Harry Potter Robes and Costumes

Visit our friendly Harry Potter Forum to discuss wizarding style and more, like these posts:

Author	Message
DucksRMagical Joined: 28 December 2006 Posts: 2535 Location: Going through LeakyCon withdrawal	Posted: Monday 26 April 2010 01 10 46 pm    Post subject: Re: Beyond the Shadow in topic:Beyond the Shadow Chapter 7: Kenzie's News Five owls, ten o'clock clinic duty, a bloke who had an unfortunate incident with some sort of snake, and all the batches of Wolfsbane to brew were what greeted me when I got to work the next day. Apparently the other brewer capable of brewing Wolfsbane was ill and couldn't brew, which left it all to me. The five owls sat untouched on my desk as I quickly admitted the snake bite bloke and got him fixed up. I kept him for observation and then ran down to the basement to start the Wolfsbane before getting up to the clinic by ten. Clinic was as crazy as usual, even more so since Farina's group of residents were working there as well. The phrase 'too many cooks in the kitchen spoils the soup' applies to healers as well. Too many healers in the clinic is as bad as not enough. They were all clambering to help and there just wasn't enough work. I was happy when I got to leave and work on the Wolfsbane. I brought my four letters with me and opened them once I had finished adding necessary ingredients. The first two were junk, advertisements for various apothecaries that wanted me to endorse them, so I ripped them up and threw them away. The third was from the potion testers, telling me my new Wolfsbane passed the tests and I could start brewing it for consumption. I grinned and immediately set up another cauldron. Just in time for the next full moon! I always tried not to get overly excited about potions that passed because that didn't mean they'd work. It just meant they weren't harmful. Chances were, this potion would have no effect on Matt whatsoever. The last letter remained untouched for the next half hour while I carefully began to concoct my newest Wolfsbane. Once it was ready to simmer for a while, I sat down for the first time in hours and opened the last letter. It was postmarked like a Muggle letter which meant it was either from Cinda or my friend, Kenzie. The Australian stamps told me it was the latter. Kenzie Dawe and I have been friends since we were born because she grew up down the road from Richard and Cinda. When I was little she was pretty much my only friend and she was the only person I remained in contact with from Australia. However, she was a Muggle so we mostly communicated through the Muggle post. Occasionally I'd call her on Mum's mobile phone (she had it to talk to Cinda), but not much since it cost so much. We hadn't actually seen each other in ages, not since Cinda moved to England. [i]Dear Amy,[/i] the letter began. [i]You are never going to believe this. It's such a small world, it scares me sometimes. Cameron proposed today. Well, he proposed after he told me 'we need to talk'. This of course got me all worried that he was going to break up with me, but thank God that wasn't it. Cameron said he needed to tell me something, something that could really affect our relationship. He started by telling me about his school, about how it had shunned electronics and anything modern, about how his family was the same way. I immediately interrupted him and told him that you went to the same type of school and that there was only one per country. He asked what your name was, since I had never told him your last name before. I told him and he thought for a while and then he said, 'I remember her. We went to the same school.' I know everything now, Amy. I know you're a witch. I know magic is real and I know that your school was a school for magic. Cameron's a wizard. But that's not all. I know why you moved to England all those years ago. I know about your dad's job and about Matt. Cameron told me everything. I'm not going to lie, it freaked me out a little. The magic thing. It was like too much to take in, that one of my best friends and my boyfriend can do magic. But I'm ok with it. Actually, I think it's really brilliant. Anyway, once he knew I was ok with it, Cameron proposed. We haven't set a date yet. I'll let you know as soon as we do. Hope you're doing all right, talk to you soon! Love, Kenzie[/i] I sat staring at the letter for a few minutes to let everything sink in. It was just too much all at once. Kenzie was engaged, her fiance was a wizard, her fiance knew who I was, and now Kenzie knew all about magic and that Matt was a werewolf. The last part honestly did not bother me much. Out of all the people I knew in Australia, the Dawes were the ones who would have accepted Matt for who he was. But unfortunately, the Statute of Secrecy prevented us from letting them know the truth. Now at least Kenzie did, and there was a part of me that was happy about it. Everything else, though, I wasn't too sure. Cameron Clint, I knew the name from Kenzie's telling me about him, but it didn't ring a bell. He'd probably been a few years above me. Of course he'd remember me, at least my last name. No one living in Wizarding Australia over the age of 12 wouldn't know my last name. I wish I did remember who he was. My most burning question was, what did Cameron Clint think about werewolves? Did he share the opinion that werewolves were evil, like most of wizarding Australia? And if he did, how could Kenzie marry him? Merlin, I had to find that out. If Kenzie was going to marry this bloke, she had to at least know his opinion of Matt, someone who had practically been her cousin when we were growing up. Oh, Merlin, the wedding! Son of a pixie, that was going to be hard. Cameron Clint would surely have a whole slew of witch and wizard relatives and friends, all whom would remember my dad and the fiasco at the Ministry when he was fired. Maybe I could use Polyjuice and avoid the awkward stares. Kenzie was sure to invite my whole family, too, which meant my parents and Matt were going to be subjected to whatever was going to happen as well. Then there was the fact that this was Kenzie's wedding, her big day, and I didn't want it to get ruined by people bringing up old news and prejudices. I had to talk to Kenzie. I did some quick conversions in my head and realized it was one in the morning in Sydney. I'd have to wait until at least eight o'clock that night to call her. The remainder of the day went by notoriously slow. I continued brewing both batches of Wolfsbane and checked on the bloke with the snake bite. He was doing fine but I was keeping him overnight just in case. I tried not to think about Kenzie and Cameron, but it was no use. I had to call her. I went straight to my parents' house from work since I'd had to stay late to work on the potions anyway. It was nearly eight when I appeared behind the house and walked around to the front. “Hello?” I called out as I let myself in. “Amy?” Mum replied from the living room. “I didn't think you were coming over today. Is everything all right?” “Fine,” I said as I walked into the living room. “I've got news, though.” “What is it?” Dad asked, looking up from his copy of the Evening Prophet. “Kenzie's engaged,” I said. “Oh, that's wonderful!” Mum smiled. “To the man she's been dating? Cameron, or something?” “Cameron Clint,” I said as I sat down next to Mum on the couch. “And you're never going to believe what he is. He's a wizard.” “You're kidding!” Mum exclaimed. “Wow, small world,” Dad replied. “It gets smaller,” I said. “Kenzie put two and two together about me, going to a weird school that didn't use electronics, and told Cameron about me. Apparently he remembers us, and told Kenzie about us, so she knows the real reason why we moved, and she knows Matt's a werewolf.” “I'd be surprised if he didn't,” Dad muttered. Mum let out a small gasp. “I never thought this would happen, but I suppose there are worse people who could know. There are worse people who do know.” “That's what I thought. Well, I just stopped by to let you know,” I said. “Mum, would you mind if I used your mobile to call Kenzie? I want to find out more about Cameron.” “Go ahead,” Mum told me. “You know where it is.” I went straight to the kitchen where Mum kept her mobile in the cupboard next to the refrigerator. Kenzie's number was programmed in, so a few seconds later, I had the phone to my ear and it was ringing. “Hello?” she said as she picked up. “Kenzie!” I replied. “It's Amy!” “Oh, Amy!” she exclaimed. “I didn't even notice your mum's name on the caller ID.” “I know you're probably at work, but I got your letter today,” I said. “I can talk for a little bit. The kids won't get here for another twenty minutes.” Kenzie taught second grade at one of the primary schools in Sydney. “But Amy, I just still can't believe this! All those years, you were at a magic school and I had no idea!” “I couldn't tell you because of the-” “Statute of Secrecy, I know now!” she said excitedly. “I think it's amazing, I really do. It's like living a fairy tale or something.” “Not really,” I muttered. “Listen, what exactly did Cameron tell you about us?” “That your dad was fired because he broke some stupid law and that's why you had to move. Plus that your brother doesn't have some rare disease, he's a werewolf, but that's what I don't understand. Cameron says there's some sort of potion that's supposed to make werewolves harmless, but Matt never takes it?” I sighed. Cameron apparently didn't have his facts straight. “Not exactly. We didn't move because Dad was fired. We moved because the school I used to go to, the one Cameron went to, wouldn't let Matt attend because he's a werewolf. It just so happened that Dad got fired shortly after my parents decided to move,” I explained. “And Matt doesn't take the potion because it doesn't work for him. Look, there's something you have to know about wizarding society, and that is that most people think of werewolves as animals, as monsters, seeing them only for that one night out of twenty-eight. A lot of people don't think they deserve to be treated as people, go to school, or even have wands.” “That's awful,” Kenzie whispered. “I know, but it's true. It's better in England than in Australia, but not perfect. So, there's something I have to know. I don't remember Cameron at all, so I have to know, what does he think about werewolves?” I asked quietly. “I asked him,” Kenzie said after a pause. “He explained a bit about the discrimination and prejudice. The thing is, he doesn't really have an opinion. His dad is really prejudiced, but he disagrees with his dad. Cameron's, well, he's had issues with his dad. Apparently he wanted Cameron to get into the Ministry, like he had, but Cameron wanted to open a Quidditch shop, so he did. They talk, but not much. He is invited to the wedding, though.” It was very odd to hear Kenzie use the word 'Quidditch'. “All right,” I replied. “I just, I don't want anything to happen at the wedding, when people see my dad after not seeing him for years.” “Nothing will happen. That's my day, not theirs. Don't worry. And Amy, I was wondering if you could be one of my bridesmaids,” Kenzie replied. “I would love to,” I said. “Do you have a date yet?” “Sometime in September,” Kenzie answered. “I'm going to have to go, but I'll talk to you soon.” We said our goodbyes and I closed the phone. It could have been worse, I supposed. Cameron could have hated werewolves. But his dad, well, the thought of his dad and mine in the same room made me kind of nervous. “What's the verdict?” Dad asked as I went back into the living room. “Cameron doesn't really have an opinion on werewolves, but his dad is prejudiced,” I sighed. “And while the two of them had some sort of falling out, his dad is invited to the wedding.” “Clint...Clint,” Dad mused, “wait, I think I remember him. Alexander Clint, head of the Department for Magical Transportation. He's the reason we always have to fly when we visit Australia.” I groaned. “This is going to be an interesting wedding.” ****** Whenever I mentioned to my coworkers or acquaintances that one of my friends was getting married (and believe me, it's happened quite a bit), they always just said 'well, that's wonderful' while giving me a somewhat sympathetic look. It drove me nuts. I knew what they were thinking, 'oh, another one of Amy's friends is getting married and she's not, that's got to be awful.' The truth was, it wasn't awful. Why should I get married when I still hadn't found the perfect guy? It's not like I was going to get married just for the sake of getting married. Not everyone finds their soulmate before they turn thirty. Sure, I'd dated a few guys, but so far none of them had been able to deal with my work hours. They didn't like having to stay home on a Friday night because I was on call or be by themselves on a weekend because I had to brew Wolfsbane Potion. Plenty of people managed to live happily with a spouse when they were a Healer, but so far I couldn't. Victoire and Teddy did it and I had a feeling Ted's odd work hours helped them deal with it. But I wasn't only a healer; I was a brewer, too, and that meant I had nearly twice as much work. My hours were worse than Victoire's and guys didn't like that. In fact, my last three relationships, the only ones I'd had since I graduated Hogwarts, ended because the bloke didn't want to spend the rest of their life with someone who was at work more than at home. One of those had stemmed from a blind date Victoire set me up on, and since then she had given up on finding dates for me. I was grateful. Kenzie had had the same luck with guys as I had, until she met Cameron. So, I was nothing but happy that she was getting married, not including those slight reservations I had about Cameron's family. It had been practically unbearable for Kenzie when her little sister, Morgan, got married a few years ago because all of her older relatives kept subtly asking when she was going to tie the knot. Victoire was thrilled when I told her Kenzie was getting married. In fact she was what I would call overly excited and then began crying out of happiness. I attributed it to the pregnancy hormones, which were still raging. So far, Victoire's pregnancy was running the same course as it had with Sophie. Morning sickness, cravings, raging hormones. The baby bump started to appear in the middle of December, which caused Victoire to worry about whether any of her relatives would figure out she was pregnant before she told them. This prompted Teddy to tell her not to worry, that they would just think she'd had a few too many Christmas cookies, earning him a slap from Victoire and a promise to run out to the store for more Neapolitan ice cream. Thankfully the pickle craving had started to wane. “Can you get that?” Victoire asked as the doorbell rang. Teddy had just left for ice cream and Victoire and I were discussing the various dramas of St. Mungo's while Sophie made Christmas tree ornaments out of construction paper. “It's probably Gabriella. She said she was getting here today.” Gabriella was Victoire's younger sister by a little over two years. All they shared in common were family and the Veela blonde hair, though. While the two had followed the same Prefect and perfect student track at Hogwarts, Gabriella had gotten fed up with it and didn't wish to pursue a steady job. Ever since she graduated from Hogwarts, Gabriella had been living in France trying to make her way as an artist. She had fulfilled the cliché of 'starving artist' and moved from flat to flat every few months. Currently, she was living with another artist, this one a wizard, but Victoire doubted they'd be together much longer. Gabriella grew restless easily and never stayed with the same bloke for more than a couple months. I opened the door and there was Gabriella, dressed in multi-colored robes and carrying a tattered duffel bag. Her hair was long, wavy, and going every whichway and her signature wide grin was plastered on her face. “Amy!” she said as she threw her arms around me. “Haven't seen you in ages! Are you watching Sophie? Or is my sister here?” “She's here,” I replied as we walked back into the house. “Victoire!” Gabriella shouted once we got back into the living room. Victoire stood up and the two sisters embraced, only for Gabriella to push Victoire away and stare at her open mouthed. “Oh my God!” Gabriella shrieked as she stared directly at her stomach. Oh, Merlin, I thought. She knew. Gabriella had this incredible ability to sense things that were amiss, especially when it came to looks. When you thought your pimple wasn't visible, it was the first thing Gabriella noticed, and she was always the first to notice new haircuts, even if you'd only got a couple inches cut off. Apparently it was the same with pregnancies. “Soph,” I said as Sophie got up to give her aunt a hug. “Could you run upstairs for a few minutes?” “Why?” she asked as Gabriella returned her hug. “Your mummy just has to talk to Aunt Gabriella about something,” I replied. Sophie nodded and ran upstairs. I waited until the sound of her footsteps were gone and then looked back at Victoire and Gabriella. “When did it happen?” Gabriella asked. “September, I suppose,” Victoire answered. “I'm three months along.” “Three months?” Gabriella gasped. “When were you going to tell me?” “Christmas Eve,” Victoire said. “I haven't told anyone yet. Amy's the only one who knows.” “Oh. But Victoire, I thought you weren't going to have anymore kids?” Gabriella asked. “Does this one have lycanthropy, too?” “I don't know,” Victoire said quietly. “They can't do the test until the second trimester, so I'm getting tested next week.” “But won't you know without the test?” Gabriella wondered. “Didn't Sophie get restless during full moons?” “I've been on Wolfsbane as a precaution, so I don't know. If the baby does have lycanthropy, the Wolfsbane is working,” Victoire explained. “That's good, then,” Gabriella replied as she gave Victoire a hug. “Whichever way it is, you're going to be fine.” “Maybe,” Victoire sighed. “How long are you here for?” “I don't know,” Gabriella said. “At least until New Year's, but after that, who knows? Whenever I feel like going back. I broke it off with Francoise before I left.” Victoire and I exchanged glances. No surprises there. “I thought I might spend some time with Georgia before going back,” Gabriella explained. Georgia was one of their cousins and the same age as Gabriella. She played Keeper for England and was no more ready to settle down than Gabriella was. “Gab, could you not mention anything about the pregnancy to anyone?” Victoire asked. “I still want to tell the family on Christmas Eve.” “Don't worry,” Gabriella smiled. “My lips are sealed.” That was true. Gabriella could keep a secret better than anyone I knew, except perhaps myself and my own family. “Are you hungry?” Victoire asked. “Can I get you something?” “Sure, so long as you're not going to dip any pickles in ice cream in front of me,” Gabriella smirked. “That phase is over,” Victoire laughed. “Now it's just ice cream.” “Then it looks like I got here just in time,” Gabriella grinned.
Hermione1981 Joined: 19 July 2008 Posts: 27 Location: USA	Posted: Saturday 24 April 2010 07 29 36 pm    Post subject: Re: The boy who live and the Vampires Slayer comes to Hogwart sc in topic:The boy who live and the Vampires Slayer comes to Hogwart sc I was reread the first chapter and found lots of errors, so I fixes them and the chapter sound better now, but since the edit time has past I have to post the fixes chapter in a new post. so here it is Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters in the Harry Potter books or Movies J. K. Rowling's own them . I did make up Bethany and her deceased mom Elizabeth Prince Tonks and dad Timmothy (Tim) Tonks. Chapter one: Bethany double life! It is August thirty first, 1991 and Bethany is shopping in Diagon Alley with her aunt Andromeda Tonks and Cousin Nympadora Tonks for her schools supplies. They have just walk out of Gringotts wizarding bank, when Bethany sees Harry Potter walking by her with Hagrid the gatekeeper at Hogwart school of witchcraft and wizards. She stops walking and stares at Harry and Hagrid. When Harry sees that a girl has stop walking and that she is staring at him, he walks over to her and stops in front of her. Hagrid, Andromeda and Nympadora walk over to Harry and Bethany. Harry’s see that she is looking at his lighting blot shape scar on his forehead. She knew that Harry Potter was starting at Hogwart that year, but she hope not to see him yet seeing that she is two years old then him and is just starting there too, but the reason she was hoping not to see him was that she was at his parent’s house the day they were killed. She was playing hide and seek with Lily and James Potter and was hiding in the closet in Harry room when Lord Voldemort show up. She stays hiding because see had already seen Voldemort kill her parents a few days before. As she was hiding in the closet and she saw Lord Voldemort’s kill Lily through the crack in the door. She stops staring at Harry when her cousin tap her on the shoulder. I am Harry Potter. What is your name and do you know me because you could not stop looking at me? My name is Bethany Tonks and yeah I know you when you were a baby and till you went to live with your aunt and uncle at the age of one. How do you remember me then, because I do not remember you? Because I was three years old then. So you going to Hogwart for you third year then? Bethany shake her head No, I am just starting Hogwart this year, I had personal issues that keep me from starting two years ago. So Bethany that would make you thirteen years old right? Yeah I Just turn thirteen today. Hagrid taps Harry on his right shoulder to get his attention. I hate to break up the reunion but we need to get to Gringotts wizarding bank and get your money Harry. Ok, Hagrid and nice to meet you again Bethany. Yeah, see you at school, Harry have fun getting you school thing. Harry and Hagrid walk towards the bank and Bethany, Andromeda and Nympadora walk down the street and into Quality Quidditch Supplies. Bethany and her aunt heads over to look at the new Nimbus 2000. While Nympadora sees a friend and goes over to talk to her. Bethany looks over at her cousin then back at her aunt who is holding a new Nimbus 2000 in her hands and give it a good look over. Bethany leans towards her aunt and whisper quietly to her. I do not know why I can’t take Nympadora old broom to school, see that it not for playing Quidditch, but for slayer related business and beside first years are not even allowed to have brooms. Bethany’s aunt looks at her daughter and then at her niece before speaking. Because Nympadora needs her broom for Auror school that is way. But she says she does not mind if I used her broom, she will just buy a new one. No, I buying you a new one, you had enough hand me down from your cousin in your life time since you come to live with us and for once I am buying you all new items for school. But I’m not your daughter and I am ok with hand me downs Aunt Andromeda. You are my niece and your mom and dad left Ted and I money to buy you school supplies when you start at Hogwart, so let me buy you new items this year. All right, I let you buy me new thinks this year. I think this Nimbus 200 we do just fine, I am going to go pay for it. Why Andromeda goes and pays for the broom, Bethany walks over to her cousin. Once her aunt had finish pay for the broom and the sale person had warped it up and put it into a large bag. Bethany, Andromeda and Nympadora left Quality Quidditch Supplies and walks over to Ollivander's to buy Bethany some wands. Both Andromeda and Nympadora take a set in the chair by the door and Bethany walks up to the counter and rings the bell to get Mr. Ollivander attention. Mr. Ollivander walks downstairs and passes Nympadora and Andromeda and heads behind the counter. At the sometime Andromeda stand up and walks up to the counter next to Bethany. Mr. Ollivander smiles at Andromeda and her niece and Nympadora will set in one of the chairs. I see that Bethany is finally starting at Hogwart this year and I see you change the look of you hair by add pink highlights since the last time I saw you Bethany, did you dye your hair or are you a Metamorphmagus Like Nympadora? Yeah I am starting Hogwart and I want a change from my plain light brown hair. I did not dye my hair I am a Metamorphmagus like my cousin. Well I like you hair with the pink highlights and today so a great day, I finally get to sale Bethany a wand and on the someday as I sale Harry Potter his first wand too. Andromeda leans over the counter and speak softly to Mr. Ollivander, Bethany is going to need a couple of wands one for school and a few for her slayer duty. Oh yes, I remember talking to you about that and yes I did make seven wands with cores that I normally don’t use for her to try out. First lets try wands out for school. First I will have you try out this 12 in. wand that is made from rosewood and a Unicorn Tail for the core. Bethany smiles at Mr. Ollivander and takes the wand from him. She then moves the wand up and down but nothing moves. Mr. Ollivander takes the wand back from Bethany and puts the wand away. He picks up another wand box. He then hand her a box with a 15 1/2 in rosewood wand with a Unicorn Tail as it core. I know this wand still has the some core as the last one, but I think that is the core that would work for your school wand. Ok I will give it a try Mr. Ollivander. Bethany tries that wand and gets the book on the counter to move a little. Mr. Ollivander shakes his head and takes the wand from Bethany. He puts that wand away and goes over to the back shelve and grab a black box. He walks over to the counter and hands Bethany the next box, which is 15 1/2 in rosewood wand with a phoenix father as the core. Bethany picks the wand up and boxes go fly everywhere. That is not the wand for you. Lets try this 15 1/2 in Willow with a Dragon Heartstring core go head and give it a try. I hope this wand works Mr. Ollivander? Bethany picks up the wand and the area around her light up in a gold color. Bethany, Andromeda, Nympadora and Mr. Ollivander smile at each other. Mr. Ollivander box up the wand and put it into a bag and he marks the first wand down in his book. He then grabs the first box out from under the courter that is 15 1/2 in wand made from Willow with a Leprechaun hair core. Now I do not think this wand will work for you, because Leprechaun hair cores tend to favor only the Irish but we will see if it works. Bethany nods her head yes and picks up the wand and once again boxes go fly everywhere. Bethany then tries the 15 1/2 in wand that is made of willow with the demiguise hair core next but nothing happens. Mr. Ollivander then hand Bethany’s another 15 1/2 in wand that is made of willow with a Hippogriff Talon core to try, when Bethany flick the wand it make Mr. Ollivander hair turn green. He takes the wand form her and hand her another 15 1/2 in wand that is made of Willow with a Runespoor Fang core and the room turn a gold color again. She also buy two more 15 1/2 in wands made from willow one with Chimaera Scale core and one with Ashwinder Ash core (which cast awesome protection charms.) Bethany’s aunt pays for the four wands and Mr. Ollivander hand the bag with the wands in it to Bethany. The three ladies walk out of Ollivander’s and walk down the street and into Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions. Madam Malkin looks up from fitting Hermione Granger robe and smile at the ladies when they walk into the store. I will be with you in a few minutes Mrs. Tonks. That is fine Madam Malkin. Three minutes later a girl with long brown hair walks over to Bethany and stop in front her. Bethany smiles at the girl and the girls smiles back at her. Hi my name Bethany Tonks, what is your name? My name Hermione Granger, are you getting robes for Hogwart school of witchcraft and wizardry? Yeah, I am and nice to meet you Hermione. It nice to meet you to Bethany and I am start my first year Hogwart. I am so excite, because I am the first witch in my family. Are you the only witch in your family or is everyone one in your family witches and wizards? My Mom pure blood, my dad was muggle born but get chosen to go to Hogwart. My dad brother also went to Hogwart. My aunts are also pure blood. Hermione mom and dad walk up behind her and then the three of them leave the shop. Bethany gets fitted for her robes and cloak and also gets a point hat along with a pair of protective gloves. When her robes and cloak are ready, they pay for them, then Andromeda, Nympadora and Bethany go and gets strawberry ice cream cones from Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlou. Once they have getting they ice cream they walks down Diagon Alley to head to Flourish and Blotts. When the three of them walk into Flourish & Blotts Nympadora head to the section where the textbooks she needs are and Bethany and Andromeda go over to the section where Hogwart first year textbooks are location at. Bethany looks down at the list of books she needs to buy and see the first one on the list is Standard book of spell grade one which is by Miranda Gosghawk. She has just grab a book off of the shelve when she hear Mrs. Wesley fighting with her youngest son Ron about having to buy used books and not new books. Bethany quietly grabs a copy of a history of magic by Bathilda Bagshot, a beginner’s guide to transfiguration by Emeric Switch, one thousand magical herbal and fungi by Phyllida Spore, magical drafts and potions by Arsenius Jigger, Fantastic beast and where to find them by Newt Scamander and the dark farce guide to self protection by Quentin Trimble. Andromeda goes to pay for the books and Bethany goes to find her cousin to see if she is ready to go. Bethany finds that her cousin had already pay for her books and she is waiting for her mom and Bethany to finish up in the book store. Bethany and Andromeda leave the book store and head to the Cauldron Shop, they only in the shop for two minutes because the only item Bethany’s need from there is a size two Pewter cauldron. Nympadora goes to the Apothecary and picks her cousin up two set of crystal phials, bass scale. Nympadora then goes to one of the street stall and buy Bethany the telescope she needs for school. Nympadora meets up with her mom and cousin at Eeylops Owl Emporium. When she walks into the store, she sees Bethany is looking at one of the white snow owls. Once Bethany had chosen the white snow owl that she wanting Nympadora, Andromeda and Bethany head to the Leaky Cauldron for some dinner. The three ladies are walking over to a table and take when Harry and Hagrid walk into the Leaky Cauldron and as Harry is walking over the table that Bethany, her cousin and her are set at Bethany puts her hands into her jean pocket, Hagrid and Harry take and set at the table to join them for dinner. Once everyone is setting the five of them order their food. When the food gets there and everyone as start to eat Harry looks over at Bethany. Bethany can I ask you something about when you were three years old? Yeah you can Harry, what is it that you want to know? Hagrid says that you were at my parents house the night they dead, did my parents try to fight back against Lord Voldemort? Yes, they try to fight back, but nothing could stop Lord Voldemort . Hagrid also told me that your mom and dad were kill two nights before my mom and dad by Lord Voldemort is that way you were staying with my parents? Yeah Harry that was way I was staying at your parent’s house! As Bethany is answering, Harry questions her hair change from light brown with pink highlights to a light gray color. Nympadora puts her right arm around her cousin and whispers into her ear that she was doing the right thing by answers Harry questions. When they finish eating and talking Bethany, Nympadora and Andromeda head home for the night. The Next morning Bethany wakes up at the creak of dawn and quietly finishes packing, because she shares a bedroom with her cousin and Nympadora who is still sleeping. First Bethany packs her school supplies, textbooks and clothing into one truck. She then packs her slayer supplies into a second truck and has to pack all her slayers relate books into a third truck. She has just lock up the third truck when Nympadora rolls over in her bed to face Bethany. Nympadora opens up her eyes and looks at her younger cousin. Did I wake you up, Nympadora? Yeah, but it all right and how many times do I have to tell you Bethany call me Tonks, I hate being called Nympadora. Ok, I will call you Tonks for now on. Bethany and her cousin then leave their bedroom and head into the Kitchen for breakfast. After breakfast everyone gets ready to take Bethany to the train station and to meet up with the Wesley’s family once they get the train station.
DucksRMagical Joined: 28 December 2006 Posts: 2535 Location: Going through LeakyCon withdrawal	Posted: Wednesday 21 April 2010 10 50 29 am    Post subject: Re: Albus potter and the Path Left Untrodden in topic:Albus potter and the Path Left Untrodden Chapter 32: The Breakout Despite the fact that he did not have Defense Against the Dark Arts the next morning, Albus was down in the Great Hall bright and early because he wanted to read Rose's Daily Prophet. Having Kendrick announce Balladanis's sacking was one thing, reading it in the Prophet was entirely different. Rose was already there when Albus, Matt, and John sat down at the Gryffindor table. Amanda and Linda were on either side of her and all three girls were reading the article. Albus drummed his fingers impatiently on the table while he waited for them to be finished. Finally, Rose handed him the paper without saying a word and Albus read it, with Matt and John looking over his shoulder. HOGWARATS TEACHER REMOVED FROM POSITION BY MINISTRY In an event that causes much of the wizarding world to remember back to Voldemort's reign, Hogwarts Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Tethys Balladanis, has been removed from his position by the Ministry of Magic's Department of Magical Education. During Voldemort's reign, Defense teachers rarely lasted more than a year at the school, a mystery that abruptly ended when Voldemort was defeated on May 2, 1998. Up until two years ago, Hogwarts had had only one Defense teacher since that fateful May day. Professor Torro taught at Hogwarts for years until he was mysteriously murdered nearly three years ago. He was replaced by Head Auror, Harry Potter, who is rumored to have only taken the position after nobody else agreed to fill it. Harry Potter left the position this past autumn and it was filled by Balladanis. Balladanis taught until two days ago, when he was removed from his position. Approximately a week and a half ago, a complaint was lodged by Head of the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures, Walter Eckerton, whose fourteen-year-old son currently attends Hogwarts. The complaint included harsh teaching methods, the use of an anamatek as a teaching tool, singling students out for lack of skill, and embarrassing students in front of their peers. An investigation by Ministry officials ensued and included the interviewing of select students and staff. The department concluded their investigation late Sunday evening and informed both Balladanis and Headmaster Fabius Kendrick of their decision. Balladanis left the castle willingly and will not be appealing the decision. When asked for a statement on the issue, both Kendrick and Balladanis declined. Upon hearing the news, Walter Eckerton said, 'I am very happy with the decision and that the investigation was concluded in a timely fashion. I am not happy that it came to this, but I feel that nothing should be put ahead of children's safety.' Hogwarts students will not attend Defense classes until a replacement is found. As of right now, one has not been found. “I knew they'd stick your dad in there somehow,” John announced once they'd finished reading. “There wasn't anything in there that we didn't already know,” Albus muttered, “I was hoping Balladanis would've said something or we'd find out what happened when he left the castle.” “Maybe he really did go quietly,” Matt shrugged, “Maybe he wanted to get back to his anamatek.” “I wonder where he lives,” Amanda mused, “Think he lives in England?” “Doubt it,” Rose answered, “Even if he did before I doubt he does now.” ****** Life soon returned to normal for the Hogwarts students, as it often does after something exciting happens. Everyone talked about Balladanis the day the article was published, but soon there was nothing left to say and the students focused on the upcoming Quidditch match, which was mere days away. Albus had an easy time forgetting about Balladanis due to Quidditch practice. He was out on the pitch every evening and was soon hearing Wood's commands in his head as he fell asleep, which was something that certainly couldn't be deemed normal. Albus was almost glad that the year was drawing to an end because once the tournament was over, he wouldn't have to deal with Wood anymore. Thinking about that made Albus realize that Gryffindor would have a new captain the next year since Georgia was graduating. Albus was sure it would be either Fred or Heather, but he wasn't sure which. Albus trudged into the Great Hall on Thursday morning sorely wishing that John hadn't woken him up. They didn't have a class first thing, so why'd he bother doing that? Albus was already running on little sleep. “I'm going to wake you up at five in the morning this Saturday,” Albus muttered to John as he poured himself some pumpkin juice. “No you won't, you'll still be asleep,” John grinned, “I need you to help me finish that Herbology essay that's due today.” “That's the reason for you waking me up?” Albus groaned, “Why can't Rose help you?” “She's a bit sore with me right now,” John muttered. “What did you do?” Albus asked. “I may or may not have accidentally set fire to her Potions notes last night,” John said. “And I should have to suffer because of that?” Albus replied, “How did you manage that anyway?” “It wasn't an accident,” Matt put in, “John and Kaden were tinkering with those super strength dung bombs last night in the Marauder's Den. They stupidly decided to do this at the table right where Rose's notes were. The dung bombs exploded and Rose's notes caught fire.” “See, an accident!” John exclaimed. “No, stupidity,” Matt said, “You should've done it somewhere else. Oh, Albus, I wouldn't suggest going in the Marauder's Den anytime soon. It smells.” “I wouldn't have time to anyway,” Albus muttered, “Quidditch practice again tonight.” “Oi, Albus!” James shouted. “What?” Albus said. “Is Dad patrolling here this week?” James asked. “I don't know, why?” Albus replied. “He's here,” James pointed to the staff table. Albus looked up and saw that his dad was talking with Neville. Except he wasn't wearing his Auror robes, he was just wearing normal robes. Albus glanced back at James who shrugged. “May I have your attention?” Kendrick announced, “Thank you. I just wish to inform you all that Harry Potter has kindly agreed to take over Defense classes for the remainder of term. Because of this, Defense classes will resume today.” “Good thing I woke you up,” John grinned. “Guess you won't be able to finish that essay,” Albus shot back. “Merlin,” John muttered. Albus wasn't that surprised, nor did he care that much. He'd already had his dad teach for two years and it hadn't been bad at all. Plus, his dad was a far better teacher than Balladanis. Albus walked with Matt and John to Defense. Rose was still not speaking to John and she walked with Amanda and Linda a little ways ahead. Albus seriously hoped that this wouldn't turn into what happened earlier in the year. The entire class erupted in applause as soon as Harry entered the room and Albus noticed that this caused him to blush. Even Malfoy was clapping, albeit half-heartedly, but he was clapping nonetheless. “Thanks,” Harry muttered, “Well, I did not think I'd be back here. I do have to continue with the curriculum, so I must ask that you complete the werewolf essay for next Thursday. However, it only has to be one foot of parchment.” There was a collective groan from the entire class. “Great,” John muttered, “I was hoping to get out of it.” “It won't be that hard,” Matt rolled his eyes. “But it'll be time consuming,” John replied. “I know, I know,” Harry smirked, “But there is a month and a half of term left and I can't just let you have this time to mess around.” The class was the most enjoyable Defense class the third years had had in quite a while. Harry lectured for the entirety of the class, but it wasn't boring. Albus did not mind in the slightest that his dad was going to be finishing out the term. ****** By the time Saturday arrived, virtually no one in the castle was talking about Professor Balladanis. Quidditch was on the forefront of everybody's minds and the tensions ran higher than they had all year. The outcome of this match would determine who played Australia in the final. Albus himself was not particularly worried. Hogwarts had already beaten New York once and they could easily do it again. The entire team was in good health and none of the alternates were needed. Albus was perfectly content to sit in the stands with his friends and just watch the match, rather than have to play in it. It was a warm spring day with a slight wind and cloud cover, perfect playing conditions. Wood had spoke of the weather during the previous night's practice, telling the team that a large storm had been predicted for that day. Luckily it had not appeared yet. The match commenced with a lot of shouting and cheering from the crowd. Hogwarts scored five goals within the first fifteen minutes of the match and New York scored two. The teams remained neck in neck for the remainder of the match, until James pulled out of a dive clutching the golden Snitch in his left hand. The crowd erupted into cheers and James was soon hoisted onto the shoulders of some of the older students. “I have an announcement to make!” Professor Kendrick shouted over the crowd, “Due to Hogwarts's win, they will be competing against Australia in the final Quidditch match, scheduled to take place on the first of June!” The usual after Quidditch party ensued in the common room and everyone rehashed their favorite parts of the match. No one talked about the final match, although Albus was sure it was in the backs of everyone's minds. Australia seemed impossible to beat. Once the excitement from another Quidditch win abated, the Hogwarts students seemed to realize that exams were quite near. The library soon became a popular place to be and fifth and seventh years in particular could be seen there all hours of the day. As the middle of May arrived, Gabriella demanded a quiet common room in the evenings, much like her sister had two years prior. Albus and his friends spent more time in the Marauder's Den after that, usually without Rose, Amanda, and Linda. The three girls seemed to like the quietness of the common room. Rose did forgive John for messing up her notes, but she became more tense and snappish as exams drew nearer. It wasn't something that surprised Albus or anyone else because it had become a sort of end of term tradition with Rose. Defense lessons took a drastic turn for the better. Albus and all of his friends got perfect marks on their werewolf essays, to the surprise of no one. After that, the classes bared no resemblance to Balladanis's. “Aw, Merlin!” John shouted at breakfast one Friday in the middle of May. He had been reading the Prophet. “What is it?” Albus asked, thinking Balladanis had been reinstated as Defense teacher or something. “England didn't make it into the World Cup final,” John sighed, “They were so close.” “Who did make it?” Albus grabbed the paper from John, suddenly remembering the tickets he'd gotten for Christmas. He hadn't picked who he was going to invite to go with him. Actually, he hadn't even told his friends about the tickets. “Portugal and Russia,” John groaned, “Russia! They've got a rubbish Quidditch team!” “Obviously not,” Rose smirked, “Albus, did you pick who you're going to take when you go to the Cup?” “Wait, what?” John gaped at Albus, “You got tickets?” “Er, yeah, for Christmas,” Albus said. “And you didn't tell me!” John exclaimed. “Well, I only got one extra and I didn't know how to pick. I had it narrowed down to you and Matt. Mind you, if you hate Russia, I'll just pick Matt,” Albus smirked. “No, no, I didn't say I hate Russia,” John said quickly, “They've just got a bad team.” “How am I supposed to pick then?” Albus asked. “You don't have to,” Matt said as he sat down next to Albus. “Nice to see you awake,” John grinned. Albus and John had attempted to wake Matt up before they went down to the Great Hall and had no luck. The full moon was the next day, so Albus hadn't even been sure if Matt was going to go to class. “Why, is the Cup a bad time of the month?” Albus whispered. “No,” Matt shook his head, “It's just that my dad got tickets, so you can just give your extra one to John.” “Oh,” Albus grinned, “That makes things easy.” “Where is the Cup?” Amanda asked. “Canada,” Rose replied. “How are we getting there, Albus?” John asked, “Are we going to take a Muggle airplane?” John looked excited at that prospect. “No idea,” Albus shrugged, “Dad might get a Portkey.” “That's boring,” John said. “Wish I could go,” Kaden sighed. “Why, don't you not like Quidditch?” John asked. “It's ok,” Kaden shrugged, “I just want to try out a Portkey.” “You're weird, Kaden,” John laughed. “So are you. Airplanes are boring,” Kaden argued. “I'm with Kaden on this one,” Matt said, “I'd take a Portkey any day.” ****** Between studying for exams and Quidditch practice, Albus had no time for anything else. He managed to squeeze in time to visit Matt in the hospital wing on Sunday, but only briefly before he went to Wood's day long Quidditch practice. The following weekend was the final match of the Junior's Dueling Club, something Albus had been forced to neglect due to Quidditch practice. After begging Wood and a bit of help from Teddy, Albus was able to attend the final. Albus's team won, much to the delight of both Albus and Malfoy. Albus had not spoken to Malfoy since the incident with Professor Balladanis. Nor had Malfoy said a word to Albus, or any of his friends. Malfoy remained mysteriously quiet around the full moon, not saying anything about it to either Albus or Matt. It was strange, but not something any of the boys were going to complain about it. Three days before the Quidditch final, the Great Hall was filled with whispering voices that reminded Albus of the day Balladanis had been sacked. Copies of the Prophet were being passed back and forth and quite a few students looked extremely scared. “What's happened?” Albus asked Rose as he sat down. “Willinson has broken out of Azkaban,” Rose whispered, her face completely white. “What?!” Albus shouted as he grabbed the nearest copy of the Prophet. Matt and John crowded around him as he read it. AZKABAN BREAKOUT Officials have reported that three prisoners broke out of Azkaban late last night. It is still unknown how it happened. Azkaban guards have refused to speak with reporters, and the Ministry does not wish to divulge information at this time. The names of the escaped prisoners have been released and anyone with information reguarding any of them are asked to contact the Ministry. The Prophet then gave detailed information about all three of the escaped prisoners. Albus only recognized Willinson. The other two had been imprisoned for more petty crimes. “How did he get out?” Albus wondered, “He's an idiot!” “I think everyone's confused about that,” Rose said. Any hope Albus had of getting homework done that week was gone. He was lucky he was able to concentrate on Quidditch practice. Willinson was out of Azkaban. He was galavanting about England, doing whatever he pleased. That in itself was not necessarily that bad, due to Willinson's stupidity. If he somehow met up with his father and Washburn, then it could be quite bad. What worried Albus the most was the fact that he would be after the Hallows, all of which still resided somewhere in or around Hogwarts. Willinson was bound to come back, especially now that he was out of prison. ****** Before Albus knew it, the night before the Quidditch final arrived and Wood called the team into the changing room after ending practice. “It has been incredibly rewarding to manage this team,” Wood said as he began to pace in front of them, “There were difficulties in the beginning,” he paused and looked at the two Slytherins on the team, “But I am proud to say that you came together as a team wonderfully. “It still amazes me that a group of students from all four houses can come together and play together on the same team. I am not sure this could have been done when I was in Hogwarts. “You have all come a long way over the year. You've all made vast improvements in your skill. Quite a few of you are seventh years and I am very happy to tell you that there will be scouts from a couple Quidditch teams watching tomorrow's match. I have high hopes for the lot of you, when it comes to Quidditch. “I cannot say whether we will win tomorrow. Australia is good, there is no denying that. However, I have faith in all of you. Tomorrow, go out there and give it your best. Now, I think you should all turn in early and eat a proper breakfast tomorrow before the match. Teddy, Tyler, anything to add?” Wood turned to the boys. Teddy and Tyler both shook their heads and Wood turned back to the team. “I'll see you all down here tomorrow. Good night.” Wood, Teddy, and Tyler stayed behind to discuss tactics while the team left. Albus and James were the last two to leave. Georgia had left with the other seventh years, excitedly discussing the prospect of scouts. “You think Georgia's going to sign with one of the professional teams?” Albus asked James as they walked back to the castle. “I'd be surprised if she didn't,” James said, “I just hope it doesn't hurt her chances when we lose.” “We might not lose,” Albus pointed out. “We're going to lose,” James muttered, “Linda's too good of a Seeker.” Albus said nothing. He wished he could just tell James that Linda was a vampire. It would be so much easier. They kept walking, each lost in their own thoughts. Albus stopped abruptly when he heard a loud crack in the forest. “What was that?” he asked anxiously. “Probably just a branch breaking,” James answered. “It was too loud,” Albus said as he looked into the forest, “It sounded like someone Apparating in there.” “I don't think you can Apparate in the forest,” James pointed out, “And it didn't sound that loud. You're just tired from all the Quidditch practice.” “I guess,” Albus said as he and James kept walking, “But what if it was someone Apparating? What if it was Willinson?” “You worry too much, Al,” James groaned, “This place is filled with Aurors and Dad's here full time now. You'd have to be mad to Apparate here if you're wanted by the Ministry.” “But Willinson is stupid enough to do that,” Albus replied. “That's just it,” James laughed, “If he's stupid enough to do that, he's going to get caught and sent back to Azkaban.” Albus nodded but he wasn't reassured. Willinson may be stupid, but he did manage to kidnap Kaden the previous spring, and he had been on the run for a year prior to that. He may be a rubbish dueler, but he was certainly good at not getting caught for the most part.
DucksRMagical Joined: 28 December 2006 Posts: 2535 Location: Going through LeakyCon withdrawal	Posted: Wednesday 21 April 2010 10 49 48 am    Post subject: Re: Albus potter and the Path Left Untrodden in topic:Albus potter and the Path Left Untrodden In the insanity that was last week, I completely forgot to update here. I updated HPFF, but not BaO. Sorry! So you'll get a double update today Chapter 31: Balladanis's Fate There was another Prefect standing next to the gargoyle that concealed the entrance to Kendrick's study. It was apparently his job to mutter the password to the gargoyle to allow all the students being interviewed in. He looked incredibly bored. Albus and Matt ascended into the study and found three other students waiting in front of Kendrick's closed door. A very bored looking Hufflepuff, who was probably in sixth or seventh year, Scorpius Malfoy, and much to Albus's dismay, one of those Ravenclaws they had encountered on the grounds earlier. Albus was not at all surprised to see Scorpius Malfoy there. After all, he had private lessons with Balladanis as well. However, he chose to ignore Malfoy's presence and leaned against the wall to begin the long wait. What had been the point in sending them all to Kendrick's study at the same time? They were obviously only interviewing one person at a time. Why couldn't they have just summoned Albus later, when there were less people waiting? Kendrick's door opened and a pale-faced Gryffindor first year walked out. She hurried out of the study and one of the Ministry officials motioned for the Ravenclaw to enter. The Ravenclaw was in Kendrick's study for about fifteen minutes. Then it was Malfoy's turn. He took a bit more time, but finally came out and left without so much as a glance towards Albus and Matt. In the mean time, two more students had entered. One Albus recognized as Peyton Haines, one of the Chasers from the Slytherin Quidditch team. The other was a young Hufflepuff Albus didn't recognize. Finally, after what must have been at least an hour, Albus was finally called into the room. Kendrick was not in his study. Only the three investigators were. Albus was now able to see them up close. The one who had called him into the room was quite tall and wore a menacing glare. Her robes were perfectly pressed, without a single wrinkle, and her hair was pulled into a tight bun. She reminded Albus of Minerva McGonagall. The other witch was the complete opposite. She was short and quite a bit overweight. Her frizzy brown hair stuck up at all sorts of odd angles and she had a small pair of glasses perched on her nose. The remaining investigator was a wizard and he was seated behind Kendrick's desk, a quill in hand. He looked a bit bored by the entire thing. He was gazing about the room and had the look of someone who wasn't quite paying attention. Two people who were paying rapt attention, or should he say portraits, were Dumbledore and Snape. Both were sitting straight up and looking straight at the investigators. The tall witch gestured for Albus to take a seat in front of the desk. Albus did so. “My name is Katherine Torenzo and this is Lorraine Smyth,” the tall witch gestured to the short witch, “And that is Herb Cletus. He'll be transcribing our interview.” No wonder he was so bored, Albus thought. He didn't even get to ask any of the questions. “Please state your full name, age, year, and house for the record,” Torenzo said briskly. Albus raised his eyebrows. Wouldn't they already know all of that information? “It's protocol, dear,” Smyth told him. “Albus Severus Potter, thirteen, third year, Gryffindor,” Albus answered. “Excellent,” Torenzo replied, “Now, perhaps you can tell us what goes on in an average lesson with Professor Balladanis, in your own words.” “Er, all right,” Albus said, “Well, he comes in and tells us all to stop talking. Then he'll collect the homework. Oh, and you have to get the homework in on time, no matter what. He doesn't take late work, even if you've got a good excuse. You could be sick in the hospital wing and he wouldn't take late homework. “Then he'll teach us a new spell or about some new creature. Then we'll have to perform the spell.” “What happens if you don't perform it properly?” Smyth asked. “He makes you do it again, and again, until you get it,” Albus answered, “If you don't get it, he makes you go to extra help sessions.” “Has this caused distress to any of the students in your class?” Smyth asked. “Not in my class, but I've heard of other students crying because of it,” Albus answered. “Have you attended any extra help sessions?” Torenzo asked. “No,” Albus shook his head, “Professor Balladanis has never told me I had to.” “I understand you have been given dueling lessons by him, however,” Torenzo said, “Can you tell us a bit about them? What do they consist of?” “Most times he just teaches me new spells, spells that are harder than the ones we learn in class. Scorpius Malfoy is there, too, and we duel each other with the spells,” Albus explained. “You said 'most' times,” Smyth said, “What else does he have you do?” “Er,” Albus shifted uncomfortably in his chair, “One time he had us go into his pensieve.” “Did he,” Torenzo muttered, “Please elaborate.” “We watched his parents be murdered by vampires,” Albus said after a brief hesitation. He doubted Balladanis would be happy about this, but Kendrick had said to be truthful. Both Torenzo and Smyth looked horrified. Cletus was writing away furiously on the parchment. Snape was smirking and Dumbledore's face had seemed to harden. “We didn't actually see it,” Albus said quickly, “We stood outside the house as it happened. Balladanis's parents were in the house. Then we watched Balladanis, in the memory, run away from the house. He was thirteen.” “And then what?” Torenzo prodded. “We left the pensieve. Balladanis explained what we had seen-” “He didn't tell you ahead of time?” Smyth asked. “No,” Albus shook his head, “He just told us to go in the pensieve.” “Did he explain why he wanted you to see this?” Torenzo asked. “Yeah. He wanted to show us why he became a Presuler,” Albus said. “He told you he's a Presuler?” Torenzo raised her eyebrow. “Yes, he thinks me and Malfoy should become Presulers,” Albus explained. “Very well,” Torenzo said as she walked towards Albus, “I have one final question. Would you feel comfortable if Professor Balladanis continued to teach here?” Albus thought about it for a moment. Balladanis was certainly a motivated teacher and one Albus could learn a lot from. But on the other hand, he wasn't the kind of wizard Albus felt comfortable around. “No,” Albus said quietly, “I guess not.” Torenzo nodded. “Please return to your common room. You are not to speak of this interview to anyone until after the investigation is completed.” Albus got up from the chair and Torenzo followed him out of the room. She called Matt in as Albus left. Albus muttered a quiet 'good luck' to him before descending from the room. ****** “Why can't you just tell us?” John lamented as the boys sat around the Marauder's Den after dinner. Rose and Amanda were currently in the girls' dormitory with Linda, who had recently been interviewed. “I've told you a million times,” Albus said, “The Ministry witches said we couldn't talk about the interview.” “But how would they know?” John asked, “It's not like I'm going to go telling the whole school about it.” “Neither will I,” Kaden added. Albus snorted. “I'll tell you about it after Balladanis is sacked, or isn't sacked. I don't think it's going to take long for them to decide.” “He's going to be sacked,” Matt said adamantly and then turned to John, “You're not going to his extra help session tonight, are you?” “Not if I was paid twenty Galleons,” John replied, “Well, ok, maybe if I was paid twenty Galleons, but not for less than ten. What about you, Albus? Going to go to your dueling lesson?” Albus shrugged. He still hadn't decided. What he really wanted to know was whether Malfoy was going, but he couldn't very well waltz down to the dungeons, barge into the Slytherin common room, and ask. “No idea,” Albus sighed. “Don't go,” Matt said, “If you go, I'm going to start worrying about your sanity.” “Why would you want to go?” John gave Albus a strange look. “I might find out something about how the investigation is going, or something,” Albus muttered. John opened his mouth to reply, but instead turned to the door. A loud squawking noise had seemed to emit from it. “Did you hear that?” John asked. Albus nodded and got up from his seat. He walked over to the door and paused next to it. The squawking noise was repeated. One thing Albus loved about the Marauder's Den was that it was always very quiet. No noises could be heard from the corridor while he was inside. Albus rarely ever heard noises from the corridor, let alone squawking noises. Albus cautiously opened the door and instead of the bizarre bird he had expected to see, Rose was standing there with her wand out. “Finally!” she groaned, “I thought you'd never come to the door.” “Rose?” Albus asked, “What is it? Was that squawking you?” “Yes,” Rose said hurriedly, “I had to get you to come out of there. Uncle Harry's looking for you. He's waiting in the common room. I told him I'd find you.” Albus turned around and told Matt, John, and Kaden, all of whom had followed him out of the room, that he would be back soon. He had no idea what his dad wanted, but it must have been important for him to go to the castle on a day he didn't have to patrol it. Harry was sitting in one of the squashy armchairs in front of the fire when Albus arrived. Georgia and Fred were both talking with him, most likely about Quidditch judging by their excessive use of hand gestures, but stopped abruptly when Albus entered. Harry got up and met Albus near the portrait hole. “Let's talk outside,” Harry said. Albus followed him out of the portrait hole and down the corridor a little ways. “What were you up to just now?” Harry asked, grinning a bit. “Nothing,” Albus shrugged truthfully. “Well, I'm no longer a teacher here, so I won't say a word about you causing trouble, if that's what you were doing,” Harry told him, “But anyway, what I wanted to ask you is whether you were planning on going to Professor Balladanis's dueling lesson tonight?” That seemed to be the question of the evening, Albus thought. “I dunno,” Albus shrugged. “I realize that the decision is completely up to you,” Harry said quietly, “But I would advise you not to go. Professor Balladanis is under a considerable amount of stress, of which you don't know the half of. I'd say the chances are high that he may take out this stress on you and Scorpius.” “Do you know if Malfoy's going?” Albus asked. “I really have no idea,” Harry answered, “But I tend to believe he won't.” “I don't think I will either,” Albus said. “A wise decision,” Harry smiled. Harry said good night to Albus and then Albus went back to the Marauder's Den. Kaden was in the middle of showing Matt and John how to make a proper paper airplane. “What did your dad want?” John asked without looking up from the parchment he was folding. “To tell me it wasn't a good idea to go to Balladanis's lesson tonight,” Albus said as he flopped down onto the empty couch. “And?” Matt asked. “I'm not going,” Albus answered. “Good,” Matt replied. “You know what was weird, though?” Albus began, “My dad said Balladanis was under a lot of stress, most of which I don't know about. So I'm guessing it's not only the investigation.” “Weird,” Kaden shook his head, “I'll be happy when he's sacked.” “We don't know for sure that he'll be sacked,” Albus pointed out, “I just wish I knew what else he was stressed about.” “Maybe he's got to battle a beautiful woman,” John smirked, “Remember his boggart?” “His boggart!” Albus shouted, “I can't believe I didn't put that together sooner. It wasn't a beautiful woman; it was a vampire. It's so obvious now that we know what happened to his parents, too.” “Yeah, that does seem fairly obvious,” Matt agreed, “But what's that got to do with his stress?” “Probably nothing,” Albus shrugged, “I just realized it.” “You know,” John began, “This is the first Friday we've had to ourselves.” “You're right,” Albus said, “What should we do?” “Let's go down to the kitchens,” Kaden said. “And spend the night here,” Matt added, “We hardly ever do that.” They did just that. The boys snuck down to the kitchens and were given as many sweets and puddings as they could carry by the house elves. Then they stayed up late eating all of it and playing various games. Albus was even able to forget about Balladanis for a while, something that had not happened in quite a while. ****** The Ministry officials remained a permanent fixture at Hogwarts throughout the remainder of the weekend. Albus overheard a lot of students mentioning that they'd been interviewed, including John's cousin Isabelle, one of the Chasers on the Ravenclaw Quidditch team, and Gabriella. Professor Balladanis did not show up at a single meal. In fact, he wasn't seen at all throughout the weekend. Nobody saw him, which raised the question of whether he was even still in the castle. Albus was hoping he ran for it. Got out before the Ministry had a chance to make their decision. Albus was more than a little nervous about going to Defense on Tuesday and hearing what Balladanis had to say about Albus's absence from their dueling lesson. It was on Monday morning that all the Hogwarts students knew a verdict had been reached. Professor Kendrick rose partway through the meal, something that only happened when something important happened. He was flanked by the two witches from the Ministry. The wizard was no longer there. The Hall immediately quieted, without Kendrick even having to ask. Albus was slightly taken aback by Kendrick's impending announcement, since there had not been a single mention of Balladanis in that morning's Prophet. “A decision has been reached about Professor Balladanis,” Kendrick announced, “Madam Torenzo will inform you of it. The Prophet has kindly agreed not to publish the article about it just yet, as I wished to inform you of it first.” “He's sacked,” John muttered, “Otherwise he'd be at breakfast.” “Good point,” Albus said. Torenzo stood up and gazed out at the students with a neutral look on her face. “Upon extensive investigation of Professor Balladanis's teaching methods and thorough interviews of selected students, the Ministry has seen it fit to remove him from his teaching position here at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Professor Balladanis packed his things late last night and no longer resides in the castle. Professor Kendrick will inform you about what will happen with Defense classes for the remainder of the year. I would like to thank all of you for your cooperation during this time.” Torenzo sat back down and continued eating her breakfast like nothing had happened. The Great Hall immediately erupted into whispers, but they were quickly stopped by Kendrick. “Defense Against the Dark Arts classes will not take place until further notice. I will try and procure a suitable replacement for Professor Balladanis as quickly as possible. Until then, please use the time to study for your upcoming exams,” Kendrick said and then resumed his seat. He began to talk with Torenzo and the students voices rose in the Hall. “I knew it!” Matt exclaimed, “Best news I've heard this month!” “Yes!” Georgia shouted and then turned to Fred, “Pay up!” “Merlin!” James groaned, “Why'd they have to do that investigation so quickly?” Money began to exchange hands throughout the Gryffindor table as Fred collected and handed out Galleons. “Do you think Kendrick'll find a replacement?” John asked. “Dunno,” Albus shrugged, “No one really wanted that job to begin with.” “Glad I didn't do that werewolf essay,” John grinned. “Maybe Kendrick won't find a replacement,” Kaden said, “Then we'd have one less exam.” “That would be brilliant,” John replied. The atmosphere in the castle for the rest of the day was incredibly upbeat. Hardly anyone seemed at all sad that Balladanis had left. Quite a few students asked Matt to thank his dad for them. It seemed that the only students upset by it were those who had lost bets because of it. Argus Filch was another who was unhappy. The general excitement of the castle caused him more work. Peeves destroyed the Defense classroom in celebration (Balladanis never liked Peeves), James and his friends set off a few Weasley fireworks, and then there was the general mess that was associated with students celebrating by playing outside in the muddy grass. Plus, Moaning Myrtle flooded her bathroom when a few students told her that even she ought to be excited about it. Apparently she did not agree. For some odd reason it reminded her of her death. One person who seemed incredibly excited was Linda. Linda who rarely showed any emotion whatsoever walked around the castle with a big smile on her face. Albus could only attribute this to the fact that Balladanis had taught so extensively about vampires. But he never taunted her the way he'd taunted Matt. Perhaps that was because his biggest fear was vampires. There was even a party in the Gryffindor common room that night. Rose thought it was a little ridiculous, to celebrate the sacking of a teacher, but everyone else, including Linda, thought it was an excellent thing to celebrate. “Just think,” John said, “We don't ever have to listen to him go on and on about how bad the dark arts are. I mean, we all know they're bad. We all know about Voldemort and what he did.” “And that bloody anamatek,” Matt added, “I could've gone my whole life without seeing one of those.” “What do you think he's doing now?” Rose mused. “Maybe some Ministry hired him,” Albus said quietly, “I hope it's some place far, like Madagascar or somewhere.” “Yeah,” Matt agreed, “I bet he's not even in Britain anymore.” “I don't see why he'd bother to stick around,” Albus replied, “I mean, he snuck out in the night to avoid anyone seeing him.” “Wish we could've seen him leave,” John grinned mischievously, “Would've been nice to give him a proper send off.” “I'm just glad it's over,” Rose muttered, “Maybe now you lot can concentrate on exams. And maybe the castle will get back to normal.” “Normal?” Albus raised his eyebrows, “This place will never be normal. Plus, we've got Quidditch on Saturday. It's the last match before the final.” “When's the final?” Rose asked. “Beginning of June, I think,” Albus answered, “Australia's already so far ahead that they'll be in it.” Albus, John, Matt, and Kaden all sent scathing looks at Linda, who looked down at the table. “But if we beat New York in this match,” Albus continued, “We'll be in it, too. So Wood is in full form this week. I'm practicing every night starting tomorrow.” “Oliver Wood is insane,” Rose muttered. “Insane, but brilliant on the Quidditch pitch,” John grinned, “I would love to get yelled at by him during a Quidditch practice.” “Excellent,” Albus said, “You can take my place.”
Hermione1981 Joined: 19 July 2008 Posts: 27 Location: USA	Posted: Wednesday 14 April 2010 02 48 35 pm    Post subject: Re: The boy who live and the Vampires Slayer comes to Hogwart sc in topic:The boy who live and the Vampires Slayer comes to Hogwart sc I find a mistake in the the paragraph and fixes, but since it was after the edite cut off and could not changes it so I repost the first chapter. Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters in the Harry Potter books or Movies J. K. Rowling's own them . I did make up Bethany and her deceased mom Elizabeth Prince Tonks and dad Timmothy (Tim) Tonks. Chapter one: Bethany double life! It is August thirty first, 1991 and Bethany is shopping in Diagon Alley with her aunt Andromeda Tonks and Cousin Nympadora Tonks for her schools supplies. They have just walk out of Gringotts wizarding bank, when Bethany sees Harry Potter walking by her with Hagrid the gatekeeper at Hogwart school of witchcraft and wizards. She stops walking and stares at Harry and Hagrid. When Harry sees that a girl has stop walking and that she is staring at him, he walks over to her and stops in front of her. Hagrid, Andromeda and Nympadora walk over to Harry and Bethany. Harry’s see that she is looking at his lighting blot shape scar on his forehead. She knew that Harry Potter was starting at Hogwart that year, but she hope not to see him yet seeing that she is two years old then him and is just starting there too, but the reason she was hoping not to see him was that she was at his parent’s house the day they were killed. She was playing hide and seek with Lily and James Potter and was hiding in the closet in Harry room when Lord Voldemort show up. She stays hiding because see had already seen Voldemort kill her parents a few days before. As she was hiding in the closet and she saw Lord Voldemort’s kill Lily through the crack in the door. She stops staring at Harry when her cousin tap her on the shoulder. I am Harry Potter. What is your name and do you know me because you could not stop looking at me? My name is Bethany Tonks and yeah I know you when you were a baby and till you went to live with your aunt and uncle at the age of one. How do you remember me then, because I do not remember you? Because I was three years old then. So you going to Hogwart for you third year then? Bethany shake her head No, I am just starting Hogwart this year, I had personal issues that keep me from starting two years ago. So Bethany that would make you thirteen years old right? Yeah I Just turn thirteen today. Hagrid taps Harry on his right shoulder to get his attention. I hate to break up the reunion but we need to get to Gringotts wizarding bank and get your money Harry. Ok, Hagrid and nice to meet you again Bethany. Yeah, see you at school, Harry have fun getting you school thing. Harry and Hagrid walk towards the bank and Bethany, Andromeda and Nympadora walk down the street and into Quality Quidditch Supplies. Bethany and her aunt heads over to look at the new Nimbus 2000. While Nympadora sees a friend and goes over to talk to her. Bethany looks over at her cousin then back at her aunt who is holding a new Nimbus 2000 in her hands and give it a good look over. Bethany leans towards her aunt and whisper quietly to her. I do not know why I can’t take Nympadora old broom to school, see that it not for playing Quidditch, but for slayer related business and beside first years are not even allowed to have brooms. Bethany’s aunt looks at her daughter and then at her niece before speaking, Because Nympadora needs her broom for Auror school that is way. But she says she does not mind if I used her broom, she will just buy a new one. No, I buying you a new one, you had enough hand me down from your cousin in your life time since you come to live with us and for once I am buying you all new items for school. But I’m not your daughter and I am ok with hand me downs Aunt Andromeda. You are my niece and your mom and dad did left Ted and I money to buy you school supplies when you start at Hogwart, so let me buy you new items this year. All right, I let you buy me new thinks this year. I think this Nimbus 200 we do just fine, I am going to go pay for it. Why Andromeda goes and pays for the broom, Bethany walks over to her cousin. Once her aunt had finish pay for the broom and the sale person had warped it up and put it into a large bag. Bethany, Andromeda and Nympadora left Quality Quidditch Supplies and walks over to Ollivander's to buy Bethany some wands. Both Andromeda and Nympadora take a set in the chair by the door and Bethany walks up to the counter and rings the bell to get Mr. Ollivander attention. Mr. Ollivander walks downstairs and passes Nympadora and Andromeda and heads behind the counter. At the sometime Andromeda stand up and walks up to the counter next to Bethany. Mr. Ollivander smiles at Andromeda and her niece and Nympadora will set in one of the chairs. I see that Bethany is finally starting at Hogwart this year and I see you change the look of you hair by add pink highlights since the last time I saw you Bethany, did you dye your hair or are you a Metamorphmagus Like Nympadora? Yeah I am starting Hogwart and I want a change from my plain light brown hair. I did not dye my hair I am a Metamorphmagus like my cousin. Well I like you hair with the pink highlights and today so a great day, I finally get to sale Bethany a wand and on the someday as I sale Harry Potter his first wand too. Andromeda over the counter and speak softly to Mr. Ollivander, Bethany is going to need a couple of wands one for school and a few for her slayer duty. Oh yes, I remember talking to you about that and yes I did make seven wands with cores that I normally don’t use for her to try out. First lets try wands out for school. First I will have you try out this 12 in. wand that is made from rosewood and a Unicorn Tail for the core. Bethany smiles at Mr. Ollivander and takes the wand from him. She then moves the wand up and down but nothing moves. Mr. Ollivander takes the wand back from Bethany and puts the wand away. He picks up another wand box. He then hand her a box with a 15 1/2 in rosewood wand with a Unicorn Tail as it core. I know this wand still has the some core as the last one, but I think that is the core that would work for your school wand. Ok I will give it a try Mr. Ollivander. Bethany tries that wand and gets the book on the counter to move a little. Mr. Ollivander shakes his head and takes the wand from Bethany. He puts that wand away and goes over to the back shelve and grab a black box. He walks over to the counter and hands Bethany the next box, which is 15 1/2 in rosewood wand with a phoenix father as the core. Bethany picks the wand up and boxes go fly everywhere. That is not the wand for you. Lets try this 15 1/2 in Willow with a Dragon Heartstring core go head and give it a try. I hope this wand works Mr. Ollivander? Bethany picks up the wand and the area around her light up in a gold color. Bethany, Andromeda, Nympadora and Mr. Ollivander smile at each other. Mr. Ollivander box up the wand and put it into a bag and he marks the first wand down in his book. He then grabs the first box out from under the courter that is 15 1/2 in wand made from Willow with a Leprechaun hair core. Now I do not think this wand will work for you, because Leprechaun hair cores tend to favor only the Irish but we will see if it works. Bethany nods her head yes and picks up the wand and once again boxes go fly everywhere. Bethany then tries the 15 1/2 in wand that is made of willow with the demiguise hair core next but nothing happens. Mr. Ollivander then hand Bethany’s another 15 1/2 in wand that is made of willow with a Hippogriff Talon core to try, when Bethany flick the wand it make Mr. Ollivander hair turn green. He takes the wand form her and hand her another 15 1/2 in wand that is made of Willow with a Runespoor Fang core and the room turn a gold color again. She also buy two more 15 1/2 in wands made from willow one with Chimaera Scale core and one with Ashwinder Ash core (which cast awesome protection charms.) Bethany’s aunt pays for the four wands and Mr. Ollivander hand the bag with the wands in it to Bethany. The three ladies walk out of Ollivander’s and walk down the street and into Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions. Madam Malkin looks up from fitting Hermione Granger robe and smile at the ladies when they walk into the store. I will be with you in a few minutes Mrs. Tonks. That is fine Madam Malkin. Three minutes later a girl with long brown hair walks over to Bethany and stop in front her. Bethany smiles at the girl and the girls smiles back at her. Hi my name Bethany Tonks, what is your name? My name Hermione Granger, are you getting robes for Hogwart school of witchcraft and wizardry? Yeah, I am and nice to meet you Hermione. It nice to meet you to Bethany and I am start my first year Hogwart. I am so excite, because I am the first witch in my family. Are you the only witch in your family or is everyone one in your family witches and wizards? My Mom pure blood, my dad was muggle born but get chosen to go to Hogwart. My dad brother also went to Hogwart. My aunts are also pure blood. Hermione mom and dad walk up behind her and then the three of them leave the shop. Bethany gets fitted for her robes and cloak and also gets a point hat along with a pair of protective gloves. When her robes and cloak are ready, they pay for them, then Andromeda, Nympadora and Bethany go and gets strawberry ice cream cones from Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlou. Once they have getting they ice cream they walks down Diagon Alley to head to Flourish and Blotts. When the three of them walk into Flourish & Blotts Nympadora head to the section where the textbooks she needs are and Bethany and Andromeda go over to the section where Hogwart first year textbooks are location at. Bethany looks down at the list of books she needs to buy and see the first one on the list is Standard book of spell grade one which is by Miranda Gosghawk. She has just grab a book off the shelve when she hear Mrs. Wesley fighting with her youngest son Ron about having to buy used books and not new books. Bethany quietly grabs a copy of a history of magic by Bathilda Bagshot, a beginner’s guide to transfiguration by Emeric Switch, one thousand magical herbal and fungi by Phyllida Spore, magical drafts and potions by Arsenius Jigger, Fantastic beast and where to find them by Newt Scamander and the dark farce guide to self protection by Quentin Trimble. Andromeda goes to pay for the books and Bethany goes to find her cousin to see if she is ready to go. Bethany finds that her cousin had already pay for her books and she is waiting for her mom and Bethany to finish up in the book store. Bethany and Andromeda leave the book store and head to the Cauldron Shop, they only in the shop for two minutes because the only item Bethany’s need from there is a size two Pewter cauldron. Nympadora goes to the Apothecary and picks her cousin up two set of crystal phials, bass scale. Nympadora then goes to one of the street stall and buy Bethany the telescope she needs for school. Nympadora meets up with her mom and cousin at Eeylops Owl Emporium. When she walks into the store, she sees Bethany is looking at one of the white snow owls. Once Bethany had chosen the white snow owl that she wanting Nympadora, Andromeda and Bethany head to the Leaky Cauldron for some dinner. The three ladies are walking over to a table and take when Harry and Hagrid walk into the Leaky Cauldron and come and joins them for dinner. As Harry is walking over the table that Bethany, her cousin and her are set at Bethany puts her hands into her jean pocket. Hagrid and Harry take and set then the five of them order their food. When the food gets there and everyone as start to eat Harry looks over at Bethany. Bethany can I ask you something about when you were three years old? Yeah you can Harry, what is it that you want to know? Hagrid says that you were at my parents house the night they dead, did my parents try to fight back against Lord Voldemort? Yes, they try to fight back, but nothing could stop Lord Voldemort . Hagrid also told me that your mom and dad were kill two nights before my mom and dad by Lord Voldemort is that way you were staying with my parents? Yeah Harry that was way I was staying at your parent’s house! As Bethany is answering, Harry questions her hair change from light brown with pink highlights to a light gray color. Nympadora puts her right arm around her cousin and whispers into her ear that she was doing the right thing by answers Harry questions. When they finish eating and talking Bethany, Nympadora and Andromeda head home for the night. The Next morning Bethany wakes up at the creak of dawn and quietly finishes packing, because she shares a bedroom with her cousin and Nympadora who is still sleeping. First Bethany packs her school supplies, textbooks and clothing into one truck. She then packs her slayer supplies into a second truck and has to pack all her slayers relate books into a third truck. She has just lock up the third truck when Nympadora rolls over in her bed to face Bethany. Nympadora opens up her eyes and looks at her younger cousin. Bethany: Did I wake you up, Nympadora? Nympadora: Yeah, but it all right and how many times do I have to tell you Bethany call me Tonks, I hate being called Nympadora. Bethany: Ok, I will call you Tonks for now on. Bethany and her cousin then leave their bedroom and head into the Kitchen for breakfast. After breakfast everyone gets ready to take Bethany to the train station and to meet up with the Wesley’s family once they get the train station.
Hermione1981 Joined: 19 July 2008 Posts: 27 Location: USA	Posted: Monday 12 April 2010 06 59 30 pm    Post subject: Re: The boy who live and the Vampires Slayer comes to Hogwart sc in topic:The boy who live and the Vampires Slayer comes to Hogwart sc * small note I have made the choice to continue to write the Harry potter fan fiction but only one of them at a time so I am going to start with this. I reread it and made changes to the first chapter and add to the chapter also, so her the new vision of chapter one. Full Title: The boy who live and the Vampires Slayer comes to Hogwart school of witchcraft and wizardry Fan fiction Rating:15+ Ship/s (if applicable): Fred Wesley and Bethany Tonks Summary: It takes place doing Harry, Ron, Hermione and Bethany ( born Aug 31 1978) first year at Hogwart school of witchcraft and wizardry. Bethany befriends Harry, Ron and Hermione, But hang out mostly with the students her own age, which are Fred, George Wesley, Etc. and Bethany also start to date Fred Wesley. Bethany also has to balance being a normal everyday Hogwart student and a vampire slayer at the sometime, but she does let Fred and George in on the fact that she is a vampire slayer. Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters in the Harry Potter books or Movies J. K. Rowling's own them . I did make up Bethany and her deceased mom Elizabeth Prince Tonks and dad Timmothy (Tim) Tonks. Chapter one: Bethany double life! It is August thirty first, 1991 and Bethany is shopping in Diagon Alley with her aunt Andromeda Tonks and Cousin Nympadora Tonks for her schools supplies. They have just walk out of Gringotts wizarding bank, when she Bethany sees Harry Potter walking by her with Hagrid the gatekeeper at Hogwart school of witchcraft and wizards. She stops walking and stares at Harry and Hagrid. When Harry sees that a girl has stop walking and that she is staring at him, he walks over to her and stops in front of her. Hagrid, Andromeda and Nympadora walk over to Harry and Bethany. Harry’s see that she is looking at his lighting blot shape scar on his forehead. She knew that Harry Potter was starting at Hogwart that year, but she hope not to see him yet seeing that she is two years old then him and is just starting there too, but the reason she was hoping not to see him was that she was at his parent’s house the day they were killed. She was playing hide and seek with Lily and James Potter and was hiding in the closet in Harry room when Lord Voldemort show up. She stays hiding because see had already seen Voldemort kill her parents a few days before. As she was hiding in the closet and she saw Lord Voldemort’s kill Lily through the crack in the door. She stops staring at Harry when her cousin tap her on the shoulder. I am Harry Potter. What is your name and do you know me because you could not stop looking at me? My name is Bethany Tonks and yeah I know you when you were a baby and till you went to live with your aunt and uncle at the age of one. How do you remember me then, because I do not remember you? Because I was three years old then. So you going to Hogwart for you third year then? Bethany shake her head No, I am just starting Hogwart this year, I had personal issues that keep me from starting two years ago. So Bethany that would make you thirteen years old right? Yeah I Just turn thirteen today. Hagrid taps Harry on his right shoulder to get his attention. I hate to break up the reunion but we need to get to Gringotts wizarding bank and get your money Harry. Ok, Hagrid and nice to meet you again Bethany. Yeah, see you at school, Harry have fun getting you school thing. Harry and Hagrid walk towards the bank and Bethany, Andromeda and Nympadora walk down the street and into Quality Quidditch Supplies. Bethany and her aunt heads over to look at the new Nimbus 2000. While Nympadora sees a friend and goes over to talk to her. Bethany looks over at her cousin then back at her aunt who is holding a new Nimbus 2000 in her hands and give it a good look over. Bethany leans towards her aunt and whisper quietly to her. I do not know why I can’t take Nympadora old broom to school, see that it not for playing Quidditch, but for slayer related business and beside first years are not even allowed to have brooms. Bethany’s aunt looks at her daughter and then at her niece before speaking, Because Nympadora needs her broom for Auror school that is way. But she says she does not mind if I used her broom, she will just buy a new one. No, I buying you a new one, you had enough hand me down from your cousin in your life time since you come to live with us and for once I am buying you all new items for school. But I’m not your daughter and I am ok with hand me downs Aunt Andromeda. You are my niece and your mom and dad did left Ted and I money to buy you school supplies when you start at Hogwart, so let me buy you new items this year. All right, I let you buy me new thinks this year. I think this Nimbus 200 we do just fine, I am going to go pay for it. Why Andromeda goes and pays for the broom, Bethany walks over to her cousin. Once her aunt had finish pay for the broom and the sale person had warped it up and put it into a large bag. Bethany, Andromeda and Nympadora left Quality Quidditch Supplies and walks over to Ollivander's to buy Bethany some wands. Both Andromeda and Nympadora take a set in the chair by the door and Bethany walks up to the counter and rings the bell to get Mr. Ollivander attention. Mr. Ollivander walks downstairs and passes Nympadora and Andromeda and heads behind the counter. At the sometime Andromeda stand up and walks up to the counter next to Bethany. Mr. Ollivander smiles at Andromeda and her niece and Nympadora will set in one of the chairs. I see that Bethany is finally starting at Hogwart this year and I see you change the look of you hair by add pink highlights since the last time I saw you Bethany, did you dye your hair or are you a Metamorphmagus Like Nympadora? Yeah I am starting Hogwart and I want a change from my plain light brown hair. I did not dye my hair I am a Metamorphmagus like my cousin. Well I like you hair with the pink highlights and today so a great day, I finally get to sale Bethany a wand and on the someday as I sale Harry Potter his first wand too. Andromeda over the counter and speak softly to Mr. Ollivander, Bethany is going to need a couple of wands one for school and a few for her slayer duty. Oh yes, I remember talking to you about that and yes I did make seven wands with cores that I normally don’t use for her to try out. First lets try wands out for school. First I will have you try out this 12 in. wand that is made from rosewood and a Unicorn Tail for the core. Bethany smiles at Mr. Ollivander and takes the wand from him. She then moves the wand up and down but nothing moves. Mr. Ollivander takes the wand back from Bethany and puts the wand away. He picks up another wand box. He then hand her a box with a 15 1/2 in rosewood wand with a Unicorn Tail as it core. I know this wand still has the some core as the last one, but I think that is the core that would work for your school wand. Ok I will give it a try Mr. Ollivander. Bethany tries that wand and gets the book on the counter to move a little. Mr. Ollivander shakes his head and takes the wand from Bethany. He puts that wand away and goes over to the back shelve and grab a black box. He walks over to the counter and hands Bethany the next box, which is 15 1/2 in rosewood wand with a phoenix father as the core. Bethany picks the wand up and boxes go fly everywhere. That is not the wand for you. Lets try this 15 1/2 in Willow with a Dragon Heartstring core go head and give it a try. I hope this wand works Mr. Ollivander? Bethany picks up the wand and the area around her light up in a gold color. Bethany, Andromeda, Nympadora and Mr. Ollivander smile at each other. Mr. Ollivander box up the wand and put it into a bag and he marks the first wand down in his book. He then grabs the first box out from under the courter that is 15 1/2 in wand made from Willow with a Leprechaun hair core. Now I do not think this wand will work for you, because Leprechaun hair cores tend to favor only the Irish but we will see if it works. Bethany nods her head yes and picks up the wand and once again boxes go fly everywhere. Bethany then tries the 15 1/2 in wand that is made of willow with the demiguise hair core next but nothing happens. Mr. Ollivander then hand Bethany’s another 15 1/2 in wand that is made of willow with a Hippogriff Talon core to try, when Bethany flick the wand it make Mr. Ollivander hair turn green. He takes the wand form her and hand her another 15 1/2 in wand that is made of Willow with a Runespoor Fang core and the room turn a gold color again. She also buy two more 15 1/2 in wands made from willow one with Chimaera Scale core and one with Ashwinder Ash core (which cast awesome protection charms.) Bethany’s aunt pays for the four wands and Mr. Ollivander hand the bag with the wands in it to Bethany. The three ladies walk out of Ollivander’s and walk down the street and into Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions. Madam Malkin looks up from fitting Hermione Granger robe and smile at the ladies when they walk into the store. I will be with you in a few minutes Mrs. Tonks. That is fine Madam Malkin. Three minutes later a girl with long brown hair walks over to Bethany and stop in front her. Bethany smiles at the girl and the girls smiles back at her. Hi my name Bethany Tonks, what is your name? My name Hermione Granger, are you getting robes for Hogwart school of witchcraft and wizardry? Yeah, I am and nice to meet you Hermione. It nice to meet you to Bethany and I am start my first year Hogwart. I am so excite, because I am the first witch in my family. Are you the only witch in your family or is everyone one in your family witches and wizards? My Mom pure blood, my dad was muggle born but get chosen to go to Hogwart. My dad brother also went to Hogwart. My aunts are also pure blood. Hermione mom and dad walk up behind her and then the three of them leave the shop. Bethany gets fitted for her robes and cloak and also gets a point hat along with a pair of protective gloves. When her robes and cloak are ready, they pay for them, then Andromeda, Nympadora and Bethany go and gets strawberry ice cream cones from Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlou. Once they have getting they ice cream they walks down Diagon Alley to head to Flourish and Blotts. When the three of them walk into Flourish & Blotts Nympadora head to the section where the textbooks she needs are and Bethany and Andromeda go over to the section where Hogwart first year textbooks are location at. Bethany looks down at the list of books she needs to buy and see the first one on the list is Standard book of spell grade one which is by Miranda Gosghawk. She has just grab a book off the shelve when she hear Mrs. Wesley fighting with her youngest son Ron about having to buy used books and not new books. Bethany quietly grabs a copy of a history of magic by Bathilda Bagshot, a beginner’s guide to transfiguration by Emeric Switch, one thousand magical herbal and fungi by Phyllida Spore, magical drafts and potions by Arsenius Jigger, Fantastic beast and where to find them by Newt Scamander and the dark farce guide to self protection by Quentin Trimble. Andromeda goes to pay for the books and Bethany goes to find her cousin to see if she is ready to go. Bethany finds that her cousin had already pay for her books and she is waiting for her mom and Bethany to finish up in the book store. Bethany and Andromeda leave the book store and head to the Cauldron Shop, they only in the shop for two minutes because the only item Bethany’s need from there is a size two Pewter cauldron. Nympadora goes to the Apothecary and picks her cousin up two set of crystal phials, bass scale. Nympadora then goes to one of the street stall and buy Bethany the telescope she needs for school. Nympadora meets up with her mom and cousin at Eeylops Owl Emporium. When she walks into the store, she sees Bethany is looking at one of the white snow owls. Once Bethany had chosen the white snow owl that she wanting Nympadora, Andromeda and Bethany head to the Leaky Cauldron for some dinner. The three ladies are walking over to a table and take when Harry and Hagrid walk into the Leaky Cauldron and come and joins them for dinner. As Harry is walking over the table that Bethany, her cousin and her are set at Bethany puts her hands into her jean pocket. Hagrid and Harry take and set then the five of them order their food. When the food gets there and everyone as start to eat Harry looks over at Bethany. Bethany can I ask you something about when you were three years old? Yeah you can Harry, what is it that you want to know? Hagrid says that you were at my parents house the night they dead, did my parents try to fight back against Lord Voldemort? Yes, they try to fight back, but nothing could stop Lord Voldemort . Hagrid also told me that your mom and dad were kill two nights before my mom and dad by Lord Voldemort is that way you were staying with my parents? Yeah Harry that was way I was staying at your parent’s house! As Bethany is answering, Harry questions her hair change from light brown with pink highlights to a light gray color. Nympadora puts her right arm around her cousin and whispers into her ear that she was doing the right thing by answers Harry questions. When they finish eating and talking Bethany, Nympadora and Andromeda head home for the night. The Next morning Bethany wakes up at the creak of dawn and quietly finishes packing, because she shares a bedroom with her cousin and Nympadora who is still sleeping. First Bethany packs her school supplies, textbooks and clothing into one truck. She then packs her slayer supplies into a second truck and has to pack all her slayers relate books into a third truck. She has just lock up the third truck when Nympadora rolls over in her bed to face Bethany. Nympadora opens up her eyes and looks at her younger cousin. Bethany: Did I wake you up, Nympadora? Nympadora: Yeah, but it all right and how many times do I have to tell you Bethany call me Tonks, I hate being called Nympadora. Bethany: Ok, I will call you Tonks for now on. Bethany and her cousin then leave their bedroom and head into the Kitchen for breakfast. After breakfast everyone gets ready to take Bethany to the train station and to meet up with the Wesley’s family once they get the train station.
DucksRMagical Joined: 28 December 2006 Posts: 2535 Location: Going through LeakyCon withdrawal	Posted: Sunday 14 March 2010 07 30 48 pm    Post subject: Re: Beyond the Shadow in topic:Beyond the Shadow Chapter 4: The Full Moon My days off for full moons shouldn't really count as days off. I still go into St. Mungo's at least once each day I'm 'off' and then I do plenty of research at home. I'm pretty sure the only reason Farina lets me have the days off is because she knows I won't really be off. This particular full moon was no different. I woke up at my usual early hour (I've never been able to sleep in, even as a child) and read Potion Master's Monthly while eating brekkie. Matt was still sound asleep when I finished. I inched quietly into the second bedroom and saw him curled up beneath four blankets, his chest moving slowly up and down. “Matt,” I whispered, poking him. He rolled over and opened one eye. “I've got to go to St. Mungo's for a bit,” I told him, “I'll be back later.” He nodded and went back to sleep. I doubted whether he'd even remember me telling him I was leaving. I quietly left the flat to find a place to Disapparate. Stopping into St. Mungo's the day of the full moon is always tricky. I don't want to be seen by too many people because without a doubt someone will ask me to do something for them and I could be there all day. Farina in particular is one to avoid when I'm trying to just pop in for a second. Luckily Farina was nowhere in sight when I arrived. I made it up to the Dai Lewellyn ward without being flagged down by anyone. Maybe this would be a quick trip after all. Jamie was the only patient I needed to see. There wasn't anything I could do for him at this point, but I wanted to at least check his vitals. Only George was sitting by Jamie's bed. It didn't look like he'd gotten any sleep in days. “Morning,” I said as I sat down on the edge of Jamie's bed. He was sound asleep. “Hello, Amy,” George sighed. “He's been asleep since yesterday afternoon.” “That's for the best,” I said as I took his vitals. “The more sleep he gets before tonight, the better.” “I know,” George said. “I just hate seeing him so sick like this.” “He won't be quite this sick once we stop the Wolfsbane,” I told him. “But the actual full moons,” George shook his head. “They're going to be awful.” “I'm not going to lie to you. They will be awful,” I told him. “But the rest of the month he's going to be a regular kid. He won't be sick like this all the time.” “I suppose that will be best, in the long run,” George said. “Yes, it will,” I said. “Well, his vitals are normal for the day of the full moon. Would you like to go home now or wait until later?” “Now would be best,” George said as he stood up. “Candace took Kyle home last night. He was so wound up.” After Jamie was discharged, I went to my study and answered a few owls. I hated letting them build up until after the full moon. It took so long to answer that many. Then I decided to go back home. With Jamie discharged, there was no point in staying. Taking a slight detour to avoid Farina, who was striding up the corridor towards the lifts, I made it to the Apparition room and left. My flat door was already unlocked when I got there, which was strange. Matt was never up for leaving the flat on the day of the full moon. It could only mean one thing. Mum. I opened the door to find her doling out potions in my kitchen. She looked up when I came in. “Amy, there you are,” she said. “Have you been at work?” “Yes,” I nodded as I set my bag down, “I had to check on one of my patients. Do you have the day off?” “Just a few hours,” Mum replied. “I've got an evening clinical tonight. I just thought I'd stop by to see how Matt was.” “He's fine,” I assured her. “He was asleep when I left.” “He's got a headache,” Mum told me as she put away the potion bottle and walked towards the bedroom with a goblet. I rolled my eyes as I followed her. Mum knew I was perfectly capable of giving Matt potions, but that never stopped her from Apparating miles in order to do it herself. Deciding that it was pointless to try and help Mum, I settled down to work on the proposal. It was nearly finished, but I still hadn't told Mum about it. She'd find out at the meeting. Mum left for her clinical shortly before I Apparated with Matt to the house. He was never in any fit state to Apparate the day of the full moon. Dad wasn't home when we got there, so I put up the protective charms on the safe room door. I always stay over at my parents' house during the full moon. We don't talk and we never get any sleep, but it's a support thing. Dad isn't always home from work by the time the moon rises, but he always joins Mum and I in the living room when he gets there. Dad got home long before Mum, though. She didn't get home until nearly midnight. I knew she didn't like evening shifts, but she didn't get to pick. We sat our silent vigil, watching the clock, hoping it would go faster, waiting for the minute that the moon would finally set. ****** The next morning was stressful to say the least. I had to go to St. Mungo's to see Jamie, who would surely be back there as soon as the moon set, and get Matt back to my flat before seven, when Victoire would stop by with Sophie. I was at St. Mungo's before Jamie even got there. As much as I hated leaving Matt before the moon fully set, it was the only way to take care of Jamie before Sophie got dropped off. The ward was quiet, something that only happened in the wee hours of the morning. Morris wasn't even there yet. Footsteps in the corridor alerted me to Jamie's arrival. I jumped up from my desk and met them in front of the door to the ward. George was carrying Jamie, who was asleep. Candace and Kyle weren't there. “He hasn't woken up yet,” George said as he lay Jamie on his usual bed. “I'm not surprised,” I sighed as I waved my wand over him. “No fever, that's a good sign.” “Thank Merlin,” George said. “Just his usual potions,” I said as I stowed my wand. “I'll have one of the nurses bring them, and Healer Sterling should be in later. He'll owl me when Jamie wakes up and I'll be back then.” George nodded and I rushed out of the ward to find a nurse. Lynne was at the nurse's station and I was relieved to see her. She already knew what Jamie would need; I wouldn't have to take the time to explain. “Jamie needs the usual,” I told her. “I've got to go.” “No problem,” Lynne said as she got up. “How's Matt?” “No idea,” I said. “Had to leave before the moon set. I'm watching Sophie today and Victoire has to be in by seven-thirty, so I'm in a bit of a hurry this morning.” “I wish I had your stamina,” Lynne replied. “Will you be back later?” “Of course,” I nodded. “I'll have to check on Jamie once he wakes up.” I checked my watch as I rushed down to the Apparition room. Six-thirty. Groaning, I turned and Disapparated. The house was quiet when I opened the door and walked inside. Figuring that Dad had already given Matt his potions, I ran upstairs to his bedroom. Matt was sound asleep under the Chudley Cannons bedspread he'd had since he was nine and Dad was reading the Prophet, dressed in his work robes. “Hey, Dad,” I said. “Sorry I had to leave.” “Not a problem,” he said as he closed the Prophet. “He's got a broken arm and a concussion. I've healed them and given him potions.” I nodded. “Mum asleep?” “Yes,” Dad replied. “Do you need me to help you get him to your flat?” “Yeah,” I said. “We'd better go now. Victoire and Sophie will be there soon.” No one can Apparate or Disapparate in our house. Nor are we connected to the Floo Network. It's kind of a hassle when we have to get back to my flat after full moons, but it's for the best. Dad and I managed to wake Matt up and help him outside in order to Disapparate. We went straight to my flat, something we didn't normally risk. I hoped the muffling charm on my flat managed to hide the crack. I helped Matt into the spare bedroom and he fell asleep as soon as he got into bed. Dad left for the Ministry and I sat down for two seconds before the doorbell rang. Victoire was standing on the other side holding Sophie, who looked exhausted. Well, both of them looked exhausted. Victoire herself looked paler than usual. “Victoire, are you ok?” I asked as I stepped aside. “I'll be fine,” she replied as she set Sophie down on the couch. “I've just got a bug or something.” “You're sick?” I said. “Maybe you ought to take a sick day.” “No,” Victoire shook her head, “You know what Farina says.” “If you can walk and talk, you can work,” we said in unison and then started laughing. “Good point,” I replied. “How's Sophie?” “Just tired,” Victoire answered. “Like usual. I'm sure by the end of today she'll be back to asking Teddy for dung bombs.” “Dung bombs?” I raised my eyebrows. “Teddy showed her one the other day,” Victoire groaned. “I think she inherited his mischief gene.” “Well, she gets it from both sides of the family,” I pointed out. “True,” Victoire agreed. “I'd better go.” Victoire said goodbye to Sophie and then left. Sophie sat on the couch, looking a little forlorn, and I sat down next to her. She curled up next to me and rested her head on my side. “My head hurts,” she said, “and I want Mummy to come back.” “She has to work,” I told her. “I promise she'll be back later. I think it's time for you to go to sleep. Do you want to sleep out here or in my room?” “Out here,” Sophie said. “Where's Uncle Matt?” “He's asleep,” I told her. “Do you want me to read you a story?” “Yeah!” Sophie said. “Babbity Rabbity and her Cackling Stump!” I laughed and dug out my old copy of the Tales of Beedle the Bard. Even Victoire didn't know why Sophie liked that tale the best, although I suppose it was better than the Warlock's Hairy Heart. Sophie curled up underneath a huge Gryffindor blanket and I began to read. I used a different voice for each character and Sophie giggled every time I switched. She was asleep before the charlatan declared that the tree be cut down. I smiled and set the book down on the table. The difference between Sophie and Matt at that age still amazed me. Looking at Sophie, you would never guess in a million years that she was a werewolf. The only time you'd ever know was the day of and the day after the full moon. Then she was tired and cranky, but she rarely got ill the way Matt did. In fact, Sophie never got ill. She rarely got colds or anything else that little kids so often contracted. When Matt was that age, he not only got sick around the full moons, but he caught every little cold and flu that was going around. I would catch them at Muggle school and bring them home and undoubtedly Matt would get sick. Victoire was even considering sending Sophie to Muggle school the following year. She could've gone this year, but Victoire still wasn't sure. I was all for it. So long as the school didn't mind that Sophie would be out two days a month, I didn't see the harm. In fact, it would do her a world of good. Sophie would do so much better at Hogwarts if she was already used to being around kids her own age. Friends did a world of good. Both Matt and Sophie slept right through lunch. I did a bit of research and then started worrying about Jamie. Morris still hadn't owled me, which meant Jamie had yet to wake up. The doorbell rang and I knocked over a bottle of ink. Cursing and siphoning the ink off of my book, I got up to see who could possibly be at the door at two in the afternoon. At least it hadn't woken Sophie up. One way that she and Matt were similar was their ability to sleep through anything. I opened the door and saw two of Matt's friends standing there. John Brickston was at least a foot taller than me and his dark hair didn't look like it had been combed in days. Dressed in a Puddlemere United t-shirt and a pair of jeans covered in dirt, he looked like he'd just stepped off the Quidditch pitch. In fact, he probably had. John was one of Puddlemere United's strategists. Kaden Dursley was slightly shorter than John and a little on the chubby side. His light brown hair nearly covered his eyes, but was slightly neater than John's. He was wearing a set of dark red robes, the color Brewers at St. Mungo's wore. Kaden was one of the Assistant Brewers, which basically meant he had to do whatever the Senior Brewers asked him to do, be it actual brewing or washing cauldrons. It wasn't a pleasant job and I was quite grateful that I never had to do it. Being both a Healer and a Brewer enabled me to skip it. “John, Kaden,” I said as they pushed past me into the flat. “Matt here?” John asked. “Of course,” I said. “But he's asleep!” “You sound like Madam Pomfrey,” Kaden said as they walked towards the second bedroom. “How'd you get out of work so early?” I asked suspiciously. “Had a short shift today,” Kaden shrugged. I followed them into the second bedroom. John and Kaden were the most boisterous of Matt's friends. They could be rather annoying, but they'd stuck by him since their first years of Hogwarts. “Oi, Matt!” John shouted as he sat down on the foot of the bed. “Couldn't you have at least changed out of your Quidditch stuff before coming here?” I groaned. “Nope,” John said and then turned back to Matt. “Wake up!” “What can you possibly have to tell him that can't wait until later?” I asked. “Ugh, John?” Matt said as he rubbed his eyes. “Have you any idea what last night was?” “Of course I do,” John said. “But this couldn't wait. Guess whose just been drafted to play for Puddlemere?” “No bloody idea,” Matt replied wearily. “Vince Spencer,” John grinned. Matt sat up in bed, staring shocked at John. I didn't have the slightest clue as to why this surprised him. I don't follow Quidditch and have no idea who Vince Spencer is. “But why?” Matt lamented. “He was the Cannons' best player!” That would explain Matt's reaction, I thought. Matt was a very avid supporter of the Cannons, something John found incredibly hilarious. “Maybe he wanted to be on a winning team?” John shrugged, “Honestly, he's just too good of a player to play for the Cannons.” “There goes our winning streak,” Matt muttered. “Since when is winning two games considered a streak?” John laughed. I decided to leave the room after that. They were sure to start a long and rather boring argument about Quidditch, which would probably only end when Matt decided he wanted to go back to sleep. Sophie was awake when I got back to the living room, looking more like herself. She grinned when she saw me and jumped off the couch. “I'm hungry,” she announced. “Glad to hear it,” I smiled. “Let's find you something to eat.” Sophie followed me into the kitchen, where I made her a grilled cheese sandwich. She ate it while giving me a very long description of what her pygmy puff did the previous day. Apparently it had gotten into Teddy's study and knocked over all of his Quidditch trophies. “Daddy didn't care,” Sophie said as she finished both her story and the sandwich. “He thought it was funny. Then he said that a niffler would be even funnier to watch get into his study and told me he'd get me one when I'm older. But Mummy said no.” “I think pygmy puffs make better pets than nifflers,” I told her. “Why don't you go see Uncle Matt? He's awake now.” Sophie grinned and ran out of the room. It was amazing how fast she was able to bounce back. John and Kaden left a little while later, whispering to each other and all I heard was that they needed to make a trip to Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes. It still amazed me that they were able to share a flat and not burn the place down every other night. There was a tap on the window and I breathed a huge sigh of relief when I saw Morris's tawny owl standing on the sill. I hurried and opened the window, taking the piece of parchment from the owl's leg. Jamie was awake and doing all right. Morris said there was no reason for me to come in, but I wanted to. I had to. Sophie was sitting on Matt's bed when I walked into the bedroom. She was trying to read Beedle the Bard, but was having to ask Matt what some of the words were. He still looked exhausted. “Will you two be ok if I run into St. Mungo's for a bit?” I asked. “Uh-huh,” Sophie nodded. “I'm reading Uncle Matt Babbity Rabbity.” I smiled. “I can take her with me if you want to get some sleep,” I told Matt. “No, it's fine,” he said. I nodded and left for St. Mungo's. Matt never minded watching Sophie, even if he was exhausted. Sophie had always gravitated towards him, even when she was a baby. I think it's because he knows what she goes through. I have no idea if they ever talk about being werewolves. ****** Victoire was talking with one of the receptionists in the main waiting room when I arrived at St. Mungo's. I was happy to see that she was looking better. “Victoire,” I said as I neared the reception area. “Amy!” Victoire replied. “How is Sophie?” “She's great,” I smiled. “I left her reading Babbity Rabbity to Matt.” Victoire laughed. “She's going to have that one memorized soon.” “And are you feeling better?” I asked as we walked towards the lifts. “Much,” she replied. “Whatever I had, it's gone now. Had a double cheeseburger with extra pickles for lunch.” “That's good,” I said. “Think you'll get out at a decent time?” “I think I'll be able to sneak away around six,” Victoire answered. “Are you on call this weekend?” “Thank Merlin, no,” I said. “I've got a really radical proposal for the Foundation that I've got to finish getting ready before Monday's meeting.” Victoire raised her eyebrows. “Really?” “You'll find out about it on Monday,” I told her as the lift clattered to the Creature-Induced Injury floor. “See you tonight.” The corridor was packed with people, which was very unusual. I stood frozen in front of the lift before shaking my head and plowing through the crowd. Judging by the amount of cameras flashing and people holding notebooks, they were mostly press. “Are you a Healer?” one of them asked me. “No comment,” I replied, regretting my decision to wear Healer robes that day. I didn't even know what the press were there for, but I didn't want any of them bothering me. Squeezing in between two photographers I made it into my study, only to find Morris conversing quietly with my dad. “What's going on?” I asked curiously. Both of them looked up, wearing nearly identical somber looks. Fearing the worst about Jamie and ignoring the fact that writers from the Daily Prophet would not be interested in his case, I waited for their answer. “Werewolf attack last night,” Dad replied, “on a Muggle, in plain view of a crowd of Muggles. It was just outside a bar in a very rural area and most of the witnesses were drunk. So was the victim.” “And the Muggle is here?” I asked. Morris nodded. “He's going to make a full recovery, aside from the lycanthropy.” I sighed and shook my head. There had been two other instances like this since I had become a Healer. The press always had a field day with it, which didn't help the poor victim. Muggles who were bitten by werewolves not only had to come to terms with the fact that they were now werewolves themselves, but also with the simple fact that werewolves existed and the magical world in general. It was a lot to take in and they often didn't truly believe us until the next full moon. “I've put him up in one of the private rooms,” Morris continued. “He's asleep right now, but the last time he was awake he tried to escape, thinking he was going mad.” “Can't you make all the reporters go away?” I asked. “We're trying,” Dad answered. “It's all we can do to keep them out of the poor man's room. How is Matt doing?” “Like usual,” I told him. “John and Kaden woke him up a while ago with news about some Chudley Cannons player transferring to Puddlemere.” Dad laughed. “Are they still there?” “Merlin, no. I'd never let the two of them stay in my flat while I'm not there. They left to destroy their own flat,” I said. “Well, I'd better fight through the reporters to go check on Jamie.” Three reporters rushed towards me as I left the study. Flashbulbs went off and I had to forcefully push my way through them. Wasn't there other news going on that day? Why were all the reporters in Britain at St. Mungo's? “All right, clear out! The lot of you!” I looked up and saw the reporters parting. Farina was striding up the corridor and I had to smirk at the shocked looks on half the reporters' faces. Farina was a force to be reckoned with. She looked positively mutinous. “It'll be on your heads if one of the Healers can't get through this corridor and someone dies in their absence!” Farina shouted. “I don't know why you think you've got the right to be loitering in a hospital corridor anyway! Get out!” “Who are you?” a brave reporter demanded. “The director of this bloody hospital!” Farina exclaimed as she started pushing reporters towards the lifts. “I'll have the lot of you arrested if you don't leave this minute!” The reporters moved out of the corridor faster than they would have if someone let off a load of garroting gas. It was kind of funny. One of them even looked slightly afraid as he nearly tripped over his own robes in his haste to get to the lifts. “Bloody reporters,” Farina muttered as she walked towards me. “Has Sterling filled you in, Eckerton?” “Yes,” I nodded, “but I'm just here to see Jamie today.” “Right,” Farina said. “I'll see you here Monday morning, then.” “Of course,” I said as I turned to enter the ward. Jamie and the man who had been attacked by the chimaera were the only people in the ward. The man was looking better, which I was quite happy to see. Jamie was asleep, which I had been expecting. Candace was sitting next to him, reading the Prophet. She set it down when I entered. “He fell asleep about five minutes ago,” Candace told me. I nodded. I took out my wand and got his vitals. As far as I could tell, he was fine with the exception of being completely exhausted. The main thing I was worried about was a fever, but his temperature was normal. I decided to just discharge him then since I wouldn't be back at the hospital until Monday.
DucksRMagical Joined: 28 December 2006 Posts: 2535 Location: Going through LeakyCon withdrawal	Posted: Sunday 28 February 2010 03 53 06 pm    Post subject: Re: Beyond the Shadow in topic:Beyond the Shadow Chapter 3: Sophie Nymphadora Lupin Farina gave me a glare that would make a dragon shrink back in fear when I ran into the clinic at exactly 1:30. I think she had been hoping that I would've been a minute late so she could've yelled at me. Luck had been on my side that time. I went to the nurse's station and they handed me the chart for the wizard in Exam Room One. “What seems to be the problem?” I asked once I was inside the room. The wizard sitting on the exam table didn't look particularly sick, nor did he have any obvious injuries. In fact, he looked perfectly fine. “Er,” he muttered, “I've got this, well, growth on my, er, arse.” “Roll over,” I told him. He did so and I noticed his wand sticking out of the back pocket of his jeans. “Here's your problem,” I said as I yanked his wand out of his pocket, “There are a million reasons not to keep your wand in your back pocket, growths on your arse being just one of them. “Oh,” the man sat up and his face was bright red, “Well, I'll just stop doing that.” “Good idea,” I said and handed him his wand. I got rid of the growth with a wave of my own wand and the man left, still bright red. We've actually gotten quite a few people in the clinic with the same complaint. I was beginning to think that someone needed to tell all the first years at Hogwarts not to put their wands in their back pockets. It seemed kind of obvious to me, but I guess not everyone thought of it. The afternoon droned on and I healed various ailments and injuries. A few colds, one case of the flu, and a few minor spell damages. I also assured one very worried mother that just because her four-year-old daughter had not yet displayed any signs of magic, it did not mean she was a Squib. I left the clinic at exactly five o'clock and went straight down to my brewing room. It was so nice to escape to the peace and quiet of the room after being in the chaotic hospital all day. My potion was ready to send off for testing. Whenever new potions were created at St. Mungo's, they were sent to a different department of the hospital for testing. They had to be mixed with other potions and run through various lab tests to find out if they were dangerous or would interact with other potions. Potions testers also worked in the basement, in separate rooms. It often took a very long time to get results back from the testing and it was always a very nerve-wracking time. A few of the potions I had created had come back labeled as dangerous and it was such a let-down when that happened. I let the Wolfsbane simmer for a half hour before bottling it and filling out the form for testing. Then I walked down the long corridor towards the testing room. The testing room looked like something out of a Muggle horror movie. It was filled with all sorts of stainless steel contraptions and cauldrons bubbling with various potions. The testers wore white hazardous waste robes and masks. There was a window with a small two door box which potions were transferred with. I rang the bell next to the door and one of the testers came over. “Amy,” he greeted me, “Another version of Wolfsbane?” “Yep,” I said as I put it in the box, along with the form, “Hopefully this one's better than the last one.” My last potion had failed the tests. I had had to completely start over. “It should be ready in a few weeks,” he told me, “We'll owl you the results.” “Thanks,” I said as I left. ****** Victoire was waiting outside my flat when I got home a little while later. She was glancing at her watch when I first saw her and then she breathed a sigh of relief when she saw me. “There you are,” she said, “I thought you were done at the clinic at five. Did Farina make you stay longer?” “No, but I had to go send my potion to testing,” I said as I unlocked the door, “You know you could've gone to Matt's and gotten the spare key. You didn't have to wait outside.” “I did,” Victoire replied as we walked inside, “He wasn't home. Neither was Albus.” “Albus had to leave again today,” I said, “Oh, right, Matt had to work late tonight.” “Well, it doesn't matter. You're here now. I just have to be home by eight because Teddy's got night duty at eight-thirty,” Victoire said as she sat down on the couch. Teddy was an Auror and his hours were worse than Victoire's. The two of them were lucky if they were able to pass each other in the doorway. Sophie spent a lot of time either at my place or with her grandparents. She didn't mind, though. Teddy and Victoire were lucky she was such an easy going kid. “So, why were you loitering around my door waiting for me to come home?” I asked as I put a pot of water on the stove and dug out a box of pasta. “Are you working the day after the full moon?” Victoire asked. “No,” I turned around and looked at Victoire, “Farina gave me the day of and the day after off. Why, is she making you work that day?” “Yes,” Victoire sighed and put her head down on the table, “I got the day of off, but she won't give me the day after off. And Teddy's got to work that day, too.” “Don't worry,” I told her, “I'll watch Sophie. Just drop her off here before you go to work.” “Thanks,” Victoire said, “I just hate being away from her the day after.” Sophie may have been a very easy going child, but there was one thing that set her apart from other kids her age. Sophie Nymphadora Lupin was a werewolf. Wolfsbane worked fine for her, but she was still incredibly exhausted the day of and the day after full moons. Victoire and Teddy had found out about it while Victoire was still pregnant. Starting in the second trimester, Sophie became incredibly restless during full moons. Victoire, being a Healer, and Teddy, being the son of a werewolf, noticed this and Victoire had a test done to find out if the baby had lycanthropy. It came back positive. The remainder of the pregnancy had been incredibly stressful. Lycanthropic babies are incredibly rare and nobody really knew what was going to happen. Victoire had had to take Wolfsbane and spend every full moon in St. Mungo's, in case the baby transformed. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief when Victoire gave birth to a seemingly perfectly healthy baby. Sophie did not transform until she was almost three. Nobody knew why and we still don't know. Victoire and Teddy had started her on Wolfsbane as soon as she was born, but nothing ever happened until she was almost three. Teddy and Victoire tried hard to make sure at least one of them didn't have to work the day of and the day after full moons, but every once in a while they both had to work. If that happened on a full moon, I stayed with Sophie at their house. If it was the day after, Sophie would come stay with me. There had yet to be a full moon where Teddy, Victoire, and I all had to work. We had a back-up plan that if that ever happened, one of my parents would stay with her. Sophie was actually the most well-adjusted werewolf I had ever met. She didn't seem to care one bit that she was a werewolf and went through transformations in stride. Victoire left a little while later and then Matt showed up for dinner, as he often did when Albus was gone. He didn't really like to cook and even though my own cooking was mediocre, he said it was better than his. ****** The next day at work was just one of those days where nothing went right. First, the bloke who had been attacked by a manticore took a turn for the worse. He wasn't responding to conventional treatment. Healer Sterling took over his case because he had more experience with that sort of thing. Jamie had a high fever the entire day that potions just didn't seem to fix. It finally decreased at the end of the day, but he had barely woken up at all. George and Candace were tense the entire day and were taking it out on Kyle, who really didn't know what was going on. Eventually I had Kyle play in my study while I did paperwork just to give everyone a break. I knew all too well what it was like to be in Kyle's shoes. What I really needed after that day was to go to the Leaky Cauldron with Victoire and Teddy and get my mind off of work, but instead I went to visit Cinda with Matt. Visiting a nursing home does absolutely nothing to lift one's spirits. Cinda's nursing home is like a palace. It's a state of the art facility where all the residents get their own rooms that are decorated to look like living quarters in a castle. A king's castle, not Hogwarts. It costs a fortune to live there, but Cinda's got loads of money. Matt and I arrived shortly after dinner was over and the receptionist told us that Cinda was in her room. Cinda's room was decorated with pink and a lot of flowery patterns. There were a lot of pictures of Mum as a kid and a few of Matt and I as kids. Plus there are a few of Cinda and Richard. “Cinda?” I asked loudly and knocked on the door as we walked inside her room. “Oh, Amy! Matt!” she shouted, “I was wondering when you'd come see me.” Cinda has lost none of her wit as she's gotten older. She's still as sharp as she was when she was young. It's her body that's going. She's just gotten old. She can't walk very well and uses a wheelchair. Her hearing's gone as well. “Hi, Cinda,” I said as I gave her a hug, “How are you feeling?” “As well as can be expected,” she replied, “Now, Amy, where on earth did you get that sweater? It's positively dreadful.” “It's what I wear under my work clothes,” I said as I sat down on the couch, “No one can see it.” I didn't think the sweater was that bad. It was brown and white striped. At least it didn't have any reindeer on it. Then it would be an awful sweater. “Oh, happy birthday, Amy!” Cinda said. “Thanks,” I smiled. “I have to tell you this, Amy. You know the lady who lives across the hall? Well, her daughter just got arrested. Can you believe that? She robbed a grocery store...” Cinda said. I spent the rest of the evening listening to Cinda gossip about the various ladies who lived in the nursing home. Some things never changed. Each time I visited Cinda was the same. The gossip was different, but it was always there. Cinda never seemed to tire, either. Most older people went to bed at seven or eight at night. Not Cinda. She always kept talking until one of the nurses came in and told us visiting hours were over. I never really minded. Some of the gossip was boring, but it obviously kept Cinda happy and there wasn't much else to do in a nursing home. She had been so depressed after Richard died; it was nice to see her happy again. “Cinda,” one of the nurses said as she knocked on the door, “I'm afraid visiting hours are over.” Cinda sighed, “Well, don't wait so long before you next visit.” “I won't,” I got up and gave her another hug. Then I nudged Matt awake. He never really had the tolerance for Cinda's gossip. “Hmm?” Matt asked. “Time to go, Sleeping Beauty,” I grinned. “Shut it,” he muttered and then turned to Cinda, “We'll be back soon.” “Good,” Cinda told him, “And no falling asleep next time.” “Merlin, that place is too pink,” I said to Matt as we walked towards a back alley to disapparate. “It's like your room at her house,” Matt laughed. “Seriously, one room should not have that much pink,” I said, “If I ever have kids, none of them are going to have pink rooms.” We took a break in the conversation to disapparate and reappeared a few blocks away from our building. “What if one of them likes pink?” Matt asked. “Then they can paint their room pink when they're older,” I told him, “Do you want to come over and have dessert or something?” “Nah,” Matt shook his head, “I think I'm just going to go to bed.” I left him at his flat and then climbed up the stairs to mine, where I drowned my work sorrows in a pint of chocolate ice cream. Chocolate didn't solve everything, but it never hurt things either. ****** “You've got an owl,” Natalie handed me a letter as I ran out of my study the next day. I thanked her and pocketed it. I was late for clinic duty. Farina was going to murder me. I didn't even have a good reason. I had been reading a potions book in my study and lost track of the time. Three minutes late. I skidded into the clinic three minutes late. In Farina's book, that was nearly as bad as skipping a shift all together. “Eckerton!” Farina shouted as I grabbed a chart off the nurse's station desk. “I'm sorry!” I shouted back. “Consider this your warning,” she told me. She must have been feeling generous that day. Farina didn't give warnings. They just weren't her thing. I didn't have time to open the letter until after the clinic was closed. I made sure to stay an extra three minutes and then went back to my study. Sterling was on call that night and was in his study doing charts. He looked up when I walked past. “Are you going to be in on Friday?” he asked. “For a little while,” I answered, “I have to, for Jamie. But I'm also watching Sophie that day. I might have to bring her with me, depending on whether Matt's well enough to keep an eye on her.” The letter was quite wrinkled after having been shoved so hastily into my pocket. I hoped it wasn't anything too important. I sat down in my chair and ripped it open. [i]Amy, Matt never came into work today. Could you check up on him when you get out? Love, Dad[/i] I sighed and started to get my things together. Matt usually only missed work the day of the full moon and then two days after. “See you Friday,” I said to Morris on my way out of the room. “Bye, Amy,” he replied. There was not much food in my flat, so I stopped by the Magical Market on my way back. I have the tendency to wait until the last minute to grocery shop and the day I was forced to do it was never convenient. I finished in record time and put it haphazardly away before going down to Matt's flat. He had given me a spare key when he moved in, so I just went right inside. Matt and Albus's flat was the same lay-out as mine, but it looked drastically different. The place was filled with mismatched furniture and absolutely nothing was put away. My flat was organized chaos, theirs was just chaos. It wasn't nearly as bad as John and Kaden's, which I had only seen on one occasion, but it was still a mess. It was so quiet that it almost seemed like no one was home. I headed straight to Matt's bedroom. The door was shut and I opened it as quietly as I could. Matt was sound asleep in bed, buried under numerous blankets. His face was flushed and a wave of my wand told me he had a fever. I gently nudged him and he rolled over and opened one eye. “Ugh,” he groaned. “How do you feel?” I asked. “Like shit,” he muttered, “What time is it?” “Just after seven,” I told him, “Did you know you slept through work?” “Oh Merlin,” he said, “I haven't done that in months.” “It's ok. Dad understands,” I told him. “No one else would,” Matt said. “No one else needs to,” I replied, “Now you're staying with me until tomorrow night.” “I don't want to move,” he mumbled. “I told you not to stay up late with your friends this past weekend,” I said as I pulled the covers off the bed, “Maybe next time you'll listen. Now come on, you've got a fever and you need potions.” “Ok, I'm getting up,” he said. It took us a while to get back to my flat because Matt kept stumbling. He looked a little drunk, which earned us two weird stares from various tenants. It had been so much easier when we were kids and Mum and Dad could carry him. In some ways I never get away from work. I mean, obviously I leave the hospital and go home, but there's still work to do there. Between Matt and Sophie, there's always something that needs to be done when I'm not at St. Mungo's. This was especially evident around the full moon. Me practically dragging Matt to my flat was a normal occurrence, especially if Albus wasn't home. I helped Matt into the spare bedroom and then went to get him his usual potions. I could probably dole them out in my sleep I've done it so many times. Once I'd gotten him settled, I cooked myself dinner and settled down to read for the evening. However, I couldn't concentrate. Usually I could read for hours, but that night was different. There was something I had been thinking about doing for a long time and I couldn't put off deciding about it any longer. When I first started my Healer training, I decided to keep my work and family life separate. What that meant was that I never have told any of my patients about Matt. It was his secret to share and I never thought it would be fair to me to tell people about it, even if they were other werewolves. It hadn't been easy. I couldn't count the number of times I'd been yelled at by newly bitten werewolves who insisted that I had no idea what it was like. I'd assured so many of them that they could live normal lives and half of them sneered at me, telling me I was just saying that to be nice. They'd had no idea how much experience I'd had. Mum was the same way. A few years ago she founded the Lycanthropic Children's Foundation. Never once has she told anyone her real reasons for starting it. It's a strange organization as it's built on secrets. None of the active members have said they have a child with lycanthropy, but quite a few of them do. I know due to the fact that I'm many of the children's Healer. Mum's the President, I'm the Vice-President, and Victoire is the Treasurer. There was one family whom I wanted to tell about Matt. I wanted them to know that I knew what they were going through, wanted them to know why I was working so hard on the Wolfsbane Potion. Jamie's family. If only they could really know that Jamie could live a normal life. If only they could know that another werewolf had attended Hogwarts. His parents could benefit so much from talking to my parents. The idea had really gotten me thinking. What if we got rid of the secrets in the Lycanthropic Children's Foundation? What if we branched out to offer support for parents and children alike? As of right now we focused on raising money and distributing it to those children who suffered from lycanthropy to help with medical bills and to buy Wolfsbane. Support groups would do wonders. Parents could talk to other parents and children could play with one another. Matt hadn't really had any friends until he got to Hogwarts. If he'd known other children with lycanthropy when he was little, maybe he wouldn't have been such a shy kid. My mind was racing. Was this a good idea? Nobody who was a part of the Foundation would be angered to find out who was a werewolf, right? Otherwise they wouldn't be in the Foundation. I'd have to bring it up at the next meeting. I stayed up half the night working on the proposal for the next meeting. Mum would want most of the details hammered out before I brought it up. It was nearly one in the morning when I finally decided to call it a night.
DucksRMagical Joined: 28 December 2006 Posts: 2535 Location: Going through LeakyCon withdrawal	Posted: Wednesday 24 February 2010 11 51 54 am    Post subject: Re: Albus potter and the Path Left Untrodden in topic:Albus potter and the Path Left Untrodden Chapter 24: Darker Times Lunch was very subdued the next day. Most people had slept quite late since it was a Saturday. Every student of Hogwarts had their nose in a copy of the Prophet, be it their own or a friend's. The staff table looked the same, with every professor either reading the Prophet or whispering with another professor, no doubt about what they'd read. Albus was reading Georgia's Prophet as she had finished with it and made a mental note to start subscribing himself. All of his friends were peering over his shoulders. Even Linda was hovering around them, a foot or so away. [i][b]HOGSMEADE SHOPKEEPER MURDERED[/b] A disturbance in Dervish and Banges late yesterday evening that sent one Hogsmeade resident to Hogwarts to find the Auror on duty lead to the discovery of the death of a shopkeeper. Leroy Wisander, 42, the ten-year owner of Dervish and Banges was pronounced dead on the scene by Ministry Aurors yesterday evening. His shop had been broken into and it showed signs of a struggle. Wisander was discovered in the middle of destroyed merchandise with his wand laying a few feet away. Aurors confirmed that he was killed with the killing curse. An extensive search of Hogsmeade, the forest, Hogwarts, and its grounds turned up nothing despite the hours Aurors spent searching. No fingerprints were found on the scene. Aurors will be devoting time to finding Wisander's killer and a possible motive. Leroy Wisander had owned Dervish and Banges for a little over ten years, when he purchased the shop from its previous owners who retired. However, Wisander is more known for the scathing editorials he writes for this very newspaper. Anyone who knew Wisander knew he was a man of very strong opinion and did not hesitate to let others know his opinions. His most recent editorials have explored the subject of werewolf, vampire, and other so called 'half-breeds' rights. Aurors have declined comment on whether they believe Wisander's editorials are a possible motive for his murder. Wisander's obituary can be found on page five.[/i] Albus set the paper down and his friends all resumed their seats. Nobody said a word for a few minutes. Albus didn't know what to think. The article certainly made it seem like Wisander was killed because of his beliefs. However, it didn't exactly say what his beliefs were. Albus hadn't ever read any of his editorials, so he couldn't say either. “What kind of editorials did he write?” Matt asked quietly. “I have no idea,” Albus replied, looking at his friend whose face was quite pale, “Want to go to the room?” “Yeah,” Matt nodded, “I'm not really hungry.” Albus got up and was followed by all of his friends. John and Kaden each grabbed a stack of toast before leaving. Even Rose and Amanda went with them instead of going off to study with Linda. “Have any of you read his editorials?” Matt asked as soon as they were in the Marauder's Den. Nobody had read them. Not even Rose. Matt sighed and collapsed onto one of the couches. “I've got to find out what they were about. I don't even know which would be better, him being for or against werewolf rights. If he's for them, that means some bloke is on the loose killing people for wanting werewolf rights.” Matt didn't even have to continue for Albus to know why that worried him. Matt's dad was possibly the biggest proponent of werewolf rights in all of Britain and everyone knew it. If someone had been killed just for writing about werewolf rights, what would happen to someone who was actually passing laws for them? “That might not be why Wisander was killed,” Rose pointed out. “Why else would someone have killed him?” Matt asked, “He was just a shop owner in Hogsmeade.” “Why did someone kill Professor Torro?” John replied, “He wasn't even writing any editorials or anything.” “To scare people,” Albus said quietly, “The Defense teacher position used to be cursed, back when our parents were in school.” “Well, I don't think you should worry until you find out what the editorials are about,” Rose said to Matt. “The other option isn't much better,” Matt muttered, “If he didn't write editorials for werewolf rights, then he wrote them against them.” Albus thought Matt had a point, but he kept his mouth shut. Any way you looked at it, this murder pointed to the fact that things were changing. Aurors had been patrolling Hogwarts for months, but Albus had quickly adjusted to that and didn't really think much about it, but maybe there was more happening outside of Hogwarts than Albus was aware of. “Let's go to the library,” Rose said as she stood up, “They'll have old copies of the Prophet there.” Everyone agreed with this and they set off to the library. When they arrived, they were surprised to find how crowded it was. Usually Saturdays were the days everyone put off their homework and then Sundays were spent in the library. Once they stepped inside, Albus saw that everyone was looking through old copies of the Prophet. Nearly every table had a few newspapers on it and a few students poring over them. Madam Pince was bustling about, no doubt worrying about whether the students would rip her precious newspapers. “Might not be any left,” John muttered. “This is good,” Albus replied, “Now it won't look suspicious for us to be investigating.” John was almost right. There was a very small stack of newspapers left. Albus grabbed them all and then they went to a secluded table towards the back of the library. Albus, Matt, and Rose each took a newspaper while John, Kaden, and Amanda played tic-tac-toe on a spare bit of parchment. Albus leafed through his newspaper, which was about two years old, until he got to the editorial section. In the very middle, in the biggest font, was an editorial by Leroy Wisander. [i][b]HEALERS, BREWERS TO BLAME, NOT MINISTRY OFFICIALS[/b] As I was locking up my shop last night, I noticed that it was a full moon. I could not help but think of the poor people plagued with lycanthropy currently shut up while attacking themselves. Now, I know what you all are thinking. Wolfsbane. The stuff works miracles if taken correctly. However, it does no good if it's sitting in St. Mungo's and not being used by witches and wizards with lycanthropy. The stuff is expensive. I myself did the calculations and discovered that it would be extremely difficult for anyone with a low income to afford it. And what kind of jobs are lycanthropes often stuck with? Menial, low-paying ones. The jobs where they make hardly enough money to pay the rent and buy food, let alone purchase a potion that could alter their lives for the better. I am absolutely appalled that Healers and potion brewers charge for this important potion. They must be making a nice profit. They can use the profits to take extravagant holidays while the poor witches and wizards who buy it struggle to afford it. There is only so much Ministry officials can do. Head of Werewolf Support Services, Walter Eckerton, says he would love to give away free Wolfsbane, but there just isn't room for it in the budget. What do I propose? I propose that Healers and potion brewers give it away for free. They have the abilities to brew it, not the Ministry. Most Healers claim to love helping people, but often it is those who need it most, such as those with lycanthropy, are often forced to go without, all because those with the abilities to brew it like to have a little extra spending money.[/i] “Nothing in this one,” Rose said as she shoved hers aside. “This one's got one about vampires,” Matt said as he set his paper on top of Rose's. “Read this,” Albus handed Matt his paper, “Wisander even mentions your dad.” Matt took the paper and he and Rose began to read it. John, Amanda, and Kaden peered over as well. Albus sat and waited while they read. “Let's go back to the room,” Matt said as soon as he'd finished reading it. Albus nodded and they returned the newspapers and walked as fast as they could back to the Marauder's Den. “Bloody Hell, that bloke must have had so many enemies!” John shouted as soon as they were back. “I know,” Albus agreed, “And that one's from two years ago. Imagine what he's written recently.” “Why did he have to mention my dad?” Matt groaned, “He made it sound like my dad agrees with that editorial and he definitely doesn't.” “He was just trying to stir something up,” Rose replied, “And look where it got him.” “Healers aren't like that. Most of the ones I've met would give away free Wolfsbane, but it's more complicated that that. The ingredients are expensive and it takes forever to brew. Not to mention how difficult it is. There aren't many Healers who can brew it and even most brewers can't brew it,” Matt explained. “That bloke didn't know the half of it,” John agreed, “My dad's a Healer and he'd love to give away free potions. It just doesn't work that way.” “My dad's linked with that bloke,” Matt said quietly, “And now that he's head of the entire department, he'll be passing more laws. Whoever killed Wisander's not going to be happy.” “Your dad's a really good wizard, though,” Albus pointed out to his worried friend, “Plus he works at the Ministry, where there are loads of Aurors milling about. And your house is more protected than any other house I've seen, well, except the Minister's Mansion.” “I know, but it's still not good,” Matt sighed. Albus couldn't argue with that. Something was going on outside of Hogwarts. Something far more important than the Quidditch tournament and the dueling tournament. ****** Albus and his friends scoured the Daily Prophet every morning the following week. Every day there was an article about Wisander, the investigation, or both. So far the investigation had turned up nothing. The Aurors had questioned quite a few people, namely those very outspoken against werewolf and vampire rights, but the search had proved fruitless. The articles about Wisander were far more interesting. It seemed that his editorial about Wolfsbane Potion was one of the tamer ones. Each day little pieces of his various editorials were being published. In one, he stated the reasons why werewolves shouldn't be locked up on full moons. The reasons were quite absurd, but the Prophet had printed it anyway. Another editorial talked about why vampires should be allowed access to humans to bite. He suggested using prisoners and allowing vampires to suck them dry. Thus helping vampires and reducing prison costs at the same time. “I reckon this bloke was off his rocker,” John announced at breakfast the following Sunday. He had just finished reading an article about how Wisander spent a year living with a vampire tribe in Turkey when he was young. They were some of the few people actually up at an early hour, as Albus had Quidditch practice and John had a morning detention with Filch for putting dungbombs in the toilets in Moaning Myrtle's bathroom the previous day. “That's a nice way of putting it,” Albus said as he served himself more eggs. “What are you doing after Quidditch practice?” John asked. “After Quidditch?” Albus laughed, “You mean, I'm going to get to leave eventually? Wood won't make us practice for the next week? I thought he was going to keep going until the actual match on Saturday.” “He's got to let you out for class,” John grinned. “What a shame,” Albus rolled his eyes, “Anyway, I'll probably have to do homework, since practice will go until late. How about you? Any plans for after detention?” “Thought I might earn another detention,” John grinned, “But Kaden's busy with chess club this afternoon-” “Wait,” Albus nearly choked on his juice, “Kaden joined the chess club? Kaden? Kaden Dursley?” “Know any other Kadens?” John laughed, “Rose said they want to teach him how to play properly, you know, like a challenge of sorts.” “I'll tell Rose good luck with that,” Albus said. “Yeah, so both Kaden and Rose will be busy with that. Not that Rose would want to earn detention with me anyway. And Amanda's doing something with Linda today, homework, I think. And I doubt Matt will be up for doing anything,” John continued. “Right,” Albus said, remembering that the full moon was that night, “But you did the dungbombs on your own.” “But it's not as fun,” John sighed, “I guess I'll just hang around the den with Matt. I can have a nice one-sided conversation.” “You can do your homework,” Albus told him. “Nope, I'm waiting until you get back for that,” John said. “Well, have fun in your detention. I've got to get to practice,” Albus said as he got up. There were a few choice words Albus had for practice that day. Long, grueling, and intense. Wood was in his finest form as he ordered the team to do drills hour after hour. He seemed to get more and more stressed as the day wore on. James did a lot of one-on-one training with Teddy and Albus was more than a little envious. Teddy was a much more patient captain than Wood was and yelled a whole lot less. Tyler Pike mostly helped Wood. Wood let them have a short break for lunch, making sure they knew to come back afterwards. Albus heard the Slytherins on the team talking about skipping out of the rest of practice, but they were back on the pitch at the time Wood told them to be. The afternoon was very similar to the morning and Albus found that he could tune out Wood's yelling quite easily. It was similar to tuning out his mum's yelling. Practice finally ended at three, when the New York team walked onto the pitch and demanded they leave, because they had booked the pitch for three o'clock that day. “Remember, practice Tuesday evening!” Wood shouted as the whole team rushed to get off the pitch. Albus trudged back to the castle tired and shivering. He went straight to Gryffindor Tower and took a very long, hot shower and then set off to find his friends. Rose, Amanda, and Linda were in the common room, but the boys weren't. Albus figured they were in the Marauder's Den and set off to look for them after saying a quick hello to the girls. John and Kaden were in the middle of a heated game of Exploding Snap when Albus walked into the Marauder's Den a few minutes later. John's face was full of ash, but Kaden's was quite clean. There was also a big grin on his face which contrasted the scowl on John's face. Matt was laying on the couch facing them, like he had been watching the game, but he was sound asleep. “Albus!” Kaden shouted, “How was practice?” “Grueling. Wood's ten times worse than Georgia. Five hours we were out there. Five bloody hours in the cold!” Albus groaned as he collapsed onto the other couch. “Better than scrubbing Moaning Myrtle's bathroom with a toothbrush,” John muttered, “I don't know what was worse, the scrubbing or listening to Myrtle.” “All three of you are so cheery today,” Kaden said, “So many complaints.” “Can you blame us?” Albus muttered. “No, not really,” Kaden shrugged. “How was chess?” Albus asked. “I got beaten by every single person in the chess club,” Kaden shook his head, “But they think I have potential.” “Albus,” John said as the cards blew up in his face again, “Have you done that Defense essay? “No,” Albus groaned. “I need your help,” John said as he got up and started digging around in his bag. Albus groaned again and fished around in his own bag for his Defense book. Balladanis wanted a foot long essay about basilisks, which were the current dark creature of the week. John sat down at the table while Albus lay on the couch. He just couldn't bring himself to get up and do his essay. Instead, he mumbled answers to John whenever he asked a question. “Do you hatch the chicken egg under a frog or a toad?” John asked. “Toad,” Albus mumbled. “You know, I could pull a Rose and tell you to do your essay,” John replied. “Don't even bother,” Albus said. Even Rose wouldn't be able to get him off the couch. “Quidditch seems less grueling than football,” Kaden commented, “I mean, you fly, you don't run.” Albus lifted his head up and glared at Kaden. “Wood had us doing push-ups and running laps.” “Really?” Kaden sounded surprised, “Why?” “To get us into shape after the holiday,” Albus answered, “So yes, Quidditch is a lot of work.” “Ok, ok,” Kaden muttered as he located some of his own homework. Albus managed to get in a somewhat comfortable position on the couch and wrote his essay with his book and parchment perched on his knees. It beat sitting at the table; at least he was able to sort of lie down. A few hours later both Albus and John had their essays completed. Kaden was still scribbling furiously on whatever homework he was working on. “We should probably wake him up,” Albus gestured to Matt, who had not moved one muscle since Albus had came back from practice. John got up and began to prod Matt's arm. It took a good two minutes for Matt to open his eyes. “It's nearly six,” John told him. “Then I should probably go,” Matt mumbled, “Oh, Albus, you're back from practice.” “Yeah,” Albus nodded, “It was really long, though.” “I'll go with you to the hospital wing,” John said and Matt did not object. Albus assured him they'd visit him the next day and then they left, leaving Albus and Kaden alone in the room. John returned a little while later and the three of them went down to dinner. They returned to the Marauder's Den afterwards and John and Kaden continued working on their homework while Albus slept on the couch. ****** “Albus, get up!” Albus mumbled something incoherently and rolled over in his bed. It felt far too early to wake up. “Albus!” Whoever was shouting was now prodding him in the side. Albus opened his eyes and saw Teddy standing over his bed. A glance at the clock told him that, yes, it was far too early to wake up. It was six in the morning. On a Saturday. Yes, it was the day of the Quidditch match against New York, but that wasn't until one o'clock and Albus was only a reserve player anyway. “Albus, you'd better get up now. Wood's in the common room,” Teddy whispered. That got Albus's attention. His eyes shot back open and he sat up. “What?” “Fielding's sick,” Teddy told him, “You're playing today.” Now Albus was wide awake. “Seriously? What about O'delle?” Hailey O'delle was the other reserve Chaser, a seventh year Slytherin. “She's sick, too,” Teddy explained, “The two of them are going out, so it doesn't surprise me.” Albus took that to mean that Teddy thought they were snogging and one got the other sick. “I'll be down in two minutes,” Albus muttered. Teddy nodded and left. Albus threw on a t-shirt and a pair of jeans before running down to the common room, where he found Oliver Wood pacing in front of the empty fire. “Albus,” he said as soon as Albus stepped into the common room, “You're playing Chaser today.” Albus nodded and sat down for what was sure to be a very long speech. Wood paused and then launched into an explanation of tactics, which Albus had already heard during practices that week. He couldn't figure out why he had to be woken up at six to be told he was playing. Wood could have accomplished the same thing at ten. Wood and Teddy left after Wood finished lecturing Albus and Albus considered going back to bed, but as he was wide awake, it would be pointless. Part of Wood's speech had been on the weather, which was cold and slightly snowy. Could be worse, Albus thought. At least there wasn't a blizzard. The conditions were very similar to those they had been practicing in all week. Albus sat in the common room reading a book he found laying around until his friends got up around ten. “There you are,” Matt, who was looking significantly better than he had a few days ago, said, “What time did you get up?” “Six,” Albus muttered, “Teddy got me up. Wood had to tell me I'm playing Chaser today.” “What?” Matt shouted, “That's brilliant!” “This is great, Albus!” John grinned, “But why?” “Fielding's sick and so is the other reserve Chaser,” Albus explained, “I'm just glad we're playing New York and not Australia.” Albus went to the Great Hall to eat lunch with his friends, but he wasn't really hungry. He didn't think he had ever been more nervous for a Quidditch match. This was a really important match, as Wood had pointed out numerous times. If they won by a wide enough margin, they'd be in second place. Word had gotten around that Albus was playing in the match and numerous people came over to the Gryffindor table to wish Albus luck. “Al,” Harry sat down next to Albus. “Dad,” Albus smiled. He hadn't been sure if his dad was coming to the match or not. “I'll be watching the whole time. I'm sure you're going to do great. Just think of it as a match against another house. Ravenclaw, I guess, since their robes are blue,” Harry grinned, “Good luck.” “Thanks,” Albus replied. Albus left with the rest of the Hogwarts team a few minutes later. All his friends wished him good luck as he left the Hall. Nobody talked much as they changed into their robes. Everyone sat down afterwards, ready for Wood's pre-match speech. However, Wood seemed to be all speeched out. He merely said that they'd trained well and to give it their all. Albus was a little shocked by the shortness of the speech, but quickly got over it as he walked out onto the pitch.