Short Stories

[grandpalovegood]

Thanks Fang.... Really, I always saw it differently than this but once I started to write, this story took a life of it's own then went down an entirely different road that I never imagined. Thanks.

[Duddahs]

Title: Fear Not For I Am
Prompt: Dear Mr. Longbottom
Written by; Duddahs the Great Barn Owl

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The room was softly lit and filled mostly with rows of metal beds dressed in crisp white linens. Single pillows rested like hats at the head of their metal frames. Drawn back in an accordion fashion, curtains stood like sentinels between each of the empty beds. Silently they watched and waited for the arrival of the sick and injured.

A Medi-Witch placed her hand upon the young man’s shoulder. She was similarly crisp and white in her uniform and hat; a pair of red wands embroidered on the latter.

“I am so sorry young man but you really do need to leave now. Your Grandmother is waiting for you in the corridor and not very patiently I might add.”

As he looked up into her deep green eyes, panic leaped into his throat causing him to feel suddenly very flushed and clammy.

Running from the room the blur of white turned to grey; fog started swirling about as he reached the corridor…

-----§-----

Feeling his Uncle’s hands wrap themselves around his ankles, his head wound up where his feet had been and he was promptly ejected out of an open window. Long gauzy curtains wrapped around his flailing arms as he hurtled into the blinding sunlight.

“Now, now, calm down. Stop wiggling you; it is a test, just a little bit of fun to see what you are really made of!”

His Uncle’s voice seemed jovial but fear caused a loud ringing in his ears that almost blocked out all sound.

A woman’s voice offered his uncle a slice of pie; was she coming to save him? Sudden release was followed by shear panic; his insides flip flopped as he began what was now a free-fall. He closed his eyes as tightly as possible as the ground rushed towards him.

-----§-----

…“boy, you there, boy, get hold of that toad or I will have it put into a cauldron and stewed for your lunch. Do you hear me? I will not repeat myself young man. Get that creature of yours and get yourself on that train. I will not be the only Witch left standing with her charge as that train pulls out of the station. “

“Ye,ye,yes Gran.” The sheepish boy whispered as he looked up at the stern faced witch.

Her craggy features looked as if they were carved out of a single block of grey granite. Hands thrust firmly upon her hips; she tapped the toe of her high-laced leather boot. The point of the boot caught his attention as a gush of steam engulfed him followed by the sudden blast of the trains whistle.

“Thump, thump, thump, thump.” The beating of his heart was so palpable that it seemed as if it had moved all the way up into his throat and was about to burst from his open mouth

“Trevor, Trevor where are you?”

The floor shifted under his feet and the carpeted flooring of the corridor on the Hogwarts Express rushed toward his face, then he saw stars…

“Tre, Tre, Trevor”; the tip of his tongue caught a little trickle of blood as it made its way from the corner of his mouth. The iron taste was all too familiar, he thought. Then the pain set in.

A firm yet inquisitive voice breached his self-absorbed misery. “Are you all right? Here, take this; you have a bit of blood on your chin, did you know? Just there.”

A soft white satin hankie dangled from a small hand. He took it readily as he sat upright.

The back and forth rocking of the train caused a bit of a sick feeling in his stomach as he dabbed at the corner of his mouth. Looking at the now stained hanky, the two embroidered letters, “HG”, caught his attention.

“Has anyone seen a toad? A boy named Neville has lost one. Well if you do, please let us know.” The young witch’s voice repeated time and again as door after door slammed shut and howls of laughter filtered out into the corridor. Again a feeling of utter distress and loneliness settled in Neville’s stomach.

“Oy, you, lard butt, maybe you ate the thing. You will figure it out when you belch it up as we pull into the station.” The brash blonde wizard doubled over with laughter at his own attempt at humor.

“Yeah, belch it up,” parroted the lump of a figure that sat opposite the young “comic”.

Before they could attempt to move on, the door to the compartment slammed in their faces. This one, however, caught the edge of Neville’s cloak; one tug and he was down again.

As he lifted his head up, the train lurched forward and then back violently. Many compartment doors slid open, their occupants rushing out into the corridor….

The foggy feeling in his head mingled with murmurs and laughter.

Cool yet fresh air burnt into his lungs as if he had breathed in the fire of a dragon. The darkness that surrounded him gave way to many rushing figures; lamp posts cast a scary play of light upon each and every face, all of which seemed to be laughing, snarling or leering at him.

…A cloak of self-consciousness started to engulf him when, suddenly, a feeling of great pressure upon his shoulder caused him to cast his eyes upward.

A hand the size of a huge ham had his shoulder in its grip. Panic caused him to stutter as a bit of spittle dribbled from his lip and ran down his chin.

“Therz, ther. Is this feller a fren of yers”, a mighty yet gentle voice boomed in his ear.

Slowly Neville’s vision focused on the grayish green object that had been placed just inches in front of him…

“TREVOR!”

His hand instinctively reached out.

“CROAK”

-----§-----


Sitting in the rocking boat made his stomach once again go jumpy. Leaning over the edge of the small vessel, in an attempt to steady him, only caused more nausea.

“Focus, focus, get a hold of yourself. It’s not that bad. Who am I kidding? Yes it is; they are going to know that I don’t belong here. I am nothing more than a fraud. They are going to see right through all of this and laugh at me. Maybe they will send me to Azkaban! Even worse, they might send me back to Gran with a letter pinned to my robes…”


“Bones, Susan,,,,,,,,,,,, Granger, Hermione,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Finneg,,,,,,,,,,,Longbrottom, Neville.”

“LONGBOTTOM, NEVILLE.” The echo was deafening. The pounding in his ears blocked everything out, UNTIL:

“GRYFFINDOR!”

“Mr. Longbottom, MR. LONGBOTTOM will you please return the sorting hat to the stool, at once?”

The cackling voice scared him to his very core. He looked toward the ceiling just as walking sticks began to pelt him. He stumbled and slipped on them, losing his footing on the stone stairway.

-----§-----

Sitting on the four-poster bed and surrounded by darkness, he was suddenly homesick. The feeling of being utterly alone engulfed him once again. Though he knew that others shared the room with him, he believed that they didn’t even notice he existed.

“Croak.”

“sssssshhhhhhhhhh, Trevor.”

The glow of the Pot Bellied burner in the center of the room cast a bit of light through the heavily draped red curtains that hung from the bedposts.

Placing Trevor on his pillow, he reached into a rucksack that sat on the nightstand next to his bed.

Trying to be as quiet as he could, he held his breath as he rummaged through the bits and bobs that partially filled out the canvas bag. Finally, there it was. His fingertips felt the smooth surface then the fold of the crisp corner. He pulled it out as gently as he could.

The weak light that filtered through the curtain was barely enough for him to make out the beautiful writing on the piece of parchment.

Unfolding the paper, he looked at it as if it were the first time he had ever seen it. This was far from the case as he had read it over and over again; first with doubt, then with an almost giddy humor. Ultimately, humor was replaced by an utter and invasive fear.

Tears streamed down his cheeks and blurred his vision. Nonetheless, he strained to see clearly enough to read what he already knew by heart….

“Dear Mr. Longbottom,

We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment.

Term begins on September 1. We await your owl no later than July 31.


Yours sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall”

[Duddahs]

Title: The Root of All Evil
Prompt: Herbology with Professor Sprout
Written by; Duddahs the Great Barn Owl

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“Mr. Malfoy, MR. GOYLE, will you please stop kicking Mr. Longbottom? Just leave him there and l will tend to him later. Now off with you, into greenhouse number 5 with the others. Get on with it gentleman, I will be there shortly.”


In an attempt to tidy herself up, Professor Sprout brushed back several unruly strands of hair from her forehead. Having used her fertilizer encrusted gloved hands; however, all she managed to do was leave a clump of dragon dung sticking to her hair, which hung limply from beneath her pointed hat.


“What she should have done is ground “Lard Bottom” up and used him as fertilizer. That way he would actually be serving a useful purpose here at Hogwarts.” Laughed Draco; pleased with his own “clever” remarks. Obediently, Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle joined in; snickering and laughing along with their “leader”.


As the trio approached the entrance to greenhouse number 5, the noticeable lack of light and extreme humidity made it feel as if the walls were closing in around them.


“Draco, this place stinks like the back end of a Dragon.” Goyle protested.


“Yeah, stinks like the back end of a Dragon on a hot day.” chimed in Crabbe, whose words were almost unintelligible. He always sounded far more as if he were speaking Mountain Troll than any known human language.


“Shut it you two, if you think I am going to go in there and make believe that I give a rats behind about any of this stupid dirt digging and plant killing, you have another thing coming to you. Now get on with it and get in there; just let me know if there is anything that I need to be aware of.” Draco demanded of his cohorts. With that he roughly shoved the much larger Gregory Goyle through the darkened doorway.


As Crabbe and Goyle disappeared into the gloomy interior, Draco glanced at the door behind him when a quick flash caught his eye; there in the corner. The bit of light that filtered in through the filthy ceiling panes of greenhouse number 4 danced across the outstretched leaves of what appeared a GOLD PLANT. He vaguely remembered his father mentioning the existence of such things when he was younger, but now, could the rumors be true? Did they actually exist?


If so, it was best not to let anyone else know about it. If he was foolish enough to share this discovery with those two “imbeciles”, Crabbe and Goyle, they would surely blurt it out to the first person who showed them the slightest attention. He shuddered to think of how quickly word would spread throughout the entire school.


“Mr. Malfoy, did I not make myself perfectly clear? I believe I directed you to join your classmates in greenhouse number 5; this is greenhouse number 4 and if I am not mistaken, you are capable of counting to higher than the number 4, are you not?” Professor Sprout sarcastically chided the young blonde wizard.


Malfoy shot Professor Sprout an evil glare just as she turned her back to him. He instinctively reached into his robes, running his fingers over the wand concealed there. “Lucky for you Sprout; one more word out of you and I would have permanently separated your pistil from your stamen!” The words remained unspoken but reverberated loudly and angrily in Draco’s head.


Once again the golden plant caught Draco’s attention. It was mostly obscured by mature Venomous Tentacula plants whose blood red vines and leaves appeared to guard their fabled treasure. It seemed obvious to Draco that these vicious, Wizard Eating plants were not accidentally placed in this fashion; no, not an accident at all……


As Draco pondered this last thought, his reverie was disrupted by loud guttural noises; “Draco, come on, you have to see this! You’re not gonna believe what is in here!” The voice shouted.


“It was that fool Crabbe!” “Keep your shorts on Crabbe, I will be there when I get there, do you understand me?” Realizing that his absence might create suspicion and thereby threaten his secret, Draco reluctantly headed towards greenhouse number 5.


“Look, LOOK at this Draco; what the heck is this thing?” Crabbe pointed down at the furiously writhing figure of a girl. The second year Ravenclaw student had come in contact with a vine that was now inexplicably wrapping itself around her with great speed.


“Out of my way, OUT OF MY WAY!” Professor Sprout shouted in an obviously agitated state. With a quick swish and flick of her wrist, a bolt of light shot from the tip of the professor’s wand, hitting the attacking vine near its base. The vine retreated quickly, leaving a hysterical and sobbing young girl in its wake.


Harry Potter and Professor Sprout arrived alongside the girl at about the same moment and tried to provide comfort.


“Thank you Mr. Potter but I can handle this from here. Now please take Mr. Malfoy and the rest of your fellow students and get them to move those piles of Dragon Dung from the back of the greenhouse to the pots I have provided for each of you”.


Professor Sprout reached into her shabby soil stained cloak to once again retrieve her wand. Having pointed it toward the frosted glass ceiling of the darkened greenhouse, red sparks started to shoot out in small intervals. These tiny sparks grew into large glowing balls of light that rose high into the air outside and above the confines of the greenhouse.


Within moments, Hagrid rushed into the greenhouse and stopped alongside the sobbing Ravenclaw.


“On with you, I will not repeat myself, do you hear me?” admonished Professor Sprout”. If I catch any of you not busying yourselves with your set task then I will be forced to take twenty points from each and every offender’s house; now get on with it, no dawdling!”


As Draco, Goyle, Crabbe and Harry hurried off towards the rear of dimly lit greenhouse number 5; Draco could not resist looking back one last time. What he saw made his throat constrict with alarm. Professor Sprout and Hagrid were whispering to each other while she pointed in the direction of greenhouse number 4; home of the golden plant. Fear that their conversation involved his discovery caused the small hairs on the back of his neck to stand on end and sent a small chill running down his spine.



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



Later that evening, long after the dinner feast had ended, most Slytherin students left their common room to retire to the comforts of their own beds. In one dimly lit corner, however, three exceptions remained.


“But Draco, why can’t I go to bed? I’m tired and we have Transfiguration first thing in the morning. I don’t even have my homework half done. Blast that McGonagall, if she had half a brain she would know I don’t give a Skrewt’s blast about turning stupid Gold fish into gold coins.” Goyle grumbled in agitation.


“Yeah, who gives a Blast?” Crabbe repeated.


Draco looked nervously first at Goyle then towards Crabbe. Had either of them seen the Golden Plant in greenhouse number 4? Why would they mention GOLD FISH and GOLD COINS? Those two never finished their homework and paid even less attention to what was going on in class.


Assuring himself that the mention of gold in their conversation was mere coincidence, Draco brushed off the comments; he considered it just more of the same dumb, idle chatter that habitually flowed from those two" idiots”.


“I want the both of you to offer to do some extra credit by shoveling and potting for Professor Sprout on Thursday. I need the two of you to provide cover so that I can get into the other greenhouses without anyone else suspecting that I want to be alone back there. Do you understand me? You are not to mention this to anyone, NOT TO ANYONE less you want my father to have a little sit down chat with your fathers. Get my drift?”


Both Crabbe and Goyle stared blankly at Draco as if they were honestly trying to figure out the instructions they had just been given.


“No problem Draco, I don’t care anyway, just wanna get out of having to spend any more time with those goody-goody Gryffindors. “ Goyle assured Malfoy.


“Yeah, goody-goodies?” Crabbe babbled.


“Just do it and everything will be fine, mess up and you know what will happen.” Draco threatened.



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



It pained Draco to have to wait for Thursday to come. He had been so absorbed in his plot to get into greenhouse number 4 undetected that he had neglected to do any of his class assignments. He had even drawn the ire of Professor Snape, his favorite teacher at Hogwarts, for creating a cauldron of fowl smelling goo instead of the crystal clear, freezing draught that had been the object of the class assignment.


Malfoy barely took notice of the fact that he was to be spending detention with the likes of Ron Weasley, Seamus Finnegan and Neville Longbottom, all of whom likewise failed to successfully complete the task.


By the time Thursday morning finally came, Draco’s nervous anticipation was palpable.


His plan started off without a hitch when he, Crabbe and Goyle were all given the chance to improve their grades by helping out at the greenhouses after class. They were to shovel heaping mounds of freshly composted Dragon Dung, rotted Pumpkin and other organic materials in specified areas behind the greenhouses.


“Why aren’t you shoveling with us Draco? This was your idea to begin with. Just can’t figure out why you suddenly think we need to get better grades in Herbology. Not as if I am going to grow up and become some sort of Tilden Toots yah know.” Goyle complained as sweat dripped down his forehead.


“Yeah, no Tilden Toots.” repeated Crabbe.


“Shut it you two. Keep shoveling and do it quietly. I don’t want anyone knowing what is going on.” Draco instructed his fellow Slytherin.


With that Draco walked the length of the structure, to the end, where a door connected greenhouses number 4 and 5.


Draco had always prided himself on his sly and stealthy manner; he had always been able to creep into the smallest and most innocuous places without being detected. Self-absorbed, he was oblivious to the fact that others considered these to be the traits of a sneak.


Careful to avoid making any noise that might give him away, Draco opened the door and entered the darkened interior of number 4. Once inside, he securely closed and locked the door before cautiously proceeding further.


As he did so, the stench of fresh Dragon Dung burned his nostrils. He swallowed hard, holding back a bit of sick that had risen in his throat. “Those oafs had better keep shoveling. If they give me away I am going to curse them and their offspring for centuries to come,” Draco vowed silently before proceeding forward.


Suddenly, there it was; just a glimpse from behind the blood red vines and leaves whose illusion of continuous movement attempted to trick the eye and keep the shimmering gold from view.


Draco steadied himself before scanning his surroundings to make sure that nobody else was nearby. Proceeding toward his goal, he reached deep within his robes and withdrew a pair of Dragon Hide gloves. As he slid them on, he knelt in front of the bed of plants that concealed his “prize”.


Without warning Draco felt a sudden sense of strangulation as his airway was constricted. Without knowing how it had come about, he realized that something had bound his arms to his torso. They were now firmly pinned to his sides, leaving him virtually unable to move. As the breath was slowly squeezed out of him, he fell to his side in a fetal position, just inches from the plant he so coveted.


Attempting to break free of his attacker, Draco rolled on his side only to realize that he was in the full grip of a massive Devil’s Snare plant. Its long tentacle like vines grabbed wildly at his limbs. At the same time he became aware of yet another attacker; the Venomous Tentacula. It was as if thousands of tiny daggers were pricking his hands, the only body part over which he still maintained some control.


Stunned at how suddenly he had been immobilized by the Devils Snare plant, Draco looked on helplessly as the sharp bites of the Venomous Tentacula intensified in an onslaught that became more ferocious by the second.


As Draco felt himself slipping into a semi-conscious state, the already darkened greenhouse became fuzzy and out of focus. He could not breathe, he could not yell, he believed that he was going to die. In fact, he was sure of it…


“Malfoy! MALFOY!” the voice momentarily cut through his mental fog before everything went black.



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



Brilliant white light flooded his mind as he slowly became aware of his surroundings.


Draco found himself lying in a bed in the infirmary, surrounded by several figures whose details he was still incapable of discerning. Attempting to sit up, he quickly discovered that he had neither the strength nor the ability to do so.


“Ah, I see our Mr. Malfoy has come back to the world of the living. Thank you Mr. Malfoy for joining us.”


The voice rumbled around Draco’s semi-conscious mind until he finally concluded that it belonged to none other than Headmaster Albus Dumbledore.


“Madam Pomfrey, if you would, please bring the others here; I have a few questions for Mr. Malfoy that I believe he will finally be capable of answering ” Dumbledore instructed the Medi Witch.


A group of figures drew closer to Draco’s bedside as his vision became a bit more focused. There, standing alongside the others, were the pained faces of Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle. The sight of Professor Dumbledore’s Gold half-moon shaped glasses inspired a sudden sense of panic in the young ailing wizard.


“Pro, Pro, Professor, what happened? Why am I being held here against my will?” Draco’s attempt to sound strong and defiant emerged as nothing more than a hoarse whisper.


“Ah, Mr. Malfoy, let me assure you that you are no longer being held anywhere against your will. You have though been subjected to a very severe attack and poisoning from the Venomous Tentacula plant that, for some reason, you decided to befriend. Why? I do not know, but I can assure you that the entire planting bed, in which that particular creature resided, has now been removed from the greenhouse for the safety of all concerned. Our caretaker Mr. Hagrid has assured me that it is in safe hands and that we do not have to worry about any students coming in contact with it in the future.” The subtly admonishing tone, in which these “reassuring” words of Headmaster Dumbledore were delivered, carried with it an implied warning.


“Buh, buh, buh, but where?” Draco croaked.


“Never you mind Mr. Malfoy. I can assure you that neither you nor anyone else will accidentally stumble upon its whereabouts. “Chided Professor Sprout.


“Yes, and you might wish to give a round of Thanks to your fellow student here for saving your life. “Dumbledore suggested.


A figure moved forward into Draco’s line of vision.


“YOU?”


Draco suddenly found enough strength to sit up and point directly at his savior, whose face wore a sheepish grin and who stood with a slightly bowed head; hands firmly thrust into the outer pockets of his cloak.


“Yes you see Mr. Malfoy, if it was not for the fact that Mr. Longbottom had also been given extra credit by Professor Sprout, your life may well have been squeezed out of you by the Devils Snare plant. That or you may have succumbed to the poisonous bites of the Venomous Tentacula. Dangerous things that they both are, the utmost care should always be taken when one ventures across their paths.” Dumbledore firmly informed everyone.


Stunned into silence, Draco thought to himself “Longbottom saved my life?” and then without a trace of irony; when I get out of here I’ll deal with him, by the time I‘m finished HE’ll WISH HE HADN’T!”

[rin68nyr]

Hi!

If you recall, I entered a writing contest at The Leaky Cauldron. The task was to write a pen pal letter to a student at Hogwarts. It didn't place, but I thought you might enjoy it!

Erin

*************************************************************
Dear Luna Lovegood
Ravenclaw House
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry,

How are you? I took your name off the pen pal board at school. So you go to Hogwarts? Where is that? It seems like kind of a strange name for a school. Do you have a lot of hogs around there?

I just started my first year at the Catskill Academy of Magic in upstate New York. So far it’s been fun! I was so excited to get my own wand! Now I don’t have to sneak my parents’! Mine is holly and mooncalf horn…supposed to be very strong during the full moon. I can’t wait to see! What’s yours?

I’m the oldest in my family, so I didn’t know what to expect. We got the notice for our travel time, which was early, as all the first time families are. We took the floo to the great hall. The school is beautiful. The whole thing is built like a huge ski lodge, with log walls. When we first arrived, it was mostly a reunion for our parents, but I did get to meet some other students during the meet and greet, while waiting for the rest of the students to arrive for the sorting (most of the older ones didn’t come with their parents). Some came to an apparition spot, and others flew to the Quidditch pitch, before walking up to the main building. But if you live farther away, which most of us do (or come from a non-magical family) you take the floo. How do you get to your school?

Our school believes in different kinds of smarts, and they designed three houses to represent that. Parcelus is for students with intellectual smarts, Cliodna is for creative smarts, and Hengist for practical smarts. To choose our house, we each put our hands on a large silver chalice with blue flames and the symbol for your house rises up from the flames. I got into Cliodna which so far, is fun!

We got to see the ghosts from Kensico Cemetery in Valhalla at the sorting. They were famous actors, musicians, writers, and athletes, who like to be seen as important, so they come here for special events.

I’m taking all the typical first year classes. I have Charms, Magical Creatures, Astronomy, U.S. Magical History, Potions, Magic for the Home, and Fitness (exercise and muggle and wizard sports). The elective I chose was art. I can’t wait to learn how to paint moving portraits! But that won’t happen until 4th year.

Yesterday, some students from Parcelus got in trouble for using polyjuice potion to pretend they were from the other two houses, and trying to lose points for them! It was a funny prank, but they got a lot of points docked from their house. The headmaster was furious!

Please write back soon, and tell me all about your school!
Emily Lawson
Cliodna
Catskill Academy of Magic

[Duddahs]

WooHoo! Erin,

I absolutely had so much fun reading your story...

Excellent!

Now why don't you post more here? I love reading your works... Miss Charlotte and everyone else too!

[Duddahs]

Title: Fear is Just a Word
Prompt: Quidditch with Madam Hooch
Written by; Duddahs the Great Barn Owl


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


1



The wind whipped through my long hair; the feeling of tiny, sharp jabs of pain upon my face reminded me that I was truly alive.

The blur of my surroundings provided a simple background for my intended task. There, just over 20 meters in front of me, flashed a glint of gold. Nudging my flying steed with the smallest of motions produced an immediate response as if it were part of my physical being.

As I started to plummet down, green replaced the unfocused haze of my prior surroundings; it was all encompassing, except for the glint of gold that preceded me as we spiraled downward into that dark sea of green.

Well into the descent, I instinctively reached forward and pulled up on the wooden handle. My fingertips stretched out as far as they could, protruding from the Dragon Leather, fingerless glove; a glove that was designed to protect the hand and wrist, while allowing the wearer maximum dexterity and sense of touch.

I was able to feel the cold, vibrating sensation of power just at my fingertips. The reverberation penetrated the tips of my fingers and telescoped a sense of need through my arm to my heart. The latter beat as if it were about to burst from my chest.

In my mind I felt my hand closing around the object of my desire but almost immediately my brain registered the shock that nothing was there, NOTHING! ; The only thing I could feel was a horrid sense of complete and utter failure.

The haunting, collective "AW" that followed, surrounded me in a blanket of verbal disbelief.

As I tumbled helplessly over and over again, pain brought the sea of green into sharp focus. Wet grass burned into the few exposed areas of my flesh; PAIN, blackness, and despair…….


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



2



Who was I kidding? Why would I even consider putting myself through all of this again? Glory? Fame? Gold? Who needed it; me? Absolutely not!

These thoughts mingled with the roar of the crowd, both of which rang through my head. Suddenly there was a flash of multi colored lights accompanied by the feeling of a hand on my shoulder. Soft words whispered in my ear.

"Go on, you will be brilliant. Just stay focused on the snitch."

Although my feet moved, I had no idea how. For the life of me I could not control the shaking that took over my body and threatened to take over my soul.

Walking out into the cool evening air, I could hear the now deafening cheers that pounded my ears and permeated my skull. A name so familiar to me but foreign at the same time shocked me into a suddenly calm and detached state;" Rolanda Hooch, Seeker, England."

The roar intensified as I noticed my old friend standing alongside what might have been the edge of a precipice. I continued walking along the carpet to where it patiently awaited my touch. Suddenly, my old friend came to me without as much as a whisper. It was part of me; perhaps not in the “flesh and blood” sense, but it was unquestionably tied to my hopes, dreams, failures and successes. It knew me as well as I knew myself. We were one and the same; breathing, hurting, winning, losing, inseparable, excited, anxious, nervous and cocky. We were going to do this together; one way or the other. No matter the outcome, we would be there for each other as no other could be.

Feeling that sudden rush of excitement, the darkened surroundings were disrupted by flashes of light that nearly blinded me. I felt the anticipation of success when a familiar cold feeling touched my fingertips. As the wind whipped through my long dark hair, moisture started to accumulate on my goggles. This, in turn, caused my vision to deteriorate. Closing my eyes, I knew that I had to rely on my instincts and trust in all that I had done to prepare for the moment at hand.

The fluttering of tiny wings tickled the side of my hand and the small vibrating body of the Snitch finally succumbed to my domination!



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


3



I felt alive, so very much alive as we flew at breakneck speed through low lying clouds; the blackness below us made everything seem so lonely. We were together though, just the two of us, entrusted to carry out a mission of such importance and danger that I could barely contain my excitement.

This is what I lived for; the feeling of two who had learned to live as one. We were exactly where we belonged; high above the earth’s surface, flying into the unknown.

A brilliant burst of green light followed a single deafening boom, momentarily blinding me. I felt the shock beneath me as intolerably hot air swirled about. Having felt nothing at first, other than that terrible percussion, I now realized that I had begun an uncontrolled decent. I felt myself quickly spiraling down into enemy territory.

I had failed. Why had I not seen it coming? What would become of me? Was this it? Was I to die here, now in the land of our enemy? An enemy who was mercilessly trying to take from us all that we held dear?


NO! I would not die today. I might be blasted from the sky but I would not die here; not at the hands of those whose sole mission was to possess and destroy everything that was beautiful and good.

As the vibration eased just a bit, I struggled to regain as much control as possible. The blackness below me gave me no true judgment as to how far I had fallen or how close to the ground I was.

The Silver Arrow continued to vibrate but finally responded, struggling to get us out of this forsaken place; both of us struggled with all of our might to get back to loved ones, back to England.

Seeing the moonlight reflected in the rippling waters of the channel told me that home was within reach.

As the vibrating became increasingly severe, I turned to look back at the place from which we had just escaped. I could see that the water was behind us now, replaced by solid land.

Suddenly I felt a sputter, a precursor to the fight of life over death that would take place beneath me. I noticed with horror the smoldering embers that still glowed; my dearest friend! My heart and soul had been mortally wounded…..

The subsequent crash came as a shock, accompanied by the snapping of wood and then an all-encompassing blackness.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



"Miss Hooch, MISS HOOCH.... Can you open your eyes?" The voice was unfamiliar.

I tried to open my eyes… they seemed to be stuck shut. I tried once again, this time with success. The vision before me was not what I expected.

Shadows screened the objects around me with a silken curtain, making them appear a bit fuzzy and out of focus....

"Miss Hooch, can you understand me?" It was a different voice from the one that had awakened me. This voice was a bit more forceful but kind and somehow soothing at the same time.

Trying to speak, I could not make a single sound ... until I coughed, coughed heavily and repeatedly. I could feel a burning sensation in my throat now, what in Merlin's name was happening and where was I?

The answer came sooner than I had expected.

"Rolanda, Rolanda Hooch; I hereby award you the Medal of Honor for your valiant efforts on behalf of King and Country, for bravery in the face of extreme danger and for risking your life on behalf of the Kingdom of England and its people." Yet another voice spoke.

Who were these people? WHERE WAS I and why were they praising me? I had failed….. Hadn’t I?



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


4



"Good afternoon, class."

"Good afternoon, Madam Hooch."

"Good afternoon, Amanda. Good afternoon."

"Welcome to your first flying lesson."

"What are you waiting for? Step up to your broomstick."

"Come on now, hurry up. Stick your hand over the broom and say, Up."

As I say this a bit of sadness engulfs my stomach as I remember my dear friend. It was so long ago but at the same time feels like yesterday, the years seeming to have passed in a dream…. That Silver Arrow was the bravest friend I had ever known. I only wish it could have been here with me today, to see that we had survived, both England and myself. ..

Although they will never know you, each and every one of these young witches and wizards will leave here knowing that they live, laugh and love because of your sacrifice; because of all that you and so many others gave so selflessly.

You might not recognize me now. My hair never did grow back after being so severely burnt. Short, cropped and grey… but it was mine. The cataracts on my eyes had yellowed over the years but with the help of many a healer, my vision had returned and was now more acute than ever. My voice was a bit more gravely; less youthful…

Oh, what am I saying? Of course you would recognize me and I, you.

My Dear Friend, how I miss you… even now there are times I find myself reaching for you.

You can’t come to me now; I know this…

Still, you have left me with something so precious. Every year when a new class of students arrives my heart beats like that of an excited school girl. I know I shall never pass that way again but their thrill and excitement brings you back to me….. And, I am happy again… You are by my side, the wind is blowing through my hair and I look forward to spending yet another year on the Quidditch Pitch....

[grandpalovegood]

Erin... Valhalla? Snickers. I've been meaning to look that place up online to learn more about it. LOL. (Yeah.. I just finished watching Thor this evening with the family. For me it's about the millionth time. ;D )

OH..Duddahs is right, it was fun to read your story. I've always wondered what others here thought about the different schools around the world and how they are run. Great job.

Duddahs... I just came from lurking at the WB and read your story there. It's cool. I wondered how others would get around their word censor when you can't say the world "balls" without have the stars appear in it's place. LOL. I don't think you mentioned them once. LOL. That must have been hard when the prompt was about Quidditch. Wow.

I also wondered which first name the other enteries would choose from for Madam Hootch. I actually went to school with a Ximora (the spelling is different but close to Xiomara,) he was the drummer for a school band and my best friend drooled over him. snickers... so I chose that for her first name. It's cool to see the difference in styles you and I have.

I guess it's time I post mine here too. Give me a second. OH and another fun read.

[grandpalovegood]

I wrote mine in about an hour... so of course it's quite short for me.

-----


Title: Dear Diary,
Prompt: Quidditch with Madam Hootch
Written by: Redwriter

Dear Diary,

Today, I discovered the most amazing thing I've ever seen in my life.

I heard screams and shouts from the field below our house. At first, I thought it was Phillip down there tipping cows again. Those muggles were upset the last time they woke up only to find their whole herd laying on their sides. It turned out that he was not up to his old tricks. There were some kids who gathered on the other side of the trees, in the clearing near the McGillicutty's old place. I had to go check it out so, I jumped on my broomstick to take a closer look.

Once I got down to where the raised voices were coming from, I saw Clarice talking with a girl I never saw before. She introduced me to her new friend Helena. She's Johnathan's cousin from Glencoe. Several other kids were there as well. They were all flying around on broomsticks. I saw, they had this strange ball they were throwing around trying to get through a hoop at the end of the field. Michael was trying to block it from getting through.

I asked Clarice what they were doing. She said it was something called Quidditch. All the new craze these days. She even told me that they play this at Hogwarts and hopes to make one of the school teams. Johnathan had gotten the whole set of Quidditchballs from his uncle for his birthday. He's trying to make it on one of the school teams as well.

I watched for a while. There were also a couple of steelballs flying around. One knocked Joseph off his broomstick. We all laughed. Thank goodness he was alright. He just stood up, ran his fingers through his hair, to show he was not ruffled in the slightest. Before we knew it, he was back up in the air on his broomstick, trying to catch one of the otherballs. As I watched, something else caught my eye. Something gold had flashed for a second then was gone. I thought it was my imagination so I shrugged it off.

Soon, Michelle jumped off her broomstick and came to talk to us. She was all out of breath with exhilaration. She said, it was time for her to go or her mum would tan her hide for missing dinner again. She asked me if I would take her place. I didn't know what exactly to do. That was when she pointed to the golden thing I thought I saw earlier. She called it the Golden Snitch. She said that it's my job to catch it if her team was going to win. They were down fifty points so far. Clarice said that I should play. She said, "Xiomara Hootch, with your eyesight being the best of all of the girls in all of Scotland, it would be a cinch for you to catch it." I could not help but giggle. It did look to be fun.

I could not believe it. This was so much fun. That thing, the Snitch, was harder to catch than I thought it would be. It kept zipping around the field, disappearing on me. Robert played for the other kids team and was trying to catch the Snitch as well. He's a pretty good flier. Of course I'm better. I always beat him at broom racing. We played for hours this afternoon. The other kids are planning on playing again tomorrow morning. You know I'm going to be there.

[Duddahs]

That sure was a fun story Miss Charlotte! Love one of those characters too! Betcha can't guess which one (lol)

[grandpalovegood]

[misscharlotte]

Title: LIFE OF ME
Prompt: Dear Mr. Longbottom,
Written by: Redwriter (or me, grandpalovegood, aka: Miss Charlotte)

LIFE OF ME

The day is warm. I'm basking in the sun along side of the lake. My top hat and cane resting nearby. Ah, this is the life, taking in these glorious rays of sunshine. In the distance I can hear children laughing and splashing about. Ahhhh.....

Suddenly, I realize that time had slipped by too quickly. I've rested for far too long. The laughter gets closer. I realize just how close a second too late. All went black. Oh good lord.

I hear voices talking. Lot's of noise. The hustle and bustle of the city life. All still is dark for me. AH, what an adventure this will be, not knowing what tomorrow might bring! I hum a little tune to pass the time away for the time being.

I awaken to find it's all quiet. I'm some place else. Hmm? I wonder where I might be now. I push up on the top of the box. The lid opens just a bit. My eyes scan the layout. I notice several gifts tied up with bright colored paper and silk ribbons. A candle lit room. No one is about. I decide to make an escape. As I begin to leave, something catches my eye. A shiny gold frame, inside is encased a letter. I wonder, Hmm? As I read it aloud to myself, I learn that some boy named Neville Longbottom was just excepted into Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Ah, good for the young lad... Good for him. A crash happens in the next room. Voices are coming this way. I've got to hurry. Eesh! Too late. I freeze on the spot.

"Congratulations my dear boy! You've made it! We are all so proud of you." People have just now burst into the room. A surprise for me as well. I guess I'll just lay low for the moment lest I'll surely be caught.

"I've got presents?" said a young dark haired kid with a round face. He trips just trying to make it over to the table. Oh my. Such elegance?

"This is from me." I spotted an old man picking up my box. I watch as the boy receives it.

"Thank you Uncle." He opens it only to find I'm not there. The look of bewilderment crosses the lad's face. "It's gone. There's nothing there." The boy holds it out for him to see.

The old man takes a gnarled bony finger and scratches the top of his bald head. "AH!" He holds up his wand, suddenly I'm lifted up from my hiding place by my feet. Try as I might, I struggle but all my efforts are in vain. A moment later I find myself sitting on the boy's lap. As I look up into that round face, I see that he seems happy. What a nice young fellow. I speak to say hello. He smiles down at me. Then the thought struck. I'm also going to that school. The one of witchcraft. They surly will use my liver for potions! This will not do. No, no, no. Not at all. I have to escape! Before I can move I'm placed back in my box and the lid once again is placed on top. I'm doomed! I croak.

We are moving. The sound of a train whistle is too near for my comfort. Oh great, we are on the way. This will not do! During the hustle and racket of people moving about. People taking their seats. Sounds of joy and children laughing. Time for me to make my move. I grab my top hat and cane once again, then slip from the crack where my lid fits the box. I leap for joy! Yay! Freedom at last! I hum a little tune as gaze through the window far above. I watch the skies of blue with puffy white clouds from my hiding spot on the floor of a train compartment.

Suddenly there is a bushy brown haired girl talking everywhere about a toad. Who are they calling a toad? Harrumph!

I wake soon to find all is dark around me. The noise again of students scurrying about in a hurry. The train had stopped. Time to make my move. Freedom. I leap from the train. Wee! In mid air, the largest hand I've ever seen caught me and tucked me into his pocket. UH! What is that smell? What is that that is in here with me? I've got to get out... but it's too deep. I can make out muffled tones. Suddenly, that large hand reaches in and hands me back to my boy. Neville. I sigh. Relief.

I remain calm for a bit longer. Splash! I perk up indeed! Water! A great lake! Yes, I can picture it now. My new home to be.

Time has passed. Years in fact. Many escape attempts have been made. Maybe this will be my day. I sit on the pillow of my sleeping Neville's. He will be well. I snuggle my cheek to his then, leap to my freedom once again.

The day is warm. I'm basking in the sun along side of the lake. My top hat and cane resting nearby. Ah, this is the life.

"TREVOR! There you are!"

Here we go again. So I shrug. After all this is the life of me!

[misscharlotte]

Title: A Sirius Mind
Prompt: Sirius in Azkaban
Author: redwriter


A Sirius Mind

A motor roars. Tires screech as it stops on the wet pavement.

"Give Harry to me, Hagrid!" he said all out of breath.

"NO!" said Hagrid in a desperate state.

"I'm his godfather, I'll look after him!"

"I got me orders from Dumbledore. He said I'm ter take em go ter his aunt an' uncle's."

Suddenly the scene changes. The daylight is blinding. Someone is shouting.

"YOU KILLED LILY AND JAMES POTTER! YOU KILLED THEM!"

An explosion. People screaming. Once the dust settles a huge crater in the middle of the street can be seen. As though hearing someone else, I can hear my own laughter escape my throat.

'This is not real. This can't be happening. Not James. Not Lily.'' I think to myself. A feeling of total disbelief of the events that have transpired this night.

'Not real.' There is more insane laughter that follows.

The clang of a large heavy door shutting causes me to jump. Now awake, I look around my cell. Cold. Dark. Wet rock. Dreary. I sigh. I watch a tiny snake slither into a hole in the wall. I pull my knees up to my chin then notice voices in the distance growing closer. So bored, I wonder who they are bringing in today?

A chill fills the air. A cloaked figure that towers to the ceiling floats by quietly. I shiver once again.

Reaching down, I pick up a tiny pebble and flick it toward the snake as it attempts to reenter the cell. It ricochets off to the side as the snake having been spooked, remains in it's hiding place.

The voices get louder.

"So how are our prisoners? Behaving themselves are they?"

The voice sounds familiar. I furrow my brow in attempt to recall the memory. The visitor's footfalls grow faint until none can be heard at all.

In the distance, screams and mutterings of the other prisoners can be heard as the Dementors pass by the doors to their cells. I roll my eyes. Soon the screams die down to whimpers then to silence. Boredom.

I stand and peer out of my window. A storm is brewing outside. The skies are dark and the wind howls. The waves of the ocean surrounding the island prison, crash upon the rocks below.

Suddenly, the voice returns. I still cannot make out who that might be. I will have to investigate. The voices are now near to my door.

"How is our most notorious prisoner been doing these days?"

Long drawn out hisses mixed with words are faintly heard.

"He'ssss been talking, in hissss ssssleep."

Fudge turns his head toward my cell. With a cane in one hand, he bangs on my door. He takes a step back when he realized I was standing right there peering out at him.

With a voice so dry and coarse, I attempt to address the visitor.

"Have you finished with your newspaper? I do miss doing the crossword puzzles." He seems startled by my appearance for some reason.

"Uh, sure." He hands it through the bars to me and smiles in a peculiar unsettled sort of way.

"Thank you sir." With a claw-like hand, I gently take it then I find my way back to my favorite spot on the cold floor. Eventually, the voices die away as the Minister leaves the block.

Finally, I unroll the copy of the Daily Prophet and take a good look at the front page. Without any warning, what I see makes my blood boil instantly.

"HIM!" I scream.

I know him anywhere. My eyes travel down to the caption below the image of the happy family. It reads:

'... the boy would be going back to Hogwarts.'

NO! That is where Harry is...

In disbelief, I stand and shake from head to toe. Rage takes over me and a howl escapes my coarse throat. I begin to pace back and forth within my cell.

"I can't let this happen. NO!" I speak out loud.

"He's at Hogwarts!" I repeat this over and over again.

I have to do something. What? I pace more quickly feeling blood finally coarse through my veins. A feeling I had not experienced in so long. Life. I have to do something.

Night falls. I had wakened myself up shouting.

"He's at Hogwarts!"

A cold chill fills the air. The familiar hisses pass back and forth past my door. A plate of bread and cup of water is passed through the panel at the bottom of the door. I take my hand and knock it away. The noise that is caused from this event, causes screams to heighten within the door next to mine. Hisses pick up and are quickly heading toward the screaming woman. A sucking sound so loud and wet, cause me to want to vomit.

He's at Hogwarts.

I have to get out of here. I have to save him.

I use my strength to transform into the matted furry dog that I spend so much time as these days. So thin, I slip through the bars. Running hard. Running fast. The door I know is this way. Ah, there it is. I jump up and push it open wider. Running hard, I find my way to the shore. I waste no time and splash into the freezing cold water.

Swimming, all the while, I have on my mind, Hogwarts! He's at Hogwarts!

When I think I can not swim any longer, I reach the distant shore.

Hogwarts! He's at Hogwarts! I shake from head to tail.

Hogwarts! He's at Hogwarts!

I run.

[misscharlotte]

Title: A Secret Plan
Prompt: A Meeting Under the Stars
Author: redwriter (grandpalovegood, aka: MissCharlotte)

A Secret Plan


Crickets chirping. A night bird sings nearby. The sound of the leaves upon the tree branches rustle restlessly as a warm breeze blows.

As he walks, he ponders his situation. He feels the warmth of the damp earth beneath his bare feet. His dark silk robes billow as the wind suddenly picks up. He pauses then closes his eyes. He tilts his face upward and slowly breathes in the scents of the forest. A faint pop is heard up ahead in the distance. "They are arriving," he whispers to himself.

He stands still. Watching them. Waiting to see their stance. Another arrives. One seems nervous. Fidgety.

'No confidence in his master or himself. Weak.' Voldemort's lip curls. 'He will have to be encouraged to serve his master more strongly.' he thinks to himself.

A high pitched laughter pierces the air.

'Ah, Bellatrix.' A slight smile if ever there were one creeps upon his face. 'A true follower. A true believer. Much faith in me.' He resumes walking, hidden behind the tree line. He watches the group as the new arrivals step into the clearing approaching the two young ones already there. She is followed quietly by her husband.

"Looky, Looky here. New recruits. Our Master will have fun with you." She laughs once again as she momentarily glances back at Rodolphus. Addressing the young men, "You had better serve him well or be prepared to face his wrath."

The smaller, more nervous looking young man's eyes become round with fear. A slight whimper escapes him as he wrings his hands. The taller more confident one held his head up. He wears a smirk upon his face as he turns his head toward her.

Next, a very young man appears. He has straw coloured hair and a pale face covered in freckles. He wears a grin as he steps into his place.

"I AM prepared to serve him with all that I have got!" he says loudly. The group turns toward his voice.

Bellatrix, surprised, "Barty Crouch Jr? My my, what a surprise to see you here," she said incredulously. "Daddy ground you too much?" she said teasingly. She cackles for a brief second only to quickly add, "Our master shall soon see what you are made of."

Another dark figure approaches. His dark cloak billows bat-like as he joins the circle. Standing with confidence, he folds his arms in front of him. They all turn their faces toward him.

'They all have arrived. Good.'

The crowd grows quiet as they see their master step out from the tree line. Where they notice he had been watching them the whole time. The moon, being full and bright, casts an evil glow upon the group. Each one stands in reverence, waiting for their master to speak.

"Welcome, my friends," he whispers. He pauses as he steps into the center of the circle. Walking past each one of them, he surveys each quietly in turn. Only the warm summer breeze blows all else is still.

"Some of you might be wondering what I have called you here for." They each look at each other, yet say not a word. He pauses and places a hand upon Snape's shoulder.

"I have received certain information, crucial to my well being. You all do wish me well, do you not?"

They each speak out, "Yes Master, Yes!" With satisfaction, he continues his walk.

"I have set forth a test, to see how well you will benefit me in my service," he whispers.

"Avery!" he shouts. "What have you to report?" The nervous young man shivers as he holds his head down. He falls to his knees, bowing low. Voldemort stops right in front of him, looking down at his quaking body.

"My Lord, I could not find the answer that you seek."

With a quiet anger he responds, "You disappoint me, Avery. You do know what happens to those who disappoint me do you not?" he whispers. The young man closes his eyes tightly, expecting what he knows is to come. Not saying a word, just waiting the inevitable.

"Crucio!" He screams in pain. Agony which causes him to wreathe back and forth. Voldemort lowers his wand.

"What have you to say?"

Gasping for air, he pleads, "I WILL DO BETTER MY LORD! I WILL do better."

"Right you will." He reaches out and places his long fingered hand upon Avery's head, stating as if he understands or has compassion. "I know you will," He continues on his walk, leaving the sobbing soul behind.

Across the circle, Bellatrix laughs.

"Mulciber, I hope you have done much better than your friend. What have you to report?" he said softly.

"I have found two sir. Two boys born at the end of July."

Voldemort smiles. "See Avery, this information was not too hard to acquire." Turning back to Mulciber, "What are their names?"

Mulciber quickly answers, "Longbottom. The Aurors Frank and Alice Longbottom had a boy on the 30th of July." He says with confidence.

"See, now this was not something too hard to accomplish," he says to Avery who is still on his knees. "And the other?"

"The Potters sir. They had a son born the next day. His name is Harry," he quickly adds.

"Harry Potter?" speaking softly. "Harry Potter." he repeats once again. "You have done well, Mulciber. Very well indeed."

Across the circle, Snape holds his breath, attempting to keep his composure. Voldemort walks on.

"These boys, though only wee children will not always be so. It is my request that we search out the Longbottoms and the Potters," he says softly.

"Mulciber!" he pauses as the circle grows quiet once more. "Mulciber, do we know where to find the Longbottoms and the Potters?"

"No, sir" a look of worry crosses his face.

"No matter. You have served me well. We will find the Longbottoms and the Potters," he says softly. "It is my wish, my order..." he pauses and quickly looks around to each of those in the circle. "We will find them... They must not be allowed to live. They must be killed. All of them." The members of the group look at each other quietly wondering what to make of this.

"Avery, it is my guess that you will be able to comply with your master's orders?" he awaits patiently for an answer.

"YES SIR!" he stands and says with confidence, "Yes sir. Your wish is my command."

Bellatrix pipes up, "WE WILL MY Lord. We will KILL them all as you wish!"

"NO!" he shouts. "No, you will only find them. See, it is I who must kill them. It is I who must face the one who is my enemy," he says softly. He walks on pondering.

Voldemort pauses in front of Bellatrix, then whispers. "I know you will serve me." The circle murmurs each in turn, how they will do their master's bidding.

"Go. Report back to me the instant that you have found them," he instructs his followers. They each bow low just before they disapperate.

Voldemort walks on and pauses only when he notices that he is not yet alone.

"Severus, my servant. You have done well," he says softly. "Is there something that I may do for you?"

Trying hard not to allow his feelings to show, he wears a blank expression.

"Sir?" he awaits to be addressed, bowing low once again.

He clears his throat before responding.

"Sir, I have a small inquiry, if I may... A request of sorts?" he pauses before going on.

"What is it that you want, Severus?"

"The Potters," he pauses. "Must we kill them all? Would the child alone be enough? Could the mother be spared?" he tries not to appear to hold his breath, waiting for what seems to be a long moment of silence.

"The mother? You wish for her to live?" he ponders aloud.

"In return, for your service to me, you wish for me to spare her life? However, the child must die," he pauses once again in thought.

Snape continues to appear calm and resolute, patiently waiting for an answer.

"The Potters and the Longbottoms? Out of the two families I believe the Potters must die most of all," he speaks aloud. After what seems like an eternity he turns his gaze into Snape's face. Silence.

"For you, Severus, I shall spare her life." He watches Snape's reaction.

Snape bows his head.

"Thank you my Lord. Thank you." He steps back after a moment, then disapperates.

Voldemort, feeling like he is once again alone, turns his red eyes upward. He sees the stars are bright, then he himself disapperates.

The forest once again is quiet, all but for the crickets and the sounds of a few hooves which suddenly gallop away.

[misscharlotte]

Title: A Night to Remember
Prompt: A House Elf Wedding
Author: Redwriter


A Night to Remember

Setting a glass of chilled water upon the bedside table, she straightens out the white lace doily beneath. Nearby, the Master and Mistress of the house are sleeping peacefully. All is well.

In the dark, the tiny young house-elf makes her way to the kitchen ever so quietly so not to wake the occupants of the house. She carries a tray that contains the remnants of a late night snack her masters left for her to tend to. Wiping her weary brow, she places the tray of things within hot soapy water. She rubs her long bony fingers upon the glass until it squeaks. Finally, finished with the washing, rinsing, drying and putting away of these dishes, she takes the dish towel and folds it, draping it over a hook near the door. With a sigh from a long weary day, she wipes her brow once more.

POP, the sound is so familiar that she need not turn around to address him. She smiles a sly smile. Silently, stepping forward, he takes her hand in his. He opens the door to the cupboard under the sink, then leads her in. A near silent click and the door shuts behind them.

POP, away they go to their own little world. A world only accessible by the magic of house-elves. For every house-elf knows the only way home is after a true day's service to a Wizard master, to do the good house-elf's duty. Lo and behold the elf who does not serve a master for that elf is lost to all, cut off from the place the House-elves come from.

Pushing past limb after low hanging limb, they make their way quickly through the underbrush. The silvery blue light of the moon flickers through the empty branches that form the canopy over head. They push forward. Finally, they find their way to the grassy path which has only known the feet of the house-elves of the area.

She giggles as they move along. A feeling of pure joy of the impending night of celebration. A night to remember.

"Wait! Wait! You go too fast!" she said with a happy squeaky voice.

Baubles slows as he turns around to face her. He takes both of her hands into his as he walks backward. Her eyes move up to his face seeing his wide toothy grin. This is something she never could resist. He melts her heart.

Up ahead there is a large stone wall, the remains of a wizards castle from long ago. An archway stands where a door once was. Before they pass through, he comes to a halt. He looks into her eyes only to notice the tears that are about to fall. With a long bony finger he reaches up to wipe them away from her eyes.

"Don't cry Winky. This is a good day," states Baubles. He holds that finger with a tear up just above her head. With elf magic a magical crown of daisy's appear atop her knobby head. This causes her long pointy hears to droop a little from the weight. Once she grins at him, he feels that all is well. Now standing side by side, together they enter through the archway.

The sound of frogs croaking and crickets are chirping. Suddenly, the flutter of an owl landing upon one of the empty branches over a nearby lily-pad pond. The scent of fresh cool earth fills the air.

It's so beautiful! she squeaks. Her eyes reflect the hundreds of tiny little fairies which light up the trees. This causes a soft white-gold glow all around them.

Suddenly several pops were heard.

"Mama! Gramma!" shouts Winky with her high pitched voice. "I'm so glad to see you here!" She runs forward and they take her in her arms. Their long arms envelope her with love.

"You don't think your Mama and I would miss this for the world do you Winky?" squeaks an older grayish colored house-elf. A sniffle. She wipes her round tomato shaped nose.

Another older house-elf blows her long pointed nose into her tea cozy. The Large letter "H" is now wrinkled from this event.

"Mama, Look Baubles Mama cries too." Just then, Baubles hugs his mother.

When the excitement calms down, Winky and Baubles come face to face. Once again taking each other's hand, they fall to their knees. With reverence, they make their vows. They will always love each other. They vow to always serve their masters diligently so they could meet in their own world at the end of each night. He, a Hogwarts House-elf. Her, the servant of the masters her family has been endowed to for two generations. Then they take each other in their arms with a gentle embrace. What great joy this night has been.

[rin68nyr]

I know this is called "short stories" but I really meant just that it can be posted in one post...no matter how long it is. For the 10 year anniversary, I am posting a couple of prompts, or feel free to use/post your own prompts (add prompt number, and post in bold). Then...get writing! I'd love to hear what people come up with!

As my husband is on"Vacation" this week, we will be doing lots of projects around the house...so my writing will come later in the month...

Prompts:

1) What happened to the Dursleys on the day, in the weeks/months after, and/or at the end, after they left 4 Privet Drive in "The Dursleys Departing"? What happened after Voldemort's defeat? Choose your point of view. You can pick whether you want to write about just that night/few days...or however far you want to go into it.

2) What is the story of how Snape got the sword of Gryffindor to Harry in the Forest of Dean? Snapes POV

3) Write young Petunia's letter to Dumbledore

4) One year Later....pick your character(s)

[fangsfan1]

This sounds fun, and challenging. Will have to think on this for a while...

[nz101nz]

Ooo I like this, the "one year later" prompt has got me thinking, stay tuned!

[rin68nyr]

bumping to make sure everyone sees!

[rin68nyr]

I'm getting some ideas...now I just need to find the time to sit and write!

Erin

[rin68nyr]

Prompts:

1) What happened to the Dursleys on the day, in the weeks/months after, and/or at the end, after they left 4 Privet Drive in "The Dursleys Departing"? What happened after Voldemort's defeat? Choose your point of view. You can pick whether you want to write about just that night/few days...or however far you want to go into it.

2) What is the story of how Snape got the sword of Gryffindor to Harry in the Forest of Dean? Snapes POV

3) Write young Petunia's letter to Dumbledore

4) One year Later....pick your character(s)

adding:

5) What is the story of Fred and George and the Marauder's map? How did they acquire it?... how did they figure out how make it work...to see the map, and make it disappear?