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Found
Author: Fritz Schnackenpfefferhausen
Date: 06-22-09 08:38
With just one day left until they are due to return to Hogwarts for their final year, Fritz and Coco go to Diagon Alley together to do their last minute back-to-school shopping. With their supply lists in hand, they move from shoppe to shoppe, purchasing new textbooks, robes, and parchment, ink and quills. Like during an earlier trip to Diagon Alley, the couple eventually find themselves in front of the Magical Menagerie. The kneazle kittens Fritz saw earlier in the summer have grown, and only a pair remain. One has long, fluffy fur that is mostly dark orange with white in the chest area and around the nose and mouth. The other is nearly completely white, with an orange striped tail and an orange patch over its left eye. Neither remind Fritz of Domino, though he can't help but think of his missing kneazle.
Coco lays a hand on Fritz's shoulder but says nothing, knowing Fritz well enough to know what he is thinking. Fritz glances first at Coco and then at Pea, who gives a little whine. Perhaps Pea misses Domino too.
Fritz turns away from the storefront window and takes in the whole of Diagon Alley. It's much more crowded today than he's seen it in a long time, and other school children with their parents seem to be everywhere. He sees familiar faces from Hogwarts and plenty of young, unfamiliar faces as well.
"Let's get a snack," Coco suggests.
"Ice cream?"
"Sounds good."
The pair head over to Florean Fortescue's just in time to receive a free sundae. They enjoy the ice-cold treat at the parlor's counter near the window, where they can watch the people going by. Fritz starts to look away to scoop up more of his sundae when something draws his attention immediately back to the window. A thin white kneazle with black spots jumped onto the narrow outer sill. It starts to paw at the glass, its pads very worn.
"Fritz! Is that...?" Coco begins to question.
He's off his stool and out the door in a flash, heart beating with excitement.
The kneazle meows and then jumped into Fritz's outstretched arms. He is nothing but skin and bones, but there is no doubt that it is Domino. Domino begins to purr loudly.
Coco and Pea have joined Fritz and Domino outside by now. Fritz beams at them both. "I can't believe it. He's found me. Domino's found me after all this time."
Arriving At Court (Jack)
Author: Kody
Date: 06-22-09 19:11
Getting off the lift at Level 9, Nathaniel Emerson has taken several steps in the direction of the staircase leading to the courtrooms when he senses that Jack is not behind him. Siobhan Emerson, who'd been in step beside her husband, goes one pace further then stops as well. Since escaping the hell that was the prison camp called Goen Bren, Siobhan has been reluctant to go very far from either her husband or son. Horribly thin still, hair thinning from poor nutrition but growing back thanks to a special potion, teeth recently repaired from both the long term bad conditions and from where she'd hit her mouth on a rock when falling after a painful curse from a guard had jolted her entire body, Siobhan is getting stronger by the day and the wan, sallow colored from the camp is all but gone, replaced by a more healthy pinkness.
Jack stands inside the lift, really not wanting to get out but knowing he must. That is, his brain knows he must but his legs apparently didn't get the memo. He's staring down at his traitorous feet, not blaming them at all for refusing to budge. Jack looks up when his father speaks but still doesn't move.
"People will be waiting on that lift, Jack. Come on, off you go."
Jack continues standing motionless. Nathaniel takes a few steps back towards the lift, one hand extended towards his son. "You have to do this, Jack. They'll send someone to fetch you if you don't go on your own."
"I know," Jack hoarsely replies, his throat having gone extremely dry in the last minute. It's dry and both his throat and his tongue feel as though they are closing.
"Jack," Siobhan says, a gentle prod in her tone.
Jack looks back down at his feet, closes his eyes and rasps out a request, "Give me another minute, please."
"At least step out of the lift so it can go back into service," Nathaniel says.
Mutely nodding, Jack takes the requisite two steps forward, just enough for the lift doors to close behind so that it may start the return journey to Level 8. The time stretches out, Jack thinking he can hear it ticking along though that's probably just his imagination running wild as there isn't a clock in sight nor are his parents or he wearing watches that tick that loudly.
Jack knows he's been there longer than the asked for minute, relieved that his parents haven't taken him by the arms and dragged him to Courtroom 3. The clattering of the lift coming back to Level 9 finally has Nathaniel saying, "You'll need to let whomever is on that lift pass."
Jack takes a deep breath, opens his eyes and wills his feet to move. He sandwiches himself between his parents. Jack hasn't admitted it to either of them but at times he feels nearly as clingy with them both as his mum has become. The Emersons reach the stairs, automatically moving to single file, should anyone be coming up as they go down, Jack still in between Nathaniel and Siobhan.
Reaching Level 10, they move along clustered together, Jack wondering if he's going to start hyperventilating. He never has before but as the saying goes, there's always a first time. At Courtroom 3, Nathaniel gives their names to a woman standing at the entrance. She gives them a perfunctory smile as she says, "Jack Emerson is to go across the hall to wait to give testimony. Mr. and Mrs. Emerson, you may go in and sit to observe the proceedings or you may wait with your son until he's called."
Without needing to consult either his son or his wife Nathaniel replies, "We'll wait with Jack, thank you."
They're shown to the room across from Courtroom 3. It's not an overly spacious room but the chairs and a couch all look comfortable, there are magazines and a couple of books on a table, and another, smaller table in a corner holds beverages. Before the woman returns to the Courtroom 3 entrance she says, "Jack, if you need to use the loo, please let me know."
Jack has gone straight for the beverages. He's in the process of pouring some lemonade, his throat so very dry now. Not sure if he could get a word out until he's had something to drink, Jack makes eye contact with the woman and nods to let her know he heard and understood. Jack's downed one glass and is halfway through another when the door opens again to allow Plum Lancaster to enter.
Plum looks about as happy to be here as Jack is though he would have thought she'd be dancing for joy, so happy she'd be unable to stop smiling. Afterall, they're both here to give testimony in the trial of Ryland Yaxley for the death of Plum's mother Mary Lancaster.
Testifying At Yaxley's Trial
Author: Plum
Date: 06-23-09 17:14
Plum hadn't slept well and not wanting to disturb Anthony she'd spent the time pacing in front of the windows that overlook Diagon Alley, never realizing until they moved into the flat that there's far more activity in the wee hours down on the lane than she would have thought. It's not a huge amount by any means but still more than she would have thought. Perhaps there's a pub in Knockturn Alley that stays open far later than the other establishments.
Plum had watched the activity of late last night and early this morning but without truly paying attention to any of it. Her mind had been on today's trial and having to give testimony. She's nervous to the point her stomach is in knots and she finds she's still very angry over it all. Surprisingly enough, however, it was not Plum who pushed forward the murder charges against Ryland Yaxley. Yaxley has been in jail awaiting trial on a long list of other charges, many of them brought by parents of Hogwarts students. Charges have been filed against all the Hogwarts staff who used curses, hexes, and other brutal treatments against the students.
During the course of investigating the claims, someone remembered the story of Mary Lancaster's death. Jack Emerson and Plum were both then interviewed and next thing they knew, they were given official notice to appear as witnesses for the prosecution. Plum can't say she's shocked that this new Ministry has taken action against Yaxley. It's more the speed at which everything's taken place.
Looking out the faux window in the waiting room where Jack Emerson and she were waiting to be called to testify, Plum tries to get her mind off having to relate to the court what took place that horrendously awful day. She forces her thoughts onto other things, such as wondering whether any of those who maintain the charmed windows throughout the Ministry have ever made it appears as though one is looking out into deep ocean depths. Plum thinks she might actually find it soothing to have swimming sea creatures to watch.
Jack is called and when he goes, his parents go as well to sit in the courtroom. Turning from the window to offer Jack an encouraging smile, Plum wonders when the other people in the room came in. She never heard anyone coming or going. She listens now to some of them talking, quickly understanding that they are not here for the same trial.
In addition to regular cases to be tried there are numerous cases on the docket against those who helped Euphemia Smythe-Jones achieve what she did against those she classified as Nons and against those who committed heinous acts against Nons and those labeled as blood traitors. Most likely, there are other waiting rooms but probably none are very large so with with every courtroom being used at the moment, the rooms are getting more use than they normally would.
After what seems like endless days of waiting Plum is called. Entering the courtroom and taking the indicated seat, she's surprised at how packed the place is and can't help but wonder if each of the courtrooms is as full for whatever trials are taking place in them.
Plum looks around, spotting Anthony and others there to show her support. Anthony had offered to wait with her in the room but Plum didn't think she would be good to be around while waited so she'd kissed Anthony and thanked him then sent him on into the courtroom. Plum sees where Yaxley is sitting but doesn't look at him. She's not intimidated by him or anything like that. She simply doesn't want to have to look again at the man who's responsible for her mother's death.
A quick series of establishing questions are asks.
"State your name and age for the record."
"Plum Maria Lancaster, age 20."
"You were related to the deceased Mary Lancaster?"
"Yes."
"And what was that relationship?"
"She was my mother."
"Your mother died 9 March 2002, correct?"
"Yes, that's right."
Even though some information must have already been established, particularly when questioning Jack, Plum is nonetheless asked, "How did Mary Lancaster die?"
"She broke her neck in a fall down some stairs."
"Where are these stairs located?"
"Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry."
"Why was your mother at Hogwarts?"
"My father, Evan Lancaster, was the Arithmancy instructor. Mum lived there with him in one of the suites provided to staff."
"Did you live there as well?"
"Sometimes but I mainly stayed on campus at St. Emrys."
"Were you at Hogwarts the day of 9 March 2002?"
"Yes, I was there."
"You were there with your parents?"
"Just Mum. Dad had already left," Plum replies, making sure to say Dad instead of Evan. When going through her testimony with the prosecuting team a few days prior, Plum was advised to refer to Evan as Dad even though she usually doesn't call him that. Her reasons for it aren't relevant to the case so they don't want to have to go into an explanation of why she refers to Mary as Mum but Evan as Evan.
"He'd left?"
"Yes, we were going on a family outing. It was a Saturday. Mum was behind on a couple of things so sent him on ahead. Alex, she and I were on our way to meet him."
"And who is Alex?"
"My brother."
"How old was Alex that day in March 2002?"
"Just slightly more than 14 months."
"So your brother, your mother, and you are on your way to meet up with your father," the prosecutor states, not asking a question but from going over things already Plum knows she's expected to pick up the story there.
"Right, only Mum forgot extra nappies. She took Alex and headed on to the nearest staircase. I ran back to the flat for the nappies. After I'd grabbed some I hurried to catch up."
"And then what happened?"
"I came around a corner near the stairs just as Ryland Yaxley used the Cruiatus Curse on Jack Emerson."
"Did you know at that time that the boy you saw was called Jack Emerson?"
"Yes, because he's the cousin of one of my good friends."
"What happened next?"
"Mum reached out towards Mr. Yaxley, I think to try and bump arm so that his wand would waver off Jack. Jack was crying out in pain and my brother Alex was so frightened he started screeching. I think I screamed too. I know for sure I was moving towards them all."
"And then?"
"Mr. Yaxley gave Mum a hard shove. She stumbled backwards then fell down the stairs, Alex was in her arms. I ran so hard then, trying to cushion their fall."
Plum then goes on to recount how Mary had torqued her body around to try and protect Alex from the fall, how Yaxley had stood and watched as the frantic Plum had rushed to her mother's side, how Alex was petrified out of his mind, Yaxley telling Jack to be useful for once and get the school nurse, and then how Yaxley had dispassionately stepped over Mary while telling Plum he had an apparition lesson to check on in the Great Hall.
Plum is asked some questions more than once and in more than one manner and during all this the defense is hardly just sitting there. At times her testimony is interrupted and when at last the prosecution is done with her, the defense goes through its own set of questions.
When at last Plum is released, she feels wrung out. Plum opts to leave the courtroom altogether, needing to be free of the stifling confines for a bit. Shortly after that a break must have been called because the doors of Courtroom 3 open and a number of people flood out. Anthony exits, eyes scanning to see if Plum is in the hallway. She spots him before he spots her and she gladly walks over to the comfort of his arms about the same time Anissa Weaver reaches her.
"You never said that Alex is your brother."
Plum turns within Anthony's arms, hoping that the woman isn't going to be combative today of all days. Plum tiredly replies, "I didn't have much chance that day. It's not like you having had all this time to mention you're our grandmother."
Anissa is nonplussed. Plum just stares at her. Anissa finally says, "Well, at last that's out. What a relief."
"Yes, I suppose so," is all Plum says before turning around to bury her face in Anthony's chest.
He gives her a minute before suggesting, "Let's go get something to drink. I'm sure you're parched. The break's for a full hour so we've lots of time."
Nodding mutely, Plum lets Anthony guide her to the stairs to the Level 9 where they catch a ride on one of the lifts to the floor where the Ministry's cafeteria is located.
Captive
Author: Havana
Date: 06-24-09 20:40
Havana sat in her room; she was trapped, imprisoned by her own family. Her mother came up every day to try and talk some sense into her.
“I’m not like you people Mum!” she sighed and turned to face her mother.
Lairen rolled her eyes “Oh no? You don’t remember how you were back in school? Isadora Reveli, the most stuck up, popular girl in Slytherin?”
“I was never like that…I may not remember but that was who I am.”
“Right, my dear child, you were just living a lie, not proud of yourself at all.”
Someone knocked on the bedroom door before Havana could respond. “Grand mum?”
Lairen looked up and smiled “Come in boys.”
Havana groaned and lay back on her bed “Why do they have to come in here? The boys are just going to insult me like their mother does.” All of a sudden her anger returned, she began to resent her family. They were holding her back from living her own life. “I’m not a child anymore Mum, you can’t just lock me away and think I’ll be your puppet any longer.”
The Stryde triplets ran in the room and bear hugged their grandmother. “Having a row with Auntie Isadora?” Cutter grinned over at his aunt.
“Oh shut up you arrogant brat! I can’t wait for you to get out of my life!!” Havana threw a pillow across the room, grabbed her bag and headed for the door.
“Going to go find your ol’ girlfriend? Even if you do she won’t know you!” Calder smirked, taking a seat on his aunt’s bed.
Cruise took a seat beside his identical brothers “Yeah, Mum said she and Uncle Ryker and Aunt Sidra blew her memory.”
Havana stopped and looked at her mother and nephews in shock. The news was heartbreaking, she had loved someone? Someone who wasn’t a pureblooded witch, this was part of the reason she had lost her memory. They couldn’t bear to see her happy, they couldn’t bear to see their family bloodlines dirtied.
“Everyone get out of my room NOW!” Her hands were shaking, one hand gripping her wand.
“Alright boys, let’s go get ready for dinner. You’re leaving for Hogwarts soon; we should let Isadora rest…” She glanced at her youngest daughter who was now curled up on her bed, clung to a blanket.
Finally her mother and nephews left the room; she had time to herself to think. I’ve got to find her...if they say I had a friend out there, a girlfriend even, I need to find her and get both of our memories back.