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Outing to Lincoln Castle
Author: Ron Weasley
Date: 07-01-08 16:33
Ron tries not to yawn. Nothing against Lincoln Castle but Ron can't imagine why Ginny chose it for the outing. An middle aged man nearby catches the not quite yawn and chuckles.
"I'd rather be watching the footie match on the telly too, mate."
Ron grins and nods, feeling proud of himself for knowing what the man even said. Since going underground and staying so much in Muggle locations, Ron's become quite familiar with television and soccer matches. Harry had said he's not seen anyone get addicted to the telly as fast as Ron.
Ginny didn't hear what the man said to Ron but she is definately getting the impression this is not Ron's idea of a day well spent. She comes up beside him and pokes him sharply in the ribs. "You were happy enough when Harry and Janine picked outings. Is it that I'm your sister and you don't think you have to pretend for me?"
"Janine picked something at the cinema and Harry picked those go cart things," Ron says by way of excuse.
"Today might not be my actual birthday, brother dear, but you can at least fake some enjoyment for my birthday outing."
"Sorry," Ron says, feeling a little guilty now.
"A real birthday outing would be for us to be doing something constructive for the Order," Ginny sighs. "I really thought that if I joined you lot we'd be actively doing... whatever. I never pictured this jumping from spot to spot playing tourist or just sitting around for days at a time."
"You know as much as we do, Ginny. What would you have us do? You think we like being so ineffective?"
"Ginny! Ron! We can get in on a guided tour but you need to hurry."
Ron throws an arm over Ginny's shoulder. "Come on. Let's go find out about this castle. I'll even smile. See."
Ron plasters on a cheesy grin, eliciting a laugh from Ginny. Hurry over to where Hermione stands waving, they join her, Janine, and Harry, along with several others where a pleasant looking woman waits outside the East Gate, in an area called Castle Hill, to begin the guided tour.
Neverending Cycle
Author: Marzipan
Date: 07-01-08 19:09
Marzipan frowned at the water that swept into the building each time a wave pounded the little island the 14-15-14 community for nons occupied. She'd spent every waking moment sweeping the floor with a large push-broom, coaxing the water back outside, only to have it come back in moments later. Her hands were raw against the splintered wooden handle of the broom. Her warden had denied her and the others assigned to sweep-duty the use of gloves.
As futile as the job was, Marzi knew she couldn't stop. On her very first day at 14-15-14, she'd been doled out the assignment of sweeping just inside the front door. After voicing how pointless the assignment was, since the water always came back in, sometimes minutes after being swept out, Marzi felt the sting of the Cruciatus Curse on her body. Never once in her life had she been Crucio'ed, though she'd witnessed it quite liberally at Hogwarts during the last half year or so. Never did she want to suffer from its effects again. So, she did as she was told, even if what she did was ineffectual.
Marzi was one of a handful of relatively new residents at 14-15-14. She and Illyria, whom she felt very blessed to have with her at the community, had come to the island after getting snatched at Hogwarts early last month. Their plans to escape to freedom had failed miserably. Shortly after their arrival on the rocky island, a few newly graduated Hogwarts students joined them.
Community life was a rude awakening for all of the newcomers, and in small ways, they were resented for having lived in relative grandeur at Hogwarts until so very recently. The hardships the nons at Hogwarts had faced didn't at all compare to what other nons had endured since March, when the Ministry of Magic had first sent nons to the communities.
Marzi could see in the faces and bodies of those that had lived at 14-15-14 longer that life had gotten unbearable, probably ages ago. She thanked her lucky stars that she still had her strength and her health but wondered how long it would be before she, too, looked as gaunt and depressed as the other community members.
She unwrapped her hand from the broomstick handle and looked at her reddened palm. It had a few painful blisters and a lot of rough-looking, peeled bits of skin. She blew onto her palm and then winced.
Then she sighed. Had Weston made it to Austin? Did he wonder where she'd gone? Did he realize she'd been snatched before she could join him?
She hoped he was safe, and as a pureblood, he ought to be... unless he did something to get himself branded as a blood traitor, of course. Marzi didn't think he'd do something like that, though. He knew that she would want him safe, first and foremost, and putting his neck on the line, even for her, was something she hoped he wouldn't do.
Another wave crashed into the building, sending cascades of water through the cracks and gaps between the wooden panels. Sighing, Marzi swept the water out of the building.
Stoke-on-Trent
Author: Sirius Padfoot Black
Date: 07-02-08 16:44
Drucilla, Sirius, and the twins arrive in Staffordshire by train, disembarking at the Stoke-on-Trent railway station. It was a new experience for all of them, with the twins taking great delight in this particular mode of transport. Toting the luggage, Sirius follows Dru who has a child at each hand. She and Sirius memorized the directions Arabella Figg gave them for taking the bus from the train station.
They ride this particular bus several miles before getting off to transfer to another bus. A third bus later and they are stepping off onto a pleasant looking street lined with trees and houses of varying sizes. Dru nods towards the nearest cross street. "That way."
Sirius nods in agreement but they do still double check the street name before heading down another pleasant looking residential street. They go half a block to another intersection and turn right along it. Mira giggles and points to a blue house with creamy yellow shutters, trim, and door. "Blue!"
Dru pats Mira on the head. "Yes, that house is blue and that is where we are going."
James looks disappointed at not having pointed out the blue house first but then he hadn't been looking, being too busy trying to assist Sirius. His version of helping was to keep turning around to tell Sirius, "Hurry up, Daddy."
Arabella Figg must have been watching for them because the door swings open as they step onto the walkway leading from the sidewalk to the porch. The Eternal-Black family steps inside with a sigh of relief, glad to be able to sit and relax without having to worry about catching another form of Muggle transportion. Arabella ushers them into a large room where the twins spot toys and dash over to investigate.
"Put the luggage there, Sirius. Rest a bit. Tea either of you?"
"Yes, please," Dru and Sirius say together.
"I've got some jammy dodgers for the children if they're allowed," Arabella says, holding up a small plate with the jam filled cookies.
"One or two each shouldn't spoil their supper, I shouldn't think," Dru nods.
"Let me help with tea," Sirius says, already walking towards the doorway through which he sees the kitchen. Over his should he asks, "Do you know who's coming tonight, Arabella?"
"Arthur, Molly, Alastor, and Hestia are all I know for sure. I don't know if you're heard yet or not but Kingsley's gone out of touch."
Sirius stops in his tracks. "Bloody hell!"
"Language, Sirius. Children present," Dru reminds.
"Right. Sorry. How about I get the tea and some milk for the twins then you tell us what you know, Arabella."
The older woman nods towards the kitchen. "Be there in a tick."
Upset that Kingsley might be in Ministry hands, Sirius is glad to have a task to tackle, even if it is only making tea.
A Change of Scenery
Author: Aaron Miller
Date: 07-04-08 10:01
Fifteen minutes ago I'd been deep underground in a cell catty-corner to another cell in which Forest Woods now resides. We'd been in the middle of playing a game of chess on an area scratched into the floor when two Azkaban guards came strolling down the short corridor. Not being a mealtime and neither of the men having the book trolley, their appearance on this lonely hallway surprised us.
We scrambled to our feet, hoping the guards meant one or both of us were finally being allowed visitors. When my cell door was opened, another thought ran through my mind as well. Perhaps freedom was at hand or at the very least repeated requests to meet with an attorney and appeal my case had finally been met.
I was led to the same processing area I'd seen when first brought to Azkaban. There I was handed back the few items I'd had in my pockets when arrested. No one was answering my questions so I had to think that this meant they'd decided I'd served my sentence and was being released.
Only my wand wasn't returned.
Not a good sign.
Also not a good sign were the other two waiting for the Azkaban guards to finish out processing me or whatever it was they were doing. With a nod from one of the prison guards the two stepped forward. A tall, stocky man with a thick beard informed me, "Aaron Miller, we are from the Relocation Assistance Committee. We are here to assist you in reaching your next destination."
Snatchers. I should have known the Ministry wouldn't release a Non back into society.
I was escorted off the inhospitable island on which Azkaban sits, the weight of the Dementors presence there dropping away. A side along apparition later and I was at the Ministry then I was pushed through a Floo conduit after the tall, stocky one had thrown in the Floo powder and said, "Community Q."
The travel through the Floo was odder than usual, maybe because I hadn't been the one calling out the destination but maybe it's really just because I have no idea what Community Q is. Fear of the unknown can really alter one's senses and perspective.
Stepping out of a large, stone fireplace, I'm greeted by a woman with a congenial face and a man whose smile is so big and broad it brings to mind pictures of the Cheshire cat. The woman steps forward. "Welcome to Community Q. You will follow us."
They led me to an office across the hall from the room with the fireplace. There I was given the rules, two changes of lightweight clothing, and sturdy sandals. I was also told I'd get my work assignment in the morning.
Cheshire Cat man took me out of the building, into a warm night. I know I'm not anywhere in Great Britain anymore because there it had been very early morning. It's a short trip to another building, the silhouette having a hut-like shape. Cheshire gave a shove to the small of my back. "Male residence. Go find a bed. Late for breakfast, you don't get any."
Even though I can see somewhat I still stumble going in. It's darker inside and I stand for a moment letting my eyes adjust more. Lumpy shapes are visible in what look to be camp type beds. Spying a lumpless one I make for it just as a figure backlit by light comes out of a door at the other end of the room.
The figure pauses, spotting the new person standing at the end of a cot. The light goes out and the figure shuffles towards me, softly saying, "A newbie. Welcome to hell."
When he's in front of me he stops. His face comes really close to me. "Professor Miller?"
Even in the darkness, I can see now who it is. "Lee Henderson?"
"What happened to you, Professor?"
"Thrown into Azkaban. You can drop the professor and call me Aaron."
"Try to get some sleep. I'll make sure you're up for breakfast. We can talk then."
"Thanks, Lee."
Lee clasps my shoulder and gives it a squeeze then turns to go two beds back down toward the room he'd come from - I'm guessiing it's the bathroom - and drops into bed. I do the same though it takes me awhile to get to sleep, my mind too busy wondering things like if all the Nons from Britain are here, wherever here might be.
In Sydney
Author: Ariella Beck
Date: 07-04-08 12:22
Ariella and Lawrence had arrived in Sydney jet-lagged yet deliriously happy. Their upcoming nuptials were clearly on their minds, as well as the long-awaited reunion with old friends and family. They stayed in a cozy B&B in Sydney's wizarding sector and in between rest, relaxation, and enjoying each other's company, the couple made frequent outings. Lawrence introduced his bride-to-be to his friends from his school days before he transfered to Hogwarts. Ariella had heard a little about some of them and watched happily as her fiancé basked in remembering the good old days with his dear friends. They seemed keen on Ariella too, especially upon learning that her brother played Quidditch professionally for their own country.
In addition to visiting old friends and touring parts of the city Ariella hadn't seen on her last visit to Sydney or had enjoyed so much last time that she wanted to see them again, the pair scoped out potential locations for their wedding. Although it was wintertime in Australia, the weather was mild enough that an outdoor ceremony wasn't out of the question. Besides, modern magic made it possible to adjust the temperature and weather conditions in any given area, so if a particularly cool and wet front blew in, they could place heating and umbrella charms around the site to keep themselves and their guests warm and dry.
Ariella really liked the idea of an outdoor ceremony and thought it might be nice to get married on the beach. She pictured herself barefoot in a white sun dress, though she wondered if that sort of ceremony was better suited for the summertime. She already knew that she didn't want to get married until October at the very earliest, since Katherine wasn't slated to get released from Azkaban until then. October would certainly be warmer than August, so maybe a ceremony on the beach would work out perfectly.
They had seen many potential sites, but had yet to select the right one. Since Lawrence and Ariella weren't in a hurry to return to England (Lawrence's employer was surprisingly flexible, given how thinly stretched most businesses were these days), they had plenty of time to find exactly what they wanted.
Ariella had sent an owl to Toby and Bronwyn upon arriving in the country. She'd corresponded with them quite often since that first letter and planned on visiting them in Brisbane in a few days for an undetermined amount of time. Bronwyn and Toby were desperate for news from home. Ariella had not yet revealed her engagement but wished she had more good news to tell them. Unfortunately, good news from home was very hard to come by these days.
Meeting (Molly & Arthur)
Author: Ginny Weasley
Date: 07-04-08 14:11
Molly cuts a sandwich made on a long loaf of bread, into smaller portions. At the kitchen table, Alastor opens bottles of butterbeer for those who want it and pours wine for others. From the next room the the low murmur of voices reach their ears though Molly wishes there were more voices to be heard. So many of their active number have been caught. Kingsley most recently but Dedalus, Emmeline, Sturgis and Elphias. Not to mention Minerva, Hagrid, Severus, and even Filius Flitwick.
Molly can't help but wonder who will be next.
Will it be one of her own?
Blossom interrupts Molly's thoughts. "I'm leaving with Mira and James now. Make sure Sirius and Drucilla don't have a meltdown after we've gone, please."
From behind Blossom Sirius grumps, "I will not have a meltdown. Just because I like having my children near,"
"We all know and understand why you are protective of them, Sirius," Molly cuts in. To Blossom she says, "Here's some of the food for you and Maj. Are you sure you can handle all the children between the two of you? Seven small ones to keep up with."
Blossom takes the box with the food from Molly and pecks her mother-in-law on the cheek. "It's only for two or three hours and there is a big yard for them to run like mad hens around."
Molly follows Blossom into the other room, a platter of the sandwiches in her hand. Drucilla is looking worriedly at her children while Arthur asks Blossom, "I'll help you take the children. You can't carry that box and do a side along with both of them."
Arthur is back in under a minute, taking one of the butterbeers and grabbing a sandwich before asking, "Are we ready to start?"
With that, everyone gets settled, all with drinks and plates. Sirius's cat Wendy, Hermione's cat Crookshanks, and Arabella's cats circle around, hopeful that someone will drop them some morsels. Remus clears his throat. "Has anything more been learned?"
"Only that it's called The Mews."
The it in question is the location the Order was able to find thanks to some of Sirius's work in his dog form. It took them awhile to track the location and find out even the tiniest of details. One thing is certain. It only has a small number of those labeled Nons.
Mundungus adds, "I recognized the faces of a couple of the guards. They wouldn't be above selling information."
"You've approached them?" Fred asks.
"Not yet."
"Could we get the information then Obliviate their memories of it? That's safer in my opinion," Alastor joins the discussion.
When Blossom returns with Mira and James, the discussion is still going hot and heavy. Drucilla slips away to help Blossom take the twins upstairs and put to their sleepy little bodies to bed. Molly also slips away long enough to ask Blossom, "Do you want me to go help Maj with the other children so you can take part here for awhile?"
Blossom shakes her head, "No, I think I'll go. I'm very tired. Thank you for the offer though."
With a nod Molly returns to the discussion, taking her seat next to Arthur, reaching for his hand and wishing yet again that they can find a way to depose Euphemia Smythe-Jones and her mockery of a government.
(John) A visit to Isabel
Author: Johanna Steele
Date: 07-04-08 16:38
John knocked the door of the big house. A few moments later a middle aged woman with long curly black hair open the door.
“John! Hola! I was only expecting you for lunch. Come in son!”
John greeted her mother on the big hall. Then they went to the living-room.
“Wait here while I’ll go get something for you to drink.”
While Isabel was out he looked around to the familiar room. He lived here when he was little, when they’re parents were married. After the divorce he moved with his father to Britain. Anthony Steele had met Isabel De La Roca when she was on holidays in London. They fall in love and after the wedding decided to live in Spain.
John was born in St. Mungo when the couple was visiting Anthony’s parents in Britain.
Isabel entered with a jar of sangria floating next to her. She waved with her wand and a cup appeared. The jar served the cup with the red liquid and then disappeared. Isabel delivered the cup to her son. They sat.
John drank with pleasure the fresh drink.
“So how are things in Britain?”
He shrugged his shoulders: “They’re fine for me mum. I’m a pure.”
Silence. Then Isabel asked about her ex-husband.
“Don’t know… That’s I why I came visit you today. Do you know anything?”
“How I suppose to know? He’s not my husband!”
John decided not to pressure her. He knew that his mother still loved his father. She blamed herself because of the divorce. John remembered that one night, precisely on the room they were now, his parents had argued and Isabel shouted at his father demanding the divorce. She was a spontaneous woman at the time and Anthony didn’t realize that. He was hurt and on the next day took a portkey to Britain with John.
“How’s your half-sister?”
Isabel noticed that the calm expression of her son had changed. Worried, she read on his face… and sadness.
“That’s the worst part. She should have returned on the Hogwarts express. I was waiting for her on Kings Cross station. Only pures returned.”
John felt guilty about that. He couldn’t protect her little sister. Although she was difficult to handle, with her ambition and the Slytherin characteristically personality, he loved her. They shared the same passion for History of Magic and he missed the days when he returned from Hogwarts and she asked him to tell her what he had learned there.
“Don’t worry, she’ll survive wherever she is... She’s got your father’s will-power and strength."
“How do you know if you don’t know Johanna?”
She blushed…Then confessed:
“ I asked Loretto about the girl. You know she’s very good with the Divination art.” She got up of the sofa: “Well let’s go to the kitchen. I need some help with the paella. “
He followed her mother to the kitchen.
Isabel liked to cook without magic. Although less practical, she thought it was tastier. She turned on the stove.
John gave her a frying pan.
“Thank you. It’s good to have some company now and then.”
He smiled at her.
“Why don’t you come with me to London? Spend some days out of this place. Change airs…”
“Are you loco? It’s cold in London! Not to mention the atmosphere that his there. The blood status…”
“Come on mum! You’re pure so it’s fine. Besides there’s someone I won’t you to know!”
“A girl?!”
“No, my roommate. He’s from Africa. “
“Oh, for a moment I thought you were engaged. “
“Nope”
“Then nothing done. I won’t go with you. But you could stay here for a while…”
“O.k. but you have to promise me that this time you won’t present me to any young witch willing to marry.”
“Alright, no ladies this time.”
Someone knocked.
“Could you please open dear? I’m busy now…”
“Who might me?”
“It’s just Leonor Garcia, a daughter of a friend of mine. I invited her for lunch. She’s got your age"
He sight. Instead of healing her own broken heart with love, Isabel was determinate to see his only son married.
He left the kitchen and opened the door. His mother had no cure!