Disclaimer: I don't claim to own anything. You get in trouble that way.
Chapter 26 Is That A Mystical Magical Orb in Your Pocket, Or Are You Just Happy To See Me?
A person without a sense of humor is like a wagon without springs. It's jolted by every pebble in the road.
Henry Ward Beecher
Ginny Weasley was just staring at her Potion's notes. She had been distracted ever since the Yule Ball. She still couldn't believe that she had ended up under a table with, of all people, Draco Malfoy.
She remembered clearly dancing near the edge of the floor with Neville. She had noticed that Pansy and Draco were standing near a table smirking at everyone and making rude comments. Next thing she remembered was someone shouting to clear the floor. A chair flew by and she had to fall to the ground to miss getting hit by it. A hand had reached out and grabbed her ankle pulling her to safety.
At first she had thought it was Neville. But then her eyes had adjusted to the darkness and she had seen the glint of white blonde hair, "Malfoy, what are you doing grabbing me like that?" Ginny asked wondering if she could reach her wand.
"Listen, Weasellette, I thought you were Pansy; as is, you are more than welcome to go back out there. I'm sure your family is so poor that they have to magic up this type of mess for entertainment," Malfoy sneered.
Ginny flinched as they heard something hit the top of the table they were sheltering under, "Why don't you go out there and rescue your date, ferret boy? Or are you too much of a coward?"
"Pansy can take care of herself," Draco responded as he peered out from under the table cloth. "See, she managed to get Longbottom to protect her," he sneered pointing to where Neville was shielding Pansy.
Ginny winced as Neville was hit by a flying chair, "We've got to do something."
"Why?" Draco sneered at her.
"Because Neville is going to get hurt if we don't help them," Ginny glared at him.
"And I should care?" Draco smirked.
"Because that is your girlfriend out there too," Ginny tried.
"Pansy's not my girlfriend," Draco laughed. "We hang out together to keep our fathers happy."
"Well, Neville is my friend and if you aren't going to help him I will," Ginny moved as if to leave the safety of the table they were crouched under.
"Don't be an idiot, you'll get hurt," Draco had grabbed her arm.
Ginny watched as something that looked like a decoration off of one of the trees shattered next to Neville. "I've got to do something," Ginny was tugging on her arm.
Draco glared at her before drawing his wand and sticking his head out from under the table and casting a shield charm. "Satisfied?" he turned to look at Ginny as another chair bounce off of the charm surrounding Neville and Pansy. Draco paid for that moment of inattention when a stray piece of one of the dinner menus flew by him and gave him a nasty paper cut.
Ginny listened in mute admiration as Draco cursed inventively. Having grown up with six brothers she was hard to impress, but Draco was imaginative and didn't stoop to repeating himself as so many did.
When he had finished his tirade Ginny grinned at him, "It sounds like it has stopped," peering out she saw the rest of the students applauding Hagrid and Madame Maxine.
"Stupid git," Draco muttered as he crawled out from under the table.
Ginny was surprised when he leaned down and offered her a hand to help her up. "You're bleeding," she commented.
Draco dabbed at the cut on his face, "It's nothing."
Ginny summoned a napkin and started tending to it. Looking over she could see Pansy rubbing Neville's back where he had been hit the first time. Draco's hand on her wrist brought her attention back to him, with something that looked suspiciously like regret he sneered at her, "I know I am irresistible to women, Weasellette, but you will just have to control yourself. Malfoy's don't even stoop to entertaining themselves with mudblood lovers like you."
Ginny sneered back at him, "As if I would dirty myself with someone as dark as you."
Draco and Ginny stomped over to collect their dates and head off to opposite ends of the ballroom.
Ginny went back to studying. There, just for a moment, Draco had seemed almost… human. That was the third time she had experienced a more human side of Draco. During the dance class last year, he had been polite to her and then while they had played that Muggle board game with Mrs. Snape she had actually forgotten for a while that she was enjoying time spent with a Malfoy. That was what was causing so much confusion in the youngest Weasley.
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Alexis was suffering prank withdrawal. She had promised not to prank Snape ever again and she was determined to stick to her vow: however, her vow didn't preclude her from pranking other worthies.
-- -- --
Harry looked over as Ron's crowed, "This is so wicked. Here, Harry, give it a try."
Harry took the round black sphere from Ron, "What do I do with it?"
"It's a divination aid. You just ask it any question, shake it, turn it over and there will be the answer. Go on, give it a go," Ron urged.
Harry looked doubtful but shrugged and with a slightly embarrassed air, "Will I pass my potion's test tomorrow?" As instructed he shook the ball and then tipped it over.
Ron was watching avidly as Harry's eyes got big, "Well what did it say, Harry?"
"'Don't Count On It,'" Harry read aloud.
Ron's face lit up in awe, "See, I told you it was wicked. Ask it something else," he urged.
"Will I have to face Voldemort this year?" Harry ignored Ron's wince and shook the ball.
He stared at the answer and swallowed hard, "It says, 'Better Not Tell You Now.'" Harry thrust the ball back at Ron, "Here, I don't want to ask it anything else."
Neville came over, "Is that a Rememberall?"
"No, it's a divination aid," Ron said regaining his initial excitement. "Here, just ask it a question, shake it, and turn it over and read the answer."
Neville took the black ball nervously, "I don't know about this." Ron urged him on, "Alright, here goes. Will my cauldron explode in potions class tomorrow?"
Dean and Seamus had wandered over along with Parvarti and Lavender.
Ron was almost bouncing in excitement, "Read the answer Neville."
"It must be broken," Neville sighed, "It says, 'Very Doubtful.'"
"I don't think it's broken, Neville," Ron assured him. "We'll just have to wait until tomorrow and see."
Neville nodded and handed the sphere back to Ron who offered it to Lavender. "Do I have the proper aura for divinations?" Lavender and Parvati grinned and said in unison, "'Without a Doubt!'" Squealing they looked over at Ron, "You have got to show this to Professor Trelawney. It is absolutely amazing."
Parvarti grabbed it from Lavender. "Have I met the man of my dreams?" she was thinking about the boy from Beauxbatons she had danced with at the Yule Ball. She huffed out at the answer, "'Outlook Not So Good.' Well, long-distance relationships rarely work."
Ginny Weasley and some of the other Gryffindors came over wanting to know what the fuss was all about. Angelina took the ball, "Will Gryffindor win the House Cup again this year?" After shaking it, "Well blast, 'My Sources Say No.' Well then, will Slytherin win?" Shake, shake. Angelina read the answer, "'My Sources Say No.' If Gryffindor can't win it at least Slytherin won't win it either."
Ron took the orb and with a smirk at Neville, "Will Snape ever award Neville points?" a quick shake and then a burst of laughter, "'Very Doubtful.'"
Neville took the sphere and asked, "Will Ron ever find a girl stupid enough to marry him?"
Ron made a move to grab the ball from Neville but Dean and Seamus held him back, "Quick, Neville, read the answer."
"'My Reply Is No;' tough luck Ron," Neville tossed the ball to Ginny.
"Will I get an O in Charms?" Shake and turn, "'Yes, Definitely,'" Ginny grinned.
Dennis Creevey poked her, "That was a no-brainer, Ginny, you're fantastic in Charms."
"It never hurts to have reassurance," Ginny replied as she passed the black ball to Dennis.
"Will I become a famous Wizard photographer?" Dennis scrunched up his eyes before peeking at the answer, "'Reply Hazy, Try Again.'"
Ron grabbed it from him as Dennis started to ask it again, "It doesn't mean right this minute."
Harry laughed and decided to give it another go, "Is Draco Malfoy a poof?" Everyone broke into giggles at that. Harry grinned as he read, "'Cannot Predict Now.'" The whole group burst into laughter.
-- -- --
The next day after Potions class all of the Gryffindors were excited and Ron was bragging, "I told you guys it was amazing. See, Neville, you didn't explode your cauldron, just like the magic ball told you."
"Where'd you get it Ron?" Neville asked.
Lavender and Parvarti were interested as well while Hermione was reviewing her Charms notes and not really noticing what was going on. Ron winked at them, "I'm not supposed to tell."
None of them could get Ron to reveal his source, although Lavender had talked him into bringing the sphere to Divination Class. "I just hope the barmy old fraud doesn't break it," Ron confided to Harry.
-- -- --
Divination class was slightly more awake than normal. Lavender had begged Ron to be the one allowed to reveal the magic divination sphere to Professor Trelawney. Ron had reluctantly agreed and the coveted orb was resting in a place of honor on the table shared by Lavender and Parvati.
As soon as Professor Trelawney entered the room, Lavender was bouncing up and down in a remarkable impersonation of Hermione Granger, "Professor, oh professor, you just HAVE to see this," she held out the mystical object in her cupped hands.
"My dear I feel the force of a powerful magic in your hands." Taking the sphere from Lavender she gazed at it reverently, "Tell me about it?"
Lavender with many interruptions by Parvati explained how to use the ball. Professor Trelawney held it up and in a deep and commanding voice, "OH great mystic orb reveal to me, will I have a vision of the future tonight?"
With a gasp she almost dropped the ball before reading out, "'It Is Certain.' My dears, you must tell me where you obtained this amazing diviner?"
Trelawney almost dropped the ball again when they pointed silently at Ron Weasley. Walking up to him, "My dear, dear boy, I really must insist that you tell me where you obtained such a powerful magical object."
Ron stuttered out, "I can't."
In spite of getting detention, Ron refused to reveal how he had obtained the ball and Professor Trelawney gave up after Harry pointed out to her that if she was so good at divination why couldn't she just divine the answer.
With an indignant sniff, "Well then, I will just have to confiscate it. No student should be playing with an object so full of power. Only a true seer will be able to fully utilize its capabilities. Class dismissed."
Ron was complaining the whole way down from Trelawney's tower and shooting Lavender and Parvati dirty looks for loosing him the mystical sphere.
-- -- --
Alexis was sitting at the head table at lunch time when Dumbledore came up to her with a mad twinkle in his eyes, "Alexis, do you happen to know anything about a magic ball that has come into Professor Trelawney's possession?"
Alexis twinkled back at him, "I believe Ron Weasley had one confiscated by her. Any particular reason, Albus?"
Snape was staring at both of them.
"She has requested that I obtain enough of these balls, if possible, for her classes and I am at a loss as to how to procure them for her," Dumbledore said with a pointed look.
Alexis was barely able to maintain a straight face, "I will see what I can find out for you, Headmaster."
"Thank you my dear, I knew I could count on you," Dumbledore moved down to his seat humming a happy tune.
Alexis was hiding her laughter by pretending to have a coughing fit into her napkin. Snape was glaring at her, "What have you done now?"
Alexis recovered enough to say, "I have to get Sybil and Wilhelmina together."
"What is going on?" Snape insisted.
"Somehow a Muggle toy I gave to Fred and George Weasley came into Ron Weasley's possession. It appears as though Sybil confiscated said toy from Ron and now wants Dumbledore to provide all her students with one," Alexis was staring at her plate as she tried to retain control.
"Why on earth would she want a Muggle toy for her students?" Snape sneered.
"Because apparently she doesn't realize it is a toy and believes that it can predict the future," Alexis started hiccupping from the stress of holding back her laughter.
"And just why would she believe such a thing?" Snape smirked.
"Now that, Severus, I really can't answer," Alexis sniggered.
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Sybil Trelawney was ecstatic. Professor Dumbledore had come through for her. She was reverently unpacking a large crate of the mystical orbs. There were more than enough for all of her students to have one at each table.
However she wasn't quite as happy later when she discovered that she was not the only source for these amazing spheres. They were popping up everywhere. She would just have to divine who was distributing them. After all with her wonderful new divination tool, it wouldn't take any time at all. Holding the black sphere of magical power in both hands she raised it above her head and intoned, "OH Great and Powerful All-Seeing Orb, who has been selling your likenesses on the open market, thus demeaning your magnificence?" Two reverent shakes and she read the answer, "Tyco. Ah, hah! I'll get you now, Mr. Tyco! Or Miss Tyco! You and your little dog too!" Sybil shook herself slightly, "Now where did that come from?"
Hours later Sybil was practically in tears as she shook the magic orb, "I know it is Tyco but where the bloody hell is this person?" Sybil looked up, "Mount Laurel," she read from the ball, "Now that is more like it. Now where is Mount Laurel?"
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Fred and George stopped by Alexis' office. "Mrs. Snape, friend, pal, confidant," Fred smiled winningly.
"Purveyor of magical, nay, mystical orbs, we need another shipment," George fluttered his eyelashes at her. Alexis smirked, Snape was correct; it did look like a nervous tick.
"Yes, oh beauteous buyer of balls, they are selling like the proverbial hotcakes," Fred rubbed his hands together in greedy glee.
"You haven't given me my share of the money from the last shipment," Alexis glared at them.
"You were serious about that?" George asked trying to appear innocent and failing miserably.
"So you think I spend my own money to procure these amazing items for you to make a profit from out of the goodness of my heart?" Alexis smirked at them.
Fred smirked back at her, "Not in the slightest."
"However, out of your love of mischief and mayhem mixed in with a judicious amount of entertainment?" George finished with his own smirk.
Alexis broke into laughter, "You two think you know me so well?"
"Of course we do," they chorused.
"Same time, same place?" Alexis asked in defeat.
"Double the last number," Fred added.
"Agreed, but you two owe me BIG," Alexis gave them both a look that told them she would have no hesitation about collecting either.
"Yes ma'am," they grinned in victory.
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Snape glared in disbelief at the fourth year class. Longbottom was over there whispering to a black orb of some kind. Snape moved close enough to hear, "Should I add the shrivelfig to the potion at the end or when the potion is complete?" Shake, shake, shake, "'YES!' What's that mean?" Neville whispered to Ron.
"Dunno. Guess we better add it at the end ...so then it'd be complete!" Ron replied sotto voice.
"Brilliant! This thing hasn't let me down yet!" Neville displayed a confidence that he had never shown in Potions class before as he added the shrivelfig at exactly the right moment.
Snape was trying to decide if he should confiscate the ball, but they were not testing and Neville hadn't blown up a cauldron yet. Deciding to wait and see he continued to patrol only to find that most of the Gryffindors and a few of the Slytherins were using the mysterious orbs to help with their potions.
Snape could only shake his head and wonder what Alexis was up to now.
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He entered the staff room later that day to find that Dumbledore was demonstrating how to use one of the mysterious spheres, "See you just ask it a question, shake it, and turn it over and there is your answer." Dumbledore looked over at Snape, "Severus, come over here and witness the latest in divination tools."
Snape stifled a sigh; all he had wanted was a cup of tea, "Yes Headmaster?"
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Hermione had finally finished all of her assignments for the next two weeks and since she had completed updating her study guide for the next three years she felt that it would be safe for her to relax slightly. Sitting down at lunch in the Great Hall she saw most of the Gryffindors holding black plastic balls in their hands, whispering to them, shaking them and then turning them over. Looking over Ron's shoulder she asked, "Where did you get…" just then it was as if someone had poked her in the back. Looking around she didn't see anyone so continued, "Ron, how did you…" again with the poking but this time it was harder. Hermione looked around and this time she noticed Alexis trying to catch her eye. When Alexis saw that she had Hermione's attention she gave a small shake of her head. Hermione looked puzzled and then nodded back at Alexis.
Ron looked over at Hermione, "Wanta' have a go with my new divination aid?"
"I beg your pardon?" Hermione said.
"Here, it's my new divination aid," Ron handed her the ball and explained how to use it.
"Will I be top in my class this year?" Hermione asked the ball and then read the response, "'You May Rely On It.'"
Ron was practically jumping up and down, "See, Hermione! Isn't it great?"
Hermione just gave him the sphere back with a small nod and a slight grin.
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Harry caught up with Hermione and Ginny in the Common Room after dinner. Ginny was giggling like a loon. "What's so funny?" he asked plopping down on the couch next to Hermione.
"Where's Ron?" Hermione asked.
"He's showing off that weird ball thing. You know I can't help but think I've seen something like it before. I just can't remember where," Harry shrugged. "So what were you two laughing about?"
"That weird ball thing," Hermione said with a grin.
"I can't possibly be right, but I swear my cousin Dudley had one when we were kids," Harry grinned slightly embarrassed. "But how would my cousin get a magic divination aid?"
Ginny giggled while Hermione smirked while replying, "How indeed, Harry, how indeed?"
Harry just shook his head; sometimes he thought he would never understand girls.
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Snape cornered Alexis in their quarters, "You have got to stop this insanity," he snarled.
"What insanity?" Alexis tried an innocent look.
"These black balls are everywhere," he snarled, "Dumbledore cornered me in the staff room today and forced me to ask the inane object questions."
"How accurate was it?" Alexis asked interested.
"Why? Did you do something to them?" Snape asked suspiciously.
"Not yet," Alexis smirked. "Want to help me?"
Snape gave her a long look, "What did you have in mind?"
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Ron was at breakfast and thought to ask his ball, "Will I have a good day today?" Shake, shake, "'Beware Falling Objects' …what the…" just then Dean hollered, "Ron, watch it!"
Suddenly Ron was hit by a large object. Or more accurately, a large object collided with the back of his head, forcing his face into a downward arc that stopped as soon as it hit the bowl of oatmeal he had yet to start eating. Catching his breath (after spitting out a little oatmeal) he looked down at Errol, the family owl. Turning to look at the magic ball, "Wow!"
-- -- --
Neville was holding his magic orb and asked, "Will I explode my cauldron in potions today?"
Ginny managed to catch Neville's sphere before it hit the floor and read the message, "'A Great Greasy Bat Is Determined To Make Your Life Miserable.'"
-- -- --
Harry walked up just then and took the black orb from Ginny, "Will I get detention today?" quick shake, "'An Evil Dark Wizard Is After You,'" he read. "Well tell me something I don't know?" he said sarcastically and watched as the words changed to, "'Styling Products Will Go A Long Way To Helping Your Hair Look Better. You Should Consult A Hair Stylist As Soon As Possible.'"
Ginny grinned weakly, "Well that was something you didn't know."
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The Gryffindors and Slytherins were standing outside the potions classroom waiting on the door to open. Draco Malfoy came up behind Neville and grabbed his magic ball, "Let me see if I can find a question to ask this piece of rubbish," he sneered as Crabbe and Goyle kept the rest of the students from grabbing the orb back. "Will Longbottom ever manage to stop being a disgrace?"
Malfoy looked down and gaped allowing Harry to grab the ball back and read, "'Those Who Can, Do. Those Who Can't, Bully.' Hey Malfoy, I think this thing's got you pegged."
Crabbe grabbed the ball back from Harry, "What's for lunch? Draco what's it say?"
Draco sneered and read the answer, "Food."
Crabbe looked impressed, "Cor, this thing knows everything."
Goyle looked doubtful took the ball from Malfoy, "Yeah? I'm not buying it. You, ball! What's my favorite color?"
And handed the ball back to Draco, "Food."
Goyle grinned, not a pleasant sight, "Yeah, you're right! I like all colors in food."
Draco groaned in disgust. What had he ever done to deserve such morons as minions? The classroom door swung open distracting Draco and allowing Harry to grab the sphere.
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Everyone was looking forward to Divinations. The magic balls were absolutely amazing. The class quickly filed in and took their seats as Professor Trelawney held up her own black sphere.
"Class, today we will be asking our mystical spheres of divination questions and recording the answer in your journals. If you need assistance interpreting the answers please raise your hands."
Harry reluctantly took the ball and asked, "What will the rest of this year be like?" and shook it.
Ron took it from him and read, "'A Great Evil Is Abroad In The World And You Are The Focus Of A Really, Really Nasty, Evil, Bad, Dark, Mean, Ugly Wizard.'"
Harry took the ball back, "Yeah I know, Voldemort is after me." He watched as the words changed, "'Gee You Think? But Voldemort Isn't The Only Evil Dark Wizard In The World, Now Is He? Pay Attention Potter This IS All About You This Time.'"
"Blimey Harry, this is getting personal," Ron whimpered. "Not too many people get personally insulted by the magic ball."
Dean was reading the answer to his question, "'You Are Going To Take A Nice Trip.' Cool, I wonder where I'm going?"
"Let me see that Mr. Thomas, perhaps we can persuade the magic orb to reveal your destination," Professor Trelawney motioned for Dean to bring her his ball.
Dean stood up and took two steps before falling flat on his face. "Ohhhh," Lavender and Parvati were wide-eyed, "Dean you just had a nice trip!"
"Is your ball damaged Mr. Thomas?" Sybil inquired anxiously.
Seamus Finnegan read his answer aloud, "'The Alignment Of Pluto With Mars In The Fourth House Of The Lowering Moon Indicates That You Should Not Play The Lottery On Monday.'" Seamus shook the ball, "I wasn't planning on playing the lottery." The answer changed, "'Good, This Alignment Also Indicates That You Shouldn't Eat The Baked Fish At Lunch Today. If You Do It Will Give You The Runs.'"
Seamus goggled at the ball, "Well at least that is something I can use."
Neville nervously read out his answer, "'Your Essences Is A Five, This Indicates That You May Be Too Free-Wheeling And Unrestrained. Constant Change Is Not Always Constant Growth And Development. Try To Maintain A Balanced And Thoughtful Approach To Problems And Opportunities. Control Self-Centered Interests.'"
"Mr. Longbottom, what on earth did you do to cloud the aura of your mystical orb?" Professor Trelawney asked indignantly.
Neville just shook his head at her.
Harry was getting another reading from his ball, "'Beware Winged Insects With Large Mouths.'" He looked at Ron in question.
"I guess you don't want to get bit by a flying big-mouthed gnat," Ron replied.
"Sounds like a plan to me," Harry grinned at him.
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The buzz was all over the school by dinner time. The magic balls were now giving eerily accurate and detailed answers.
Dumbledore stood up and called the room to order, "I regret to inform you that I am going to have to collect all of the magic divination orbs. They appear to be much more powerful than originally thought and the Ministry has requested that they all be confiscated and turned in to Aurors who will be here tomorrow to contain them and convey them to the appropriate ministry department."
There was a hush and many of the students were clutching their balls protectively.
"I recognize that this is going to be a great sacrifice to part with your magic balls: however, I must insist that all balls be handled with utmost care and discretion. We don't want any accidents now do we? It would be a true tragedy if any balls were to… explode." Dumbledore smiled kindly at the assembly, "Please do not try to hide your balls as all professors will be most diligent in hunting out your balls. I would prefer not to have to personally handle your balls. Please do not disappoint me. There will be appropriate containers in each common room to collect all of the balls for delivery to the Aurors. Thank you for your cooperation."
Dumbledore sat down and the students immediately burst into conversation.
"Nobody's taking my ball from me," one fifth year averred.
"I'm the only one who has ever handled my ball, I don't think I can let anyone else touch my ball," a fourth year said nearly in tears.
"I'll get my girlfriend to keep my ball," one boy whispered, "no one will think she has two balls."
Plans and plots were discussed over dessert as all the students tried to find a way not to have to lose their balls.
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The next day Ministry Aurors appeared to collect all of the mystical orbs. Professor Trelawney had to be forcibly restrained by four Aurors as they pried the sphere from her hands. She collapsed wailing and moaning about the loss of the most mystical, magical marvel that she had every used. Poppy had to give her a calming draught and put her to bed for the rest of the day.
In spite of the ingenious measures the students used to try to hide their balls, the Aurors managed to collect and contain all of the mystical orbs. As the Aurors headed toward the Hogwart's gates, Professors had to restrain some students who were determined to free their balls. The Aurors reached the edge of the wards and prepared to Disapparate.
And now the ministry holds the balls, and they will never let them go, and now the air is shattered by the force as Aurors go. Oh, somewhere in this favored land the sun is shining bright. The band is playing somewhere, and somewhere hearts are light. And, somewhere men are laughing, and little children shout, but there is no joy in Hogwarts – for mighty magic eight balls, students are without.
Bully quote by Tim Fields
Based on the last verse of Casey At The Bat by Ernest L. Thayer
AN: MarkDarcy: Send them on…I'm always surprised at what sets my muse off and running.
JennSmith: See above note to MarkDarcy…I'm still trying to figure out a way to work using Moody's office for a tryst into the story.
Melissa: I know, I know, some chapters are better than others. I have been trying to meet or exceed the Bachelor/Bachelorette party and Valentine's Day Massacre Chapters for the longest time. I hope you like this one.
GraceRichie: Real like intruding on writing time! How dare it! Yes, I know the drill. I am going to visit my family for Memorial Day so not sure when I will have another chapter ready.
Snitzer: I tried to send you a long detailed email to answer you…but I got it back as undeliverable. Lucky you to get the condensed version: Yes, binding ceremony not used much because it is nearly impossible to get a divorce. Snape is VERY insecure about relationships so wanted to make sure Alexis was all his and only his. Saving her life was a magical bond that was needed for the ceremony he wanted to use. Thanks for the plot twist…see note to MarkDarcy, I hadn't really thought about getting it to come back to bite him…tee hee hee.
Radingsoul4u: Aww the Grys get all the breaks usually….
AN2: This is a warning: If you don't want me to use something you put in a review or send me in an email PLEASE let me know. It is amazing how many little comments and questions set me off and running. I do try to give credit for these inspirations, and if I don't please feel free to slap me around, metaphorically speaking of course.
AN3: Quidditch was cancelled but the House Cup would still be up for grabs. Winning Quidditch games helped toward winning the House Cup: however if they had cancelled the House Cup there would be no reason to give or recieve points. No one won the House Cup because Cedric Diggory died (see page 720 GOB paperback edition.).