Hi, my name is Sarah Taverner and I have been asked by the Mod Squad to write a synopsis of the ‘Story So Far’ for the HP-Hogwarts Role-Play E-Group.
These books I am leaning on – well those are the bound copies of the transcripts! Only kidding of course but at last count there were over 1200 printed out pages which is a lot of reading.
As a new player you may decided you’d like to read back a little or get a feel for the larger story. The most recent transcript and messages on the Yahoo server will bring you up to date with the current plots that are ongoing.
Usually when something comes up which hasn’t been referred to in a while you will find the Role Player will say something to put in context – a bit like those ‘previously on ….’ you get on American TV series to refresh your memory. Plus, if something is obscure you can always ask in or out of character for clarification.
There are as many stories in Hogwarts as there are students and these transcripts represent the lives of a few students at the school. As they are more current, the later transcripts tend to be covered in more detail.
Also, I am just picking up on highlights in each transcript and not every interaction or event. Some players post very infrequently or join for a while and then leave. I have tended to concentrate on those characters that have remained in play for a while. You will find under Characters on the web site the individual backgrounds of these kids. Some players who are part of the transcripts are no longer with us and a few of these also have short profiles on the charcter page. The numbers in parenthesis on the index below are the consecutive page numbers.
Transcript 1: Original Story So Far
(1-45)
Transcript 2 – A Trip to Hogsmeade
(46-65)
Transcript 3 - A Death at Hogwarts
(66-101)
Transcript 4 – Life Continues at
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry (102-124)
Transcript 5 – Visitors and Riddles
(125-152)
Transcript 6 - Secrets, the Riddle
and a Dream: the Day of the Ball (153-175)
Transcript 7 - The Yule Ball and
the Katnapping (176-210)
Transcript 8 – The End of Term
Adventure (211-270)
Transcript 9 – A New Term Begins:
Arrivals and Departures (271-306)
Transcript 10 – An Eventful
Afternoon. (307-359)
Transcript 11 – Lessons, Encounters
and Conflicts (360-423)
Transcript 12 - Howlers and Flowers
- January to St. Valentine's Day (424-469)
Transcript 13 - The Valentine's Day
Feast (470-521)
Transcript 14 - Valentine's Day
Feast Aftermath (522-578)
Transcript 15 - Plots Hatched, Love
Ruined - A Typical Day Out in Hogsmeade (579-619)
Transcript 16: A Sunday at Hogwarts
(620-645)
Transcript 17 - Hogwarts Spring
Break - Part 1 (646-691)
Transcript 18 - Visitors and
Returns: Spring Break - Part 2. (692-736)
Transcript 19 - That Same Evening
to End of the Holidays (737-781)
Transcript 20 - First Morning of
the Final Term (782-832)
Transcript 21: The Longest Lunch
(833-859)
Transcript 22 - The Rest of the
First Day of Term (860-931)
Transcript 23 - A May Evening's
Frolics (932-989)
Transcript 24 - Dares and
Revelations (990-1046)
Transcript 25 - A Stormy Afternoon
(1047-1099)
Transcript 26 - An Evening of
Revelations (1100-1143)
Transcript 27 - The Reckoning
(1144-1200)
Transcript 1: Original Story So Far (1-45) Top of the Index
The story started at the first night Feast when the Headmaster, Professor Dumbledore, made an announcement that this year the Forbidden Forest was even more forbidden than usual and that also Greenhouse 6 was out of bounds. Naturally the kids were curious. Even more so later that same night when quite a lot of students at the school had very weird dreams about the forest and were hearing thumping noises.
Some of the students decided to investigate. For a while the usual House rivalry held sway. One plucky Slytherin girl stood up at breakfast the morning after the dream and asked how many students had nightmares. Throughout the time this girl Ceridwyn was always trying to encourage people to work together and later on that rally for co-operation was echoed by Elizabeth Hawkwood, a Gryffindor girl who had recently returned to Britain after living in Italy.
One of the Slytherin girls Morticia Lagrand, whose grandmother was a famous seer, had a vision in Divination class in which she also saw strange things happening in the forest and that a girl was missing!
This turned out to be Madison Avalon, an American student, who had wandered into the Forest and become lost. Morticia's vision allowed Professor Dumbledore and others to find her quickly. She had passed out after seeing a dark figure in the forest.
Two Ravenclaw friends, Kathryn Black and Josslin Remus, decided to try to get to the bottom of things. After a visit to Hagrid’s hut they also travelled to the Forbidden Forest using a technique called ‘borrowing’. Basically they borrowed Kat’s pet cat Scully as a vehicle for their minds. However, not only did they see strange things on their trip to the Forest but they were also seen by a sinister figure that seemed to be brewing a potion of some type.
Amid these dramatic events, other things went on as well such as Quidditch trials. One of the new transfers students named Marvo seemed to rub quite a few people up the wrong way but he also seemed to know more than most about what was going on. So did a Slytherin Third Year named Egreen Gedward. Oh yeah Egreen kept carrying around a large black book he'd bought in Knockturn Alley - he accidentally dropped it one day in front of Marvo who commented to Madison that it 'reeked of Dark Arts'.
The Slytherin/Gryffindor tension wasn't helped out by the existence of a 'family feud' between the families of Morticia Lagrand and Yvette Monclere.
As the students were Third Years they were able to have an outing to Hogsmeade. They had their first trip there in October and it turned out to be a very momentous day.
Transcript 2 – A Trip to Hogsmeade (46-65) Top of the Index
Title says it all. This is the first time for the kids to visit the village and a lot happens. First off they see a news item in The Daily Prophet that says two Dementors had been 'lost' by the Ministry of Magic. Any connection with the events in the Forest? Way too early to know for sure!
Much of the action takes place either in the Three Broomsticks (3Bs) and the Bookshop. The Slytherin and Gryffindor Third Years carry on their inter-House baiting of each other until Morticia Lagrand makes a move to chat with Madison Avalon who had been in her dream the previous night.
The Gryffindor party is disturbed by the arrival of a handsome young wizard who appears to have an appointment with Elizabeth Hawkwood. This young man’s name is Marcus Falconer. Marvo mentioned above seems more than a little interested in this arrival. He knows Elizabeth from childhood, as their families were apparently neighbours and good friends as well before she moved to Italy. Kat and Joss talk about their forest encounter with Marvo, who tells them they had a lucky escape.
Morticia Lagrand also has a visitor – her father – Hades Lagrand, the Ambassador from France. He appears to be friends with Professor Snape. The two have a laugh together in the street! Snape with friends – boggles the mind! Morticia is taken aside and advised to be more polite to Marvo, whom she's been baiting.
A large group of students head for the bookshop to buy among other things muggle fiction, mysteriously bound black books as well as to talk. Andy Warden, another Gryffindor student pops up. We know from his background that his dad was a big Voldemort supporter. Andy muses over whether he has the power? Watch this space, Andy also finds a book in the bookshop.
Kat Black the Ravenclaw girl strikes up a conversation with Elizabeth and we discover that she is usually known as Nimue. We also discover that the young man Marcus has brought Nimue a gift – a peregrine falcon. Apparently a family tradition that they use falcons rather than owls. Marcus is going to give her lessons on how to ‘fly’ the bird. Lucky Nimmy!
Marvo joins the girls and Kat starts expressing definite interest in the boy – checking out with Nimue if she has any claim on his affections. Marvo seems pretty oblivious to this and any other attention from the girls. They say girls mature much earlier than boys in such matters. Right at the end another boy turns up. His name is Achel and he's been on a school field trip to the Amazon to study rare magical plants. Oh could there be a link with Greenhouse 6?
The ‘bonding’ between the Houses continues as a number of students, initiated by Ceridwyn, decide to set aside the ‘House’ stuff.
Transcript 3 - A Death at Hogwarts (66-101) Top of the Document
Another pretty straightforward title for an action packed evening and day.
On the kids return from Hogsmeade, Dumbledore makes two announcements. First off the Great Hall is being redecorated or something and for the duration the students will be sitting by Year and not House using side dining rooms. Oh joy – Professor Snape is assigned to supervise the Third Years.
Dumbledore's second announcement is that there is to be Yule Ball and the girls are to ask the boys!
Over supper both Monsieur Lagrand appears and he and Snape exchange more banter. Marcus appears and drags Nimue creating huge speculation that this is her boyfriend. Achel also turns up and he is a bit cutting towards the growing friendship between Morticia and Egreen, who turns out to be his cousin. No one believes Achel's stories about the Amazon.
Tish and her Dad have a huge fight over her 'behaviour' he threatens to take her out of school. Even Snape gets involved. Then Prof. Sprout turns up and asks Achel to come with her to Greenhouse as there is 'problem'. A bunch of the kids decide to follow while Snape and others are distracted with a very upset Morticia.
They are almost caught by Professor Sprout but Achel manages to distract her attention to allow them to escape.
Next morning at breakfast Achel casually mentions he has been given a book called 'Embracing the Light'. Egreen and Marvo are shocked and exchange 'glances'. OK those two boys are definitely up to something!
The girls discuss the Yule Ball but there is a definite undercurrent from the night before. Joss gives a note to Madison about getting together later to help Madison with the sleeping problems that's she's been having and then goes off to do some sketching. Morticia and Kat secure dates for the Yule Ball.
Yvette Monclere was also having problems sleeping. She is upset because a book she bought has vanished into a pile of ash. Marvo helps her see that this is an illusion. The book reveals itself as titled ‘Embracing the Illusion.’
Morticia and her father sort out their differences and he accepts Egreen as a suitable boyfriend for her. Then just as her father leaves Morticia has another vision. A very powerful one in which she sees a student murdered – Josslin. Basically teachers organise students into search parties. Finally she is found by her best friend Kat Black and Marvo. She indeed appears to have been murdered as in Tisha’s vision.
A Slytherin student, Riala Blackfire, does something with the body. An ancient family ritual. This appears to do something for the dead girl’s spirit. However, Snape drags her off to his office. Doing this ritual destroyed any evidence of Dark Magic that might have led them to the murderer.
The kids are understandably very upset. Kat, Marvo and Nimue end up drifting off into exhausted sleeps. Marvo has a very upsetting dream in which it is obvious he feels very guilty over Joss death. Nimue has a dream in which she encounters Joss’ ancestoress and gets a clue about her death. As a result Kat goes off to search Joss’ side of the bed and discovers her sketchbook.
Kat decides to take a walk by the lake after finding this. Nimue follows her and they have a chat. Then Marvo joins them and reveals much about his past to his two friends including the secret of why he is here at Hogwarts and why he has taken the death of Joss so hard.
Later that evening Joss' ghost confronts Kat.
Transcript 4 – Life Continues at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry (102-124) Top of the Index
Moves forward a few weeks. Again a descriptive title as the students get on with their lives. A few new students arrive. An American called Lee who knows Madison from way back, a mysterious and rather sickly boy named Kalidor and me – Sarah. I was sorted to Slytherin but as they were full could not be in that House. I still have issues!
Kat continues to investigate Joss' death. She suggests an experiment to Nimue – a mind linking one that she has been researching. The girls try it in front of a bunch of other students and find that they cannot break the contact! Marvo rushes in and breaks them apart and is very angry with them. They appear to be muddled up between their personalities, which causes some embarrassment.
Marvo tries to help Kali settle in and discover things about his past. He appears to have a dangerous talent but it’s not revealed in full.
Back in the Third Year common room where the kids tend to get together as a group, Dumbledore announces that Riala Blackfire is not under suspicion over Joss’ death. He also advises Nimue and Marvo that they are to travel to London for a joint family function.
Transcript 5 – Visitors and Riddles (125-152) Top of the Index
While Nimue and Marvo are in London Morticia’s older brother Nathan arrives for a visit. He is a keen Quidditch player and a friendly match takes place on Sunday afternoon. However, Nathan enchants a bludger which proceeds to grow teeth. It attacks Kat Black who falls off her broom to be caught just in time by Lee and me. She has to spend the night in the Hospital Wing. Nimue and Marvo return that same night to Hogwarts obviously very upset over what has happened in London and not talking to each other.
I hear some stuff between Tish and Nathan in the dungeons that suggest the boy is somewhat two-faced. Oh yeah I’d only gone there for a smoke and Marvo el Magnificent douses me in foam. Thought I was smoking a cigarette. Huh!! He and Nathan have words about the incident on the Quidditch field.
A few more weeks pass and we are now in late December.
The day before the Yule Ball Joss pops up again and presents Kat with a riddle. The next morning she shows Marvo and they start to try to work it out.
Nimue and Marvo are still not talking. She and Achel had continued to grow closer and were going to the Ball. Prof. Sprout thought they were distracting each other too much and suggested Nimue assist Prof. Snape in her spare time. Snape agreed to this as Nimue he said had a longer attention span than a goldfish – unlike most of his students. That’s Snape’s idea of a compliment.
An owl arrives with a present for Kat from Nathan who had returned to France but Marvo gets upset about it. I tease Nimue about her pathetic love life and she runs off crying. Kat curses me with a silence spell!
Transcript 6 - Secrets, the Riddle and a Dream: the Day of the Ball (153-175) Top of the Index
Nimue and Kat have words in the Hall and Kat tries to bring about reconciliation between Nimue and Marvo. Nimue seems concerned she will interfere between Kat and Marvo. Various kids get themselves last minute dates for the Yule Ball that night. Morticia, a few others and myself practice Quidditch.
The showdown between Nimue and Marvo ends with her declaring he has ruined the rest of her life and she runs off and takes refuge among the battlements.
Joss reveals herself to Andy and Marvo as well as Kat and urges them to solve the riddle. She also reveals herself partially to Morticia who is very upset over Egreen paying so little attention to her of late.
The riddle is solved and suggests that what is hidden is another book. Search centres on Ravenclaw House with a number of Ravenclaws including me and Illessa helping. Actually I am rather proud of the fact my spell revealed the book from its hiding place!
The book was called ‘Embracing the Truth’ – sound familiar?
Nimue continued to sulk. When she came down she ran into Professor Dumbledore who took her off for tea and cakes and somewhere along the line she decided to sort things out with Marvo and their ‘situation’.
Morticia comes into the Common Room with report of another dream. This one suggests that something terrible will happen at the Yule Ball and that Greenhouse 6 will explode and some of them will end up in the Forbidden Forest with something to do with snakes and books and feathers. It’s a bit of a jumble.
While Egreen comforts Tish, Achel takes off with Nimue to check out the Greenhouse. Kat returns with the book and hears about the dream. Definitely elements of it match up with her experience in the forest!
Marvo seems to be trying to distract everyone from Morticia’s dream and appears worried about the idea of going to the forest. Nimue and Achel return and everything seems OK at the Greenhouse.
Everything is put on hold as excitement builds for the Ball and costumes and dates push other things to one side.
Transcript 7 - The Yule Ball and the Katnapping (176-210) Top of the Index
The Great Hall was decorated up for the Yule Ball and everyone arrived and was having a good time.
Marvo went as a pirate and Kat as an Arabian princess. Nimue and Achel went as High Elves; Egreen and Morticia as Destiny and Death; I went as an Edwardian lady – very EM Forester! Illessa as a mermaid; Madison as a nymph; Andy as a House Elf and Yvette as a Veela; Riala came as an Angel and Peesemould as a devil; Yvette and Andy hooked up when Andy’s date Ceridwyn didn’t show up.
Professor Snape made his own fun by strangling Marvo’s stuffed parrot that was enchanted to squawk insults at people.
Nimue had asked Kat is she could borrow Marvo for a dance. She agreed but then another mysterious girl cut in and took Marvo off to the dance floor. It is soon realised it was Joss! She also goes and reveals herself to Morticia and Egreen then dramatically exits through the ceiling.
Nimue got her dance with Marvo and looked like they’d settled their differences. Then Dumbledore said something about them having been engaged – that their parents had decided to arrange a marriage between them and they'd found this out in London the previous month. Before anyone could say anything Kat had run off crying. Frankly I saw it as a good opportunity to get closer to the lovely Achel – he’d need comforting if Nimue was unavailable. Hey - don’t look at my like that - I was sorted to Slytherin after all!
Nimue and Marvo hear that Dumbledore had spilled their secret. They explained
they didn’t want to be betrothed and were trying to find a way to get their
parents to change their minds.
Of course, Kat had run outside so didn’t hear this and she’d been grabbed by a dark stranger and taken into the woods and was held captive in a hut. However, she was able to put her consciousness into her cat Scully and return to the castle.
Back in tbe Hall Marvo collapsed and was taken to the Hospital Wing. McGonagall ‘interviews’ Scully and discovers Kat within her. Kat tells McG of her plight and that Marvo has been hit by the Cruciaturs curse.
Yvette summons her book and Egreen and Achel learn of it and its companion book discovered that day by Kat. Egreen realises that now there is 4 books - one each held by a member of each house.
News of Kat’s disappearance spread fast and Dumbledore brings the Ball to an early end while a rescue party was organised. Yvette also collapses and is pronounced as suffering from exhaustion.
Nimue manages to join the search party and sees Kat rescued by McGonagall. Kat is brought back to the castle and Dumbledore says he will write the Ministry in the morning for a team of Aurors to flush out the dark wizard. The evening ends for Kat and Nimue sorting out about Marvo and affirming their friendship.
Transcript 8 – The End of Term Adventure (211-270) Top of the Index
Set the next morning. Something is very strange. The entire castle has been subject to a powerful spell. A sleeping spell – called the Briar Rose spell as it was used in the Sleeping Beauty stories. Basically they will sleep for a hundred years unless the spell can be broken.
The only ones not effected appear to be a number of Third Years who had been given an antidote by Achel and a few new students who had arrived on the Hogwarts Express.
Basically the kids have to solve the mystery of the books. Just as in Morticia’s dream Greenhouse 6 is wrecked and the strange plants that were brought back from the Amazon escape to menace the students. As the teachers are also asleep escape to the forest seems the only solution!
The rest of the transcript is the unfolding of that adventure and how the group of kids manages to bring powerful forces contained in the four books that have come into their possession to bear on the dark wizards in the woods. The murderer of Joss is revealed and Egreen is reunited with a lost member of his family. However, two other students die in the woods though one is brought back to life.
I won’t say too much more about this one as there are a lot of revelations and stuff along the way. Rest assured that finally the spell is broken Well, you knew it had to have been else they'd all be still asleep wouldn't they?
Transcript 9 – A New Term Begins: Arrivals and Departures (271-306) Top of the Index
At the start of term Lord Hawkwood, Nimue’s father who happens to be the Head of the Order of Merlin presents the Order of Merlin (Junior Class) to the students who had overcome the servant of Lord Voldemort in the woods and saved the school.
Niki Pheidippides and Ayumi Yuki – both daughters of ambassadors who were caught up in the end of term adventure formally start their schooling at Hogwarts.
However, just after the ceremony Marvo is escorted away by two WiBs (Wizards in Black). Due to his use of one of the Unforgivable Curses in the Forest he has to be taken to the Ministry for questioning. He and Kat have a tearful goodbye.
Dylan Rhydderch, a Welsh student, who had been at Hogwarts but not joined in with stuff, was immediately attracted to Niki despite his being a Gryffindor and she a Slytherin.
Two other new Slytherins arrive Arcadia and Randal Fudge the children of Cornelius Fudge, the Minister for Magic. She is spoiled beyond measure he is a sweetheart! Nathan Lagrand has also joined Hogwarts this term though he is in Fifth Year. Other students have left such as Ceridwyn and Arivel. Both Slytherins I might add but still no place for me!
Next morning classes begun. Randal Fudge makes friends with Elia Concinni, a Gryffindor Third Year who tends to keep herself to herself. At breakfast the WiBs turn up and take away Egreen. He leaves school to join his family in hiding. . Also, Kat is taken for questioning by the WiBs as well.
Dumbledore announces that all the Third Years will be having classes together even though this means doubling up. So first class is Transfiguration led by Professor McGonagall in which the students have to turn frogs into teacups. A lively session follows. Achel who had appears to be confused about where he now stands with Nimue flirts with Arcadia Fudge. This deeply upsets Nimue and she decides it is over between them. She elects to skip her next class so as not to have to see Achel and Arcadia together.
At the end of the transcript Niki finds someone has left a newspaper clipping in her textbook – about her Mother.
Transcript 10 – An Eventful Afternoon. (307-359) Top of the Index
Anew teacher arrives, Anders Grimalkin, a former Quidditch star player who had recently been released himself from Azkaban following being cleared of the charge of murdering another player. Dumbledore had given him the Defence Against the Dark Arts position. Anders is young and very handsome. He creates quite a stir. Snape appears to dislike him.
Another new student turns up at lunch. Katia von Drachenstein, a half-Veela. She immediately makes a bad impression with Snape who objects to her appearance. Ayumi’s pet, a talking white fox called Shinjiku, turns into a boggart for fun and the students get a bit of a scare and itself is put out of action by the new DADA professor. A number of students take Arithmancy class.
Anders visits Snape for some potion ingredients. He meets Nimue Hawkwood and they are immediately attracted to each other despite the age difference and he being a teacher and all. He seems a little strange and is obviously not well following his imprisonment and also hears an inner voice whom he believes is Voldemort. Oh dear!
Andy Warden is taken away for questioning by the WiBs. Something happens to sweet little Andy in their company and he transforms himself into a completely different looking, sounding and acting boy. Asriel Gtomik. He walks away from the stunned WiBs (he must have cast a spell on them too!).
Marcus Falconer, who we found out in Transcript 8 is an animagus and Nimue’s protector, read her the riot act over Anders Grimalkin. Anders had been a couple of years ahead of Marcus at Hogwarts. Marcus had admired Anders but thought he had a bad temper. Marcus also has a ‘go’ at Nimue about her blood heritage. She writes to her father about the betrothal to Marvo pleading with him to break it off.
We also meet Alpha Rich and her cat, Miss Eezy. She seems to be able to communicate with it. Alpha is a Fourth Year Slytherin who keeps herself to herself. Arcadia Fudge and Nathan Lagrand hook up. The perfect Slytherin match if you ask me!
Marcus runs into Anders and warns him off Nimue. Anders agrees but then goes for a walk by the lake and runs into her again. We never see this scene but they admit that they have feelings for each other and a major problem! Also, down by the lake is Elia. Randal sees her again there and she tells him that her Father was an Auror killed by Niki’s Mother, a former Death Eater who died in Azkaban! They’re all crawling out of the woodwork in this transcript!
Andy now Asriel is wandering about having run-ins with various folks. He collapses in front of Madison and Niki also joins to try to help. He mumbles something about the amulet he is wearing.
Anders takes very ill at dinner and while Marcus goes to find Snape he leaves Nimue alone with him! She basically gives him some of her strength and in doing so creates an even closer bond. Snape arrives and finds her holding Anders’ hand. After she is gone Snape also reads the riot act to Anders about what he perceives as Nimue’s crush on him. The ‘bad blood’ between Anders and Snape is revealed.
Though Snape admits Morticia to an exclusive option he is teaching some of his students – theoretical alchemy both she and Nathan are suddenly removed from Hogwarts by their parents who are concerned about security issues at the school.
Professor McGonagall finds Andy/Asriel with Madison and Niki and brings him to staff room so she can have assistance from her colleagues. After escorting Anders to his staff quarters, Snape returns with Marcus and they help McGonagall in sorting out the ‘transfiguration’ problem. The pendant is taken away by McGonagall once Andy is back to normal, Still the experience appears to have affected Andy quite strongly and he still appears to be muddled up inside his head.
As title said it was quite an eventful day! At the end Dumbledore announces a Valentine Day Feast with dancing to make up for the shortened Yule Ball.
Transcript 11 – Lessons, Encounters and Conflicts (360-423) Top of the Index
Starts with the morning of the second day of term. DADA is the first class and Grimalkin teaches us about the elements as well as a game involving them, which is a little like duelling. He proves a popular teacher though a couple of students get a bit personal over his having been in Azkaban. Kat returns to class and is partnered with Kalidor. After class Nimue tells Kat of her letter to her father. She tries to tell her friend about her feelings for the new professor.
Niki continues to be harassed by person or persons unknown about her mother. She speaks with Anders about it. Randal suspects Elia and warns her off by telling her the Slytherin girls are going to spring a trap.
Bit of a ruckus breaks out between Arcadia, Randal and Dylan after class and Anders gives them detention.
Care of Magical Creatures next and we meet a new student, Fiona Monroe. She is Scottish and has a haggis for a pet! She is also a major fan of Anders Grimalkin when he was a Quidditch player. Hagrid gives the students creatures called ‘tribbles’ to look after. A group of students retire to the library with their tribbles who seem to be growing in numbers at an alarming rate.
There are more fights in the library including a lot of face slapping and even some plate smashing. A very angry Madame Pince does throw out the kids. The tribbles keep multiplying. Anders creates a stir with his motorbike and black leather biking gear and Dylan and Niki become closer. Although Andy and Katia fight in the library she recognises who he 'truly' is and makes private contact. Seems she knows Asriel and can't quite understand why he looks different. Later Andy reveals to Madison that he is actually a creation of Asriel!
In the evening a few of the kids are cornered by Rita Skeeter, the Daily Prophet reporter who'd gained access to the school looking for a 'scoop'. Arcadia Fudge gave her an interview all about Niki Pheidippides with a sideswipe at Professor Grimalkin as well.
In the night we discover that Randal has an unusual talent - two rather. He can turn into a wolf and also is a dream-mage. He dreamwalks Elia and asks her to the Valentine Feast. Also, we hear something of how the House Elves 'dealt' with our tribble problem.
Transcript 12 - Howlers and Flowers - January to St. Valentine's Day (424-469) Top of the Index
The Daily Prophet published its article the next morning and there is upset at the breakfast table. Professor Snape appears to enjoy what is said about Grimalkin though. Arcadia has also finally managed to play a nasty trick on Katia, turning her plain. Arcadia receives a Howler from her Dad for talking to the Press but Nathan comforts her and asks her to the Valentine Feast. We also hear that Marvo is OK that he's back in training not Azkaban and is smuggling letters out to a few of his friends. Note that I am not on that list! He asks Nimue for lessons in being a proper boyfriend to Kat.
Then we skip forward to mid-February. There was a Hogsmeade trip and Nimue and Anders happen to meet and talk over tea and cakes plus large side order of angst. Both Niki and Anders received plenty of howlers from outraged readers of the Prophet. Niki also received a nice letter from her dad. Katia had been saying stuff about how Niki's Mother died and Niki wanted to know more. Her dad put her off going to Azkaban to see the records and warned her away from Katia. He also sent her diary that had belonged to her brother Hadrian who'd been killed just before Christmas. When she started to write in it - turned out to be enchanted and that Hadrian wrote back to her!
Nathan and Morticia are allowed to return to Hogwarts.
Dylan finally asks Niki to be his date at the Valentine Feast. Love in the air! Lots of flowers keep arriving for Kat Black. Nimue gets a letter from Marvo that indicates he really hates Anders Grimalkin. He also seems to have deduced that Dylan is her boyfriend from things she and Kat had said in their letters.
Kat teases her about Anders being her 'boyfriend' thinking it was a crush she had. Nimue points out that as he is a teacher, he could lose his job if anyone thought that was so. They talk and Kat realises there is a lot more to it than a schoolgirl crush. In Ravenclaw House they find that Marvo has filled Kat's dormitories with flowers and chocolates.
A good deal of talk about what shade of pink or red to wear takes place and we meet a quiet Ravenclaw student, Jacob who looks normal on the outside but we get some hints he's a bit odd.
In the DADA class there is a special treat - a Fire Demon and the class gets to practice dealing with fire elementals as well as talking more about elemental defences. Anders and Nimue meet up discover they can 'mind link'.
On Valentine's day excitement over the coming evening reaches a fever pitch. Cards are exchanged. Arcadia receives a stack. Alpha loses her cat, we learn of Lord Hawkwood's vision suggesting Nimue is in danger from a dragon and oh yes Nimue gives a dragon pendant to Anders as a belated birthday gift.
Various preparations take place in the Houses and elsewhere as people get ready for the dance. It's wonderful. I will point out that I didn't have a date but Kat and myself do a makeover on Fiona and she looks stunning!
Transcript 13 - The Valentine's Day Feast (470-521) Top of the Index
Love is in the air! Arcadia spikes the punch bowl, which causes a few people to act a little silly including Professors Snape and McGonagall. Lots of lovely dancing and stuff.
Marcus, who is Nimue's escort for the evening, gives she and Anders a chance to dance together which they enjoy until Marvo Ward turns up as a surprise guest and makes a big scene with them. Anders leaves to go brood.
Dylan and Niki do a lot of bonding and nasty Katia manages to bring out the Asriel side of Andy Warden again. Madison and Yvette get rather tipsy and dance like wild things! Nathan receives a Valentine message from his French girlfriend Belle. He keeps this hidden from Arcadia.
While Kat dances with Marcus, Nimue and Marvo try to sort out their differences. Andy is menaced by some friends of Katia's date, Unnamed of Slytherin. Randal and Marvo step in to help. Marvo reveals to Andy that he has returned in order to pick up the enchanted pendant on behalf of the Ministry. Marvo is an Auror in training you see. From his first day at Hogwarts he was working undercover until the events in the forest.
Niki and Dylan have a run in with Katia and her half-Veela bad side comes out. Snape intercedes and rather unfairly gives detention to Dylan and Niki. Arcadia had made an insinuation about Anders interest in her, which McGonagall overhears. She confronts Anders about this but it is obvious that he is innocent of what Arcadia has suggested.
Something weird happens to Anders after McGonagall leaves and he seems to be taken over by something or someone rather unpleasant. He goes to the classroom and releases the Fire Demon from its cage using a Dark Arts spell. Then in a strange state of mind he goes outside and collapses in the snow.
Meanwhile Kat has tried to talk Marvo into giving Anders a chance. They do to find him and discover the fire demon has escaped! They find Anders outside. He is taken to the Hospital Wing in a bad state. The fire demon wrecks havoc at the Feast. Can we ever have an evening without a disaster like this taking place!
After quite a brave effort on the parts of the students in holding it at bay, Dumbledore, McGonagall and Snape despatch it in some very impressive teamwork! Dumbledore restores the Hall and the Feast continues! Hurrah!
The teachers look into Anders situation. Nimue is allowed by the Headmaster to sit with him which she does for the rest of the evening. Conversations continue at the Feast. Morticia reveals her brother had to leave Beauxbatons because of an 'incident' but refuses to say what. Arcadia and Nathan take a walk and get closer. Kat and Marvo take a walk and get much closer - tastefully off list I might add!
Dylan and Niki finally kiss! They also talk a lot and we find out a lot about her background. Katia and Arcadia close the evening with some catty remarks.
Transcript 14 - Valentine's Day Feast Aftermath (522-578) Top of the Index
There are a few sore heads thanks to Arcadia's little trick with the punchbowl and possibly a few enhanced reputations! Yvette and Madison having danced their socks off and gotten into some close encounters with boys! I won't even mention where Kat Black spent the night. Morticia had a strange dream in which she saw a snake creeping into dorm room and into Niki's bed.
With respect to the Fire Demon incident Professor Dumbledore interviewed Anders and also looked into his mind. There he found a strange link with Anders father - a muggle who had died some years ago. He decided to investigate Anders' background and asked Snape and McGonagall for their co-operation.
Tish receives a belated Valentine from a boy named Drake, apparently a pal of Nathan's. Nathan ignores Arcadia and appears to be friendlier with Katia though there was also the matter of the message from the French girl. What a complex life that boy leads!
Professor Snape was rather dubious about the Headmaster's thoughts on Anders. Despite this he still helps save Anders life with a healing potion after his physical condition worsens. Nimue sits a vigil with Anders and has an experience in which she meets one of the Powers associated with the guardianship of the Land.
Katia has a run-in with Andy and find that he is determined to not allow Asriel out. She decides she must get hold of the pendant, which will release Asriel.
Marvo goes to the Hospital Wing and spots that Nimue is there with Anders. He's gets angry but doesn't interfere. He runs into Randal who shows him a letter from Mad Eye Moody. Apparently Randal is to accompany Marvo back to MoM with the pendant. Randal has words with Marvo about his running around sorting out his 'betrothed' and his 'second fancy'.
While the Third Years get to grips with Professor Sprout's deadly plants, Marvo jogs. He meets up with Nimue who has missed class. They ignore the subject of Anders but Marvo makes a strong declaration of his intentions not to marry her. She suggests he tell her father this.
After Herbology Niki goes to see Snape about the previous night incident surprisingly he listens to her 'little heartfelt plea' and gives back some of the points he took away. In the common room a snake appears and scares a first year - I mean what sort of students are they admitting to Slytherin House these days! Niki picks it up and chats - yep she's a parcelmouth. Something the snake said back surprised her!
In the night, Randal meets up with his girlfriend Elia in a dream to tell her he was going off for a while. Sweet. Anyway, who pops up but Arcadia and we find out a whole lot more about her power over her brother. She rather does the number of both he and Elia. Arcadia learns about the enchanted pendant this way and puts a memory charm on both Randal and Elia. Elia appears to pull away from Randal after this.
The next morning Kat comes down with wizarding measles; Fiona has an embarrassing encounter with her 'hero'; Niki has developed an itchy green rash on her right hand and wrist. Dylan also has a lot on his mind and Niki tries to draw him out.
Arcadia has a word with Katia – and that word is 'pendant'. The two girls are without doubt up to something! Arcadia supplies Katia with information she needs to retrieve the pendant and some Polyjuice potion. Katia ambushes Marvo and takes his place during the retrieval of the pendant. Amusing encounters along the way ensure that Marvo will have plenty of explaining to do later. In order to cover tracks a fake pendant is switched for the real one and Marvo is fixed with a memory charm by Katia so he seems to recall getting it with Randal.
Nimue attempts to sort out the tangles in Anders' hair as well as the tangles in his mind about the events of the Valentine Feast. He shows her his pendant, which controls his 'three probationary lives' - it has turned to a smoky quartz colour indicating that he has used Dark Arts and forfeited a life.
Kat, Yvette and Niki are admitted to the Hospital Wing - Yvette had collapsed in the hallway possibly the victim of a curse.
While Nimue is called away by Professor Snape, Marvo visits Anders and they exchange strong words. Marvo has Anders perform Priori Incantatem upon his wand conclusively proving he had released the Fire demon. He tries to extract a promise that he'll stay away from Nimue but Anders refuses and Marvo finds that there is something about Anders belief in his own innocence which is hard to ignore.
Marvo leaves with Randal and the fake pendant for London. The students are heartened by news of another Hogsmeade weekend!
Transcript 15 - Plots Hatched, Love Ruined - A Typical Day Out in Hogsmeade (579-619) Top of the Index
A group of kids set out for Hogsmeade. To Morticia's dismay Arcadia and Nathan appear to be friends again.
Anders had been discharged from the Hospital Wing and had written to Nimue breaking off their friendship. Nimue was waiting in Marcus' office to go to Hogsmeade when Anders called by. Anders basically told her verbally his decision. Both of them were very upset by the decision.
Anders also decided to resign but didn't get very far with his letter. Nimue went outside and ran into Dylan. Niki then joined them and then he and Niki went off to town to meet her cousin Circe. Circe apparently had a bit of a crush on Anders Grimalkin when they were at Hogwarts together.
Marcus and Nimue also travel to Hogsmeade and run into Niki, Dylan and Circe at the 3Bs. Niki, Dylan and Nimue explore Hogsmeade. Marcus is attracted to Circe and is a little disappointed to find she's engaged. Snape has been experimenting with the ingredients of the potions, which he is providing to Anders with the result that Anders is subject to odd moods. He bounced into and out of various places including the Three Broomsticks surprising both Marcus and Circe.
Fiona had come to town behind the other kids and was misdirected by Katia into the rougher part of town. She inadvertently started a bar fight in the Hogshead and was thrown out as a troublemaker.
Katia runs into Andy Warden and drops the enchanted pendant she had stolen over his head. He immediately turns into Asriel Gtomik kisses Katia and then turns back to Andy again - at least in body form. His consciousness remains Asriel this time. He walks off towards the mountains to seek his father.
Arcadia and Nathan do some shopping and end up in the 3Bs. Morticia gets the crystal ball she was looking for and on exiting the shop runs into her father Hades Lagrand again. They go off to the Broomsticks and meet up with Nathan and Arcadia. Arcadia plays it very sweet and innocent around Nathan's father. Lagrand has come to discuss the 'Grimalkin' situation though we never find out the outcome. Arcadia tries to help by dropping hints about the fire demon incident.
Marcus and Nimue meet up again and go for cocoa. She tells him about what has taken place with Anders. He says it is for the best and that if they are meant to be together it will work out eventually. He suggests a better way forward would be to work on their friendship, which would be allowed. After some initial resistance Nimue agrees.
Niki and Dylan return to Hogwarts. She discovers that her diary is missing and is quite frantic as it is full of Dark Magic – Hadrian’s doing. She think it is likely to be destroyed if found. Dylan basically disagrees with her having such a dangerous artefact and that it is not her brother. She deeply insults his magical ability and he stalks off in a furious mood.
A little while later, Niki is standing looking out a window when she hears footsteps and is grabbed from behind and stabbed in the side. She is found and taken to the Hospital Wing where Madame Pomfrey patches her up. Her cousin Circe comes to see her and tells her the knife that stabbed her was Dylan’s.
Following his fight with Niki Dylan had gone to the Owlery – Circe confronts him there with the knife. Dylan expresses his innocence though admits the knife was his. Circe believes him and takes him to see Niki in the Hospital Wing. Niki says she wishes she believed that he hadn’t done it. He feels that she does in fact think him capable of violence against her and he leaves. Niki is distraught.
Yeah, well the title did say it all – plots and ruined love. Now wonder what happened to Asriel/Andy?
We don’t find out just yet!
Transcript 16: A Sunday at Hogwarts (620-645) Top of the Index
Starts at breakfast the morning after the attack on Niki.
Most of the teachers bar Snape are convinced that Dylan played no part in the attack on Niki but many students were convinced otherwise as demonstrated the next morning. A few such as Nimue do show him support while Nathan greets him with a ‘Hey killer!” This leads to Dylan leaving and hurting his fist by punching the wall. Ouch!
Professor Dumbledore receives an owl from his old friend Sirius Black who tells of his quest to find Remus Lupin and we get a little side vignette to see Sirius on the moors.
We find out in flashback that the day before Andy had astral projected to Asriel's father's place and declared that his son was now ready to become his heir and could be found at Hogwarts. We are left with Gtomik senior making enquiries while Andy/Asriel spurns Katia now that he has what he wants.
We meet for the first time H. David Ollivander, son of the famous wandmaker who manages to make a bad first impression on Niki.
Marcus visits Anders and talks to him about the 'Nimue situation.' They do the whole male bonding thing and Anders appears also to want to nurture a friendship with Nimue. Lots of angst. Then Circe arrives looking for Anders. She wants him to speak to Dylan. Angsty Welshman to angsty Welshman.
Dylan has taken refuge in the owlery again and meets with David Ollivander who is sweet and stutters. David is a Ravenclaw and very friendly - also does a nice line in self-mockery. David is very keen on muggle things. Arcadia Fudge turns up and is unpleasant.
Anders arrives with Circe and after he asks David and Arcadia to leave. She eavesdrops of course via her wolf cub. Anders has a good chat with Dylan. Dylan tells him about the diary but not that it is enchanted or anything. They talk about tempers and the like as well as Dylan's lack of confidence and run-ins with Professor Snape. As Anders still has a running battle with Snape he understands.
Then Snape's latest potion kicks in and Anders gets all emotional and runs off for a weep. Circe comes in and talks to Dylan assuring him the adults believe in him. He comments that Niki is acting more like her brother Hadrian than herself. He almost tells her about the enchanted diary but holds back. She leaves not wishing to pry.
In another part of the castle Nimue and Yvette talk about Quidditch and are then joined by David and Madison. They have a tea party and talk.
Transcript 17 - Hogwarts Spring Break - Part 1 (646-691) Top of the Index
Easter holidays begin with majority of students going home. We have a catching up section on what's been happening in meanwhile. Circe had returned to Greece, Anders and Nimue were being just friends to Marcus' relief. Marcus goes away for a few days over Easter.
Snape had stopped his experiments on Anders after one resulted in Anders being sick all over Snape and Nimue becoming suspicious. Niki was studying a lot.
After a prolonged case of wizard measles Kat Black went home for the holidays. Yvette had an amusing April Fools Day. Nathan and Morticia were away in France. Arcadia was missing Nathan and she and Katia had fallen out dramatically.
Nimue runs into Anders on her way back from Hogsmeade and they take a walk and talk about their feelings. He tells her he wants to write her father that his intentions are honourable. Overheard by Arcadia who does nothing - Nimue scares her a little.
David, Yvette, Dylan and Maddie meet up in Owlery and have a jolly talk mostly about David's favourite topic muggles! Niki comes in to send an owl - kills the conversation until she leaves.
Because so few student are at school over the holidays they just use a single table foe mealtimes. Nimue wishes to contact Kat Black and conversation about telephone with David leads to Anders being allowed to take her on his motorcycle to nearby muggle phone box. David requests pictures.
Meanwhile at home Kat was increasingly upset about Marvo's lack of communication thinking he'd chosen to accept the betrothal to Nimue.
We find out what has caused this lack of communication by a peek inside the infamous Bureau 13 and a meeting at which Marvo and Randal are being questioned by Alastor 'Mad Eye' Moody and Mortlake, the MoM official responsible for the programme of training underage wizards. The matter under discussion is the switching of the enchanted pendant. That it was a fake was soon discovered. After much talk the two boys are sent back to Hogwarts to discover who made the switch. Arcadia Fudge is the prime candidate as her skill at Potions is known and a Polyjuice potion is considered the most likely way the switch was handled.
The two boys are assigned to be partners in the best tradition of cop buddy movies they hate the idea but the Chiefs have spoken. Marvo has been banned from using magic during this phase of his training, something he had tried to cover up when he was at the school in February. However, for this assignment Randal is given a charm to release it as necessary. This increases the tension between the two boys.
We also discover what happened to Asriel/Andy after the trip to Hogsmeade. For a few weeks following the astral trip to Asriel's father, Andy keeps a low profile but watches the skies a lot. Yet he knows one morning the day had finally come. Ariez Gtomik meets him in the grounds. His father frees Asriel's soul from the pendant so he becomes truly Asriel. They fly off together and Asriel takes off the pendant and drops it to the forest floor. What the Gtomiks didn't realise was that Andy Warden did have a soul and it remained at the very core of the pendant.
Nimue and Anders head off to the phone box but Kat isn't home it seems. They come back the long way round and his bike conveniently breaks down in the woods. They stop for a while to allow the engine to cool down so he can fix and they kiss for the first time. Still that causes tons of worry about repercussions and the like. She is momentarily tempted to use her inherited skills to take them off to the Otherworld. He suggests they ride off together. Yet neither wish to cause pain and disappointment to those who trust them and so return to the school as soon as possible.
The reason for no answer at the Blacks was because Kat had returned to Hogwarts. She sees David Ollivander there who pretty clearly fancies her but realises his feelings are not returned. Kat goes off for a sit by the lake.
David heads for the library where he encounters Alpha Rich and Dylan. The boys talk together.
I join Kat by the lake and tell her all about Nimue going to phone her and whom she'd gone with! We decide to hang out near the bridge to surprise them on their way back! However, a black Jaguar drives up driven by Lord Hawkwood, Nimue's Dad. He goes off to see Dumbledore and Kat and I rush around frantically trying to catch Nimue to warn her.
Anders brings her back to the school by a discreet route so we miss them. Nimue goes to Gryffindor to change. Anders runs into Lord Hawkwood and the two men talk. Hawkwood is there about the questions of the arranged marriage and Anders expresses his opinion about how unhappy Nimue is and why. Basically says that he believes she's given her heart to another. Hawkwood figures it is likely the young teacher that is the object of his daughter's interest but doesn't seek confirmation from either party. It is also revealed that Dumbledore has asked Hawkwood to assist him with his investigations into Anders background.
Randal and Marvo return to the school bickering at first but coming to some agreement to work together and also to try and find a way around the charm that is binding Marvo's magic.
Transcript 18 - Visitors and Returns: Spring Break - Part 2. (692-736) Top of the Index
Kat and I were still looking to warn Nimue when horseless carriage drew up and Marvo and Randal emerged. Kat is angry with Marvo and he tries to explain he wasn't allowed to get in touch. They sort of half make up because Kat was very upset and needed to be on her own.
I find Nimue and warn her about her Dad talking to Prof. Grimalkin. She goes to see but they've finished by the time she gets there. She asks Marvo if he had written to her Dad about not wanting to marry her. When Katia was masquerading as Marvo Nimue had confronted her and she had assured Nimue that a letter had been sent. Only it wasn't was it?
In the Ravenclaw Common Room, David declares his love for Kat and kisses her but Marvo comes in looking for Kat to continue their talk. He wants them to get 'engaged'. Kat feels they are way too young. David then tells Marvo that he loves Kat and the boys have a fistfight!
Elia is revealed to be the one that 'liberated' Niki's diary. She gives it back to Niki claiming not to have recalled taking it. Niki realises that it may have been Hadrian controlling Elia who stabbed her that night. She decides to destroy the diary but cannot. Then it begins to communicate with her and advises her he needs her blood for a spell to return him to a body.
She decides to ask Dylan to help her destroy it. She finds him and after some initial reluctance to get involved with her again he agrees to help. Hadrian manifests and while restraining Niki begins to tell Dylan about their family's heritage - that their mother was descended from Salazar Slytherin and indeed one of the longest line of dark witches and wizards. He claims Niki did learn the dark arts from their mother and did use a love charm on Dylan
Hadrian also admits to the attack on Niki and apologises to Dylan for using his knife. Dylan stands up to Harridan's posturing about becoming more powerful than their cousin Voldemort. Hadrian had tapped in perfectly to Dylan's suspicions, fears and ambitions. Yet he resists Hadrian's temptings admirably.
Meanwhile Elia hears that Randal is back and goes to find him to ask him to help her figure out why she stole Niki's diary. They find Dylan and Niki and Randal sends Elia to find Marvo. Elia is a little freaked as Niki and Hadrian's mum was responsible for the torture and murder of her father but she does so.
Randal and Marvo try to deal with the situation though unclear whether diary should be destroyed or taken to the Ministry for study. Marvo is being obtuse and Dylan is standing his ground. Covertly Randal sends for Professor Grimalkin.
Meanwhile Kat meets up with Nimue and Kat tells her about the problems with Marvo and David. Nimue advises her that David does have an admirer in Gryffindor (Yvette) and says that regarding the engagement Marvo wants that probably wants to make up for Kat feeling neglected previously. The two girls plot to get Marvo to meet with Lord Hawkwood and sort out the betrothal issue.
Anders arrives at Randal's summons and calms things down. After some tense moments, Dylan releases the diary to him. Nathan turns up and Anders asks him to get Niki out of there for her own safety. Marvo performs a spell which ahs the effect of neutralising the diary. Anders gets caught in the backlash of it and it severs the link between him and the unknown party who has him under the Imperius curse. That mysterious stranger resolves to 'rethink his strategy'.
Anders is now dazed and confused with the link broken. Randal is upset due to the Hadrian construct revealing that Randal worked for the Ministry - he does but suppose to be a secret! Anders and Marvo go off to the Headmaster's Office with diary.
Nathan takes Niki off to Slytherin Common Room. She talks to him about the enchanted diary. He seems more mature than earlier in the year and they talk about the perceptions of people about members of Slytherin House as a bunch of evil power hungry mud blood hating monsters! Of course, this is the boy dating Arcadia Fudge - an evil, power hunger, pureblood fanatic monster if ever there was one!
A falcon come to the window where they are sitting and it turns into a 16-year-old boy - Nathan's best friend Drake! Nathan and Niki assist Drake in hiding out until he can be seen to arrive by more conventional means.
Marvo and Anders deliver the diary to Dumbledore. The Headmaster notes Anders strange rather vacant condition and does another mind link with him discovering the absence of what he'd been curious before.
Anders goes off to sit in the grounds and watch clouds float by. He is very demonstrative towards Nimue when she comes to say hello.
The transcript ends with Lord Hawkwood and Dumbledore having an in-depth chat. Suspicions are raised about Anders' father - Dafydd. We learn a lot more about Anders' background at school. Hawkwood says he will try to cast a horoscope for Anders to see what that might reveal.
Transcript 19 - That Same Evening to End of the Holidays (737-781) Top of the Index
A new student arrives at Hogwarts - Branwen Evans a transfer from Durmstrang. She meets David and myself and later Kat who has just suggested a 'private' dinner to Marvo to celebrate his return and talk.
Kat helps Branwen settle in.
Nimue and her father meet and they have a set-to over the issue of the betrothal. We get background on the political aspects of the union. Nimue discovers Marvo has not written to her father.
At dinner in the Great Hall, Branwen settles in thanks to my cool summary of all the various personalities. Tish comes to dinner very happy that her friend Avriel has returned to school. Avriel and her family were caught in some sort of spell, which trapped them in a small French town. Alpha Rich seeks out the Headmaster and asks for the opportunity to be resorted by the Hat as she feels so out of place in Slytherin. He agrees to do this.
Anders gets a lecture from Snape re his 'compromising' behaviour with Nimue. Anders goes off for a brood in his classroom and Dylan stops by. Anders had offered to teach him to box when they were in the Owlery and he wants to take him up on the offer. They go a few rounds though Dylan easily bests the rather sickly Professor. As they return to the office Anders praises Dylan for his work in DADA.
Nathan and Niki flit by the open office door a few times on their 'secret missions' re Drake!
Randal comes to dinner and makes an immediate good impression with Branwen. Randal covers up his absence when asked where he'd been for the previous weeks by Morticia. They talk about dream magic and he offers to teach her about dream walking and they agree to meet up that night on the dream plane.
Despite Marvo freezing up totally in the presence of Lord Hawkwood, the dinner party goes well and Marvo is encouraged by Kat and Nimue to make his declaration about refusing to marry Nimue. This allows Hawkwood to dissolve the betrothal without his daughter's honour being compromised. A document to this end is to be signed allowing Hawkwood to inform the Ward family. Both girls are extremely relived. Nimue allows Kat and Marvo to talk. He still wants to marry Kat but she talks him round to waiting until they are of age.
Dylan meets up with Niki in the Hall and they talk about the diary incident. He is still very upset about the revelations about her background. She is evasive not knowing what was said to him and he rushed off leaving her to go back to Slytherin. Nathan is there and she gets the impression he is flirting with her.
In the night Niki has a very powerful dream in which she relives her Sorting into Slytherin. She was placed there in order to control her brother and Nathan defends her against Hadrian. She appears to see her own suicide Cleopatra style!
Morticia is slightly delayed by Nathan in joining Randal on dream plane. They peek into Niki's dream. Tish feels slightly embarrassed with invading a private dream.
Before tem begins Yvette travels home for a few days and makes an alarming discovery about her Father and returns to Hogwarts her mind a vast mess of confusion!
In the HQ of the Daily Prophet a front-page scoop is printed with headline: 'Ward Family Disgraced by Outrageous Behaviour of Youngest Son! Malcolm Ward Refuses to Go through with Betrothal Could Pregnant Girlfriend be to Blame?' That will perk up the first morning of term!
Transcript 20 - First Morning of the Final Term (782-832) Top of the Index
The Daily Prophet arrives next morning. Anders reads and goes to find Nimue to warn her. Of course, the betrothal being off is news to him and he is a little put out.
In the Great Hall the article is laughed off or discounted by those who know those involved. Snape brings in a visitor to Nathan. It is Drake. Tish is delighted to see him. Nathan, Drake and Niki maintain the fiction that Drake has just arrived. Niki and Nathan discuss snakes.
Branwen and Yvette both get letters from relatives. Branwen is from her brother Edryd still at Durmstrang. Yvette from her father reveals the secret she encountered when in France, which threatens her family's whole future.
Anders intercepts Nimue and shows her the article. She explains to him what happened and together go in to Ravenclaw in search of Kat. However, Kat had received a letter saying her Dad was visiting that day and went to see Marvo in Guest Tower to tell him. So when Anders and Nimue arrived they found only me and Fiona there. The three of us go down to breakfast while Anders checks out the Guest Tower.
Back in Great Hall there is quite a lot of interaction between various characters and some sniggering from Slytherins towards Kat and Marvo when they come down. Not all Slytherins mind you but Nathan and Arcadia certainly. Anders turns up and gives excuse for Kat to leave without running away. Elia and Randal have a chat and come to conclusion that it isn't working for them so break up.
Alpha Rich is sorted along with two new students - Breana and Isabelle. Alpha is very upset that the Sorting Hat still places her in Slytherin. Breana, a girl from Ireland whose stepfather prevented her knowing she was a witch, was sorted to Ravenclaw. She had a hard time accepting where she was now or that magic worked. Isabelle was also sorted to Ravenclaw and seemed even less comfortable than Breana.
Marvo and Kat retire to Anders office for a heart-to-heart about the situation. Anders is dreadfully embarrassed by whole topic. Marvo finds his perceptions of Anders shifting and is very worried about the arrival of Kat's Dad. In his nervousness he almost blows Randal's cover.
Branwen is a little upset by Drake's presence and assumes he has issues with her from Durmstrang. She assumes a 'Mudblood' taunt hissed by some Slytherins is towards her. Actually it is Drake who is muggle- born who is their target and when Bran realises this she runs off upset to the Owlery where she meets the lovely Dylan. They talk about classes and birds.
Nimue and Morticia's names are put forward to become Third Year Prefects for Gryffindor and Slytherin respectively. Anders tells Nathan that his Defence against the Dark Arts work is so good he can sit his NEWTs in his Sixth Year.
Professor McGonagall is very busy with administrative matters so asks Marcus Falconer to take her first class. Lots of people are surprised to find Marcus instead of McG there. We are given revision to do and discipline rather breaks down - well lot of whispering and note passing and a few of us try to get Marcus to reveal the contents of the upcoming exam. Poor man is a little overwhelmed.
Niki sees that Katia has in her possession some papers from Azkaban that she 'accidentally' lets Niki se are in her possession. Niki goes out to the hallway and meets Nathan there. They talk. He reveals to her he is an animagus taking snake form. He's worked on this very hard to catch up with Drake. Niki reveals she is a Parcelmouth.
Nathan confesses that he is quite interested in Niki and tells her about Belle the girl from France whom he used a powerful love charm on. Niki returns to class her head 'chock full of revelations'.
McGonagall escorts two new students and takes over the class. She takes over from Marcus and puts the students through a number of practical revision exercises. Breana asks a lot of questions she is quite stunned by the magic and thinks it's all a trick. Kat offers to help her settle in.
Between classes Kat goes to talk with Madame Pomfrey about 'female matters' and receives quite a lot of useful advice. Wizarding world very down to earth about such thing! However, Arcadia Fudge is also there with Pan - as always and overhears bits. Arcadia often finds excuses to be 'sick' on Transfiguration mornings!
Sothis Black, Kat's Dad arrives earlier than expected. He has seen the article and wanted to support his daughter through this secretly worried there might be some truth in the article.
Transcript ends with History of Magic class giving many students a chance to nap.
Transcript 21: The Longest Lunch (833-859) Top of the Index
I love it when the title does my job! This transcript covers the lunch period of the first day of the new term. As such is very much about building relations between the new characters - Branwen, Breana and Drake and existing characters. So lots of background information coming out in conversations.
The students gather foe lunch. Nimue is concerned that in Gryffindor Andy Warden hasn't returned.
Mr. Black arrives and meets Marvo in the Hall. Marvo is a bit - well his usual self and then dies with embarrassment when realises its Kats' Dad and is also terrified! Mr. Black, Marvo and Kat have lunch together.
Branwen wishes to make things up with Drake after the problems at breakfast. She, Nathan and Drake sit together and talk about their backgrounds.
Niki and Morticia have lunch on the lawn and talk about how foul Katia was. Niki is looking for a way to get Dylan to believe her and thinks Veritaserum might do it. She reveals she asked Arcadia for some knowing how skilful at potions the girl was.
Morticia teases Niki about Nathan being interested in her and her having two boyfriends! Niki in turn teases Tish about Drake. They go back inside and join Branwen, Drake and Nathan. Nimue also joins them.
Drake is impressed with Nimue's background, as he is very keen on Merlin and King Arthur.
Arcadia comes over and is her usual self. She hates Drake right away describing him to herself as a defaced Mudblood especially when she finds out how intelligent he is being the youngest graduate ever from Durmstrang.
Arcadia has also taken opportunity to drop something in Branwen's drink. Watch out Bran! No one sees this. Branwen finds she is very very hungry and Arcadia seems very happy.
Nathan suggests that Drake could assist Arcadia in her studies and she goes ballistic. Her wolf Pan bites Drake's leg and runs out of the Hall followed by Arcadia. Drake has his wand out in a flash and hits Pan with a spell. Pan falls down yelping in pain and so does Arcadia.
Arcadia is helped by Morticia and Nimue while Nathan wrestles Drake's wand from him. It all happens very fast. Drake leaves the Hall limping and is followed by Alpha who takes him to the Hospital Wing. Branwen starts on dessert.
In another part of the Hall, Yvette and David Ollivander talk about History of Magic and Yvette confesses her problems with books - she is unable to read them anymore following her experience with the book 'Embracing the Illusion' in the autumn. Madison and me try to cheer up Breana, as she is both confused and sad at finding herself in such a strange place.
Snape's attention is called to the 'commotion' and he goes to have a word with Nathan reminding him that Drake was subject to same rules of conduct as everyone else at school. He is also unsympathetic to Arcadia reminding her that it was her wolf that attacked Drake.
Branwen reveals her 'secret' when she goes to Ravenclaw House and transforms into a raven! Good House placing or what? She flies off in search of food with a kindness of ravens that have gathered. Seems to be a trait with shapeshifters such as she and Randal that they are perceived as leaders.
Anders receives an owl post notifying him of a hearing in London relating to his conditional release from Azkaban. After sending message to Nimue, he advises Headmaster but runs headlong into Sothis Black who is off to get settled in Hogsmeade. The two men introduce themselves and Anders makes a joke about Sothis filling in for him while he is away. Then Nimue comes out to see what is going on with Anders. Sothis surprises both Nimue and Anders by suggesting they take a few private moments. So they do. After Turns out Sothis is quite interested in filling in for the few days Anders is away.
Anders leaves for London assisted by some Floo powder given him by Sothis.
Transcript 22 - The Rest of the First Day of Term (860-931) Top of the Index
Randal marvels that someone attacked Pan and lived to tell the tale. Arcadia returns to Slytherin and fills her ring with something deadly. Nathan confronts her over the Drake incident. Nathan breaks up with Arcadia. She is very upset and vows to make Drake pay both for attack on her and his influence on Nathan. She also vows to get 'her Nathan' back.
Niki pops into he Dorm and ask why she is so upset. Arcadia does the usual theatrics and then gives Niki the truth potion she had requested. Niki then talks to Nathan who seems very conflicted about his break up with Arcadia. Randal comes in and visits with Arcadia. He suggests that if she wants Nathan back that murdering Drake is unlikely to win his heart. He suggests that she takes more of an interest in Nathan and not be quite so forward with him. Also, suggests referring to Drake, as a 'Mudblood' at every opportunity isn't a good start.
She agrees to be nice to Nathan, Morticia and Drake and not poison anyone's tea.
After Arithmancy, a number of students gather in the library to study though end up talking instead. This section is a long IC-chat session. Present are Niki, Branwen, Morticia, Nathan, Madison, Arcadia (not looking at Nathan), Marvo, Nimue, Dylan and Breana. Someone has given Breana an enormous book on the History of Magic. I turn up later and weird little Jacob is in corner.
Conversation ranges quite widely - trying to explain the meaning of the term 'muggle' to Breana, the witchcraft persecutions, the virtues of Hogsmeade, Quidditch and the like. Breana's head is spinning. We discover other new student Isabelle had fled the castle after Transfiguration deciding to deny her magicalness.
Girls read 'Teen Witch Weekly' and discuss make-up. Branwen keeps snacking assisted by ever so nice House elves. She is teased by others over this but keeps on eating anyway. Arcadia seems interested in a rather smug way. Dylan hides behind a book and sneaks the odd peek at Niki. He's actually reading comics though. Good lad!
Breana asks lots of questions and is answered. Yvette and Nathan get stroppy with each other. Lots more sweets are produced and the girls talk about boys. Arcadia comes to a major decision, as she does not trust her self-control. Tish and Nathan run into each other. He is very upset over whole incident.
There are a few encounters in the forest. Niki and Dylan meet and sort out their problems. Niki takes the truth potion and answers all his questions about the diary. At end they are back on again. At end Niki discovers why anything from Arcadia's homebrew kitchen is dodgy, as potion doesn't wear off, as it should.
That Nathan appears to be attracted to Niki even if feelings not returned make it obvious why Arcadia gave her a potion that won't wear off quite as it should!
Branwen goes off for another fly and spots Randal talking to a wolf. She decides to confront him. In fact they end up sharing the fact they both can take animal form. Obviously attracted to each other they kiss.
Back at the castle Branwen continues to feel alarmingly hungry.
Arcadia finds Nathan and has a heart-to-heart. She actually apologises for her behaviour and appears sincere.
Breana gets a letter from her brothers and is sad. I try to help her feel more at home and talk to her about her pet squirrel, Tyris.
At dinner aside from the usual chat, Arcadia breaks into tears and confesses to Niki what she did to the potion. Likewise, when she observes that Branwen suddenly starts putting on weight at an alarming rate with real danger of exploding! Niki and Dylan take Branwen to Hospital Wing. Arcadia reflects what a pity Nathan wasn't there to see how remorseful she was!
Breana continues to feel homesick and shocked there isn't electricity in the castle or computers with Internet access!
Sothis Black goes over to Dumbledore at dinner and offers to substitute for Anders. Dumbledore accepts his offer and Snape's nose gets put severely out of joint especially as Sothis seems to know him and Snape doesn't recall where they have met. Sothis is evasive in a playful way.
Randal and Marvo get together. Randal announces that he has found a charm to help Marvo have his magic for a certain length of time automatically. They discuss the events of the day when someone took Marvo's place and then decide to pay a secret visit to the Slytherin girl's dorm to search for evidence as all fingers point to Arcadia.
Madame Pomfrey deflates Branwen but she has to stay there a while. She asks to see Randal and so Niki and Dylan go off on a search and chat along the way. Bran also asks for clothes and I get involved in that part of the quest.
Marvo and Randal search the dorm. There was nothing suspicious in Arcadia's belongings but all the ingredients for Polyjuice were found in Katia's. Odd I thought she was given that by Arcadia rather than brewing it herself. Hmmm. Advantage Miss Fudge. They also find an invisibility cloak and lock of dark hair. Someone is heard outside room. Randal tells Marvo to use the cloak to avoid detection and take evidence away.
Niki walks in and Randal tells her he was looking for Arcadia. She advises him of Branwen being in Hospital Wing and desire to see him following her 'mishap'. He accompanies her.
Nimue receives a Floo owl from Anders telling her he arrived safely and that he'd bought her a gift. Kat comes over and they go for a walk and talk. They talk about her dad, Marvo and Anders. They start talking about more sensitive stuff about Kat's visit to Madam Pomfrey when Arcadia walks by. She passes close to the two girls and bumps into something invisible! A disembodied "Ow" sounding like Marvo is heard and running feet. Just after this Kat receives a flower and poem all about love that is not returned.
Speaking of love, on return to Branwen we have a heart to heart about my lack of boyfriend. I tell her about my Sixth Year Prefect who was less keen when he realised I hadn't stepped out of an E. M. Forester novel! Also, about fancying Achel. We talk about tattoos, flirting and boys. Lots about boys. She gives sage advice to me.
I warn her that she seems to have made an enemy among the girls, as only another girl would do such a horrible curse!
Randal arrives and I leave them to it. They talk about Elia, as until I told Bran she wasn't aware that they'd been dating. Randal explains the break was amicable and inevitable. Bran tells him my suspicions and he thinks to himself that it might well be Arcadia. They kiss a bit.
Back in Ravenclaw, I come to conclusion that I am too cheeky and assertive. Think about a makeover. Fiona comes in and we talk. Fiona has put herself on a strict diet. Oh Gawd we are all at it!
Breana goes off on her own for a think by the lake and meets Alpha. Alpha tries to put Breana at more ease. Mentioning the giant squid appears to make her all jumpy again!
David suggests that he help Yvette get over her book problem especially with exams looming at end of term. Yvette bounces back to Gryffindor table elated. Madison is very happy for her and realises she needs to start revising for the exams as well!
Arcadia attempts to apologise to Drake with little success. Arcadia cried and Nimue comforts her.
Dumbledore makes his start of term announcements welcoming the late arrivals to the school. He also announces the appointment of Morticia and Nimue as Third Year Prefects. Also, that Hogsmeade village can be visited on any weekend by Third Years and above. That gets a whole lot of applause!
Finally he advises students that Andy Warden did not arrive at his stated destination during the holidays and has vanished without a trace!
Lots of happiness and congratulations for Morticia and Nimue! Katia though stalks off all sour-faced and Dylan and Niki are blissfully happy. If only he could get the hang of transfiguration life would be perfect!
In the night Branwen has powerful dreams about battles and ravens. Then of Arcadia and her wolf cub. She dreams of taking revenge on both of them!
Breana goes off to the Owlery to send a letter to her brothers. She also receives an owl from them advising that Mr. White a neighbour has revealed himself as a wizard and has offered to tutor Breana privately instead of her attending Hogwarts. He tells her they plan to travel to Hogsmeade with Mr. White to discuss whether Hogwarts is suitable. She agrees to the meeting but storms off over this interference in her life.
Transcript 23 - A May Evening's Frolics (932-989) Top of the Index
We have moved ahead some five weeks to the end of May - Tuesday teatime.
Kat Black invites the Third Year girls and Alpha to a secret party in the luxurious Girl Prefect bathroom to celebrate Morticia and Nimue receiving their own keys! The bathroom had been redecorated and this was their first chance to see it.
Finding out about the party Nathan considers plans to scare the girls but Randal is not so keen and suggests a trip to Hogsmeade.
Anders returns from London. The outcome of his hearing was that he loses the second of his three lives due to the fire demon incident. He catches a chill while there and is forced to remain due to illness. It had also given him a lot of time to consider his feelings for Nimue.
They meet in the Owlery and he presents her with a small ebony hawk which is enchanted so flies about, lands etc. She thinks it is wonderful. He tells her about the hearing and also that he wants things to be right for their future and so they must remain apart. She agrees having also considered that matter in his absence. Now her betrothal has been dissolved there is the chance that in time their love may be sanctioned and that it is too precious to be endangered. He tells her he has written to Lord Hawkwood about his feelings and intentions. She agrees to this though aware there could be a worse case scenario when received.
As Anders looks pale she summons Marcus to the Owlery to assist him. Marcus shares with Anders his concerns - a funny feeling of being watched was making him nervous and he was patrolling more than usual. He wonders whether it is linked to Andy's disappearance.
In the Houses the girls prepare for the secret party. Even Arcadia has been invited, as her behaviour, improved by a self-administered potion - is totally sweet and good. We here about the presence of a small, lean grey cat - apparently a stray - hanging about the castle grounds.
The party begins and the girls have a great time. Niki suggests a game called 'Five Fingers'. Basically you take turns and someone will say something they have never done like seeing a muggle movie. However, if you have done this then you put out a finger. When you reach '5 fingers' then you are set a dare. The girls agree and a very lively game ensues. Naturally the subject turns to boys! Most of the girls end up with five fingers and their friends set various quite embarrassing dares.
Nathan, Dylan and Marvo have a little chat. Dylan and Nathan have a discussion about Niki. David makes friends with Jacob who is actually coaxed into talking and they discuss families and the like. David is to make Jacob a new wand to replace the second-hand one he bought.
Two young men enter the castle and soon meet up with Nathan. They are looking for Branwen and turn out to be her brother Edryd and her cousin Henry - Hal for short. I leave the party and also run into them making a good first impression.
The party winds up and Branwen and some of the other girls meet Edryd and Hal. Ed takes an immediate liking to Morticia. Nathan and Niki do some more verbal sparing in the way back to Slytherin.
Randal Fudge is also around but remains in the shadows. Awfully good at sneaking that boy! He turns into his wolf form and vanishes from the physical plan. Time for a little more dreamwalking?
It is a disturbed night for a number of people including Niki, Yvette, and Hal and on the other side of the mountains Nimue's father who has received Anders' owl and stays up all night thinking about what to do.
In the dream world Anders dreams of a barren landscape with a shadow in it that seems to be following him. Suddenly in the dream also is a cream wolf who like a spirit guide talks to him. The wolf tries to guide him through the dreamscape. Anders starts going back into chaotic childhood memory and the memories of his dead father - Dafydd Grimalkin. The dreamscape resolves to the remains of an aeroplane from which emerges the figure of Dafydd Grimalkin. Wolf tries to get Anders to confront his fear.
However, it soon becomes apparent that the father has tremendous power upon the dream plane. More than Randal - who is the wolf. The wolf urges Anders to run while he distracts his father. Dayfdd attacks him. As the dream world fades Randal finds himself back at Hogwarts and that he has sustained a physical wound from the dream attack.
Anders wakes up confused and disoriented. When he mumbles - 'just a dream' the voice in his head says
~ Aye boy just a dream. But it's not over yet ~. Creepy!
Transcript 24 - Dares and Revelations (990-1046) Top of the Index
Next morning and the 'Day of Dares' begins for the Third Year girls. It's an important day for the male characters as well. So lots of plot stuff!
I didn't mention the dares above but will as each one gets done. Arcadia's dare was to go for a day without make-up. She is nervous about this because - well there is a good reason and it is kind of obvious later in the transcript. Niki is to do the opposite - she is to have an Arcadia 'make-over' sexy robes and make-up!
Naturally Niki looks just fantastic - Arcadia is very skilled and slightly 'enhances' Niki's figure in a good way. This brings me to the conclusion that Arcadia has been swapped for a 'good' and rather naive duplicate from a parallel universe or something. Nathan the boy Arcy loves is already showing interest in Niki and now this!
Anyway her new look is well appreciated in the Great Hall by Edryd and Hal and then Dylan comes in and after composing himself goes over the Slytherin table and tells Niki how great she looks and then goes all shy and puppy-like. She hugs him and invites him to sit there with her. They talk and well it's obvious they are really happy. For now.
Yvette gets up from the Gryffindor table and crosses over to the Slytherin one as well. Her dare was to kiss Nathan Lagrand. He shocks her by kissing her back and some friendly banter follows. Drake comes in and tells Nathan and the others that Tish is confined to the Hospital Wing as she's allergic to something in the bubbles the previous evening. Edryd gets all excited about Anders Grimalkin being at Hogwarts as he was a huge fan of his during his Quidditch career.
Anders slips out of the Hall giving a look to Nimue to follow. Outside he shares with her the dream from the previous night. She urges him to tell Dumbledore and he agrees.
Niki visits Tish and then returns to the Great Hall. Arcadia enters sans make-up and acts all shy. A little later we see she has a very fine white fur on her face. Nathan doesn't notice but says if she dresses like that once a week he'll take her on a Hogsmeade date. She declines!
In the Guest Tower Marvo wakes up to find a wolf in his bed. He tells Randal to change back but he can't.
Marvo sees that Randal is wounded.
Kat and Branwen talk over breakfast about where Randal might be. Kat suggests that Marvo might know where he is. The two girls head for Marvo's rooms and see Randal there in wolf form! Bran rushes over to him which of course indicates that she knows his secret and now so does Kat! Kat does some healing on the rather bad knife wound while Bran goes for Dumbledore.
Edryd, Yvette, Hal, and Nimue are talking when Dumbledore comes up and greets Hal and Ed. They go off to side room to get Hal sorted. Hal is sorted to Slytherin though doesn't seem too pleased. Some people actually want to be in Slytherin you know! Not Hal it seems.
Branwen comes and disturbs them and drags Dumbledore off. Nimue is drafted in to help Hal get to class in Tish's absence and Ed to Madame Hooch so he can practice Quidditch. Anders is asked by Dumbledore to come with him. When they get to Marvo's room Anders recognises Randal as the wolf in his dream. Dumbledore sends the girls off to Potions and asks Marvo to bring Randal to his office later.
Potions class begins for the Third Years. They have to do 'Glowing Goo'. Nimue's dare - given by Niki - involves writing something about how 'sexy' she finds Snape in her Potions notebook so he sees it. Bran gets a letter from her ex and Nimue and Kat whisper a lot. Then Yvette manages to blow up her caldron and some students are injured. Snape restores order but Dylan and Madison leave for the Infirmary.
Getting the Goo in his eyes has blinded Dylan! Snape gives antidotes out to others in classroom and dismisses class early. Nimue is held back and Snape tells her off for getting pulled in on dare. Shows her his collection of similar notes, the results of dares or in one case a very sad Hufflepuff girl probably a crush. He takes points off Gryffindor.
In Headmaster's office Anders tells his dream to Dumbledore. The Headmaster reveals his thoughts and investigations into Anders' background and expresses his opinion that Dafydd Grimalkin is both alive and a wizard. Anders realises that he has been 'used' by his father and Dumbledore confirms this is what he has suspected for some time.
In order to try to prove all this is so Dumbledore suggests they lay a trap for Dafydd and allow him to re-establish the link and that Anders will be kept on surveillance by Marvo and Randal as well as himself.
Anders blurts out stuff about his relationship with Nimue and how they're keeping a respectable distance. Dumbledore says he is sure that Anders wouldn't abuse his trust or her fathers by any inappropriate behaviour. He asks Anders though to keep this information from Nimue as she'd offer assistance and might be placed in harm's way. At this point Marvo and Randal, the Wolf enter.
In Hospital Wing Dylan and Madison are cared for. Niki was already visiting Tish who is now ready to leave. She then comes and talks with Dylan. Niki tells him the story of Scheherzade from the Arabian Nights and they get smoochy. After Dylan drifts off to sleep and Niki leaves, Snape enters and gives Madame Pomfrey the antidote though at this stage will not reverse effects immediately.
Yvette and David continue to become friends. Breana and Hal also talk and become friendlier. Branwen on the way to the library to get books and runs into Isaac Dunes, the Forth Year Ravenclaw Prefect. He seems immune to her charming smile and repartee. Can't win all the boys hearts Bran!
Back in Headmaster's office he fills in Marvo and Randal on suspicions regarding Anders and plans. Randal via wolf noises answers some basic questions about his encounter with Dafydd. Makes Randal and Marvo feel a little guilty about not telling Dumbledore about Randal's skills in dream walking. Marvo also feels bad he hadn't brought up the similarities between Anders and Madison's behaviour before.
Marvo does reveal that the MoM has analyses the material and equipment found in Katia's things make her likely to be the one who switched the pendants. Andy also remains missing, as does the pendant.
Dumbledore suggest they also keep an eye on Katia as her Veela nature may draw her to dark powers like moth to flame.
Anders is pretty upset about the conversation and revelations. Dumbledore bundles him off to Madame Pomfrey for an examination. He then discusses a little more with Marvo the situation. He suggests Marvo find Kat and bring her there to try some of her 'borrowing'.
Out on the Quidditch field Edryd is having fun and is joined by Nathan and Drake. They start a little practice session. Tish joins them. Hal and Breana watch from sidelines. I also watch.
Transcript 25 - A Stormy Afternoon (1047-1099) Top of the Index
It's the same afternoon. There is a rainstorm. Well that's the short synopsis - now for the details!
Arcadia continues to be a reformed character. She goes to library and starts reading books! Branwen meets up with her there and they talk. It is obvious that Arcadia is very hot - temperature wise that is as well as furry. She admits there is a special bond between her and her wolf, Pan.
Arcadia even seems to be fine about Branwen and Randal being a couple. David and Jacob are nearby chatting about Arcadia and Branwen. Bran goes over and gets fresh with them, which is embarrassing to the two boys. She goes back over to Arcadia to find she's collapsed with heat exhaustion. Bran takes her to Madame Pomfrey. David and Jacob meet up with Yvette and he asks her out to Hogsmeade.
Anders and Nimue meet up outside the Hospital Wing and he takes her to an empty classroom for a talk.
Hey I thought they were stopping meetings! He cannot tell her much but tells her Dumbledore may have found a way to prove his innocence but that he will be watched and that she might be in danger if he speaks with her. She responds that of course they must do everything they can to prove he is innocent.
On the Quidditch pitch Niki joins the group. Runes being cancelled means that more Quidditch is called for. I also join the players. Niki's broom acts strange and she almost tumbles to ground. Nathan and Drake save her.
While the others discuss whether play should resume Drake goes over and chats to Hal and Breana. Hal feels a little put out that Drake has come over and muscled in. Branwen tries to boost his spirits and confidence.
Niki, Tish, Drake, Bran, Edryd and Yvette go off after Quidditch for a walk in the Forest. Nathan in snake form joins them and goes up Niki's sleeve OK - very inventive way of getting to second base. Yvette notice Niki and the snake and accused her of being a parselmouth! Niki lies and Tish defends her saying that not all Slytherins are dark witches. Yvette says that it's 'in her blood'. Niki stalked off and Nathan followed - back in human form - and they kissed. Actually they snogged.
Branwen had a talk with Yvette and discovered she was upset over her dad. Branwen offers help as her dad is with MoM. Then she accidentally stumbles upon Nathan and Niki kissing. Nathan tried to intimidate Bran though it wasn't effectual.
Niki resolved to tell Dylan. In Nathan's view this was silly, as Dylan would undoubtedly reject her. He thinks that the fact she kissed him back means all wasn't that good between she and Dylan. Drake has revealed his ambition to be taken on as a teaching assistant next year. Ed and Tish get friendly and are watched by Drake in his animagus form.
Niki does tell Dylan with the expected results that he is terribly hurt and she goes off upset as well.
Nimue and Anders finish their talk that lasted a long while. He'd shared about his bad childhood with his dad but didn't tell her they suspected Dafydd was alive and a wizard! Nimue continues to Hospital Wing and visits with Dylan. She offers to be his 'seeing eye prefect' and generally makes a fuss of him.
In Slytherin House Niki is misery itself and tells Nathan what she has done. They fight. Looks like Nathan really likes her.
The afternoon had been punctuated by a thunderstorm - it was raining trolls and elves. Drake and Breana continue their talk and he reveals stuff about this background and vice versa. Edryd continues his courtship of Morticia. She appears to like it a lot. They talk about their respective large families.
Anders receives a very encouraging letter from Nimue' s dad including an invitation to spend the summer with the family in Italy. Lucky Nimue! Snoopy little cat seems interested in letter as well.
Yvette's sister Estelle arrives at the school and immediately offends everyone in sight and causes huge amount of embarrassment to Yvette. She appears to wish to speak to Yvette on an important matter.
After studying in the library all the day, Kat Black discovers on her way to dinner that some first years had locked Marvo, currently without access to his magic, in a classroom. He explains to her what has happened with Anders, Randal and for good measure throws in some information about Katia!
At dinner I fulfil my dare which is a rendering of that old school favourite 'Slytherins are Sexier'. How true! I got huge rounds of applause though I don't think Professor Snape approved. Slytherins may be sexier but I think we are all agreed their Head of House isn't.
Morticia and Kat were up for their dares next both of which involved Marvo. Morticia kissed him, which confused him mightily, as there has always been a slight undercurrent between them though they both deny it. Kat had to tell him that she was pregnant and not let on she was fibbing for three whole minutes. He seemed to get that she wasn't and teased her quite a lot back on the issue. Estelle Monclere hated all this horseplay!
Sothis Black who has been substituting for Anders hands back over to him. The two men talk and Anders offers to take him for a ride on his motorbike. They have a good time. After Sothis is brought back to school Anders goes zooming off again. He returns a while later having banged into a tree. His bike is pretty wrecked. Sothis says bye to his kids and the Headmaster.
Branwen got another letter from Richard Morgan who seemed to be totally in love with her still. She is pretty worried about Randal though does off for a study session on Herbology with Isaac. She flirts with him a little but this is just her natural way of being with boys.
Her brother Edryd asks for Anders autograph and whether he might give him a few flying tips. Anders agrees to. Hal is unhappy - Morticia and Edryd were flirting; Drake and Breana were talking as were Niki and Nathan. Hal felt a bit left out. Madison comes over and suggests they go for a walk. Nathan gets a bird-o-gram from Belle and it seems Estelle knows all about the incident with the girl whom appears to have been her friend.
Marcus and Nimue also go for a walk and meet Anders who is starting to hurt a lot from the bike accident. Nimue suggest some salve and mineral baths that she used to help Marcus recover from his injuries at Yule.
Nimue is called away by Madam Pomfrey to assist Dylan as he is being discharged. Marcus goes in search of the ingredients.
She leads him to the Great Hall for some supper and Branwen joins them. Bran offers to take Dylan to the Owlery to visit his owl. Nimue is curious about what appears to have happened to cause Dylan and Niki to fall out. She wanted to ask Branwen if she knows anything but there was no chance.
Transcript 26 - An Evening of Revelations (1100-1143) Top of the Index
Madison and Hal get themselves locked in Filtch's room filled with all the forbidden objects he'd confiscated. They are both fascinated by the stuff in there.
Nimue went to visit Marcus and he drafted her to search for the ingredients to help Anders' injuries. He asks her to help with the healing as she would if it were anyone else. She is talked into it. Marcus is also looking for Anders opinion on telling Nimue about the threat he is under. While Nimue prepares a healing bath for Anders, Marcus asks him about the threat. Anders agrees with Dumbledore she shouldn't be told.
Breana reveals to Drake that her stepfather is actually a squib. We also learn that Drake's parents hate him and are afraid of him. Edryd suggest that he and Tish see each other over the summer.
McGonagall came to visit Anders and while Nimue and Marcus were there. While completely innocent it looked from the outside rather compromising. McGonagall told all parties off severely. Marcus got told off the most for encouraging such 'frivolous behaviour'. Ouch!
Estelle got called away - summoned it seemed by a 'they'. Marvo asks Yvette about it but she appears to know little of why her sister is there but that she does keep trying to tell her something.
Madison and Hal escape from Filch's room when they find a map that alerts them to a secret passageway leading from the room. They enter it - taking the map with them as souvenir.
In the Owlery Branwen gives Dylan some pointers on talking with birds and reveals her secret as a shapeshifter with the power to turn into a raven.
Back in Gryffindor Nimue and Marvo have a chat. He tells her more than Anders and Marcus have about the danger Anders is in and about the theory he has been controlled because he believes she should be kept in picture. He admits he has changed his mind about Anders. She tells him she will be careful and that he must look after Anders for her.
Madison and Hal reach the end of their passageway and emerge in a stall in a large luxurious staff bathroom. Unhappily for them Professor Snape is about to have a bath and hears them. Fluffy slippers or not he still strikes terror in their hearts! They escape laughing though Gryffindor points are somewhat depleted further that day as he decides Maddy was the ringleader!
McGonagall talks with Nimue over cocoa. Nimue agrees to the restrictions over her seeing Anders so that the matter need not be taken up with the Headmaster. She is again away how precarious Anders position is.
Back in his rooms Anders is miserable following his conversation with Marcus and the impending threat from his father.
In the Owlery Branwen shows Dylan how to communicate with his owl and tries to draw him out about Niki. Madison is walked back to Gryffindor by Hal. They meet up with Nimue and Marvo on their way out to the Owlery. The four go together and meet up with the other two though Branwen and Hal don't stay long. On the way back to Slytherin Hal bumps into Breana and she tells him about Mr White and her brothers coming to talk her into leaving the school. Hal suggests he could visit him over the holidays and get the extra tuition to help her catch up. He also offers to come on the trip to Hogsmeade with her
We get a glimpse into Randal's busy day as a wolf as he chases the grey cat around a bit. He ends up in the Ravenclaw dorm. Branwen sees him asleep on her letter from Richard and assumes he has read it. She decides to explain about Richard and that they had been intimate. Randal feels he has some thinking to do and so licks her hand and leaves.
Branwen starts to cry and Kat comes in and talks with her. They have a heart to heart talk about the situation.
Finally see the arrival of the legendary Sirius Black at the house of Emrys Hawkwood. They have a long talk about a number of things including Hawkwood's investigations into a mystery about Anders actual birthdate. In the course of their conversation it comes to light that Anders was born two years earlier than believed and that Sirius is very likely his father and not Dafydd Grimalkin at all. His mother Astrid had been a great love of Sirius' life whom he had intended to wed before the battle with Voldemort had called him away. He never knew she was pregnant and had spent some time looking for her in vain. Sirius is overjoyed at the idea that he has a son and resolves to go to Hogwarts and declare himself to Anders.
Transcript 27 - The Reckoning (1144-1200) Top of the Index
We move to Saturday morning. Sirius has travelled to Hogwarts in his animagus form but has been too scared to announce his presence. He watches Anders go into the bike shed.
A number of students are out studying on the lawn including Nimue, Branwen, Alpha and myself. I tease Nimue about Anders. Bran is a little puffy eyed as she is still very upset over Randal. Her brother Edryd is laying off to one side sunbathing and listening to the girl talk.
Nimue gets a note from Anders asking to meet him in the woods and makes her excuses to go inside. Need I remind anyone she's not supposed to meet him on her own? No, I didn't think so!
Yvette has had enough of study and sprints off down the hall to trip and be caught in mid-fall by an energy spell sent out by a mysterious new arrival from Japan, Shinrei Hikari. Shinrei apparently has been apparated into Hogwarts by her master Kanjou of Clan Kossawa, a strict Japanese wizarding school. As it is impossible to apparate into Hogwarts this sets off lots of alarms and both Professors McGonagall and Dumbledore come immediately to find out what's going on. Madison and Nimue also are around and looking on with curiosity.
Shinrei is very apologetic and at first Nimue is to take her to Gryffindor to settle her in but then it seems Shinrei has a message to Dumbledore from her master.
Arcadia is released from Hospital Wing and because she's been there she hasn't had chance to take the potion which helped her control her homicidal tendencies so she's back to being Bad! She has words with Nathan who seems to want to be friends again. Breana and Hal walk off to Hogsmeade.
Dumbledore decides to delay Shinrei's induction to Gryffindor and releases Nimue until luncheon. He plans to talk with her more about why she is there. Her owl appears and leaves with Shinrei a golden sun-shaped gem, which is her master's emblem from the Order of Izanagi. She is very surprised as this means she has been chosen to succeed him.
Nimue goes off to the woods to meet Anders but finds very quickly she has walked into a trap laid by Dafydd Grimalkin, who has been checking things out for days in animagus form of small grey cat.
He's a nasty piece of work and a powerful wizard. He traps Nimue there and uses the enchanted bird that Anders gave her to lure Anders to the woods.
Back at school Sirius makes his entrance coming up to the group on the lawn and being joined by Kat and Marvo who have been off for a walk. He says he is looking for Anders and also Nimue and we try to be helpful though I have a suspicion they might be together and really same to Kat. Marvo is stunned because Sirius Black is his hero and all.
Back in the forest Anders joins Nimue and Dafydd. He tires to get Nimue out sadly but the two of them are trapped and Nimue tried up so she can't use magic. Dafydd in true villain fashion reveals his plans to Nimue and Anders as well as confesses his crimes of setting up Anders for Olaf Pettersen's death in the Quidditch match, killing Anders mother and controlling him during his school days. It is also obvious he is going to frame Anders for Nimue's murder. Anders gets the Cruciatus curse and beaten up quite badly though gets a few punches in as well.
In the Three Broomsticks Hal gets caught up in Breana's problems with her family. They don't like Hal's presence. Her brother gets abusive and tries to drag her outside. Marcus intervenes in the tense situation. He has gone there to see if any news abut strangers hanging about. Manages to break up the situation and the brothers leave but not with out the impression they will not be giving up and will send an owl soon.
Back in the forest, the final confrontation between Anders and Dafydd Grimalkin continues. Dafydd is to use Anders wand to kill Nimue with the Avada Kadavera - killing curse - thus ensuring he will be returned to Azkaban or be administered the Dementors' Kiss. They share a last kiss. There is a flash of brilliant green light as the curse is completed.
At the moment this happens Alpha's cat Miss Eezy alerts her to something being wrong and the trees bend out weirdly opening a path to Nimue. She gets on well with trees you see. Marvo, followed by Kat and Sirius go into the woods. I run for help first finding Snape who follows the others and orders me to find Dumbledore with message that Dafydd Grimalkin may be in the grounds.
Marvo, Kat and Sirius find Anders cradling the seemingly lifeless body of Nimue. He is badly beat up and his pendant is now onyx black. Nearby is the body of the other wizard who the others don't recognise.
Anders lets Kat examine Nimue who appears to be just barely alive though he tells them the trees are helping her. Kat helps him with this task as the trees are using him as a conduit for their healing.
Branwen and Edryd in raven form join the Company. Tense himself, Sirius asks Kat to look after her brother. He means Anders which means he is…. Wait for it - Kat doesn't pick up on it yet.
Back in Hogsmeade Breana goes off for a walk on her own. Hal settles down with Yvette and Madison. Marcus decides to check out the unsavoury side of town but then overhears someone talking about a Minister and two Dementors apparating a few minutes beforehand. He transforms and flies off towards forest. Minister Morgan and the dementors arrive in the forest clearing to take Anders to Azkaban.
Meanwhile Shinrei was taken to Dumbledore's office. She reveals to him and Professor McGonagall that her master has gone on a quest to find the Kuroi Ini - Black Demon and to form an alliance with the four Shi-Senshi who defeated him previously who were known as the 'Marauders'.
Dumbledore is confused because Voldemort is dead some 15 years and of the 'Marauders' only Sirius is actually alive and sane. He thinks that Kanjou may have just not been aware of these matters. I burst in at this point and deliver Snape's message. Dumbledore leaves immediately for the woods. Shinrei tries to follow but McGonagall stops her pointing out that if her master sent her there for protection running off into danger wasn't a good idea. Shinrei is all excited by my mentioning that a Mr. Black had arrived as she recognises Sirius Black is one of the soldiers Kanjou is trying to meet.
In the forest Marvo, Kat and Sirius make a stand against the dementors to keep Anders there until Dumbledore arrives. Morgan pays little attention and Marvo does the patronus spell except his magic isn't activated but he continues to try and finally breaks through the binding charm placed by Moody and a brilliant white lion explodes from his wand and roars at the Dementors. Sirius is impressed by Marvo's courage. Many other ravens join Bran and Ed and they mount an aerial attack on Dementors as well.
Professor Snape arrives with Potions. There is still a stand off going on with Morgan claiming he has the law on his side. Snape examines Nimue and suggests that he takes both her and Kat away from the influence of the dementors and back to the castle. Kat refuses, as she wants to stay with Anders. .
On his way through the woods Dumbledore meets Marcus. He had flown over the scene but the numbers of ravens prevented him from landing. Marcus is despatched to fetch Lord Hawkwood. Dumbledore then meets Snape carrying Nimue. Randal also enters the woods, on his way there he brushes by Arcadia who excuses herself. She has control over him in wolf form.
Coming to the clearing it becomes clear that Morgan is not going to budge on the issue. Dumbledore confirms that he cannot prevent Anders being taken to Azkaban but assures Morgan he will be pressing for a swift trial and his unconditional release. They say their goodbyes to Anders and he is led away by Morgan guarded by the Dementors back to Azkaban.
Well that is the end of the synopsis of the transcripts to date.
The story has naturally moved on from this point. Everyone returns to the castle and a full-scale investigation swings into action to try to prove Anders innocence so that he can be cleared of this crime and freed. Exam week starts as well with some surprises in store for a number of students.
However, for now I will hang-up my quill until the next transcript is completed and I can give you a summary of its highlights.