looking stern her father says, "Gabrielle, your mother and I would like you to explain your actions. Do it without histrionic embellishments."
Gabby would love to protest. She is not prone to histrionic embellishments. Gabby wisely refrains from pointing this out as she knows it would not, under the current situation, be welcome by either parent. Keeping her voice even and calm to show her parents that there is no need to worry she will get histrionic, and making an effort not to sound accusatory, Gabby begins speaking.
"When Maman began insisting I return to Beauxbatons, I did my best to convey to her just how much I hate that school. I would have thought my leaving the first time as I did was indicator enough. I've been very happy at Hogwarts. I've made many friends. I was even Quidditch announcer year before this last one."
Gabby, to help make her point about being happy and fitting in well at Hogwarts, pulls out something she'd recently gotten in an owl from the school. "Look, I've even been made 5th year prefect for Hufflepuff."
The Delacours exchange glances but Gabby can't read what those expressions were. When they turn their heads to look back at Gabby, their expressions have returned to the stern, controlled anger they'd faced her with when she walked in and sat down.
"I tried and tried to get across how much I hate Beauxbatons and love Hogwarts but, Maman, you refused to listen. I needed you to understand, truly understand, just how vile I find Beauxbatons, how much I love Hogwarts. My plan was both extreme and manipulative, and I hated putting you through it, but I HAD to make the point."
Maman tilts her head. "What if we send you to Beauxbatons anyway, Gabrielle? What then?"
Gabby sighs. "I hope you do not, Maman. I cannot stand Beauxbatons any longer. I would not feel motivated to attend classes, to complete assignments... to care about any of it."
Maman and Papa exchange another look. Maman says very neutrally, "Very well. Return to your room, Gabrielle."
Gabby stands, "I truly am very sorry that I worried you so. I simply could not think of anything else that would make you pay attention to what I was saying."
Without another word, Gabby goes to her bedroom, flopping disconsolently onto the bed.
Dinner with Lawrence
Author: Ariella Beck
Date: 07-06-07 22:42
Ariella rose with Lawrence, smiling when he took her bags. "Yes, I'm heading back to the Ministry now." She held out her hand to take her things back since she intended on apparating to her location and didn't really require Lawrence's assistance anymore, though she thought it very nice that he'd thought to help her.
"I'd also be very happy to eat dinner with you and catch up on old times. I'm sure we both have a lot to reminisce over." She smiled.
"Great!" Lawrence exclaimed. "Let me give you my address then."
Later that evening, Ariella arrived outside Lawrence's door. She would have brought a bottle of wine, only she didn't really know much about wine since she was only 17 (though nearly 18) and hardly ever drank anything stronger than butterbeer. Instead, she brought dessert in the form of Tres Leches cake. She'd checked out a book on Muggle desserts from the Diagon Alley Branch Library and had learned about cakes around the world, such as the Tres Leches, or three milk cake from Mexico.
Lawrence had cooked an exquisite meal that really impressed Ariella. She didn't really know how to cook because she never really got the opportunity to do so outside Muggle Studies class. At home, Josefine Beck always cooked. At Hogwarts, she had the house elves to keep her well-fed. Ariella almost envied Lawrence and his independence and hoped that after next year, she'd be able to do well on her own also.
"So tell me more about this school in Switzerland?" Ariella asked midway through dinner.
"To be honest, I don't really know much about it other than the fact that it's new. I've yet to even visit the campus." Lawrence laughed. "I don't even know what I'm really getting into."
"Did you ever think you'd wind up becoming a Herbology professor?" asked Ariella.
"Not really," Lawrence replied, smiling. "So what about you? What led to your internship at the Ministry?"
Ariella took a sip of her drink before answering. "Did you hear about the Scholastic Aptitude Tournament? It was something new this year, involving seven schools of wizardry. Sort of like the Triwizard Tournament, I suppose, but not quite so dangerous. It was also open to more than just three contestants and covered a broad range of subjects. Sixteen or so, I believe. Anyway," Ariella took a deep breath before continuing. "I participated in the Invention & Design Competition. I invented a foreign language translator. Basically, you charm it with languages and then you use it to translate whatever language you happen to be hearing into whatever language you want.
"Professor McGonagall heard about the internship at the Ministry and told me I should apply. I decided it couldn't hurt. I'm working with a lot of inventors and I'm trying to get my invention patented. I'm not sure inventing is something I see myself doing with my life after Hogwarts, but it certainly is an interesting hobby."
Ariella fell silent at last and sipped her drink some more. She allowed her eyes to roam around Lawrence's place. It was very clean, though it was obvious he'd just moved in because there were still some boxes lying around unpacked.
Her eyes finally returned to Lawrence's face and she found him watching her. Ariella blushed a little and struggled for a moment to find a new piece of conversation. Finally, she asked, "Do you miss it? Hogwarts, I mean?"
First Assignment
Author: Harry Potter
Date: 07-06-07 22:55
Una checks Harry over. He tugs at his tie, loosening it ever so slightly. Una reaches out to straighten the tie after Harry's done loosening it then says, "You'll do I suppose. Run through the brief for me again."
"I'm one of two security personnel Stanford & Howard are providing to Kenneth Chancellor. Harcourt," Harry says in reference to Thomas Harcourt, the other person on the detail, "is lead. I'm mainly to keep my eyes and ears open. Give Harcourt whatever backup he needs in maintaining the illusion that we are there as security for Chancellor during his business meeting."
Una sits down, folding her arms. "Go on."
"Chancellor is meeting with a Muggle, which is why the Muggle sidearms." Harry pats the gun in a shoulder holster. "We are looking for evidence of illegal dealings, specifically the trade of black market Wizarding goods."
Una unfolds her arms and taps a small piece of paper on the table. "This is the document you need to allow you to carry that weapon. Do keep in mind you are still training on Muggle firearms. Do not pull that thing out unless it is absolutely necessary."
Harry picks up the license and as he's stowing it away, Una stands again, giving Harry another appraising look. "I don't need to remind you about not showing your wand. What I do want to stress is this you need to keep in mind you still have a great deal of training to do, Harry. We normally wouldn't be putting you in the field yet but you've a reputation for being able to handle yourself. Also, this is an excellent look and learn without needing to take action opportunity."
Harry turns away from Una to look in a full length mirror. His hair is dark blond, very short as in Muggle military short, his shoulders broader, he's about the same height but his eyes are now very pale brown and his nose looks like it's been broken a few times. Kenneth Chancellor is not someone who would want Harry Potter around today Harry is Harrison Flint. Harry for short.
Harry turns back to face Una. "I won't let any of you down."
From the doorway Thomas Harcourt asks, "Ready to get going, Harry?"
"Ready, Tommy. Lead the way."
Una gives Harry a clap on the back, following him out of the room. They go to a large garage, to a dark gray, four door sedan. Tommy throws Harry a set of keys. "You do drive, right? If not, I'm going to have to rethink this rather quickly."
"Yeah," Harry answers, glad he learned awhile back.
"This is a regular, Muggle vehicle. If you call an armored automobile with bullet proof glass regular that is," Tommy chuckles. "Whenever he's met with a Muggle, Chancellor likes to show up in style. You'll drive, me in back. In and out of the building I'm in front of Chancellor, you'll have the rear."
Tommy opens a couple of maps up on the bonnet of the car. Over the next several minutes he goes over with Harry the planned route and also lets Harry get familiar with the various buttons and knobs inside the car. Harry's excitement is growing at having his first real assignment. By the time they drive out of the garage, he doesn't care that he's just supposed to stand around watching and listening to everything going on. Maybe after a few times of it, that will be boring but not today!